If you are like us and love lattes and cappuccinos, you might have considered buying a frother. A good frother, whether electric or handheld, should always froth your milk correctly.
Table Of Contents
−- The 5 top milk frothers you’ll want to choose from
- The bottom line
- A brief history of the milk frother
- Is it worthwhile to get a milk frother?
- What to Look for When Buying a Milk Frother
- Before you buy a milk frother, examine the following three options:
- Electric vs. handheld milk frothers
- Milk Frothers: Automatic vs. Handheld vs. Manual
- What kinds of beverages can I make with a milk frother?
- What is the distinction between frothed milk and steamed milk?
- What milk can I use with my frother?
Espresso-based beverages, such as lattes and cappuccinos, are enhanced by perfectly frothed milk. But it’s also the reason why most models are so expensive.
Fortunately, there are inexpensive and straightforward-to-use milk frothers available for home use, such as handheld ones that whisk air into the milk, automatic frothers that heat and froth milk with the push of a button, and steam wands that come attached to latte machines.
But which frother will help you replicate the quality coffee served in leading coffee shops? We have reviewed the best frothers on the market (both handheld and electric) to help you make the right decision. But before taking you through our list, let’s take a moment to consider a few things.
The 5 top milk frothers you’ll want to choose from
#1 Pick Breville BMF600XL Cafe Milk Frother
This unit uses induction heating combined with fast rotation to get excellent foamy milk on top of your cappuccino. So if you love cappuccinos, consider giving it a try. Here are more features:
Seamless operations
You don’t have to break a sweat to operate this frother. Just hit the start button, and your milk will be ready. It produces the most delicate foam.
Versatile frother
Use its precision settings to go from cold stir to near-boiling temperature with a push of a button. Then, just choose your preferred temperature and pour your milk; this unit will do its thing.
Easy to clean
This unit is dishwasher safe except for its base part. Just toss it in your dishwasher and watch.
Limitations
While the manufacturers claim this unit works its magic well, some coffee drinkers have said the foamed milk doesn’t get hot but only warm. However, that is a minor issue considering its incredible consistency.
The bottom line
Considering what it offers and its price tag, this unit is an excellent value for your money. We can assure you will not head to the coffee shop again with this frother in the house.
Epica Automatic Electric Milk Frother and Heater Carafe
Take the stress out of making a delicious brew by gifting yourself this unit. It is effortless to brew with it and has some great features you will love. Here is why you should consider it:
Durable
This frother is made of high-quality stainless steel and designed to last for years. You will truly appreciate what it has to offer. Besides, the carafe has vacuum insulation to keep your beverages at the right temperature.
Multiple settings
With this unit, you can produce your desired topping for your brew by choosing one of the settings. In addition, Epica Automatic Electric Milk Frother and Heater give you more settings to expand your creativity.
Excellent carafe design
The detectable carafe lets you pour your milk quickly once you lift it off its base.
Limitations
The primary issue many have aired is the crusting up of the milk inside. Luckily, that is a minor issue because it can be cleaned effortlessly.
The bottom line
This electric frother is all you need to sip your delicious coffee all the time. It does a good job, and it is easy to maintain. Therefore, it is our top choice for the best electric milk frother.
Secura Automatic Electric Milk Frother
This unit is designed to get you hot and cold milk for your beverage. With a capacity of 125 ml for milk froth and 250 ml for hot milk, it will come in handy whenever you want to quench your craving. Below are more features you will love about it:
Markings
The marking on this unit guides you when frothing. For example, there is one maximum level mark for the milk frother and another for the milk warmer. And there is another one for the minimum. Your unit should not be switched on without the minimum amount of milk.
Quality of froth
You will be impressed by the quality of topping this unit does yield. However, it only produces that topping you crave. Just choose between cold and hot, and it will do its thing.
Solid build
We cannot overemphasize that stainless steel is sturdy, and hence this unit is durable. Not to mention that this frother is also appealing and keeps your brew cold or hot, depending on how you like it to be.
Limitations
If you like submerging things in the water, you will not like this unit. First, you can’t submerge it. Additionally, a thin film of burnt milk forms at the bottom each time you brew. Luckily, it is easy to remove it.
The bottom line
This is an excellent addition to your kitchen if you want to brew and drink the finest coffee. If you take good care of it, you can be sure it will last for years. It is reasonably priced.
Bean Envy Handheld Electric Milk Frother
At first glance, you will admire the look of this stylish frother. It is an excellent addition if looking to add a touch of class to your kitchen, and it does a decent job. You will genuinely enjoy sipping your cappuccinos or lattes after frothing with this unit. Here is why we recommend you give it a try:
Quick frothing
In about 15 seconds, this unit will have prepared your desired foamy milk. Is that not something good and, especially when you are craving coffee, just can’t wait? Besides, the powerful motor makes sure your milk is ready on time.
Heavy duty
This compact unit is undoubtedly strong enough compared to others within the same range. Moreover, it is carefully designed to last for many years.
Elegant
As mentioned earlier, this unit is very appealing. Its silicone rubber handle and stainless steel stand give you a reason to want to display it in your kitchen.
