Milk frother test: The 13 best devices for the creamiest foam

Milk frother test: The 13 best devices for the creamiest foam

Coffee,and chai - the right milk frother can perfect your drink experience - because nothing beats milk foamed to perfection on your favorite hot drink. How do you manage that? With a milk frother! We have the best models according toStiftung Warentestcompiled - and looked at the statements made by barista professional Eric Wolf to Stiftung Warentest. He shares how to achieve the perfect creamy milk foam. Happy shopping!

The 4 best milk frothers according to Stiftung Warentest at a glance

Types of Milk Frothers

There are different types of electric milk frothers that differ in functionality, design and application. Depending on your everyday life and needs, different types come into question:

• Steam nozzle: Commonly found in coffee shops, coffee machines often have a steam wand that introduces hot air into the milk to create foam. They are ideal for preparing professional milk foam, but require a certain amount of practice in handling.
• Electric milk frothers with heating function: These devices can heat milk and froth it at the same time. They are particularly user-friendly as they often have adjustable programs for different foam consistencies, making them a versatile option for home use.
• Vacuum milk frother or hand frother: This technology creates foam using vacuum pressure and is particularly energy efficient. Vacuum milk frothers are known for producing a stable, creamy foam while preserving the milk's flavors - but require muscle power.

Who makes the best milk foam?

So how do you get the best foam? Many bring up two options – either thatSteam nozzle of a portafilter machineor oneelectric milk frother.Which is better depends largely on what you're looking for - both methods have their advantages. Here's an overview to find out what suits your taste and setup better:

1. Steam nozzle – For real barista vibes

Advantages:

• Control: With a steam nozzle you have full control over the foam and can create a particularly creamy, fine-pored texture - perfect for latte art and authentic cappuccino textures.
• Heat: The nozzle heats the milk optimally, which ensures a particularly good consistency. This means the milk stays hot longer.
• Flexibility: You can customize the consistency of the foam exactly how you want it, from solid foam for a cappuccino to light microfoam for a flat white.

• Practice required: Correct frothing with the steam nozzle requires some practice so that the milk doesn't get too hot and the foam quality is right.
• Cleaning: A steam nozzle must be cleaned thoroughly after each use to avoid milk residue.
• Machine required: You need an espresso machine with a steam nozzle, which is usually more expensive and takes up space.

2. Electric Milk Frothers – Simple and Convenient

Advantages:

• Ease of use: Electric milk frothers are super easy to use. You pour in milk, press a button, and bang – the foam is ready in a few minutes without you having to sit there.
• Consistent results: Many models offer different foam density and temperature settings, so you can get consistent foam with little effort.
• Easier Cleaning: Most electric models have non-stick containers that are easy to clean.

• Less control: You have less influence on the exact consistency of the foam. It may also be that the foam becomes a little firmer than with the steam nozzle.
• Limited flexibility: The frothing quality is usually preset to a firm or creamy consistency and is not as flexible as with a steam wand.

What do you have to pay attention to with milk frothers?

Not all milk frothers are the same - there are a few points to consider before buying. Here are the most important ones:

• Temperature control:Many devices have different temperature settings - and these are important depending on what kind of drinks you like to drink. For cappuccino and latte macchiato, milk at around 60-65 °C is ideal, as this complements the taste of the coffee and supports the creamy consistency. A good milk frother should be able to reach these temperatures.
• Type of foam: Fine, creamy or firmer foam – high-quality milk frothers offer different foam levels. Some machines can also make cold milk foam, which is useful for iced coffee or shakes.
• Material and cleaning:Stainless steel containers are durable and often dishwasher safe, making cleaning easier. Make sure that all parts are easy to clean to avoid milk residue.
• Capacity:Some models are only designed for one cup, while others are suitable for larger amounts of milk foam. For households with several coffee lovers, a model with a larger capacity is worthwhile.

What should the perfect milk foam be like?

Perfect milk foam – the dream for every coffee lover! The foam should be fine-pored and nice and creamy, almost like velvet on the tongue. It shouldn't be too solid or too liquid, but should strike just the right balance so that it combines well with the coffee and doesn't collapse straight away.

Eric Wolf, one of Germany's most prominent baristas, explains the most important points

Fine bubbles: Eric Wolf reveals toStiftung Warentest: “The perfect foam isfine-poredand tastes lightsweet. He feels it in his mouthcreamyand full-bodied like cream, it is more liquid than solid. Many people like the foam to be a little firmer – that’s a matter of taste.”

The right temperature:Particularly important – and adjustable for machines! According to Wolf, the temperature should be between65and70degrees. “Otherwise the foam becomes coarse bubbles and collapses more quickly; the consistency is pudding-like. If the milk is too cold, it is difficult to produce good foam.”

Milk with enough fat: For best foam there should be enough milkFetthave, preferably at least3,5 %. Fat ensures that the foam not only remains stable, but also tastes nice and full-bodied. “Whole milk foamstays creamy, shiny and tastes sweet for a long time. The fat as a flavor carrier brings out the coffee aroma better,” he explains.

Tipp:If you don't drink cow's milk, the Barista range frombest served.

The right technology: It takes a little practice too! It's all about keeping the milk moving and introducing air evenly, without too much or too little. A good electric milk frother will do this for you. “Electric frothers are a good solution: you don’t need any previous knowledge and it’s quick. Ideal for people without great ambitions for perfect drinks, but not really for the fine art of frothing milk. It takes individual skills.”

The best electric milk frothers in comparison

Stiftung Warentest, our own experiences and love brands – these are the best, most beautiful and most practical milk frothers in comparison.

