Best Automatic and Manual Milk Frothers to Make Coffee-Based Drinks

Review & Comparison, Last Update March 16, 2024
If you like coffee and want to enjoy the great taste of your favorite drink, you need to use a milk frother. With the help of this small appliance, you will be able to make a delicious cup of foamy and fragrant cappuccino or latte. We have compared 5 best milk frothers to help you make the right pick. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
TYPE AND CAPACITY
FROTHING SPEED
FROTHING WHISKS
MATERIAL
CONTROLS
WARRANTY
 
PROS

Fitted with a single frothing whisk, this unit can make hot and cold froth and even heat up milk, all that done just in 30-40 seconds. 

CONS

The base has a rather large footprint. 

OUR VERDICT

The Nespresso Aeroccino4 is a compact and highly efficient milk frother for home use that will be duly appreciated by all milk lovers and fans of milk cocktails and creamy coffee drinks. Covered with a ceramic coating from the inside, it is easy to maintain. Besides, it is dishwasher safe up to 158 °F.

detailed parameters
TYPE AND CAPACITY

Automatic, can froth 4 oz. and heat 8.2 oz.

FROTHING SPEED

30-40 sec

FROTHING WHISKS

1 frothing whisk

MATERIAL

Stainless steel milk jug with inner ceramic coating

CONTROLS

4 illuminated buttons (activation base button, hot foam, hot milk, and cold foam)

WARRANTY

30 days

PROS

This frother has a durable Teflon-coated interior, which prevents the milk from burning and is very easy to clean. Also, the device boasts silent operation allowing you to make a cup of Joe whenever you want without causing no discomfort to your loved ones. 

CONS

Hot milk temperature might seem somewhat low. 

OUR VERDICT

The Secura is an inexpensive milk frother that is well suitable for home and professional use. Despite its lower price tag, the unit has all the essential features you expect to find in this type of appliance. It operates pretty fast and offers decent functional versatility. 

detailed parameters
TYPE AND CAPACITY

Automatic, can froth 4.25 oz. and heat 8.5 oz.

FROTHING SPEED

~60 sec

FROTHING WHISKS
1 frothing whisk and 1 stirrer
MATERIAL
Teflon-coated stainless steel carafe
CONTROLS
1 button (for cold and hot milk), max. and min. level indicators, hot and cold modes indicator
WARRANTY

2 years 

PROS

This machine has a stylish case with a corrugated surface. The non-stick material makes it extremely easy to care for, and also ensures the durability of use.

CONS

The instruction leaflet is too short.

OUR VERDICT

The Nespresso Aeroccino3 milk frother quickly froths and heats milk up to 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit, and also prepares cold milk. Now you can enjoy your favorite coffee drinks without leaving home.

detailed parameters
TYPE AND CAPACITY

Automatic, can froth 4.1 oz. and heat 8.1 oz.

FROTHING SPEED

60-80 sec

FROTHING WHISKS

1 frothing whisk

MATERIAL

Stainless steel and black plastic, Non-stick surface

CONTROLS

1 button (for cold and hot milk), Color indicator for cold and hot modes, Auto shut off

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

The unit boasts fairly compact dimensions under pretty high capacity. Thanks to special cord storage in the base, the frother needs minimum space for storage. 

CONS

The unit might overheat after several frothing sessions in a row. 

OUR VERDICT

An automated milk frother from Bodum stands out for compactness, ease of use, and a fairly affordable price. Without costing a fortune, it will make you one step closer to making Barista-style coffee drinks at home that will taste just like those you buy in the nearest coffee shop. 

detailed parameters
TYPE AND CAPACITY

Automatic, can froth and heat 10 oz.

FROTHING SPEED

60 sec.

