7 Best Milk Frothing Pitcher For Latte Art In 2022: Choose Your Level

best milk frothing pitchers - using steam wand to steam milk for your coffee drink

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a freshly poured work of perfectly designed latte art at the top of your cup.

Sure, the rich flavors matter the most, but the visual appeal is just as important as the tasting experience. The carefully crafted rosettas or elaborate swans etched in the foam make your-coffee drinking experience from good to great.

If you ever want to master the perfect latte art by practicing your barista skills, you’ll need to have the best milk frothing pitcher. Pouring impressive latte art is a skill that can be tricky to master, but with the help of the right tools like a latte art pitcher, you’ll be pouring like a pro in no time!

And here’s your chance to embark on your adventure through the latte art journey with the best milk frothing pitcher available with the help of this guide…

So let’s get to it!

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The 7 Best Handheld Milk Frothing Pitchers Available Today

For lovers of milk-based espresso drinks, it’s easy to grow tired of the daily coffee shop run, as well as the five-dollar-plus price tag. Investing in a separate milk pitcher for frothing and steaming the milk for your lattes and cappuccinos will save you time and money in the long run. With the help of the milk pitcher and the milk frother, you can whip up Specialty Drinks any time of the day.

Here are the best milk frothing pitchers to buy on the market today.

1. Apexstone Espresso Milk Frothing Pitcher – Best Latte Art Pitcher Overall

Specs: Color: Silver, Black | Brand: Apexstone | Capacity: 600 Milliliters | Material: Stainless Steel | Item Weight: 9.6 ounces

For those who are new to the world of cafe latte art, the Apexstone Espresso Milk Frothing Pitcher is the best handheld milk frothing Pitcher for latte art, to begin with.

This particular milk frothing Pitcher is built from premium 304 stainless steel. It features a classic curved pour spout with a dripless design that easily separates froth from liquid, allowing you to create personal but exemplary latte art for your espressos. Even better, the entire thing is dishwasher safe and includes measurement markings on the inside of it ranging from 6-20 ounces for accurate pouring. 

The Apexstone Milk Frothing Pitcher is available in two distinct sizes (12 ounces & 20 ounces) as well as in a modern matte black version. The item’s base is rounded for cleaning convenience, leaving no space for the stain to hide inside the Pitcher. The unit also covers a 100% Satisfactory Warranty from the manufacturer in case the product didn’t meet your expectations.

If that’s not enough to convince you to add to your cart, perhaps one of the nearly 6,000+ five-star reviews this milk frothing pitcher has garnered on Amazon will surely sway you. Baristas love having the option to make different serving sizes, and say this handy latte art pitcher works like a charm.

Reasons To Buy

  • 304 Stainless Steel construction
  • Curve & dripless pour spout
  • Highly convenient to clean
  • Two distinct sizes available
  • 100% Satisfactory Warranty

Reasons To Avoid

  • Relatively Larger in size
  • Stainless Steel Handle gets hot quickly

2. De’Longhi Stainless Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher – Runner-Up

Specs: Color: Silver | Brand: De’Longhi | Capacity: 350 Milliliters | Material: Stainless Steel | Item Weight: 5.9 ounces

De’Longhi is considered the most popular brand for home espresso machines by far. And this De’Longhi Stainless Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher is undoubtedly our runner up for the best milk frothing pitchers for latte art.

This particular pitcher has a max 350 milliliters capacity and is highly reliable when it comes to steaming and creating quality milk foam. If you aren’t the latte guy, rest assured as this De’ Longhi Pitcher has the ability to make the perfect foam texture for your cappuccino or for other similar espresso-based drinks. Additionally, the convenient pour spout lets you make various latte art designs and ensures dripless pouring each time. 

The only flaw I noticed is that the unit doesn’t include any internal measurement markings, and neither offers multiple sizes or color choices. However, in terms of overall convenience, design, and affordability, I rank it as a runner-up for the best milk frothing pitchers on the list.

