A milk frother is essentially a manual or electric whisk used to aerate milk, creating a soft, soft foam layer. They can be used in everything from milkshakes to cocoa, hot to cold, but the most popular use for milk frothers is to create smooth, frothy milk to provide the home barista with a coffee experience.

In this article, we'll take a look at the various types of milk frothers and the most important features to look out for when shopping. We'll also share some key tips with you to help you choose the right product for you.

Milk frothers can be divided into three categories depending on the method used to create the foam

In its most basic form, a milk frother might be a hand whisk. In the most professional cases, it can have a variety of heating settings, but the variety doesn't stop there. Here we'll take a look at the three main types of milk frothers available in the UK.

Electric milk pump needs your unremitting efforts

Electric milk frothers come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, but many resemble a kettle with a base. Their workload is minimal as most operations are done at the push of a button - the rest is done and the rest of the coffee is done. These are great options if you want to make other beverages, such as frothy milkshakes or hot chocolate, as they can often froth both cold and hot milk. There is absolutely no need to use an electric frother, making them very useful for novice coffee lovers too. The downside of an electric milk frother is that there isn't much room for customization. They usually only heat to one temperature and stay consistent - if you know a thing about drinks, that's great!

Budget handheld bubbler lets you choose your ideal consistency

Manual or hand-held milk frothers are battery powered and work through a small circular whisk that froths the milk when turned on. The purchase price of this device may be significantly cheaper than an electric bubbler, but keep in mind that you also need to consider the cost of the battery over its lifespan. If you're obsessed with the consistency of the foam, they're excellent because you have complete control. You can also check if its speed can be adjusted, which means more control over consistency. It can be tricky to create a smooth foam instead of an airy one, so it can take some getting used to holding a bubbler in hand! Also, keep in mind that a manual milk frother doesn't heat your milk, so you'll need to do it on the microwave or stove first.

The basics of buying a milk frother

Multifunctional stove top milk frother also acts as a steamer

The stove top milk frother is manual, but can also be used to heat milk. The jug is usually designed in metal or glass with a pump on the lid that you can slide up and down to create the perfect foam consistency. Pour the milk into its resistant kettle and heat it on the stove. These designs are easy to use and have zero electronic components, which also make them really easy to clean. You have complete control over the temperature and consistency, but you must be careful not to burn the milk. Best practice is to use a cooking thermometer to measure the correct stopping point.

If you choose to make a milkshake, choose a device with a cold function

Don't be fooled into thinking that milk frothers are only for coffee! Some machines also allow you to make frothy cold milkshakes or creamy hot chocolate. If you think an electric frother is what you want to buy, check to see if it has an unheated frother so you can make milkshakes too.