Frothed milk and steamed milk are both wonderful additions to your daily coffee routine, making it more enjoyable and luxurious. There is no “correct” choice—only your best match.
Continue reading to uncover the various factors at play in the milk frother vs steamer debate. Consider your skill level, budget, and coffee preferences so you can make the perfect selection for all your milk texturing needs.
What is a milk frother?
The process of milk frothing involves pushing air into the milk to create small bubbles, increasing its volume and improving its texture. This can be done by hand with a whisk, or with a more convenient, easy-to-use device: a milk frother.
Milk frothers are commonly used to texture milk both at home and in coffee shops. They’re often praised for their beginner-friendliness and cold foam capabilities.
There are two main types of milk frothers available:
● Handheld milk frothers – Also known as frother wands, handheld frothers feature a small, motor-powered whisk that creates frothy milk through aeration alone, not with heat. These are inexpensive, compact, and portable, perfect for beginner baristas and on-the-go frothing.
● Electric – Electric, or automatic frothers are larger appliances that can both froth and steam milk. They have whisk attachments similar to handheld frothers, but they also have electric coils that can heat milk for a steamier, sweeter result.
Electric milk frothers offer more options—and more consistency—than handheld devices. They come with several different milk frothing settings and presets, which can vary the frothing time and temperature to a certain degree. These are ideal for those who want to control the exact texture and temperature of their froth, whether it's dairy milk or non-dairy milk.
What is a steamer?
A milk steamer, also called a steam wand, is a fully manual device that textures milk with sensitive temperature control and timely precision. Heating milk with a steamer is a longer process as it utilizes pressurized steam to heat and texturize the milk. This creates a denser and smoother milk foam that is perfect for latte art and professional-quality coffee drinks.
Steamers almost exclusively exist as espresso machine integrations, not as their own appliance. They consist of:
● The steam wand, which is inserted just below the milk’s surface
● The manually operated steam valve, which releases steam through the wand
Because steamers don’t actually hold the milk like electric frothers do, you’ll also need a small steaming pitcher or milk jug to properly use it.
Professional baristas most often use steamers to heat and texture milk (unless you order an iced coffee with cold foam, that is). While it takes practice to achieve consistent results, steamers are best for crema perfectionists who like their milk steamed just so.
For those who enjoy alternative milk options, a steamer is an excellent tool for achieving the best milk texture without compromising on quality. See more tips on how to steam milk to perfection.
Frother vs. steamer: Key differences
Objectively, frothers and steamers achieve the same end result: sweetened, textured milk. But several notable differences may influence which device you choose:
● Look (and price) – A frother is a standalone appliance. A steamer, on the other hand, is almost always an attachment that can only be used with an espresso machine, making it more expensive to own than a frother.
● Process – Frothers fully automate the milk frothing and heating process, so all you have to do is fill it with milk and select your desired preset. Steaming milk is more hands-on, requiring focus and skill to prevent burning or over-steaming your milk.
● Milk texture – Frothing milk produces airier textured milk with more unevenly-sized bubbles, while steamers achieve a smoother, finer milk froth with very small, uniform bubbles perfect for latte art.
Pros and cons of milk frother and steamer
The functional differences between milk frothers and steamers give each their own unique advantages for at-home coffee making.
Milk frothers offer:
● More consistent results
● Cold foam capabilities, unlike steamers
● A solid, affordable introduction to milk texturing for beginner baristas
Milk frothers do have their limits, though. Since they’re automated, you can’t fine-tune the exact temperature of the frothed milk. This prevents you from producing the dense, velvety texture you need for latte art, which is a staple of advanced baristas.
Steamers are more expensive than milk frothers, since you need a full espresso machine to attach it to. You must also operate it manually, which requires more skill. With steamer training and practice, however, you can:
● Have more control over milk texture and temperature
● Achieve more advanced barista skills, like latte art
Because they’re so sensitive, steamers are also better suited to texture milk with different fat contents, as well as alternative milk products such as almond and oat milk.
Choosing the right tool for your needs
As you mull over your milk texturing options, here are a few points to consider:
● Your experience level
● Your budget
● Your desired results
The joy of an at-home barista practice is that you can make your favorite drinks, your own way.
If you solely enjoy iced coffee with cold foam, a milk frother may be all you need. But, for those looking to experiment with different types of milk, including non-dairy options like oat milk and soy milk, having a reliable milk steamer can make all the difference. If you want to create showcase-worthy lattes and cappuccinos with the utmost control, it’s time to upgrade.
Unlock your inner barista with a Breville espresso machine
If you’re ready to master the art of milk steaming, invest in an espresso machine with an intuitive and powerful steam wand.
Breville espresso machines are the epitome of precision. Whether you choose an automatic or manual model, Breville makes you feel like a pro with every brew.
Make your at-home barista dreams a reality. Browse our wide selection of espresso machines or take our quiz to find your ideal match.
Sources:
1. The App Barista. Milk Frother vs Steamer: Know The Exact Differences. https://theappbarista.com/blog/milk-frother-vs-steamer
2. Homes and Gardens. Milk frother vs steam wand – which is best for frothy coffee? https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/milk-frother-vs-steam-wand
