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A Guide to Choosing the Right Milk Frother for You

The ability to bring the café experience into the comfort of your home is something that is increasingly being valued by coffee enthusiasts. A key component in achieving this level of quality for a homemade cup of coffee is the effective use of a milk frother. To that end, understanding the differences between available options is crucial.

Nespresso offers a range of devices designed to meet diverse needs, specifically the Aeroccino3 Milk Frother, the Aeroccino4 Milk Frother, and the Barista Milk Device. This guide will provide a clear and concise comparison of these models, offering practical advice to assist readers in selecting the most suitable milk frother for their requirements.

Understanding the Basics of Milk Frothing


Before diving into specific models, let’s go over the fundamentals of milk frothing and how different factors can affect the results.

What is Milk Frothing?

Milk frothing is the process of introducing air into milk to create foam. This enhances the texture and consistency of milk-based coffee drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. The quality of foam depends on several factors, including milk type and temperature.

Dairy vs. Non-Dairy Milk: Whole milk produces the richest and creamiest foam, while non-dairy plant-based milk alternatives like oat and almond milk may yield unique tastes and textures.

Temperature & Types of Milk Foam: Hot milk creates denser, creamier foam, while cold milk results in lighter froth.

Aeroccino4 milk frother

For a deeper dive into milk frothing techniques, check out our milk frothing guide on how to steam milk like a barista.

A Detailed Comparison: Aeroccino3 vs. Aeroccino4 vs. Barista Milk Device

Aeroccino3 Milk Frother


  • Best For:
    Beginners

  • Design & Ergonomics:
    Stylish & retro

  • Size:
    Small

  • Types of Milk Foam:
    3: Hot milk foam, cold milk foam, and hot milk

  • Nespresso App Compatibility:
    No

  • Dishwasher Safe?:
    No

  • Automatic Power Off:
    Yes

Aeroccino4 Milk Frother


  • Best For:
    Intermediate

  • Design & Ergonomics:
    Sleek & elegant

  • Size:
    Medium

  • Types of Milk Foam:
    4: Airy Hot milk foam, dense hot milk foam, cold milk foam, and hot milk

  • Nespresso App Compatibility:
    No

  • Dishwasher Safe?:
    Yes

  • Automatic Power Off:
    Yes

Barista Milk Device


  • Best For:
    Enthusiasts & home baristas

  • Design & Ergonomics:
    Sleek and practical with touchscreen

  • Size:
    Large

  • Types of Milk Foam:
    Customisable textures & over 20 different recipes

  • Nespresso App Compatibility:
    Yes

  • Dishwasher Safe?:
    Yes

  • Automatic Power Off:
    Yes



If you prioritise ease of use, the Aeroccino3 Milk Frother is a great entry-level option. The Aeroccino4 Milk Frother offers enhanced versatility with more foam types, while the Barista Milk Device is ideal for those seeking customisation and pinpoint precision.

Choosing the Right Milk Frother for Your Needs

The best milk frother for you depends on several factors:

Beginners: If you're new to milk frothing, the Aeroccino3 Milk Frother is user-friendly and easy to operate.

Enthusiasts: If you want more versatility, the Aeroccino4 Milk Frother offers greater control over types of milk foam and is dishwasher safe.

Aspiring Home Baristas: If you love experimenting with customising drinks and trying new recipes with the push of a button, the Barista Milk Device is the ultimate choice.

Aeroccino3 Milk Frother with milk coffee



Some other considerations include:

• Budget: The Aeroccino3 is the most affordable, while the Barista Milk Device is a premium option. Choose a device that fits your price range.

• Frequency of Use: If you froth milk daily, a model with advanced features may be worth the investment.

• Kitchen Space: The Aeroccino models are compact, whereas the Barista Milk Device is slightly larger.

Vertuo Next White with Aeroccino4 Milk Frother on the side

Take Your Home Coffee to the Next Level with Nespresso!



Ultimately, the selection of the ideal milk frother hinges on individual preferences and specific needs. Whether you prioritise simplicity with the Aeroccino3, seek enhanced versatility with the Aeroccino4, or desire the comprehensive capabilities of the Barista Milk Device, Nespresso provides options to elevate your home coffee experience.

Consider factors such as budget, frequency of use, and desired features to find a milk frother that perfectly complements your coffee routine. With the right milk frother, you can transform each cup of coffee into a café-quality indulgence.

Ready to enhance your home barista experience? Perfect your home coffee ritual today and discover a wide variety of ways to maximise your coffee experience with our Nespresso accessories, available in both Original and Vertuo ranges!