Best Milk Frothers

• What You Need to Know
• With the right milk frother, you can prepare milk foam at home at low cost to refine coffee specialities, but also other hot drinks, cocktails and soups.
• For occasional use, inexpensive manual models or battery-operated wand milk frothers are sufficient.
• For frequent use, electric milk frothers and induction milk frothers are recommended. They are a little more expensive, but offer a high level of operating convenience.
• With electric devices, you should make sure that they have overheating protection and an automatic switch-off function.

Make your own milk foam

Coffee is not only a stimulant, but above all a stimulant. In addition to simple filter coffee, there are various coffee specialities such as cappuccino, mochaccino, latte macchiato, flat white and many more. Sitting in the sun with a perfectly prepared coffee speciality often has a decelerating effect and is a little time-out from stressful everyday life. Of course, one thing must not be missing: warm, creamy, airy milk foam.

Milk foam doesn’t just go with coffee

The small kitchen appliances are not only practical, but also versatile, because fluffy milk foam is not only good on coffee. Other hot drinks also like to be refined and decorated with a milk foam topping. For example, in the popular hot chocolate, the somewhat heavy cream is often replaced by light milk foam. The trendy drink Matcha Latte, which is made with green tea instead of espresso, should also not be without milk foam.

In our milk frother comparison, we explain the different types of milk frothers and what you should look out for when buying and preparing them. You can also find out where to find further milk frother tests.

Different types of milk frothers

Milk frothers are small devices for preparing milk foam. They can be divided into different types according to their mode of operation and functionality. We will explain below what these are, how they differ and for which user groups they are best suited.

Powerful devices for professional use

For private use, the milk frothers presented here satisfactory and sufficient for private use. Professionals, such as baristas, however, have higher demands on a milk frother. In the professional sector, steam nozzle milk frothers are usually used. Typically, they are integrated into a fully automatic coffee machine or an espresso machine. The hot steam produces particularly creamy and at the same time firm milk foam. However, this can only be achieved with the right technique, which requires a lot of practice and is therefore mainly reserved for professionals.

Manual milk frothers: inexpensive but exhausting

Then froth the milk as follows:

• Pour the milk into the container.
• Heat on the cooker.
• Move the sieve up and down evenly for three to five minutes.

The sieve movement creates fine air bubbles in the milk. The more air bubbles that are created, the finer the foam.

The operation of a manual milk frother is basically very uncomplicated, but requires strength and becomes quite strenuous in the long run. If you want to froth milk frequently (several times a week to daily) and want the foam to be particularly fine, a manual device is rather unsuitable. It is better suited for consumers who only need it occasionally. They then benefit from the comparatively low prices. Typically, manual milk frothers cost between 15 and 25 euros. In addition, the devices deliver good, stable foam.

Another advantage of manual milk frothers is that they are easy to clean. Since there are no electronics, you can simply rinse the device with hot water or put it in the dishwasher after use. In addition, manual milk frothers are very robust and require little maintenance. A popular mechanical milk frother is, for example, the Bodum Latteo.

Battery-operated milk frothers: Also cheap, but rather unstable

With a wand model, you froth milk as follows:

• Heat the milk and pour it into a suitable container.
• Hold the milk frother in the milk with the foam whisk pointing downwards.
• Press the start button or switch.
• Hold the rotating milk frother in the milk until the foam has reached the desired consistency.

The operation is therefore similarly uncomplicated to that of a manual milk frother. However, in addition to the wand milk frother, you need a suitable container in which to froth the milk, and the battery-operated devices usually produce less stable milk froth. As with manual devices, the foaming time is between three and five minutes.

Like manual milk frothers, battery-operated wand milk frothers are more suitable for occasional use. If, for example, you like to froth milk for your cappuccino every now and then at the weekend, and preparing it with a mechanical milk tamper is too strenuous for you, a wand milk frother is a good solution. Frequent use can quickly lead to wear and tear on the device. In addition, there are more convenient devices for this purpose, which, among other things, do not require a separate milk container.

