89,90 €
101,90 € 99,99 € 134,99 € 99,99 € 56,99 €
59,98 € 56,99 € 59,33 € 72,00 € 53,98 €
54,25 € 58,99 € 49,99 € 58,99 € 100,58 €
95,18 € 86,26 € 71,26 € 49,99 €
66,59 € 58,04 € 65,90 € 65,90 € 23,99 €
38,95 € 34,99 € 25,11 € 23,94 € 43,99 €
39,00 € 73,48 € 47,66 € 49,52 €
Milk frother buying guide: how to choose the right product
- The most important things in a nutshell
- If you’re looking for a particularly powerful appliance, choose a milk frother with a mains connection.
- Space-saving and flexible models in compact design with rechargeable batteries or batteries.
- Milk frothers for manual operation do not require any internal or external energy source at all.
- Numerous devices perform various additional functions.
- You can, for example, heat milk or make drinking chocolate.
- In addition to performance and functionality, easy-care features are also relevant for the purchase decision.
Perfect milk foam in no time at all
For many years we had hardly any other possibility than to enjoy our cappuccino in an italian restaurant, in a cafe or in an ice cream parlor. This results in high costs in the long run. Today, the creamy, fine-pored milk foam topping for espresso macchiato, latte macchiato or flat white can be enjoyed at home, too. an expensive coffee machine is not required for this purpose. likewise efficient as well as cheap milk frother enable enjoyment every day anew and are a must not only for coffee lovers.
| Hearty lather for soups |
| by the way, milk foam not only transforms coffee into exquisite specialties. It also enhances soups with a creamy yet light cap. For this purpose, connoisseurs taste the milk spicily before foaming it, pour the foam onto the soup and sprinkle it with finely chopped herbs instead of cocoa, for example. |
The different variants
Milk frothers are available in numerous variants. Common models include induction milk frothers, electric models with heating element, manual milk frothers and manual versions. The milk frothers integrated into fully automatic coffee machines and espresso machines are different from these separate variants.
Mature technology: milk frother with induction
A convenient solution for milk frothing, fully automatic induction milk frothers offer. They consist of a milk jug and a base in which a coil is located. When the device is switched on, a magnetic field generates induction energy, not only to heat the milk, but also to rotate the whisk inside the jug. As a rule, this whisk is removable. This makes it possible to clean almost all components – with the exception of the base element – in the dishwasher in most versions.
Numerous induction devices are convincing due to their comparatively quiet operation. Furthermore, the technology is energy-efficient. Elaborately designed models often offer several setting options to the desired consistency of the milk foam and its temperature. Even frothing of cold milk as well as pure heating of milk or even cocoa is possible. Thanks to induction technology, heating takes place very evenly. This virtually eliminates the risk of burning the milk. Furthermore, the devices have an automatic shut-off in the event of a low fill level. The disadvantage of these fully automatic induction milk frothers, however, is and remains their price. In addition, models with a base have an increased space requirement.
Induction milk frothers appeal to coffee connoisseurs who are looking for a product with the best possible performance and are willing to spend a little more for it. After all, you often end up with an extra cup on the table. devices of this type can also be found in ambitious offices or anywhere where customers accept the invitation to enjoy a high-quality coffee.
| Advantages |
disadvantages |
| convenient functionality |
sometimes increased space requirement |
| easy cleaning |
high price |
| low power consumption |
| reliable |
| high foam quality |
| various settings possible |
| automatic switch-off |
| uniform heating |
| no scorching |
Inexpensive and powerful: electric milk frother with heating element
Milk frothers with an electric heating element are similar in design to induction devices. Instead of using an induction field, they convert electrical energy directly into heat, as is the case with a classic immersion heater. However, this technology is higher power consumption connected.
In addition, milk frothers with heating element operate the whisk in the milk jug via an electric motor. Compared to rotation via a magnetic field, the noise level is higher here. In addition, it occasionally happens that various components that come into contact with milk are difficult to reach and are not dishwasher-safe. It is therefore not surprising that heating element technology for frothing milk is on the retreat. However, in addition to reliable functionality, the following factors speak in its favor prices, which are about 30 to 40 percent lower than those of comparable induction milk frothers.
If you don’t want to make your coffee with milk foam very often, but want perfect results – even for several cups – on such occasions, a milk frother with heating element is a good choice. Although the machines sometimes make a lot of noise, they perform reliably and are less of a burden on the wallet when purchased.
| Advantages |
disadvantages |
| inexpensive versions are available |
depending on the model, a lot of space is required |
| reliable foam quality |
sometimes difficult cleaning |
| simple operation |
loud in operation |
| high power consumption |
Also on the go: hand milk frothers
Induction as well as heating element devices are stand-alone solutions. In addition, both variants require a power connection. Manual milk frother on the other hand can even be placed in the cutlery tray. They are quick to use and, thanks to battery operation, can even froth milk when there is no power outlet available.
