Are you questioning yourself, what will be the best milk frothers and steamers based on your needs and budgets. You will get answered at the end of this article.
I know it! Whenever you order a coffee in a shop, spend a few bucks regularly.
When you calculate the bucks you spend, It sucks.
As a coffee enthusiast, you must know the importance & how helpful when you make coffee at home on your own.
Also, I know how enjoyable it is to meet up with friends for coffee at a place like Starbucks… I will not compare those feelings with home coffee.
But you will not visit the shop for your regular morning coffees. You must have a good milk frother and steamer at home as it is kitchen essential.
Maybe you will like to try different coffee beverages or you must be interested in discovering new coffee recipes which no one does.
If you have not tried it before. Try now! You will enjoy trying this!
There are no words to describe how necessary it is to have a good milk frother and steamer in your kitchen.
So, what are the best milk frothers and steamers? This article will list down all the quality milk frothers and steamers based on your budgets at the home level. This article helps people who are looking to choose long-term good quality milk frother for home application.
Keep Reading!
Is a milk frother the same as a milk steamer?
No, the Milk frother is a device that only adds the air molecules into the milk(aerating) to create the frothy milk whether it is hot or cold milk.
Milk steamer is a part of an espresso machine that forcefully adds the steam(water vapor) into the milk which results in the formation of textured frothy milk. While steaming, milk is only heated up.
So, what is the difference between a steamer and a frother?
In simple words, the steamer adds steam to the milk and the frother adds up air into the milk.
The milk frother comes with a wide range of varieties based on the user application.
But a milk steamer(steaming wand) is only a part of the coffee machine. The only purpose is to steaming the milk.
Knowing what is milk frother used for, will help you to understand how it differs from milk steamer and took off the question, “Is a milk frother the same as a milk steamer?”
What milk is best for steaming?
All types(dairy and non-dairy) of milk can be steamed.
Rather than non-dairy milk(plant-based), dairy milk is the best milk for steaming.
This is because, Only in dairy milk, the lipid molecules are there.
They are aroma carriers, while steaming, the heat builds up, the lipid molecules carry the good smell of pure milk, cappuccino essence,
But in other kinds of milk like almond milk, no lipids. So, wouldn’t create good foam and foam is not stable.
So using pacific almond milk, they have some lipid alternatives, they are good to froth…
Also, dairy(cow’s) milk shows its fullest sweetness at 57 to 66 deg. C.
So steaming dairy milk is the best thing. If you are in intent of using plant-based milk, it is better to know “what milk is best for steaming?” through multiple trial and error methods.
What is the best milk frother for home use?
The few features you must be needed as a priority on the milk frother when you are buying it for home.
Those are durability, long life & easy application.
It should not be complicated like those used in shops as you intend to use it regularly.
Even if it is a bit expensive, it will be absolute value for money. Below we have listed our best milk frothers and steamers for home use.
1. Breville BMF600XL Milk Frother
Breville brand holds its unique identity among the rest of the milk frother models out there. Get into the quick bullet points it has.
The frother jug is made of stainless material and the lid and handle are made of plastic which is visible.
Overall size – 6.4-inch width, 6.1-inch depth, 10.3 inches in height
It consists of two frothing discs. One is for latte which creates silky and smooth milk.
Another one is for cappuccino which creates a lot of creamy foam in it.
One of the excellent features is the temperature setting of cold to 120, 140, 150, and 160 F.
The frother holds a capacity of 25 ounces or 3 cups in volume
A measuring cup at the middle top can be used to pour chocolate powder, protein, and anything you want.
Features :
- Temperature control. The milk can be heated through various temperatures as you desired.
- Two frothing discs for latte and cappuccino drinks.
- A high-grade plastic lid with a silicone sealing ring gives durability.
- One press to get start an action
- The jug comes with min and max line for latte/cappuccino which avoids milk spit off while frothing
- And the side, it shows the levels of min, 250 ml, 500ml, maximum level to make our desired quantity
Pros :
- Dishwasher safe.
