Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best House Milk Frother

A perfectly executed latte or cappuccino really is something. But trying to mimic what you get at a coffee shop? That can be tough. However, an inexpensive milk frother can do the trick at home.

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 We tested a whopping 24 milk frothers to help you determine which will best suit your needs, whether you're whipping up cold foam or heating and frothing hot cocoa. We also asked coffee pros for their best milk frothing techniques.

The Winners, at a Glance

The MagicFroth has three temperature settings and three foam settings, giving the user nine combinations to choose from. It whipped up silky, velvety milk foam that held its texture well, and its removable pitcher was easy to pour from.

Breville's Milk Cafe has a custom temperature dial so you can pick exactly how hot or cold you'd like your milk to be. It also has a tapered pitcher that creates a strong vortex for silkier textures and two whisk attachments for different styles of milk foam.

With a simple interface, two foam settings, and a lower price point, the Instant Milk Frother is an affordable model that produces excellent foam. It also heats up quickly.

The Golde Superwhisk made great cold milk foam and comes with a cap for easy storage'and for travel, if frothing on-the-go is a priority. The Superwhisk is rechargeable, too. 

Although slightly less powerful than the Golde Superwhisk, the Zulay did well in all of our tests. It comes with a stand for built-in counter storage, and it's often on sale on Amazon.

The Tests

• Foam Quality Test: We evaluated how well each milk frother made velvety microfoam using whole milk and oat milk. If models had multiple foam settings, we tested them and compared the amount of foam expansion. 
• Temperature Test: We set each milk frother to its lowest temperature setting and checked what this was with an instant-read thermometer. We also timed how long each milk frother took to reach that setting, repeating this test with each model's other temperature settings (if available).
• Cold Foam Test: We tested each milk frother's cold foam setting with whole and oat milk and evaluated the quantity and quality of the foams. 
• Usability and Cleanup Tests: We tried any other bonus features or settings and evaluated how easy each milk frother was to set up and use. We also cleaned the frothers after each test.

What We Learned

What Is Foam, Anyway?

Foam is a liquid or solid that has trapped gas inside it. For this review, we will focus on milk'and what makes it particularly interesting. 'What makes milk proteins unique is that they are highly soluble in water and they are surface active,' Dr. Thom Huppertz, a dairy science professor and editor-in-chief of the International Dairy Journal, told us when we interviewed him for a previous version of this story. 'The only other substance that can foam like milk is eggs.' 

But what does 'surface active' mean? Basically, milk readily snags air molecules, making it easy to aerate. This is also why dairy milk froths better than plant-based milk'and why its foam holds up longer.

There are two other key factors in frothing: heat and fat content. Heat denatures milk proteins, exposing hydrophobic ends that readily attach to air (foam!). Fat, though, is actually a barrier to frothing, which is why non-fat milk foam is fluffier and more pillow-like than that made with whole milk.

How Do Milk Frothers Work?

When using an espresso machine, milk foam is created with a high-pressure steam wand that heats milk while whipping air into it. Home milk frothers work differently. They use a circular wire whisk attached to a motor that spins it and creates a vortex. This agitation is what makes air bubbles.

While both use a similar style circular whisk to create foam, countertop and handheld milk frothers work differently. Countertop models will warm milk through an electric heating element (similar to a kettle) and work automatically, but handheld milk frothers require you to heat the milk separately. With a handheld milk frother, you will also need to hold the whisk at the right depth and angle to create optimal foam texture.

Many of the Milk Frothers Made Nice Foam

Most models we tested were able to create good-quality milk foam. While some were better at making a silky, homogenized milk and foam mixture (like the Instant MagicFroth Milk Frother and Breville Milk Cafe Milk Frother), most were at least able to produce a stable, velvety foam layer that was good enough for at-home lattes or cappuccinos.

Customizable Settings Were Key

Frothers with limited settings fell short in our testing. The Spinn and Bodum frothers only had one setting for temperature and foam, which limited our options. Higher-end models with multiple settings let us customize our preferred drinking temperatures and foam thickness. But even low-cost models like the Instant Milk Frother had numerous settings for foam and temperature'key for those wanting to make both cappuccinos and lattes at home. And while handheld whisks like the Golde Superwhisk Milk Frother didn't have built-in settings, their manual operation allowed us to add foam to our heart's desire.

