Best milk frothers 2024: Jump Menu
1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: Breville The Milk Cafe
3. Best for speed: Nespresso Aeroccino 4
4. Best for versatility: Illy Electric Milk Frother
5. Best value: Instant Electric Milk Frother
6. Best for capacity: Capresso Froth Max
7. Best for style: Smeg Milk Frother
8. Best for small spaces: Bodum Bistro Electric
9. Best whisk: ElitaPro Double Whisk
10. Best handheld: Bodum Hot Chocolate
10. How to choose
11. How we test
Once you've added a milk frother to your coffee setup, you won't look back. These smart, small appliances can give you barista capabilities at the touch of a button, adding a little finesse to your morning routine.
Before we get deep into the best milk frother to pair with your coffee maker, I want to let you know that I have only put one whisk and one handheld milk frother in this guide. Although they fall under the same category, on the whole, they're not worth wasting money on. They lack power and precison. If you want silky milk, you need an electric, plug-in model. Trust me: as a former barista I've steamed thousands of gallons of milk in my time.
I've tested plenty of names you'll recognise, including Breville, Nespresso, and Illy, as well as some you won't. They've all passed my rigorous tests for making hot frothed milk, warm plain milk, and cold froth on both dairy and plant-based milks.
The quick list
Here's a headline of what you need to know about the best milk frothers on the market. If you want to know more, I go into depth further below.
The best milk frother overall
This professional model can froth milk between 120 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit at a range of textures. The only drawback is that but can't create cold foam.
The best for speed
Super fast and ultra silent, the Aeroccino is one of the most popular models on the market. It's good with both hot and cold foam, but has no temperature control.
The best for versatility
This petite powerhouse is incredible at frothing both dairy and plant-based milks. It has touchscreen controls and a smart, glossy finish. The capacity only suits single users though.
The best value
Slick, smart, and stylish, the Instant feels like it should cost double the price. It has four settings, including microfoam, but doesn't always get hot, so test it before you pour.
The best for capacity
You'll struggle to find a bigger capacity than Capresso's 8 oz jug. It works well with plant-based milks and has a useful, see-though container. If you want piping hot milk, you'll need to run this a couple of times.
The best for style
There's only one place to look for pastel colors and glossy finishes: Smeg. Their expensive, retro milk frother is beautiful, but doesn't always whip up the smoothest textured oat milk.
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The best for small spaces
Bodum have kept everything small with their milk frother: the weight, the footprint, and the price tag. It excellently froths good milk, but is louder than most other options.
The best whisk
Zulay's milk frothers come with an extensive range of color options, conveient stand, and lifetime warranty. They're portable, but require batteries and the milk frothing is a little imperfect.
The best handheld
This manual milk frother is durable and easy to clean. Frothing takes much more effort and you need to heat the milk beforehand, but it's the best handheld I've used.
The best milk frother in 2024
You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best milk frother overall
Buy it if
✅ You want a range of textures: this has three frothing discs
✅ You want a big temperature range: this spans between 120 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit
✅ You live in a large household: 8 oz is one of the largest you'll find
Don't buy it if:
❌ You mostly drink cold foam: this can't create cold foam
❌ You like to see your milk: you'll need to peer over the top
❌ You're on a budget: this is a premium machine
The bottom line
🔎 Breville The Milk Cafe: made with serious coffee drinkers in mind, The Milk Cafe has an extensive temperature range and can create a range of textures, including microfoam. However, it's expensive.
Breville's The Milk Cafe is the best of the best. Aside from the professional aesthetics, the main reason this is worth upping your budget to invest in is the range of controls available. There's a temperature control dial, which can warm your milk between 120 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. When you want different texture, there are two discs, offering a range of foam consistencies.
It might sound excessive, but Breville delivers on their promise of versatility: the temperatures are accurate and each milk consistency is different. Breville uses an induction heating element and the bubbles created from that froth the milk, whilst preventing it from sticking or scalding. I was particularly impressed with their microfoam, which is notoriosly tricky to achieve, but was silky, thick, and well-frothed.