Reasons To Buy

  • Easy to use & clean
  • Convenient pour spout
  • Doesn’t stain after repeated use
  • Durable stainless steel construction

Reasons To Avoid

  • Only one available
  • No measurement markings

3. Star Coffee Milk Frothing Pitcher – Best Budget-Friendly Pick

Specs: Color: Silver | Brand: Star Coffee | Capacity: 1.3 Pounds | Material: Stainless Steel | Item Weight: 8.2 Ounces

Though the Star Coffee Milk Frothing Pitcher might not be the best for precise pouring, it is undoubtedly an excellent budget-friendly pitcher for those looking to improve their barista skills. 

The Star Coffee Pitcher comes with two-sided measurements, making it easy for you to make the perfect latte cup in a quick and convenient way.

The Pitcher is made from premium gauge 304 stainless steel and features a shiny exterior for a pleasant look. One thing I liked the most is that the Pitcher is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 12 ounces up to 30 ounces. The smaller 12-ounce version is best suited for a single cup of espresso, while the large 30-ounce version is primarily used for making 3-4 portions of any coffee beverage.

Other items included in the package are a microfiber towel for wiping any spills and a unique ebook called “Guide To A Wonderful Coffee Experience” with instructions for making the perfect cup of coffee.

Reasons To Buy

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Lifetime Guarantee
  • 304 stainless steel construction
  • Measuring markings on both sides

Reasons To Avoid

  • Markings fade with time
  • Not ideal for precision pouring

4. Fellow Eddy Steaming Pitcher – Best In Design

Specs: Color: Polished Steel | Brand: Fellow | Capacity: 12/18 oz | Material: Stainless Steel | Item Weight: 11.2 Ounces

Fellow Eddy is a brand that makes the most stunning and minimal coffee-related products out there.

This particular milk frothing pitcher from Eddy has a unique fluted spout that creates a precise pour each time. The item’s sharp front crease allows easier milk flow towards the spout in a seamless motion. You can also buy this pitcher in a darker graphite finish, which is also accessible in the same 18-ounce size or 12-ounce sizes.  

In addition to that, instead of a standard welded handle, the Fellow Eddy Milk Frothing Pitcher accommodates ribboned handles, making it comfortable to hold in multiple hand positions. It’s also the best pitcher for those who have big hands. Inside the jug, you’ll notice handy measurement markings that aid in perfect pour on any occasion.

Last but not least, available in polished stainless steel or graphite touches, the Eddy Latte Art Pitcher is pretty close to being your ideal frothing pitcher.

Reasons To Buy

  • Sharp fluted spout
  • Open-ended ribbon handle design
  • 3 measurement points inside
  • Seamless milk motion for intuitive pour

Reasons To Avoid

  • Pricey
  • Shiny surface attracts fingerprints

5. Motta Stainless Steel Coated Frothing Pitcher – Worth the Splurge

Specs: Color: Multiple | Brand: Metallurgica Motta | Capacity: 750 Milliliters | Material: Stainless Steel | Item Weight: 1 Pound

If aesthetic is as important to you as performance, then the Motta Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher should be your best bet.

The dripless pour spout and heavier stainless steel body provide you reassurance when you’re pouring directly to your favorite coffee mug for creating latte art. This elegant pitcher is developed with the Italian Barista Association and has a durable 304 stainless steel construction that will resist corrosion and withstand unexpected drops for years to come.

The pouring spout of the Motta is quite deep but isn’t as sharp as the pitcher from Fellow we discussed above. This pitcher comes with multiple size options and is also available in 4 exciting color choices. Cleaning this handy frothing pitcher is a breeze; just pop it into the dishwasher, and you’re ready to go.

Reasons To Buy

  • 304 stainless steel built
  • Heat resistant handle
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Beautiful pouring spout
  • 30 days money back guarantee

Reasons To Avoid

  • On the pricier side
  • Smaller diameter

6. ESPRO Toroid Stainless Steel Pitcher – Best for Beginners

Specs: Color: Stainless Steel | Brand: Metallurgica ESPRO | Capacity: 0.5 Liters | Material: Stainless Steel | Item Weight: 9.6 Ounces

For beginners, the Espro Toroid Espresso Milk Frother can help produce incredibly consistent foam, all thanks to the pitcher’s unique bell shape that encourages the milk to spin efficiently.

