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: Keurig K-Froth Hot and Cold Frother
- Best for latte art: Subliminal NanoFoamer PRO
- Best budget milk frother: Instant Pot Instant MagicFroth 9-in-1 Frother
- 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.
New in this update: We tested six new milk frothers (from Keurig, Instant Pot, Terra Kaffe, Bodum, and Cuisinart) against our previous winner, the Breville Milk Café. None managed to unseat the reigning champ, but the Keurig K-Froth came pretty dang close.
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), a measuring cap for pouring specific measurements and adding liquids once frothing has started
- Capacity: 25 oz.
- Weight: 1.6 lb.
- Temperature range: 120°–160°F
- 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 also key because if the milk gets too hot, you lose that natural sweetness,” says Erika Arostegui, barista at Love You a Latte in Greenwich, Connecticut. “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 having it 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 to make foamy with 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: the Breville Milk Café is expensive. If you aren’t 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: Keurig K-Froth Hot and Cold Frother
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Works well with dairy and plant-based milks
- 4 presets for hot and cold drinks
- Professional quality and feel
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- 3 cups feels excessive for home use (but great if you make a lot of coffee!)
Specs
- Materials: Stainless steel, food-grade plastic
- Accessories: 3 frothing cups with lids and magnetic whisks
- Capacity: 10 oz.
- Weight: 2.9 lb.
- Temperature range: Not available
- Dishwasher-safe? Yes; carafes, whisks, and lids only
What we love: I went into this thinking Keurig’s milk frother would be a basic, no-frills option, and it ended up being one of the most reliable frothers I tested. Frankly, it reminds me of a budget-friendly Breville, so if you want that premium aesthetic and café-quality feel without spending over $100, this is the one.
It’s incredibly easy to use: Pick one of four presets (Hot Latte, Hot Capp, Cold Foam, or Iced Latte), boom—you get smooth, bouncy foam with both dairy and plant-based milks. It feels more substantial than its price tag suggests, with a sturdy, almost commercial-grade build that holds up to daily use. And technically, it is designed with commercial settings in mind: It comes with three separate carafes, each with its own lid and whisk, making it ideal for busy offices or households with multiple coffee drinkers. Cleanup is easy too—most parts can go straight into the dishwasher, which is always a win in my book. For $70, you really can’t beat it.
What we’d leave: The three-carafe setup is smart for families or group settings, but it can feel like overkill if you’re just making a single morning latte. In fact, I opened the box and said: “What am I supposed to do with all these carafes?” Not the worst problem in the world, but it could be a dealbreaker if you’re tight on space.
Best for latte art: 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, an access code for the Subliminal Latte Art Class
- Capacity: 7.8 oz
- Weight: 1.8 lb.
- Temperature range: 130°–155°F
- Dishwasher safe? No, hand-wash 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 (a.k.a. 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: The NanoFoamer PRO is pretty techy. 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: Instant Pot Instant MagicFroth 9-in-1 Frother
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Less expensive than alternatives
- Sleek, versatile design
- Works well with dairy and plant-based milks
- 9 functions with 3 temperature settings
- Touchscreen control
- Small-space-friendly
- Large-capacity carafe
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- No presets for specific drinks; you customize froth levels and temperature controls, which can be a drawback for folks who want to make a drink with a single push of a button
Specs
- Materials: Stainless steel, food-grade plastic
- Accessories: 1 magnetic frothing whisk
- Capacity: 17 oz.
- Temperature range: 140°–165℉
- Dishwasher-safe? Yes—carafe, whisk, and lid only
What we love: I love my Instant Pot. It makes cooking on weeknights when I don’t feel like thinking about prep and complicated recipes so much easier. That said, I was very skeptical the brand would make a quality milk frother, particularly one that has nine different functions. But I was wrong! This gadget rocks and is surprisingly powerful for the low price.
Rather than locking you into presets for Cappuccino or Latte, the MagicFroth lets you customize the temperature and froth levels. During my testing, it fluffed up both milk and oat milk nicely and evenly, whether I had it set on a warm or cooler setting. The large carafe is also a major standout. While you can’t froth 17 ounces of milk in it (it’ll overflow with anything over 8.5 ounces), you can warm 17 ounces of liquid in it at a time, making it great for hot, creamy drinks. Despite its bigger carafe, this appliance is compact. Some large-capacity frothers end up taking over your countertops, but this is still small enough to stash politely in the corner.
