You don’t need a $4,000 espresso machine for velvety cafe-quality microfoam

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At your local cafe, your barista probably whips up your morning brew using a double boiler espresso machine that includes a very capable steam wand for those perfect cappuccinos, cortados and lattes. But not every coffee enthusiast is an espresso enthusiast or wants to devote the counter space to a contraption to make it, and all of the myriad other ways of preparation have one thing in common – they don’t include a device capable of steaming milk.

If you’re using a moka pot, Aeropress or even instant coffee, a stand-alone milk frother can get barista-quality microfoam, and then some. Unlike a steam wand, the right stand-alone frother can churn out hot foam for tea and cold foam for iced drinks, and it can even whip egg whites, emulsify dressings, mix protein powders into shakes and whip cream, and up your hot chocolate game. It’s a tool you might want to add to your kitchen, even if you already have an espresso machine.