The Best Milk Frother

Anyone who doubts the appeal of the mighty latte should try to drive a couple of miles in just about any town and avoid seeing a Starbucks. It’s not just marketing that made the latte (and its airier sibling, the cappuccino) a hit among post-1980s American coffee drinkers. The sublime layering of espresso, milk and froth makes a tasty team that can appeal to almost anyone, even on hot days.

Of course, the novel ingredient in that mix is froth. It adds a crucial bit of lightness and hint of bubbly texture to the drink, and it’s a big reason why most of us keep dropping by the local coffee shop. After all, who has time to foam up their own milk?

Apologies to our favorite barista, but the answer is just about anybody can if they want to. There are milk frothers on the market to suit nearly every need, budget and level of beverage obsession. And with a bit of practice, you can use them to make your own lattes and cappuccinos just like the ones at your favorite café.

Frothing milk does not involve any complex chemical transformation. Agitate the milk to add air bubbles and voila: You’ve got froth. This can be done while the milk is hot or cold, and there are a few basic types of frothers that can accomplish it.

Handheld frothers are the simplest in design and also generally some of the cheapest. They include a whisk attached to a long handle and a motor to vibrate the whisk. They’re mostly battery-operated, which allows for plenty of mobility and control over the whole process.

Manual frothers look a lot like a French press but use the filter mechanism in a completely different way. To froth milk, you pour it into a carafe, then plunge a specially-designed filter down through the liquid, then up and down again, as many times as is necessary. With each plunge, the filter pushes and stirs more air into the milk while a lid keeps the entire process from spilling onto your counter.

Some manual frothers might incorporate a heating mechanism, but you’ll usually have to warm things up yourself — either at the beginning or end of the process, depending on instructions. This can seem like a chore, but it’s a great way to work up a nice, thick head of long-lasting foam. And since there’s typically no electrical components to worry about, the cleanup is super easy. Manual frothers tend to be roughly the same price as handheld frothers, though fancier models with sturdier materials might run a few dollars more.

The third type of frother is referred to as automatic or electric. As the name implies, they’re tailor-made for busy latte lovers. Just pour the milk into the frother, push a button and wait. Thanks to a high-speed whisk inside, you typically won’t need to wait long, and most models will heat your milk at the same time. Though convenient to use, certain parts on these items may be harder to clean. Still, for on-the-spot drinks, they’re hard to beat.

No matter what type of frother you choose, they’re all bound to make your morning cup of joe a lot more luxurious — and they’re just as great at whipping up hot chocolate, too.

• The first thing that health-conscious or allergy-prone latte drinkers will notice about frothing milk at home is that it requires a bit more work. Whole or 2% milk usually foams up quickly and stays thick well after the pour, if done correctly. Non-fat or skim milk might bubble up quickly, but the froth won’t be as thick. Soy milk, almond milk or other non-dairy alternatives will heat up fine, but just don’t hold the bubbles as well. Those beautiful hearts, birds and other mini-paintings you see baristas making in their latte art? Chances are good they were drawn in whole milk. Until science gets around to finding a solution, the healthier milk options aren’t as ideal for froth — though some high-powered frothers can make the most of them.
• Those in the market for a frother will probably know this already, but the difference between a latte and a cappuccino is in the foam. Lattes are chiefly espresso and steamed milk, with a bit of foam on top. Cappuccinos are equal parts of all three. If you’re going to make the latter, get a frother that can deliver plenty of thickness. (And if you’re able to digest it, use whole milk.)
• For some, fresh cappuccino at home is a luxury to enjoy solo, maybe on weekends. For others, it’ll be a joy to be shared with the entire family or a gaggle of friends at parties. If you’re making drinks for others regularly, consider capacity. Handheld frothers can be great for individual cups but will take a lot longer for a large pot of milk. Latte parties are a job for manual frothers or larger electric models.
• Another area where handheld frothers really shine is the cleanup process. With fewer parts and (usually) no delicate electrical components to worry about, they will rinse right off in soapy water after use. Automatic models are largely at the other end of the spectrum, though some well-designed types include removable electronics that make the process easier. Whatever the routine, it’s best to make sure they’re cleaned off relatively quickly. Caked-on traces of milk can spoil, affecting the taste of your next batch of froth.