- The handle is made of plastic material which protects you from burning yourself
- It can froth plant-based milk as well
Cons :
- Bit costs high
- Bit noisy
2. Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother
Not only the name “Nespresso aeroccino”, but It also looks compact, fancy, and stylish.
It is made of non-stick material and comes with a closing lid to avoid milk spit away while frothing.
It almost gives the same froth level as breville milk frother.
Indicated with maximum levels of milk to be used for two whisk operation ( with & without spring)
Some of the precautions to be kept in mind are:
- To make sure the underside of the jug is dry.
- It must be cleaned by separating all the parts.
If you are looking for a compact one and fits with less space in your kitchen. You must be buying this..!
Features:
- It comes with two whisks, one is with spring. It is for milk froth preparation. Another is without spring. It is for hot milk preparation
- One second long pressing for hot milk froth. It can be ensured by red color indication
- Two-second long pressing for cold milk froth. It can be ensured by blue color indication
- There is no handle in it, Though you will not get burn yourself
Pros :
- Works great with non-dairy milk.
- It takes one minute to make froth
- The jug is waterproof.
Cons:
- Lack of temperature control. The heating temperature is constant around 160 to 170 deg Fahrenheit only.
- It cannot be put in the dishwasher as it is a risk of electric shock and fire
3. Miroco Detachable Milk Frother
Miroco milk frothing device is most similar(Best alternative) to the breville milk frother.
The frothing whisk sits inside the milk jug.
It is magnetically intact to the bottom of the milk jug. The magnet makes the whisk spin.
Features:
- It has four operating settings.
1. Frothing & heating chocolate milk.
2. Simply frothing & heating milk
3. Making cappuccino with high foam
4. Frothing cold milk
- The lower maximum level is for frothing and heating
- The higher maximum level is for frothing cold items
Pros:
- It froths about two minutes and stopped
- The machine is very quiet
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-stick interior
- It can hold 250ml foam & 500ml milk at maximum capacity
- High-temperature auto-off (100℃ / 212℉)
Cons:
- It does not make larger batches(More than four people)
- Lack of temperature control(Not changeable)
4. Secura Automatic Electric Milk Frother and Warmer
If you are looking only for preparing one or two coffee regularly. This is a great choice.
A Stainless-steel exterior with vacuum insulation, detachable base forms the secura frothing device.
Secura frothing devices operate through electric power.
If you are looking for a good quality automatic frother with a minimum budget. Secura is the best option for you.
It has the almost same features as the other electric device holds.
It comes with a free cleaning brush and holds a maximum capacity of 120 ml for preparation of frothy milk and 250ml for just preparing hot milk.
Features:
- It has a good operating feature and comes with two frothing disks, one is with spiral spring and without spring.
- Using the whisk(without spiral spring) will help to just prepare hot milk in 130 to 170s.
- Using the whisk(with spiral spring) will help to do frothing with heating milk in 75 to 115s.
- Pressing the on button, holding for 2s with the help of spring whisk uses for frothing cold milk. It takes 60 to 65s froth.
- The frother jug shows the indication of maximum level for frothing and warming & minimum level for all.
Pros :
- Easy to clean
- Non-stick interior
- Free brush included
- Good price
Cons:
- Cannot use for large capacity for preparing frothy milk(Only 250 ml)
- Not a good option for non-dairy milk
5. Bodum 11870-01US Bistro Electric Milk Frother
Bodhum bistro electric milk frother is a compact and removable base powered by a heavy-duty motor that delivers long-lasting luxurious foam.
It is perfect for preparing a cappuccino in the style of a professional barista at home.
The frother serves for heating 300 ml of milk at a time.
The indication mentioned for maximum and minimum for hot milk preparation and maximum line for hot frothy milk preparation
Features:
- Auto shut off when finished.
- A transparent lid allows you to observe the desired froth quantity.
Pros :
- Durable stainless steel body with Tritan plastic lid
- Non-stick coating interior ensures easy cleaning.
Cons:
- Only one frothing disk.
- Lack of control in foam quantity. One can control the foam quantity by switching off before the cycle is complete.
