Do you want barista-worthy lattes with the creamiest froth? Then you need to check out our best milk frother for lattes list to help you create the perfect foam.
Did you know that you could use a milk frother to make hot chocolate, too? It’s true. Milk frothers are more versatile than they’re given credit. Many of them also steam milk, and some can even be used to mix cocktails.
Making delicious lattes will always be our favorite way to use a milk frother, but they’re handy to have in the kitchen for other uses as well. Fortunately, there are some really great ones on the market for reasonable prices.
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Milk Frother Comparison Table
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10 Best Milk Frother For Lattes Reviews
Making coffee shop quality lattes at home isn’t as difficult as it seems. For the freshest latte, all you need are five items: espresso beans, a coffee grinder, an espresso machine, milk and a milk frother.
Like a good espresso, a good latte has a thick foam on top. The froth should be the first thing that touches your lips when sipping your latte.
Why Buy a Milk Frother?
Having a milk frother at home will allow you to take your plain coffee to the next level. You just can’t recreate the silky texture with regular milk or coffee creamer. While foamed milk adds a glorious texture to the latte, it also enhances the flavor in a way that non-frothed milk can’t.
Some qualities to look for in a milk frother are: durable construction, works with hot and cold drinks, easy to clean. It’s also nice to have a frother that can make the type of froth you prefer – light and airy or dense and thick. We also look at the froth capacity, ease of use, and type of frother.
1. Best Pick-Breville Milk Cafe Milk Frother
Our best pick goes to the automatic Breville milk frother because of its many features. It even has a feature specifically for lattes. If you’re looking for a milk frother to make the creamiest, frothiest lattes, this is a great choice.
This model measures in at 6 x 6 x 10.2 inches, so it’s not a space-saving milk frother. However, the size makes it more suitable for making multiple lattes at once. This is a plus for larger households, but it could be a drawback for those who only need to make one latte at a time.
One feature that sets this milk frother apart from the others is the 3-cup capacity. This feature is great for households with multiple coffee drinkers.
Key Details
This milk frother heats from the bottom using induction heating. The carafe on top is then removable and dishwasher-safe. We like that pouring the froth onto your latte and cleanup are both easy.
In our opinion, the Breville is the best milk frother for cappuccinos and lattes. It has two interchangeable disks. One is for cappuccinos, and the other is for lattes. The latte frothing disk is designed specifically to create smooth and silky milk with small bubbles.
It also has a Cold Stir setting for those who enjoy iced lattes. For those who prefer hot lattes, this frother has multiple temperature settings ranging from warm to hot. If you’re unsure what temperature to use, Breville recommends 140 degrees as optimal milk temperature. It comes with a one year limited warranty.
Pros
- Makes up to 3 cups of steamed milk.
- Can be used to make lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate.
- Automatically shuts off when desired temperature is reached.
Cons
- 1-year limited warranty only.
- Premium price.
- Not ideal for making a single beverage.
2. Zulay Milk Frother
The Zulay milk frother is our best budget pick for milk frothers. It is versatile. powerful and economical.
The Zulay frother is compact and can easily be stored in a drawer. It is made with easy-to-clean stainless steel and comes in a variety of colors.
The frother requires two AA batteries to make the coiled wire whisk spin with 12,500 RPMs.
The Zulay frother is a great budget choice of milk frother that will get the job done every time.
Key Details
This milk frother is very easy to use and turns on with the push of a button. There is only one speed which makes it pretty easy to use.
We like that this frother can be used directly in a mug or glass. You do not need a separate container to make foamed milk, you can just use the cup you plan to drink from.
One downside of the Zulay frother is that it doesn’t heat milk, only foams it. You can use it to whip matcha, warm milk for lattes or cappuccinos, or even for whisking egg whites. It is quite a versatile tool in the kitchen.
Pros
- Very low price.
- Easy to use with just one on/off setting.
- Lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Need to hold the button down to make the frother work.
- Small whisk can take a bit of time to froth the milk.
- Does not heat milk, only whisks.
