You have everything you need at home to recreate the coffee shop experience — a coffee maker, a big fat mug, and a laptop, of course — but that flat-looking cappuccino you’ve been making has you wishing to jump to the nearest Starbucks. Because without that lovely foam, a cappuccino is just coffee with milk, which, meh. Lucky for you, however, there’s a way to remedy that — and it’s getting your very own milk frother.

Milk frothers are readily available on the market for affordable prices. But with so many options floating about, how can you know which one is really the best?

That’s where we come in. After careful research with the perfect cup of coffee in mind, we selected and reviewed the best milk frothers on the market. Our favorite models are affordable, easy to use, and won’t take up much space on your kitchen counter, but will become a fun part of your morning routine!

Make sure you read our handy buying guide at the end of this article, where we’ll cover the main factors you should consider when deciding which milk frother is the best option for you!

TOP PICK

It’s not surprising to see the Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother tower over the rest of the options. You will hardly find an automatic electric milk frother that has the ability to create the perfect foamy milk for your various beverages using different frothing disks. It can make hot chocolate, too; enough to fill three cups. Temperature control is up to you, and the auto-off makes sure it doesn’t use more power than is needed. What more could you ask for?

Best Milk Frother Reviews

Product Key Features
Best Overall Breville Milk Café Frothe BMF600XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother
  • Electric and automatic
  • Has both latte and cappuccino frothing disks
  • Hot chocolate maker
  • 3 cup maximum
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Adjustable temperature control
  • Auto-off
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Fino Milk Creamer Frother Cappuccino Foam Pitcher with Handle and Lid, 18/8 Stainless Steel, 14-Ounce Capacity
Fino Milk Creamer Frother Cappuccino Foam Pitcher with Handle and Lid
  • Manual and countertop
  • Creates foam for cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, mochas, Irish coffees or iced coffee
  • Stainless steel carafe
  • 14 oz. capacity
  • Dishwasher safe
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Best Budget Powerful Battery Operated Handheld Milk Frother Foam Maker for Lattes, Whisk Drink Mixer for Coffee, Mini Foam Maker for Cappuccino, Matcha, Hot Chocolate and Smoothies By MATCHA DNA(Silver)
Powerful Battery Operated Handheld Milk Frother Foam Maker
  • Manual, battery-operated, and handheld
  • Creates foam for lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolates
  • Powered by 2 AA batteries
  • ABS plastic body
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Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother, 8 Ounce, Black
Bodum 1446-01US4 Latteo Manual Milk Frother
  • Manual and countertop
  • Can create foam for lattes, mochas, macchiatos, and cappuccinos
  • Heat-resistant glass carafe
  • Holds 8 ounces of milk
  • Dishwasher safe
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Instant Pot Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Steamer, 10oz/295ml Automatic Hot and Cold Foam Maker and Milk Warmer for Latte, Cappuccinos, Macchiato, From the Makers of Instant 500W, Black
Instant Pot Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Steamer
  • Electric and automatic
  • Compact
  • Creates foams for lattes and cappuccinos
  • Cold-stir and milk-warming options
  • Heat proof casing and handle
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Huogary Milk Frother, Milk Steamer for Milk Foam & Hot Milk(4.5oz/10.5oz), Electric Milk Frother and Warmer for Homemade Coffee, 120V (Black)
Huogary Milk Frother, Milk Steamer for Milk Foam & Hot Milk
  • Electric
  • Detachable jug
  • Coated with a non-stick material
  • 4.4 oz. capacity for frothing and a 10.1 oz. capacity for heating
  • 3-year warranty
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Best Stovetop Bellemain Milk Frother Handheld, Thick, Creamy Milk Foam Maker, Warm & Cold Milk Foamer | Stainless Steel Hand Held Frother for Coffee, Latte, Cappuccino, Frappe, Matcha, Hot Chocolate, 14 oz.
Bellemain Milk Frother Handheld, Thick, Creamy Milk Foam Maker
  • Manual frother
  • For heating on stovetop
  • Stainless steel
  • 2-year warranty
  • 14-oz capacity for heating, 7-oz for frothing
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1. Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother

Best Overall
Breville Milk Café Frothe BMF600XL, Brushed Stainless Steel

Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother

Key Features

  • Electric and automatic
  • Has both latte and cappuccino frothing disks
  • Hot chocolate maker
  • 3 cup maximum
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Adjustable temperature control
  • Auto-off

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If the beauty of this milk frother fails to win you over, then its performance will. It’s not often you come across a sleek-looking frother that gets the job done better than most of its rivals. This Breville unit does all that with ease. Don’t be discouraged by the cost; the value you get in return is priceless.

