What is a Milk Frother?

Do you ever wonder how your café-made latte gets its velvety foam? The answer is simple: the milk frother. This tool has become a must-have for coffee lovers aiming for café-style drinks at home. Whether you're into creamy cappuccinos, foamy lattes, or even plant-based drinks, a milk frother can take your coffee routine to the next level. 

Looking to upgrade your home setup? Check out the best electric milk frother for quick, barista-quality foam with the push of a button. Prefer iced drinks? The best cold milk frother delivers smooth, chilled foam that’s perfect for summer lattes and iced cappuccinos.

Discover the best milk frother - Subminimal

What Exactly is a Milk Frother?

A milk frother is a device or utensil designed to aerate milk, introducing tiny bubbles that transform regular milk into light, creamy foam. This process is called frothing, and it’s what creates the smooth and luxurious texture found in popular drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites.

Main purposes of a milk frother:

• Adds rich, velvety foam to coffee and espresso drinks

• Elevates the taste and texture of hot chocolate, matcha, and more

• Works with both dairy and non-dairy milks (oat, almond, soy, and more)

How Does It Work?

Milk frothers create foam by quickly agitating the milk, incorporating air to expand its volume. This aeration process makes milk lighter and sweeter thanks to the extra oxygen, which slightly caramelizes the milk’s natural sugars. The result? A café-level treat in your favorite mug.

Types of Milk Frothers

You’ll find several handy types of milk frothers, each fit for different needs and kitchens. Here’s the rundown:

Manual Milk Frothers

• Hand-powered, often resembling a small French press

• You pump a plunger or mesh rapidly to aerate the milk

• No electricity required—great for travel or low-tech kitchens

Handheld Electric Milk Frothers

• Battery-powered, wand-like tools

• Dip the whisk into the milk and press a button for instant froth

• Super portable and easy to store

Automatic/Electric Milk Frothers

• Standalone appliances with multiple settings

• Often double as heaters and frothers

• Some can handle both dairy and non-dairy milks, offer cold and hot settings, and feature simple one-touch operation

How to Use a Milk Frother

Frothing milk isn’t rocket science, but here’s how to nail it every time:

For Handheld Frothers:

1. Pour cold or warmed milk into a tall, narrow container (only fill halfway).

2. Submerge the whisk end of the frother.

3. Move the frother up and down while it spins for 30–60 seconds until the volume doubles and the milk looks creamy.

4. Pour into your coffee—it’s that easy!

For Automatic Frothers:

1. Add the milk to your frother to the fill line.

2. Choose your desired setting: hot or cold foam.

3. Press start. Most machines turn off by themselves when finished.

Pro Tip:

For the best results, aim for a milk temperature of 140°F–155°F, hot but not boiling. Dairy and non-dairy milks both work, but frothing quality can vary with fat and protein content.

The Science and Benefits of Frothing Milk

Frothing works by adding air and heat (or sometimes just air) to milk, producing thousands of tiny bubbles. These bubbles give milk a lighter, silkier texture and enhance its sweetness.

Why Froth Milk?

• Enhanced flavor: Aerated milk tastes sweeter and smoother

• Visual appeal: Dollar for dollar, a foamy cappuccino looks incredible

• Customizable: Works with dairy and plant-based milks, cold or hot

• Health perks: Frothing increases volume, so you can enjoy a “larger” drink with the same calories

• Versatility: Froth milk for hot chocolate, matcha lattes, protein shakes, and dessert toppings

Who Uses Milk Frothers, and Why?

Home Baristas & Coffee Aficionados

Coffee lovers everywhere love frothers for making classic drinks like:

• Cappuccinos

• Lattes

• Flat whites

• Mocha, macchiato, and more

Plant-Based and Health-Conscious Drinkers

Frothers make it easy to whip up creamy oat or almond milk foam, making non-dairy drinks look and feel just like traditional lattes.

Busy Families & Everyday Breakfast Routines

Mix up warm milk for kids, create quick hot chocolate, blend protein shakes, or finish desserts with a cloud of foam, all fast and mess-free.

How to Choose the Best Milk Frother for You

With so many choices, tick off what matters to you:

• Size and storage: Consider your counter space

• Manual vs. electric: Do you prefer hands-on or hands-off?