It's well-suited to large and busy households; the 25 oz capacity could effortlessly cater to over five people and, when you're finished using it, everything can go in the dishwasher. If you're worried about losing the latte or cappuccino disc, don't be. They're magnetic and store neatly at the back of the machine.
Whilst this sounds dreamy, such luxury comes at a cost. The Milk Cafe costs around $160, which is nearly triple most of the basic milk frothers on this list. If you can't tell your microfoam from your macrofoam, this is a pointless expense. Also, a 25 oz capacity is great when you've got a home of five or more people, but if it's just you, this is overkill and can be wasteful. You have to fill the milk to the minimum level of 6 oz, which is too much for just one cappuccino. It's also not the quietest milk frother on the market either. Overall, The Milk Cafe is high-quality, uniquely customizable, but at a cost.
We're currently testing The Milk Cafe and will have a formal review published soon. These are our thoughts so far.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Frothing | Faultless texture | ★★★★★ |
| Temperature range | Can't do cold froth | ★★★★ |
| Value | Expensive | ★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Looks smart | ★★★★★ |
The best milk frother for speed
Buy it if
✅ You need speedy frothed milk: this is the fastest I tested
✅ You're short on space: it's ultra-compact
✅ You want versatility: this cover a range of foams and milk types
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need temperature range: you can't adjust it
❌ You need capacity: there are bigger models on the market
❌ You're on a budget: older Aeroccino models are cheaper
The bottom line
🔎 Nespresso Aeroccino 4: one of the most iconic milk frothers on the market, the Nespresso is versatile and incredibly capable. It only functions at one temperature though.
Nespresso lovers may already be tuned in to the ease of the Aeroccino milk frothers, but anyone looking to up their coffee and espresso recipes will want to pay attention. It's speedy, close to silent, and can froth perfectly sweet, silky milk (whether it's dairy or plant-based). There are various iterations of the Aeroccino, but their fourth model includes dishwasher-safe components and a hot froth mode, which is better suited to cappuccinos.
The Nespresso makes it easy to choose between hot milk, hot froth, and cold froth at the touch of the button. It also uses the same whisk for all its features, so you don't have to worry about switching them out as you choose different settings.
The capacity can reach up to 8 oz, which is perfect for a few people, no more. However, if you want a frothy coffee, you'll need to froth in 4 oz batches, otherwise it will overflow.
This is a premium product, but it comes with the price tag to match it. You could buy more expensive models, but there are also good options for a half, or even a third of the price. Nespresso also recommends not to use sugars or syrups in the Aeroccino, so it might limit your creativity. I'd recommend the Nespresso to baristas and coffee connoisseurs, but if you just need the basics, you can save another $50.
Read more: Nespresso Aeroccino 4 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Frothing | Excellent across the full range | ★★★★★ |
| Temperature range | Only hot or cold | ★★★★ |
| Value | Expensive | ★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Looks slick | ★★★★★ |
The best milk frother for versatility
Buy it if
✅ You're short on space: this is ultra-compact
✅ You mostly drink plant-based milks: it made the best almond milk on test
✅ You're on a budget: this is surprisingly affordable
Don't buy it if:
❌ You live in a large household: this can only handle single servings
❌ You want adjustable features: this heats to one temperature
❌ You will use hot and cold settings consecutively: it can't froth cold milk straight after hot
The bottom line
🔎 Illy electric milk frother: this is small, slick, and incredible at frothing plant-based milks. Sometimes it can over-froth, but the texture is always excellent.
It's no secret that I love the Illy Milk Frother. It covers the basics of milk frothing like a professional, from cold foam to frothed milk. I tested it on both dairy and almond milk and the Illy achieved a marshmallowy texture that was gently warmed, smooth, and sweet.
On the countertop, the Illy is easy to miss. It's ultra-compact and available in black and white, which blends neatly into almost any interior. Lots of people love the touchscreen controls, which make the Illy feel like a smart and premium product. The glossy finish is a little high maintenance, but, if you're anything like me, you'll love this so much you will want to keep it clean.