You can create foam using different kinds of heat, but very few make consistent small air bubbles the way induction heating does. That wasn’t enough, though, so Breville went the extra mile to make the temperature adjustable, just to make sure you have absolute control over the frothing process. You even have a ‘cold stir’ option.

For a silky smooth texture, choose the frothing disk for lattes. If you are after a heavier, creamier froth, the frothing disk for cappuccino has you covered.

Still, there’s more. You can add chocolate powder or other additives to the warm milk for a rich hot chocolate beverage or drink of your choice.

Pros

  • Frothing is automated making it easier to use
  • A stainless body for increased longevity and easier cleaning
  • Auto-off helps to save energy
  • Able to create foam for different beverages, making it versatile
  • Adjustable temperature lets you control the frothing
  • Dishwasher safe for easier cleaning
  • Large cup capacity

Cons

  • Relatively expensive but worth your money
  • Large footprint makes it unsuitable for small countertops

The Breville BMF600XL is an almost-perfect milk frother that you can count on for barista-level results. It will effortlessly steam the perfect microfoam milk for your preferred coffee beverage and serve you for a longer period if you take good care of it. That’s what makes the best-rated milk frother by coffee connoisseurs.

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2. Fino Milk Creamer Frother Cappucino Foam Pitcher

Fino Milk Creamer Frother Cappuccino Foam Pitcher with Handle and Lid, 18/8 Stainless Steel, 14-Ounce Capacity

Fino Milk Creamer Frother Cappucino Foam Pitcher

Key Features

  • Manual and countertop
  • Creates foam for cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, mochas, Irish coffees or iced coffee
  • Stainless steel carafe
  • 14 oz capacity
  • Dishwasher safe

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From the outside, you may mistake this milk frother for a stainless steel teapot. When you flip the lid open, though, you will realize it’s a manual milk frother with many similarities to a French press. It’s small in size but well-equipped to froth whatever milk you pour inside it.

The Fino milk creamer frother is easy to operate. Once you have the recommended amount of milk inside, close the lid and press the easy-grip top up and down until you have frothed milk with consistent microfoam. Thirty to sixty seconds should be enough to have barista-type foam for different coffee beverages.

Don’t make the mistake of placing it in the microwave to warm up the milk; it’s not safe. Use other ways to heat up the milk and only use the frother to create foam. Remember to clean it after use, which is easy because every part of this tool is dishwasher safe.

Pros

  • Can make foamy milk for your various hot and cold coffee beverages
  • Small enough to fit in tighter spaces, including your traveling bag
  • Works with all kinds of milk
  • Dishwasher safe components allow for easier cleaning
  • Relatively affordable
  • Quick milk frothing saves time

Cons

  • No steaming option means you have to heat your milk separately
  • Every part of the process is manual but the experience is great for understanding milk frothing

The Fino milk creamer frother is a decent option for the coffee user who is on a budget but would like the convenience of a frother that can hold the milk as they manually steam it. It’s also great for small spaces and for the times when you are on the move or out on an adventure.

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3. MatchaDNA Silver Handheld Battery Operated Electric Milk Frother

Best Budget
Powerful Battery Operated Handheld Milk Frother Foam Maker for Lattes, Whisk Drink Mixer for Coffee, Mini Foam Maker for Cappuccino, Matcha, Hot Chocolate and Smoothies By MATCHA DNA(Silver)

MatchaDNA Silver Handheld Battery Operated Electric Milk Frother

Key Features

  • Manual, battery-operated, and handheld
  • Creates foam for lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolates
  • Powered by 2 AA batteries
  • ABS plastic body

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Here’s a simple milk frother, almost the same size as the standard screwdriver, that can still work the same magic as the bigger and complex milk frothers. It’s the cheapest on the list, but count on it to make smooth, foamy milk in 60-90 seconds no matter what kind of milk you have.

Not all manual milk frothers work the same way. Unlike the other frothers on our list, this MatchaDNA handheld has to be inserted in a glass of cold or hot milk (about ¼ full) and then held at a slight angle. Move it up and down thereafter until you have the foam you want, then turn it off.

