(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best milk frothers

So what you are going to gather here is that you aren't going to be able to obtain "espresso" for that price range. However, if your girlfriend likes strong coffee in milk there are other options that would get you there without breaking the bank.

For the coffee:

1. Aeropress: This is a very versatile tool that can be used to make a number of coffee styles including strong shots of concentrate to be added to milk. Lots of room to grow and try other styles as well as time goes on.
   
   
2. Moka Pot: Can be either stovetop or electric depending on what works best. These are super popular in europe and have been around for ages so they are generally time-tested. They also make strong, pressurized percolated coffee that can be added to milk drinks.
   
   For the grinder:
   
   Hand burr grinders from Hario or Porlex are great and have a good following. You can get a knockoff on amazon for a lot less but it may fall apart after a while. Depends on your estimated use.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Skerton-Ceramic-Coffee-Mill/dp/B001802PIQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1480362440&sr=8-6&keywords=porlex
   
   For the milk:
   
   Frothing Pitcher: https://www.amazon.com/Gourmia-GMF215-Detachable-Stainless-Non-Stick/dp/B01MD0AAVJ/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1480362139&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=frother&psc=1
   
   Frothing wand: https://www.amazon.com/Ikea-Milk-Frother-303-011-67-Black/dp/B013S27CLQ/ref=sr_1_9?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1480362139&sr=1-9&keywords=frother
   
   
   
   Both of these together should get you where you need to go and make a nice gift bundle (maybe with some beans if you have a few bucks left over.
   
   I hear that the nespresso are ok but I really have to take a stand against the waste and concept. Putting together a bundle gives you a ton of flexibility and is a more thoughtful gift in my opinion.
   

The bad news is that with such a budget it's impossible to make espresso. The good one is that espresso is not the only way to make good tasting coffee!

So if you like lattes, my suggestion is to go to with a moka pot (like the classic bialetti: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CF3Q6/) - it won't make real espresso but rather a quite strong, sirupy brew that can work as a substitute for it in a latte.
Then, to froth the milk, get one of these (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001ZN48Y/) frothers, which can make a very good foam that approaches the one made with good steamers (although is dryier and the milk will possibly be not as sweet). Then I'd suggest to get the hario mini mill burr grinder (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B2O5VS8/) because using freshly roasted coffe ground right before usage with a burr grinder is arguably the most important factor that impacts on making good coffee, and this is true for any brew methods. For a little more than 80$ you can buy all this equipment brand new and go make good and tasty fake lattes, and for each of these things there is a wealth of resources on the internet on how to best use them.

I'm not a professional bartender, but I buy my gear from the same suppliers they do and here in the EU, you basically have three options:

-jiggers in US (oz)

-jiggers in metric (ml)

-jiggers in both US and metric.

Most are availble in both 'certified', which I'd presume means that the volume markings have been verified, or regular versions. If you're in the UK, do make sure that you're not required by law to use 'certified' jiggers, in which case I'm pretty sure the stepped steel one I recommended isn't an option.

Me, I use a cool little stepped jigger that I get from Amazon. It has markings in both systems, plus tsp, tbps, etc. This one here, which is sold worldwide:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Oxo makes a nice transparent plastic one, but it doesn't look very 'bar like', and they also sell a set of measuring tubes(cups) of various sizes that comes in very handy when you're making cocktails like the original Zombie that call for plenty of ingredients in tiny quantities.

I also use the Pearson Paw from Urban Bar in the UK for small doses, but that's just me.

Hope this helps!

Honestly, my favorite one is the one in my shop.. but that's like a $4,000 industrial machine haha. I do have this one though and it's been working very well for me as a frother!

I also have a friend who got this and she absolutely loves it! I used to have another one but I would have to look around for it because I forgot the name of it. I will let you know the name though!

Super useful if you miss Starbucks lattes. I used to order sugar free lattes from Starbucks and asked them to make it with soy milk. Then I found out the soy milk they used is sweetened :(

This recipe is good because you know exactly what goes it in your latte!

My ingredients are pictured below:
http://imgur.com/a/7Q6T8

Macros are based on using 250mL of Silk Unsweetened almond milk. You can also cut it with some half-and-half to give it a bit of richness. The macros will change, obviously.

1. Prepare your espresso. I use instant expresso. Put 1 tsp of powder into your mug and add 1/8 cup of water. Mix.
   
2. Measure out 1 cup of almond milk in a large glass measuring cup. Add sugar free flavouring of your choice, to taste.
   
3. Microwave that baby till its nice and hot.
   
4. Froth your almond milk! I find that the Silk brand froths well.
   
   I bought a handheld milk frother from amazon for $5.
   https://www.amazon.ca/Fox-Run-65171-Frother/dp/B00AZMKALW/ref=sr_1_2?s=kitchen-substore&ie=UTF8&qid=1480644259&sr=1-2&keywords=milk+frother
   
   
5. Pour the frothy milk into your mug with the espresso. I've linked below a handy video on frothing and pouring
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fslq1PEMf8
   
   
6. Enjoy!
   

This is by far the easiest and cheapest way to make “fancy” coffee. Coffee snobs can spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on all this equipment that really isn’t necessary for regular people who would be happy with a Starbucks latte.

