Written by Lara Yehia. Lara researches home and kitchen products for Cupindy.
Published November 2026 · Last reviewed November 2, 2026 · Cupindy is not affiliated with any brand on this page.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Our quick pick
Zulay Handheld Milk Frother
A top seller in its category on Amazon, from Zulay, the brand behind America's Test Kitchen's handheld pick (its Milk Boss model). A steel whisk on a nylon handle that foams milk right in the mug.
See the Zulay frother on AmazonThe drawback: it does not heat milk. Warm the milk first, on the stove or in the microwave.
For hot foam at one touch: Secura stainless jug frother. With a steam wand: De'Longhi frothing jug.
The short answer
Most people should start with a handheld wand: it foams milk you have already warmed, it mixes matcha and cocoa, and it takes up no counter space. Buy a countertop jug if you want hot foam without a pan, and pick one whose maker says the inside is plain stainless steel. If your espresso machine has a steam wand, all you need is a steel pitcher.
We went through the top-selling milk frothers on Amazon and read the listing, the manual and the care rules for each, plus America's Test Kitchen's frother review and Breville's guide to frothers and steamers. We have not tested these frothers ourselves, so every product claim below comes from the maker, the listing or a named reviewer.
The 7 best milk frothers at a glance
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Details come from each maker's listing or manual, read November 2, 2026.
| Frother | Type | Heats milk? | What touches the milk | One drawback | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zulay Handheld. Best overall. | Battery wand | No | Steel whisk | Warm the milk first. | See it |
| Zulay Rechargeable. Best for daily use. | USB-C wand, 2 speeds | No | Whisk; plastic body | Hand wash only. | See it |
| Secura 17 oz. Best countertop jug. | Jug on a power base | Yes | 304 stainless jug, no coating per Secura | Big for one cup. | See it |
| SIMPLETASTE 4-in-1. Steel jug, spare whisk. | Jug on a power base | Yes | 304 stainless jug, no coating per the maker | Runs cooler than most, about 149°F (65°C). | See it |
| Morpilot 6-in-1. Most settings. | Jug on a power base | Yes | Stainless cup, ABS plastic | Listing does not say if the cup is coated. | See it |
| Nespresso Aeroccino 3. For Nespresso owners. | Jug on a base | Yes | Non-stick coated jug | No dishwasher, no soaking. | See it |
| De'Longhi 12 oz jug. For steam wands. | Steel pitcher | Only with a steam wand | Stainless steel | Needs an espresso machine. | See it |
Wand, countertop jug or steam pitcher: which fits your drink
Your choice comes down to two things: what you drink and whether you own an espresso machine.
- Handheld wand. A small battery or USB motor spins a wire whisk. You hold it in a mug of milk. It is cheap, fits in a drawer and doubles as a drink mixer.
- Countertop jug. A small electric pitcher sits on a power base, heats the milk and spins a whisk at the bottom, then switches off by itself. Most have settings for thick foam, thin foam, warm milk and cold foam.
- Steam pitcher. A plain steel jug you hold under the steam wand of an espresso machine. Breville calls the steam wand a "fully manual device that textures milk"; it makes the finest foam, but it takes practice.
Does a milk frother heat milk?
A handheld wand does not. Breville says a handheld frother makes frothy milk "through aeration alone, not with heat," so warm the milk first. Countertop jugs heat as they froth: the Aeroccino 3 listing gives 160 to 170°F (71 to 77°C), and SIMPLETASTE says it holds milk at about 149°F (65°C). A steam wand heats milk with steam from the machine.
Which frother for which drink
| Drink | What it needs | Easiest tool |
|---|---|---|
| Cappuccino | Thick, airy hot foam | Countertop jug on its thick-foam setting |
| Latte or flat white | Thin, silky hot milk | Steam wand and pitcher; a jug on its thin setting comes close |
| Iced latte or cold foam | Foam with no heat | Wand in cold milk, or a jug's cold-foam setting |
| Hot chocolate | Hot milk, cocoa mixed in | Jug with a hot-milk or cocoa setting |
| Matcha or protein drinks | Fast mixing, no lumps | Handheld wand |
What touches your hot milk: steel, plastic and non-stick
A frother puts warm milk against its jug, whisk and lid for a minute or two, so it is worth knowing what those parts are. Here is what each maker states.
