09 Best Milk Frothers To Buy In 2022 For The Perfect Cup Of Joe

There’s nothing better than making your creamy latte or frothy cappuccino yourself at home rather than having to wait in line to get one. This can be done by investing in the best milk frothers. With the right milk frother, you’ll be able to easily whip up your own topping for specialty drinks, or warm milk for a bedtime treat, or froth cold milk to cap an iced coffee or chocolate milk in a matter of minutes. But selecting the best milk frother isn’t that easy.

Like any useful kitchen appliance, you want your milk frother to be easy to clean, with a firm handle for an easy grip, and versatile enough to use on different types of milk and drinks. This may sound like a lot. But as long as you have the below picks to consider, you have nothing to worry about.

Read on to find the best milk frothers to buy and the best in every category.

Best Milk Frothers For Coffee To Use At Home

With a milk frother, you can take your milk-based drinks to the next level and wow your guests with a delicious brew like a pro barista.

Finding the right milk frother for your coffee doesn’t have to be hard. As long as you choose one of the top picks from our list, you can rest with the satisfaction of knowing you made the right choice. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just like it as an inexpensive treat every now and then, you can find the most idyllic milk frothers here in this list for every budget and need.

Here are the best milk frothers to buy in 2022 for a perfect foamy topping.

1. Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother – Best Overall

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Specs: Type: Automatic | Color: Black | Material: Nonstick | Brand: Nestle Nespresso | Item Weight: 1.9 Pounds

Nespresso is one of the most popular brands in the coffee industry, and when it comes to frothing milk for coffee, Nespresso has made one of the best milk frothers that are fully automatic and have a quiet one-touch operation. Nespresso milk frothers are as good as their coffee makers, so users always get the perfect foam they ever wanted.

This particular Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother uses induction heating to warm up the milk to 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a magnetized spinning disk that creates its foam. There are also ridges on the exterior, making it easy to grasp and pour frothed milk effectively.

Users can make both hot and cold froth using this automatic milk frother. To operate, gently push the front and only button once for hot milk and press for 2 seconds in order to make cold froth – simple as that. For an added layer of convenience, the device also switches off automatically when frothing is completed and lights up red vs. blue so users can identify which type (cold or hot) is under preparation.

Aside from its features, the Aeroccino3 also comes with a few flaws. First of all, the unit isn’t dishwasher safe; hence you’ll have to clean it by hand by rinsing it under your tap after every use. Secondly, the device doesn’t contain any handle making it difficult to pour froth and may cause unwanted spills. The frother is also somewhat smaller, so it isn’t the ideal frother if you are making multiple coffees for several people.

The Nespresso also offers an updated model called the Aeroccino4 that comes with the same features, plus the option to choose between denser and thicker foam to make either lattes or cappuccinos. This updated model is dishwasher safe and contains a handle attached to it with increased capacity. Not to mention, it’s also relatively fast, taking 80s for frothy milk and about 150s to prepare hot milk.

To conclude, both of these milk frothers from Nespresso guarantee excellent froth without any fuss. For starters, the Nespresso Aeroccino3 is the go-to option with all those essential features needed to froth great milk. On the other hand, in terms of foam consistency and cleaning convenience, the Nespresso Aeroccino4 is undoubtedly worth the splurge.

2. Breville Milk Cafe Milk Frother – Best Large Capacity Frother

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Specs: Type: Automatic | Color: Silver | Material: Stainless Steel | Brand: Breville | Item Weight: 3.6 Pounds

If budget is not an issue and you are looking for the absolute best high-end milk frother that creates the exact foam you desire, then the Breville Milk Cafe is a no-brainer.

The Breville Cafe Frother holds up to 3 cups of liquid which is enough for three coffee fanatics and includes two separate frothing discs for different types of froth. The latte frothing disc prepares smooth and silky milk for lattes, while the cappuccino frothing disc is designed in such a way to create thick and creamy froth effectively. Besides lattes and cappuccinos, the machine can also make smooth, creamy hot chocolate and other winter hot drinks. The machine mounts one single disc at a time and features onboard disc storage so that you won’t lose them in your drawer.

