For those of you who don’t own a milk frother, don’t worry – in this article you’ll learn how to froth milk at home without a frother as our ancestors did…maybe.
But seriously, we share the 6 easiest methods to froth milk and offer some tips to get the best result with each method as well as types of milk.
The Easiest Way to Froth Milk without a Frother is with a Mason Jar
This is because every one has some sort of container with a lid, it’s easy to clean and takes less than 60 seconds.
Bonus Point: You shake yourself awake even before the caffeine does its job.
How To Froth Milk Without A Frother at Home
With these methods you’re going to need to heat the milk. You can get cold milk to foam but typically on whole milk or any milk with a lot of fat. 2% and skim milk is more difficult to froth, even on a stove.
Heat milk in the microwave for a short period of time or heat up in a saucepan. The saucepan method offers more control and better results. That being said, there are extra steps and large saucepan to clean afterwards.
Ideal temperature is 150F or until little bubbles of foam start to show. Keep an eye on the milk if you’re heating it in a saucepan or it will boil over. If you’re heating milk in a microwave then 35-60 seconds should be enough.
You can choose the method of heating milk unless specified in directions.
What can I use instead of a frother?
1. Using a jar or a container with a lid
The easiest way to froth milk without a frother is in a microwave-safe jar. This method won’t produce the best foam but it is probably the most straight forward.
- Heat milk
- Pour the milk into a jar: Mason jars are best. If you have something else like a shaker that works too. If it gets too hot to touch then use a dish towel.
- Shake it Baby: Keep a good grip on it and shake it like it stole from you. Give it a good 30 seconds minimum or until it’s visibly frothy. No need to go more than a minute.
This method works for frothing milk for iced coffee too. You can add a little sugar to cold whole milk to keep the milk cold and still froth it. Once finished slowly add the frothed milk into your coffee.
2. Using An Immersion Blender or Stick Blender
Can an Immersion Blender Froth Milk? Yes! That nifty stick blender that is shaped like a thick frothing wand works quite well.
Since the immersion blender is powerful it is able to froth cold milk as well. Cold froth won’t warm up an iced coffee drink.
- Heat up the milk
- Pour the hot milk into a tall container. Preferably the one it came with.
- Blend on low to start with the lid on
To use the stick blender, simply pour warm or cold milk into the container. Start slow, the milk may jump out if started at high speed.
Blend at least 45 seconds on high or until you reach the desired frothiness.
3. Using An Electric Mixer
Most of us have an electric mixer in our kitchen. It’s another way to get a good amount of froth due to the way it agitates the milk. Keep in mind, you want to use a big bowl and fill up the bowl with 1/3 amount of milk so you don’t make a mess.
- Heat up the milk
- Pour the warmed milk into to a large bowl
- Start the electric mixer on low then increase speed if desired
This method doesn’t take long and typically gives better results than whisking the milk by hand.
4. Froth Milk With A Blender
Blending the milk is a great way to froth a lot of milk. When there is more milk the froth will turn out better. Keep in mind that it expands, so make sure you leave enough room.
You don’t need a powerful or fancy blender; anyone will do.
- Heat up milk
- Add warm milk into the blender
- Cover the top
- Start on low speed and you can increase the speed
5. Froth Milk With a French Press
If you’ve got a little patience and a bit of arm strength to manually froth milk in a French Press. It’s not the easiest method but it’s possible.
- Warm the milk (It’s possible with cold milk but requires more arm strength)
- Pour milk into French Press – about 1/3 full
- Lift and push the plunger 55 to 95 times or for about 60 seconds. You don’t have to pump it vigorously but you can’t go too slow either. You’ll notice the foamed milk on top of the spiral plate and screen if you’re doing it right. Be careful not to break the French Press.
Once you’ve got about double the volume of milk let it sit for a minute.
6. Whisking Milk
Can you froth milk with a whisk? Yes! You get a fine frothy milk by whisking.
- Warm the milk.
- Whisk milk until desired amount of milk is frothy
How long does it take to froth milk with a whisk?
2-3 minutes to whisk milk. If you’re making more servings then it will take longer.
It will be easier if you heat the milk in a saucepan. Once you start to see the milk heating up you should whisk vigorously until the milk reaches the desired foam.
What Makes A Good Milk Froth?
Wondering how the baristas at your favorite coffee shops get the perfect amount of foam on top and froth in the cup? Well, there are a few things that often make the difference.
Milk Temperature
Milk should start out cold. There is a reason why baristas discard milk that’s been laying around and never leave milk out.
If you’re short on time then put it in a glass and stick it in the freezer for 20 minutes. Don’t freeze too long, especially if you’re working with plant-based milk because the proteins separate. This causes the taste to change as well as the mouth feel.
Fat & Protein Content
The type of milk makes a big difference. The more fat and protein the frothier. The sugar content plays a role in how frothy it gets too.
Equipment
Yes, it does come down to how good their espresso machine and steam wands are. Of course, you should be skilled to use commercial quality gear, so that plays a pivotal role as well.
If you’re at home you should work with what you have on hand and make the best latte you can possibly make. Perhaps if you dive deeper into the coffee rabbit hole then you can start upgrading your coffee equipment.
Frothing Dairy-Free Milk
Prefer other types of milk? On a plant-based diet? Lactose Intolerant? No worries → Read on to discuss how to get a great froth from different types of dairy-free milk.
Can you froth almond milk without a frother?
Yes, you can froth almond milk without a frother.
It’s best if you have the immersion blender using any of the aforementioned electric methods. Manually whisking almond milk is definitely doable.
Due to the protein and fat content there are some discrepancies to the almond milk version. That’s why you may see barista almond milk or a sweetened almond milk. It has higher fat content and froths better. Be sure that it is fresh too. You don’t want the almond milk that has been sitting on the shelves for a month.
You’re going to have to heat it up a little hotter than you would dairy milk. Up to 150F.
Can you froth soy milk without a frother?
Yes, you can get good froth from soy milk. Many prefer it over almond milk due to the ability to froth it more. It’s high in protein and rich in fat (the good kind of fat).
If you’re using the same coffee-to-water ratio then expect a thicker texture and more foam than almond milk.
Can you froth coconut milk without a frother?
Yes, you can froth coconut milk without a frother.
Another plant-based milk that is high in fat. Coconut milk can be made using the manual method of putting the milk in a mason jar and shaking it for 30-60 seconds.
Can you froth oat milk without a frother?
Yes, you can froth oat milk without a frother.
Keep in mind, oat milk is water and oats. The protein in cow’s milk is what allows the milk to hold froth & foam. Water doesn’t hold bubbles well. Home made oat milk is very difficult because of the water-to-oat ratio and sometimes the milk will not froth with a homemade method. For best results youre going to want a steam wand to froth milk.
That being said it is possible but consider getting barista oat milk if you are not able to achieve the right frothiness.
Final Thoughts on How To Froth Milk Without A Frother
So there you have it – 6 ways to froth milk without using a frother. Some methods may be more practical than others.
If you make coffee drinks with froth on a regular basis then you should save yourself the headache and at least buy a cheap frothing wand. If it’s not important then go crazy and try the various methods.
Click below to learn about the famous italian coffee drink!