It’s a simple process that takes seconds. Warm your milk if you want foam for coffee-house-style drinks or chocolate; whether it’s almond, whole, soy, or coconut milk, this frother doesn’t discriminate.

Clean the shaft and whip thereafter to make sure your next session also produces fresh foamy milk. No special liquid or tool is needed for cleaning; water from your tap should suffice.

Pros

  • Easy to store, carry around, and use while traveling or camping
  • Small size makes it a suitable option for small kitchens
  • Easy to operate for all kinds of users
  • Easy-to-clean shaft and whip
  • Works with all forms of milk
  • Incredibly cheap

Cons

  • Milk must be steamed or heated separately
  • More hands-on but still enjoyable to use

This is a milk frother you deserve to have in your home. Even if you have an electric option, you could buy and keep it for the days when your electric frother malfunctions or the power goes out.

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4. Bodum 1446-01US4 Latteo Manual Milk Frother

Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother, 8 Ounce, Black

Bodum 1446-01US4 Latteo Manual Milk Frother

Key Features

  • Manual and countertop
  • Can create foam for lattes, mochas, macchiatos, and cappuccinos
  • Heat-resistant glass carafe
  • Holds 8 ounces of milk
  • Dishwasher safe

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Even though it works a different way, this simple-looking milk frother will foam your milk the same way other seemingly-sophisticated frothers do in less than 30 seconds. You will have to be more hands-on with it, though; no part of it has been automated. It also doesn’t steam, but for its price, I can’t complain.

If you have ever handled a French press or any great coffee maker before, using this Bodum manual milk frother will be a cakewalk. Even if you are new to this, using it is still a fairly simple process you can master after a few tries.

First, you have to fill it with milk; then attach the lid before moving the plunger up and down until the milk foams to your desired texture. The comfortable grip on the stainless steel plunger makes sure the movements don’t tire you.

You can microwave the glass carafe (without the plunger) to warm the milk when you want to create light and smooth or heavier and creamier foam for your preferred coffee beverage.

Pros

  • Versatile enough to make foam for different coffee beverages
  • Every part is dishwasher safe, making it easier to clean
  • Easy to operate even for beginners
  • Quick results make it a time saver
  • Works with cold, non-fat, and low-fat milk
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Cannot steam on its own, but you can microwave the milk in the glass carafe
  • Requires a bit of effort but it’s a rewarding experience

Frothing your milk manually sounds like a lot of work, but this tool will make the process exciting for you. It suits everyone, newbies and coffee connoisseurs alike. The best part is that it’s incredibly cheap and can create foam for different coffee beverages. That’s enough value for its price.

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5. Instant Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Steamer

Instant Pot Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Steamer, 10oz/295ml Automatic Hot and Cold Foam Maker and Milk Warmer for Latte, Cappuccinos, Macchiato, From the Makers of Instant 500W, Black

Instant Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Steamer

Key Features

  • Electric and automatic
  • Compact
  • Creates foams for lattes and cappuccinos
  • Cold-stir and milk-warming options
  • Heat proof casing and handle

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It’s easy to mistake this milk frother for a portable flask water bottle or even underrate it because of the small size, but you would be wrong in both situations. In fact, it’s one of the most versatile milk frothers with a long list of cool features that will change your milk frothing experience for the better.

This versatile milk frother doesn’t stop at making light warm foam for lattes and thick warm for cappuccinos like most of its competitors do. In fact, these are its two middle settings.

The first setting (cold foam) will produce a silky microfoam to top up your cold brew or iced cappuccino, while the fourth option is for warming your milk. It may not reach the required temperatures for creating hot chocolates, though, so prepare to warm the milk further when using the milk as a base for your beverage.

No matter what type of milk you have, be it almond or whole milk, this machine will handle it. It doesn’t discriminate, and it’s one of the easiest to operate, with only two buttons to control everything.

Pros

  • Can create foam for a variety of coffee beverages
  • The small size makes it counter-friendly
  • Accommodates different forms of milk
  • 2-button control interface improves ease of use
  • Whisper-quiet milk steaming and frothing
  • Heat proof case and handle for comfortable handling
  • Controlled pouring on the spout to create latte art
  • Non-stick interior and removable whisk and lid for easier cleaning

Cons

  • Small size means you can only make one cup at a time

When you’re on a budget and looking for an electric milk frother that’s versatile enough to create foam for your different preferred beverages, the Instant milk frother has you covered. It offers more than enough for the average coffee user and fits almost anywhere.