The illuminated dial allows you to customize the exact temperature of your milk. You can choose any temperature from cold milk up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The operation is also quiet and super easy. Simply select the proper disc, fill with desired milk to create 1-3 cups of foam, select the temperature, and push start. When the ideal temperature is reached, the machine will turn off automatically, saving your time and energy. There is also a cold-stir option labeled on the dial that’ll mix cold beverages with a little froth, but note that it won’t produce cold foam.

Before buying such a top-notch machine, double-check that you’ve dedicated space for milk frother on your countertop or not. If you don’t, why worry? There are other amazing options on the list as well, which won’t take too much space and do a decent job in minutes.

3. Secura Automatic Electric Milk Frother – Best In Design

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Specs: Type: Automatic | Color: Silver | Material: Stainless Steel | Brand: Secura | Item Weight: 2.38 Pounds

If aesthetic is as important to you as performance, then the Secura Automatic Electric Milk Frother is exactly what you should be looking for.

The carafe comes with a pre-installed handle and is made from durable stainless steel with vacuum insulation. Like all of the pre-discussed milk frothers, this one also uses induction heating to heat milk and a motorized whisk to create froth.

This versatile frother is easy to operate, with a single button to create hot or cold foam. The base of the frother is detachable, too, hence allowing convenient pouring. If you are concerned about capacity, note down that the Secura offers two different models, each with a different capacity and separate price tags. The smaller version can hold about one cup (250 ml) for heating milk and a half cup (125) for frothing. In contrast, the larger version holds almost double the froth (250ml) and milk (500ml) and comes relatively costly.

On the negative side, just like the Aeroccino, the Secura is also not dishwasher safe and requires hand cleaning after each use.

To conclude, if you’re a bit more budget-conscious or want to test out an automatic milk frother before buying a costly one, the Secura Milk Frother is the way to go.

4. Powerlix Handheld Electric Milk Frother – Cheapest Handheld Milk Frother

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Specs: Type: Automatic | Colors: Multiple | Material: Stainless Steel | Brand: POWERLIX | Item Weight: 0.3 Pounds

The PowerLix Handheld Milk Frother stands fourth on our list of best milk frothers thanks to its highly portable design and the ability to create delicious foam conveniently.

The wand is battery-operated and is made from 18/10 stainless steel that won’t bend or break under continuous use. It arrives with a compact, stainless steel stand as well for easy and accessible storage. The motor runs quietly and provides about 19,000 rpm (revolution per minute), so you can enjoy your early-morning lattes or cappuccinos without disturbing your roommates.

To activate, press the power button located on the top of the frother, and the machine starts creating delicious foam (even with non-dairy milk) in under a minute. Note that the 2 AA batteries aren’t included in the purchase and should be bought separately. Also, the device won’t heat the milk for you, so if you want something that warms foam as well, consider looking elsewhere.

Before you go, Powerlix also offers a Bundle Deal that includes a stainless steel milk pitcher and stainless steel coffee art stencils. Latte art, anyone?

5. Smeg 50’s Retro Red Milk Frother – Worth the Splurge

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Specs: Type: Automatic | Colors: Multiple | Material: Stainless Steel, Rubber | Brand: SMEG | Item Weight: 5.84 Pounds

Regardless of being on the pricier side, this pretty retro design device will prove to be a game-changer for your at-home lattes. It accommodates various settings for all types of drinks (including cold ones), with two different whisks for heating and foaming.

This milk frother is equipped with seven different settings to choose from, all controlled with a simple dial. It features the largest capacity of up to 590ml of milk and froths a maximum of 250mls at a time. The stainless-steel pitcher is dishwasher safe and looks nice enough to bring to the table.

You can choose from neutral, bright, and pastel colors of your choice for the base with a gloss finish. Aside from that, it has two different whisk attachments: a notched whisk for frothing the milk and a flat whisk for simply heating up milk without frothing. You can froth up to 8.5 ounces of milk at once and heat up to 20 ounces with this stainless steel jug. When you’re finished with your delicious latte, cappuccino, or hot chocolate, simply put it into the dishwasher for clean-up.

Despite the astronomical price tag, the only complaint I noticed with the product is that the warranty available from the manufacturer only counts one month after purchase which I believe should be extended more than that.

6. Bodum Bistro Electric Milk Frother – Budget Friendly Electric Frother

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Specs: Type: Electric | Colors: Black | Material: Glass | Brand: Bodum | Item Weight: 1.58 Pounds

Although there are many affordable milk frothers out there, the Bodum Bistro Milk Frother is so far our top pick for beginners, thanks to its convenient design and one-touch operation.