FROTHING WHISKS

1 frothing whisk

MATERIAL

Stainless steel body with non-stick coating, Tritan plastic lid

CONTROLS

On/off switch, Max and min level indicators, Auto shut-off

WARRANTY

2 years 

PROS
The lid has a measuring cup that you can remove to add some ingredients when mixing is on. Thus, you can make a delicious hot chocolate and other drinks. The lid itself can be opened with no effort thanks to the Breville Assist Ring-Pool Removal.
CONS
The minimal froth amount might be too much for an average cup of coffee.
OUR VERDICT

The Breville BMF600XL is a good choice both for a coffee shop and for a big family. A variety of settings included allows you to make any possible coffee drinks with cold or hot foam as your heart desires. 

detailed parameters
TYPE AND CAPACITY
Automatic, can froth 16 oz. and heat 25 oz.
FROTHING SPEED

60 - 420 sec

FROTHING WHISKS
1 latte frothing disc, 1 cappuccino frothing disc
MATERIAL
Stainless steel milk jug
CONTROLS

Start / Stop push dial (for cold stir, warm, optimum milk temperature - 140°F, hot), LED indicator

WARRANTY

1-year limited

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Nespresso 4192-US Aeroccino4

All-in-one Functionality

Nespresso is definitely an expert in coffee making. Always taking top positions in ratings and comparison reviews, Nespresso machines stand out for a simple design and thought-out multifold functionality. In other words, with minimum effort and no special tweaks engaged, you can make a whole variety of coffee drinks to any taste and preference. The Nespresso Aeroccino 4 milk frother is not an exception. Designed with exceptional ease of use in mind, it offers touch-of-a-button operation and great versatility.

Consisting of a frothing jug and a power base, the Aeroccino 4 is a fully automated little machine. Yet, you’ll be surprised that without any additional accessories, the unit can make 4 varieties of milk, including two types of foam, cold whisked milk and hot milk. And there is no guesswork required, you just need to choose between four intuitive control buttons, each going for a separate program. Thus, going from the left to the right, the first blue-lit button is for cold whisked milk with fine foam, ideal for milkshakes and iced coffee. Next to it is a setting for the hot milk. Slightly frothed, hot milk is ideal for French-style cafe au lait. The other two buttons are for soft and thick foam accordingly to create a range of coffee drinks from habitual cappuccino to caffe mocha and latte macchiato. Whatever program you select, it will be accomplished in about 30-40 seconds.

In terms of capacity, the Aeroccino 4 is a pretty small model. However, the jug volume still allows whisking enough froth and milk for a couple of larger servings and several small cups. Thus, you can froth up to 4 oz of milk and cold whisk or heat up to 8.2 oz. What’s more, inside the jug, there are special measuring marks that will help you pour the right amount of milk for the task at hand.

Review of Nespresso 4192-US Aeroccino4 Milk Frother

Branded Quality

Along with the all-in-one functionality, the Nespresso Aeroccino 4 is distinguished by its quality design. The jug is made of stainless steel, hence, it is damage-poof. From the inside, the jug is coated with ceramics. Not only is it safe to contact with the food and highly durable but also it prevents sticking and eases the cleaning. A hefty plastic handle firmly riveted to the jug is ergonomically shaped to ensure a comfortable and secure grip and safe handling of the hot vessel. Meanwhile, a transparent lid will prevent any spills and mess while frothing and let you conveniently view the whole process of turning milk into fluffy gentle foam. Other good news is that the jug is dishwasher safe. So, after use, you can either rinse it with hot water and let the dishwashing machine do the cleaning job for you. Just mind to take out the frothing spindle.

All things considered, if you look for a simple, practical, and functional milk frother for regular daily use, the Nespresso Aeroccino 4 will get you covered. Relatively compact, stylish, and easy-to-use, it will make a nice addition to any kitchen.

Nespresso 4192-US Aeroccino4 Milk Frother in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $129.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B01JCEKE8C

 

Secura MMF-015

Affordable and Fast

Milk frothers are generally not on the higher side in terms of cost. And yet, if you take models from premium brands which come loaded with various features, their prices can go far above $100. If you don't want to pay that much but still look for a good quality frother, we strongly recommend turning your eyes to the Secure MMF-015. This company remains the leader in the economic segment of kitchen appliances and is famous for producing high-quality appliances with decent functionality and affordable price tags. The Secure MMF-015 is just like that.

Despite a lower price tag, this frother is automatic and can be used for making froth as well as warming milk. You just need to push one button on the side of the device. Speaking of capacity, you get 8.5 oz for heating milk and 4.25 oz. for frothing accordingly. This isn't much, but it will be enough for home use, whether you live alone, with a spouse or with a few teen children. Moreover, a 17-oz milk frother is available, too, so if needed, you can choose a bigger option.