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6. Huogary Milk Frother & Steamer

Huogary Milk Frother, Milk Steamer for Milk Foam & Hot Milk(4.5oz/10.5oz), Electric Milk Frother and Warmer for Homemade Coffee, 120V (Black)

Huogary Milk Frother & Steamer

Key Features

  • Electric
  • Detachable jug
  • Coated with a non-stick material
  • 4.4 oz capacity for frothing and a 10.1 oz capacity for heating
  • 3-year warranty

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This electric-corded milk frother is on our list for its beautiful results in frothing and steaming, versatile features, and amazing warranty that will make you feel confident about your purchase. This milk frother works on both hot and cold milk, so you’ll be able to concoct your favorite cafe beverages in both summer and winter! The large capacity of the HadinEEon makes it an ideal choice for larger households, as it’ll make enough foamy milk for everyone.

This milk frother is versatile and really easy to use. In addition to choosing between cold and hot frothing (it heats up the milk itself), you can also choose between frothing and steaming. All you need to do is pour the milk inside and click on your desired setting! The detachable jug allows for easy, precise pouring.

Pros

  • Make consistently velvety, dense, and foamy milk
  • Takes only a minute to heat and froth the milk
  • Quiet operation
  • Easy cleaning
  • Sleek aesthetics

Cons

  • Level markers on the inside of the jug are a bit hard to read
  • The priciest of our recommendations

This frother’s capacity makes it an excellent option for larger households, so you won’t have to froth milk multiple times.

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7. Bellemain Hand Pump Milk Frother

Best Stovetop
Bellemain Milk Frother Handheld, Thick, Creamy Milk Foam Maker, Warm & Cold Milk Foamer | Stainless Steel Hand Held Frother for Coffee, Latte, Cappuccino, Frappe, Matcha, Hot Chocolate, 14 oz.

Bellemain Hand Pump Milk Frother

Key Features

  • Manual frother
  • For heating on stovetop
  • Stainless steel
  • 2-year warranty
  • 14-oz capacity for heating, 7-oz for frothing

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The Bellemain offers great value for your money, and you can always depend on it to make long-lasting froth! It’s durable, easy to use, and an ideal choice for camping, because you can use it to both heat up and froth the milk.

To use, just place the milk frother on a stovetop to first heat up the milk, and then use the pump to manually froth the milk to your desired consistency, which takes around 30 seconds.

Pros

  • Great portable option
  • Durable
  • Dishwasher-safe

Cons

  • Plastic bits on the plunger may get disfigured if you pump it too energetically
  • Manual frothers require elbow grease

You can use this frother on both hot and cold milk. Plus, you can use the Bellemain to make various other recipes, including hot chocolate, cocktails, eggnog, and perfectly uniform salad dressings.

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Is a Milk Frother Necessary?

Maybe you are wondering if it’s even worth it to have a milk frother of your own. After all, you can just steam the milk and pour it over coffee, or not even heat it at all; just dump cold milk into your espresso and call it a day.

While these are options that many people choose every day, your beverage will be far from what you desire; not as delicious, creamy, hot, or flavorful as you would want. Frothing aerates the milk, creating bubbly foam that gives the drink the smooth silky texture we all crave.

Taste aside, not all espresso makers have a built-in milk frother and steamer. That doesn’t mean you are tied to only espresso, long black, or a doppio, though; separately buying a milk frother can complete your coffee setup. It will be easier to make specialty coffee beverages such as lattes and cappuccinos, and you will have saved yourself the hustle and bustle (and cost) of leaving the house to go get a coffee beverage from a cafe or shop.

best milk frother

How to Choose the Best Milk Frother

Which is the best milk frother? To answer that question, you have to go beyond the milk frothers reviews and look at what makes them different. Set aside time to narrow your options to the most suitable one for your needs.

Here’s how.

Electric vs Battery-Operated

Electric frothers, especially the type that can steam and froth, have to be plugged into a power outlet. You then push a button for the tool to work its magic; this is part of what makes them more expensive.

Battery-operated milk frothers resemble a flat stick and often have a flat whisk on one end that whirs when you activate it. They are more work, but less expensive.

Automatic vs Manual

Automatic frothers are mostly electric and come in different forms. Some are fully automatic, doing everything for you. Your work is to pour in the milk and dial in your preferred settings. The frother will then do the rest of the work for you.