3. Best Budget Pick-PowerLix Milk Frother Handheld Battery Operated
If you’re looking for a milk frother that’s quick, easy, and space-saving, then consider this handheld milk frother. This PowerLix frother is budget-friendly and includes a stainless steel stand for easy storage.
The PowerLix is somewhere in-between automatic and manual in terms of effort needed. You do have to hold the handle and immerse the whisk into your milk, but the one-button operation does all the work for you.
This milk frother will look great in any kitchen due to its wand-like shape. It’s lightweight and ergonomically designed. It measures only 9.9 x 3.1 x 3 inches and weighs less than a pound.
Key Details
This milk frother has one of the quickest operations we’ve seen. In just 15-20 seconds, it yields airy, foamy milk.
It also couldn’t be easier to use. You simply lower the whisk into ⅓ cup of milk and press the button. Hold the frother for about 15 seconds and your foamed milk is ready for either hot or cold lattes.
One drawback, however, is that you must heat the milk before using this frother. It also has fewer settings than other milk frothers and relies on batteries for operation. It comes with a money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Made with food-safe stainless steel.
- Budget-friendly.
- Money-back guarantee.
Cons
- Must replace 2 AA batteries.
- Doesn’t heat milk.
- One setting only.
4. Capresso frothPRO Automatic Milk Frother & Hot Chocolate Maker
Capresso’s goal with this milk frother is to create “maximum froth.” If your favorite part of the latte is the froth, then this may be the milk frother for you. Like the Breville, the Capresso uses frothing disks to create thick foam.
The design is what allows the Capresso to have a larger capacity than other machines. It heats from the bottom so the milk pitcher is taller than its competitors.
Despite the extra capacity, the dimensions are still moderate at 6 x 5 x 7 inches. The pitcher also has an ergonomic handle for comfortable lifting and pouring. This model has three temperature settings: Hot, Warm, and Cold.
Key Details
The Capresso looks and functions like a premium milk frother but at an affordable price. It has a stainless steel finish, illuminated touchpad buttons, and automatic shut-off. These features are typically found in much more expensive frothers.
It’s also compatible with non-dairy milks like almond milk and soy milk. Most frother manufacturers warn against frothing with non-dairy milks. So the Capresso may be a great option for vegans and people who are allergic to dairy.
Most milk frothers make up to 4-5 ounces of froth but the Capresso can produce 8 ounces of froth in one sitting. If you just want to warm your milk, you can get up to 12 ounces. Lastly, it comes with a one year warranty.
Pros
- Large capacity of up to 12 ounces.
- Automatic shut-off.
- Compatible with non-dairy milks.
Cons
- No settings to control froth texture.
- Can be loud when in use.
- 1-year warranty only.
5. Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother
The Nespresso Aeroccino is a high-quality electric milk frother. It is on the pricier side but you definitely get what you pay for. premium. This is an incredible milk frother you are sure to use constantly.
This frother is stylish, sleek, and powerful. It is perfect for making cold foam or warm milk froth. The versatility is fantastic.
Key Details
The Nespresso Aeroccino can froth up to eight ounces of milk. It can heat milk to the perfect temperature of 160 degrees F. However, the frother also works to make cold-frothed drinks as well.
The single touch button is easy to use and the auto shut-off is very convenient. The Nespresso frother is non stick which makes it easy to clean.
For best results, use refrigerated, whole milk which will make the thickest, creamiest foam. You will enjoy the perfect latte or cappuccino when you use this little kitchen appliance.
Pros
- Automatic switch off.
- Easy push button switch.
- Heats milk to the perfect temperature.
- Large capacity.
Cons
- Non-dairy milks not recommended.
- Needs to be plugged in, not portable.
6. Bellemain Stainless Steel Hand Pump Milk Frother
If you’re looking for a travel-friendly milk frother, consider the Bellemain. It’s affordable, lightweight, durable, and portable.
The Bellemain is made of stainless steel so it’s dishwasher-safe. This milk frother has one of the easiest cleanups we’ve seen.
Though it’s small, this milk frother has a surprisingly large capacity. It can make up to 7 ounces of froth and hold up to 14 ounces of milk.Some people prefer automatic milk frothers, but a manual milk frother gets the job done in seconds without any additional resources.
