America's Test Kitchen

This frother consistently made satisfying foam at the push of a button. As with all the handheld models, we had to operate it for longer than the manufacturer instructions recommended when making cold foam, but once we did, it created the richest cold foam of the handheld bunch. Since it was our winner, we put it through additional testing, mixing up small batches of whipped cream, beating one or two eggs, and emulsifying vinaigrette. In addition to being a great milk frother, it’s a handy tool for small cooking tasks. We loved the comfortable grip, and we appreciated that it took little effort to rinse the wand clean.

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Consumer Reports

What we like: It works with a variety of milks while still being affordable.

What we don't like: Its carafe isn’t dishwasher-safe.

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expert-review

The 5 best milk frothers we tested in 2022

Best Milk Frother of 2022

TechGearLab

Time and time again throughout our test period, we found ourselves reaching for the Bonsen Kitchen Handheld Frother. This tool has a more forgiving learning curve than many competitors, and we found that with a quick spin, we were able to produce textured milk that was very close to the coveted micro-foam of specialty cafes. The BonsenKitchen was also excellent for quickly mixing powdered drinks that tend to clump &#40;we're looking at you, hot chocolate&#41;. This frother's shape and weight felt great in hand, and it was easy to wield with control and accuracy.
Our biggest complaint is that this frother lacks a stand, which often left us looking for creative places to stash it after cleaning. We often resorted to balancing it on the counter, resulting in a small puddle. Another minor annoyance is that the power button must be continually depressed during operation, and the button placement is awkwardly positioned at the very end of the handle, requiring some hand acrobatics and finesse to find a comfortable and effective way to hold the gadget when in use. Despite our gripes, we think the BonsenKitchen is the best bet for a handheld milk frother to do it all, and it comes at an impressively low price point to boot. 

Time and time again throughout our test period, we found ourselves reaching for the Bonsen Kitchen Handheld Frother. The learning curve is more forgiving than many other competitors, and we found that with a quick spin, we could produce textured milk nearly identical to the coveted micro-foam of specialty cafes. The BonsenKitchen was also great at quickly mixing powdered drinks that tend to clump &#40;we're looking at you, hot chocolate&#41;. This frother's shape and weight felt great in hand, and it was easy to wield with control and accuracy.
Our biggest complaint is that this frother lacks a stand, which often left us looking for creative places to stash it after cleaning. We often resorted to balancing it on the counter, resulting in a small puddle. Another minor annoyance is that the power button must be continually depressed during operation, and the button placement is awkwardly positioned at the very end of the handle, requiring some hand acrobatics and finesse to find a comfortable and effective way to hold the gadget when in use. Despite our gripes, we think the BonsenKitchen is the best bet for a handheld milk frother to do it all, and it comes at an impressively low price point to boot. 

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Regarding texture quality, the Capresso Froth Pro blew other heating frothers out of the water. It produced the closest thing to micro-foam, and we appreciated that this model also gives users the option of choosing between more or less foam, with three options for heated beverages and one cold froth option. The interface on this unit allows you to choose between cold, hot, and warm options. Finally, the Froth Pro is affordable for a heated frother, especially when compared to high-end models like the Breville or Nespresso.
However,  because it produced a thick and silky texture, the Capresso came up short in our mixing and aeration tests. The device can't provide the type of aeration needed to create a drier cappuccino. In our mixing test, we attempted to mix a packet of hot chocolate mix into cold whole milk. After setting this machine to its cold froth setting and letting it run, we still found unincorporated chunks of cocoa mix. Nonetheless, we believe this frother is more than capable of meeting most users' needs. For a model that can both froth and heat, the Capresso is an especially excellent budget option. 

Regarding texture quality, the Capresso Froth Pro blew other heating frothers out of the water. It produced the closest thing to micro-foam, and we appreciated that this model also gives users the option of choosing between more or less foam, with three options for heated beverages and one cold froth option. The interface on this unit allows you to choose between cold, hot, and warm options. Finally, the Froth Pro is affordable for a heated frother, especially when compared to high-end models like the Breville or Nespresso.
However, because it produced a thick and silky texture, the Capresso came up short in our mixing and aeration tests. The device can't provide the type of aeration needed to create a drier cappuccino. In our mixing test, we attempted to mix a packet of hot chocolate mix into cold whole milk. After setting this machine to its cold froth setting and letting it run, we still found unincorporated chunks of cocoa mix. Nonetheless, we believe this frother is more than capable of meeting most users' needs. For a model that can both froth and heat, the Capresso is an especially excellent budget option. 

What we like: Its ability to move the whisk around the milk for better froth.

What we don't like: It’s not as simple to use as its push-button competitors.

Gift the at-home barista in your life a new toy: This handheld milk frother is one of the most popular models on the market, a reputation that held up when CR staffer Daniel Wroclawski put the Aerolatte To-Go through its paces. He found that it whips up plenty of foam using all the kinds of milks he tried, and it’s a breeze to clean. The Aerolatte doesn’t include directions for frothing cold milk, but it didn’t have a problem frothing hot or cold, plant or dairy.For more options: Best Milk Frothers

Best Milk Frothers

This $20 handheld milk frother is one of the most foolproof kitchen tools I've used to make coffee

The Elementi Frother might require a double take after you see its value-based low price. This tool packed a vast punch and performed admirably in everything from texturing milk to whipping a single serving of cream. After some practice, we were able to finesse our milk into something closely resembling micro-foam and even pour some basic latte art. We also appreciate that the Elementi includes a stand, making it easily accessible on the counter for frequent use and providing an excellent place for it to dry after washing. 
The Elementi's impressive power also comes with a relatively steep learning curve. We'll admit that we sprayed more than one drink all over the kitchen when first learning to use this device. At first glance, its design is strikingly similar to the Zulay and PowerLix frothers, with a button on the end of the handle that must be continuously held down during operation. Much like on the BonsenKitchen, this button placement makes wielding it with accuracy and control somewhat challenging at first. For anyone looking for a great all-purpose handheld frother &#40;and who doesn't mind a bit of a learning curve&#41;, we found the Elementi is an excellent choice.

The Elementi Frother might require a double take after you see its value-based low price. This tool packed a vast punch and performed admirably in everything from texturing milk to whipping a single serving of cream. After some practice, we were able to finesse our milk into something closely resembling micro-foam and even pour some basic latte art. We also appreciate that the Elementi includes a stand, making it easily accessible on the counter for frequent use and providing a place for it to dry after washing. 
The Elementi's impressive power also comes with a relatively steep learning curve. We'll admit that we sprayed more than one drink all over the kitchen when first learning to use this device. At first glance, its design is strikingly similar to the Zulay and PowerLix frothers, with a button on the end of the handle that must be continuously held down during operation. Much like on the BonsenKitchen, this button placement makes wielding it with accuracy and control somewhat challenging at first. For anyone looking for a great all-purpose handheld frother &#40;and who doesn't mind a bit of a learning curve&#41;, we found the Elementi to be an excellent choice.

What we like: Capable of frothing a variety of different milks.

What we don't like: It’s expensive compared with the competition.

Milk Frother Comparison