Limitations
This unit lacks a control switch that can be activated with a touch of a finger. However, this frother is a breeze to use.
The bottom line
If you want something appealing to display in your kitchen, this unit will not disappoint you. It has all the great features you would want in a milk frother; it is visually appealing and does a good job. Give it a try!
Cafe Casa 2-Speed Battery Operated Milk Frother
Make your barista jealous by purchasing this unique and stylish unit. It allows you to make a thick foam for your cold and hot coffee, and it works its magic within a short time. Here are some of its cool features:
Single-piece construction
Unlike most frothers on the market, this one comes with a one-piece body design with a whisk made from stainless steel. Overall, this fantastic unit will give you more years of incredible topping.
Dual speed operation
When you power the motor of this unit with 2 AA batteries, it generates about 15,000 rpm of power that is ideal for whipping whisk eggs, cream, and frothy milk. You can also opt for a lower speed of 13,000 rpm for greater precision.
Well balanced
The stability of this unit is something you will love. It can stand without any problem on its base. This means you can confidently place it on any surface, even near your coffee machine.
Limitations
While this is a great unit, there is a bit of a gap found at the handle’s base, where the closure for the battery compartment connects to its handle. In addition, the switch has a “middle stop” that is a bit hidden.
The bottom line
When it comes to performance, this unit deserves a big thump up. You will never go wrong with it. Although it has a few downsides, they don’t have any bearing on its performance because it does work its magic well.
A brief history of the milk frother
Since the invention of the first frother, many improvements have followed, with the recent units being more reliable. The current frothers offer a means to separate improvements and innovations in functions commonly found in older models. These improvements include variable temperature control, heating, and stirring disc enhancements.
Initially, the discs vibrated or oscillated to ensure a maximum rotation rate. Now the best ones have a frothing disc firmly retained as it rotates. Additionally, they are easy to clean and maintain.
In 2009, the Compagnie Mediterraneenne Des Cafes published a patent for a frothing unit capable of creating froth from beverages with milk. Later in 2016, Breville Pty. Limited come up with improved technology and technique for frothing milk. Since then, many companies have contributed to the design of better milk frothers.
Is it worthwhile to get a milk frother?
You may be thinking if a milk frother is even necessary—after all, what else would you use it for? However, a few unitasker kitchen items are entirely worth it, and I’d argue two points about a milk frother: first, it’s not a one-time-use tool, and second, even if it were, if you make coffee every day, it’s worth it.
I wanted to see what else these frothers could accomplish, whether you make coffee every day or maybe occasionally. Where else can we apply this need if the significant function of a milk frother is to inject air into a liquid? What other beverages can a milk frother produce?
What to Look for When Buying a Milk Frother
Your favorite coffee establishment will always use equipment that heats and froths the milk, producing perfect foam and consistency for those classic drinks. Like any helpful kitchen gadget, you want your milk frother to be easy to clean, preferably dishwasher-safe.
Are you running out of kitchen outlets? You’ll need a frother that runs on ordinary or rechargeable batteries. Do you require foam for the entire family? A greater size is a fantastic idea. Is there no room in the garage for another piece of equipment? A handheld frother will easily fit into a cutlery drawer.
Type
Milk frothers come in a variety of styles. Some are powered by electricity, while batteries power others. Specific models are manual, relying solely on human power. Consider how much frothing you anticipate to do; if it’s a lot, an automatic type would be preferable.
Features
Some milk frothers can heat milk, giving you even more java alternatives. Others can adjust the temperature and type of froth you choose. More features often entail a higher price tag, so when shopping, keep your budget in mind and how you prefer your coffee.
Style
If you want to store your frother in a cabinet or drawer, the aesthetic may not be as important to you. However, if you intend to exhibit your coffee equipment on a counter or in another visible location, consider its appearance. Some frothers are sleek and stylish, while others are more traditional or useful.
Before you buy a milk frother, examine the following three options:
To froth milk, you could use almost any kitchen appliance, such as a French press, a blender, a whisk, or even a covered mason jar. The result may be frothy, but it lacks the texture we crave in milk-forward coffee drinks: that rich and smooth feeling. There are three varieties of milk frothers for this purpose, each with pros and disadvantages:
Handheld frothers
Handheld frothers are battery-powered whisks that you insert right into your cup of milk to froth it, similar to a little immersion blender. The whisk spins continually, and the air is whipped into the milk using a manual up and down the action.
Pros:
- It is the most compact and cost-effective solution.
- Convenient for light whisking tasks such as eggs, matcha, and sauces.
- The resulting milk is light and foamy, with huge bubbles, making it ideal for cappuccinos.
- It is simple to clean.
Cons:
- The batteries may need to be replaced regularly or may run out in the middle of frothing.
- Because there is no lid, milk may spatter while being frothed.
- The milk is not heated or cooled.
- Less precise foaming results in milk with less texture.
Automatic frothers
Automatic frothers are electric-powered jugs that contain an induction whisk that heats the milk while spinning to produce dependably smooth and even foam. It is also capable of frothing cold milk.
Pros:
- It produces higher-quality frothed milk than handheld frothers.
