Most electric milk frothers heat milk while frothing. Handheld frothers do not.
Automatic frothers have heating elements that warm milk to around 150°F during the frothing cycle. Manual frothers require you to heat milk separately first.
The Science Of Milk Frothing
Most milk contains three primary elements: protein, fat, and carbs. These elements are why milk works so well for frothing. Cow’s milk contains two types of protein – casein and whey. When heating the liquid, the proteins are what create the bubbles, meaning that more protein equals thicker, richer foam.
So, milk options with less protein (i.e., almond milk) form smaller bubbles. Since the smaller surface area of these bubbles doesn’t collapse as easily, low-fat and protein milk foam can stay stable for longer.
Which Milk Is Best For Frothing?
The answer to this question depends on what you’re trying to do. Whole milk can create a much thicker, creamier foam, while almond milk is ideal for microfoam. For example, if you want a massive clump of foam on top of your coffee, whole or two-percent milk will be best. If you’re trying to create latte art, nonfat or non-dairy milk will work better.
What’s The Difference Between A Milk Frother And A Milk Steamer?
The essential difference between the two is that a steamer only heats the milk while a frother aerates it. Steamed milk works well for many coffee drinks, but it will mix in with the rest of the beverage rather than sitting on top.
Milk steamers can create microfoam, but the bubbles won’t be very noticeable without mixing the liquid. That said, some people may use the term milk frother and milk steamer interchangeably, as many electric steamers also froth.
Do I Need A Milk Frother To Create Foam?
No, you can do this process at home with just a glass jar and a microwave. Follow these steps:
- Pour the milk into the jar and cover it with a screw-top lid.
- Microwave the milk for about 30 seconds. Too long, and you could burn the proteins, creating a smoky and slightly unpleasant taste.
- Shake the milk once it’s out of the microwave. Shake for another 30 seconds or so until you see thick foam. Then, you can pour it out into your coffee.
Which Coffees Use Milk Foam?
If you enjoy any of the following beverages, you should maybe invest in a milk frother:
- Cappuccino
- Latte
- Espresso
- Americano
- Macchiato
- Mocha
- Hot Chocolate
Keep in mind that many espresso machine models will have a milk frother or steamer built-in, so you might not have to buy a separate device.
The Final Word On Does A Milk Frother Heat Milk
If you plan on making lots of high-end coffee at home, a milk frother is a valuable device. These machines can deliver coffee-shop quality beverages quickly and reliably. Best of all, you can find tons of electric milk frothers online at retailers like Amazon. If they’re dishwasher-safe, you can save a lot of time and energy from cleaning.
FAQs about Do Milk Frothers Heat Milk
What temperature do milk frothers heat to?
Should milk be hot or cold for frothing?
What is the best way to heat milk?
Milk Frothing Guides
The Bottom Line
Here’s the practical takeaway after researching and testing this extensively:
Theory is great, but real-world application is messier. We’ve found that understanding the ‘why’ behind coffee science helps you troubleshoot when things go wrong—and they will. Your water, your beans, your grinder, and even humidity levels create variables that no guide can perfectly account for.
Start with the fundamentals in this article, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Some of our best cups have come from “mistakes” that turned into happy accidents. Coffee brewing rewards curiosity.