There's always something special about a cup of coffee with a layer of foam perfectly poured by a skilled barista.
But with a quality milk frother, any coffee lover can replicate their favorite coffee. Read our article to discover the best milk frothers on the market.
Instant 4-in-1 Frother and Steamer
The people behind the Instant Pot are experts in efficient, multifunctional design, so it's no big surprise that the brand's milk frother does more than just froth milk. It's also a fully functional mug warmer, capable of heating your coffee or tea, as well as creating hot or cold, thick or thin froth.
In all tests, the machine excelled. With whole milk, the foam held up over time and maintained its integrity on hot coffee, and with oat milk, the aerated foam didn't deflate after pouring. Cold foam results in a very stable and silky texture, ideal for latte art, especially since this frother has a narrow, precise nozzle. And the results with hot chocolate are as creamy as a milkshake.
This machine is more expensive than most handheld versions (including the ElitaPro), but it's also much more capable. The only design or performance issue it has is properly positioning the internal beater. The elongated shape requires a few attempts to master.
Type: Electric Countertop | Automatic Heating: Yes | Capacity: 295 ml | Dimensions: 12 x 21 cm | Weight: 770 g
Nespresso Aeroccino4 Milk Frother
Whether or not you've invested in a high-end Nespresso machine, the brand's milk frother is one of the most sophisticated. The device creates a tight, foamy foam that maintains its structure, perfect for latte art, and its comfortable handle makes it easy to pour the garnish directly into your cup.
It's quite powerful, bringing hot chocolate to 58Β°C on the lowest of its two heat settings. Nespresso claims a maximum temperature of 70Β°C, which could overheat the milk and create burnt flavors; be very careful with the high setting. You have plenty of options, with the ability to make dense or airy cold foams, heat without foaming, or do both.
Type: Electric Countertop | Automatic Heating: Yes | Capacity: 236 ml | Dimensions: 11 x 19 cm | Weight: 862 g
Bodum Bistro Electric Milk Frother
With a futuristic, compact design, the Bodum electric milk frother takes up very little space despite having more capacity than any of the other countertop models on this list.
The machine creates a firm, stable foam that stays put after pouring. With cold foam, it produces a silky, finely bubbled foam, and with hot chocolate, it creates a milkshake-like foam. It can heat or froth separately, or do both at the same time, although it doesn't have multiple texture options.
As easy as it is to use, the Bodum is also easy to clean; the cup, lid, and whisk parts are dishwasher safe.
Type: Electric Countertop | Automatic Heating: Yes | Capacity: 400 ml | Dimensions: 10.4 x 21 cm | Weight: 843 g
HIC Fino Milk Frother
Sometimes, an electric model isn't the best option. This pitcher's manual double-mesh aerator gives you complete control over the texture of your milk, and pumping it can become part of your meditative morning ritual as you prepare a perfect latte or cappuccino.
It only takes about a minute to achieve a super-stable, sparkling foam with fine bubbles. Since there are no electronic components or batteries, you can put it in the dishwasher (on the top rack) to clean it.
While great for coffee drinks, the Fino isn't ideal for hot chocolate. The aerator doesn't scrape the bottom well enough to blend ingredients, and you can't see how well everything is blended without stopping to remove the lid and release the heat.
Type: Countertop | Automatic Heating: No | Capacity: 414 ml | Dimensions: 13.3 x 15.2 cm | Weight: 317 g
ElitaPro Double Whisk Milk Frother
For starters, you'll notice it has a pair of wire rings on the end attachment, compared to the single one on most competitors. The double-whisk action makes a real difference, creating a brilliant foam with whole milk and a silky, structured foam with oat milk. It also produces an inch and a half of foam on top of a mug.
It has a very lightweight design and a comfortable grip. You can clean it by submerging the accessory in a glass of soapy water, rinsing it, and turning it on again to dry. We liked the small included stand to place it next to your coffee equipment. It also comes with an additional egg beater for omelets and similar dishes.
Type: Handheld | Automatically Heats: No | Dimensions: 24 x 6.4 x 6.2 cm | Weight: 140 g
A good milk frother can transform your home coffee experience, allowing you to enjoy perfect foam on your favorite drinks. There are a wide variety of models to suit your needs, making coffee preparation easier and more enjoyable.