The Best Handheld Milk Frothers for At-Home Drinks

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Handheld milk frothers aerate milk through a whisking motion to create foam for lattes, cappuccinos, and a variety of other beverages. Milk frothers will also work with nondairy alternatives, but results vary based on the liquid’s fat content. While automatic milk frothers simultaneously heat and foam milk, handheld frothers should be used with preheated milk.

While choosing the best handheld milk frother might seem like a simple decision, there are actually a number of considerations to weigh. This guide will explore several important features to look for as you shop and then provide options by category for some of the top products on the market.

BEST OVERALL: Zulay Original Milk Frother
RUNNER-UP: Bean Envy Milk Frother
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bonsenkitchen Electric Milk Frother
BEST RECHARGEABLE: FoodVille MF05 Rechargeable Milk Frother
BEST FOR TRAVEL: Aerolatte Milk Frother To Go
BEST TWO-SPEED: Cafe Casa Electric Milk Frother

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Handheld Milk Frother

It’s easy to assume that all handheld milk frothers offer similar performance, but a number of factors affect their functionality, including size, weight, power, availability of additional features, and more. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best handheld milk frother for your kitchen.

Size and Weight

One of the advantages of handheld milk frothers over their countertop counterparts is their compact and lightweight nature. This makes them an excellent choice for creating delicious coffee beverages on the go, or even just tossing in a kitchen drawer if you have limited counter space.

These handy devices typically measure between 9 and 12 inches in length. Their weight ranges between 2 and 5 ounces for models with disposable batteries. Handheld milk frothers with built-in rechargeable batteries are usually several ounces heavier. Regardless of size and weight, the best handheld milk frothers feature ergonomic handles that ensure they’re comfortable to hold.

Power

While some handheld milk frothers are powerful enough to froth a pitcher of milk for several beverages, most models are designed for a single cup. A milk frother’s motor power is measured by speed in revolutions per minute (RPM), with speeds averaging between 10,000 and 20,000 RPM.

Handheld milk frothers are battery-operated, with some using disposable alkaline or lithium batteries and others featuring built-in rechargeable batteries. Most disposable battery models require AA batteries. A rechargeable battery provides added convenience and saves money over time since it’s not necessary to purchase replacement batteries.

For rechargeable options, a 2,000 mAh rechargeable battery, for example, will provide up to 4 hours of operation time on a full charge, letting you go for weeks between charges. Look for a rechargeable milk frother that includes a USB charging cable.

Controls and Settings

Most handheld milk frothers are extremely easy to use, offering one-touch operation with a simple on/off button. Some upgraded models feature multiple whisking speeds for added versatility. At regular speeds, handheld milk frothers produce light, airy milk full of large bubbles for cappuccinos. At higher speeds, the milk foam is denser to create lattes.

Accessories

While basic handheld milk frothers simply feature a standard whisk head and a handle, more advanced models include interchangeable attachments and other accessories.

Interchangeable whisk attachments create beverages and sauces of varying consistencies.
A balloon whisk attachment is ideal for making whipped cream or whisking eggs.
A stainless steel or plastic stand allows for easy countertop storage.
A carrying case safely stores a milk frother while traveling.

Ease of Cleaning

You must wash a milk frother after every use, so it’s important to choose a model that’s easy to clean. Look for one with a stainless steel wand that won’t rust or corrode if exposed to moisture. While most models require hand-washing, some feature removable, dishwasher-safe whisk heads.

Clean a handheld milk frother by running the wand under warm water or turning it on while the wand is submerged in a glass of warm water.

Our Top Picks

These top picks take into account the abovementioned features to consider when shopping for the best handheld milk frother, in addition to overall quality and value. Read on to discover some of the top options on the market in a variety of categories for making delicious and barista-quality frothy drinks.

Best Overall

Zulay Original Milk Frother

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With a motor power of 12,500 RPM, the Milk Boss handheld milk frother from Zulay Kitchen is extremely powerful despite its compact size. It froths milk, cream, matcha tea, and all types of nondairy milk alternatives. The frother features an ergonomic handle for a comfortable hold and a stainless steel whisk that resists rust and corrosion. A metal stand allows users to easily access the frother on the countertop or in a kitchen cabinet.

