What’s a frother? - Many people hear the term ‘frother’ and have no idea what it is. The dictionary is not as polite as we are going to be here. We will give you the watered-down version of what a frother is. Basically, a froth is a large group of bubbles.
Thus, a milk frother is a kitchen utensil that produces a lot of bubbles in your milk. If you are still unclear what a milk frother is, keep reading. There is a lot to learn.
Out of all the frothers we reviewed, we liked the Cafe Casa Milk Frother Handheld the best. To find out why, you still have to keep reading.
What Is Milk Froth
Milk froth is the white bubbly foam placed on top of a cappuccino. But there is a little more to it than that. It is also thickened, or syrupy, milk that is poured over your coffee like a cream or a sauce.
If the frothing was done right, then the milk should taste sweet and rich. It takes a little patience to make this milk layer just right.
Reviews Of The Best Milk Frother
Position | Product | Programmable | Editor’s rating |
---|---|---|---|
#1 | 19,000 rpm, quick frothing time, stainless-steel construction, one-touch power | ||
#2 | 2 speeds, one switch, up to 15,000 r.p.m., versatile | ||
#3 | Versatility, quiet motor, quick frothing time, free accessory | ||
#4 | 19,000 r.p.m., 15 second froth time, one-touch control, lifetime warranty | ||
#5 | 20-30 seconds froth time, ergonomic designed handle, thumb control, plastic stand |
To get a good syrupy texture to your milk, you need to start with a good milk frother. This unit works at 19,000 r.p.m. to help you get the froth you want. Its stainless-steel construction means it will not rust or break through all the years you use it.
Because it operates at such a high speed, it does not take long for the frother to give you the texture you desire. Roughly 15-20 seconds is all you need. The unit is not limited to just milk. You can use this handy tool to make milkshakes if you want.
The ergonomic handle is soft to the touch and holds the power button. The power button is placed at the top for easy use. Since it is battery operated, there is little noise that comes from the motor. You will not wake up the family for an early morning cappuccino.
Sadly, it only comes in one color- black. But that limitation will not stop its hard work nor clash with your kitchen décor. There is a 3-month money back warranty on this device.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
You may not like the look of the thick handle, but you may change your mind once you see it perform. Unlike other frothers, this unit comes with 2 speeds. You get better control over your frothing experience.
There is no need to change hands when changing speeds. All the controls are in one button at your thumb tip. 2 speeds but just one button to control it all. The one-piece unit is made of stainless-steel which will not rust.
The lower speed spins the whisk at 13,000 r.p.m. and the higher speed at 15,000 r.p.m. This provides the power you need to work with non-dairy milk. Depending on what you consider noisy, the 2-battery powered unit does not put out a lot of noise when operating.
Like all the other units reviewed here, this model is not dishwasher safe. Nor can you immerse it in water. The usual place the wand under the tap and rinse method will suffice in cleaning.
Another good feature is the company’s desire to bend over backward to please its customer. You have 100% protection, just contact the company for details.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
If you do not want to buy an expensive espresso machine to get a frother, this unit will save you money. These handheld models are not expensive and will keep your budget intact.
The unit comes with the power button located at the top of the handle. This is also for easy use, depending on how you hold the unit. Plus, you will find its strength is in its versatility.
It will do more than froth milk. You can lightly beat eggs, mixing drinks, or any non-heavy mixing chores. The stainless-steel design gives it durability and longevity. The 2-battery powered motor does not make a lot of noise.
Just make sure you do not immerse it in water. The unit is easy to clean but keep the handle clear of the water. Just turn it on and place the wand under the running water. That is all there is to clean it.
The small size, 9.8 x 0.6 x 0.6 inches, and battery power means it can fit in your backpack or suitcase. You won’t miss out on a good cappuccino wherever you go with this unit along for the ride.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
It may look like a fragile wine glass, but it is not fragile nor a wine glass. Made from stainless- steel, this frother is designed to last a lifetime. The metal is rust resistant as well.