To get started, all you have to do is plug the device in and toggle the only switch located on the bottom of the sleek and simple matte black device. This device is capable of both heat and froth milk. Let’s suppose, if you want to heat milk, consider removing the little spring from the whisking attachment, and the machine starts heating the milk. The frother also includes clear markings inside to indicate proper fill levels for accurate pouring.

The Bodum Bistro comes with a 2 Year Manufacturer warranty and can hold a maximum of 13.5 ounces, but 8 ounces are advised for the best results.

My only nitpick about this frother is that it can only create warm or hot-frothed milk— there is no setting for cold froth. So, if you want a frother for your homemade iced cappuccinos, this may disappoint you.

7. Aerolatte Milk Frother, 8.5-Inch – Best Hand-Held

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Specs: Type: Electric | Colors: Satin/Chrome finish | Material: Glass | Brand: Aerolatte | Item Weight: 0.22 Pounds

Aerolatte is a popular brand known for creating one of the very first handheld frothers on the market. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and a great entry-level milk frother for those wanting to step into the milk frothing game.

Unlike the pre-discussed Powerlix frother, this handheld frother from Aerolatte pre-installed two AA batteries so that you won’t have to buy one. To clean, insert the stainless steel whisk attachment in a cup of hot soapy water, rinse, and dry. You can use this frother with almost all kinds of milk, either hot or cold. Sure, you’d have to heat the milk yourself cause that’s an option not available in these handheld frothers.

The Aerolatte Milk Frother comes with a two-year warranty, the longest of all the milk frothers available, and can be purchased in two exciting satin and polished chrome finishes. If you’re a frequent frother, you can also buy the Aerolatte frother with a stand.

Note: During cleaning, make sure that you never immerse the body of the frother into the liquid.

8. Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother – Best Manual Option

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Specs: Type: Manual | Colors: Black | Material: Glass | Brand: Bodum | Item Weight: 0.75 Pounds

This manual frother from Bodum boosts an impressive design similar to the world’s most popular coffee brewing device called the French Press.

Instead of plugging this frother in, this device works with manual effort and froths rich, creamy milk almost immediately (within 30 seconds). The material involved in the production is heat-resistant borosilicate Glass which is BPA-free and microwave-safe. 

To get your froth, add up to eight ounces of milk into the Carafe, and place it inside the microwave for 30-50 seconds to heat the milk. Once you’re done with the heating part, pump the mesh plunger somewhere between 50-70 times up and down to create foam. Finally, let the milk sit for about a minute for the reason it can thicken some more on its own. Afterward, you’re ready to pour out the hot milk and spoon out that milk foam onto your coffee.

Before leaving, bear in mind that this particular frother isn’t very efficient to be used as a French Press. That’s because the mesh filter doesn’t fit tightly onto the jar, making it convenient to push and pull but not ideal for filtering out coffee grains.

Some other exciting options that offer manual frothing are the HIC Milk Creamer Frother (view at Amazon) or the BonJour Manual Milk Frother (view at Amazon).

9. Instant Electric Milk Frother – Affordable & Aesthetic

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Specs: Type: Electric | Colors: Black | Material: Plastic | Brand: Instant Pot | Item Weight: 2.24 Pounds

This frother’s ergonomic design and affordable price make it an excellent alternative for those who don’t want to spend loads of money on a basic milk frother.

This device contains four different settings for cold foam, light warm foam, thick warm foam, and warming without foaming. All of the mentioned settings work perfectly with both dairy and non-dairy milk. On top of that, the frother also features a handle and a dripless spout which can assist in creating latte art to impress your guests.

The interior of the Carafe is coated with a nonstick finish making it easy to see the min- and max- fill markings.

The only major drawback this frother has is that it isn’t water-tight and requires frequent cleaning after each use. Users also pointed out some durability concerns and said that the item’s performance declined after a few months. It also does not contain various settings, mostly found in some high-tier options.

Having said that, if you are interested in something with more versatility and added convenience, you should consider looking for pricier alternatives.

What to Look for in a Best Milk Frother

Here are some things to know before buying the best milk frother.