Unique Whisk Attachments Performed Better

While most milk frothers use similar circular wire whisks, the Breville Milk Cafe offers two whisks for creating different foams. The flatter disk produced a thinner, latte-style texture while the ridged whisk made airy cappuccino foam easily. We also liked the spiky whisk of the Capresso Froth Select Milk Frother, which was better at keeping foam mixed into the milk longer than a standard attachment.

Countertop Models Can Be Tricky to Clean

Because countertop models are heating the milk from the bottom, most leave a cooked milk film on the base of the pitcher. While the sides of the pitchers were easy to rinse out, it was difficult to scrub the bottoms of narrow frothers like the Nestle Aeroccino 4. Wider pitchers were easier to scrub clean, but we appreciated detachable pitchers that were dishwasher-safe, like the Breville's and Instant MagicFroth's.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Milk Frother

The best milk frothers create a silky, velvety microfoam that holds its texture long enough for you to enjoy your beverage. They also have multiple settings so you can customize your preferred temperature and foam levels, are easy to clean, and work well with dairy and non-dairy milk.

Our Favorite Milk Frothers

What we liked: The MagicFroth has a sleek interface with three foam and variable temperature settings. It created silky, well-incorporated microfoam at each setting and consistently hit temperatures of 140ºF and 160ºF. It was simple to set up, had a large capacity to accommodate multiple drinks at once, and its detachable pitcher was dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. It also performed well with oat milk and cold foam. It's a feature-rich milk frother with high performance and a moderate price point, making it a great choice for most people.

What we didn't like: It takes a little longer than other models, with some frothing and heating cycles lasting almost five minutes.

Key Specs 

• Capacity: 17 ounces
• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 6 inches
• Temperature settings: Cold, warm, hot
• Foam settings: Stir only, latte, cappuccino
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe milk pitcher, wipe base clean with a damp cloth

What we liked: The Breville allows you to really customize the temperature of the milk (anywhere from 100ºF to over 160ºF, though Breville notes the ideal temperature as being around 140ºF). If you want to make a cappuccino, latte, or hot chocolate, it can do it all. The Breville comes with two whisks and we found the latte whisk did a great job at frothing non-dairy milk. Thanks to its 25-ounce capacity pitcher, it can froth enough milk for multiple drinks, but also works well with smaller volumes. There are some other handy usability features worth mentioning: The pitcher is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup, there's cord storage, and there's a magnetic spot on the back for whisk storage. 

What we didn't like: The Breville's pricey, but it's also the best-performing model we tested. If you're picky about milk texture and temperature we think it's worth it. 

Key Specs

• Capacity: 25 ounces
• Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.4 x 10.4 inches
• Temperature settings: Variable temperature dial from 100ºF to over 160ºF; also cold
• Foam settings: Stir only, latte and cappuccino whisk attachments 
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe milk pitcher; wipe base clean with a damp cloth

What we liked: This model had a simple interface and only four settings: cold foam, warm latte foam, warm cappuccino foam, and hot milk. It did a good job differentiating between latte and cappuccino foam, and it consistently hit 145ºF for its warm setting and 165ºF for its hot setting. It made a solid cold foam, too. If you're looking for a basic milk frother at a low price, we recommend this one. 

What we didn't like: We wish it had more settings and a bigger capacity, but at this price, we think it covers its bases well. 

Key Specs

• Capacity: 10 ounces
• Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 4.7 x 4.2 x 8.25 inches
• Temperature settings: Cold, warm, hot
• Foam settings: Latte, cappuccino
• Care instructions: Wash the interior with warm, soapy water and wipe off the outside with a damp cloth

What we liked: The Golde Superwhisk has two speeds, which helped tailor foam amounts. Thanks to its dual-coiled head, it was also more powerful than other handheld frothers, creating silky-smooth microfoam. It has a lid for storage and traveling, and it's rechargeable. (Its USB cord is included, too.) While this wasn't an official test, the Golde did a good job mixing powders like matcha into liquid. The whisk can be removed from the handle and is dishwasher-safe. 

