Want to make a latte at home but don’t know where to start? For best results, the key to delicious coffee is the foam. Using an immersion blender or a milk frother is easy and simple. Read on to find out more about each appliance.
I’m a firm believer that your day is only as good as your morning coffee. One sip of burnt, sour coffee, and my day is ruined. RUINED! On the other hand, a silky smooth latte with heavenly foam has me dancing into the office. Yes, I am looking at you Starbucks pumpkin cold foam. Ok, ok, I may not be literally dancing to work (LOL), but you get the idea. A cup of good coffee is a POWERFUL THING.
With inflation on the rise, a morning cup of coffee is becoming expensive. Again, looking at you Starbucks pumpkin cold foam! A great alternative is to get your hands dirty and make a latte at home. However, this may seem a little daunting. You may be wondering- it is even possible to recreate such a delicious experience at home?
Good news- it is! An immersion blender or an automatic milk frother are two great options. Read on to learn about how each appliance can elevate an average cup of joe, and which is the best option for you.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN IMMERSION BLENDER AND A MILK FROTHER?
Before we dive too deep, you may be wondering about the difference between the two appliances.
An immersion blender is a multi-purpose tool. It is not specifically made for blending coffee beverages. It whips and aerates the milk very quickly. The foam will have larger bubbles that are less compact and stable, but still delicious. It will not warm the milk for your coffee- you will need to do this separately.
A milk frother will aerate and heat the milk, creating a denser and more luscious foam. Not all types of electric frothers will heat milk, such as a frothing wand. Some electric milk frothers are handheld, while others are small kitchen appliances.
IMMERSION BLENDER
Immersion blenders, also known as a stick blender or hand mixer, have exploded in popularity. Varying speeds and multiple attachments make them super versatile. They often replace several kitchen tools in one.
Immersion blenders can be used to make a wide variety of food. Soup, sauces, batters, and baby food are all a breeze. Even mayonnaise can be made in seconds- no more endless whisking!
Most models also come with extra attachments, such as a whisk attachment. This makes it easy to whip egg whites and heavy cream or prepare pancake batters. Some will also come with an attachment to chop vegetables like a food processor.
Unlike a traditional blender, a hand-held immersion blender can be used anywhere you need. Most immersion blenders are cordless, which makes it easy to blend anywhere. Some models do have a cord but still offer great flexibility. I love being able to puree a soup in my soup pot and not having to ladle the soup into a regular blender.
When it comes to frothing milk, an immersion blender can get the job done. It will create a deliciously creamy froth in seconds.
Be sure to keep the blending shaft below the liquid. It seems obvious, but I have made this mistake several times and got milk everywhere! Be sure to use a deep pot with tall sides to help contain any splashes.
Keep in mind that an immersion hand blender is not able to warm milk. You will need to use already warm or hot milk. It will still create a creamy texture with room temperature or cold milk. Don’t limit yourself to lattes- this tool is excellent if you wanted a homemade Frappuccino or blended coffee!
PROS
- VERSATILITY: You can froth milk, make vinaigrettes and hot chocolate, or even mash potatoes. This is truly an all-in-one tool!
- SPEED: Immersion blenders have a wide variety of speeds ranging from low to high. Some have up to 13 different speed settings.
- CORDLESS: Not being tethered to a plug makes this tool easy to use anywhere you need it. Some models will have a cord.
- POWERFUL MOTOR: A handheld blender has enough power to blend through tough ingredients. The motor ranges on average from 500- 600 watts.
- ATTACHMENTS: Additional attachments allow you to create different dishes with one tool.
CONS
- SIZE: Much larger than a milk frother, this is not ideal for mixing small amounts of coffee.
- STORAGE: This kitchen tool can take up a bit of space, especially if it comes with attachments.
WHEN TO NOT USE AN IMMERSION BLENDER
While immersion blenders have powerful motors and sharp blades, you should not use them all the time. Hard frozen food, such as ice and frozen fruit, can dull the blade or get caught. If you want to make a cold blended coffee, use crushed ice for the best results.
MILK FROTHERS
Unlike immersion blenders, milk frothers are only meant for foaming or steaming milk. There are several different types of milk frothers. This makes it easy to find one that will suit your needs and price point.
ELECTRIC MILK FROTHER
Also called a handheld frother or a frothing wand, this is a small but powerful tool. Spinning at a high speed, the motorized whisk quickly aerates the milk to create foam.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to create latte art with this tool, but it creates a wonderful creamy foam in seconds. This is a great option for someone who only wants to enjoy a latte now and again.