As you might expect, the Illy has limited capacity. The most milk you can warm at once is 5 oz, so it's really only suitable for single-servings, or two at a push. Whilst the cold foam function is excellent, it can't be done directly after heating milk, because the element will stay warm for a while.
Read more: Illy milk frother review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Frothing | Smooth and silky | ★★★★★ |
| Temperature range | Precision temperature range | ★★★★ |
| Value | Brilliant value | ★★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Slick, but small | ★★★★ |
The best value milk frother
Buy it if
✅ You need capacity: the jug has enough room for 10 fl oz
✅ You're on a budget: this is as good as models four times the price
✅ You like pouring from a jug: this is ergonomic and nice to hold
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're not a keen cleaner: it's not dishwasher safe
❌ You want single-servings: this is overkill
❌ You're all about aesthetics: this is only available in black and white
The bottom line
🔎 Instant Milk Frother: you'll need to quadruple your budget to find a milk frother better than this. My biggest grievance is that it has to be hand washed.
Getting the most out of your money looks like this: it's tall, slim, matte, and only costs $30. Instant Pot are better known for their iconic multi cookers, but don't let that deceive you. This is a fantastic milk frother.
Milk frothers come in all shapes and sizes, but Instant has opted for the best. The handle and spout make it very similar to a barista jug. If you like your latte art, you'll be able to achieve it effortlessly with this. It's also easy to hold.
I've tested it on dairy milk, plant-based milks, warm foam, thick warm foam, cold foam, and warm milk functions. It's hard to fault on any of them. The milk is always nicely sweetened, smooth in the mouth, and gently warmed. If I'm being picky, the Instant could get a little warmer; I know plenty of people who drink their milk at 160 degrees Fahrenheit and Instant's never gets close.
When all the fun is over, you'll need to wash the Instant by hand. It's not dishwasher safe, but the jug isn't too narrow and so shouldn't take long. If you opt for the white Instant, just note that you'll need to keep it extra-clean, because mine showed dirt almost as soon as it came out of the box.
We have tested the Instant and our review will be up soon. This is a summary of our thoughts.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Frothing | Perfect, hot and cold | ★★★★★ |
| Temperature range | Only hot or cold | ★★★★ |
| Value | Incredibly cheap | ★★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Small footprint, quite tall | ★★★★ |
The best milk frother for capacity
Buy it if
✅ You live in a large household: this can froth for everyone at once
✅ You want an easy clean-up: this is dishwasher safe
✅ You're on a budget: it's reasonably priced
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need speed: this is one of the slowest I've tested
❌ You're short on storage: this is a little bulky
❌ You're all about aesthetics: the Capresso is pretty boxy
The bottom line
🔎 Capresso Froth Max: well-priced with a large capacity, the Capresso is perfect for large homes. However, you'll need space to store it away, because it's not easy-on-the-eye
The boxy, stern looking Capresso isn't the most beautiful milk frother on this list, but it has a 12 oz capacity. If you live in a large household, it's worth sacrificing on aesthetics, because this will save you queueing round the kitchen for a morning coffee.
The Capresso offers the standard array of settings: hot and cold froth, steamed milk, and hot chocolate. The two disks which it uses can be stored neatly under the base, so that you won't use them.
We've tested the Capresso on both dairy and plant-based milks and this was impressive across the board. Capresso has established a reputation amongst non-dairy drinkers though, it's really exceptional at achieving a silky, sweet milk that doesn't curdle or bubble. Even better, the clear container means that you can watch your milk froth in real time. Thankfully, the pitcher is BPA-free and dishwasher safe, saving you time and faff.