With the Secura MMF-015, frothing hot and cold milk will be easy and won't take more than a few seconds. Generally, it takes around 60 seconds to prepare foam and even less time to make cold froth for refreshing iced cappuccino or latte. Notably, the package of the Secura MMF-015 includes everything needed to start using the device without buying anything else separately, which is nice considering its affordable price tag.

Review of Secura MMF-015 Automatic Electric Milk Frother and Warmer

Handy and Easy-to-use

Packed in a stylish carafe-like design and featuring a catchy stainless steel exterior, the Secura MMF-015 will look great on your kitchen countertop and add a touch of modern style to your kitchen interior. As classy and functional as it is, the unit is also very practical and a breeze to use.

The carafe is made of Teflon-coated stainless steel, so, the milk won’t burn and stick to the walls of the carafe. For your convenience, the carafe has minimum and maximum level indicators so that you know how much milk to pour to avoid any appliance misfunction and achieve the desired frothing results. There is only one control button below two light indicators for you to effortlessly select between heating mode and cold frothing.

The Secura frother jug is not dishwasher safe and only manual wash is allowed. Yet, a handy cleaning brush that comes in the set greatly simplifies its maintenance and makes sure cleaning it of dry milk residue is no hassle at all.

In conclusion, the Secura MMf-015 milk frother will deliver the most of what you expect from this type of appliances without hitting your budget.

Secura MMF-015 Automatic Electric Milk Frother and Warmer in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $38.98
Stock In stock
ASIN B00JEPP64C

 

Nespresso Aeroccino3

Your Perfect Foam

Need a milk frother that can make great foam with zero effort? Enter the Nespresso Aeroccino3. You’ll be surprised at how smart and user-friendly this machine is, and be able to enjoy an ideal cup of coffee at your kitchen.

Hot or cold, the milk froth will be ready after a single button push. Yes, you’ve read everything perfectly. The Aeroccino3 does all the hard work, leaving the pleasure up to you. Press the button briefly if you like it hot – or keep pressing for 2 seconds to get cold froth. This machine is so easy that it can be used by literally any family member, from an older relative to a kid.

Let’s talk a little about the frother’s design. First of all, it’s really stylish, successfully combining the classic and modern hi-tech look. The button doesn’t stick out, and the machine is quite portable.

On the downside, if you’re used to higher capacity models, you may be slightly disappointed. The Aeroccino3 can froth 4.1 oz. and heat 8.1 oz. of milk. One way to overcome this is to go lighter on the foam and fill it up to the brim.

This frother can auto shut off when the job is done. A nice user-centric touch.

Review of Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother

Any Style You Like

When using the Aeroccino3, you’re free to choose from the 3 preparation styles. The iced cappuccino/latte; the simple cappuccino/latte; and café au lait. Whichever you pick, be sure that your hot or cold foam will be all ready in over a minute. Heating up the milk is even faster (60 seconds). Let’s agree, why waste your time on other frothing techniques when you have this handy kitchen device?

One thing you should know is that not all milk types will foam on the same level. You’re welcome to experiment with different consistencies and brands for the best possible results. Ideally, the Aeroccino3 should make thick and well-whipped cream-like foam that holds up well during pouring.

Another pro of this model is that the frother is super easy to clean after use. It comes with a nonstick interior and can be rinsed out and air dried with zero issues. Just remember not to use any abrasives to avoid damaging it from inside. Also, make sure that there’s no residue anywhere around, as it can affect the spinning process.

Overall, the Aeroccino3 is a very simple – and very effective – means of enjoying your favorite coffee type with hot or cold froth.

Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B06XHWQJKN

 

BODUM 11870-01US Bistro

Compactness Paired With Capacity

Do you find yourself buying a couple of coffee drinks in coffee shops every day? Want to start making those delicious milky coffee beverages at home but don’t have enough space for yet another kitchen appliance like a milk frother? If so, the Bistro milk frother from Bodum will definitely catch your fancy.

First off, the model is fairly compact and won’t take more space on your countertop than a French press. Since it’s an electric model, it consists of a frothing jug and a power base accordingly. Yet, in contrast to other similar models, in which the base is often pretty much larger in diameter or wider than the jug bottom, this model has a round base with a very small footprint. Paired with a slim jug profile, it will perfectly fit even onto cramped countertops or can be put anywhere in the corner near the power socket. Thanks to cable storage in the base, there will be no tangling wires around. Besides, if you are not eager to take a single spare inch on the countertop, you can compactly stow the unit away to the kitchen cabinet where it will take minimum space as well.

