If you enjoy your cup of coffee at the coffee shop, you have probably found yourself searching on the internet for things like “how to make a latte at home” or “how to froth milk for cappuccino”. We know we have all searched for questions like that.
While the creamy cappuccino that you get served at a cafe is made using expensive coffee equipment, you do not necessarily need to drain your wallet to make such drinks at home.
To enjoy the cafe-style coffee beverages at home, all you need is a good manual milk frother or creamer. You can use this equipment to froth milk for your coffee, hot chocolate, matcha tea, etc. In this guide, we will review some of the best manual milk frothers you can buy to make your favorite drinks at home.
What Is A Manual Milk Frother?
A manual milk frother is a plunger-style milk frother. In appearance, it looks very similar to a french press. It comes with a milk jug or carafe and a plunger that has a whisk attachment at the end which helps make the milk frothy.
As the name suggests it requires manual effort to create the foam. Hand-pump milk frothers are affordable, easy to use, and clean. However, it does require more effort to create the foam as compared to an electric frother.
Top 8 Manual Milk Frothers Or Creamers For 2024
- HIC Milk Creamer Frother
- Norpro Glass Froth Master
- BonJour Coffee Glass Manual Milk Frother
- Bialetti Cappuccino Milk Frother
- Bodum Chambord Classic Milk Frother
- BonVIVO Fomo Glass Milk Frother
- Bellemain hand pump milk frother
- Ninja coffee bar
1. HIC Milk Creamer Frother
The HIC milk creamer frother is one of the top picks among a lot of coffee lovers. It is a stainless steel frother which ensures durability. The product includes a frothing pitcher and a lid.
The lid comes with a built-in double mesh aerator which helps in frothing the milk efficiently.
One of the great features about this milk frother is that it is dishwasher safe thus making it easy to clean.
You can also heat milk on the stovetop in the pitcher. The only downside to a stainless steel frother is that you have to open the lid to check on your progress every few seconds.
Ease of use
The process of frothing milk in the HIC milk creamer is fairly simple. You can get good-quality foam within 30 to 60 seconds. This frother can be used for all types of dairy or non-dairy milk. The step to frothing milk involves:
- The first step is to pour hot or cold milk into the pitcher. Make sure to fill not more than ⅓ cup milk to avoid any spillage.
- Now pump the plunger for around 20 to 30 seconds to begin frothing.
- Remove the lid and check on your progress, continue plunging if required.
Things we liked
- Stainless steel ensures durability
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy to use
Things we didn’t like
- Pumping takes a lot of effort
- Not a see-through pitcher, the user needs to open the lid to see progress
2. Norpro Glass Froth Master
One of the good features about the Norpro Glass Froth Master is that after frothing the milk you can put the glass jar into the microwave to heat the milk. It can froth milk quickly within 30 to 60 seconds.
It is reasonably priced and can make excellent foam for your morning coffee or hot chocolate.
The glass jar makes it easy to check your progress on the froth, however one needs to be careful while using it as the glass can break easily.
Ease of use
The process of creating milk is similar to other manual pump frothers. Simply pour ⅓ cup of milk into the pitcher, close the lid properly.
Pump the milk for about 30 seconds using the plunger. Microwave the milk for about 20 seconds once the frothing is done. Now transfer the frothed milk to your coffee cup.
Once you’re done, clean the frother by placing it under running water or using a soapy solution.
Things we liked
- Froths quickly in about 30 seconds
- Microwavable glass pitcher
Things we didn’t like!
- Glass pitcher can break easily
3. BonJour Coffee Glass Milk Frother
The BonJour coffee glass milk frother can easily froth non-dairy milk or non-fat milk into the creamy foam for cappuccino, latte, hot chocolate, etc.
The BonJour milk frother consists of a Borosilicate glass which is microwave safe. The lid and the plunger rod are made of stainless steel.
It can froth up to 450 ml of milk, the carafe also comes with a marking indicating the maximum quantity of milk to be filled.
Ease of use
The milk frother can create milk foam easily and quickly with just 20 pumps. To foam milk in the frother there are few simple steps involved:
- Pour your preference of milk into the frother. Do not fill more than ⅓ line marking on the pitcher.
- Place the lid and pump the frother using the plunger about 20 times.
- Once you have the milk foam you can heat it or if you’re making an iced drink you can use it as it is.
Things we liked
- Froths milk quickly
- Can froth non-fat milk efficiently
- Reasonably priced
Things we didn’t like
- Made of glass, can break easily
4. Bialetti Cappuccino Milk Frother
The Bialetti cappuccino milk frother is perfect for creating thick milk foam for cappuccino, latte, or mocha at home. It can froth up to 330 ml of milk, which is equal to 3 cups of milk at a time.
One of the special things about the frother is that it consists of a double mesh aerator to froth milk effectively. The frother is also microwave safe.
Ease of use
To create milk foam for your coffee simply add in the milk and start aerating the milk using the plunger for about 40 seconds. Next heat the milk in the microwave for 20 seconds.
Heating the milk stabilizes the foam. Now add the milk on top of your espresso in your coffee mug and you can enjoy a foamy coffee.