This model is available in a rainbow of colors ranging from brights to neutrals, allowing shoppers to choose an option based on their individual taste or with an eye toward matching existing kitchen decor. The frother weighs 4.8 ounces and measures 9.92 by 2.91 by 2.7 inches, so it’s still compact enough to toss in a drawer if a permanent place on the countertop is not desired. Two AA batteries (not included) power the device. This model must be washed by hand.

Runner-Up

Bean Envy Milk Frother

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Bean Envy’s handheld milk frother boasts a 19,000 RPM motor to froth milk in just 15 seconds. Despite the powerful motor, it provides a quiet operation, so early risers won’t wake sleeping family members while preparing their morning coffee. In addition to frothing milk, this milk frother is useful for mixing cocktails and whisking eggs. The stainless steel whisk is durable and rust resistant, and a stainless steel stand allows for convenient countertop access. The silicone rubber handle is ergonomically designed for optimal comfort.

The milk frother requires two AA batteries (not included) and is available in five colors: black, white, red, dark blue, and light blue. It’s extremely lightweight at 2.08 ounces and measures 10 by 3 by 3 inches, so users can toss the device in a drawer or in a tote bag for on-the-go frothing. Hand-wash this device with warm water.

Best Bang For the Buck

Bonsenkitchen Electric Milk Frother

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Create milk foam for lattes, bulletproof coffee, and hot chocolate, and even whisk eggs with Bonsenkitchen’s handheld milk frother. The one-touch design is easy to use, and the motor is quiet yet powerful, frothing milk in 15 to 20 seconds. The whisk is made from stainless steel, while the ergonomically designed handle uses BPA-free materials.

Choose from four colors: black, red, silver, and gold. This frother requires 2 AA batteries, which are included with each purchase. Clean this model by hand with warm, soapy water. It weighs 5.6 ounces and measures 9.92 by 1.26 by 1.45 inches, compact enough to place in a drawer—especially important since this lower-cost milk frother doesn’t include a built-in stand.

Best Rechargeable

FoodVille MF05 Rechargeable Milk Frother

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While most handheld milk frothers on the market use disposable batteries, FoodVille’s MF05 model utilizes a built-in rechargeable battery and includes a USB charging cable. The 2,000 mAh battery offers 4 hours of operation when fully charged.

This milk frother offers two easily interchangeable whisk heads: a standard whisk for milk and a balloon whisk for whipping cream or eggs. It features a robust copper motor and three whisking speeds to customize beverages from bulletproof coffee and protein shakes to matcha lattes and cappuccinos, and—at the highest speed—produces thick, smooth milk foam. The milk frother measures 9.1 by 4.2 by 1.8 inches and is on the heavier side at 7.7 ounces due to its built-in battery; the flat base allows it to stand up on a countertop during charging and when not in use. It should be hand-washed in warm water.

Best For Travel

Aerolatte Milk Frother To Go

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The Aerolatte handheld milk frother includes a protective carrying case, making it a great choice for creating tasty drinks on the go. Frothing takes between 30 and 60 seconds and works with whole, skim, and goat milk as well as nondairy alternatives like hemp, almond, soy, and cashew milk.

The whisk is made from stainless steel, and the handle uses BPA-free materials. Measuring 8.5 by 1.75 by 1.25 inches and weighing 5 ounces, this milk frother’s slim and lightweight profile also ensures it’s easy to transport and use when traveling. It uses two AA batteries (included) and should be hand-washed in warm, soapy water.

Best Two-Speed

Cafe Casa Electric Milk Frother

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Cafe Casa’s handheld milk frother features two motor speeds—13,000 RPM and 15,000 RPM—so users can create airier or denser foam depending on their chosen beverage. Create dalgona coffee, blend matcha tea, remove lumps from protein shakes, and more in as little as 15 seconds. This sturdy milk frother features a stainless steel whisk and an ergonomic, BPA-free handle.

This model is on the heavier end at 8.8 ounces but measures just 10.7 by 3.2 by 1.6 inches, so it’s still portable for travel. Powered by 2 AA batteries (not included), the milk frother should be hand-washed in warm water.

FAQs About Handheld Milk Frothers

Ready to start frothing? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about handheld milk frothers.

Q. Do handheld milk frothers heat milk?

Handheld milk frothers do not heat milk; instead, use them for foaming milk that is already heated to between 150 and 155 degrees Fahrenheit. An automatic countertop milk frother will simultaneously heat and froth milk.