The 10 Best Milk Frothers

Grabbing your morning latte or cappuccino at the nearest coffee house may be a delicious way to start your day, but it can be an expensive habit.

Milk frothers allow you to recreate those creamy, silky drinks at home. They can help you turn your morning ritual or afternoon pick-me-up into a mindful and pleasurable moment.

There are plenty of milk frothers to choose from and many details to take into consideration, including size, portability, capacity, and price.

Here are 10 of our favorite milk frothers.

• Best electric:
• Best handheld:
• Best manual:

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of milk frothers you can buy.

Electric

Plug-in milk frothers harness the power of electricity to make your milk bubbly and airy.

They’re the most expensive type of milk frother, but in return, they require virtually no effort to use. Just pour in your milk, press a button, and voila.

Many electric frothers also heat your milk, which is great news if you enjoy your latte or cappuccino piping hot.

Handheld

Handheld or motorized whisk frothers are battery-powered units with a small round whisk at the end.

They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and generally small in size. On the downside, they’re typically not as powerful as electric units.

Manual

Manual frothers utilize a hand pump to create foam for your favorite beverages.

While typically less expensive than electric models, you’ll need to put in a few minutes of pumping to achieve a solid froth.

The upside is that you don’t need a power outlet or batteries. Plus, these units are generally easy to clean.

Here are the criteria we used to decide our picks:

• Brand reputation: We only looked at brands with a solid reputation in the coffee world.
• Value: We included products at a variety of price points and prioritized options that provide a good value.
• Customer reviews: The products featured on this list all have positive reviews from customers.

Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Frother

• Price: $$$
• Capacity: 25 ounces (740 mL)
• Heating option: yes
• Material: stainless steel
• Warranty: 1-year limited
• Best for: making specialty coffee drinks

With its 25-ounce (740-mL) jug, this Breville frother offers the largest milk capacity among the options on this list. This allows you to prepare multiple frothy drinks at once.

Aside from the jug, it includes a frothing whisk, a heating whisk, and an electric base. This base offers temperature settings ranging from cold to extremely hot, allowing you to tailor the milk to your temperature preferences.

Another unique feature offered by this Breville frother is the small opening on its lid. Here, you can add spices like cinnamon or powdered chocolate while heating and frothing the milk.

The machine works with dairy and nondairy milk and is surprisingly quiet while in use. Plus, the jug is dishwasher safe since all of the electric parts are conveniently placed on the electric base.

On the downside, the minimum amount of milk required for frothing is 6 ounces (177 mL). This may lead to waste if you’re preparing a single standard 8-ounce (240-mL) cup of Joe or simply prefer less milk in your drink.

The frother comes with a 1-year limited warranty. Most of the parts and accessories are also available separately in case you need to replace them.

Secura Automatic Electric Frother and Warmer MMF-003

• Price: $$
• Capacity: 8.5 ounces (251 mL)
• Heating option: yes
• Material: stainless steel
• Warranty: 2 years
• Best for: making coffee for 1 or 2

If you’re looking for an automatic frother at an affordable price, the Secura Automatic Electric Frother and Warmer will not disappoint.

It offers an 8.5-ounce (250-mL) frothing capacity. It includes both heating and frothing whisks, along with a cleaning brush for the latter.

The frother comes with a single, nonadjustable temperature setting and features vacuum insulation to preserve the heat. A common user complaint is that it may burn a thin layer of milk at the bottom.

The device comes with an electric base. However, because the pitcher is built-in with the electrical parts, it’s not dishwasher safe. Still, its nonstick interior makes it easy to clean despite the potential layer of burnt milk.

It works with both dairy and nondairy milk alternatives, makes little to no sound while frothing, and has a 2-year warranty.

Nestle Nespresso Aeroccino 4

• Price: $$$
• Capacity: 8 ounces (237 mL)
• Heating option: yes
• Material: stainless steel
• Warranty: 2 years
• Best for: pairing with a Nespresso machine

The Nestle Nespresso Aeroccino 4 offers simplicity, convenience, and long lasting foam.

Unlike alternative options, this frother comes with just one whisk which works with four settings: cold, hot, froth, or extra froth. Thus, you don’t have to remember to swap around whisks or worry about misplacing one.