Key Details
For those with limited counter space, the Bellemain is a great option. It doesn’t require batteries like handheld milk frothers, nor does it have cords like electric ones.
The only drawback is that it doesn’t heat the milk. Unlike frothers made from glass, the Bellemain is not microwave friendly due to the stainless steel. This means you must warm your milk in a separate container for hot lattes.
For some, a pump frother is a drawback because of the foam texture. If you like thick, dense froth, you will love the Bellemain. It also comes with a two year warranty.
Pros
- Holds up to 7 ounces of froth.
- Only takes 30 seconds.
- 2-year warranty.
Cons
- Requires manual pumping.
- Doesn’t warm milk.
- Unable to make airy foam.
7. Zulay Double Whisk High-Powered Frother
The Aeroccino 4 is Nespresso’s latest take on a milk frother. Each new model is better than the last. Nespresso upgraded the Aeroccino to give it a ceramic coating and more programs.
The machine itself is quite large at 7.1 x 7.1 x 8.3 inches, and the cord is thick. They also made it easier to clean.
With the new upgrades, this model is one of the best milk frothers on the market. Since it’s a premium frother. it comes with a premium price tag. However, it is durable and will likely last a long time.
Nespresso’s previous models had a non-stick coating. While that’s a nice feature to have, the new ceramic coating is much higher in quality and is dishwasher friendly.
Key Details
If you make lattes regularly, there’s a lot of cleanup from the coffee grinder to the espresso machine. Having a milk frother that’s easy to clean is convenient.
Like other premium milk frothers, this model is extremely versatile in both warm and iced lattes. It has 4 settings: 2 types of Hot Foam, Hot Milk, and Cold Foam. It can make up to 4 ounces of foam and 8 ounces of warm milk.
One drawback is the amount of space this milk frother takes up. Nespresso also recommends against using non-dairy milk with this frother.
Lastly, it comes with a two year warranty.
Pros
- Pitcher is dishwasher-safe.
- Four settings make for versatile drinks.
- 2-year warranty.
Cons
- Premium price.
- Not space saving.
- Not recommended for non-dairy milks.
8. Bonsenkitchen Electric Milk Frother
Handheld milk frothers are an affordable alternative to the premium automatic ones. Bonsenkitchen’s take on the milk frother is a unique one. They have made a milk frother that is extremely easy to use yet effective and affordable.
Despite being small—measuring only 9.9 x 1.3 x 1.4 inches and weighing only 3.2 ounces— the motor is powerful enough to turn ⅓ cup of hot milk into a dense froth.
Part of what makes this milk frother perfect for lattes is the design of the whisk. The stainless steel whisk rotates at high speeds which creates a delicate foam in seconds.
Key Details
This model couldn’t be simpler. It has only one button for its primary function. So making frothy lattes doesn’t get easier than this.
If you want to save money without sacrificing froth quality, consider this option. It makes frothing milk for lattes a breeze, and it’s easy to clean. While the shaft isn’t dishwasher-safe, you can submerge the whisk in water or rinse it under the faucet.
Bonsenkitchen recommends using milk that’s no hotter than 140 degrees. This is a drawback for some as the user is responsible for warming their own milk. It’s also not ideal for frothing cold milk intended for iced lattes.
Information regarding a money back guarantee or warranty were difficult to find. You can contact the manufacturer directly with any questions.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- One-Touch button operation.
- High-speed whisk creates a delicate foam.
Cons
- Requires 2 AA batteries.
- Doesn’t include a stand or base.
- Not ideal for iced lattes.
9. Ninja Coffee Bar Easy Milk Frother with Press Froth Technology
This milk frother looks like a French press coffee maker, but don’t be deceived. The unique design can be attributed to the mode of operation: manual pumping.
This milk frother is part of the Ninja Coffee Bar collection. At only 3 x 3 x 8 inches, it even saves on space.