What we didn't like: Since it's a handheld model, you'll have to heat milk first if making hot foam. It's not as powerful as a countertop frother.

Key Specs

• Weight: 6 ounces
• Dimensions: 7 x 1.3 inches
• Temperature settings: None
• Foam settings: Two speeds
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe whisk attachment; wipe down body with a damp cloth

What we liked: The Zulay is easy to use'just press a button and you're frothing. It's well-made and comfortable, and we liked the included stand. It weighs a touch less than the Golde and has a longer wand. It's a no-frills model that just works well and costs around $10.

What we didn't like: If you want two or three-tiered whisks, you'll need to pay for an upgraded model; the heads aren't interchangeable. There's only one speed.

Key Specs

• Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Dimensions: 9.76 x 1.45 inches
• Temperature settings: None
• Foam settings: One speed
• Care instructions: Start whisk under running water to clean

The Competition

• Elita Double Whisk Handheld Milk Frother: This whisk created large bubbles. It appears to be discontinued, too.
• Rösle Stainless Steel Dual Speed Frother: We were surprised by how weak this milk frother was.
• Vava Electric Milk Frother: This was another so-so frother. It's now discontinued.
• Capresso Froth Max Milk Frother: This model just couldn't match up to the comparably priced Instant. 
• Keurig Standalone Frother: This frother produced foam that deflated quickly.
• Ninja Coffee Bar Easy Milk Frother: This French press-esque frother made milk foam with air bubbles that were too large.
• PowerLix Milk Pro: This is fairly identical to the Zulay'so if that's out of stock, we say go for it. 
• Aerolatte Milk Frother: The Aerolatte is battery-operated and loses its charges fast.
• FoodVille MF05 Rechargeable Milk Frother: This had numerous whisk attachments, but its performance was so-so.
• Nespresso Aeroccino 4: This pricier frother couldn't hold a lot of milk and didn't froth as well as our winners.
• Bodum Bistro Electric Milk Frother: With just one temperature and foam setting, this was less versatile than our other countertop top picks.
• Miroco MI-MF002: Our former favorite, this model has consistent stock issues.
• Miroco Detachable Milk Frother: While this performed fine, it lacks features. It's discontinued, too.
• Spinn Milk Frother: With only one temperature and foam setting and a limited capacity, this milk frother didn't measure up to our winners.
• Paris Rhone Milk Frother: This model had an odd cage that surrounded the whisk and was difficult to set up properly. It also produced too much foam on the latte setting. It's frequently out of stock.
• Zwilling Effinigy Milk Frother: This frother is expensive and ultimately didn't perform as well as our winner. 
• Capresso Froth Select Milk Frother: This model created great foam but its price point and lack of settings kept it from being a top pick. 
• Nespresso Aeroccino 3: This model was narrow and a pain to clean.
• Smeg Milk Frother: Not only is this milk frother extremely expensive, but its whisk becomes clogged easily causing the frother not to work.

FAQs

How do you use a milk frother?

Most of our top picks are countertop electric milk frothers. With these, you add milk (the pitchers usually have minimum and maximum lines on them), select your temperature and/or froth setting, and press the power button. The frother will automatically stop once frothing is completed. For handheld milk frothers, you add the milk to a separate pitcher/glass, insert the whisk end into the milk, and then turn on the frother. You will want to move the frother up and down and/or tilt it side to side for best results.

Can you froth oat milk with a milk frother?

You can froth any non-dairy milk'including oat milk'with a milk frother. Some alternative milk might not froth well or take longer to froth. You can also seek out barista blends of non-dairy milk, which tend to be fattier and more stable when frothed. The Breville Milk Cafe is the best milk frother we tested for plant-based/alternative milk, like oat or almond milk. Because it had multiple whisk attachments and precise temperature control, we found we could make small adjustments when frothing non-dairy milk to achieve the best results.

Is a milk frother worth it?

If you like to make lattes, cappuccinos, cold foam, match, or even hot chocolate at home, a milk frother can be worth it.

Does a milk frother heat up milk too?

Countertop milk frothers can heat up milk, but handheld ones can't (and neither can ones shaped like a French press). If you want to froth hot milk with a handheld milk frother, you'll need to heat it up first.