I would recommend the Capresso to big households, but caution them to check their storage space first. This is one to store away: it doesn't look good on the countertop. Also, if you're someone who likes an ultra-hot drink, this might not quite reach the temperature that you want.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Frothing | Good, even on plant-based milk | ★★★★★ |
| Temperature range | Range of temperatures | ★★★★ |
| Value | Good value | ★★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Looks functional | ★★★ |
The best luxury milk frother
Buy it if
✅ You're all about style: this is beautiful and available in a range of colors
✅ You'll do latte art: the jug is easy to pour from
✅ You'll keep this on display: it has a cable management system, so always looks tidy
Don't buy it if:
❌ You drink oat milk: it's not as strong on plant-based milks
❌ You're short on space: this demands a lot of space
❌ You're on a budget: this is expensive
The bottom line
🔎 Smeg Milk Frother: Smeg put style first with this gorgeous, but giant machine. I love it, but it doesn't froth plant-based milks very well (and it's expensive too)
I've made no secret of my Smeg crush. I've lusted after their milk frother ever since I saw the Blu Mediterraneo design, which, if I had the money, I would have bought yesterday. In person, it's just as beautiful. Smeg offers a range of color options, so you can suit your milk frother to your interior decor. I would recommend that you choose carefully, because this is quite a big machine, so you'll probably want to sit it on your countertop and keep it there.
The Smeg has an impressive 20 oz capacity. However, if you want hot, frothed milk, I would say the maximum capacity is about 12 oz. It does a great job on dairy milk, producing sweet, velvety results, whether you opt for hot or cold. You can choose degrees of foaminess, which allows a little more customization than most models, but you won't be able to adjust the temperature. The more milk you put in, the cooler it will be. If this is a problem, you can run it again.
I desperately wanted this to become my go-to for almond or oat milk cappuccinos, but the Smeg isn't quite as perfect on plant-based milks. It does froth them and warm them perfectly, but they can end up a little bubbly. I've had some impressive almond milk results, but for oat milk, it just doesn't seem to play ball. When you're spending over $200 on a milk frother, you'd expect utter perfection.
Read more: Smeg milk frother review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Frothing | Good, but struggles on oat milk | ★★★ |
| Temperature range | Good range of temperatures | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Very expensive | ★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Looks beautiful, range of colors | ★★★★★ |
The best milk frother for small spaces
Buy it if
✅ You're on a budget: this is cheap without compromise
✅ You're short on space: this is ultra-compact
✅ You want a simple machine: it's straightforward to use
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're a reluctant cleaner: it's not dishwasher safe
❌ You want longevity: some people's haven;t lasted more than 2 years
❌ You want customization: this doesn't offer any variations
The bottom line
🔎 Bodum Bistro Milk Frother: Perfect for beginners, the simple Bodum is easy to use, inexpensive, and can still froth plant-based milks well. It lacks customization and finesse, but that's part of the price.
Bodum has established a reputation for their Danish design and durability. Combined with the surprisingly reasonable price tag, it's a dream come true, especially if you're new to milk frothing.
In spite of the considerable capacity, the Bodum has a small footprint. It looks neat on the countertop — a lot like the Nespresso Aeroccino in fact — and is available in a range of finishes.
When it comes to performance, the Bodum can froth up to eight cups of deliciously perfect cappuccino. The foam was tight and silky, which I didn't expect from a machine of this price. The biggest disappointment is that it's hard to enjoy this lovely foam, because there is no handle to hold the milk frother with and no spout to pout from. Therefore, either all the foam or all the warm milk comes out in one go. You never get the neat blend of the two. There's also no cold setting, so you will need something else for your morning iced macha.
Our experts are in the process of testing this. These are their thoughts so far.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Frothing | Generally excellent | ★★★★★ |
| Temperature range | Just one temperature | ★★★ |
| Value | Incredibly cheap | ★★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Looks subtle | ★★★★ |
The best whisk milk frother
Buy it if
✅ You want a portable option: this is battery powered
✅ You'd like color choices: it's available in every shade
✅ You want longevity: Zoku offers lifetime warranty
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want an automatic machine: you'll need to hold this in place
❌ You use plant-based milks: this is slow to work
❌ You don't have a microwave: this doesn't heat milk
The bottom line
🔎 Zulay Original: as far has handeld whisk milk frothers go, this is excellent. It's available in a range of colors and comes with a lifetime warranty, but it's slow and hands-on.
Full disclosure: I'm a little skeptical of whisk milk frothers. They'll never match up to electric milk frothers and they take a lot more effort from the user. They also tend to lack power, but Zulay's is the best one you'll get.
