.jpg)
Even as a zealous, everyday coffee drinker, I used to think milk frothers were just another food gadget I didn’t need. Fun? Sure. Essential? Meh, not really. My Mr. Coffee got me through the years just fine. Then I tried one, and suddenly my sad splash of half-and-half turned into silky, glossy foam that made my morning drip coffee or espresso feel like a latte from a fancy café. Now I can’t go back.
But the milk frother game is tricky. Some whip dairy and nondairy milk into airy soap bubbles that collapse before you even take a sip, while others create the good stuff—smooth, velvety foam that looks (and tastes) luxurious.
Our top picks
- Best milk frother overall: Breville Milk Café
- Runner up: Subliminal NanoFoamer PRO
- Best budget milk frother: Dreo Baristamaker
- Best for small spaces: Smeg Mini Milk Frother
- Best handheld milk frother: Maestri House LunaFro
I tried the best milk frothers on the market, chatted with professional baristas for their tips, and narrowed it down to the electric milk frothers actually worth your money, no matter your budget or how much counter space you have.
Best milk frother overall: Breville Milk Café
Pros and cons
Pros
- Premium design
- Induction heating for even, consistent results
- Precise temperature control dial
- Large-capacity carafe
- Ergonomic carafe allows for easy pouring and control over latte art
Cons
- Expensive
- Might feel intimidating for beginners
- Takes up a lot of space
Specs
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Accessories: 2 foaming discs (latte foaming disc and cappuccino disc), measuring cap for specific measurements and adding liquids once frothing has started
- Capacity: 25 oz.
- Weight: 1.6 lb.
- Temperature range: 120°–160°
- Dishwasher-safe?: Yes, carafe only
What we loved: This is the Ferrari of milk frothers, and even professionals recommend it. “A good frother shouldn’t just make bubbles—it should create silky, velvety microfoam that elevates a latte or cappuccino. Temperature control is key too because if the milk gets too hot, you lose that natural sweetness,” says Erika Arostegui, barista at Love You a Latte in Greenwich, CT. “For a splurge, we love the Breville Milk Café. It’s precise, powerful, and really gives you café-quality foam with the ability to fine-tune temperature and texture.”
It looks impressive; just sitting out on my kitchen counter made me look like I was an award-winning barista who knew how to make museum-quality latte art (which I don’t). Both the base and carafe are stainless steel for a sleek, modern aesthetic.
What sold me was how well it frothed different types of milk. With whole milk, it whips up rich, glossy foam that feels almost elastic, the kind you can spoon on top of cold brew, and it just sits there like a marshmallow. It pulls out the natural sweetness in dairy, too, so a plain cappuccino suddenly tastes like dessert. Oat milk, notoriously tricky in cheaper frothers, came out smooth and stable with no splitting or watery texture. I tested it with Oatly and the foam consistently held up—creamy and dense enough to pour without collapsing.
If you switch between dairy and alt-milks, that versatility is huge. Many frothers can handle one or the other, but the Breville nails both, thanks to its precise temperature control.
What we’d leave: It’s expensive. If you’re not a coffee connoisseur, it’s probably overkill. It’s also hefty and takes up a lot of counter space—more than any of the other frothers I tested. For a niche gadget, sacrificing that space can feel like a major commitment.
Runner up: Subliminal NanoFoamer PRO
Pros and cons
Pros
- Beautiful, sleek design
- Automatic programming for easy frothing
- Flow controllers for custom aeration
- Ergonomic carafe for latte art pouring
- Sealed and splash-proof
- Includes access to latte art class
Cons
- Pricey
- High-tech, might be intimidating for beginners
- Smaller capacity
Specs
- Materials: Nonstick ceramic
- Accessories: 3 aeration paddles, a cleaning brush, access code for Subliminal Latte Art Class
- Capacity: 7.8 oz
- Weight: 1.8 lb.
- Temperature range: 130°–155°
- Dishwasher safe?: No, handwash only.