Things we liked
- Can froth up to 3 cups of milk at a time
- Microwave safe
Things we didn’t like
- Not dishwasher safe
- Thin and fragile glass
5. Bodum Chambord Classic Milk Frother
Bodum specializes in creating french press and other coffee equipment. The Chambord classic milk frother is a part of its premium collections.
The price of the Bodum milk frother is relatively high in comparison to other milk frothers because of the amazing features it has to offer.
The milk jug is made of high-quality borosilicate glass with a stainless steel and plastic plunger. And the lid is made of copper which adds a very elegant style to the frother.
Another great thing about this frother is that the milk jug is microwave and dishwasher safe making it easy to clean and use. It can froth milk quickly within 30 seconds.
Ease of use
To create milk foam add milk into the milk jug, make sure to fill only up to the maximum line. Place the lid on tightly and pump the plunger for about 30 seconds.
After you’re done frothing if you need hot foam, pop the milk jug into the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds.
To clean the frother you can place it in the dishwasher, the copper lid isn’t dishwasher safe so wash it under running tap water.
Things we liked
- Microwave safe
- Dishwasher safe (apart from the copper lid)
- Quick froth
Things we didn’t like
- Expensive
6. BonVivo Fomo Glass Milk Frother
You can get the perfect frothy milk for your coffee or hot chocolate with the BonVivo fomo glass frother. It can create light and creamy milk foam.
The frother is made of heat-resistant glass and stainless steel plunger. One of the impressive features about this frother is that it is covered with black rubber which protects the user from burns.
Another impressive thing about the frother is that it has a double fine mesh that gets perfect fine foam. It also has a U-style spout making it easy to pour milk foam into the cup.
The stainless steel part of the frother is dishwasher safe. However, this frother isn’t safe to be used in the microwave.
Ease of use
Frothing milk in the BonVivo glass milk frother is a simple two-step process:
- Pour warm milk in the glass jar up to the maximum level.
- Pump the plunger up and down until the milk is frothy.
Things we liked
- Double fine mesh sieve can foam milk easily
- U-style spout making it easy to pour
Things we didn’t like
- Not microwave safe
- Glass can break easily
7. Bellemain Hand Pump Milk Frother
The Bellemain heavy-duty stainless steel is made of good quality food-grade steel making it durable. It resists dents, scratches, stains, and rust.
Cleaning is very easy with this frother as it is 100% dishwasher safe. It can froth up to 205 ml of milk at a time.
It is perfect for frothing hot, cold, dairy, or nondairy milk for your favorite coffee.
Ease of use
Simply pour hot or cold milk into the frothing pitcher. Do not fill more than ⅓ cup of milk as milk doubles in volume while frothing.
Secure the lid properly and pump up and down using the plunger for 30 to 40 seconds. Open the lid and check if you require more milk foam then froth for another few seconds.
Things we liked
- Durable
- Dishwasher safe
Things we didn’t like
- Expensive
- Not see-through, so the user has to stop to check the progress
8. Ninja Coffee Bar
The Ninja coffee bar is a cylindrical shape frother. It can create good quality foam within seconds.
The great thing about this frother is that it is dishwasher and microwave safe. You can easily heat the milk once the frothing is done.
Ease of use
Pour in cold milk and pump the plunger up and down for about 40 seconds. Once done, pop the glass jar in the microwave to heat the milk.
Pour the warm milk on top of your espresso and enjoy your cappuccino!
Things we liked
- Microwave safe
- Dishwasher safe
Things we didn’t like
- Made of glass, be careful while pumping
The Verdict – Which Is The Best Milk Frother For Home Use?
After reviewing a dozen manual milk frothers we have been able to narrow this down to our 2 favorite manual milk frothers. The first pick has to be the HIC Milk creamer or frother.
This is a stainless steel frother that ensures durability and its fine mesh aerator helps create light and creamy milk foam perfect for your beverages.
The second alternative we have is the Bodum Chambord milk frother. This model has an elegant style to it which would look amazing in your kitchen.
Chambord is one of the premium collections from the Bodum brand. It is made of good quality glass and is microwave and dishwasher-safe.
With that being said, you must look at what your requirements and preferences are and choose accordingly. We promise a milk frother is a perfect equipment you can add to your kitchen for a foamy coffee. It is totally worth it!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frothing milk depends on the protein content of milk. Higher the protein content the better the foam. Whole milk creates a thicker and creamier foam while skim milk creates lighter foam because large foam bubbles are created.
A manual milk frother is totally worth it. It is the simplest solution if you like frothy coffee.
It is simple to use and clean, runs on manual power and not on electricity or battery.
No, manual or handheld frothers do not warm milk while frothing. You can either use warm milk or heat the milk after frothing it. Some of the milk frothers are microwave safe so it is easier to heat the milk in the frothing jug itself.
When frothing non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk it is important to use a good quality frother. The above guide can help you pick a manual frother that is best for your requirements.
You can froth both hot and cold milk. However, it is important to use fresh milk.
Cold milk does create more stable foam, so it is preferable to use cold milk and then heat it.