- Plain stainless steel jugs. Secura describes its jug as 304 stainless steel with no non-stick or Teflon coating. SIMPLETASTE also names 304 steel and says the jug is free from Teflon, PFOA and chemical coatings. 304 is the standard 18/8 grade used for cookware; our guide to stainless steel grades explains the numbers.
- Non-stick coated jugs. The Aeroccino 3 jug is coated: Nespresso's support page calls it a teflon cover, and America's Test Kitchen found non-stick basins on several countertop frothers it reviewed. A coating makes milk film wipe off easily. The catch is care: Nespresso warns that abrasives, brushes and sharp objects can scratch the coating, and a scratched coating is a reason to replace the jug.
- Listings that do not say. The Morpilot listing calls the cup stainless steel and lists ABS plastic, but does not say whether the inside is coated. If plain steel matters to you, choose a jug whose maker states it.
- Plastic parts. Morpilot lists ABS plastic, the Aeroccino 3 is steel and black plastic, and both Zulay wands have nylon or plastic handles. On a wand, the whisk end is what sits in the milk.
To skip coatings entirely, use a wand plus a steel pot on the stove, a plain steel jug like the Secura, or a steel pitcher under a steam wand.
Look inside before you buy: plain steel or a dark non-stick coating.
The best countertop milk frothers
A countertop jug is the easy route to hot foam. Pour in milk to the line, press a button and walk away. The Secura, SIMPLETASTE and Aeroccino 3 each froth about half the milk they can heat, because foam takes up room.
A countertop jug heats and froths in one go, then switches off on its own.
Best countertop jug: Secura 17 oz
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best countertop
Secura 17 oz Milk Frother
Good for: lattes and hot chocolate for two or three people, and anyone who wants a dishwasher-safe steel jug.
Why we picked it: Secura describes a 304 stainless steel jug with no non-stick or Teflon coating. It has four settings: hot foam, hot milk, hot chocolate and cold foam. The jug lifts off the base, and the manual says it can go on the top rack of the dishwasher. America's Test Kitchen included a Secura countertop frother in its review and noted that the stainless exterior held up well.
What to know: it heats up to about 17 oz (500 ml) of milk but froths up to the 250 ml line, about 8.5 oz. Secura does not recommend plant milks in it, except high-protein soy.
The drawback: plain steel shows a cooked-on milk film more than non-stick does. Rinse it right after use, and never soak or wet the power base.
See the Secura frother on AmazonSteel jug with a spare whisk: SIMPLETASTE 4-in-1
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Steel jug, spare whisk
SIMPLETASTE 4-in-1 Milk Frother
Good for: four settings: thick foam, thin foam, cold foam or warm milk.
Why we picked it: it is a top seller among countertop frothers on Amazon. The maker describes a 304 stainless steel jug free from Teflon, PFOA and chemical coatings, a removable jug that can go in the dishwasher, and an automatic shut-off. It comes with a spare whisk.
What to know: it heats up to 500 ml (about 17 oz) and froths up to 250 ml (about 8.5 oz). The maker says it keeps milk at about 149°F (65°C).
The drawback: the maker gives one set temperature, about 149°F (65°C), so it may be too mild if you like milk very hot.
See the SIMPLETASTE frother on AmazonMost settings: Morpilot 6-in-1
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Most settings
Morpilot 6-in-1 Milk Frother
Good for: households that switch between drinks: six settings, including dense foam, airy foam, warm milk, hot milk, hot chocolate and cold foam.
Why we picked it: it has measurement lines inside the steel cup, a Strix temperature control that shuts it off when the milk is ready, a cool-touch handle and a jug that can go in the dishwasher, per the listing.
What to know: for plain hot milk the listing says to take the metal coil off the whisk first.
The drawback: the listing names ABS plastic and stainless steel but does not say whether the inside of the cup is coated.