Here is a spice grinder that can be used for grinding coffee because fresh ground coffee tastes way better and you can control how fine it’s ground.
I suggest looking up a photo of how ground coffee should be for the “Moka pot”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SPEU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xH02DbEBEGM6D


Here is the “moka pot” I’ve found it’s the cheapest and easiest way to make something close to espresso. (It’s stronger than regular drip coffee but weaker than espresso, and it doesn’t have the brown foam that come on top of espresso)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CNY6UK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2F02DbAZHNRY3


Here is the milk frother that is a easier and cheaper way of making “steamed milk” (this isn’t exactly steamed milk because usually you need to put a steam wand into milk and use a technique to steam milk properly and it’s expensive and takes practice)
You just push a button and a minute later it’s done.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V9HHMZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xG02DbC0AG7B5


The thing that really effects the flavor the most is getting good coffee! Maybe you could splurge on more expensive coffee that you save for dates, special occasions or when you want to feel fancy!

I got my mom the Breville and she loves it. It has a large capacity and is dishwasher safe but I'm not sure if it's worth the premium over the others. Prior to the Breville she had a Nespresso which lasted for at least four years of daily use.

The way I see it, either get a cheap, non-chinese frother like the Bodum or spring for the really nice stuff if you need the extra space/features. Otherwise I feel like you're just paying a premium for no real benefit.

https://smile.amazon.com/Milk-Frother-Steamer-Electric-Handheld/dp/B01HR4097U/ref=sr_1_2?s=kitchen&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1473149992&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=milk+steamer&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&psc=1

$10 for a milk steamer. Add on a stainless steel milk pitcher, and it's about $15 bucks. It's like the best investment ever. That's if you don't want to get an espresso machine.

I haven't used one, but apparently there's a pretty cheap Mr. Coffee brand espresso machine with a milk steamer wand built in for about $40. But if you're going to be going that far, I would save up to spend at least $100 for a decent 4 star reviewed machine, lol.

I bought this (German amazon) years ago and I love it! It works really well and is super easy to clean. Before I had that device I used my French press coffee maker :)

Pretty much everyone has recommended the Moka pot to me so I'm probably going to buy this moka pot and this for the milk.

They're perfect for my price range and conveniently tiny since I'm only going to be making 1-2 cups at a time. Eventually I'll invest in something of much better quality and I'll get better at making coffee but for now I just need something temporary that will resemble espresso in the mornings.

Thanks for all the help!

The machines you get at retail stores are crap, and professional machines take a lot of maintenance. The Moka pot is honestly the best thing I’ve ever found. Get a good grinder and a milk frother/steamer and you’re golden. I got this steamer, I’m pretty happy with it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D71SP6K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ClE6BbJAFRXQV

Don't buy that.

If you can't afford something like a used Gaggia Classic (and a grinder like the Sette 270), I think cold brew concentrate or a moka pot can make the coffee part just fine.

For the milk, you might just want a $3 frothing wand. It won't be exactly like in a shop, but it's still pretty good. A Bellman Stovetop Steamer can make good foam. Or something like this would be ok.

$300 bucks for which machine? With espresso, the grinder is generally the most important piece of equipment. If you are happy with the moka pot, then a better milk steamer/frother might be all you need. Something like this - https://www.amazon.com/Functionality-Automatic-Stainless-Cappuccino-Macchiato/dp/B07D71SP6K

I have a device like the powerlix but only used it for cold milk frothing for iced coffee. I don't think it would work great for hot milk.

OP - As far as steaming goes, /u/magicrice has it right - this is really what you're paying for as you go up the scale.

The difference between a Gaggia and a Linea is something like... a minute or two's worth of steaming to get a similar result (though I'd argue the Linea will make better milk, but that's a different conversation).

My Linea Mini at home takes about 7-8 seconds to achieve a latte's worth of steamed milk whereas you might stand there and watch a 2 minute movie trailer waiting on the Gaggia's panarello wand and popgun steam power to do the job. The problem being that they're about an order of magnitude off in price.

So the real question is - are you willing to wait 2 minutes for steamed milk? If so, then the Gaggia or Silvia can probably do it. If not, then you may want to look up the price scale a bit.

If you literally have no interest in espresso, then a dedicated milk steamer could work for you: https://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Automatic-Electric-Frothing-Professional/dp/B01N6M0SWY

I got to check one of those out at a chocolate shop once (may have been a slightly different model, not sure though). They used it for making ultra creamy hot chocolate...and it was great!