It's easy to transport, whether you're going on holiday or on your way to work and, when you're finished, it only needs an easy rinse. Plenty of my colleages have been converted to the Zulay and actually, these are even a favorite of Heather Dubrow.
The Zulay has a one-touch operation that is super easy to use, and is available in a seemingless endless rainbow of colors. With 12,500 rotations per minute (RPM), it can froth your preferred milk, be it cow's milk or non-dairy alternatives like soy, almond, or oat to a fluffy consistency. It's versatility, goes much further than just your favorite coffee beverages; use it as a whisk for mixing milkshakes, matcha tea, bulletproof coffee, protein powders, cocktails, fruit drinks, eggs, soups, dressings, and even whipped cream.
The Zulay Milk Frother requires 2 AA batteries, which are not included. Also, be wary that since no lid is involved, your foam could splatter or overflow. You will have to actively pay attention to what you are doing, rather than setting and forgetting it like in an electric.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Frothing | Not as good as electric | ★★★ |
| Temperature range | No heating | ★★★ |
| Value | Incredibly cheap | ★★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Good range of colors | ★★★★ |
The best handheld milk frother
Buy it if
✅ You need a cord free option: this is hand-powered
✅ You want speed: this can froth in under a minute
✅ You need capacity: the jug is 14 oz big
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're hands-off: HIC is powered by you
❌ You want warm milk: this has to be done separately
❌ You use the microwave: this isn't microwave safe
The bottom line
🔎 HIC Milk Frother: this stylish, stainless steel milk frother has a huge, 14 oz capacity and will froth in under a minute. However, it's extremely hands-on and you can't warm milk with it, especially not in a microwave.
Keep things old school with the forever dependable with the HIC Stainless Steel Milk Frother Pitcher. The stainless steel design is durable and dishwasher safe, and no electrical components limit the chance of malfunction. However, as a manual design, you will have to pump it yourself, which also gives you the most control over your froth levels.
Beyond looking like a pro, (something about stainless steel pitchers just look barista-quality) it's easy to use. Plus, the pitcher with a lid is a roomy 14 oz. that can double as a serving piece when you have guests. The spout also enables you to work on your latte art. It features a built-in double-mesh aerator to make froth and an easy-grip handle. Simply pump the handle for a minute, and you'll have silky, smooth milk froth for your lattes.
You can heat milk on the stove but will need to use a separate container to heat up the milk in the microwave.
Additionally, there is a method to the pumping to make froth, as one reviewer on Amazon has pointed out. He found through trial and error that pumping milk at a "steady pace, deliberately but not too fast" resulted in the fluffiest milk. He also recommended frothing it cold and then warming it up in the microwave. In fact, the review section is a treasure trove of users offering up their favorite tips and tricks.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Frothing | Manually powered, but can get some | ★★★★ |
| Temperature range | No heating | ★★★ |
| Value | Good value | ★★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Classic style | ★★★★ |
How to choose the best milk frother for you
So that you can get to enjoying your coffee quicker, we've broken down the varying types of milk frothers available.
It's all about aeration. A milk frother quickly stirs milk to aerate it, which causes the milk to form a lather on top. This creates foam, which can be light or dense depending on the type of frothing device used.
Dairy milk froths best, and the fresher the better. Low fat milks create dry, stiff foam while high fat or whole milk create wet, silky foam. Milk that previously was frozen will not froth.
Many reviewers across the models have noted that Oat milk has worked and led to frothy results, but milk alternatives like almond, coconut, or soy milk often have a harder time yielding consistent results. A lot of it comes down to experimentation.
How we tested these milk frothers
At Homes & Gardens we prioritize giving practical, useful advice. That's why we like to have in-person experience of a product before we recommend it to you. We have a team of expert testers who took all of these milk frothers to our dedicated test kitchen to see how they performed under a series of standardized tests. Some we even took into our homes and used over longer periods to see how well they lasted in the long-term.
We made notes on every froth setting available, testing them all on dairy and non-dairy milks. The team also consider how a product looks, what it's like to clean, and what it looks like on the countertop. There's nothing you won't know by the time we're finished with our tests. If you're interested and want to find out more, you can visit our page for how we test appliances.