Why We're the Experts

With so many pieces of coffee gear to choose from, it can be hard to determine what you need to make a delicious cup. But whether you're loyal to your pour-over coffee maker, drip coffee maker, or espresso machine, we recommend you pick up a milk frother. The best milk frother can turn any cup of coffee into a specialty cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. Plus, the milk frother is useful for amping up non-coffee drinks like hot chocolate and matcha, and blending protein powders to perfection ' and it has a few more clever uses beyond beverages.

We tested 22 highly rated milk frothers of every size and design to see which performed best. We made foams and froths both cold and hot, evaluating key factors like usability, design, and texture to determine the best milk frothers for morning lattes and so much more. Keep scrolling for our list of the best milk frothers for barista-level coffee drinks without leaving the house.

Types of Milk Frothers

There are three main types of milk frothers, each with its own advantages.

• A manual milk frother doesn't have any electric or battery components, and most models look similar to a French press. They have a perforated screen attached to a plunger you move up and down to introduce air into the milk. This gives you exacting control over the final froth texture but also takes more work than simply pressing a button.
• An electric handheld or stick milk frother looks like a small immersion blender, only with a whisk at the end instead of blades. When you turn the device on, the whisk spins or vibrates to whip air into the milk. You can use a handheld milk frother in basically any vessel, from pint glass to coffee mug, and even on the stove in a hot saucepan. This style is generally relatively inexpensive, though not as versatile as a self-contained countertop model. Most come with a sleek stand to fit into your coffee station, or they're small enough to tuck away in a kitchen drawer.
• A countertop electric milk frother is a larger device with its own pitcher and frothing device. Some can even froth and heat milk at the same time. These machines tend to have multiple modes, with different texture options based on how long and how quickly they run. Countertop milk frothers take up more room than the other types and are usually more expensive, but they give you more options, too.
  

Pros

• This double-whisk milk frother is inexpensive, easy to clean, comfortable to hold, and created a nice foam with various liquids.

Cons

• The whisk attachments don't always click in securely and are prone to falling out during use.

This milk frother is a winner in our books for so many reasons. For starters, you'll notice that it has a pair of wire rings at the end attachment compared to the single one on most competitors. The double-whisk action made a real difference during testing, creating a nice glossy foam with whole milk and a silky, structured foam with oat milk. It also produced an inch and a half of foam atop a mug of hot chocolate. We felt the dual rings aerated liquids much more quickly than many of the other frothers we tested, and for the price it just couldn't be beat.

The ElitaPro received our highest possible score in the design category, as it's very light with a comfortable grip, and it comes in 17 different colors. The whisk cleans easily with a quick buzz in a glass of soapy water, a rinse, and then another buzz to dry. We liked the little stand included to prop it up next to your coffee equipment. Plus, it comes with an extra egg beater attachment for omelets and similar dishes. Our one complaint is that the attachments can fall out in use if they're not properly secured.

Type: Handheld electric | Self-Heating: No | Dimensions: 9.45 x 2.52 x 2.44 inches | Weight: 5 ounces

Pros

• This versatile device can create cold foam, hot froth, or just heat up coffee and tea.

Cons

• It's expensive compared to a handheld model, and it can be tricky to secure the oblong whisk.

The people behind the Instant Pot are great at efficient and multifunctional design, so it's not a big surprise that the brand's milk frother does more than just froth milk. It's also effectively a mug warmer, able to simply heat your coffee or tea as well as to create hot or cold, thick or thin foam.

In all our tests, the Instant machine shined. With whole milk, the froth held up over time and kept its integrity on top of hot coffee, and with oat milk, the airy foam didn't deflate after pouring. During our cold foam test, the result was a very stable and silky texture, ideal for latte art ' especially since this frother has a narrow and accurate pour spout. And the hot chocolate results were perhaps our favorite: We got a rich treat as creamy as a milkshake. On the extra-frothy setting, the Instant performed so well that it overflowed our cup!

"I got the Instant frother during a sale event, and I really like it," says Food & Wine associate editor Arnesia Young. "I mainly bought it to experiment with making tea lattes, but I love its versatility and the fact that it can froth and warm your milk. I usually set it to froth while my tea steeps, and it's done by the time or before my tea's ready, which is convenient. It's also easy to clean. Just be careful not to wet any of the electrical components."

