While at my mom's house over Christmas, I had the opportunity to use her fancy milk frother each morning to make cappuccinos or frothy tea in the afternoon. I became spoiled quickly. The thing made perfectly frothed milk with the press of a button. Upon coming home, I knew I needed to figure out a substitute that wouldn't break the bank but that was just as convenient: enter the Aerolatte!
The Aerolatte has been around for what seems like forever (I remember my Dad had one that he used when I was a kid), and for good reason. It's a simple kitchen tool that does what it claims efficiently, quickly, inexpensively...and dare I say beautifully? You can tell how smitten I am.
If you're not familiar with the Aerolatte, it's a little handheld guy with a slim battery-controlled frothing wand. You stick the tip of the wand in your warm milk, press a button and in literally 15 seconds or so, you have a glass of perfectly creamy, decadent foam. There's also very little (if any) clean-up: I simply rinse the tip of mine under a stream of water and leave it out on the windowsill to dry.
It's possible I called my mom and told her she spent far too much money on her machine and it's taking up valuable counter space. She's often right in matters related to the kitchen, but this time, I think I won.
→ Buy an Aerolatte: Williams Sonoma
Related: How to Make Milk Foam (Without a Frother or Machine)
(Image: Megan Gordon)
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Ikea makes a similar one that's like $2. It's probably not as well made but I'm happy with mine.
I've also had a couple of the Ikea ones (my first one died after a few months, but for the price I wasn't complaining). To be honest, I never got much foam from it--maybe because I use 1% milk? I'm thinking you need whole milk to get really good foaminess...
We bought a handhand mixer like this a year ago and were disappointed with it. Are there knock-offs that we bought inadvertently? We heated our milk for cocoa, but it didn't foam as much as we expected.
It depends on the milk you use, but in my experience the cheap versions work well. The best milk for foam - not for taste - is half fat UHT milk.
We are often in a huge hurry in the morning with 3 kids, and we do not own a microwave. Is there a handheld milk steamer/frother in one? I would die for such a contraption!
Clode: I know that Nespresso makes one - my last office had it - that you put a half-cup of milk in and it heats and foams it perfectly, which is lovely when making cappuccinos. That said, it also tends to be 100$ or so, which is why it is not in my to-buy list.
aaaaand I totally just went and bought one. Thanks, Meg!
I have an early version of one of these: http://www.bonjourproducts.com/53444.html I love it because you can zap the glass container w/milk in the microwave and then start pumping, but it's a pain to clean (not unlike a french press, but with milk gunk). Maybe it's time to upgrade!
i had one of these when i was a kid (ok that was only 15 years ago). but i loved it! i used it every day, probably like ten times a day. and then, sadly, it went kaput. but you've inspired me to go out and get one for my new, shiny semi-grown up life!
I have had my aerolatte for over a year now and I LOVE it, I do get the best results when using whole milk. Giving it a quick rinse in warm water under the sink right after you use it helps you avoid trying to clean off stuck on milk gunk later.
I have the IKEA $2 version. Has lasted me several years, and yes, works better with whole milk. If I don't have whole milk I 'spike' my 2% with half&half.
We had one like that and now have a counterspace machine. The counterspace machine wins hands down. The handheld makes foam that vanishes very, very quickly. We mostly use it with guests and till you made foam for everybody the foam on the first cup already vanished.
I have the Nespresso Aeroccino and yes, it was $100 and yes, it takes up 5 or 6 square inches on my countertop but it's going strong four years later, works best when you start with cold milk so you don't have to heat it first, the foam lasts and lasts, and it's super easy to clean.
Does anyone know if a milk frother and HEATER exists? I live a microwave free life and wish I had an easy way to make au laits and chai latttes.
Frothy milk? This is a thing? How did I not know that?
the above mentioned Nespresso Aeroccino froths and heats milk. Like SimplyWithStyle says, it's expensive but it works soooo well.
Got the Ikea one and love it!!!
I use this; it doesn't require batteries
http://www.amazon.ca/Cuisinox-Milk-Frother-Manual-800/dp/B000H6VP2O
I've got the Ikea one as well & it's at least 8 yrs old & going strong.
I use my immersion blender to froth milk.
I use my Aerolatte to to whisk eggs--works great!
ladykatey, I believe you can foam milk on a stovetop with a whisk; just whisk the milk as it heats up, but don't let it boil.
I love my aerolatte! Steamed milk from the coffee shop is still fancier, but this is a really good home alternative.
The best benefit of these devices is for thoroughly mixing chocolate milk (whether from a packet or a more gourmet, homemade sort).
I have one from Bodum that I love (http://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Chambord-5-Ounce-Milk-Frother/dp/B000QEEI5I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359344235&sr=8-1&keywords=bodum+milk+frother). I fill to the line with 2% and microwave for a minute (while the k-cup is brewing!); works beautifully every time. :)
I have the Ikea one as well. I've had it for several years, though I don't use it all that often. Its held up, and it does a pretty decent job of frothing my almond milk. I believe I also used to use it for soy milk with good results. For $2, I'm thrilled with it.
I don't drink milk in my coffee, but got one of these as a present and discovered that it makes perfectly emulsified salad dressings.