$9 frother: https://www.amazon.com/Bonsenkitchen-Electric-Cappuccinos-Chocolates-Stainless/dp/B07D9CRBBY/

Use instant coffee. Take 1.5-2 spoons of it and mix it with half a spoon of sugar in the cup you want to drink in. Add a few drops of water and stir like crazy with a spoon until you get a lovely brown paste. Add a few more spoons of water and stir until the color lightens to a blonde-espresso crema. Microwave half a cup of milk for 52 seconds and then use the frother to get as much foam as possible. Pour into the coffe cup. Enjoy a super tasty "latte"

I went and got a $20 milk frother when I first started mixing a couple years ago. Works great if you're making a recipe to split and vape immediately. I used the shit out of mine. Any more, I just mix it in the bottle, shake it, and encourage a proper steep. It's a fun toy, but I cannot say it makes things any better than an intense 30 second handshake and a week or two in the cupboard.

Edit: Can't even find a link to what I have, but most similar models now sell for $8-13
This is as close as I can find.

My roommate has a milk frother that I've started using to mix my protein shakes and it opened up a whole new world of mixing. Quick, easy to clean, and perfectly dissolved.

For reference:
https://www.amazon.com/Silver-MatchaDNA-Handheld-Milk-Frother/dp/B01C6F1SQ6/ref=lp_14042381_1_1/178-2692134-2761140?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1468265547&sr=1-1

Get a Baratza Encore for $129, an Aeropess for $33 and a Milk Frother. Spend your money on better, local, fresh coffee. It's not true espresso but the strength and quality will beat most low end espresso makers. It also lets you get in the game cheap to see if it works for you. Making drinks at home, heat the milk in a pan, pull your shot on the Aeropress, froth the milk, enjoy!

I recommend using this glass milk frother so the foam is nice and uniform and it's microwavable. Glad there wasn't any permanent damage.

I just got a cheap hand pump one from amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-89-Glass-Froth-Master/dp/B0013VALOK/ref=sr_1_6?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1469706414&sr=1-6&keywords=Milk+frother

Or you can get one of the stick ones on there. I just keep mine on my desk and put a serving on half and half in it every day, and I get frothy frothy goodness.

Do it.

My sister got me a stovetop espresso maker and this nifty little milk frother for Christmas and its absolutely phenomenal. $35 worth of equipment along with your choice of milk and espresso ground coffee and you can have lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, shots, or wherever else you like all in your own home.

Oh, yeah sorry! It’s a barista blended almond milk I found in my natural food stores clearance section. I put it in my Brewberry Automatic Milk Frother on heat with the frothing attachment.

I've been using this one for the last 6 months or so with my tea lattes and it works extremely well. Hot or cold frothing with LOTS of froth. Cleans up easily. Quick as well.

Our next step up is a professional one, but those cost about $125 with only minor improvements in performance (mostly allowing you to do many lattes in a row without a cool-down period).

I've always used one of these and it blends it very nicely right in the mug!

I got this Bodum one at Target. It's been excellent. It seems like it could have literally come off the same line as the aeroccino but costs 70% less.

The Aeropress! - An Aeropress can create a very concentrated coffee beverage that is similar in body and flavor to a shot of espresso.

Add a milk frother - Milk Frother! - and BOOM! Cappuccino-ish drink.

Yeah, that's why I mentioned that I'm not recommending that specific unit, just that style. Looking on Amazon, I see a lot of similar units in the $30 range. I would go with someone that specifically is designed for heating milk. The kettle you posted below doesn't seem to have any temperature control, and will get the milk way too hot if you're not careful.

Something like this would be my suggestion in a similar price range: https://www.amazon.com/VAVA-Functionality-Stainless-Operation-Temperature/dp/B07F9K5QS3/

At the end of the day though, you're dealing with an appliance designed to heat water (or water with some protein and fat in it) with electricity. How cheap do you want to go there...?

I don't shake at all, I use something like that:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010RI5UNG/

a pint glass and a handheld frother like this

Why not just get a manual press style frother? https://www.amazon.ca/Bodum-1446-Latteo-Milk-Frother/dp/B000BZ6BXE

You could also get a stove top steam wand.

I think Silk almond milk is very thick, to the point that I personally don't like it. You could buy unsweetened.

I have a very cheap frother I use to thicken my almond milk sometimes - doesn't work remotely as well as steam frothing from an espresso machine, but it's something.

I use one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AETU4WQ

Flabbergasted

I made the decision this year to get back to my writing and finish a first draft by the end of the year. It's going to take a lot of planning and working at story, but I think I can do it.

My wishlist item: This Milk Frother for all the lattes I'll need while writing.

https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-89-Glass-Froth-Master/dp/B0013VALOK/ref=zg_bs_14042381_19?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3S0T3HQ9SQBFNJDHCH9R

Here. Use this to give your almond milk a bit of body.

Could be a manual milk frother?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bodum-1446-01-Latteo-Frother-Borosilicate/dp/B000BZ6BXE/

I have this unit and it works fantastically. https://www.amazon.com/VAVA-Functionality-Stainless-Operation-Temperature/dp/B07F9K5QS3/ref

this one!

For me it is all about this thing:

http://www.amazon.com/Aerolatte-Deluxe-Edition-Frother-Stainless/dp/B0001RT1OS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396492848&sr=8-2&keywords=aero+latte

Here it is! sorry I took like forever to respond :/