- Simply add milk, and, with the push of a button, it will automatically heat (or cool) and froth.
Cons:
- It takes up more room than handheld milk frothers.
- Can only froth a certain amount of milk at one time (usually up to 8 ounces).
- Hand washing is more difficult, though certain types are dishwasher safe.
Steam wands are built into espresso machines
Steam wands are built into espresso machines for a reason: they are the finest at steaming milk and giving it substance, not just bubbles. Steam is introduced into the milk via a wand, producing delicate and velvety foam.
Pros:
- You may personalize your frothed milk for several types of specialty coffees.
- Produces the greatest microfoam, a delicious, rich, and velvety frothed milk ideal for lattes.
Cons:
- The most costly option.
- It might be tough to learn and master proper techniques.
Electric vs. handheld milk frothers
Which is the right frother? Keep reading to find out which frother will best address your needs.
Operations and functions
With an electric frother, you just hit the start bottom, and your milk will be ready in no time. Often electric frothers prepare your milk in under one minute. However, with a handheld frother, you first need to warm your milk separately before frothing it. These tasks can be time-consuming though they sound simple.
Quality of froth
It is much easier to achieve a much thicker froth quality with an electric frother. That is not the case when using a handheld frother. The thickness you can achieve is less, not comparable to what an electric frother can create. That is the reason why the texture between a froth created by an electric and handheld frother is always different.
Uses
If you are often preparing drinks that require foamy milk, choose an electric frother. It is fast and convenient, which is why you find it in places like bars and restaurants where the demand for drinks like lattes is high. On the other hand, if you are not planning on frothing often, it makes sense to buy a handheld frother.
Benefits
If your focus is more on the time you spend brewing and the energy to exert, then an electric frother is ideal. Of course, you will not get these benefits with a handheld frother, but you won’t drop a lot of cash to own one. In addition, handheld frothers are affordable compared to electric ones.
Manual vs. Automatic
Some basic milk frothers require repetitive pumping by hand to obtain a foamy texture. These hand frothers are similar to a French press. Simply raise and lower the pump inside a glass beaker. It will not tire you out, but it does necessitate some effort on your part.
There are also automatic milk frothers available. Some are semi-automatic, with a whisk attached to the end of a shaft. When you switch it on, you must gently move the portable milk frother up and down while the battery-powered whisk does the rest. Consider it a small electric mixer.
Then there are the completely automatic electric frothers. These are the most user-friendly. Open the frother’s top, pour the milk, close the lid, and turn it on. Your milk will be ready in one minute. While the automatic frother does its job, you may walk away (or prepare your espresso).
Milk Frothers: Automatic vs. Handheld vs. Manual
Automatic frothers are the most user-friendly. Simply pour your milk into the frother, close the lid, adjust the settings to your liking, and hit the power button.
Then, while the frother prepares your milk, brew your espresso. You’ll have frothed milk in around 60 seconds.
Alternatively, handheld or manual frothers are available. The former resembles a little handheld blender with a blade at the tip. It’s small, battery-powered, and inexpensive.
It will have your milk ready in less than a minute, but it will not heat the milk.
As the name implies, the latter is operated manually by thrusting a pump attached to a beaker.
It looks like a French press. You should expect to put in some effort to have your milk ready. It will also not heat your milk.
What kinds of beverages can I make with a milk frother?
Numerous drinks may be prepared by combining milk and espresso or milk and coffee concentrate, many of which are familiar from cafe menus. We’ll go through a handful of the most popular in this section.
First up is the cappuccino. The rich Italian specialty is produced in three equal parts:
espresso, steamed, and foamed milk, in that order, from the bottom of the cup to the top.
The latte, which is similar to a cappuccino but made of one part espresso, two parts steamed milk, and a thin layer of milk foam on top, comes next.
A macchiato is a simple yet excellent coffee drink made from an espresso shot and a thin coating of milk foam. But, the cocktails don’t stop there.
Mochas, latte macchiatos, cortados, café au lait, and other beverages are also available.
What is the distinction between frothed milk and steamed milk?
Frothed milk has more air than steamed milk, resulting in more bubbles, higher volume, and a lighter feeling.
On the other hand, steamed milk is aerated more delicately, resulting in smaller air bubbles and a creamier texture.
Another distinction is that steamed milk is always heated, but frothed milk may or may not be. Electric pitcher-style milk frothers and steam wands similar to those used on espresso machines are two of the most popular pieces of equipment for creating steamed milk. They, along with handheld frothing wands and manual frothing pitchers, can also be used to make frothed milk.
What milk can I use with my frother?
Unless otherwise specified, you should be able to use any type of milk, dairy or nondairy, in your frother.
However, milk kinds differ slightly in texture and flavor; some are more suited for foaming than others. Whole milk and 2 percent milk froth are the best, although skim and nonfat milk can also be used.
Whole milk will naturally be heavier when frothed, while lower-fat milk will be lighter and thinner.
Nondairy alternatives include soy, almond, and oat milk, which may be used to produce great lattes and cappuccinos.
Coconut and cashew milk are less preferred, but they can still be tried if you prefer!
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
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