The best milk frother for most people is the Nespresso Aeroccino 4: press a button and it heats and froths milk in about a minute, with settings for hot foam, latte milk and cold foam. If you want to make silky, latte-art-ready microfoam without a steam wand, get the Subminimal NanoFoamer V2. On a tight budget, a simple handheld wand frother or a Bodum Latteo manual frother works surprisingly well.
A frother is the cheapest way to make café-style lattes and cappuccinos at home, especially if your espresso maker has no steam wand. Here’s what each type does best and which one to buy.
Quick picks
- Best overall: Nespresso Aeroccino 4
- Best for large batches and drinks like hot chocolate: Breville Milk Café
- Best for latte art without a steam wand: Subminimal NanoFoamer V2
- Best manual frother: Bodum Latteo
- Best budget handheld: Zulay Milk Boss
Types of milk frothers
- Automatic jug frothers heat and froth at the same time with a magnetic whisk. They’re the easiest and most consistent.
- Handheld wand frothers are battery-powered whisks. They’re cheap and fast but don’t heat milk, so you warm it separately.
- Manual plunger frothers use a mesh plunger you pump by hand. They make thick foam from warmed milk and never need batteries.
- Microfoam tools like the NanoFoamer use a fine mesh screen to make smooth, glossy milk closer to what a steam wand produces.
- Steam wands on espresso machines are the gold standard for texture. See our guide to the best espresso machines for beginners if you want one built in.
The best milk frothers
1. Nespresso Aeroccino 4: best overall
The Aeroccino 4 has four settings: hot milk, hot airy foam, hot dense foam and cold foam. It’s quick, quiet, and the dishwasher-safe jug makes cleanup easy. It works with all Nespresso and non-Nespresso drinks.
Pros
- One-touch, consistent results
- Cold foam setting for iced drinks
- Dishwasher-safe jug
Cons
- Small capacity, about one or two drinks
- Foam is airier than steam-wand microfoam
2. Breville Milk Café: best for larger batches
The Milk Café has a larger jug, two whisk discs for latte or cappuccino texture, and an adjustable temperature dial. It can also make hot chocolate from chocolate flakes. It’s ideal for households making several milk drinks at once.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Adjustable temperature
- Two foam textures
Cons
- Bulky
- Higher price
3. Subminimal NanoFoamer V2: best for latte art without a steam wand
The NanoFoamer is a handheld frother with interchangeable mesh screens that break up large bubbles into fine microfoam. With warmed milk, it can make pourable milk for basic latte art, which most frothers can’t. The V2 has a rechargeable battery and stronger motor than the original.
Pros
- Real microfoam texture
- Rechargeable
- Compact
Cons
- Doesn’t heat milk
- Takes a little practice
4. Bodum Latteo: best manual frother
The Latteo is a glass jug with a double-mesh plunger. Warm milk to about 60–65 °C (140–150 °F), pump the plunger 10–20 times, and you get thick, stable foam. It’s cheap, durable and needs no electricity.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- No batteries or power
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Milk must be heated separately
- Foam is thick rather than silky
5. Zulay Milk Boss: best budget handheld
The Zulay is one of the most popular handheld wand frothers. It whips milk in about 15–20 seconds and works for hot or cold drinks, protein shakes and matcha. It’s the lowest-cost way to add foam to your coffee.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Fast
- Versatile
Cons
- Bubbly foam, not microfoam
- Requires batteries
- No heating
Comparison table
| Frother | Price range | Type | Heats milk | Foam quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nespresso Aeroccino 4 | around $100–$130 | Automatic jug | Yes | Good, airy |
| Breville Milk Café | around $150–$200 | Automatic jug | Yes | Good, adjustable |
| Subminimal NanoFoamer V2 | around $40–$50 | Handheld microfoam | No | Silky |
| Bodum Latteo | around $20–$30 | Manual plunger | No | Thick |
| Zulay Milk Boss | around $15–$20 | Handheld wand | No | Bubbly |
How to choose a milk frother
What drinks do you make?
For cappuccinos with thick foam, any type works. For flat whites and latte art, you need silky microfoam from a NanoFoamer or a steam wand. For iced drinks, choose a frother with a cold foam setting.
How many drinks at once?
Small jugs like the Aeroccino suit one or two drinks. Families or entertainers should look at larger jugs like the Milk Café.
Convenience vs control
Automatic jugs are push-button easy. Handheld and manual tools are cheaper and give more control, but you heat the milk yourself.
Tips for better frothed milk
- Start cold. Cold milk gives you more time to build foam before it gets too hot.
- Use whole milk for creaminess. Fat gives rich texture, while protein builds foam. Barista-edition plant milks are made to foam well.
- Don’t overheat. Aim for 55–65 °C (130–150 °F). Above that, milk tastes flat and foam collapses.
- Tap and swirl. Tap the jug on the counter to pop big bubbles, then swirl until the milk looks glossy.
- Clean right away. Milk proteins stick fast. Rinse immediately after each use.
Great milk needs great espresso underneath. See our picks for the best coffee beans for espresso, and if you want a machine with a steam wand, browse the best espresso machines under $500.
FAQ
Can a milk frother replace a steam wand?
For most drinks, yes. Automatic frothers make good cappuccino foam. For latte art, a microfoam tool like the NanoFoamer gets closest to steam-wand texture.
What milk froths best?
Cold whole dairy milk froths easily and tastes creamy. For plant-based options, barista-edition oat milk is usually the most reliable.
Can you froth cold milk?
Yes. Handheld frothers and automatic frothers with a cold setting can make cold foam for iced lattes and cold brew.
What temperature should frothed milk be?
About 55–65 °C (130–150 °F). This range brings out the milk’s natural sweetness without scalding it.
How do I clean a milk frother?
Rinse it immediately after use. Wash automatic jugs with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher if the manufacturer allows it, and run handheld frothers in a cup of warm soapy water.