• Milk type support: Do you need it to work with non-dairy milks?

• Ease of cleaning: Dishwasher-safe parts save time (ours are super simple to clean.)

• Extra features: Look for temperature settings, microfoam capability, and rechargeable options for ultimate convenience

Tips for the Perfect Froth—Every Time

• Use fresh, cold milk for the best froth (old milk won’t froth well)

• Start with a clean container

• Aim for the right temperature (140–155°F)

• Don’t overfill: Milk can double in volume during frothing

• For latte art, practice pouring slowly for silky microform

Beyond Coffee: Surprising Uses for Milk Frothers

• Whisk salad dressings or vinaigrettes

• Blend protein shakes

• Create airy dessert toppings

• Froth coconut or almond milk for new drinks

Discover Our Best Milk Frother - Subminimal

NanoFoamer PRO - Subminimal

Description (NanoFoamer PRO):

Unlock the secret to velvety-smooth, café-style microfoam—without the espresso machine.

The NanoFoamer PRO GEN-2 is the ultimate hands-free microfoam maker, designed for coffee lovers who want professional results at home, fast and effortlessly. Whether you're using dairy or plant-based milk, this precision-engineered device transforms your morning routine into a café-quality experience.

Why You’ll Love It

✅ Automatic & Hands-Free – Heat and foam your milk at the same time you're pulling your shot.
✅ Barista-Level Microfoam – Create rich, silky microfoam perfect for latte art.
✅ Works with All Milks – Dairy, oat, almond, soy—thanks to 3 optimized flow controllers.
✅ 5 Custom Programs – Tailor foam thickness and temperature to your drink of choice.
✅ Whisper-Quiet – Smooth operation with magnetic impeller height adjustment for perfect vortex control.
✅ Easy to Clean – IPX-5 water-resistant. Rinse it under the tap—no fuss.
✅ Portable & Sleek – Compact design that fits any kitchen setup.

What’s Included

• NanoFoamer PRO GEN-2 (EU Plug - 220V)
  
  

• 3 Flow Controllers (Black for dairy, Blue/Green for plant-based milks)
  
  

• Impeller height adjuster
  
  

• Free Latte Art MasterClass
  
  

• 30-Day Guarantee
  
  

• 1-Year Limited Warranty
  
  

Product Specs

• Dimensions: 12 × 12 × 20 cm
  
  

• Weight: 800g
  
  

• Power: 400W
  
  

• Voltage: 220V (EU Plug)
  
  

• Capacity: 100–220 ml
  
  

• Water Resistance: IPX-5
  
  

• Cord Length: 70 cm
  
  

⭐ Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 380+ coffee lovers
“The most luxurious foam I've ever tasted. I almost wanted to drink just the milk.” — Mitch, Verified Buyer

Your Café. Your Kitchen.

The NanoFoamer PRO Gen-2 is engineered for perfectionists, busy mornings, and passionate home baristas alike. Ditch the noisy steam wands and inconsistent frothers—Subminimal brings you microfoam that rivals your favorite café, right at home.

2) NanoFoamer

Description (NanoFoamer):

Create silky, café-style microfoam in seconds with the Subminimal NanoFoamer – the world’s best handheld milk foamer designed for serious home baristas. Whether you’re perfecting a cappuccino, crafting a creamy flat white, or elevating your matcha latte, the NanoFoamer delivers superfine microfoam worthy of any coffeehouse.

Why NanoFoamer?

• True Microfoam Technology – Unlike standard frothers, the NanoFoamer creates invisible microbubbles that result in smooth, velvet-like milk – perfect for latte art.
  
  

• Battery or Rechargeable Options – Choose between the V2 (AA battery-powered) or the upgraded Lithium (USB-C rechargeable) model with dual-speed settings.
  
  

• Compatible with Dairy & Milk Alternatives – Designed to work beautifully with barista-style oat, almond, soy, or dairy milks.
  
  

• Easy to Use, Easier to Clean – Waterproof and intuitive, with upgraded clip-on NanoScreens and a replaceable polycarbonate impeller for durability and performance.
  