However, despite its compact dimensions, the Bodum frother provides pretty generous capacity. You can froth up to 10 oz of milk at a time that will suffice for several cups of coffee, depending on the drink you are going to make.

Made of steel, the jug is highly durable and damage-proof. Though it features no handle, it doesn’t heat up from the outside and is absolutely safe to carry. From the inside, it has a non-stick coating that will make cleaning a real snap. To avoid scorches, rinse the pitcher with hot water right after use and wipe it dry with a towel.

Review of BODUM 11870-01US Bistro Electric Milk Frother

Barista-style Coffee Drinks Made at Home

If you are an avid coffee lover and can’t pass by a coffee shop without taking a cup of creamy latte or flavorful macchiato, you’ll be glad to know that with the Bodum frother, you can make the same drinks at home. And there is no need to spend more or even go anywhere (provided that you have some milk in the fridge, of course).

Unlike a handheld frother where you have to control the frothing process manually, the Bodum offers fully automated operation. Featuring a straightforward design and intuitive controls, it will do the whole job for you. You just need to push one single button on the jug. Yet, though seemingly simple, this little machine can make both cold and hot milk froth and warm up the milk. Measure marks on the inner jug walls will give you a hint how much milk you need to pour to prevent splashes and unwanted spillage. Besides, once the milk is frothed or heated, the unit will turn off automatically ensuring reliable protection from overheats. To warm up milk, you need to take out the frothing spindle and the unit will heat the milk up to 158°F in about 1 minute. So, with the Bodum Bistro frother at hand, adding a creamy touch to your coffee drinks is as easy as one, two, three. Latte and cappuccino, Cafe Au Lait and Cafe Breve, Cortado and Mocha, whatever your heart desires, you can do it in the comfort of your home. More than that, you can simply make a portion of warm milk to eat your crunchy cornflake breakfast or drink before going to bed.

Summing up, distinguished by compactness and ease-of-use, the Bodum Bistro milk frother will match a kitchen of any size and make you one step closer to creating Barista-style coffee drinks in your own kitchen.

BODUM 11870-01US Bistro Electric Milk Frother in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07CNG6RM7

 

Breville BMF600XL

Froth in Larger Portions

Do larger families need more high-capacity kitchen appliances? More often than not, they really do. Even when it comes to milk frothers, having a bigger device will be more beneficial since it will help save a lot of time and allow everyone to enjoy their cup of Joe without waiting long in the morning. Sounds exactly like the type of milk frother you're looking for? Then consider the Breville BMF600XL.

It’s an automatic milk frother that boasts quite a large capacity. Just to give you some numbers, you can make up to 16 oz. of milk froth (varying in density) at a time or warm up to 25 oz. of milk. That means, you'll be able to get up to 3 cups of smooth and fluffy frothed milk for your favorite foamy lattes and creamy cappuccinos or about 5 cups of hot milk to make cocoa or hot chocolate for your children or drink English-style tea, more than enough to cater to the needs of an average family and just the optimal size for small cafés, snack bars, and coffee shops.

As far as the frothing speed goes, it isn't as impressive as the capacity of the unit, with the time varying from 60 seconds up to 7 minutes. However, given the amount of foam it can froth and the volume of milk it can warm up, it's not a drawback at all. Besides, the appliance uses induction heating technology, which allows it to ensure even and uniform heat without scorching and help you achieve maximum smooth results.

The Breville BMF600XL is very simple in use and is distinguished with its excellent assembly quality. The jug is made of stainless steel, so it's impact- and damage-proof and dishwasher-safe. Hence, you can be sure that the unit will flawlessly serve you for years without breaking down any time soon.

Review of Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother

... and Enjoy a Variety of Milk-based Drinks

The Breville BMF600XL comes with two frothing discs, each of them meant for its own purpose. As the name suggests, the latte frothing disc makes soft and silky foam for a creamy latte while a cappuccino frothing disc makes much denser foam to top up your cup of cappuccino. In addition, you can stir cold milk and warm up milk (with heating temperatures varying up to 170°F). And storing the frothing discs is fairly easy. Thanks to onboard storage, you’ll always have them at hand.

