Best Milk Frother for Flat White

by
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn More*

So you have a bit of a flat white “obsession”?

It is not a surprise as the combination of deep and rich shot of espresso (or two) with a soft and velvet like portion of hot milk is highly addictive.

Besides, we have all been there…

And our demand for gourmet coffees has gone through the roof.

It is a very, very expensive habit and so it is not hard to see why you are interested in learning how to make gourmet coffee at home.

So let me help you.

One of the first things that you will need is a milk frother and the chart below shows six of the best models available.

And yes, that is an espresso machine in there!

But before we focus on those models individually, let’s find out more about flat white. 

Flat White, Milk and Foam

Any milk based coffee has a very specific ratio between two or three of the following elements;

  • coffee
  • steamed milk
  • foam

A flat white coffee is ⅓ espresso and ⅔ frothed milk (or microfoam as it is called.)

As a contrast, a cappuccino is ⅓ espresso, ⅓  steamed milk and ⅓  frothed milk. 

If you want to know more about the different ratios in other espresso based drinks between steamed and frothed milk then please read this.   

And I have also written a guide for those of you who want to find out more about frothing with non dairy milks.

Microfoam has two essential qualities;

  • The Right Temperature: Microfoam should be between 150 °F and 170 °F.
  • Consistency: The foam should be full of tiny bubbles…

The most recommended way of creating microfoam is to use a steam wand- which are built into espresso and cappuccino machines.

To be blunt, if you want to be able to create the best flat white, regardless of cost, you need to buy an espresso machine with a steam frother.

So let’s have a look at one of the best models. 

Mr Coffee Barista Espresso

Details

  • Dimensions (in.): 13 (D)  x 5.9 (W) x 13 (H) 
  • Pressure (bar): 15
  • Compatibility: 3 in 1 Portafilter
  • Frother: Manual 
  • Water Reservoir (oz | L): 35 | 1 
  • Control: Buttons | Touch Screen
  • Auto Off: Yes
  • Interested? Find Out More

Features

This machine has very good reviews about the quality of espresso that it makes and the quality of foam that it creates.

It is easy to create the perfect microfoam with a steam wand.

And here is a video to show you how.

The video is meant to start part way in!

Multi talented– This coffee maker will make espressos cappuccinos and lattes.

Pump Power– 15 bars of pressure help to make your espressos taste great.

Bubbles Please– An automatic frother creates the perfect topping for your lattes or cappuccinos.

Touchy Feely– buttons allow you to choose between brew sizes and types of coffee.

Easy Access-the water and milk reservoirs can be removed, making them easy to refill and clean

Understandably, if buying an espresso machine sounds too expensive, then there are two other methods to create the perfect microfoam on your flat white. 

  • Electric Jug Milk Frothers
  • Handheld Milk Frothers

Electric Jug Milk Frothers Buying Guide

Jug milk frothers tend to look like hot water kettles. The main qualities that you should look for are;

  • Stainless Steel: Find a milk frother that is made from food grade stainless steel. This makes it easy to clean and will keep it rust free. 
  • Cordless: They have a separate jug and base so that once the heating or frothing is complete, the milk in the jug can be easily moved around without having to unplug the electrical cord!
  • Capacity: A jug milk frother will normally be able to heat double the amount of milk that it can froth. 
  • Heat and Froth: A milk frother should be able to heat and froth milk or just froth cold milk.  
  • Rapid: An electric jug frother should be able to heat and froth milk in about 80 seconds. 
  • Insulated: It should be able to keep the milk warm.
  • Choice of blades: The jug frother should come with two different blades to create different types of foam- a cappuccino and a latte blade.
  • Adjustable Temperature: The best electric jug milk frother has a unique feature that allows you to choose the temperature that you want the milk heated to. 

Pros

  • Flexible: They can froth different amounts of milk
  • Insulated: They can keep the milk warm 
  • Simple: They are easy to use. Add your milk, press a button and wait.  

Cons

  • Cost: They are relatively expensive. 
  • Power: These machines need to be “plugged in.”

Souvia Automatic Milk Frother

Details

  • Dimensions (in.):  10.2″(H)  x 6″ (W) x 6″ (D)
  • Power: 500W
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Frothing Capacity: 17 oz. | 500 ml
  • Hot Froth: Yes
  • Cold Froth: Yes
  • Froth Modes: Cappucino & Latte
  • Adjustable Temperature: Yes
  • Interested? Find Out More

This Souvia (Formerly Breville) is the King of milk frothers.

If you already have a means of making great espressos and you just want to create fantastic microfoam, then seriously consider buying this.

In a market where most automatic milk frothers look much like hot water kettles, Breville offer something a little different.

But this milk frother has much more than good looks going for it.

I think that its best feature is that you can control the temperature that the milk is heated to- which is an incredibly important part of creating microfoam.

A second impressive feature is that it comes will two blades- one for creating perfect cappucinos and another for lattes.

It also has a big capacity and can froth up to half a liter of milk.

And you know what? Users rave about its ability to create a lovely microfoam.

And if all of that fails to impress, use the BMF600 to make a delicious hot chocolate instead!

