Milk frothers also go way beyond the cup. They can emulsify small-batch sauces, such as salad dressing, aioli, or hollandaise. Trade-in your whisk and use a milk frother for your next batch of fluffy scrambled eggs or cloud eggs, or whizz up egg whites for classic cocktails like a whiskey sour. Steamed milk or cream can also be used to garnish soups, like this creamy sweet potato soup. Here are the best milk frothers to stock your kitchen and step up your at-home beverage game. It’s also easy to clean by whizzing it in a glass of hot water. We also appreciate that it comes in a rainbow range of colors and comes with its own storage stand for easy counter access. It’s moderately priced and comes with a lifetime warranty to boot, which makes it a great gift-giving option, too.Price at time of publish: $30 Heating and preparing foam in under two minutes, it wins points for design features like a sleek stainless-steel exterior, a milk level indicator to ensure the right amount, and an angled spout to minimize spillage and facilitate trying your hand at latte art. Other features include an automatic switch-off when the foam is ready, a nonstick interior, and a detachable base that makes cleanup a snap. It also comes with two replacement whisks. Tom Saxon, a former barista and the co-founder of Batch Coffee recommends the Miroco Milk Steamer. “It’s the no-fuss, high-quality milk frother that will execute perfectly textured milk for the home barista every time,” he says. “When you walk into a specialty coffee shop and you see the barista steaming milk, it may appear as though texturing milk is easy. However, anyone that has worked in a cafe or used an espresso machine will know that is not the case. The Miroco enables everyone to achieve perfectly textured foamy milk with the push of a button. All you need to do now is start practicing your latte art.” For best results, it’s recommended you use whole milk with a fat content of 3 percent or more, though several users have had success with non-dairy milk, particularly ones higher in fat, such as coconut milk. Price at time of publish: $47 You’ll need two AA batteries to operate it, and some reviewers noted frustration on difficulty inserting/replacing batteries, but it was a non-issue for others. Reviewers also noted that the frother’s power is proportional to the strength of batteries, so be sure to have extra batteries on hand. Overall, this battery-operated frother is a good pick for occasional use or if you’re curious about trying out a milk frother without a costly investment. The stainless-steel frother is easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of elbow grease—just pour milk in the 14-ounce pitcher, place the plunger inside, secure the lid, and pump the handle to froth. It works for a variety of milks, including non-dairy options such as hemp, almond, soy, or cashew milk. Reviewers concur, with soy and almond cited most often, though some note that when using non-dairy milk, more pumps are required to obtain ideal foam levels. It wins points for being top-rack dishwasher safe, while its lightweight and portable design make it a perfect travel companion for camping or road trips, too. Price at time of publish: $29 To steam milk, simply swap out the frother disk for the heating disk, which can be magnetically stored under the base when not in use. The machine stirs the milk while it’s being heated to prevent scalding, making this an effortless way to heat milk for recipes such as mashed potatoes. Other features include a scratch-resistant, nonstick milk pitcher with a stay-cool handle, a see-through lid, and a jug spout to reduce splashing while pouring. The dual auto-shut-off feature ensures safe operation and reduces overheating. The pitcher removes easily from the base and is dishwasher safe, too. Thanks to user feedback, this latest model promises a more user-friendly experience with effortless whisk removal. Another notable feature is that it is designed with three settings so that you can quickly change speed depending on your needs. To reduce splashing when switching between speeds, it’s recommended that the frother is immersed in the liquid before adjusting. It works well with hot or cold milk, though users note that manually pumping the milk creates a thicker, creamier foam than the airy foam yielded by hand-held or automatic frothers. It can be used with dairy-free alternatives like rice, nut, or soy milk. Since this frother doesn’t require electricity, it’s a good pick for toting to campsites and hotel rooms, too. It also comes with a two-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $30
What to Look for When Buying a Milk Frother
Manual vs. Electric
Both manual and electric milk frothers have their advantages, so which is right for you? If you’re looking for a simple milk frother without the frills, the manual options will get the job done and create a rich, dense foam for your coffee. If you’re looking for a milk frother with more versatility, such as temperature control, go for electric. They might run you a little more than the manual options, but certain models allow you to steam your milk and froth it at the same time.
Power
Manual milk frothers do not have multiple speed options or require power, but these are important factors for electric models. The handheld electric frothers allow you to quickly change speeds during use, but make sure it’s fully submerged to avoid making a mess. Many have powerful motors, but the battery-operated models may depend on the type of batteries you use.
Cleaning
Milk frothers are generally easy to clean, but manual milk frothers are likely the easiest. Made of dishwasher-safe stainless steel and minimal parts, just pop them in the top rack of the dishwasher to clean. Some of the handheld options can be cleaned easily by whirring in a glass of warm water. Larger electric models have a detachable base so cleaning the container is simple.
Can you use a milk frother with creamer?
If you prefer creamer in your coffee, you’ll be pleased to know that you can froth your creamer using a milk frother. Keep in mind that how frothy your creamer will get depends on its ingredients. With non-dairy creamers, look for gellan in the ingredients as it’ll help you get a nice froth. You can also use froth heavy cream and half-and-half.
Can a milk frother heat milk?
Some milk frothers can also steam milk. The handheld electric and manual options usually do not have this feature, but some of the electric models with a detachable base do. This comes in handy for cooking and hot chocolates.
Can you froth powdered milk?
You can froth powdered milk that has been mixed with water to form a liquid consistency. For best results, steam the milk before frothing it.
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Food writer and avid home cook Layla Khoury-Hanold is the person friends and family turn to for recipe ideas and product recommendations (she once made 16 cheesecakes to find the best springform pan). An intrepid researcher, she mines her own experience along with internet guides and consumer reviews to do the legwork so home cooks can find the product that best suits their needs. Read Next: The Best Mini Fridges
