Milk frothers

How to choose a milk frother

A milk frother is the cheapest way to get café-quality cappuccino or latte at home, even with a basic coffee machine or coffee from a cafetière. The two main types do the same job in very different ways, so start with how much foam you need and how often.

• Electric or handheld. An electric jug frother heats and froths by itself at the touch of a button and switches off. A battery-powered handheld whisk costs around ten euros and froths already-warmed milk in the cup — quick, but the result depends on your hand.
• Hot and cold foam. Most electric models make hot foam and heat milk without foam; a cold-foam mode (Caso 1656) is for iced coffee and cold latte. A hot chocolate and cocoa mode stirs the powder in without lumps (Caso Crema & Choco).
• Capacity. Frothing capacity is usually 115–150 ml, one or two cappuccinos; heating takes 250–350 ml. The Philips Milk Twister is a compact 120 ml single-cup model, while the Caso Crema & Choco jug holds 0.35 l.
• Power. 435–600 W heats a cup of milk to around 60–70 degrees in 1–2 minutes. More power shortens the wait, but foam quality depends more on the whisk and the milk than on watts.
• Whisk and material. Interchangeable whisks: a coil for frothing, a smooth one for heating. A non-stick jug wipes clean; stainless steel (ETA, Caso) lasts longer. Check that the jug lifts off the base — washing is far easier that way.

Milk frothers in our range

The core of the range is electric jug frothers at 500–600 W: Adler AD 4478, AD 4494, AD 4495 and AD 4497 (black, white, cream), the stainless-steel ETA model and the Caso Crema & Choco with a 0.35 l jug. The hot-and-cold foam model is the Caso 1656 (435 W); the compact single-cup frother is the Philips Milk Twister CA6500 at 120 ml. Handheld frothers — Adler AD 4491, Caso Fomini with a steel coil, the battery-powered Mesko MS 4493, Camry CR 4501 and Adler AD 4499 — are the cheapest way in. The filter covers power and colour.

Brands

Caso is the top of the range: Crema & Choco also makes hot chocolate, the 1656 does both hot and cold foam, and Fomini is a solid steel handheld whisk. Adler offers the widest colour choice and affordable 500–600 W jugs. The Philips Milk Twister is a compact, fast single-cup model, and ETA gives you a stainless-steel jug at a sensible price. Camry and Mesko are the budget end — handheld frothers for about ten euros.

Related products

The frother's partner is a coffee machine — foam works alongside a simple filter or capsule machine too. Coffee grinders handle the beans, and for tea see kettles. All drinks appliances are under coffee and drinks, with the wider selection in kitchen appliances.

Frequently asked questions

Which milk froths best? Cold whole milk (3.5%) gives the most stable, creamy foam; among plant milks, a barista-edition oat drink works best. Skimmed milk froths a lot, but the foam collapses quickly.

Does a frother heat milk without frothing? Yes, most electric models have a separate heating mode or a smooth whisk — that gives you hot milk for cocoa or a latte macchiato.

How do I clean it? Rinse the jug with warm water straight after use and wipe it with a soft cloth — dried milk sticks. A removable jug makes this twice as easy; the base and electronics never go under water.

Is a handheld whisk worth it? Yes, if you froth rarely or travel: it fits in a drawer and costs about ten euros. For a daily cappuccino an electric jug is more convenient and the result more consistent.

How quickly will it arrive? It is a small parcel: an Omniva, DPD or Venipak locker delivery takes 1–2 working days.