Since it’s manually operated, this milk frother requires no electricity or batteries. To operate, you fill the glass beaker with up to 5 ounces of milk, insert the pump, and pump the frother 10-20 times. For warm milk, microwave the glass beaker before pumping.
Key Details
Bubbly foam is created by a piece of stainless steel mesh attached to the press. This creates small bubbles or microfoam in the milk. When lattes are made with microfoam, the froth is known to last longer rather than dissolve in the warm drink.
Ninja states that this milk frother is dishwasher-safe, but we have some reservations about placing the pump in the dishwasher. The pump is composed of multiple pieces: a spring, mesh panel, and screw.
These pieces may come undone in the dishwasher so we recommend hand washing the pump. Lastly, it comes with a one year limited warranty.
Pros
- Glass container is microwave-safe.
- Froth lasts longer.
- Affordably priced.
Cons
- Requires manual pumping.
- Pump isn’t easy to clean.
- 1-year limited warranty only.
10. Secura Detachable Automatic Milk Frother
If you’re a daily coffee drinker, you need a milk frother that you can use consistently and for a long period of time. The Secura is a milk frother that is well-made, durable, and long-lasting. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want to enjoy lattes regularly.
The Secura is more than just a milk frother. It also warms milk and prepares milk for cold drinks.
It’s also extremely easy to use as Secura provides detailed instructions on how to utilize the many features. It requires some counter space though, measuring in at 7.7 x 6.3 x 5 inches.
One feature we especially like is that the milk basis has minimum and maximum milk level indicators for each of its settings. Regardless of which setting you want to use, such as Frothing Hot Milk, Secura makes it easy to know how much milk to add.
Key Details
The Secura was designed with quality and durability in mind. It’s made with a stainless steel exterior, and the interior is double-lined.
The vacuum insulation of the double-lined walls ensures that the temperature of the milk stays the same. You don’t need to worry about hot froth getting cold or cold froth getting warm.
The base is also sturdy and detachable. This makes it easy to pour the froth or milk without having to carry the base with it.
There are a couple of caveats with the Secura, though. Since it’s an electric milk frother, we’d also like to see it with automatic shut-off for safety and energy-saving purposes. It also comes with a two year warranty.
Pros
- Made with stainless steel.
- Minimum and maximum milk level indicators.
- 2-year warranty.
Cons
- No automatic shut-off.
- Not space-saving.
- Only holds 4 ounces of froth.
Milk Frother Buying Guide
Adding any milk frother to your online shopping cart is easy. Researching and selecting the best milk frother is hard.
We made it easier on you by comprehensively reviewing the top milk frothers on the market. Then, we provided a checklist of points to look for so you can select the right one based on your needs.
If you have not used a milk frother before, they can seem overwhelming. However, milk frothers are simple to use and can be very useful.
Here is a look at how to use a milk frother:
How to Select the Best Milk Frother for Lattes
If you love coffee, there’s a good chance you love lattes too. There’s nothing more comforting than a thick foamy froth on top of your drink. With a milk frother, you don’t have to run to the nearest coffee shop and spend $4 to $5 dollars every time you have a latte craving. If you want a frother that’s high-quality, easy to use, and will last you for several years, here’s what you need to consider.
Multi-Function
Contrary to what the name suggests, some milk frothers are capable of doing more than just frothing milk. You can, of course, stick to frothing milk for lattes, but you may have other options depending on the type of milk frother you choose.
Heating Function
One function we really like to see in a milk frother is the ability to steam or warm the milk. Manual and handheld milk frothers likely won’t have this option, but a good electric milk frother should.
Why would someone want warm milk? People who enjoy other types of coffee-based drinks may use warm milk for that purpose. Milk frothers that warm milk are also commonly used to make hot chocolate or hot tea with milk. Adding cold milk to your hot coffee or tea will simply make your drink colder.
Warm milk is different from warm froth, though. Some milk frothers with a heating function can also warm the frothed milk. This has the same benefits as warm milk: it won’t cool down your drink, and warm froth complements many types of beverages.
Makes Cold Froth
Imagine brewing a nice iced latte in the middle of summer. You know what pairs perfectly with iced coffee? A cold, foamy froth.