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This machine is more expensive than most handheld versions (including the ElitaPro above), but it's also a lot more capable ' and during testing, the Instant stood out among countertop frothers as the most versatile. Really the only design or performance issue we encountered in testing was getting the inner whisk properly seated. The oblong shape takes a few tries to get the hang of.

Type: Countertop electric | Self-Heating: Yes | Capacity: 10 ounces | Dimensions: 4.7 x 8.25 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds

Pros

• This high-performing, high-design machine can heat and foam a large volume of liquid at once.

Cons

• It's louder and more expensive than other countertop models.

With a futuristic and compact design, Bodum's electric milk frother takes up very little space despite holding more than any of the other countertop models on our list. More importantly, this machine performed well in every test, making tight, stable foam that held well together after pouring.

In our cold foam test, it delivered silky, tight-bubbled pourable foam, and with hot chocolate, it created a milkshake-like texture. This frother made some of the best foam of testing; all the bubbles were tight and very glossy. It can heat and froth separately or do both together, though it doesn't have multiple texture options like the Instant above.

The cup, lid, and whisk parts are all dishwasher-safe, so the Bodum Bistro was one of the easiest frothers to clean during testing. A trade-off is that it makes more noise and costs more money than the other countertop models we tested. However, if you want to froth multiple batches at once, we think the high capacity is worth a few extra dollars and a few seconds of loudness.

Type: Countertop electric | Self-Heating: Yes | Capacity: 13.5 ounces | Dimensions: 4.1 x 8.3 inches | Weight: 1.86 pounds

Pros

• This powerful frother makes a tight, high-quality foam, hot or cold, and it's even dishwasher-safe.

Cons

• It's expensive, and the highest heat setting can scorch hot chocolate and other creamy beverages.

Whether or not you've invested in a high-end Nespresso coffee machine, the brand's milk frother is about as fancy as it gets. The gadget whips up a tight foam that holds its structure perfectly, and the comfortable handle makes it easy to make latte art right in your cup. It's quite powerful, bringing hot chocolate to 137°F at the lower of its two heat settings. Just be very careful on high; Nespresso claims a maximum of 158°F, which could potentially overheat milk and created burnt flavors in our hot chocolate test.

You have many options, including making dense or airy foams, heating without frothing, or both. During our cold foam test, the Nespresso whipped up foam that held its shape for 5 minutes with no deflating or air pockets ' better than almost any other frother we tested.

Another big advantage of the Aeroccino4 is that essentially the whole thing is dishwasher-safe; there's no need to scrub the chrome pitcher and lid. However, it's also pretty pricey, more than double the cost of the already-expensive Instant above.

Type: Countertop electric | Self-Heating: Yes | Capacity: 8 ounces | Dimensions: 4.3 x 7.4 inches | Weight: 1.9 pounds

Pros

• This battery-powered milk frother can make you a proper latte at work or on the go.

Cons

• Its lower power makes for a looser, softer foam than plug-in models.

"This milk frother is unbeatable for small kitchen spaces," says editorial director Megan Soll. "It's a breeze to clean and operate, and so simple that visiting relatives aren't even too intimidated to try it. If you're trying to limit your appliance collection but still want great frothing capabilities, this is an easy option."

The PowerLix looks and works much like our best overall ElitaPro, except it's powered by two AA batteries instead of a wall plug. You can bring it to work to improve less-than-delicious break room coffee, or even take it (and a percolator) on a camping trip for fireside lattes in the morning. In terms of performance, this milk frother created a looser foam with whole milk than with oat. Both held up for less time than with other models; the foam started to dissipate pretty soon after pouring. There's really no way around the fact that you have to sacrifice power for portability. On the other hand, it comes in more than 20 different colors to match even the most demanding of design schemes.

Type: Handheld electric | Self-Heating: No | Dimensions: 2.75 x 9.84 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces

Pros

• You can make foam like a barista with this sleek and efficient pump frother.

Cons

• It didn't do a great job in testing with hot chocolate.

