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Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on an expensive espresso machine, you can make café-style drinks at home by using milk frothers and steamers.
Adding air and heat to the milk is a critical ingredient in the smoothness of many coffee drinks. Most baristas use an espresso machine with a built-in steam wand. However, not everyone can afford this option.
These seven milk steamers and frothers covered in this article encompass all odf the different options so that you can find the style and price tag that fits your needs.
We’ll also explain what you should look for when buying one and the pros and cons.
Different Types Of Milk Frothers
A wide range of options, sizes, and features are available for milk steamers and frothers. Handheld and jug-style frothers are the most common.
Handheld Milk Frothers
The price of a handheld milk frother is typically lower. You must hold the whisk in your hand while it spins and the frothing process is finished.
These types of frothers don’t heat the milk.
Jug Milk Frothers
It is more expensive to buy a jug-style milk frothing machine than a handheld one. Included in the package is a whisk for making frothy milk.
Many of these machines have heating options to properly prepare frothed and steamed milk. Steamers for milk that use an induction coil are standard, but you can also find models that can be used on a stovetop.
Electric
An electric milk steamer is usually among the priciest options in terms of cost. They take care of everything. The machine does all the work for you. You simply pour in the milk and adjust the settings.
Microbubbles can be infused into the milk using these electric milk frother models.
Electric frothers also work the best for soy milk, whole milk, vegan milk, and if you’re feeling creative are the best milk steamer for latte art.
Immersion
The motorized whisk is the next best thing to have on hand. These handheld frother blenders are very similar to each other.
By positioning the whisk near the top or near the bottom of the milk jug, you can control the amount and texture of milk foam produced making it easy to create the perfect froth.
If you want to make cold milk froth this is the tool I would use, it is a lot easier than using a fancy espresso machine for all of your coffee drinks.
Manual
This option can also be accomplished with the help of a hand pump or a manual milk frother. These are similar to that of a French Press coffee maker.
Moving the plunger up and down and infusing the milk with air bubbles is how you make froth and foam.
Best Frothers And Steamers
1. Breville BMF600XL Electric Milk Frother
In my opinion, this is one of the best milk frothers, Breville is an excellent company that only makes high-quality devices.
Induction heating is used in this jug-style milk frother to keep the milk at the ideal temperature for as long as possible. You can adjust the temperature by turning the dial to help you pick the right temperature.
High-quality design and features allow for plant-based kinds of milk, such as almond milk, to be used as well. The Breville Milk Frother will produce excellent results no matter what setting you choose.
An essential benefit of this device is that it takes care of everything. Your cappuccino or latte can be made to your liking using interchangeable foam disks that can be removed and replaced.
It’s as simple as selecting the options and letting it do its thing. The Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother will automatically shut down when it reaches the desired temperature and foam density.
If you’re looking for the cream of the crop brand to heat milk, the Breville is the best milk frother on the market.
Pros
- It’s simple to use.
- Temperature and foam density can both be customized.
- Vegan (non-dairy) milk options are also supported.
- Self-regulating and adjustable temperature
- Automatic discs for steaming and frothing milk
- Dishwasher friendly
- The height of the fill line is clearly marked.
Cons
- Has a large footprint.
- The steel construction prevents you from seeing the foam while it’s frothed.
2. Bodum Bistro Electric Milk Frother
If you’re a fan of making your own barista-style cappuccinos and lattes at home, the Bodum electric milk frother is for you.
A powerful motor whips up lusciously thick froth or steaming milk for coffee (or any number of delectable beverages) in less than a minute.
The compact design of the milk frother makes it easy to use, and the cord storage base can be left out permanently. In addition, the device is small and stylish, measuring only 4.38 x 5.63 x 7.88 inches on the countertop.
Frothing equipment also shuts itself down when the heating cycle is complete. The interior of the Bodum is nonstick, making it easy to clean.
You can easily make cafe drinks like cappuccino, hot cocoa, cocoa, and hot chocolate, and cafe mocha with ease.
The best milk steamers in 2022 must have an automatic function like this one.
Pros
- The base can be removed for a more compact design.
- It has a stainless-steel exterior and a nonstick surface inside
- The ability to self-regulate
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Capacity is less than some others
- Frothing and warming do not have their own settings
3. Nespresso Aeroccino 3
Nespresso has a lot of fans who swear by their coffee makers, so a good frother/steamer would make sense.
The black body and stainless steel trim give it the appearance of a high-tech Thermos, and it’s best used for a single serving of your favorite beverage, as was the case with the original Nespresso machine.
Like the Secura, it can froth and heat separately with the push of a button, though rice milk might require a bit more effort to foam correctly.
Finally, the Aeroccino3 and a modern espresso machine from Nespresso can allow you to complete your coffee bar right at your workstation.
Rather than having to wait in line at a drive-through window, your favorite milk-based espresso drink can be made right at home.
Pros
- It looks pretty damn cool.
- Heating and frothing should be done separately.
- Non-stick
- In less than 2 minutes, you’ll have foamed milk.
Cons
- It froths but it isn’t as airy as the first three products.
4. Secura Automatic Milk Frother and Warmer
This jug-style milk frother is shaped like a jug in every respect. 125 ml is the maximum amount of milk you can froth with the Secura Automatic Electric Milk Frother and Warmer, which can heat 250 ml.
Level indicators indicate the maximum and minimum amounts of milk that the frother can handle on the appliance.
