Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Choosing Electric or Handheld Milk Frother: A Detailed Guide


If you love the creamy topping from cappuccinos and want to make nice coffee cups with lattes at home for yourself, then a milk frother is exactly what you need. There are several types of milk frothers for you to choose from but the two most popular types are handheld and electric milk frothers. If you don't know exactly what electric milk frother is, visit here.  In deciding which one is more suitable for your demand, there are a number of factors to be considered as below:

1. Price


This is one of the first things that you need to consider before purchasing anything. It is especially important when you are on a tight budget. The normal price ranges for the two types are:
  • Handheld: £5- £35
  • Electric: £50 - £165
The handheld type is obviously a more economical choice. However, it is worth noticing that the much higher price of electric type comes with additional features and larger capacity, which will be discussed below.

2. Power Consumption


Beside the product price, cost for operating the appliance should also be considered.  An appliance which is cheap but consumes a lot of energy (and money!) is not considered cost-effective.
  • Handheld: it requires little power to run: two AA batteries and two AAA batteries, in most cases. In using this type of milk frother, you always need to have spare batteries, just in case.
  • Electric: it takes little time to create the creamy topping you desire so power consumption is minimal.
Even though electric type consumes less power than handheld type, in general both types do not require a considerable amount power to operate each time. In addition, it is easier for you to stock batteries and use the handheld type anytime you want. With the electric type, in case of blackout, your hands are tied.

3. Froth quality


  • Handheld: it is possible for you to produce high quality froth with the handheld type, especially if you have good skills in using the appliance. However, this type does not have temperature control. In order to check milk temperature before frothing (note that the ideal milk temperature for coffee beverages is 135 °F – 155 °F), you need to use a frothing thermometer.
  • Electrical: This type comes with the temperature control feature, which shuts the appliance once the desired temperature is reached; therefore milk temperature and quality are very consistent. The quality of froth is excellent; it is thicker and more refined as compared to that of the handhold type. 
When it comes to quality, it is no doubt that the electrical type is superior.

4. Input milks


Regarding input milks, we need to consider which types of milk can be use, how much time it takes to froth milk and the quantity of milk that these two types can handle.
  • Handheld: the appliance can handle all kinds of milk (especially whole milk – for better results). 
Normally, it takes 15-30 seconds to froth warm and cold milk. Take note that you have to steam the milk first because the appliance is incapable of doing so. It can only handle a limited quantity of milk each time. 
  • Electric: This type of frother does not work well with heavier milks like rice milk or soy milk. 
However, it makes up with great processing speed and the induction heating feature that allows milk to be warmed in the frother.  It can also handle a large input quantity of milk as compared to the handheld type.

It can easily be seen that the electric type is more suitable if you intend to use it frequently for a large output quantity. On the other hand, you may have to spend quite some time to get your cappuccinos ready for a group of friends with the handheld type.

5. Portability and Durability


  • Handheld: This type of small, light-weighted, battery-powered frother is ideal to bring along in your trips or store in your kitchen. It is also very durable with the stem and handle made from premium quality stainless steel. 
  • Electric: This is electricity-powered and therefore not very portable. In general, it is durable but not as much as the handheld type because certain parts are made of plastic or rubber. It takes more space than the handheld type but not much.

6. Cleaning 

  • Handheld: cleaning is quite easy. Put the whisk in hot soapy water (below the handle level) for about a minute, then rinse the whisk and let it dry. 
  • Electric: it is a little bit time-consuming to clean with the electric type, except for some advanced models that are safe for dishwashers.

As you can see, both handheld and electric milk frothers are very practical and efficient; each has its own pros and cons. Your decision on which one to choose depends on many factors, such as: which features you prefer, how much you are willing to pay, whether you need to bring the appliance with you frequently. Think carefully before you choose to make sure you get the right appliance.

For more useful articles, visit www.milkfrotherjudge.com.