Compared to the other models, the stick model scores with the lowest purchase price. These handy machines are available for as little as four euros. The upper price limit for stick frothers is around 20 euros. Due to their small design, they are easy to store, which makes them ideal for taking along on holiday. Cleaning is similarly easy as with mechanical milk frothers. The whisk is usually removable, so you can easily rinse it under hot water or put it in the dishwasher. Popular wand milk frothers are, for example, the Xavax Milchicopter milk frother or the Severin SM 3590.

Electric milk frothers: milk foam at the touch of a button

Conveniently, many electric milk frothers are able to heat the milk directly before frothing. For this purpose, they are equipped with a heating coil, similar to a kettle. In some cases, there are also options to select different temperatures and froth cold milk. Ideally, the milk container can be separated from the electronics, otherwise cleaning is rather difficult. Because of the built-in electronics, such models are not dishwasher-safe, and care should also be taken when washing them manually. With removable milk containers, on the other hand, cleaning is not a problem; these are often dishwasher-safe.

Operation is much more convenient than with manual and battery-operated models:

• Connect the milk frother to the power supply.
• Fill the milk into the container.
• Press the start button.

Electric milk frothers not only offer more convenience than battery-operated and mechanical models, but also take less time to prepare milk froth. Most electric models take between one and two minutes to prepare, depending on the amount of milk. However, an electric milk frother is not worthwhile for occasional users. The devices are significantly more expensive than manual and battery-operated milk frothers. You should budget at least 35 euros for the purchase. Electric milk frothers in the higher price segment cost 70 euros or more. Popular electric models include the Milkstar from arendo and the Philips Senseo Milk Twister.

Induction milk frothers: No scorching and easy cleaning

The heating unit and the electronics are located in the lower part of the appliance, in the base unit, so to speak. The associated milk container is typically removable, which makes it very easy to clean.

The heating of the milk starts as soon as the container filled with milk is on the base unit. Magnetic contacts ensure a stable stand. With temperature sensors, the appliance detects when the milk has reached the right temperature and starts the integrated induction motor for frothing. Afterwards, the induction frother switches itself off. So users can sit back comfortably while the milk frother takes care of everything – it couldn’t be more convenient.

One of the few disadvantages of induction milk frothers is their comparatively high price. You pay between 45 and 140 euros for these convenient devices. As with electric milk frothers, this makes the purchase worthwhile primarily for frequent use. Popular induction models include the Severin SM 3582 induction milk frother and the Tchibo Cafissimo induction milk frother.

Finding the right type of milk frother

The first and biggest step in choosing a milk frother is probably deciding on the right type of device. With the following overview, we would like to give you some guidance for this decision.

Operating mode	Manual	Battery	Electric	Induction
Suitable for	Occasional use	Occasional use	Frequent use	Very frequent use
Price	Favourable	Very favourable	Rather expensive	Expensive
Ease of use	Very low	Low	High	Very high
Cleaning	Simple	Simple	Model-dependent	Simple
Space requirement	Rather high	Low	High	High

Other important purchase criteria

The market offers a wide range of different milk frother models. Numerous manufacturers are always competing for customers’ favour with new offers. In the following, you will find out which purchase criteria you should pay particular attention to in addition to the operating mode:

Safety: Are all important protective functions available?

If you decide on an electric milk frother or an induction model, you should make sure that the appliance is equipped with an overheating protection. Indicator lights that show the user that the appliance is currently switched on are also useful. Ideally, the milk frother should switch itself off after the frothing process is complete; this requires an automatic switch-off function. Regardless of the operating mode selected, it is important that the milk frother has a secure stand and cannot tip over too easily during operation. For example, a non-slip rubber coating on the underside of the appliance is advantageous. A non-stick coating on the milk container prevents the milk from burning.

The filling quantity: How much foam should there be?

