How to choose a milk frother: automatic and manual devices for making cappuccino and lattes

Many lovers of lattes, cappuccinos and similar drinks one day think about making them at home. Someone buys a coffee machine or coffee maker with a cappuccino maker, but these devices are usually quite expensive. There is a simpler option: a separate manual, semi-automatic or automatic milk frother for cappuccino. We talk in detail about their features and present the TOP 5 most popular models.

The best cappuccino makers

As nominees, we have selected the most reliable and practical whisks, which not only make excellent foam, but also do not cause unnecessary maintenance problems.

De'Longhi Alicia EMF2

Non-stick model

The Alicia EMF2 model can whip up 140 ml of foam at a time. The device is also suitable for heating milk.

Reasons to buy:

• Non-stick coating of the bowl;
• Removable whisk is easy to clean;
• Stylish glossy body;
• Induction heating;
• Automatic shutdown.

The De'Longhi Alicia frother perfectly froths milk into a stable, airy foam for preparing a variety of cocktails or hot coffee-based drinks. It is equipped with a magnetic whisk, which, when rotated inside the container, allows you to quickly achieve optimal results.

The device has a removable transparent cover with a silicone seal. Through it you can observe the process, and the contents of the jug will not fly away in different directions. At the end of whipping, the device turns off automatically.

The stand allows you to rotate the device 360°, the foamer is completely removable from the base. For whipping, pour 100-140 ml of milk inside, for heating - 250 ml.

The liquid in the device is heated by induction, so the bottom of the jug remains cold and can be safely placed on any surface. Alicia is available in a stylish glossy case in two colors: white and black. Power cord length 1 m.

Kitfort KT-712

Stationary induction cappuccino maker

The Kitfort model allows you to froth cold and hot milk, as well as warm it up. The device is equipped with two magnetic nozzles for mixing and actually whipping the foam.

Reasons to buy:

• 3 operating modes;
• Large capacity of 760 ml;
• Works almost silently;
• Easy to clean.

Kitfort KT-712 makes stable foam for preparing a variety of coffee-based drinks. The device is also used for whipping cold cream for desserts, mixing sauces and heating liquids.

The operation of the beater is based on an electromagnetic system. The alternating magnetic field created in the motor causes special attachments to rotate. This ensures quiet operation and reliability of the device. Operating time and mode are selected using a button on the body. The device has an automatic shut-off function.

Kitfort is equipped with a container made of heat-resistant glass. Milk does not stick to it, and through the transparent walls it is easy to control the process of preparing the foam. The bowl has a comfortable metal handle.

For heating, 760 ml of milk is placed here, for foaming - 250. Markings of the maximum and minimum levels are marked inside the container. The power consumption of the device is 600 W.

Melitta Cremio

Fine-pored foam from almost any milk

The Melitta Cremio model has 3 nozzles that allow you to prepare a variety of drinks and heats up milk very quickly.

Reasons to buy:

• Reliable locking mechanism in the lid;
• Intuitive controls with backlit keys;
• Prepares up to 4 portions of foam at a time;
• Heating milk without burning;
• Automatic shutdown function.

Melitta Cremio allows you to prepare cold and hot milk foam. The heating process occurs evenly, so the milk does not burn. The device is simple and convenient to use thanks to clear buttons. When preparing hot drinks, the red light comes on, and when cold drinks, the blue light comes on.

The milk does not splash out due to a reliable seal on the lid. The latter can be easily rotated, thereby opening or closing the device. The inner coating of the container makes it very easy to clean the device using mild, finely abrasive products or standard dishwashing liquid.

The Cremio foamer has a stylish design. The glossy plastic body is available in three colors (white, red and black). The set includes 3 attachments: a cappuccino maker, a round one for latte, and a small one for heating milk with stirring.

The power cord is integrated into the stand. The jug can be removed from it without any problems, and the device immediately turns off. Power consumption - 600 W.

BBK BMF125

Stylish and fast

The BBK frother makes hot, thick foam out of milk in seconds or simply warms it up. The device has a reliable assembly; the body is made of metal with a plastic base.