  

What’s Included:

• NanoFoamer (V2 or Lithium)
  
  

• 2 NanoScreens: Fine & Superfine
  
  

• Protective Hood
  
  

• Wall Mount
  
  

• Free Latte Art Masterclass
  
  

Technical Specs:

What Customers Are Saying:

“As a former barista, I can confidently say this makes real microfoam. Build quality is great and battery life is solid.”
— Tom, Verified Buyer

“It’s the only handheld foamer I’ve used that actually lets you pour real latte art. I use it every day.”
— Todd S., Verified Buyer

“Works with my oat milk perfectly. Cleaning takes seconds. 10/10.”
— Carlo M., Verified Buyer

Discover Also:

- NanoFoamer

- Subscale

- Flick WDT

- FlowTip Jug

- UpShot Mirror

- Thermometer

Explore the NanoFoamer PRO

FAQ:

What is a Milk Frother?

A milk frother is a kitchen tool designed to aerate milk, creating a light, creamy foam that's perfect for coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolates. It works by incorporating air into the milk, resulting in microfoam or thicker froth depending on the method and settings. Frothers can also heat milk while frothing, making them versatile for both hot and cold beverages.

What Are the Different Types of Milk Frothers?

There are three main types of milk frothers, each suited to different needs and budgets:

• Manual Frothers: These are pump-action devices, like a French press, where you manually plunge to create foam. They're affordable, require no electricity, and are great for small quantities.

• Handheld Frothers: Battery-operated whisks that you dip into milk. They're portable, inexpensive, and ideal for quick frothing at home or on the go.

• Electric Frothers: Automatic machines that heat and froth milk with the press of a button. They often have multiple settings for hot foam, cold foam, or just heating milk, making them convenient for frequent use.

How Does a Milk Frother Work?

Milk frothers introduce air into milk through agitation, breaking down the milk's proteins to form stable bubbles and foam. Manual and handheld models rely on physical whisking or pumping, while electric ones use spinning whisks or steam to aerate and often heat the milk simultaneously. The key is starting with cold milk, as it holds air better before proteins denature from heat.

What Is the Best Milk for Frothing?

For optimal results, use cold semi-skimmed (2% fat) cow's milk straight from the fridge (around 4-6°C or 39-43°F). Milk with higher protein content froths best, as proteins stabilize the foam. Whole milk creates creamier froth, while skim milk produces more volume but less stability. Avoid ultra-pasteurized milk if possible, as it froths less effectively.

Can I Froth Non-Dairy Milk?

Yes, many non-dairy alternatives work well, though results vary by type and brand due to differences in fat and protein content. Here's a quick comparison based on common options:

How Do I Use a Milk Frother?

Usage depends on the type:

• Handheld: Heat milk to 140-155°F (60-68°C) in a microwave or on the stove, pour into a tall container, and immerse the frother whisk. Turn it on and move it in circles for 20-30 seconds until foamy.

• Manual (e.g., French Press): Heat milk separately, pour into the press, and pump the plunger rapidly for 30-60 seconds.

• Electric: Fill to the marked line (don't overfill), select your setting (hot froth, cold froth, or heat only), and press start. It typically takes 1-2 minutes. Start with half the milk volume you need, as froth expands. For best results, froth in small batches.

What Temperature Should the Milk Be for Frothing?

For hot frothing, aim for 140-155°F (60-68°C) to create silky microfoam without scalding the milk, which can cause it to taste burnt or lose structure. Cold frothing doesn't require heating and is ideal for iced drinks. Always start with refrigerated milk for better aeration.

How Do I Clean a Milk Frother?

Clean immediately after use to prevent milk residue buildup:

• Rinse the whisk or jug under warm water.

• For handheld: Dip into soapy water, run for a few seconds, then rinse.

• For electric: Wipe the interior with a damp sponge; some models have detachable parts that are dishwasher-safe.

• Avoid submerging electric bases in water. For stubborn residue, use a mild vinegar solution and rinse thoroughly. 

Discover Also:

- NanoFoamer

- Subscale

- Flick WDT

- FlowTip Jug

- UpShot Mirror

- Thermometer

Explore the NanoFoamer PRO