Smaller containers have a capacity of 100 or 200 millilitres and are sufficient for one or two people. If you regularly want to froth milk for several people, a larger model with a capacity of 400 to 500 millilitres is recommended. Particularly large models can even hold up to one litre.

Caution: Differences between frothing and heating only

Depending on the model, you can also only heat the milk with your milk frother. With such milk frothers, it is important to pay attention to the differences in volume, because the volume of the liquid hardly changes when it is heated. In contrast, frothed milk has almost double the volume compared to the liquid state.

The foaming time: How fast is it?

Hand-held and wand milk frothers generally need a little more time to froth the milk, roughly three to five minutes. Electric versions and induction models froth the milk independently and also usually faster. Of course, the preparation time also depends on how much milk you want to froth in one go. For smaller quantities of up to 100 millilitres, good machines usually only need 60 to 90 seconds; for a little more milk, you usually have to wait two to three minutes for your froth.

The temperature: warm, cold or both?

With manual and battery-operated milk frothers, you have to heat the milk yourself on the cooker for warm milk foam. In contrast, most electric models and induction appliances do the heating for you. Appliances with temperature control are particularly convenient. With these, you can often set the desired temperature individually and thus prepare cold, lukewarm or hot milk foam as required. However, you should bear in mind that milk is usually best foamed when its temperature is around 60 degrees Celsius. In addition, you can use an induction model like a kettle only for heating, for example to prepare hot milk with honey or warm cocoa.

Caution: Do not heat too much

When you heat milk, you should make sure that it does not get warmer than 70°C. Higher temperatures destroy the milk. Higher temperatures destroy the milk enzymes and the milk denatures, clumps and no longer tastes good.

The design: classic or more unusual?

Of course, safety, functionality and performance are the top priorities when choosing a milk frother. But design also plays a role for many users. Perhaps the milk frother should match the colour of the rest of the kitchen equipment.

With manual and battery-operated milk frothers, there is only a limited choice in terms of design; the construction leaves manufacturers less scope for design here. In contrast, electric and induction milk frothers are available in numerous variants. Here you can choose between different colours, shapes and sizes. From simple milk frothers made of stainless steel, to models reminiscent of thermo mugs in different colours, to futuristic-looking designs, everything is here.

The perfect milk frother

Anyone who buys a milk frother expects the appliance to prepare the perfect milk foam. But what exactly makes perfect milk foam? Ideally, the milk foam should be

• creamy and not too runny,
• soft and not too stiff,
• not contain too many air bubbles and
• not collapse again too quickly.

Checking milk foam with the biscuit test

To check whether your milk foam is successful, you can subject it to the so-called biscuit test. To do this, place a biscuit on the milk foam. A successful foam holds the biscuit. If the biscuit falls through the foam, this also means that the milk foam has “failed”.

If your milk foam is too firm, it may be because the milk has been heated too much. The best way to froth milk is at a temperature of about 60 degrees Celsius.

Which milk produces the best milk foam?

There are many myths about the best milk for frothing. One says that the fat content should be as high as possible. The next says that low-fat milk is particularly suitable. Contrary to such myths, the fat content does not play such an important role for frothing, nor does the shelf life of the milk. Whether you use fresh milk or UHT milk is more a matter of taste and has rather no effect on the milk foam. What is really important for a good consistency of the milk foam is the protein content of the milk used. It should be at least 3.3 per cent, otherwise the foam becomes too liquid and quickly breaks down. You can usually find out how much protein the milk contains on the milk packaging under the average nutritional values. The protein content is typically stated there as “protein”. Good news for lactose-intolerant consumers and vegans: not only cow’s milk is suitable for milk foam, but also lactose-free milk and milk alternatives made from soy, oats, almonds or rice can be foamed well.

Fat as a flavour carrier

The fat content of the milk used is not decisive for the consistency of the milk foam, but it does affect the taste of the foam. After all, fat is a flavour carrier. If you are calorie-conscious and choose skimmed milk, you can expect your foam to taste airy rather than intense.