Sometimes, the electric model isn't the right choice. A manual frother doesn't require an outlet or batteries, so it can truly be used anytime, anywhere. This pitcher's manual double-mesh aerator gives you complete control over the texture of your milk, and pumping it takes little effort. It only took about a minute in testing to get a super-stable, glossy, and tight-bubbled foam. Since there aren't any electronics or batteries involved, you can also just toss the whole thing in the dishwasher (keep it on the top rack) to clean.

While great for coffee drinks, the Fino is not ideal for hot chocolate. The aerator doesn't scrape the bottom well enough to incorporate ingredients, and you can't see how well everything is mixed without stopping to remove the lid, and release heat. The Fino performed best during our cold foam test. The bubbles were tiny and ultra-velvety, some of the best we were able to make.

Type: Countertop manual | Self-Heating: No | Capacity: 14 ounces | Dimensions: 5.25 x 6 inches | Weight: 11.2 ounces

Our Favorite Milk Frother

We chose the ElitaPro Double Whisk Handheld Milk Frother as our overall favorite because of its great price-to-performance ratio, comfortable grip, and easy cleanability. For a more versatile self-heating countertop option, we recommend the Instant 4-in-1 Milk Frother and Steamer and its multitude of options.

How We Tested Milk Frothers

We tested 22 milk frothers in total for this story, including nine handheld electric frothers, nine countertop electric machines, and four manual models. We put each one through an identical series of tests designed to evaluate all the common ways you might use a milk frother.

• Latte tests: We frothed a third of a cup of whole milk into the fine-bubbled foam appropriate for a latte or macchiato, using the fine-foam setting if available. We looked at the texture of the finished foam and how well it held up sitting in the pitcher for a few seconds, as well as how well it held up after pouring over hot espresso. We then repeated the same test using oat milk and noted any differences in results.
• Cold foam test: With cold milk and simple syrup, we created a thicker, denser foam, using the froth setting if available. We examined and rated the texture immediately and 5 minutes after pouring it on top of iced coffee.

• Hot chocolate test: With the handheld and manual models, we heated milk to 100°F on the stovetop and then frothed it in a packet of hot chocolate mix. We noted how thoroughly the powder was incorporated and how much air the machines incorporated into the drinks. For countertop machines with self-heating capacity, we made a batch of the same hot chocolate on the froth-and-heat setting, measuring the final temperature and looking at the same textural factors. Interestingly, the top two performers heated milk to 132°F, which we think is the sweet spot for the best texture and longevity of the foam.
• Cleaning: Between tests, we cleaned each machine following the manufacturer's directions. For dishwasher-safe items, we ran each through at least one dishwasher cycle and also hand-washed. We rated how easily the milk frothers came clean, whether any residue remained afterward, and whether we found any damage or corrosion after repeated washing.

We kept the retail prices of the milk frothers secret until after we completed all of our other tests, but then revealed them to rate each model's value in comparison to the whole group and others of the same type. At the time of testing, the most expensive milk frother we tested was $120 and the least expensive was $7, with an average cost of about $43. In general, handheld electric models were the cheapest, followed by the manual frothers and then the countertop electric machines.

Factors to Consider

Self-Heating Capabilities

To choose the right style of milk frother for you, the first thing to consider is whether you'd like it to be able to heat your drink automatically. If so, a countertop electric frother is the only option. Most self-heating models can heat and froth together or separately, and some have multiple temperature options to choose from. On the downside, these are the priciest type of milk frother.

Electric vs. Manual

An electric frother ' either countertop or handheld ' makes frothing as easy as pushing a button, while a manual model gives you more control over texture at the expense of requiring a little muscle power. Manual milk frothers are small lidded pitchers, with an aerator connected to a plunger you pump up and down to produce foam. The speed and amount of time you aerate determines the final texture, and you can achieve a range from barely bubbly to nearly whipped cream.

Size and Footprint

If you are limited on counter space or would prefer to simply stuff your frother in a drawer, consider a handheld model. They are often very slim and don't take up much space, and electric power makes creating foam a snap. (Keep in mind that you will have to charge or change the battery every so often if it's cordless.) If portability is high on your list, we suggest a manual or battery-powered hand-held frother. These don't require an outlet and can easily be tucked into an office breakroom drawer or nestled into a backpack for camping.

