Best Milk Frothers

What is a milk frother?

A milk frother is a device that aerates milk, turning it into a thick foam that can then be used to make milky drinks like cappucinos and lattés. Some coffee machines have milk frothers built into them, however you can also buy a standalone milk frother.

In addition to making coffees like cappuccinos, lattés, flat whites, and macchiatos, you can also use the frothed milk to make other drinks like hot chocolate, matcha lattes, and even milkshakes.

Is it worth getting a milk frother?

If you drink your coffee with milk, or even enjoy drinks that call for foamy milk, then it may be worth getting a milk frother. We’ve listed some of the benefits and disadvantages of milk frothers below, so you can decide for yourself.

Types of milk frothers

Milk frothers can be either manual or electric. While electric milk frothers just require the push of a button or two to froth the milk, manual milk frothers require a bit of elbow grease, as you have to repeatedly plunge the milk for about 30 seconds (depending on the level of froth you like).

Here are the most common types of milk frothers:

• Handheld milk frothers are small, portable, and typically battery-powered wands that have vibrating coils that whisk milk. These frothers don’t heat the milk.
• Countertop milk frothers use a motorised whisk in the jug to create foam, and usually also have an induction coil that heats the milk too.
• Stovetop milk frothers are placed on a hob to heat the milk and also use a plunger which you use to manually make the foam. If you choose a stovetop frother, ensure it’s compatible with your cooktop; many should be compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic stovetops.

The handheld Sedhoom Electric Milk Frother.

The Breville Milk Cafe benchtop milk frother.

How to choose a milk frother

Here are some factors you should consider before settling on a milk frother.

Functions

Not all milk frothers are made equal - different models will be able to do different things, so keep the following in mind to find a frother that does exactly what you need it to.

• Some frothers have a temperature control dial, with some even having a guide that tells you what the optimal milk temperature for your milk type and beverage is.
• Many milk frothers have different froth settings, letting you choose from options like a dense foam, airy foam, and cold froth.
• Some frothers can temper cold milk as well, so you can make cold drinks like iced coffees and frappés.

Capacity

The capacity of your milk frother will determine how much milk you can froth or heat at a time. Usually the frothing capacity will be lower than the heating capacity. For example, a milk frother may be able to froth up to 250ml of milk (enough for around 2 standard coffees) and heat up to 500ml of milk.

Size

Consider the size of a milk frother and how much storage or benchtop space you have. It’s important to check the dimensions to see whether a machine will fit in your kitchen. Handheld models are smaller and easier to store than countertop and stovetop models.

Ease of use

Milk frothers aren’t usually particularly complicated devices to use, however it can still be handy to look for features that make them easy to use.

Some features to look for include:

• An ergonomic jug handle makes the milk easier to pour, also helping you perfect your latté art.
• A heat-resistant handle also keeps your fingers safe from getting burnt.
• Backlit buttons can help make the buttons easier to see - which is especially useful for those who are particularly bleary-eyed before they’ve gotten their caffeine fix.
• An easy pour spout on the frothing jug is designed to allow for a slow and steady pour.

Materials

Milk frothers tend to be made of stainless steel or plastic; stainless steel usually lasts longer than plastic, letting your milk frother withstand regular use without degrading quickly. It’s also common to find stainless steel frothers with some plastic components.

Features

Look for the following features that can make your frother easier and safer to use.

• Anti-slip base: This offers optimum grip so the machine doesn’t slide around on your countertop.
• Automatic shut-off: Some machines automatically turn off once you’re finished frothing.
• Measuring cap: This lets you measure and add ingredients, like hot chocolate and chai mix, to your frothed milk.
• Overheat protection: This shuts the frother off if it senses that it’s overheating.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning crusty milk can be difficult, so consider getting an easy-to-clean model. A milk frother with dishwasher-safe parts will be simpler to keep clean. If the one you’re looking to buy isn’t dishwasher-safe, then check that the different components come apart easily so you can hand wash it without much fuss.

Milk compatibility

You should check that the milk frother you want to buy is compatible with the type of milk you’ll be using. Most milk frothers should be compatible with full cream milk, however not all of them are designed to be used with non-dairy milks. If you prefer soy, oat, or nut milk, or even low-fat or skim dairy milk, then you should find a frother that can cater to this.

Price

A milk frother can cost anywhere from $30 to $250 and over. Handheld frothers are typically the cheapest milk frothers you can find, while higher priced frothers will usually be benchtop models with a host of features.

Also look for a decent warranty. Most milk frothers from reputable brands will have at least a 1-year warranty.