Despite being electrical, you may submerge it in water or clean it in a dishwasher.

The pitcher comes with a small lip to make pouring easier, and it makes almost no sound while frothing.

But in this case, convenience comes at a price. It’s the most expensive frother on this list, even though it has a lower milk capacity, fitting in just 4 ounces (120 mL) for frothing and 8 ounces (240 mL) for heating.

The frother comes with a 2-year warranty.

Bodum Bistro Electric Milk Frother

• Price: $
• Capacity: 10 ounces (296 mL)
• Heating option: yes
• Material: nonstick interior
• Warranty: 2-year limited
• Best for: versatile coffee making

The Bodum Bistro Electric Milk Frother delivers dense and creamy foam. It features the lowest price among the electric frothers on this list.

This unit includes two main parts: the power base and the electrical pitcher. It has one whisk that works both for making hot foam and for heating. It suits both dairy and nondairy milk.

It features a 10-ounce (295-mL) heating capacity, and about half of that for frothing. Unlike the other electric frothers on this list, the Bodum Bistro doesn’t deliver cold foam.

One distinctive feature of the Bodum Bistro is that it can heat your milk to 158°F (70°C). If the milk is left in the pitcher and the temperature drops to 122°F (50°C), it will automatically start operating again to reheat or re-froth it.

While this frother isn’t dishwasher safe, you may fill it with soapy water and turn it on for easy cleaning. After that, you only have to rinse it with enough water to remove any soap residue.

This frother boasts a 2-year limited warranty.

Capresso Froth Plus

• Price: $$
• Capacity: 12 ounces (355 mL)
• Heating option: yes
• Material: scratch-resistant plastic
• Warranty: 1-year limited
• Best for: serving guests

The Capresso Froth Plus mixes the large capacity of the Secura frother and the convenience of the Nespresso Aeroccino 4 at a moderate price.

Like most automatic frothers, it comes with an electric base and removable pitcher. The maximum milk capacity is 8 ounces (240 mL) for frothing and 12 ounces (355 mL) for heating.

As for the convenience part, the pitcher is made out of a scratch-resistant material and is dishwasher safe.

Another distinctive feature of the Capresso frother is that it comes with three discs total, two for frothing and one for heating.

A frequent user complaint is a relatively short life span of just over 1 year, with defects that may not be covered by its 1-year limited warranty.

Aerolatte

• Price: $
• Warranty: 2 years
• Best for: any recipe that requires whisking

The Aerolatte handheld milk frother has a portable and compact design that easily fits in any drawer. It comes with a counter stand and protective cases are available as well.

This battery-operated device has a long wand with a frothing whisk at the end and an on-off switch. It’s made from stainless steel and is available in four colors.

While it froths all types of milk, including nondairy types, you must heat the milk beforehand if you want it warm. Unlike an electric frother, this one won’t heat the milk for you.

Make sure not to turn it on until the whisk is completely submerged in the milk. Otherwise, you risk splashing all over the kitchen counter.

This handy frother can double as a multipurpose whisking tool. For instance, you can use it to make sauces and dressings.

It’s a budget-friendly choice, easy to clean, comes with a counter stand, and offers a 2-year warranty.

Kuissential Slickfroth 2.0

• Price: $
• Warranty: 2 years
• Best for: any recipe that requires whisking

The Kuissential Slickfroth 2.0 is another low budget, lightweight milk frother that delivers a delicate foam.

It’s battery-operated, with a powerful motor that vibrates all the way up to the handle.

Instead of having an on-off switch, the Kuissential Slickfroth has a single button at the top of the handle. Simply press and hold it to operate. Once you’re done, place the whisk in soapy water and pulse a couple of times to clean it.

Just like the Aerolatte frother, this one works with all types of milk but doesn’t heat it.

It can also be used to mix powders, such as matcha or chocolate, into milk. Or, use it to prepare any other recipe that needs whisking.

This frother boasts a 2-year warranty but doesn’t come with a counter stand.

PowerLix Milk Pro

• Price: $
• Warranty: lifetime
• Best for: any recipe that requires whisking

The PowerLix Milk Pro handheld frother is yet another elegant and compact frother. It creates a creamy foam in about 20 seconds.

