In the world of coffee connoisseurs and tea enthusiasts, achieving the perfect froth is an art form. Whether you’re crafting a velvety latte, a creamy cappuccino, or a luxurious hot chocolate, the frothed milk can make all the difference in taste and presentation. Fortunately, with the evolution of kitchen gadgets, achieving café-quality froth is no longer a luxury exclusive to baristas. Enter the realm of milk frothers — compact yet powerful devices designed to transform ordinary milk into a frothy delight, right in your own home.
As the demand for at-home coffee experiences continues to surge, the market is flooded with an array of milk frothers, each boasting unique features and capabilities. From handheld wands to automatic machines, choosing the perfect frother can be a task, to say the least. In this guide, we navigate through the sea of options to unveil the crème de la crème of milk frothers for 2024.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee fan or a newcomer to the world of frothed beverages, join us as we explore the top contenders that promise to elevate your at-home brewing experience to new heights.
Click to go straight to our winners of the best milk frothers by category:
How we tested
In our testing process for milk frothers, we wanted to make sure we covered all the bases just like you would at home. We paid close attention to how well each frother could whip up that perfect creamy froth, testing it with different types of milk to see if it could handle them all.
We also put a spotlight on how easy each frother was to use because, let’s face it, no one wants to deal with complicated controls or a hassle when cleaning up. And of course, we didn’t forget about durability — we wanted to know if these frothers could keep up with your daily coffee routine without falling apart. We judged all the milk frothers based on the following criteria:
- Performance: How quickly does it froth? How firm can it make the froth? Does it heat as well as froth? Does it make coffee preparation easier, more efficient, or more enjoyable?
- Durability: Are all its parts built to last? How would it stand up to years of use and cleaning?
- Easy of Use: Are the buttons easy to navigate? Is the functionality user-friendly? Is it easy to clean?
Best Milk Frothers
-
Best overall: Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother
Amazon Pros
- Quick and quiet operation for hassle-free frothing
- Versatile performance with the ability to froth different types of milk
- Sleek and compact design that complements any kitchen countertop
Cons
- Some users may find the frothing capacity limited for larger servings
- Relatively higher price point
The Nespresso Aeroccino3 stands out as the best overall milk frother, combining a sleek design with exceptional performance. With its rapid and quiet operation, it effortlessly froths milk to perfection for a variety of beverages, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
This pro-level milk frother impressed us with its professional appearance and functionality. It’s ergonomic and designed to be spatially aware, so it was ideal for our small city kitchens. It’s only got one button to worry about, but it will still froth up hot (or cold!) milk quickly, quietly, and easily. For its size, under-$100 price point, and industrial kitchen-level design, it’s definitely our best overall pick.
-
Best value: Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother
Amazon Pros
- Affordable price without compromising on frothing quality
- Simple one-touch operation for easy frothing
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance
Cons
- May not be as versatile in frothing different types of milk
- Some users may experience issues with consistency over time
Offering unbeatable value, the Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother delivers serious frothing power at an affordable price (under $10!). Its durable construction and versatile functionality make it a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their homemade coffee game without breaking the bank.
Handheld milk frothers are a dime a dozen, so testing for our favorite wasn’t exactly a breeze. The Zulay frother stood apart from the rest, though, by coming in a ton of different colors (grab one for everything from your morning matcha to your eggs or whipped cream) and having an unassumingly powerful motor. It was able to whip everything from regular milk to oat milk quicker than many of the others we’ve tried. On top of how easy it is to use and how fast it works, it’s also a cinch to clean.
-
Best splurge: SMEG Milk Frother
Williams Sonoma Pros
- Stylish retro design that adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen
- Premium build quality for durability and longevity
- Multiple frothing settings for customizable froth density
Cons
- Higher price point
- Larger footprint compared to other frothers, requiring more counter space
For those willing to indulge, the SMEG Milk Frother is the epitome of luxurious coffee-making tools. Featuring retro-inspired design and premium craftsmanship, this splurge-worthy frother not only creates velvety froth but also adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen countertop.
We found the look of this milk frother worth the price alone. Luckily, it also works extremely well. It warmed the milk to our exact preferred temperature before frothing it quickly in the stainless steel vessel. We also loved that we could choose between light and thick foam. The single backlit knob makes it brainless to operate and…man, does it look good on a countertop.
-
Best electric: Secura Detachable Milk Frother
Amazon Pros
- Convenient detachable pitcher for easy pouring and cleaning
- Simple and intuitive controls for hassle-free operation
- Reliable frothing performance with consistent results
Cons
- Some users may find the frothing time longer compared to other electric frothers
- Limited capacity for frothing larger quantities of milk at once
When it comes to electric frothers, the Secura Detachable Milk Frother stands out for its convenience and reliability. Its detachable pitcher and easy-to-use controls make frothing milk a breeze, ensuring consistently creamy results with every use.
Another single-button operation, this milk frother made hot and cold foam with no effort. We love how large the milk vessel is (cappuccinos all around!), but especially the fact that it’s machine-washable. Electric frothers tend to be harder to clean than their manual or handheld counterparts, but Secura thought of it all and made theirs foolproof from unboxing to using and storing away.
-
Best manual: Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother
Amazon Pros
- Affordable price point for budget-conscious consumers
- Manual operation allows for greater control over the frothing process
- Durable borosilicate glass construction with an easy-to-clean design
Cons
- Requires manual effort for frothing, which may not be suitable for everyone
- Frothing results may vary based on user technique and consistency
For a hands-on approach, the Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother reigns supreme as the best manual frother. Its simple yet effective design allows users to froth milk with precision, creating dense and creamy foam perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and more.
We were able to create a decadently whipped foam in less than a minute with this manual frother. We loved the hands-on approach to frothing, as it got us closer to each step in the latte-making process and, therefore, more appreciative of our final creation. All parts are dishwasher safe to boot, and its borosilicate glass vessel is heat-resistant, so we were able to froth warmed milk or warm our froth in the microwave afterward.
-
Best frother and steamer: Breville Milk Café Frothe
Amazon Pros
- Versatile functionality with both frothing and steaming capabilities in one device
- Multiple frothing discs and temperature settings for customizable froth density and milk temperature
- High-quality construction and durable materials ensure long-term performance and reliability
Cons
- Higher price point compared to standalone frothers or steamers
- Larger footprint may require more counter space, particularly for smaller kitchens
For those who crave versatility as much as their morning joe, the Breville Milk Café Frothe takes the crown as the best frother and steamer combo. With multiple frothing discs and temperature settings, it offers unparalleled control over froth density and milk temperature, catering to the preferences of even the most discerning coffee aficionados.
This frother let us get as granular as we could possibly need to with frothing temperatures, speeds, and thicknesses. We were able to make billowing peaks with oat milk and steam almond milk to our hearts’ desire. It was quiet and efficient and is even our second pick when it comes to attractiveness on a countertop.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.