This pitcher’s tapered spout comes to a fine point at the end, hence making detail work easier than ever. Made of attractive stainless steel construction, the Espro Toroid allows you to make the rich, sweet and velvety microfoam that turns your morning cappuccino or latte into pure bliss. Also, the ergonomic handle ensures that you get a nice grip while keeping your hands safe from the hot pitcher body.

To conclude, I believe the Espro Toroid is the perfect latte art pitcher for those who are just starting out and looking for a milk jug that makes steaming and pouring milk easier.

Reasons To Buy

  • Sharp pointed spout
  • Large handle for secure grip
  • Creates microfoam effectively
  • Lifetime Guarantee available

Reasons To Avoid

  • Pricey
  • Small diameter from top

7. Andronicas Stainless Steel Temperature Control Milk Jug – Best With Thermometer

Specs: Color: Gold, Silver | Brand: Andronicas | Capacity: 480 Milliliters | Material: Stainless Steel | Item Weight: 6.3 Ounces

This next-level thermometer milk frothing pitcher from Andronicas allows you to froth the milk to the maximum temperature range while helping you determine whether or not your heated milk is reaching the perfect temperature.

The pitcher also comes with a three-color indicator helping you identify the milk type when in use. The item is also available in two color choices i.e, gold or silver letting you choose the one that matches your kitchen theme the most. Moreover, the material involved in constructing this pitcher is stainless steel, which guarantees longevity and durability in the long run. 

The pitcher is suitable for both left & right-handed users and covers a 12-month replacement warranty from the manufacturer as well.

Note: If price is your main concern and you still want a thermometer frothing pitcher, you can also choose this handy milk frothing pitcher from YouYue which is relatively cheaper than the above recommended one and costs around $15 only.

Reasons To Buy

  • Quality Stainless Steel construction
  • 12 Month Replacement Warranty
  • Three Color indicator to identify milk type
  • Integrated liquid crystal thermometer

Reasons To Avoid

  • Inaccurate temperature readings at times

What to Look for in a Best Milk Frothing Pitcher

Choosing the right milk pitcher can significantly help in making your foam dreams come to life. But when faced with so much choice, how will you know what is the best milk frothing pitcher? Well, it depends on a number of factors. Before starting shopping, it would be beneficial to figure out your needs and look out for one that caters specifically to those needs.

Milk frothing pitcehrs - cup of caffeine

1. Find the Right Size

First and foremost, you want the right size for your milk frothing pitcher to hold the right amount of milk for your latte. If you’re struggling to get the right angle of your steam arm, your milk frothing pitcher is likely far too big for the amount of milk you want to froth. The most common pitcher options available to you will be ’12oz’ or ’20oz’. If you’re just starting out, these sizes are your safe bet for one cup while allowing you enough room to spin your milk and texture it well.

Also, take stock of how much milk you’ll need for your coffee drink. For instance, if you’ll be using more than 8 oz of milk for your latte, go for a 20 oz pitcher as it will be easier to pour from while the 12 oz will be close to full. 

When it comes to milk frothing and steaming, your pitcher shouldn’t be too empty nor too full. If it’s too empty, your milk won’t come out as well-aerated as you won’t be able to submerge your steam wand tip into the milk properly. If it’s too full, there are chances of overflowing milk during steaming.

The ideal amount of milk would sit just below the spout, at roughly 70% of the depth of the pitcher.

2. Choose the Width

Your pitcher should be at least 3 inches wide or wide enough to allow a “whirlpool” effect. This rolls the beautiful micro-foam into the milk by breaking down bigger bubbles and making the milk well-aerated and evenly heated. This microfoam results in finely textured milk with a velvety foam and comes with a silkier smooth surface. This milk acts as the perfect base for free-pouring those artistic pieces of latte art. 

If your jug isn’t wide enough, you won’t be able to make microfoam for latte art.

