Do you crave milk-based coffees? They certainly taste fine as their creamy texture provides a melting flavor in your mouth. But there are so many different types of milk frothers available on the market. How do you know which one is better to meet your needs?
We’ll help you find the best milk frothers based on our extensive research.
A good milk frother allows you to control the amount of air you need in your froth. And when you add that froth to your cup of coffee, it significantly enhances the flavor. Plus, you have to be careful because there are different recipes for milk-based coffee, but not all need the same foam.
And this is where a milk frother comes into play. When you have this particular piece of equipment in your kitchen, you won’t need to drive to your nearest coffee shop to enjoy a delicious tasting cup of coffee.
So, if you are oblivious at this point, don’t worry because this guide will help you buy the best milk frother.
Different types of milk frother
For frothing, you can use different types of kitchen tools. You can go for the old French press, your trustworthy blender, a whisk, and even a jar with a lid can work.
But the result will not be very satisfying. Why? Because the froth will be bubblier, and the texture will not be consistent. It’s going to be nothing in comparison to that silky smooth and lusciously creamy froth that we love from the coffee shops. And this is precisely why we never get that satisfying taste at home. So, a milk frother is essential.
Let’s explore different types of milk frother available on the market.
Handheld milk frothers – The good old cordless
These frothers run on battery, and you can use them directly into the cup of milk for frothing. They work just like your mini-immersion blender. This whisk will spring continuously, and when you move it up and down, the air whips within the milk and smoothens.
These frothers are quite affordable and compact, and you can use them for whisking, dressings, matcha, and eggs as well. The result is a subtle foam with large bubbles. This kind of froth is perfect for cappuccinos. These frothers are pretty easy to clean. You just have to run them through water, and that’s it.
But the thing is, these frothers run on batteries, and you might have to replace them frequently. They might run out during your whisking. Your milk can splatter as there is no lid on the cup.
Automatic frother – The more traditional approach
These jug-like frothers are powered by electricity and come with an induction whisk. This whisk heats up and starts spinning as soon as you turn the unit on. This frother creates a consistent and smooth foam and can conveniently handle cold milk as well.
They are much better than the handheld ones and relatively easy to use as well. You have to push the button, and they will start working. But the unit is bigger and takes more space than a handheld. These units are also a bit difficult to hand wash, but some units are dishwasher safe.
Steam wands – Time to work the magic
These steam wands are primarily inbuilt in espresso machines, and you will commonly see them in coffee shops.
These wands are the best for milk frothing, and you will get plenty of texture, not just bubbles. These wands push through steam into the milk and create that smooth, velvety foam.
You can comfortably customize your milk foam and use it for different types of specialty coffees. These wands can produce the best micro-foam that is luscious and thick and is great for lattes.
But there’s a catch!
These wands mostly come with espresso machines, and they are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. Plus, the proper technique to use these wands is challenging to learn. So, to work the magic, you need to be the master.
What are you going to use it for?
This is a fundamental question because there are different types of frothers available. You need to pick the right one based on your preferences. For instance, if you are not going to make lattes, you don’t need to go for the magic wand.
A simple milk frother will work just fine. And if you don’t want to deal with the cleaning aspect of a milk frother, you need to consider going for the handheld model as this is the easiest to use and clean. But of course, you will have to compromise on the overall froth quality.
If you are looking for the best of both worlds, you can go for an automatic frother. But you will need to have some space because it will not be as compact as your handheld. Plus, things can get highly messy with your handheld too. So, you need to be cautious about your preferences too.
How much are you willing to pay?
If you don’t have a big budget, you need to exclude the steam wand from your list right from the word go. These machines are pretty expensive, and they are significant too.
If you can afford and have enough space, an automatic frother can work just fine. You won’t be able to make anylattes, but cappuccinos will taste just fine. The best budget option is a handheld frother which is pretty easy to clean too.
Wrap up
Milk frothers can significantly enhance the taste of your final cup of coffee. You can conveniently make a great-tasting coffee latte right in the comfort of your home. You won’t have to go to your nearest coffee shop to enjoy the taste.
Plus, you will have the full bragging rights and impress your friends and family with that barista-style coffee shop taste right at home. So, consider going for a milk frother, and you will forget about that coffee shop you drop by quite often.