The practical frothing rods consist of a handle that also serves as a housing for the battery compartment and the electric motor. The whisk is connected to the handle by a rod. This design is often not very stable and therefore requires some skill to operate. in many models, the wand attachment is also removable, which makes cleaning easier. Another advantage is that the models very cost-effective are. In addition to the single whisk, sets sometimes include a double and triple whisk, a whisk or a brush attachment. Practical: some battery-powered milk frothers can be recharged via a USB port. however, the heating of the milk is done separately with the manual devices.
In principle, manual milk frothers belong in every household. they are ideal for quickly making a cup of milk foam. In addition, with several attachments, they are versatile and can easily be taken along on the road, for example, when traveling or camping.
| Advantages |
disadvantages |
| always ready to hand |
unstable construction |
| small footprint |
operation requires practice |
| no power connection required |
| good foam quality |
| multifunctionality possible |
| very inexpensive |
Design for purists: manual milk frothers
milk frothing is even easier: manual milk frothers are ready to use even if neither mains nor batteries are available. Basically, these are milk jugs that are mostly made of stainless steel, less often of glass, and rarely of plastic. the frothing functionality is hidden in the lid: in the middle of the lid is a movable rod or tamper. at its lower end there are two fine sieves placed closely one above the other. the milk foam is created by repeated pumping with the tamper.
In this way, it is not possible to achieve a consistency that is quite as firm as with electric milk frothers. on top of that, milk heating is only possible in models with special stainless steel jugs. Users have to completely disassemble the tamper for thorough cleaning. Inexpensive models are often fitted with nuts and other small parts that are susceptible to rusting. for this, many a manual milk frother is a design object of elegant simplicity, in which the milk foam can be served decoratively at the table.
Admittedly, their results are not optimal. With manual milk frothers, milk foam can be "pumped", but it is not completely stable and creamy. If you want to have as few appliances as possible in the kitchen, this is still the right choice. The space requirement of these milk frothers is low and they can usually be used as a pretty milk and serving jug at the same time.
| Advantages |
disadvantages |
| often attractive designs |
sometimes laborious cleaning |
| no power source required |
foam quality often not convincing |
| good value |
The special case: milk frothers on fully automatic coffee and espresso machines
Almost all fully automatic coffee machines and espresso machines have a milk frother. Most of them are nozzles that heat cold milk with steam in a noisy and promising way and foam it in the process. In winter, they are also used to quickly make hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine.
However, the cleaning due immediately sometimes so complex that it is easier to use the machine for a good basic espresso, but to produce the milk foam with a separate device. Higher-priced models produce the foam in portions from a milk tank. Some of them even have fully automatic cleaning programs. However, the prices for these are in the four- to five-digit euro range.
What matters when buying
The range of milk frothers is large. It helps to have a few criteria at hand to make the decision easier. We have summarized the main purchasing factors:
- The handling
- The capacity
- The speed
- The range of functions
- The material
- The shape
- The price
The handling
The decisive factor when choosing a milk frother is that it is easy to clean. The primary goal is to create a creamy, fine-pored foam that is not too firm but remains stable on the coffee. However, if cleaning is too difficult, even the best milk frother will soon collect dust. For this reason, all components that come into contact with milk must be cleaned, easy to clean or ideally dishwasher safe should be.
The capacity
The next decision concerns the capacity or the capacity of the milk frother. Manual milk frothers are only suitable for cup portions. Electric stand-alone milk frothers, on the other hand, can produce milk foam for several people. They come with milk containers in different sizes. However, its capacity does not correspond to the maximum filling quantity, since the milk approximately doubles its volume during frothing. For two people, the machine should be able to froth up at least 125 milliliters of milk. Common milk frothers are designed for frothing fill quantities between 100 and 350 milliliters suitable. If you only want to heat the milk, the machines can usually be filled with about twice the quantity.
The speed
The question of how quickly the milk frother turns the milk into delicious foam is important for some users, but less so for others. Approximately two minutes for 125 milliliters is a good value, as long as the quality is right. Slightly slower units often produce a better quality of foam.
The range of functions
One of the basic functions of the mains-powered units is to either milk or foam only to heat or you can use additional frothing. Some models also froth cold milk or can be filled with hot milk for frothing. In most cases, the preparation of hot chocolate is also part of the milk frother’s repertoire. Especially for professionals, the various choices for the consistency of the foam are also interesting.
The material
From the outside, milk frothers are either completely made of stainless steel, a combination of stainless steel and plastic, or with a plastic housing. The inner vessel should definitely have a non-stick coating have.
The shape
In many milk frothers, the design of the base stands out from that of the jug. models with a heating element, for example, are equipped with a 360-degree base that acts as a voluminous platform and houses the controls. Milk frothers with induction, on the other hand, usually consist of a large-sized base unit into which the milk container is inserted. More practical and streamlined are designs in which base and jug form a single design unit form.
