8 Best Milk Frother For Flat White With Buying Guide

Two main components of a flat white are steamed milk and microfoam. In order to excel at preparing barista-style flat white at home, it is imperative for you to use professional equipment. Now, what would serve you the best is using a milk steamer that comes with espresso machines, but that might not be ideal for people with budget constraints.

In that case, a milk frother is your best bet. Every electric milk frother has two functionalities – steaming milk and frothing milk. With handheld frothers, you do not have the option to get steamed milk, but it does froth milk really nicely. Here is our recommendation of the 8 best milk frothers for a flat white in 2022 with buying guide. Also, be sure to read our final verdict at the end.

Flat White: What Is it Made Of?

The term “flat white” refers to an espresso-based drink that contains steamed milk. This beverage is perfect for people who prefer a strong taste of coffee. It contains a very small amount of steamed milk with a thin layer of micro-foam which results in its velvety texture.

If you want a coffee that brings out the flavors of espresso, with the perfect balance of creamy steamed milk, it’s a perfect choice. The “Flat White” is named such because it uses just a little foam and more espresso. It offers the perfect contrast in flavor for making Latte art and is, for this reason, perfect for any coffee connoisseur.

Learn more about Flat White, its origin, and how to make it at home.

8 Best Milk Frother For Flat White (At A Glance)

No.	Product	Product Link	Review
1	Secura Detachable Milk Frother	View Product	Read Review
2	Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother	View Product	Read Review
3	Zulay Milk Frother	View Product	Read Review
4	Breville BMF600XL Milk Frother	View Product	Read Review
5	Froth Labs Milk Frother	View Product	Read Review
6	Breville BES840XL Espresso Machine With Steamer	View Product	Read Review
7	Powerlix Milk Frother	View Product	Read Review
8	Bodum Milk Frother	View Product	Read Review

1. Secura Detachable Milk Frother

Our top choice for steaming milk to perfection for Flat White is Secura Detachable Milk Frother. It has a sleek and professional look. It’s a smart 4-in1 milk frother that can be used to heat milk, froth hot milk, and cold milk, and also make hot chocolate.

This device can froth up to 250 ml of milk at a time as compared to any other that is available in the market which gives you double the capacity. It comes with two attachments – one for frothing and the other for heating.

Secura’s detachable milk frother has a stainless steel milk carafe that is easy to clean and dishwasher safe, plus it features an auto-off feature that stops once frothing is complete. 

This milk frothing and hot chocolate maker allows you to create delicious coffee and other milk-based drinks. If you’re looking for something that provides value without breaking the bank – This is it!

The Good

• One button controls all the functions
• Large capacity
• Dishwasher safe

The Bad

• Requires changing the whisk attachment for heating and frothing milk

2. Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother

When looking for a frother that can give you microfoam that gives nicely textured steamed milk, Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother is a great option. The Nespresso Aeroccino3 comes in a cool design and is compact in size which means it requires less storage space.

The process of using the milk frother is fairly simple. It is equipped with a single button. For frothing hot milk you simply need to press the button and the button lights up red. For cold froth keep the button pressed for around 2 seconds and the button lights up blue.

The product also contains a whisk for making dense froth, if less froth is needed the whisk can be removed. Another feature is that it also has an auto shut-off feature, that is it stops automatically once the frothing is done.

The only downside can be that it heats milk to 160 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit which is a little too hot. The recommended temperature for heating and frothing milk is between 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Good

• One button performs all functions
• Auto shut-off feature

The Bad

• Not dishwasher safe making it difficult to clean 
• High heating temperature

3. Zulay Milk Frother

The Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother has been a favorite amongst coffee enthusiasts. It has a durable handle and an easy on/off switch on the top of the body. There’s also a storage stand which makes it easy to store when not in use.

It has a powerful motor that can give up to 13,500 rpm and can froth any dairy or non-dairy milk within 20 to 40 seconds.  The process of cleaning this frother wand is similar to other frothers, simply keep the whisk under running water or fill a glass with clean water and switch on the device.

The Good

• Sturdy whisk
• Comes with a stand

The Bad

• The battery is not included
• Not dishwasher safe

4. Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother

The Breville milk cafe is another great milk steamer and frother. It comes with a detachable milk carafe, which is attached to a base unit that controls the heating. One of the most promising features of this milk frother is that it comes with adjustable temperature settings. You can froth your milk hot or cold as per your preference.

