7 Easy & Affordable Ways to Froth Milk Without a Frother in 2024

I know what you’re thinking. “How am I supposed to make cafe-quality coffee drinks at home without a frother?” Well, my friend, you’re in luck! There are actually several ways to froth milk without a frother. So whether you’re using a hand blender,  French press, or even just a whisker, there’s a way to get the job done. Keep reading for some tips and tricks on how to achieve that perfect foam.

Tips and tricks on how to froth milk without a frother 

Here are a few tips and tricks on how to froth milk without a frother or any other fancy gear: 

• Go for fresh milk: As you might have guessed the milk in frothing is vital, so go for fresh milk.

• Heat the milk first: This helps the process and gives your foam a more velvety texture.The right temperature is 65°C

• Froth your milk to serve your coffee purposes: If you’re making cappuccino you need foam with bigger bubbles than the ones for latte. 

• Experiment with the gadgets: Why not try out a couple of the methods I’m going through below and find the one that works best for you?

• Use the right amount of milk: Depending on the coffee type you want to make, you’ll need different amounts of frothed milk. For example, you need 85ml for cappuccino, 240ml for latte, and 350ml for matcha latte.

Use a jar, or flask to shake the milk 

It can’t get easier than shaking your milk in a container with a tight lid, and it’s only going to take you a few minutes to have your foam ready.

Process:

• First, warm the milk either in a pot on a stove or in a microwave for a few minutes.

• Pour the heated milk into your flask or mason jar, filling up to half of its capacity, and make sure you put the lid properly. 
• Shake the milk for about two minutes and you’re good to go

A jug blender is good

This is a bit more complicated, but almost everyone has a blender at home whether for making smoothies or soup. 

Process:

• As always go ahead and warm the milk
• Pour the milk into the blender and put the lid on 
• Turn the blender on for about 20 seconds and you’re done

Use a whisker

This is another dead simple method of frothing milk for your coffee.

Process: 

• Start with warming your milk for a couple of minutes in a pot on a stove
• Turn the stove off and go ahead with whisking your milk for two-three minutes. If the milk hasn’t turned into foam, carry on whisking for a few more minutes.  

Important tip: it’s no good filling the pot up with milk; you’ll end up spilling milk all over the place.

Use a French Press

You might be wondering how to froth milk with a French press. After all, it’s not exactly the most common kitchen appliance but doesn’t worry, it’s actually quite easy.

Process: 

Remove the top of your plunger and pour the milk (either hot or cold) in

Put the lid back on and press the plunger down to remove the air

Start moving the plunger up and down until the milk turns into a nice foam

Important tip: once you’re done with the plunging, if you want your foam warm for your coffee, pop it in the microwave for a few minutes.

Use a hand blender

This is another gadget that most of us have at home because it’s handy and it has multiple uses.

Process: 

Pour the milk into a deep pot, and place the end of the blender under the milk’s surface

Turn the blender on and move it evenly around the pot in a circular motion

Turn the blender off and enjoy

Important tip: make sure you submerge the end of the blender under the milk’s surface before turning it on, otherwise milk is going to be spilled outside the pot. 

Use an electric mixer 

If you consider yourself creative and think outside the box you can use an electric mixer. 

Process:

Start by pouring the milk into the pot

Turn the mixer on and keep it for a few minutes 

You’re good to go 

Use a pump frother 

While there are lots of ways to froth milk, using a pump frother is one of the easiest methods.

• Simply pour your milk into the frothing pitcher and position the tip of the frother just below the surface of the milk. 
• Turn on the frother and let it do its work. You’ll see the milk start to spin and foam up. 
• Keep going until the desired amount of foam is achieved, then turn off the frother and pour your foam into your coffee. Enjoy.

What’s the best type of milk for frothing? 

Let’s go over some popular milk types and which are the best for frothing

Whole milk

Because it contains a healthy combination of proteins and lipids, whole milk is a fantastic option for frothing. These fats typically generate a stronger, sweeter flavour and thick foam with great texture.

Semi-skimmed milk

Let’s face it, the result won’t be as satisfying as if you would have used full fat, but on the positive side, semi-skimmed milk is a healthier option with fewer calories than full fat.

Oat milk

This is an excellent option for frothing milk; it’s healthy, it tastes great and it makes velvety foam for your coffee. Plus, it’s a plant-based milk, suitable for vegans. By the way, Starbucks has a great variety of oat milk drinks.

Almond milk

If you’re into almond milk, it’s good for frothing but probably not the best option around; it’s not rich in fats. 

Creamer

It’s not milk, but creamer is great for frothing adding richness to your coffee.

Can you froth cold milk? 

You might be surprised to learn that you can froth cold milk just as easily as hot milk. In fact, many baristas actually prefer to use cold milk when frothing, as it results in a denser, creamier texture. The key is to use a high-powered blender or electric whisk; simply combine the milk and any desired flavourings in the blender or whisk until the desired consistency is achieved. Cold milk can be a bit more challenging to froth than hot milk, but with a little practice, you’ll be an expert in no time. Heavy whipping cream is a good alternative to cold milk, although it has more calories.

Great coffees with frothed milk

Latte 

A latte is a coffee with frothed milk, and there’s nothing better than a creamy, frothy cup of coffee in the morning. The milk helps to balance out the bitterness of the coffee, and the milk forms a light, airy foam that adds a touch of luxury to your brew.

Matcha Latte 

This refreshing drink is made with frothed milk, matcha powder, and hot water. While it doesn’t contain any coffee, the matcha powder provides a gentle boost of caffeine that will perk you up without making you jittery. The frothed milk adds a rich and creamy texture. 

Caffè Misto

Caffè Misto is a decadent coffee drink that has been winning myriads of fans over the last few years; half of it is either steamed or frothed milk and the other half is brewed coffee.

What makes it so special?

It’s dead easy to make and because it’s made with a drip coffee machine the cost per cup is less than other coffee types brewed at home. And its heavenly taste alone should be a good reason to give it a go.

Vanilla Steamer 

This beverage is made with frothed milk, which gives it a rich and velvety texture. The milk also helps to balance out the coffee’s natural acidity, making it more palatable for those who are sensitive to coffee’s bitterness. 

Let’s wrap it up

Whether you’re in a pinch and don’t have your trusty frother handy, or you just want to save yourself the trouble of cleaning another kitchen gadget, these methods will do the trick. Have a read about whether you can froth soy milk or not.