The Secura, like the Breville, is unable to froth milk for a single cup of coffee. Instead, you’ll need approximately three cups to ensure that everything is just right.
For hot and cold beverages, the Secura Automatic Milk Frother, on the other hand, can be used in the same way.
The milk steamer and frother are turned on by pressing the power buttons. You can also use it to warm the milk instead of frothing it. This is great for tea, coffee, or cocoa.
Pros
- Durable and dependable
- It is simple to clean. Just make sure to do it right after use to avoid the milk sticking.
- Reasonable price
- Good-looking appearance the exterior is sleek, which adds to the overall beauty.
Cons
- Hot chocolate mode is significantly louder than the other modes (though it will not wake the rest of the family).
- Doesn’t work great with oither non-dairy milk alternatives
5. PowerLix Handheld Battery Operated Milk Frother
The PowerLix Milk Frother is a household name in the world of handheld milk frothers. It is simple and compact, occupying only a small amount of space. The battery-operated nature of the device also allows it to be easily transported.
The PowerLix can’t heat the milk, but that doesn’t mean it can’t froth it. You just need to put it in the milk and turn it on, and its stainless steel whisk will whisk the milk to a velvety consistency.
And a good milk frother will provide you with precisely that. Unfortunately, due to the model’s widespread popularity, a slew of knockoffs has appeared on the market.
Two AA batteries power the PowerLix frother. It’s surprisingly effective, and the batteries should last for a few months with everyday use. Soft-touch and quick-response controls make it easy for anyone to use.
Pros
- Portable
- It is convenient and straightforward to use
- Exceptional value for money
Cons
- Inserting and removing batteries can be a frustrating experience.
6. Mueller Ultra-Stick 500
Pros
- This is the most affordable product in this round-up!
- If you’re traveling, a small package is a good choice.
- Extremely quick. As soon as the milk is heated, this small frother produces foam in 10 seconds or less.
Cons
- The blade can come loose and fall off, this is simple to check and fix if needed.
7. AEVO Milk Frothing Machine, Automatic Electric Milk Warmer and Foam Maker
This milk steamer and frother is a high-quality electric model that works as advertised. In addition to frothing hot milk, it can also be used to heat and froth cold milk. It only takes ten seconds to warm milk. This means that the heating time is comparable to that of a microwave.
The milk container can be lifted off the base, making it easier to pour. In addition, the angled spout helps keep your countertop free of drips.
Pros
- Auto shut-off
- 4 different settings (2 different foams with both hot and cold).
- The heating element is separate from the frothing cup, so I can continue to refill it and froth more cups without cleaning it. Also – and this is key, since the heating element is separate, I can put the cup and lid in the dishwasher!
- With the spinner as a part of the lid, I can scoop the froth easier from the whole cup.
- Has anti-skid pads on the bottom
Cons
- There is no temperature control.
- The beeping sound the buttons make is very loud.
What Type Of Milk Steamer Should You Buy
Both lattes and cappuccinos are made with espresso and steamed milk. On the other hand, Cappuccinos have a thicker layer of milky foam on top that can hold designs like hearts or puppies.
It’s easy to dismiss the need for anything more complicated than a three-dollar frothing wand. After all, isn’t that all you need?
However, even though the wand will whip up air into the milk, the resulting foam will be flimsy and insubstantial, which is where the “but” comes into play.
It will also be necessary to clean a second pan to warm the milk properly. In my opinion, the fewer dishes I have to wash, the better it is for everyone.
The good news is that steaming and frothing milk machines are readily available.
Features You Want to be Included In A Milk Frother And Steamer
As with any other kitchen tool, a steamer should be quick, efficient, and simple to use. No matter how lovely the finished coffee is, messing around with clunky machines and settings to get it just right can be a stressful experience, even if the end result is worth it.
Of course, the cost is also taken into account. The fancy “professional grade” machines in gourmet kitchen catalogs can cost a lot of money, and even if they do, you can’t be sure that your drinks will be of the highest quality just because you have them.
A high-quality and straightforward steamer should be able to produce drinks that are nearly as good as those from your local coffee shop at a much lower cost. But, of course, this means that they don’t take up valuable counter space.
Investing in a high-quality frother/steamer is a must if you’re trying to replicate the milk-based drinks at your local cafe or trying to accommodate your friends and family.
However, the sheer number of steamers on the market can be a bit overwhelming. I’ve compiled a list of the top five gadgets to help you on your way to becoming your own best source of expensive coffees, but only you know what features you want. This is your chance to unleash your latte artistry.
You Don’t Have To Only Use Milk
There is no need to limit frothing to cow’s milk. Milk frothers can be used with almond milk, coconut milk, and various other alternatives.
However, if you’re looking for a milk frother that can handle the thick and creamy nature of cow’s milk, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Consider the weather as well. At higher temperatures, making good microfoam is more complicated. This is typically 154°F for cow’s milk. A temperature-controlled frother can be a godsend.
Conclusion
The cost of milk frothers and steamers varies widely. However, many excellent options are available for a reasonable price, so consider your needs before searching for a low-cost alternative.
The PowerLix milk frother and the Aerolatte Original HandHeld are both decent and reasonably priced options; however, the Breville Milk Frother BMF600XL is the clear winner if the quality is your top priority. It’s easy to use, fully automatic, and does everything you’d expect from a milk frother in practice.