You can also use this product to have steamed milk when you do not need to froth milk, which is perfect for latte arts or flat white. It also comes with two frothing disc attachments. One is a cappuccino disc used for thick and creamy froth and the other one is a latte disc for more smooth and silky froth. 

Another great thing about the Breville milk frother is that it consists of a durable stainless steel body making it easy to clean and also its milk frother jug is dishwasher safe. On top of all the above features, the Breville Milk Cafe is a fully automatic milk frother, which means it will automatically shut down once it has frothed milk at the desired temperature. 

If you’re not a coffee lover you can also use this gear to make hot chocolate for yourself or your kids. It can froth up to 3 cups of milk at a time. Isn’t that amazing? With all the amazing features and benefits the Breville milk cafe frother definitely makes for an excellent addition to your kitchen equipment?

The Good

• It offers different temperature settings
• Can froth milk hot or cold
• The milk jug is dishwasher safe
• Can be used just to steam milk

The Bad

• It is Expensive

5. Froth Labs Milk Frother

At first glance, the most attractive feature of the Froth Labs Milk Frothing Machine is its matte black exterior and compact size – making it perfect for any kitchen size. This milk frother lets you make the perfect cup of coffee, no matter what kind. 

You get 4 in-built settings: warm cappuccino foam. cool cappuccino foam, warm latte foam, and hot chocolate or warm milk- so you can find your perfect consistency. The detachable carafe is a versatile feature that can make cleaning very easy. 

No more fussing with milk stains or trying to tilt the jug to clean it out this is as effortless as it gets! Perfect for iced coffees or hot cocoa, this multifunctional carafe facilitates frothy treats with ease.

The Good

• Fast heating
• 4 modes of foam

The Bad

• Not a good option for non-dairy milk

6. Breville BES840XL Espresso Machine With Steamer

If you want to replicate the exact way baristas make flat white, you need to work with professional equipment and Breville’s Espresso Maker with Steamer does exactly that. This espresso maker with a milk frother attached is one-of-a-kind, it creates textured steamed milk perfect for Flat White effortlessly.

Apart from being able to make exceptional coffee, you also get a built-in grinder with this appliance. So you can grind coffee beans in no time. The Breville Espresso Machine comes with a powerful steam wand that allows you to hand texture your microfoam that helps you make beautiful-looking latte art.

It is simple and user-friendly, once you know the basic usage you will get the hang of this equipment in no time. The only stretch is the price, it is more expensive than a traditional milk frother as it offers grinding, espresso-making, and steaming all in one. 

We wrote an article on the 7 Best Espresso Machines With Milk Frother – Check it out!

The Good

• 3-in-1 Appliance, can make grind beans, make coffee, and steam milk
• Powerful steam wand
• Gives a perfectly balanced taste, with the right water pressure and grind size

The Bad

• It is expensive

7. Powerlix Milk Frother

The Powerlix milk frother is number one on our list for a reason. It is made of good quality stainless steel which means the product would not break easily. It has a really powerful motor that gives 19000 rotations per minute which means it can create creamy foam within seconds! 

This handheld milk frother is designed in a way that it is easy to grip the handle and comfortable to use. It comes with a power button on top of the handle. This model also comes in different colors.

Thanks to this product’s good quality motor it can be used to make not only coffee but milkshakes, matcha teas, and protein shakes. Once you are done using the frother the cleaning process is also fairly simple. Simply fill the glass with water and switch on the machine to clean the whisk.

The Good

• Powerful motor
• Easy to use

The Bad

• Battery not included
• Not dishwasher safe

8. Bodum Milk Frother

The Bodum Milk frother is another great equipment for making milk foam for a flat white, cappuccino, latte, and macchiato. It has a compact design and comes with a removable base with cord storage. 

It has a stainless steel body which ensures durability and a non-stick interior that avoids burning the milk. It is accompanied by a single button that controls all the functionalities. The process of using the frother is also very simple. 

Add the milk to the frother and cover the lid. For the quantity of the milk follow the markings on the milk jug. Press the button and the frother will turn on. Once frothing is complete, the frother automatically stops. And there you have it pour your frothed milk on top of your coffee and enjoy!