See the Morpilot frother on AmazonFor Nespresso owners: Aeroccino 3
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Brand pick
Nespresso Aeroccino 3
Good for: Nespresso machine owners who want one-button foam that matches their pods.
Why we picked it: it is Nespresso's own frother, and it is simple: one button press for hot foam or hot milk, a longer press for cold foam. The listing says it heats milk to 160 to 170°F (71 to 77°C) and shuts off when done.
What to know: it is small: about 4.1 oz of milk for foam and 8.1 oz for hot milk. Nespresso says cow's milk works best and alternative milks are not guaranteed. The Amazon listing says dishwasher safe, but Nespresso's own manual and support page say the Aeroccino 3 jug must not go in a dishwasher or be soaked.
The drawback: the jug is non-stick coated, and Nespresso warns that aggressive cleaners can damage the teflon cover; its manual says to use only a non-metal spoon in the jug. The newer Aeroccino 4 jug can go in a dishwasher at up to 158°F (70°C), per Nespresso, but it is coated too.
See the Aeroccino 3 on AmazonThe best handheld milk frothers
A handheld wand is the simplest way to make foam. Warm the milk, tilt the mug, switch on and move the whisk up and down just under the surface for 15 to 30 seconds. It also mixes matcha, cocoa and protein powder.
Best overall: Zulay Handheld
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best overall
Zulay Milk Frother Handheld
Good for: one cup at a time, cold foam for iced drinks, and matcha or protein shakes.
Why we picked it: it is a top seller in its category on Amazon, and America's Test Kitchen picked a Zulay as its handheld frother. Zulay describes a rust-resistant stainless steel whisk on a nylon handle, runs on two batteries (included) and backs it with a lifetime guarantee.
What to know: to clean it, Zulay says to run the whisk in a cup of water for a few seconds and wipe the handle with a damp cloth. It is hand wash only. Zulay says it works with oat, soy and almond milk as well as dairy.
The drawback: the foam is lighter and bubblier than a steam wand makes, and you will need to replace batteries.
See the Zulay handheld on AmazonBest rechargeable: Zulay Rechargeable
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Rechargeable
Zulay Rechargeable Milk Frother
Good for: daily frothing without buying batteries.
Why we picked it: it has a 2000mAh battery that charges by USB-C, two speeds (normal and a faster turbo setting) and an IPX6 water rating, so you can rinse it under the tap. Like the original, it carries a lifetime warranty.
What to know: the listing names plastic as the main material and says hand wash only.
The drawback: the body is plastic and it is hand wash only, so keep it out of the dishwasher despite the water rating.
See the Zulay rechargeable on AmazonFrothing pitcher for a steam wand
If your espresso machine has a steam wand, you do not need a separate frother. You need a small steel pitcher. Breville says a steam wand makes "very small, uniform bubbles perfect for latte art," while frothers make airier foam with uneven bubbles. A 12 oz (350 ml) pitcher suits one or two drinks.
A steam wand plus a steel pitcher: the finest foam, but it takes practice.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Steam wand owners
De'Longhi 12 oz Milk Frothing Jug
Good for: anyone steaming milk with an espresso machine's steam wand.
Why we picked it: it is brushed stainless steel, made in Italy, with a narrow spout for pouring latte art. De'Longhi says it is dishwasher safe and that you can feel the milk's temperature through the bottom of the jug as you steam.
What to know: it holds 350 ml (about 12 oz). Fill it only about a third so the milk has room to grow.
The drawback: it does nothing on its own. Without a steam wand, buy a wand or a countertop jug instead.
See the De'Longhi jug on AmazonWhich milks froth best, and cold foam
Protein holds the bubbles, so milks with more protein foam better. Secura's own guidance is that skim milk makes the most stable foam, high-protein soy milk is the best plant option, and almond, oat, coconut and rice milks are not recommended in its jug. Nespresso says cow's milk works best in the Aeroccino. Zulay says its wand works with oat, soy and almond milk. If you drink oat milk, a barista version made for steaming foams more reliably than the regular carton.