However, this kitchen appliance not only makes foam and heats milk but also gives you an opportunity to diversify your milk-based drinks. The measuring cup (which is an integral part of the lid) enables you to add some ingredients right during the mixing process. Just remove the cup and add an ingredient through the hole. You can blend in drinking chocolate, some honey, cocoa powder, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, etc.

To cut a long story short, the BMF600XL is a great appliance suitable not only for home but also for commercial use. It will cater to the needs of occasional coffee drinkers and true connoisseurs and provide a lot of room for experiment.

Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother in the use
Last updated price $127.35
Stock In stock
ASIN B004RCNJ9Q

VIDEO
Breville -- Tips & Tricks: The Milk Café BMF600XL
 

How it works:

Infographics

Comparison of Automatic and Manual Milk Frothers to Make Coffee-Based Drinks

What Is a Milk Frother?

In this review, we are going to compare the most popular milk frother machines that are used in cafes and restaurants as well as at home for making coffee with a foamy topping and mixing a variety of white coffee beverages. Of course, milk frothers are used predominantly for the ‘foamy’ types of coffee such as cappuccino, latte, latte macchiato, and so on. A milk frother allows you to get a delicious and fresh milk foam. There are automatic electric milk frothers that look like carafes and are able to not only froth milk but also to heat it up. And there are appliances for one-hand operation: you need to immerse them into a cup of hot or cold milk just like a blender. Of course, these appliances are much cheaper but they can’t warm milk.

While looking for a milk frother, you may just as well want to check out our selection of coffee machines. Or, if you love tea, take a look at this review of most popular French presses.

What Features to Compare

If you are a true coffee lover, you might have read a lot of milk frother reviews but failed to find the best one, otherwise you would not be reading our comparison. We have chosen the most popular milk frothers and compared them by the features that are the most important for buyers.

Type and Capacity

The first thing to consider is the type and capacity of a milk frother. As we have already mentioned, there are 2 types of milk frothers available: automatic milk steamers that look like metal carafes and manual frother wands (also called handheld milk frothers). Of course, the latter are more affordable, but they can’t heat the milk up, which is the drawback to these models. Also, if you choose a frother wand you will be able to froth milk right in a glass coffee jar and then add coffee, whereas if you froth milk in a carafe you will need to add it manually, using a spoon, for example. If you pick an automatic milk frother and steamer - make sure to check what capacity it offers. If you need to prepare quite a lot of foam (if you are running a cafe or restaurant, for example), make sure to choose a milk steamer and frother with the capacity of at least 8.5 oz. (240 ml). If you want to use it at home, a smaller carafe will be enough. Keep in mind that you can heat the whole carafe of milk but if you want to just froth it - the necessary volume of milk you must fill in will be half the size.

Frothing Speed

The next thing to consider is the frothing speed. Here you should clearly realize how fast a milk frother works because sometimes you will not be happy to wait for several minutes until foam is ready or milk becomes hot. If you want to drink a foamy coffee as quickly as possible, buy a frother that can cope with the task within 20-30 seconds. Unfortunately, not many frothers can offer such performance and there are many automatic models that take almost 90 seconds to prepare foam. Also, consider how long it takes for a carafe to heat up the milk. Next, keep in mind that milk frothers are usually equipped with a couple of whisks: one for making foam and another one for stirring the drink while the device heats it. That said, you can find milk frothers featuring not one but two frothing whisks. The advantage of these models is that they allow you to achieve different foam density.

Extras

Finally, consider extras and usability features included with the chosen frother. First things first, pay attention to the material it is made from. Most milk frothers are made of stainless steel, but you can find models that have aluminum carafes making them more lightweight. Also, consider if a carafe is dishwasher-safe. That would make the maintenance of the unit easier a ton. That said, cleaning it under running water using a simple brush is a quick job too. Also, check out controls - they should be easy to comprehend and have some marks making it easier to figure out which button to push.

Sources:

1. BEST MILK FROTHER, Thoroughly Reviewed.

2. Ruth and Ben Traxler, Lindsay Ellis, Juliet Spurrier How to Choose the Best Bottle Warmer, BabyGearLab. June 28, 2016.

3. Katherine Marko What Is the Difference Between Frothed Milk & Steamed Milk? Our Everyday Life.

4. John-Michael Bosman Our top milk steaming tips, Yuppiechef. July 3, 2014.

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