What we love: Subliminal’s high-tech NanoFoamer PRO is beloved by professional and at-home baristas for its microfoam technology and sleek, futuristic design. Megan Biolsi, Manager of Coffee Education and Training at Sightglass Coffee, recommends it for its ability to fine-tune froth, whether it’s whipping up fatty whole milk or less dense plant-based alternatives. “A good milk frother provides consistency while also allowing adaptability in foam content to suit a variety of drink styles,” she says. “The [Subliminal] NanoFoamer PRO, which is an automatic frother, helps create consistency and offers five foam settings, allowing flexibility.”
Here’s how it works: First, select one of three magnetic flow controllers (aka, paddles) that allow for aeration customization for dairy, plant-based, or one that gives somewhere in between. The paddle sticks to the carafe wall to control airflow, then you pick one of six programs that range from drizzle-ready microfoam to thick, stable drink toppers. Hit start, and in 1–2 minutes, you’ve got foam tailored to your milk and drink style.
I was super impressed with how well it whips both types of milk, especially oat milk. The paddles seem to really make a difference in aeration to get foam that stands up. I think it’s a great choice for folks who geek out on their morning cup of Joe. Subliminal even includes an access code to an online latte art class with purchases, so if you want to perfect your rosetta, it’s got you covered.
What we’d leave: It’s pretty tech-y. If you’re a casual coffee drinker and just want to make a classic cold foam float or steamed milk, you’ll want to opt for something simpler. Figuring out what programs and paddles to use was definitely cool, but probably too much for most folks. It’s also expensive, and the carafe has a smaller capacity.
Best budget milk frother: Dreo Baristamaker
Pros and cons
Pros
- Beautiful, sleek design
- Ample programs and settings to choose from
- Ergonomic carafe allows for easy pouring and control over latte art
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not as compact as other options
Specs
- Materials: Stainless steel, food-grade plastic
- Accessories: 2 whisk tips, magnetic tip holder
- Capacity: 27.1 oz
- Weight: 1.6 lb.
- Temperature range: 130°–170°
- Dishwasher safe?: Yes, carafe and accessories only
What we love: For the price, the Dreo delivers. It’s relatively compact, easy to use, and makes consistent foam without any complicated steps. Like the others, I tested it with both whole milk and Oatly oat milk, and it handled both beautifully. Apparently, you can make over 30 different types of foam with this thing. I did not make 30 types of foam; however, the foam I did make whipped up in a creamy, stable froth that works for cappuccinos, lattes, or even hot chocolate.
The range of settings makes it stand out. You can adjust foam type, temperature, speed, and milk type—rare at this price point—and it gives you control over your coffee experience without feeling overwhelming. It’s an impressively versatile option that hits the sweet spot for convenience, performance, and affordability. And it’s not bad to look at, either.
What we’d leave: The range of settings is impressive, but it’s not as consistent as the Breville. I found it's really good at making puffy foam, but less good at making velvety, pourable microfoam.
Best for small spaces: Smeg Mini Milk Frother
Pros and cons
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Three easy pre-set programs
- Small-space friendly
- Base swivels all the way around for easy access
- Relatively easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive
- Small capacity
- Only three settings; not as bespoke as other frothers
Specs
- Materials: Food-grade plastic, ceramic
- Accessories: Magnetic whisk, lid
- Capacity: 6.1 oz
- Weight: 1.12 lb.
- Temperature range: Heats to 140 for consistent results
- Dishwasher safe? Yes, but only the whisk and lid; hand-wash carafe
What we love: Smeg’s Mini Milk Frother was a delightful surprise on my testing journey that churned out frothy pillows of hot and cold foam at the push of a button, all in the cutest design. It has that signature retro-Smeg vibe that doubles as counter décor and comes in a pretty palette of pastels, including sky blue, mint green, and classic cream. It’s compact, easy to stash away, and features three simple preset modes, allowing you to make hot milk, hot foam, or cold foam with ease.
Performance-wise, it does a great job with both dairy and alt-milks. Whole milk comes out thick and lush, like the classic cappuccino topping, while oat milk holds up surprisingly well, too—creamy and stable instead of watery. Clean-up is super straightforward; the magnetic whisk pops out, the lid can go in the dishwasher, and the non-stick interior keeps taking an easy rinse with soap and water.
