What to Look For in a Milk Frother

What to Look For in a Milk Frother

A good milk frother can take any ordinary cup of coffee, cappuccino, chai latte, or hot chocolate and transform it into a frothy work of art.16.milk frother These handy little tools are also useful in cooking — a quick buzz in soups, sauces, and batter can eliminate lumps — and for aerating wine.

Whether you’re an expert at creating barista-style foam or just a beginner, there’s a frother out there that’s perfect for your needs.16.milk frother But, with so many options, it can be tough to determine the best model for you. To help, we tested a variety of frothers to find the ones that performed best in all areas, from frothing and steaming to temperature control and ease of use.

We tested the electric models — which include jugs with internal whisks that sit on a base — as well as manual, battery-powered handheld frothers.16.milk frother We used them to froth and steam a wide range of liquids, including whole milk, 2% milk, almond, soy, and coconut. We also conducted durability and sturdiness tests and looked for features that make them more appealing than others. We recommend taking the time to read up on how different types of frothers operate and what they’re best for before making your purchase.

The best milk frothers are easy to use and clean, durable, versatile enough to froth more than just coffee, and comfortable to hold.16.milk frother They can also be easily stored and transported, whether you’re planning on bringing it to the office breakroom to improve less-than-delicious break room coffee or packing it in your camping gear for mornings by the campfire.

If you’re a serious foamer, opt for a stainless steel frother that conducts heat efficiently and evenly.16.milk frother It’s a durable material that can withstand daily use and resists rust, corrosion, and staining. Look for a frother with a handle that’s ergonomically designed for comfort and a curved base that keeps it stable when frothing. Stainless steel frothers are also more resistant to damage caused by drops and falls than plastic and glass models.

If you’re a newcomer to frothing, we recommend starting with a simple hand-held model like this one from the HIC Fino Milk Frother.16.milk frother It was inexpensive, easy to use and clean, and created a nice amount of froth in our tests. This model didn’t do so great with oat or almond milk, but it’s the perfect frother to bring on a picnic or backpacking trip as it doesn’t require an outlet and only uses two AA batteries. Its slim design makes it easily tuck into a drawer for storage or into your camping gear to turn your tent into a café.