Chef’s Star MF-2 Premier Automatic Milk Frother

Details

  • Dimensions (in.):  8 (H)  x 6.5 (W)  x 5 (D)
  • Power: Not Specified
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Frothing Capacity: 4.25 oz. | 125 ml
  • Heating Capacity: Yes
  • Froth Time: 80 seconds
  • Adjustable Temperature: No
  • Interested? Find Out More

Features

If the Souvia sounds great but way out of your (price) league there are other great performing milk frothers that you don’t need a bank loan to buy!

One of these is the Chef’s Star MS2.

To keep it real, let me tell you what you won’t be getting with this model!

1. Temperature Control

Like many milk frothers, the Chef’s Star is totally automatic.

You press a button and it then heats the milk (to a fixed temperature of about 150 °F.)

You have no control over this.

2. Huge Capacity

Whereas the Breville will froth up to 17 oz (or 500 ml) of milk, the Chef’s Star only froths a fraction of that- 4.25 oz (125 ml.)

But, don’t worry as there is lots to get excited about.

My favorite feature is that it has a froth density function.

Choose between hot airy foam and hot denser foam.

The hot airy foam sounds perfect for a flat white aficionado!

If you just want hot milk, this model will heat up 8.5 oz (250 ml) of it.

And the Chef’s Star will turn cold milk into hot milk in about 80 seconds- meaning that you won’t have to wait.

Gourmia GMF225 Milk Frother

Details

  • Dimensions (in.):  7.2 (H) x 6.5 (W) x 4.5 (D)
  • Power: Not Specified
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Frothing Capacity: 4.25 oz. | 125 ml
  • Heating Capacity: 8.5 oz | 250 ml
  • Froth Time: 60 seconds
  • Adjustable Temperature: No
  • Interested? Find Out More

Looking much like the Chef’s Star and offering the same kind of features, the Gourmia Frother is another model that you might want to consider.

It is a very popular product with its users and judging by the feedback, it creates a great microfoam.

Key differences between the Gourmia and the Chef’s Star are that;

  • The Gourmia has no froth density function.
  • The Gourmia has a one year warranty, not two.
  • The Gourmia is ETL certified (an electrical safety standard.)

Now, let’s move onto a selection of a different sort of milk frothers- handheld models.

Handheld Milk Frothers Buyer’s Guide

Handheld frothers are the cheapest type of frother. They look and behave like small whisks.

The main qualities that you need to look out for, are;

  • Stainless Steel: A handheld frother needs to be made with food grade stainless steel. After all you are dipping this in your cup of milk!
  • Power: Your frother needs to have an RPM (Revolutions Per Second) of 19,000 to make sure that you can create the best quality foam. 
  • Time: Your milk should be frothed within 20 seconds. 
  • Stand: Your frother needs to come with a stand that will store it neatly on your worktop. 

Pros

  • Cost: These devices are cheap
  • Portable: These devices are light and because they are battery powered they can be used anywhere. 

Cons

  • Limited: These devices can only froth or whisk small amounts of milk.
  • Cold: These devices cannot heat or insulate the milk. 
  • One Blade: They only come with one sort of blade. 
  • Difficult: In order to create a good milk froth, you must learn how to use one of these correctly. 

To help you, I have included a video below that will teach you the basics for using a handheld milk frother. 

Bean Envy Electric Milk Frother

Details

  • Dimensions: 8.7 (H) x 3.6 (W) x 1.3 (D)
  • Power: x2 AA batteries
  • RPMs: 19000
  • Material: 304 Stainless Steel
  • Froth Time: 15 Seconds
  • Handle: Silicone Rubber
  • Stand: Yes
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Interested? Find Out More

Features

Powered by x2 AA batteries, the Bean Envy reaches speeds of 19,000 RPM which will create the perfect cup of foam in about 15 seconds. 

Its users are divided about its ability to create a decent foam.

Many reviews are incredibly positive about the quality of foam that the Bean Envy creates.

Other people are disappointed that the foam “dissolves” so quickly.

Made from rust resistant stainless steel, the Bean Envy is built to last and it offers a satisfaction guarantee and lifetime warranty- which is very popular with its users.

304 grade stainless steel is the same as 18/10 stainless steel- which is the grade which is used for all tools used for food preparation. 

The handle is made from easy to hold silicone rubber.

The “start/ stop” button is positioned on the top which makes this frother comfortable to hold and easy to use.

Finally this model comes with a stainless steel stand, which makes storing the frother so easy and it adds to look of a very good looking product.

PowerLix Milk Frother

Details

  • Dimensions: 10 (H) x 3 (W) x 3 (D)
  • Power: x2 AA batteries
  • RPMs: 19,000
  • Material: 18/10 Stainless Steel
  • Froth Time: 15-20 Seconds
  • Handle:  Soft Touch
  • Stand: Yes
  • Warranty: 3 Month Money Back Guarantee
  • Interested? Find Out More

Features

The similarities between Powerlix and Bean Envy handheld frothers are obvious to see.

But where are the differences?

I think that there is only one main difference.

The Bean Envy offers a lifetime warranty, whereas the PowerLix only has a three month warranty!

Oh yes and the PowerLix comes with free recipe e-book.