For many of us, coffee means milk: lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos. That makes the milk frother one of the most important parts of a coffee machine. Here are the best coffee machines with milk frother, whether you want to texture milk yourself or press a button and let the machine do it.
Best with automatic milk
Jura E8
The Jura E8 Bean to Cup Machine, Black makes some of the finest automatic milk foam of any machine, with one-touch cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites.
De’Longhi Eletta Explore
The De’Longhi Eletta Explore, Dark Grey uses LatteCrema Hot & Cool, so it can make cold milk foam for iced drinks too.
De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul
The De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul is De’Longhi’s flagship, with a huge range of milk drinks and an easy-to-clean milk carafe.
Smeg BCC13
The Smeg BCC13 Bean to Cup Machine with Milk System, Matte Black adds style to automatic milk drinks.
Best with an automatic steam wand
Sage’s automatic steam wands texture milk to your chosen temperature and texture, then stop on their own. The Sage Bambino Plus, Brushed Stainless Steel, Sage Barista Touch, Brushed Stainless Steel and Sage Barista Touch Impress, Brushed Stainless Steel all have one, giving you real steam wand microfoam without the learning curve.
Best with a manual steam wand
For the best texture and latte art, nothing beats a powerful steam wand. The Lelit Mara X PL62X, Rocket Appartamento TCA, Black & Copper and Lelit Bianca V3 Dual Boiler all have commercial-style wands. The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro, Polar White is a great entry point.
How to froth milk like a barista
- Start with cold, fresh milk in a cold stainless steel jug.
- Purge the steam wand, then place the tip just below the surface.
- Stretch the milk until it’s increased by about a third, then submerge the tip to spin it.
- Stop at around 55–65°C, when the jug is too hot to hold comfortably.
- Tap, swirl and pour straight away.
A jug like the Rhinowares Pro Milk Pitcher, 600ml or Rhinowares Stealth Black Milk Pitcher, 600ml makes it much easier.
Milk drinks explained
- Cappuccino: espresso with equal parts steamed milk and thick foam.
- Latte: espresso with lots of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
- Flat white: a double espresso with a smaller amount of silky, velvety microfoam.
- Cortado: espresso cut with a similar amount of warm milk.
- Latte macchiato: milk ‘stained’ with espresso, poured in layers.
What makes great milk foam?
Great microfoam has tiny, invisible bubbles and a glossy, paint-like texture. It comes from introducing just enough air early on, then spinning the milk to break down bubbles and heat it evenly. Too much air gives stiff, bubbly foam; too little gives flat, hot milk.
Choosing the right milk
Whole milk is the easiest to texture and tastes sweetest. Semi-skimmed works but makes lighter foam. For plant milk, choose a barista edition, which is formulated to froth and won’t split in hot coffee.
Keeping your milk system clean
Milk residue builds up quickly, affects flavour and can harbour bacteria. Purge and wipe steam wands after every use. For automatic systems, run the rinse programme after milk drinks, deep-clean the milk components weekly, and use the manufacturer’s milk system cleaner.
Espresso machine or bean to cup for milk drinks?
If you want latte art and the best texture, choose an espresso machine with a powerful steam wand. If you want great milk drinks at the touch of a button for the whole household, choose a bean to cup machine. Read our guide to the best coffee machines for home for more.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: steam wand or automatic milk?
A steam wand gives better texture and latte art once you’ve practised. Automatic milk is easier and more consistent.
Can I froth plant milk?
Yes. Barista versions of oat, soy and almond milk froth well in both steam wands and automatic systems.
How do I clean a milk frother?
Purge and wipe steam wands after every use. For automatic milk systems, run the rinse programme daily and deep-clean weekly.
Shop every coffee machine with milk frother.