Reasons to buy:

• Clamp for storing attachments;
• Non-stick coating inside the container;
• Cover with seal;
• Easy operation;
• Fast work.

The BBK milk frother turns milk of any temperature into dense foam in a matter of seconds. The device is easily controlled by a single mechanical button located on the side and backlit. At the end of the cycle it goes out. Due to the automatic shutdown of the device, the milk does not overheat and does not form a film.

The jug has a non-stick coating and holds up to 300 ml of milk. It can also make up to 130 ml of thick foam. The bowl has marks indicating the maximum fill level for each mode. The lid with a high-quality seal around the perimeter protects against splashing. On its inner side there is a lock that allows you to store attachments.

Externally, BBK BMF125 looks like a metal flask with a plastic base. It is placed on a stand on which you can rotate the device 360°. The device does not slip on a flat surface due to three rubberized feet. The foamer is available in black and white colors. Power consumption - 500 W.

Gemlux GL-FM-87

Compact immersion cappuccino maker

The battery-powered Gemlux easily produces fluffy, airy foam. This device is convenient to take with you on trips or to the country.

Reasons to buy:

• Stainless steel housing;
• Pulse operating principle;
• Built-in lighting;
• Autonomy (battery powered).

Gemlux resembles a small mixer. Its attachment looks like an annular spiral spring. It is activated by turning on the micromotor located in the handle. As the nozzle rotates, the milk is saturated with air bubbles and the output is airy, finely dispersed foam. Before whipping, the milk is heated to 65-70 °C.

The foamer runs on AA batteries. To operate the device, you need to press the top of the handle and lock it in this position. When turned on, the blue LED backlight lights up.

All elements of the cappuccino maker are made of stainless steel. They are easy to clean from milk drops and fingerprints. Due to the special stand and protective cap, the device is convenient to store and transport. The maximum volume for foaming is 250 ml.

Clatronic MS 3089

Inexpensive manual model

Clatronic MS does not require a connection to an outlet to operate. The miniature mixer runs on two AA batteries and fits comfortably in your hand.

Reasons to buy:

• Quickly froths milk;
• Ease of use;
• Takes up little space;
• Low price.

Clatronic allows you to quickly create stable and snow-white milk foam. The device does not require a network connection, so you can use it in any convenient place. The model is controlled using a convenient button on the body.

The foaming nozzle is made of stainless steel. This material is valued for its increased resistance to mechanical and chemical damage. Also, after whipping with a whisk, the taste properties of the drink are not distorted. The spiral rings are set very close, due to which high-quality foam is obtained.

The whisk works with little noise, without vibration of the body, and copes even with low-fat milk. The foamer is very easy to use and easy to clean. The manufacturer offers the product in cases of different beautiful shades.

What is it like?

The pitcher is used to froth milk using steam. The resulting airy foam is added to the finished coffee drink. This jug is a must have for espresso machine owners. Coffee machines have a special attachment called a cappuccino maker. With its help, milk foam is whipped with steam in this particular jug.

Owners of an automatic or semi-automatic cappuccino maker will not need this device.

If you want to drink delicious coffee with a pleasant airy foam in the morning, then you should buy a pitcher. But it should be borne in mind that whipping milk foam on your own is not so easy, so you need to be prepared for failures. According to statistics, 10% of users cannot do it. This requires time to master this skill.

Another feature of the pitcher is its heat conductivity, which determines the taste of the brewed coffee. The main thing is not to bring the milk to a boil, but to heat it to the desired temperature.

It is permissible to heat up to 60-70oC. If the temperature does not reach 70 degrees, then the milk will acquire a naturally sweetened taste. If you overheat the milk, it will give off a bitter aftertaste, which is no longer suitable for foam.

Types of milk frothers

All cappuccino makers are divided into 2 large groups: manual mini-mixers without a milk container and stationary automatic ones - with a jug (aerocino).

Automatic stationary foamers

By design, all stationary cappuccino makers resemble electric kettles. The main part of the device is installed on a stand with a power cord. The milk containers are removed from the base. Under the bottom of the jugs there is a disk-type heater.