The Good

• Compact and portable
• One button operation

The Bad

• Not dishwasher safe

What To Look For In A Milk Frother (Buying Guide)

Similar to any other kitchen tool while selecting a milk frother it is important to look at what your requirements are and what specifications suit you the best. Here are some of the key points that can be looked at while selecting any kitchen gadget-

Price: Your budget and the price of the product play a huge role in deciding which model is the right fit for you. However, it is also important to look at other qualities of a product. Just because it fits your budget does not necessarily mean it is the right fit.

Temperature: We highly recommend selecting a product that offers different temperature settings. Some of the milk steamers and frothers come with a single temperature setting. Choose what works the best for you and fill the requirement.

Capacity: Do you like hosting big gatherings? The quantity of milk that can be steamed or frothed at a time may look like a thing you can ignore, but it serves great benefit in times of need.

Cleaning: If you hate doing dishes you probably want to pick a model that is dishwasher safe oe easy to clean and doesn’t leave a huge mess for you to clean.

The Science Behind Frothing Milk

Believe it or not, milk isn’t just plain liquid and there is a whole science behind why and how to milk foams. 

The process of foaming milk involves incorporating air into the milk while heating it. This causes the milk to create spheres around the air and then the protein in the milk stabilizes the bubbles that are the foam.

Let’s look at the main factors responsible for the soft creamy foam on your cappuccino and latte.

Milk Nutrients

Milk is a complex liquid and consists of several chemical compounds. Any kind of milk will have three basic macronutrients- Protein, Fats, and Carbohydrates. The protein in the milk is one of the most important contributing factors that result in foamy milk. 

When frothing milk air is incorporated into the milk, during this process the protein in the milk forms spheres around the milk and stabilizes the bubbles in the form of milk foam.

The fats in the milk impact the quality of the milk more than the quantity of foam in the milk. All forms of milk can foam regardless of their fat content. 

The underlying difference here is that milk with higher fat content such as whole milk will create a more soft and creamy foam. While milk with less or no fat content such as skim milk will create dry foam. 

Temperature

The temperature at which the milk is steamed or frothed can adversely affect the milk foam. If you foam milk at a lower temperature than the one recommended the foam will be thin and the bubbles will not be stable.

If you overheat the milk while frothing the protein will unwind and also result in unstable milk foam. Therefore to achieve the perfect foam, the heating temperature of milk makes a huge difference. 

The ideal temperature when frothing whole milk is between 139℉ to 150℉. And when foaming Plant Milk the ideal temperature is 149℉/ 65℃.

Why Do You Need A Milk Frother?

Let’s talk about some of the reasons why we think a Milk frother is a must-have:

1. To elevate your coffee-making skills

The first and foremost reason has to be to elevate your coffee-making skills. Using a professional Milk frother to prepare your coffee is a whole new experience. If you enjoy having coffee on a regular basis, a Milk Frother is a must-buy.

2. Convenience

How convenient would it be if you could make your favorite cup of coffee at home? You do not have to drive to the coffee shop every day, you do not have to spend money every day. Plus, you get to learn new skills. We think it’s a win-win situation. 

3. Experimenting

Experimenting is one of the biggest reasons people try out new things. There is just so much you can try and experiment with a Milk frother and learn during the process. You can try out different drinks like cappuccino, macchiato, flat white, mocha, hot chocolate, etc. You can also practice your latte art skills

Is A Milk Frother Worth It?

If you are an avid coffee drinker and really enjoy spending time and money in trying out new beverages then investing in a frother and steamer is definitely worth it. We recommend getting equipment that does the job of both a steamer and a frother, this way there are fewer things to worry about and also saves a lot on cost.

Most Electric frothers are also Steamers and therefore are equipped to either just steam milk or steam and froth Milk both. When buying such equipment, it is important to consider some important factors such as:

• What temperature settings does it offer
• What is the price range for such gears
• How is the cleaning process

How To Use A Milk Frother The Correct Way – Best Tips

Making a perfect barista-style frothy cappuccino or latte at home is every coffee enthusiast’s dream. Adding a layer of creamy foam to any beverage not only defines the texture of the beverage but also elevates the drinking experience. 

Knowing how to use a milk frother to get the perfect velvety foam would make the whole process a lot easier and will make a huge difference to your coffee. Learn how to use a milk frother, what is the best milk type and temperature to get the perfect froth, and some useful tips to make a perfect latte at home.

#Tip 1 – Choosing the right milk type

While it may not seem so, choosing the correct milk type makes a world of difference in creating the perfect froth. Whole milk creates a thicker and creamier foam while skim milk creates lighter foam because large foam bubbles are created.