What we’d leave: It’s not going to win any latte art competitions—the foam is more pillowy than silky, so fine details are tricky. The capacity is on the small side, so if you’re making drinks for more than one person, you’ll need to do a few rounds. Also, it’s a bit of a splurge for a mini frother, so you’re paying for the design as much as the performance.
Best handheld: Maestri House Lunafro Max
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Small-space friendly
- Rotary dial allows for precision and speed control
- Works well on dairy and alt-milks
- Affordable
Cons
- Not ideal for larger servings
Specs
- Materials: Food-grade plastic, stainless steel
- Accessories: Stand, power cord
- Weight: 1.12 lb.
- Power: Rechargeable
What we love: Some folks don’t want to shell out a small fortune of money or counter space on a carafe-style frother, which is where a handheld one comes in handy. The Maestri House LunaFro Max was my favorite. For such a tiny, lightweight gadget, the results are big. It’s USB-C rechargeable, so no more hunting for batteries, and a full charge lasts up to three months. Instead of a button, it uses a rotary dial for speed control, which is fabulous for getting exactly the texture you want. And it’s not just for frothing milk—you can blend matcha, protein powder, hot chocolate, and more with this little wand.
Cleaning it is a breeze—the frothing head is detachable and easy to rinse, and the included stand keeps everything organized. At just $35, it offers premium features without the premium price tag. If you're looking for a versatile, portable frother that doesn't skimp on performance, this is the one.
What we’d leave: It’s great for one-off drinks, but for larger pours, you’ll want something bigger and sturdier.
How we tested milk frothers
I put every frother through its paces using two types of milk: classic whole milk and Oatly oat milk. For each one, I made hot foam, cold foam, and plain hot milk. I also tried some of the additional settings the frother offered, like dense vs. airy foam or temperature adjustments. I paid attention to texture, stability, and flavor, and I also chatted with a few professional baristas to get their take on what separates good foam from great foam. I also considered design, weight, counter footprint, and how easy they were to clean.
What to look for in a milk frother
Both Arostegui and Biolsi agree that nothing beats a traditional steam wand for getting Instagram-worthy foam—the control and precision they allow for is unmatched. That said, they’re not the most realistic for at-home coffee drinkers. “That’s where automatic frothers shine,” says Arostegui. “They’re quick, consistent, and you don’t need barista training to get a great result.”
If you want to find your perfect frother, consider the following:
Temperature control
As Arostegui mentions above, temperature control is one of the biggest features to look out for when shopping for a milk frother. That’s why the Breville wins; the dial allows you to customize your temp anywhere between 120°–160° (although pros say 140° is the sweet spot). Most milk frothers provide automatic settings that do the guesswork for you, heating your milk to what the brand has determined is the “perfect” temperature. This can be a good quick fix, but if you’re serious about your espresso, you may want something more bespoke. And remember:
“No matter the milk, starting with it cold and not overheating is the secret to smooth, balanced foam,” says Arostegui. “Once milk goes past about 150°, it scalds, and you lose that beautiful sweetness, it ends up tasting flat or burnt,” she adds.
Capacity
Some devices are great for whipping up a cup or two at a time. Other carafes can make larger pitchers of drinks—it all depends on your needs. Keep an eye on your pours, though—don’t overfill the pitcher. “Milk expands as it froths, so you need to leave enough space for it to move,” says Arostegui. Most of the milk frothers on this list have minimum and maximum fill lines marked on the carafes, so heed them wisely.
Settings
Some machines keep it simple with just one or two buttons—hot or cold, foam or plain milk—while others offer multiple modes for foam density, temperature, or milk type. If you like experimenting, having options for dense versus airy foam or alt-milk-specific programs can be a game-changer. On the other hand, simpler machines are great if you just want quick, consistent results without fussing over every detail. Pay attention to what a frother lets you adjust.