Both manual and countertop electric models take up more space than a handheld, as they include their own pitcher.

Milk Compatibility

Alternative milks are more popular than ever, and not all milk frothers can handle the varying textures of milk. Be sure to confirm that your frother of choice can handle your preferred type of milk, whether it's traditional dairy or an alternative like oat or almond. For the best possible results when frothing non-dairy milk, look for containers labeled "barista-style" or any type of full-fat alternative milk, as these will be closest to dairy milk.

If you're using dairy milk, the higher the fat content, the better. The fat in milk helps the bubbles retain their shape, so whole milk is best for frothing. You can absolutely use 2% or even skim milk in frothers, but just know the foam won't be quite as velvety and won't last as long.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does a milk frother do?

  "A milk frother does just that," says Anthony Contrino, an Emmy-awarded culinary producer and the host of Saucy on Peacock. "It froths milk by whipping or agitating the liquid to create small bubbles." The tiny bubbles create a foam that sits on top of or mixes into various drinks with coffee or tea. The home versions are meant to replicate the foamy milk professional baristas make with the steam wand attached to a professional-level espresso machine.

• Do milk frothers heat milk?

  "It depends on the actual type and brand; some do and some don't," Contrino says. "A handheld device will just agitate the milk, while larger electric varieties will both heat and froth." Most countertop machines have the ability to heat up and can do so independently of frothing, which allows them to make hot, unfoamed milk as well as cold or hot foam.

• Can you froth almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk?

  "Most plant-based milks will froth well, especially those with higher protein and fat content. The more fat, the more luxurious the foam will be," Contrino says. If you choose low-fat or fat-free versions of plant milk, you won't be able to get a great foam, but there are versions specially designed for frothing: Look for ones labeled "extra-rich" or "barista-style." You can also control the viscosity and fat content by producing your own custom blends with a nut milk maker.

• What can you do with a milk frother besides froth milk?

  A milk frother is great for any cooking job that requires thorough, rapid mixing. It's a great way to disperse grainy ingredients like matcha powder or protein powder in any kind of liquid. A quick buzz in pancake batter can turn the finished product extra-fluffy. If you're making cornstarch slurry to thicken a soup or sauce, a frother can eliminate clumps for a smooth mixture in seconds. You can even use a milk frother to aerate wine, in a sort-of-substitute for a wine decanter.

Other Milk Frothers We Tested

Strong Contenders

Rösle Stainless Steel Dual Speed Milk Frother ($40 at Amazon)

This milk frother made an okay foam with whole milk but performed better with oat milk, producing a tighter foam that held. The cold foam was smooth and pourable. It didn't perform as well for hot chocolate, with the mix not being entirely incorporated. It's a good machine overall, but the price is high for a handheld model.

FoodVille MF05 Rechargeable Milk Frother ($20 at Amazon)

This is another good handheld milk frother option, especially for the price. It produced a glossy and tight foam for both oat and whole milk. But the ElitaPro and PowerLix above both did as well or better for a lower price.

Ninja Coffee Bar Easy Milk Frother ($25 at Amazon)

This manual milk frother produced near-perfect results with the different types of milk, and you can even put its glass pitcher in the microwave to make hot foam. It had a lot of trouble mixing the hot chocolate, though.

What Didn't Make the List

The milk frothers that finished at the bottom of our list did so for several reasons. Some were too weak to produce a glossy froth or made foam that deflated quickly. Other milk frothers were difficult to clean or awkward to operate. Further models performed okay but cost more than higher-rated competitors. A few of those brands include Zyliss, Zulay, and Keurig, as well as models from Nespresso and Bodum different from the ones above.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website House Milk Frother.

Our Expertise

• Cindy Brzostowski is a writer and avid home cook who has previous experience in cookbook publishing. Her writing has been featured in Allrecipes, Blue Apron, The Kitchn, and EatingWell, among other publications. To determine the best milk frothers, she used data and insights from our tests of 22 top models.
• Megan Soll also updated this piece. She is an editorial director at Food & Wine, with more than a decade of experience as an editor at food, lifestyle, and entertainment publications including Shape, Travel + Leisure, and The Hollywood Reporter.