Three milk frothers we chose, by type
This is not a ranking, and we have not tested them. Two are jugs that make foam on their own; one is a handheld. None of them steams milk like an espresso machine wand: for options without a frother see frothing milk without a frother.
1Automatic, hot or cold milk
Nespresso Aeroccino 4 Milk Frother
Why we chose it: An automatic jug with four milk styles and a dishwasher-safe build.
- Styles
- 4 milk styles: hot or cold, airy or dense foam
- Whisk
- Circular whisk
- Cleaning
- Dishwasher safe
- Finish
- Stainless exterior, nonstick interior
- Warranty
- 1-year limited
- Size
- 4.5"W x 8.75"H
Not for you if: Anyone who wants to steam milk to a set temperature: the listing gives no temperature.
Specs read on the amazon.com listing (ASIN B0BBH5B7MD), 2026-11-04.
See on Amazon: Nespresso Aeroccino 4 Milk Frother2Choice of latte or cappuccino disc
Breville Milk Café BMF600XL
Why we chose it: An induction-heated jug with a latte disc and a cappuccino disc.
- Heating
- Induction
- Discs
- Latté and cappuccino frothing discs
- Temperature
- You select it; the machine switches off
- Cleaning
- Jug goes in the dishwasher
- Extra
- Measuring cap for cocoa and chai
- Size
- 7.48"W x 10.39"H
Not for you if: Anyone short on counter space: the listing gives 7.48"W x 10.39"H.
Specs read on the amazon.com listing (ASIN B004RCNJ9Q), 2026-11-04.
See on Amazon: Breville Milk Café BMF600XL3Handheld, rechargeable
Subminimal NanoFoamer (lithium, rechargeable)
Why we chose it: A cordless handheld foamer with a USB-C rechargeable battery.
- Type
- Handheld, cordless
- Battery
- USB-C rechargeable lithium-ion, level indicator
- Screen
- Patented NanoScreen impeller
- Use
- Churn warm milk about 30 seconds
- Safety
- Overheat protection
- Size
- 1.4"W x 9.4"H
Not for you if: Anyone who wants the frother to heat the milk: you warm it yourself.
Specs read on the amazon.com listing (ASIN B0B5LMQXXH), 2026-11-04.
See on Amazon: Subminimal NanoFoamer (lithium, rechargeable)We chose these from the makers' pages and Amazon listings. Links with an ASIN open that exact listing; the rest open a search for the model, so check the model there. As an Amazon Associate, BaristaBetter earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
Side by side
| Product | Type | Key spec | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nespresso Aeroccino 4 Milk Frother | Automatic jug | 4 milk styles, hot or cold | Hands-off hot or cold milk |
| Breville Milk Café BMF600XL | Induction jug | 2 frothing discs | Choosing a foam texture |
| Subminimal NanoFoamer (lithium, rechargeable) | Handheld, rechargeable | USB-C, NanoScreen | Small storage, you warm the milk |
How to choose a milk frother
Ask three questions. Does it heat the milk? The two jugs do; the handheld does not, so you warm milk first. Do you want choices? The Breville has two discs and a temperature setting; the Nespresso lists four styles. How will you clean it? The Nespresso is listed as dishwasher safe and the Breville says to put the jug in the dishwasher; the handheld you rinse.
| Question | Automatic jug | Handheld |
|---|---|---|
| Heats the milk | Yes (Nespresso, Breville) | No: warm the milk first |
| Power | Plugs into the base | USB-C rechargeable (NanoFoamer) |
| Storage | Counter footprint: 4.5"W x 8.75"H and up | 1.4"W x 9.4"H |
| Best for | Hands-off lattes and hot chocolate | A small tool for coffee or matcha |
After you buy
Foam is half of a latte. See how the layers sit in the coffee drinks chart, and pick the right jug size with choosing a milk pitcher size. Latte or cappuccino? Read latte vs cappuccino.