A common misconception about lattes and froth is that they only have one temperature: Hot. For people who enjoy iced coffee drinks, having a milk frother that makes cold froth is important.
Manual and handheld milk frothers are great for making cold froth. The user regulates the milk temperature. In electric milk frothers, having a cold setting isn’t guaranteed.
However, plenty of electric milk frothers can make cold froth. If this is important to you, consider a manual, handheld, or electric milk frother that can make both hot and cold froth.
Froths Non-Dairy Milks
Plenty of people are allergic or intolerant to dairy products, so they can’t enjoy regular milk. Alternatively, there’s a growing vegan population that prefers non-dairy milks.
For these people, finding a good milk frother is even trickier. Non-dairy milk can be less creamy and lower in fat than cow’s milk. Not surprisingly, the creaminess and fat content are pretty important in getting a good froth. Some milk frother manufacturers strongly suggest avoiding non-dairy milks if possible. But this isn’t what vegans and people with allergies want to hear.
Fortunately, some milk frothers work quite well with non-dairy milk such as the Epica and Capresso. Electric milk frothers typically work the best with non-dairy milks, but certain manual and handheld ones work as well.
Size and Capacity
Surprisingly, most people who are in the market for a milk frother don’t take size into consideration. Like other appliances, milk frothers come in various sizes. This means they can hold different amounts of froth and milk.
Since some milk frothers have multiple functions (frothing and heating the milk), they may have two different capacities. Milk naturally doubles when it’s frothed. If you use 3 ounces of regular milk, you’ll end up with about 6 ounces of froth.
Froth Capacity
At the very least, a milk frother should be able to make up to 4 ounces of froth. This is enough for a large latte.
Some milk frothers have an even larger froth capacity. We’ve seen frothers that can hold up to 8 ounces of froth. This is good for households with multiple latte drinkers.
Milk Capacity
The milk capacity refers to how much non-frothed milk the frother is compatible with. This is mainly important in frothers that have the dual function of heating and frothing milk.
For people who want to add warm milk to their coffee or hot chocolate, the milk capacity lets you know how much non-frothed milk the frother can hold or warm at a time. Some milk frothers with a warming function can hold up to 12 ounces of warm milk.
Durable Construction
Nobody wants to invest in a new kitchen tool that’s going to break down after a couple of uses. We’ve done our research and picked only the best milk frothers that are actually high-quality in both material and function.
High-quality materials
It seems like everything is made from plastic these days. While a thick plastic can make for a sturdy machine, we prefer stainless steel. Since milk frothers come in contact with food and drink, it’s important that they’re made with safe, high-quality materials.
Food-grade stainless steel is a material to look out for. What’s great about stainless steel is that it can be used in various types of milk frothers from hand-pumping ones to fully electric models.
Some manual milk frothers use glass, which is also a high-quality material. We like that glass can be used in the microwave and dishwasher.
Dishwasher-safe
If you have all the tools to make a barista-worthy latte—coffee grinder, espresso machine, and milk frother—you will end up with a lot of appliances that need cleaning. One way to solve this inconvenient issue is getting a milk frother that’s easy to clean.
Handheld frothers typically aren’t dishwasher-safe, but you can easily run them under the faucet to clean. Other manual frothers, like ones that use a pump, are usually safe to put in the dishwasher.
Electric milk frothers have two main parts: the heating component and the milk container. If the milk container is detachable and made from stainless steel, there’s a good chance it’s dishwasher-safe.
Types of Milk Frothers
Milk frothers started as milk steamers. They were made of stainless steel and used on a stovetop to heat the milk. Pressure would build up, so the hot milk would become foamy and frothy. Now, milk frothers look and function a lot differently.
There are three main types of milk frothers today: automatic, handheld, and manual.
Automatic or Electric
People with high-tech kitchens may gravitate towards a fully electric (a.k.a. automatic) milk frother. Automatic milk frothers use electricity to operate, so they plug into the wall. They’re typically larger in size than the other types of frothers, so they require more counter or storage space.