Non-dairy milk such as almond milk and soy milk will froth but will lose the bubbles quickly as the protein structures of these types of milk do not support the milk bubbles completely. The protein in the milk is what stabilizes the air bubbles, therefore the higher the protein content in the milk the better the foam.

We found out that when making latte art it is best to go with whole milk as it gives a denser foam perfect for structuring the microfoam into latte arts. Meanwhile, when trying to make cappuccino or macchiato it requires a light layer of milk foam, it is best to go with skim milk.

#Tip 2-Warm vs Cold milk

You can froth milk at both warm and cold temperatures. For warm milk, the ideal temperature to froth the milk should be between 140 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit since milk protein tends to break down and burn at around 170 degrees. 

Different types of milk have different burning points. Soy milk will burn quicker than whole milk. The best way to get this right is to practice it with your favorite milk type to find out what works best. It is also important to take note that when using a milk steamer or milk frother it is advised to use chilled milk as the appliance automatically heats milk while frothing.

#Tip 3 – Quantity of the Milk

The quantity of the milk can influence the whole process, so while adding the milk to the vessel keep an eye on the quantity of the milk added. Most milk frothers come with markings on the vessel indicating the maximum quantity of milk to be poured.

If the carafe doesn’t have a particular marking, the quantity of the milk you pour can be one-third the volume of the vessel since the milk will double in volume after frothing. In such cases, you can use your best judgment to avoid messy countertops.

Milk Frother VS Milk Steamer- What’s the difference?

The main difference between a Milk frother and a Milk steamer is that frothing milk creates very light and airy milk foam while steaming milk heats the milk and slightly aerates it resulting in microfoam which creates a shiny velvety texture. For making a flat white you can use both frother and, but they do differ in certain properties.

Key Differences:

To understand how frothed Milk is different from steamed Milk, let’s discuss some key differential points:

Process

The process of steaming milk is a little more complicated than frothing milk. During the process of steaming the milk is heated and milk is exposed to steam.  Due to the high pressure of the steamer, the fats in the milk expand and create foam. While with frothing milk, the air is incorporated into the milk which creates larger air bubbles in the milk resulting in light and airy foam.

Texture

Frothed Milk has a light and airy structure. It is more suitable for drinks like cappuccino as it requires milk foam in larger quantities. When frothing milk it doubles in volume and creates larger air bubbles and milk foam. On the other hand, the texture of steamed milk is thick and velvety. The process of exposing steam to the milk creates smaller bubbles in the milk so it does not double in volume. Steamed milk is perfect for drinks like a latte or flat white.

Temperature

With frothed Milk, there can be both cold as well as hot milk froth. But, with steamed milk, it is always hot.

How to Use a Milk Frother?

Steps involving the usage of Milk frother can differ depending on the type of frother you are using. We go through a step-by-step process in an article to guide you on how to use all types of Milk frother. Check it out here.

How to Clean a Milk Frother?

Just like using, cleaning an Electric milk frother will be a lot different than cleaning a Handheld device. We also have a detailed guide on Cleaning your frother the correct way, Check it out here!

Final Verdict – Which Is The Best Milk Frother For Flat White?

If you prefer your coffee strong and white, a flat white is something you are bound to enjoy. While all the above milk frothers can help you prepare a delicious cup of flat white, here are 2 of our favorite frothers and steamers. Our number one choice is the Secura Detachable Milk Frother, given that this device can steam or froth milk of huge quantities into perfection; this would be the right fit.

Why limit yourself to flat white? You can use this classic frother to froth hot or cold milk, steam milk, and also prepare hot chocolate. The device also has a sleek look which looks like a statement piece of equipment on your kitchen countertop. It is also quite affordable if you are planning to invest in a good quality frother for a longer run.

Our second best bet is the Breville BES840XL Espresso Machine With Steamer. Yes, we are aware this is a little high end of the range and it might not be within the budget for a certain group of people. But the benefits you get with investing in this device are unparalleled. No, 1 has to be that you get to replicate classic cafe-style beverages at home. Not just, flat white, but cappuccino, latte, macchiato, and everything else you can try with this appliance.

Not only the Breville Espresso Machine serves as an exceptional espresso machine, but it also comes with a built-in grinder and steaming wand. With the help of this powerful steamer, you can steam milk to perfection, and create beautiful-looking latte art. If you were looking to invest in one equipment that can do it all – grind, brew, and froth this would be it.