Other milk frothers we tested
Delonghi LatteMix
The DeLonghi LatteMix looks gorgeous on the counter—sleek and modern—but performance didn’t quite match the price tag. It froths decently for a single drink, but the foam can be inconsistent, especially with plant-based milks. I enjoyed the intuitive operation; there are three programs for hot foam, cold foam, and hot milk. Unfortunately, the results were lackluster compared to other models. For $180, I don’t want foam that’s decent—I want foam that rivals my local coffee shop, which I struggled to get with this device.
Nespresso Aeroccino 4
I had such high hopes for this charmingly beautiful pitcher. It looks like something you’d find in a hidden Italian café. But the Nespresso Aeroccino 4 struggled to give me those dreamy clouds of foam, especially with oat milk. It has four presets to choose from: two types of hot milk (airy or dense), one for hot milk, and one for cold milk froth. The hot milk was steamy and sweet, but the foam (both hot and cold) lacked stability and collapsed quickly.
Philips Baristina Frother
The Philips Baristina is functional and gets the job done if all you want is a quick froth, but nothing about it blew me away. The slender, fluted carafe comes in either black or white with a magnetic whisk. There’s a single button to control your temperature and speed that you hold to change settings, depending on whether you want hot or cold foam. The microfoam results were fine, but I couldn’t get it to whip anything thick or structures. I do like how compact it is. Like the Smeg, it fits easily on countertops, next to coffee makers, or stashed away in cabinets.
Zulay Kitchen Handheld Milk Frother
Zulay’s handheld frother is honestly a steal for under $10. It gets the milk moving fast and produces a decent froth, making it perfect for small batches of coffee, hot chocolate, or even protein shakes. This battery-powered milk frother is lightweight, portable, and surprisingly durable. That said, it didn’t give me as much control as Maestri House’s model. The frothing head is smaller, so it takes a little longer for larger volumes, and the foam isn’t as fine or velvety. It’s a solid budget option, but don’t expect it to perform like a higher-end handheld or a full-size frother.
Subliminal Handheld Nanofoamer V2
Like the brand’s carafe-style frother, Subliminal's NanoFoamer V2 is a dream for anyone who wants to practice latte art at home. It produces soft, drizzly microfoam with impressive precision, making it ideal for hearts, rosettas, or abstract designs. The frother is small, portable, rechargeable, and comes with two heads, so you can customize your froth levels depending on your preferences. On the flip side, this frother isn’t built for large, puffy cappuccino clouds. It also takes some getting used to to get the results you want. If you just want effortless, everyday foam, this isn’t the frother for you—but for hobbyists and latte-art enthusiasts, it’s a fantastic gadget.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Which is better: handheld frothers or automatic machines?
Both are good for different results. “Handheld frothers allow slightly less control, but still offer some variation,” says Biolsi. “Automatic machines are great for consistency but typically offer limited adjustment ability outside of the preset settings.”
She explains this is why most professional baristas rely on steam wands, which allow total control over milk temperature, aeration, and texture. Some espresso machines have these built-in, but if they don’t, a milk frother can get the job done. You’ll just have to weigh the pros and cons of handheld vs. automatic for yourself.
How does the type of milk affect the foam?
Biolsi explains that it comes down to the fat content in your dairy, which is necessary to provide even foam content, texture, and stability. That’s not to say you can’t get marshmallow-levels of fluffy foam from almond milk—it’s just easier to get it from whipping cream or whole milk.
“Whole milk is usually going to be the easiest to froth. Alternative milks such as oat, almond, and soy will typically have oils added to make up for the lack of natural fats to try and mimic the fat content of dairy milks for better frothing,” she says.
How do I know what type of foam to make?
It all depends on what drinks you’re trying to make! Biolsi shares that some drinks, like lattes, are best enjoyed with liquidy microfoam poured over a double shot of espresso. Other drinks, like cappuccinos, use 4 to 6 oz of milk, steamed or frothed to create dense puffs of foam poured over a double shot of espresso. There is no “better” type of foam—it comes down to your personal preference and drink of choice.
Complete your coffee bar setup
- These coffee grinders are what you need to go from good coffee to great coffee.
- Never run out of beans again with the best coffee subscriptions.
- A good espresso machine is an investment, which is why we tested dozens to find the best machines worth the pricetag.