What we’d leave: The flexibility of the two controls for temperature and froth levels can be a con if you’re someone who doesn’t want to think too hard about their morning beverage. The frother isn’t difficult to use—it takes just a few extra presses. But if you prefer a machine that makes a latte when you press Latte, this is not for you.
Best for small spaces: Smeg Mini Milk Frother
Pros and cons
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Three easy preset 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 decor and comes in a pretty palette of pastels, including sky blue, mint green, and classic cream. It’s compact and easy to stash away, and it 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. Cleanup is super straightforward; the magnetic whisk pops out, the lid can go in the dishwasher, and the nonstick interior keeps taking an easy rinse with soap and water.
What we’d leave: The Smeg Mini Milk Frother isn’t going to win any latte art competitions—the foam is more pillowy than silky, so creating fine details is 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 milk frother: 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 sacrifice 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 I 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 each frother offered, like dense versus airy foam or temperature adjustments. I paid attention to texture, stability, and flavor. I also considered design, weight, counter footprint, and how easy they were to clean.
For a professional’s point of view on what separates good foam from great foam, I spoke with baristas and coffee experts Erika Arostegui and Megan Biolsi.
What to look for in a milk frother
Both Arostegui and Biolsi agree that nothing beats a traditional steam wand (like you find on an espresso machine) 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,” Arostegui says. “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°F (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,” Arostegui says. “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,” Arostegui says. 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 I tested and liked
Terra Kaffe Aero Milk Frother
I’ve been drooling over Terra Kaffe’s stunning espresso machines for a long time now, so I was so excited to get my hands on the brand’s equally gorgeous Aero frother. Fortunately, it was as good as I hoped! With four intuitive modes, it froths both dairy and plant-based milks with ease, turning out smooth, stable foam for hot and cold beverages. The texture strikes a nice balance—it’s creamy and bubbly with enough structure for cappuccinos but still easy to pour for lattes. It’s also refreshingly intuitive to use, without feeling clunky and overcomplicated like some higher-end machines do. Bonus points for the dedicated matcha mode for matcha drinkers who don’t feel like whisking by hand.
Why isn’t it higher on the list? At this price point, you get more optionality from the Breville.
Dreo Baristamaker
This is a lovely coffee frother. It’s compact, easy to use, and turns out consistently good foam without requiring a learning curve. What really sets it apart at this price is the range: You can tweak settings for foam type, temperature, speed, and even milk type, giving you a level of control you rarely see without a more expensive machine.
While it claims to make dozens of foam styles, I stuck to the basics and was impressed by the creamy, stable froth it produced for cappuccinos and hot chocolate alike. That said, it leans more toward airy, puffy foam than the silky, pourable microfoam you’d want for latte art. Still, for the price, versatility, and overall performance, it hits a very appealing sweet spot.
De’Longhi LatteMix
The De’Longhi LatteMix looks gorgeous on the counter—sleek and modern—but the 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.
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 removable magnetic whisk that makes it super easy to wipe clean after you’re done frothing. There’s a single button that only switches between hot and cold foam. There’s no way to control the foam’s texture, and the Baristina seems to only make stiff, structured microfoam. I do like how compact and stylish it is; 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, and rechargeable, and it 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.
Frothers I don’t recommend
While this electric frother is straightforward to use, that simplicity is ultimately its biggest drawback. With just a single function and no control over temperature or foam style, it lacks the versatility I expect from an automatic machine—especially if you like switching between hot lattes and iced drinks. It especially struggled with oat milk, turning out thin, lackluster foam that vanished before I finished pouring. It’s not unusable, but it feels behind the times compared to frothers that offer more customization for the same price.
This wand frother is flimsy and feels kinda cheap, and a single-speed motor limits what you can do with it. It technically froths milk, but the results are more bubbly than silky—the foam is closer to suds than true microfoam. For $10, it’s fine in a pinch, but if you actually care about your morning coffee, you’ll want something with a bit more muscle.
I had such high hopes for this beautiful pitcher. It looks like something you’d find in a hidden Italian café; the look and feel of it is just so charming. But it 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.
This one is easy on the eyes—sleek, compact, and profesh-looking. But once I put it to work, it didn’t quite earn its keep. Hot foam was decent, but the cold foam fell flat (literally), coming out airy and loose instead of thick and spoonable. For the price, I expected something that could handle both equally well. It’s hard to justify the high cost when other frothers deliver better texture and consistency without the premium price tag.
FAQ
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,” Biolsi says. “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 4–6 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.
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