1. Nespresso Aeroccino 4

• Number of programs: 2 (hot and cold)
• Cleaning options: Dishwasher safe
• Capacity: 240 ml for foam, 120 ml for hot milk
• Why we love it: The Stiftung-Warentest test winner. The Nespresso Aeroccino 4 took off this year. Why? Fast and perfectly creamy milk foam in an elegant design. With just the push of a button you can conjure up both warm and cold foam. Plus, the fact that it's dishwasher safe makes cleaning a lot easier.

2. Melitta Cremio Hot & Cold

• Number of programs: 1 (hot)
• Cleaning options: Non-stick coating, easy to clean
• Capacity: 150 ml
• Why we love it: The Melitta milk frother is ideal for anyone looking for a simple and cost-effective device to prepare milk foam. Its compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens, and the non-stick coating ensures frothing is quick and non-stick. It also delivers consistent, fine foam that enhances every drink.

3. WMF Lineo milk frother

• Number of programs: 2 (hot and cold)
• Cleaning options: Dishwasher safe
• Capacity: 250 ml for foam, 500 ml for hot milk
• Why we love it: The WMF Lineo milk frother impresses with its high-quality workmanship made of Cromargan stainless steel and its elegant, modern design, which is an eye-catcher in every kitchen. Cold, warm foam – no problem. The generous capacity allows you to prepare multiple portions at once and the easy handling and dishwasher safe make cleaning a breeze.

4. Tchibo induction milk frother

• Number of programs: 2 (hot and cold)
• Cleaning options: Dishwasher safe
• Capacity: 200 ml
• Why we love it: The Tchibo induction milk frother uses innovative induction technology that enables the milk to be heated evenly and efficiently. The result? Excellent, stable foam. The simple operation and the easy-to-clean parts make it an ideal companion in the kitchen!

5. WMF Lono Milk & Choc

• Number of programs: 3 (hot, cold, hot chocolate)
• Cleaning options: Hand wash recommended
• Capacity: 500 ml
• Why we love it: The Caso Crema Latte & Choco is a true all-rounder in the kitchen. In addition to fine milk foam, you can also prepare hot chocolate, which makes it perfect for cold winter evenings. The large capacity allows you to prepare multiple drinks at once, and the ease of use ensures that you can enjoy delicious coffee variations in no time.

6. Tchibo electric milk frother

• Number of programs: 2 (hot and cold)
• Cleaning options: Dishwasher safe (except the main unit)
• Capacity: 115 ml for foam, 250 ml for hot milk
• Why we love it: The Tchibo electric milk frother impresses with its easy handling and practical features, such as overheating protection and automatic switch-off. Its elegant design and high-quality workmanship ensure that it looks good in every kitchen.

7. Case Cream Milk & Choco

• Number of programs: 3 (hot foam, cold foam, hot chocolate)
• Cleaning options: Hand wash recommended; the container is not dishwasher safe
• Capacity: 500 ml
• Why we love it: The Caso Crema Latte & Choco is a true all-rounder in the kitchen. With its three programs you can not only prepare perfect milk foam for your coffee drinks, but also hot chocolate. The generous 500ml capacity allows you to prepare multiple portions at once, ideal for families or guests.

8. Severin milk frother

• Number of programs: 5 (different types of foam)
• Cleaning options: Dishwasher safe
• Capacity: 400 ml
• Why we love it: The Severin milk frother offers an impressive variety of foaming functions - a total of five modes that allow you to create different textures and temperatures according to your wishes. Its high capacity makes it ideal for families or guests, and the easy cleaning after use ensures you're quickly ready for your next drink.

9. Rig-Tig milk frother by Stelton

• Number of programs: 1 (hot)
• Cleaning options: Hand wash recommended
• Capacity: 250 ml
• Why we love it: The Rig-Tig by Stelton Foodie milk frother combines modern design with functionality. Its stylish, minimalist look fits into any kitchen and attracts attention. It is also easy to use and delivers a fine foam that enhances the appearance and taste of your coffee. Ideal for design-conscious coffee lovers.

10. Plissé milk frother from Alessi

• Number of programs: 1 (hot)
• Cleaning options: Hand wash recommended
• Capacity: 250 ml
• Why we love it: For all fashion lovers: The Alessi Plissé milk frother impresses with its unique, elegant design that is reminiscent of high-quality fashion. It creates creamy milk foam for delicious coffee drinks and will quickly become an eye-catcher in your kitchen. The combination of aesthetics and functionality makes it a must-have for everyone who appreciates enjoyment and style.

11. MFF11 milk frother from Smeg

• Number of programs: 2 (hot and cold)
• Cleaning options: Dishwasher safe
• Capacity: 500 ml
• Why we love it: The Smeg milk frother is an eye-catcher! With its retro-inspired design while offering excellent functionality. It produces both hot and cold foam, perfect for various specialty coffees. The high quality and ease of use make it a favorite in the coffee world, and the ability to brew large quantities is an added advantage.

12. Create Electric Milk Frother

• Number of programs: 4 (hot, cold, hot chocolate, warm up)
• Cleaning options: Dishwasher safe
• Capacity: 350 ml
• Why we love it: Clean aesthetic and cool colors! The Create milk frother is the new splash of color in your kitchen. The 4-in-1 Electric Milk Frother impresses with its versatility and functionality. With the ability to prepare not only foam but also hot chocolate, it is perfect for those who like to mix up their drinks.

13. Vintage Cappucino 2878 milk frother from Ariete

• Number of programs: 2 (hot and cold)
• Cleaning options: Hand wash recommended; the container is not dishwasher safe
• Capacity: 250 ml
• Why we love it: The Ariete milk frother offers an excellent way to create high-quality milk foam for your coffee drinks. With the ability to create both warm and cold foam, it is particularly versatile and suitable for various specialty coffees, from cappuccino to latte macchiato. Plus: It just looks cool with its vintage design!