Electric milk frothers are inexpensive and widely available at most stores. I got mine at Ikea for $2.99! This is a great budget option that still delivers excellent results.
It is battery-operated, so you don’t have to worry about finding a plug. This tool is small enough to fit in most drawers, which makes it convenient to store and use. To clean, just turn on and rinse under running water for a few seconds.
If using a handheld milk frother, you need to warm the milk beforehand. This tool is not able to warm the milk, so heat it up in the microwave or on the stove. Use a tall container to froth the milk. Just because this thing is small doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful! The first time I used mine I got milk everywhere!
As a side note, this tool is also able to whip up salad dressings and vinaigrettes, as well as small amounts of whipped cream. So, it is kind of multi-use after all!
JUG FROTHER
The second option is a jug frother. If you are a serious coffee person, this is the way to go. Yet this is still a great tool if you are a beginner, as most of the work is done for you.
To use, simply pour in the milk and press the power button. This appliance will heat and whisk the milk for you. It creates a consistent, smooth foam quickly and easily.
Unlike a frothing wand, a jug frother can heat milk. Some can also make cold foam. The flexibility allows you to enjoy hot lattes in winter and cold brews in the summer.
Jug frothers come in a wide range of sizes and price points. Some only make a single serving, so be sure to consider the size when you buy.
MILK WAND
A milk wand, also called a frothing wand, is for serious coffee enthusiasts. These tools are directly attached to higher-end coffee makers or espresso machines, like the ones used in coffee shops. They make delicious frothy milk and can also be used as a milk steamer.
Because they are attached to a coffee maker, I don’t consider this a standalone milk frother. However, they are #coffee #goals. If you are looking into a higher-end coffee machine, be sure to get one with a steam wand so you can create the coffee of your dreams!
WORKAROUNDS
If you want to enjoy a latte this morning but don’t have the tools, don’t worry! There are a few tricks that will get the job done. While they will give you a similar result as professional tools, the foam will not be as dense.
The first technique is often referred to as the jar method. It involves a mason jar or some other type of narrow container with a tight-fitting lid. Place warm milk in the jar and fill halfway. Next, shake, shake shake! It should take about 30 seconds or so to create milk foam. However, it will not be as fine and luscious as an automatic frother.
The second method requires a bit more manual labor. Using a french press, fill with milk. Next, pump the milk rapidly until the milk starts to foam. This can often be tiresome or taxing on the wrists. However, it is a great alternative if you do not want to buy a new appliance.
WHAT TYPE OF MILK SHOULD YOU USE?
You may be wondering which type of milk will give you the best foam. The flavor (and texture) is in the fat!
For best results, use whole milk. Whole milk has a higher fat content, which makes it easier to whip up and foam. If milk does not have enough fat, it will be harder to foam (sometimes with disappointing results).
According to Science & Food, “Whole milk results in a thicker, creamier foam and skim milk results in more foam and larger air bubbles.”
If you are dairy-free, milk alternatives work just as well. Almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk should make just as much foam as regular milk. While the foam will not be as dense and luscious as whole milk, “almond milk is able to hold a light and long-lasting foam.”
SHOULD THE MILK BE HOT OR COLD TO MAKE THE BEST FOAM?
The best way to get better quality foam is to heat the milk. During the frothing process, tiny bubbles are created from the protein molecules. Heating milk stabilizes the fat, which helps support the protein. This results in a denser and long-lasting foam.
You can still get great results using cold milk– think Starbucks cold foam. The bubbles will be larger and less compact but still delicious.
WHICH ONE IS BETTER FOR YOU?
If you are still unsure which tool is right for you, here are a few things to consider.
SIZE
If you are tight on space, get a frothing wand. These can easily fit in a silverware drawer. If you have more counter and cabinet space, try a jug frother or immersion blender.
END-USE
Are you a coffee aficionado? Then automatic milk frothers are the way to go. If you want a multi-purpose tool, buy an immersion blender.
COFFEE TYPE
Do you want to roll up your sleeves and create fancy latte art? Invest in a jug frother. Maybe you’re low-key and want to enjoy a latte every now and then. Go with an electric milk frother.
EFFORT
Think about your energy levels in the early morning. Are you really going to get out a large immersion blender before you’ve had your first sip of coffee? Automatic frothers can do this for you with the push of a button! This is the most luxurious investment you can make in my opinion!
SIMILAR RECIPES
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Do you have a favorite kitchen tool? Do you like to make lattes at home? Let me know in the comments below!
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