The 19,000 r.p.m. power froths your milk in about 15 seconds. This time depends on your preferences. The ergonomically designed handle will provide you the comfort you need as you froth. Also, the handle is made from silicone rubber for easy holding.
The one-touch power button is also on the top of the handle. This may give you better control over your milk frother. The button starts up the extra quiet motor which is powered by 2 AA batteries.
A lifetime warranty protects your small investment but as always do not immerse in water. Just rinse the wand, not handle, under running water and you are good to go for the next batch.
Another nice touch by this company is the stand and instruction booklet. Both are included when you purchase their product. The 10 x 3 x 3 inches makes it small enough to fit anywhere you want to put it.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Black is not the go-to color for milk frothers. This unit’s prime color is red. It will stand out in your kitchen and remind you that you haven’t used it recently. One good feature of this frother is that it comes with its own stand. No need to find a special place for it.
It will stand quietly on your kitchen counter till you need it again. Powered by 2 AA batteries the motor is not that loud. Unfortunately, the batteries are not included. Its stainless-steel construction will stop rust from taking place.
The handle is ergonomically designed for your comfort and it holds the one-touch power button. The button is at your thumb tip. This is strategically located for easy turning on and off.
The 3 x 10 x 3 inches frother will make a delicious milk foam within 30 seconds. Just make sure to tilt the cup as you froth. Another good thing about this unit is that it comes with a money back guarantee.
If you are not satisfied, just return the unit to the company.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
There Are Different Ways To Froth Milk
Believe it or not, there are 8 ways to froth milk. Here is a look at those 8 different ways.
- 1Glass jar - just pour warm milk in, close the lid and shake.
- 2Manual handheld whisk - the one you use to beat eggs. Just add warm milk & a bowl.
- 3Electric hand mixer - same as above just more power.
- 4The electric handheld wand - like the ones we reviewed above.
- 5A blender - pour the warm milk in and turn it on medium.
- 6Immersion blender - see #2.
- 7Pump frother - pour your milk in, not too much and pump away. Takes about 10-15 seconds to complete frothing.
- 8French press - yes, this coffee making method can also froth milk. Just be careful when using it.
There is a 9th method actually. Use the milk frother that is built in your espresso or other coffee machines. Out of the 8 above, the handheld frother is the best way to go. It is not as messy as the others.
What We Found
During our research, we noticed that there are very few differences among the different styles of frothers. One difference is the speed of the unit. That may be due to the number of batteries used or the motor is not as powerful as the others.
Another difference we saw was in the number of batteries used. Some took 2, others took 3. It all depends we guess. A third difference was where the power button was located. Some place it at the top of the handle, which to us make sit very awkward to handle.
Others placed it where your thumb could get to it. The second option seemed more natural to us. Whatever design there is, we know that each unit does froth milk well.
The Best Milk Frother For Lattes
Or another way to say it. The title for the best electric milk frother goes to number 5. Yes, the Cafe Casa Milk Frother Handheld, in our opinion, was the best of the bunch. It may not have packed 19,000 r.p.m. of power but it had two speeds.
That one function helped convince us that this was the best of all the milk frothers on the market. We also like the fact that the manufacturer placed the power button near the thumb. We think that is the best place to put the power switch.
Another good feature was the versatility it had. The unit could work its magic on more than just milk. Overall, it just seemed to be the better unit of all the ones we reviewed.
What To Look For In The Best Handheld Milk Frother
Because milk frothers are all basically the same and have the same limited duty, they all have the same basic features. But there are some differences you should spot to help you decide. Here are a few of those features:
Some Final Words
If you do not have an espresso machine with a built-in frother, the job of frothing is still not that difficult. With the right handheld model, you can still enjoy a great cappuccino or some other froth related drink.
You may not agree with our choice as winner. That is okay. There is a reason there are so many different styles of milk frothers on the market today. Not everyone agrees with each other on which is the best.
The key is to get the one you are happy with and will work for you.