The price
Prices for manual milk frothers start at less than five euros and can exceed 25 euros in very high-end, multifunctional versions. Manual milk frothers are priced at around ten euros. They rarely cost much more than 20 euros – for example, if they are particularly large or come from a renowned company. Very inexpensive milk frothers with a heating element are available from around 25 euros, while good brand-name quality frothers cost over 100 euros. Small induction milk frothers are on sale starting at around 40 euros. the premium class starts at around 80 euros; top models cost 200 euros and more.
| Is an internet connection becoming standard for milk frothers?? |
| In fact, there are already the first milk frothers with app control on the market. What sounds like a fun fact at first, makes perfect sense on closer inspection. The app contains a large number of recipes, whose preparation instructions it transmits to the high-tech frother. |
Helpful accessories
The following accessories for milk frothers may prove useful for some users:
- Cocoa shakers and stencils: creamy fine milk foam on the coffee is a pleasure. the froth becomes even more tempting with a little cocoa sprinkled on top at the end. High-quality cocoa shakers, usually made of stainless steel, are available for this purpose. Often they are offered together with a stencil set, which is also available separately.
- Cappuccino cups and latte macchiato glassesFor many people, a larger portion of milk foam can be added to the cup. Normal coffee cups are usually too small for this purpose. Large cups and double-walled glasses, especially for cappuccino or macchiato variations, on the other hand, also visually support the coffee-milk foam experience.
- Espresso maker for the stove top: for the perfect espresso as the basis of coffee drinks with milk foam, an expensive machine is not necessarily required. Espresso stoves for the stovetop traditionally represent a cheap alternative. They are available in classic, nostalgic or modern design with stainless steel or porcelain tops.
- Infrared thermometerIf you heat the milk for the milk foam separately, make sure that it does not get too hot. An infrared thermometer provides precise information about the temperature of the milk on the stove. In addition, the small, inexpensive tool is a useful aid for grilling, frying and baking.
Proper use and care of milk frothers
Like any other kitchen appliance, milk frothers also require proper care. Ideally to be thoroughly cleaned immediately after each use. For hand milk frothers, it is sufficient to rinse the whisk immediately after use under running water, if necessary with the help of a rinsing brush. Manual milk frothers may also be put in the dishwasher. your tamper usually consists of several components screwed together. Milk residues can easily build up in the gaps between the parts. Therefore, it is important to regularly disassemble the frothers into their individual parts and to clean each part thoroughly. If milk frothers with induction or heating elements are not dishwasher-safe, there is a risk of damage for cleaning a trick:
- Fill the milk container with hot water and rinsing agent up to the maximum filling quantity.
- Close the lid and turn on the frothing function.
- After 15 to 20 seconds, turn off the appliance and empty the container.
Observe maximum filling quantity and temperature
Inside the milk frother containers there are usually three markings. The lowest one indicates the minimum filling quantity, the middle one limits the filling quantity for producing milk foam and the top one indicates the maximum filling quantity for preparing hot milk.
Milk is a very sensitive foodstuff. If it gets too hot, foaming is no longer successful. This is the case from about 65 degrees celsius onwards. Mains-based milk frothers automatically remain below this value or can be adjusted accordingly. When heating on the stove, however, it is important to set the temperature to a value of no more than 60 to 65 degrees celsius pay attention. A value in this range is reached when the first steam rises from the milk.
any milk is suitable for milk foam?
In principle, milk can be made with any fat content creating milk foam. With a low fat content, however, the foam will be somewhat firmer and less aromatic. Whole or natural milk with 3.5 to 4.0 percent fat provides a full-bodied taste and a creamy consistency with a beautiful shine. More important than the fat content is the protein content. It should be at least a little over 3.0 percent and ideally around 3.5 percent. This can be read in the nutritional value table on the packaging. If the protein content is too low, the milk foam quickly becomes unstable.
Fresh milk and UHT milk are equally suitable for producing milk foam, apart from differences in taste. This also applies to most alternatives to conventional cow’s milk. For example, if you also love hearty, rich cheeses, you might like a milk frother made from goat’s milk want to try. Also eligible lactose-free cow’s milk as well as soy and oat milk. Milk substitutes made from rice, coconut, almonds or spelt, on the other hand, are not recommended.
Further test reports
| attentionthis is a comparison of milk frothers. We have not subjected the products presented to any tests. |
When asked about the latest test results for milk frothers, the first thing you look at is stiftung warentest. In fact, the renowned test institute published a milk frother test in february 2018. A total of ten devices at prices ranging from 23 to 99 euros had to compete in the test, including electric milk frothers with heating element and induction. Manual milk frothers and hand-held devices with batteries were tested for comparison without individual appointment. They showed weaker performance overall than the mains-powered devices.
A significant test result among the mains-powered appliances was that the heating technology used does not affect quality. in the test, eight devices achieved the test rating "good" and two the test rating "satisfactory". The high power consumption in standby mode was a problem for two of the test devices. Another test device could not heat the milk sufficiently and another only delivered cold milk foam in the test. The test winner was the nespresso aeroccino4, followed by the WMF lineo and from melitta cremio hot& cold. In the test results, the testers found that recommended electric milk frothers range in price from 50 to 100 euros.
So far, the milk frother test conducted by stiftung warentest has not included any separate testing of individual components for harmful substances. The test institute specializing in particular in such matters oKO-TEST has not yet appeared at all with a test of milk frothers. Therefore, only future tests will be able to provide information as to whether there is a risk of harmful substances in individual appliances due to the materials used.