Such devices are divided into two subtypes: magnetic and mechanical. Both types usually offer 3 modes:

1. frothing heated milk for cappuccino;
2. heating - for latte, cocoa, hot chocolate;
3. frothing cold milk for cocktails.

Most modern models have a non-stick coating on the bowl, which prevents the milk from burning.

Mechanical foamers belong to the cheaper price segment. They have a drive shaft in the center, which makes cleaning the device inconvenient. There is also a high probability that the shaft gasket inside the housing will lose elasticity over time.

Magnetic milk frothers are much more reliable. In addition, they are easy to clean and operate very quietly.

When choosing an automatic cappuccino maker, it is recommended to pay attention to the following parameters:

• the ability to not only whip, but also heat milk;
• material and volume of the bowl, taking into account the volume of dairy drinks consumed;
• Availability of auto shut-off function and overheating protection;
• nozzle rotation speed regulator;
• ease and ease of care.

For some, an important selection criterion may be the appearance of the device. There will be no problems here - most stationary beaters look very stylish.

Manual frothers

Manual milk frothers are a portable electric whisk. They usually have a rubberized handle, from which comes a spring attachment on a long stem. It rotates due to a small motor inside the handle. Such devices are sometimes positioned as mini-mixers for frothing milk and sauces.

Manual frothers operate on batteries, meaning they don’t tie you to an outlet. Also, many are attracted by the low cost of such devices. But they have enough disadvantages:

• cannot heat milk;
• you have to press the button with your finger all the time;
• the foam turns out less tender and elastic.

When selecting a hand beater, it is better to give preference to well-known manufacturers who guarantee the quality of the product. Budget noname models can break down within a few weeks.

Additional options worth considering

Wall thickness

Professional baristas opt for pitchers with thick walls. They warm up slowly, allowing the milk to froth longer. In this case, the foam will turn out much more fluffy and soft.

Beginners give preference to pitchers with thin walls. They make it easier to control the heating temperature. Of course, their cost is lower, which also affects the choice.

Built-in thermometer

At the moment, pitchers have appeared with a built-in thermometer located at the bottom of the container. It helps to accurately determine the temperature, which allows you to achieve the perfect foam.

Form

It is important to pay attention to the shape of the dishes. A smooth cone-shaped shape, which slightly tapers upward, with a clearly defined nose, is considered convenient.

Color

If when choosing it is important that the dishes fit favorably into the interior, then you can take a closer look at the pitcher with Teflon coating, which stands out in matte black. If you look harder, you can find rare white and colored matte ones.

How to get the perfect foam

In order for the frother to live up to expectations, it is important to choose the right milk for these purposes - the result depends on it. Milk should be:

• High protein - it is desirable that the milk contains at least 3% protein. Thanks to this, the foam will be fine, viscous, and creamy.
• Sufficiently fatty - this produces a sweet, dense foam that remains stable longer. For cappuccino, milk with a fat content of 3% or higher is better suited, for latte - 1.5-2.5%.
• Whole, pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized, which was not brought to a boil. “Dead” milk, unlike “live” farm milk, whips better.

The warmer the milk, the more difficult it is to froth it using hand frothers. But automatic ones do an excellent job with such a product.

How to froth milk correctly

Using a cappuccino pitcher is quite simple. The main thing is to choose the right milk. The dairy product must meet the following requirements:

• fat content not less than three percent;
• protein content at least two percent;
• homogeneous structure;
• temperature is about four degrees.

To get a delicate, light and airy foam, perform the following steps:

1. Open the steam supply tap and release the accumulated condensate. If this procedure is not followed, condensation will get into the milk and spoil its taste. In addition, whipping will be problematic.
2. Fill the pitcher halfway with milk product.
3. Place the steam tap into the milk jug. The nozzles are placed one centimeter below the milk level.
4. Quickly open the steam tap. Within fifteen seconds the milk froths. It is filled with air bubbles, increases in volume, and warms up to 37 degrees.
5. The steaming phase begins. Its duration is also about fifteen seconds. The pitcher performs circular movements, the liquid is intensively stirred, the result is homogeneous and smooth. The heating temperature reaches 65-75 degrees. The jug is held at an angle.
6. When the heating becomes strong, the circular movements are stopped.
7. Now you should close the steam valve.
8. Remove the milk jug from under it.
9. Tap the bottom on a horizontal surface. This way you will be able to get rid of any bubbles that have arisen.
10. Continue stirring the foam until the coffee is finished brewing. After this, it needs to be evenly distributed on the surface of the espresso.