For cold foam, use milk straight from the fridge. A wand works in a glass, and most countertop jugs have a cold setting that spins the whisk without heating.
How to use and clean a milk frother
How to use a handheld wand
- Warm about 4 oz (120 ml) of milk until it steams but does not boil.
- Pour it into a tall mug, no more than a third full.
- Put the whisk in, then switch on, so milk does not spray.
- Hold the whisk just under the surface and move it slowly up and down for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Switch off before you lift it out, tap the mug to pop big bubbles, then pour.
How to clean each type
Clean a wand right away: run it in water, then rinse.
- Wand: run the whisk in a cup of warm water for a few seconds, rinse and wipe the handle. Do not put the handle under water unless the maker gives it a water rating.
- Steel countertop jug: lift the jug off the base, wash it with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, or use the top rack if the manual allows it (Secura's does). Never wet the power base.
- Non-stick jug: rinse right away and wipe with a soft cloth, never a scourer or brush. The Aeroccino 3 must not go in a dishwasher.
- Steam pitcher: rinse straight away; it is plain steel and goes in the dishwasher. Wipe the steam wand and purge it after every use, as your machine's manual says.
For the machine itself, see our guide to cleaning a coffee or espresso machine.
The bottom line
Start with the Zulay handheld frother. It handles hot foam, cold foam and matcha. If you want hot foam with no pan and no fuss, the Secura 17 oz jug keeps your milk on plain stainless steel. Nespresso owners will like the Aeroccino 3; just treat its non-stick jug gently. If you have a steam wand, get a steel pitcher and practice.
Questions people ask
What is the best milk frother?
For most people, a handheld wand such as the Zulay, a top seller in its category on Amazon. For hot foam at the press of a button, a countertop jug such as the Secura, which has a plain stainless steel jug. With an espresso machine, a steel steam pitcher.
Is a handheld milk frother worth it?
Yes, if you are happy to warm the milk yourself. It makes good foam for cappuccinos and cold foam, mixes matcha and cocoa, and takes no counter space. It will not match the fine foam of a steam wand.
Does a milk frother heat milk?
Countertop jugs and steam wands heat milk. Handheld wands do not, so warm the milk first.
Is the Nespresso Aeroccino non-stick?
Yes. Nespresso's support page refers to the Aeroccino's teflon cover, and its manual says to use only a non-metal spoon in the jug. The Aeroccino 3 must not go in a dishwasher.
Can you put a milk frother in the dishwasher?
It depends on the model. Secura allows its jug on the top rack, and SIMPLETASTE and Morpilot list their jugs as dishwasher safe. Nespresso says the Aeroccino 3 jug must not go in a dishwasher. Both Zulay wands are hand wash only. Never put a power base in water.
What are the downsides of a milk frother?
Wands do not heat milk and make lighter foam. Countertop jugs take counter space, froth only about half their heating capacity, and some have coated jugs that scratch. A steam wand makes the best foam but needs an espresso machine and practice.
Can you froth oat or almond milk?
Yes, though makers disagree on how well. Zulay says its wand works with oat, soy and almond milk, while Secura recommends only high-protein soy among plant milks for its jug.
What we left out and why
- Breville Milk Cafe. America's Test Kitchen's top countertop pick, but it costs well over our usual ceiling for a frother.
- Unbranded jugs whose listings do not say what the inside of the jug is made of.
How we put this together
On November 2, 2026 we pulled the top-selling milk frothers from Amazon's US product data and checked each one's materials, care rules, stock and category. We read the Nespresso and Secura manuals, Nespresso's support page, each maker's listing, America's Test Kitchen's milk frother review and Breville's guide to frothers and steamers. The Zulay is our quick pick because it is a top seller in its category on Amazon and Zulay made America's Test Kitchen's handheld pick. We did not test any frother ourselves, and no brand saw this page before it went up.
More for the coffee corner: how to choose a coffee machine, plastic-free coffee makers, pour-over coffee makers and non-toxic coffee mugs.
Sources (opened November 2, 2026). Product facts come from each Amazon listing on the same date.