3. Pick the Metal or Material

The ideal coffee milk pitcher should be safe for hot liquids. Skip over glass ones as they can potentially break or blur the measurement markings from the hot steam making it difficult to create latte art. Pick a stainless steel pitcher with a slightly conical shape. Stainless steel retains the heat and keeps the microfoam consistent as you pour and design. That being said, you’ll be steaming milk to approximately 160°F/70°C, so you may also want something that won’t scorch your hands. If you feel uncomfortable holding a hot stainless steel milk frothing pitcher, get one that’s Teflon coated to protect your fingers and hands.

What Is A Latte & How Do I Make It?

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A classic latte is an espresso drink that combines espresso, steamed milk, capped with a thin layer of foam on top, and is milkier than a cappuccino. It can either be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. In America, lattes are often customized with flavored syrups or powders, including flavors such as vanilla, hazelnut, and caramel. 

For making a latte at home, using an espresso machine is the most preferred method. Or you can use an Aeropress or a small manual espresso maker to make espresso.

First, you’ll have to make the espresso using your preferred method while avoiding diluting your espresso with water. Then measure out your preferred amount of milk and place it into the metal pitcher. Next, froth the milk for about 30-60 seconds after heating it to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit and create a microfoam so that the drink is creamy enough. Pour milk into the center of the espresso-making latte art design. And you’re done.

How Do I Make Latte Art?

Here are the three most basic designs with latte art: a heart, rosetta, and a tulip. Once you’ve got the elements ready to go, start designing!

For a Heart:

The first thing you need to do is pour milk from well above your espresso. This allows the steamed milk to create a base layer under the espresso before placing the foam on top to make the surface design. To start your latte art design, you’ll have to bring the pitcher as close to the cup as possible while pouring. You will see that as you speed up the release by getting closer, the more white lays on top of the drink, rather than sinking below. So remember this rhyme: First, start high and slow, then bring it down low.

1. Hold the pitcher well above the coffee and pour your milk into the center of the espresso about three-quarters, swirling to incorporate the milk.

2. Lower the jug to the surface. You will see that the foam is rising above the espresso.

3. Shake the milk pitcher in a slight side-to-side motion, creating the heart’s width.

4. Once your mug is just about full, lift your pitcher back up a few inches and, in one motion, ‘strike through’ the blob to create the pointed end of the heart.

latte art: how to make latte at home the heart

For a Rosetta:

Creating a rosetta may seem complicated, but it isn’t. It requires more control over the side-to-side rocking motion of your milk in the pitcher, which creates the petals of the flower design. Nonetheless, once you practice this, it’s a breeze.

1. Just like the heart, you have to start by holding the pitcher further away from the cup.

2. Pour your milk into the center of the espresso and as you see the foam appearing, get closer to the cup by bringing the pitcher down low.

3. Begin to rock side-to-side and control the rocking by pushing off a bit with your thumb, which is what will create your petals.

4. When you have the desired number of petals, lift the pitcher to about 2 inches above the coffee again, and cut through the petals from smallest to largest, creating an elegant ‘stem.’

For a Tulip:

Now that we’ve covered the classic rosetta and the heart designs, let’s move to another popular design: The tulip!

1. Start your pour high and slow, just as before in heart and rosetta designs, into the center of the cup.

2. Start getting as close to the coffee as possible, and pour until a half-moon arises, which will become the first level of your tulip. After the first half moon reaches your desired size, stop the flow of milk. Move the spout of the pitcher slightly backwards before starting to pour again to make another half moon, which will create your second layer.

3. You’ll have to repeat this process 4-6 times to “stack” the petals of the tulip one above the other, each time getting shorter and shorter with your pour. 

4. After the last half-moon, lift the pitcher away from the coffee and draw through to finish the “petals” of the tulip.

Final Notes

As you can see, your decision for the best latte art pitcher mainly depends on your preference. And the great news is that most of them are reasonably priced. Ultimately, it all boils down to your choice of product you think will cater to all your at-home espresso-making needs.

Now get one and unleash some latte art creativity!

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