Thanks to the pitcher, it is possible to easily obtain light milk foam, which is then poured into the coffee. If you choose the right milk jug, you will be able to pamper yourself and your loved ones with aromatic, high-quality cappuccino. The main thing is to purchase a jug that meets all the requirements and learn the rules for frothing milk.

FAQ

Why can't you froth boiled milk? When boiling, the decomposition of proteins increases: albumin is denatured, the structure and properties of casein change. This change in structure no longer allows the milk to froth.

What is Aerochino? This is the name of the Nespresso machine included in the set of capsule coffee makers, which later became a household name. In essence (and in appearance), Aeroccino is the same automatic foamer.

Are there cappuccino makers that don’t need power at all? Yes, there are several mechanical frothers on the market (Bialetti, Kamille, Bodum, Barista&Co). Externally and in their design, they are almost indistinguishable from French presses - the same piston on a long handle with a mesh attached to the end, which moves inside a cylindrical glass. Milk in such cappuccino makers is whipped by vertical movements of the piston.

Conclusions:

1. The milk frother for cappuccino can be a manual battery-powered one, a jug like a French press, or an automatic glass.
2. Some models come with removable whisks for different drinks; you can make light foam for latte or thick foam for cappuccino.
3. The cheapest manual models can be purchased for 100 rubles, more convenient jugs - for 2000, automatic machines cost about 5000.
4. For two people, the smallest device is enough, the foam is whipped to the full volume, it really turns out a lot.
5. Milk frothers for cappuccino are very convenient, and with them you can make drinks no worse than in a coffee shop!

Product cost

The price for this foamer is very low and is only 99 rubles. For a device of this quality that can last a long time, this is a very competitive price. With frequent use, it can justify its cost within a few days. The Swedish manufacturer knows how to produce high-quality products at low cost, aimed at using a large number of consumers. You can purchase a manual whisk for frothing milk for cappuccino both on the manufacturer’s official website and in real stores. Beware of counterfeits from unofficial suppliers.

The IKEA PRODUCT milk frother is highly recommended for purchase by those who like to enjoy coffee prepared at home, as well as those who like to experiment with flavors. Suspicion regarding the quality of the product due to the low price will disappear almost immediately after the device begins to be used on a regular basis. This option is ideal for those who do not have a coffee machine at work. The device has small dimensions and can easily be stored and used anywhere. Thanks to the IKEA cappuccino mixer, you can get a very tasty drink at a low cost.

Where to buy a milk pitcher and how much does it cost?

Pitchers are sold in specialized stores of tableware for bars and coffee shops or at points of sale of coffee accessories. The cost can vary greatly depending on the material, volume and manufacturer.

• Small ceramic pitchers for home use with a volume of up to 100 ml cost from 400 to 1000 rubles.
• Metal pitchers with a volume of 150 ml cost from 700 rubles. Depending on the manufacturer, the price can reach 1000 rubles or more. Teflon-coated milk jugs will cost more – from 1,400 rubles for a 150 ml jug.
• Metal pitchers with an average volume of 500-750 ml cost from 1,400 rubles. Dishes from Italian manufacturers Ilsa or Nuova Ricambi will cost more – from 1,700 rubles. If you decide to purchase a milk jug of this size, but coated with Teflon, the price tag could exceed 2000.
• Metal pitchers with a volume of 1 liter or more cost from 2,400 rubles. The price is also greatly influenced by the material of the handle, the presence or absence of coating, the name of the manufacturer and even the color. The price for such pitchers can be more than 4,000 rubles.

The most expensive pitchers are produced by the Italian company Alessi, from Piedmont. Her milk jugs cost 8-10 thousand rubles apiece.