Automatic milk frothers are arguably the easiest to use and have the most settings. Simply add your milk and the automatic frother does the work for you. Some automatic models have up to four settings for different temperatures of froth and milk.
Since electric milk frothers use a vented disk to froth the milk, the result is a creamy foam similar to a lightweight whipped cream.
The drawbacks of automatic frothers include the more expensive price, larger size, and longer froth time. Other frothers take 30 seconds or less to produce froth, but automatic frothers usually take 1-2 minutes.
Handheld
A handheld milk frother still has an automatic component. You press a button, and the battery-operated whisk froths your mix at very high speeds. These are easy to use, affordable, space-saving, and versatile.
You can use handheld frothers with different types of milk, including non-dairy and cold milks. Some people use the handheld frother as a small mixer. The delicate whisk is great for stirring coffees, hot chocolates, and even cocktails.
If you like an airy foam that will dissolve on your tongue, you may prefer a handheld frother. It creates bubbles in the milk, resulting in a light and cloud-like froth.
Our reservation about this type of milk frother is that it’s not dishwasher safe. The stainless steel whisk is usually attached to the battery-operated component, so you must carefully wash the frother.
Manual
Manual milk frothers are great because they don’t require electricity or batteries. This means they’re typically dishwasher-safe and even microwave safe in some cases. Manual frothers are also great for travel.
To operate a manual milk frother, you press the pump repeatedly. This usually takes 30 seconds or less but can take up to a minute. This repeated motion pushes the milk through a fine mesh panel. The result is a rich and velvety froth.
Unlike electric and handheld frothers, a manual frother requires some arm work. This is the caveat of using a frother that operates with a manual pump.
We like manual frothers made from glass that can be put in the microwave. A drawback of non-automatic frothers is that they require a separate container to heat the milk before frothing. With a glass frother, you can heat the milk in the microwave and then froth in the same container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a frother heat milk?
A: It depends. The short answer is sometimes. Handheld and manual milk frothers do not heat milk. If you choose either of those types of frothers, you will have to regulate the milk temperature outside of the frothing process.
However, the majority of electric milk frothers are able to heat milk. In fact, some electric frothers have multiple settings so you can choose between hot froth, cold froth, or hot milk that has no froth at all. Some people use hot milk for hot chocolate and to stir into coffee, so this is a nice feature to have.
Q: Which is the best milk frother?
A: The best milk frother varies from person to person. Automatic milk frothers tend to have the most features and settings, and they yield the creamiest froth. If you want a milk frother to do it all (heat milk, make hot froth, and make cold froth), then consider an automatic frother. For a budget-friendly option, narrow down your selection to handheld and manual frothers. Manual frothers require the most work, but they create a rich froth.
Q: What is the purpose of a milk frother?
A: The core function of a milk frother is to convert it from regular milk into foam. Many people get confused because foamed milk is often associated with being warm. However, there are differences between a milk frother and milk steamer.
For some milk frothers, warming the milk is a separate step. For other milk frothers, the machine can froth and warm the milk at the same time. Even if a frother doesn’t heat the milk, it’s still considered a milk frother as long as it creates a foamy consistency.
Q: How do you use a milk frother?
A: Using a milk frother depends on the type of machine. If you have an automatic or electric milk frother, simply follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer. Handheld frothers are pretty straightforward: Insert the whisk into a glass of milk and press the button to operate. The type of milk frother that usually requires the most explanation is a manual one that uses a hand pump.
Conclusion
Making morning coffee is like a ritual. Some prefer it to be as quick as possible, while others are willing to put in extra time and effort to create the at-home latte of their dreams. However you make your coffee, adding a layer of froth changes the game.
Foamed milk is what takes at-home lattes to the next level. If making coffee is an art form to you, you’ll need the best milk frother you can get. With all the milk frothers to choose from, making next-level coffee in your own kitchen is easier and tastier than ever.
Once you experience a rich latte topped with creamy foam, you’ll never go back to drab black coffee again.
We hope that after reading our detailed milk frother reviews and comprehensive buying guide, you’ll have all the information you need to select the best milk frother for lattes that will change the coffee game for you.
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