It’s available in black, silver, and red — although only the black one includes a counter stand.

It has an ergonomic handle with a button that you press and hold to froth the nondairy or regular milk. The whisk is made out of stainless steel and needs AA batteries to operate.

Note that just like the other handheld frothers, you’ll have to heat the milk beforehand if you prefer it warmed.

This frother offers an impressive 100% lifetime warranty for a low price.

HIC Milk Creamer Frother

• Price: $
• Capacity: 14 ounces (414 mL)
• Material: stainless steel
• Warranty: 2 years
• Best for: kitchens without a convenient outlet

The HIC Milk Creamer Frother is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a frother that doesn’t require batteries or electricity. Using it takes a little extra work compared with using an electric device.

It’s made out of stainless steel. The lid has a wire whisk with a handle. Manually pump it up and down roughly 20 times to froth the milk.

As it doesn’t have a heating function, you’ll need to preheat the milk before frothing if you prefer it warmed.

Alternatively, due to its heat-resistant material, you can place it directly onto the stovetop and heat the milk straight in it. Just keep in mind that some users report that this can overheat the bottom and burn the milk.

It has a generous 14-ounce (414-mL) milk capacity and froths both dairy and nondairy milk.

Additionally, it’s easy to clean and is even dishwasher safe.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that this manual frother comes at an affordable price and with a 2-year warranty.

Norpro Glass Froth Master

• Price: $
• Capacity: 16 ounces (473 mL)
• Material: glass
• Warranty: none
• Best for: making coffee for a crowd

The Norpro Glass Froth Master is an economical, simple, and convenient manual frother.

Its beaker is made out of glass so you can easily see how much foam you’ve got. The frother comes with a stainless steel lid that holds the wire pump.

It has a 16-ounce (480-mL) milk capacity — the second largest milk capacity among the frothers on this list. It can be used with hot, cold, dairy, and nondairy milk.

Another unique feature of the Norpro frother is that it’s microwave and dishwasher safe.

However, being made from glass makes it more delicate than alternative products. If it does break, it doesn’t have a warranty, either.

There are multiple variables you should take into account when choosing a milk frother, including:

• Price: Handheld and manual frothers are generally on the cheaper side but still deliver excellent results.
• Size and portability: Electric and manual frothers are considerably larger than the handheld ones. Handheld and manual frothers work perfectly anywhere you go.
• Types of milk: All three types of frothers work with dairy and nondairy milk. Generally, it’s best to use full-fat milk when using a manual frother to get more foam.
• Temperature: Electric frothers may be more convenient when it comes to temperature, as they heat the milk for you. That said, all three types of frothers can froth hot milk.
• Ease of cleaning: Manual frothers are typically the easiest to clean since you don’t need to worry about getting any handles or electronics wet.
• Ease of use: If you’re looking for a frother that does the full job for you, an electric frother may be best, followed by the handheld ones.

Once you have decided which type of frother best suits your need, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

What’s the difference between a milk frother and a milk steamer?

A frother uses a motorized whisk to froth milk, while a steamer uses pressurized steam to heat milk and create foam.

In most cases, you’ll get more foam with a milk frother.

What’s the best way to clean your milk frother?

That depends on whether it’s dishwasher safe or not.

Dishwasher safe units can go straight into the dishwasher. Those that aren’t can be cleaned by adding a little soapy water to the interior and turning on the machine.

You can clean handheld units by running them in soapy water, while manual units should be cleaned with warm water and soap.

Can you froth any type of milk?

Milk with a higher fat content will work best, but you can experiment with different brands and types of milk.

Milk frothers can help you enjoy creamy lattes and cappuccinos at home.

If you’re interested in buying one, consider reviewing the features that are most important to you. These may include the available counter or drawer space in your kitchen, ease of cleaning, price, size, temperature features, and if the device works well with your milk of choice.

Once you’ve set your frothing priorities, you’ll find numerous options that can be divided into different functional categories, including electrical, handheld, or manual frothers.

Ultimately, they’ll all deliver a silky and creamy foam to add on top of your favorite drink.