6. Bellemain Stainless Steel Hand Pump Milk Frother
Bellemain stainless steel hand pump is made of strong food safety stainless steel with high strength.
There will be much difference in frothing between the electrically operated and manual pumping
This manual pump helps you to prepare the good and natural form of froth quality over automatic devices.
The froth formation will take place in 30 secs with the help of 10 to 100 pumps. It is almost double the quantity of milk.
For those who are looking for preparing just two cups(205ml) of coffee regularly and looking for a lifelong application of milk frother without any repair work, those who don’t care about manual work. This will be a good choice to be made.
Features:
- Frothing disc made of fine pores which helps create good amount foam and frothy
- The holder at the top of the lid is in a big round shape which helps to hold without slippery while pumping.
Pros :
- High durability
- Dishwasher safe
- No need to care about material deterioration such as getting stained, rusting, and denting as it is extremely resistant to that.
- No electricity needed
- Good for travel use
Cons:
- Foam is unstable
- The manual operation needs human work
- The jug is not transparent to observe the foam
- Milk needs to be heated separately
- Takes time to figure out the correct method to froth unless you are good about how to use a manual milk frother.
7. Ninja Coffee Bar Milk Frother with Press Froth
Ninja easy milk frother comes with a similar mechanism to Bellemain stainless steel hand pump.
Features with press froth technology transform the milk into thick perfect microfoam.
The jug is made of glass and can also be filled with milk and heated in the microwave.
This is the cheapest good-quality hand pump frother.
If you are looking for the cheapest frother with the same functionality as the Bellemain hand pump frother. It is the best decision to buy.
Features:
- The frothing disk is made of spiral springs that help to froth well.
Pros :
- The glass milk jug is designed for microwave safe.
- The jug is transparent to observe and control the foam quantity.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Foam is unstable
- The manual operation needs human work
- Milk needs to be heated separately
- Takes time to figure out the correct method to froth.
8. Aerolatte Milk Foamer
Aerolatte is one of the best steam-free milk frothers for making rich frothy beverages without any electricity.
It is made of stainless steel and plastic, powered by 2 AA batteries
Just submerging the whisk end and holding the power button for about 30 seconds will create frothy milk fastly.
Also, you can control the foam quantity by switching on/ off the power button.
If you are not worrying about steaming the milk as you are doing it by some other means( microwave or saucepan), and only what to froth the milk. This is the best device to stick with.
Features:
- Shaft and spiral whisking head
- Battery operated with one press button to start an action.
Pros :
- Easy operation( Just switch on the device, froth the milk, simply clean by keeping it in tap water)
- Lightweight, compact in kitchen space.
- The battery can be changeable.
- Can be frothing the milk of any desired amount. Just fill the mug and froth.
- Portable
Cons :
- To heat the milk separately
- Need to figure out the right technique
- Batteries need to be replaced once the limit exceeds.
9. Zulay Original Milk Frother Handheld Foam Maker
Zulay Milk frother, another handheld foam maker, has similar functionality to aerolatte milk foamer.
This is another best quality handheld milk frother.
Zulay is almost the same as aerolatte. But the zulay is one of the most used and reviewed among the others in the industry.
Features, pros, and cons are the same as the aerolatte milk frother.
Conclusion
The above are our top picks in the industries.
However, we have listed the wide range of varieties from manual milk frother to automatic and electric milk frother.
The best option in the manual milk frother is Bellemain stainless hand pump which lasts for a decade. Unless you are worried about a specific feature in it. This is one of the best manual milk frothers.
If you are not concerned about heating the milk, you can try with zulay handheld milk frother and aerolatte, also very close to this.
And in the final words, Looking for the cheapest one for saving few bucks & getting poorly frothed milk is wasting money, giving importance to the quality is the brainy decision in buying the products
If you want all the features of milk frother from simple frothing to multipurpose application also with good quality. Our pick for the best value for money is breville BMF 600 XL is a good option.
You can simply buy this and it does practically anything you want in milk frothing from latte to cappuccino & from cold coffee to hot chocolate beverages and even more.