Types Of Milk Frothers

Milk frothers come in three basic models: manual, handheld, and automatic.

Manual is the cheaper one that works much like a French Press. You’ll likely spend more time and effort to get the milk foamy with this one.

Handheld electric frothers are low-maintenance, affordable options, smaller than the large-volume tools with jug attachments. Since these are small and light, you can store them easily in a utensil drawer.

The final category, Automatic, are the expensive ones that are the easiest to use and can also heat the milk as you froth. If you want the best quality milk froth, you should invest in a high quality automatic frother.

In the end, it all boils down to your budget and how you want your frothing system to be. 

Capacity

Need foam for the whole family? Or just yourself? Before investing in a milk frother, take into account the number of drinks you are planning on making. Make sure you get one that has the reasonable capacity to froth milk in one go. Don’t go for a frother that is too small.

Also, consider the minimum and maximum quantity it can froth. Too much milk can cause it to overflow and you’ll be making a mess. Too little milk can cause it to overheat and you ‘ll end up damaging the milk frother.

Heating Options

Milk frothers can be used to make a variety of milk-based drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, milkshakes, hot chocolates, and even matcha tea.

Most of them come with three different settings – for hot fluffy foam, heating milk, and frothing cold milk. You simply have to press a button and wait for two minutes or so to have your perfectly heated or frothed milk. So if iced cappuccino is your drink of choice, check to see if it can froth cold milk or not before purchasing.

Dishwasher Safe

If you don’t think you have that kind of time to hand wash your milk frother every day, perhaps go for something that can go in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. If time and convenience are important to you, make sure to check whether it is dishwasher safe, so you can easily clean it after enjoying your delicious latte, cappuccino, or hot chocolate.

Frothing Disc

Most automatic milk frothers arrive with multiple frothing discs that can be used to make different drinks. You can make froth with different consistencies for use with chocolate, coffee, lattes, cappuccino, and other drinks.

For instance, you’ll need much denser and creamy foam for cappuccinos. If you love lattes, you’ll want a silky, looser foam that mixes more easily with the espresso. If you want multiple options, make sure your milk frother is not specified for only one drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can froth any kind of milk in your frother, whether it be dairy or non-dairy. With that said, not every kind of milk froths up the same. Some are better suited for frothing than others. Whole dairy milk yields the best foamy results with most milk frothers due to its higher fat content.

Reduced-fat milk also performs well when it comes to frothing. Regarding non-dairy milk, oat milk froths up perfectly, producing a near carbon copy of rich, creamy, stable foam as dairy milk. Users can also prefer Soy milk for frothing. Other non-dairy options, like almond milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk, can be a bit difficult to foam due to their lower fat content.

The primary difference between the milk steamer and the milk frother is that the frother produces lighter, less watery, lofty, foamy milk with large bubbles. In contrast, the steamer makes silky & velvety-textured milk with microfoam. The frother introduces air to the milk and does not always heat it up while the steamer heats the milk with pressurized steam.

Frothed milk is produced by injecting air into the milk, creating larger bubbles, greater volume, and a lighter mouthfeel. Steamed milk, on the other hand, is produced by heating the milk with the steam wand and aerating it slightly, producing smaller air bubbles, less dense, and a creamier texture than frothed milk. A classic cappuccino is prepared with the 1/3 espresso – 1/3 steamed milk – and 1/3 frothed milk on top.

With a milk frother, you can make just about every coffee drink you can think of! Let’s briefly touch on a few here. First is the latte, which is made with one part espresso, two parts steamed milk, and a thin layer of milk foam on top. The second is the cappuccino, which has an even distribution of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam on top. A macchiato is made by pouring espresso directly into the center of steamed milk, leaving a spot of espresso on top. Other options include mochas, cold brew, flat whites, cortado, café au lait, and more.

Final Verdict

You can surely use any kitchen tool to froth milk, like a blender, a French press, a mason jar, or a whisk. But you won’t get the right texture and silky mouthfeel you want in your milk-based coffee drinks. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to invest in the best milk frother.

Taimoor S.

Taimoor followed his passion to become a coffee connoisseur and now travels the world to visit the most popular coffee shops. His cupboard is also stocked with a collection of brewing gadgets. He loves to drink Death Wish Coffee’s dark roast and highly caffeinated coffee grounds when he needs a boost of energy.