Semi-automatic varieties cannot hold milk. Instead, they have a blade at the end of a stick that you move up and down to froth the milk. Some are electric while others use batteries.

Manual frothers resemble and work in the same way as a French press. They include a carafe, lid, and plunger; there’s no electric component. You have to pump it up and down to create milk foam. The best thing about them is that they give you more control over the milk texture.

Handheld vs Countertop

Countertop milk frothers can heat/steam the milk as you froth, but handheld ones can only foam the milk. Heating will have to be done separately.

Both do the job, but the countertop frother produces barista-level results for hot coffee beverages as well as creamy hot cocoa. On the other hand, handheld ones perform best in creating cold foam and are easy to take with you on the go.

Frothing Speed

Manual frothers generally take a shorter time to froth milk compared to their electric counterparts. In as little as 15 seconds, you will have the milk completely textured with an manual frother; electric or battery-operated options take about 90 seconds on average.

Ease of Use

Automatic and countertop milk frothers are easier to use than their manual and handheld counterparts, but cleaning them can be a pain, especially if your chosen option is not dishwasher safe.

Foam Versatility

Make sure your select milk frother can make the right foam for your preferred drink. For instance, you would need milk foam and steamed milk in equal parts for a cup of cappuccino, but more steamed milk and a small amount of airy, light foam for lattes. Can the frother produce either or both?

Milk Type

Different forms of milk also turn out differently in each of the frothers; therefore, you will need to know what kind of milk the tool works best with.

Most frothers can handle whole milk due to the high-fat content, but only a select few can also froth milk with reduced fat content or non-dairy milk.

Other Uses for Milk Frothers

Milk frothers are designed to create sweety milk foam for topping your different coffee drinks, but that’s not their only purpose. You can still use it to create beautiful latte art, especially if the spout allows controlled pouring.

Cocktails can also be made using a milk frother. It’s great at creating foamy drinks with a fluffy texture that you can blend with other beverages to create cocktails.

Other uses include:

  • Whisking eggs and cream together
  • Whipping up salad dressings, dips, and cream
  • Making creamy smoothies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you froth cold milk?

You can froth cold milk! Frothing is the process of aerating milk (inserting bubbles into it) so as to create a rich foam texture. This can be done with cold milk with any frother that has cold-frothing capabilities — including each one of our recommendations.

What kind of milk is best to froth?

The best milk to froth is skimmed, non-fat, and 2% milk. The first two options contain very little fat, which allows more bubbles to enter the milk without the fat weighing them down, making airy foam. However, their taste is quite light; if you’re looking for a creamier taste, go for 2% milk — it also foams effortlessly.

Can I use a frother on non-dairy milk?

You can use frother on non-dairy milk, yes. Soy, almond, rice, cashew — and all these other types of milk will froth. However, they will lose bubbles quite quickly since these types of milk have a different protein structure from dairy milk, which fails to support milk bubbles for too long.

Why can’t I get my milk to froth?

Your milk may fail to froth if you position the milk frother incorrectly. It should neither be too low nor too high. Dip it just below the milk’s surface and then adjust the depth as soon as you see a steady whirlpool of milk.

Heating the milk beyond the recommended temperature (135-150°F) also takes away its creamy texture, eventually affecting frothing.

Non-dairy milk also doesn’t froth as well as whole milk does. In fact, the frothing could be worse if the tool you are using only works with a specific kind of milk.

Lastly, keep in mind that milk frothing is an art that takes time to learn and master. Keep honing your skills until you get every bit right.

Can you put sugar in a milk frother?

Yes, you can add sugar to a milk frother to make the milk sweeter. Other ingredients you can put in your milk frother include honey, chocolate, flavored syrups, and so on.

Final Word on Milk Frothers

I know what’s best for you may not be best for the next person but there’s a milk frother you can count on to meet most, if not all your needs. The Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe milk frother is our best-rated milk frother and a coffee user’s favorite option because of its impeccable frothing abilities.

While the other milk frothers use a single whisk or blade to create foam, this Breville option has different frothing disks for creating the perfect foam for both lattes and cappuccinos. You can make hot chocolate with it as well, and control the temperature as you wish. What’s more, it’s big enough to create foam for up to three cups.

Not many milk frothers can rival it, but it retails at a price that may not be affordable to many of us. Don’t worry, though. You still have other options to consider from our milk frother reviews that are cheaper but still able to create bubbly foams for your different coffee beverages.