Milk Creamer Frother Cappuccino Foam Pitcher with Handle and Lid, 18/8 Stainless Steel, 14-Ounce Capacity

This is an outstanding frother. Measure enough milk to fill the pitcher about 1/3 to 1/2 full, warm the milk slightly, pump for 15 or 20 seconds. A slightly "rapid" pumping action is used, but does not to be so quick or vigorous to need any great strain or exertion. Produces very good microfoam, although there is a noticeable amount (about one part in twenty) of larger bubbles on the top. Perhaps an extreme coffee connoisseur might find this critical, but it is unlikely to be an issue for most users. Have previously owned two of the Bodum 5-oz frothers (earlier model). They worked very well. But, unfortunately, the screen/frothing element on those was overly-complicated and had a plastic part which was prone to breaking due to normal usage. In comparison, this Harold Import model is very sturdy and simple. The one plastic component is made of a type of plastic that is not so brittle and is unlikely to break from the plunging action. Of course the stainless steel (in comparison to glass) is not going to break is tipped over or dropped. The relatively lower price reflects the simple construction -- it is not fancy, it is made to accomplish the task. As an example, the handle is attached to the pitcher with a three-point spot weld -- probably wouldn't notice it, unless looking closely, but it's only to make a secure attachment, not to be artistic. This is not a product that is the result of "planned obsolescence," I expect to be using this little unit for many years.

I've been using this frother now for several months and it works very well. It definitely takes some practice to get it right and so I wanted to share my tips and techniques that I've learned. The biggest downside of this frother is the length of time that it takes to heat the milk. I use lactose-free 2% (which I mention as different milks react different ways). Some people heat the milk in the microwave (in a different cup, as this one is stainless steel) and then transfer to the milk frother, some people use the stove (~10 minutes). I prefer to use the microwave as it's faster. I heat in a microwavable cup and then transfer to the pitcher to finish on the stove so as not to scorch the milk on the bottom of the pitcher and since it takes a shorter amount of time there is less likely for a skin to form on top of the milk. One of the trickiest parts is getting the amount of milk just right. I tend to make one coffee at a time but this is also capable of making two. As people have mentioned, you fill the cup 1/4-1/2 (I tend to use less ~1/4-1/3). The amount of frothed milk however doesn't change as the milk tends to fill the entire cup when frothed. Therefore, the amount of milk is a bit much for one coffee or a bit too little for two but you can certainly make it work (also depends on cup size obviously). The amount of milk you add will determine how much froth is made. The less milk, the more frothy. The more milk, the less frothy. I bought a $6 milk thermometer and find it very necessary to get the milk right. It also makes the whole process much easier. Milk should be heated to between 150 and 160 degrees, though I find this particular frother works best from ~150-153. This allows the proteins in the milk to be denatured but not destroyed. Too cold or too hot and the milk does not froth. This is also what makes the milk a bit sweeter. I make the coffee when the temperature of the milk is 135-140 so that the coffee is ready when the milk is. I pour the coffee and then immediately froth the milk. Clean up is not too tough with this. I just spray the frother after each use which cleans the screen. The cup tends to accumulate burned on milk so occasionally I put a bit of dish detergent in the cup and boil water in it on the stove. It's also dishwasher safe and I run both parts through a couple times a week on the top rack. After having it a while and getting to know how it works, I really like how easy and well it works. I will likely get two more (one smaller for 1 cup coffee and one larger for 3-4 cups).

What a great gadget...so easy to use. I read as many reviews on this product when I was looking to buy a battery or electric one, when I decided to buy this one. I am glad I did... Some reviews commented on how noisy it is...and it is. *** Tip: I took a small suction cup, the ones use to hold Christmas lights; (can be found in Dollar stores or use the large one). Remove the hook, cut the tip, that holds the hook, off as close as possible to the suction cup (once cut it should have a small hole, but if not take a long thin nail and put it on the stove flame till is very hot, then push it thru the center of the suction cup; making sure the hole is just right to keep the suction cup tight around the rod). Unscrew the round handle on top of the Frother, pass the suction cup thru the rod handle then screw back the round handle to the frother. If you look under the round handle before unscrewing it, it has a small space around the rod and the top of the suction cup fits just right under it once the round handle is screw back on. Since I made the hole just small enough to fit tight around the rod, the suction stays on the top, right under the handle preventing the loud noise...it will still sound but not loud, and is also easy to clean. If you don't want the suction cup on top, make the hole a bit larger so it will slide down loosely. Note: *the lid does gets hot, I use my nails to hold it, or paper towel* 1) many reviews suggested this milk or that one or this cream or that, but I am convinced that no matter what you use: milk, cream, (I use evaporated milk), the results are always a great amount of foamy and creamy consistency. Practice makes perfection...you will acquire your own results and be happy with them as you use this. 2) And yes, it is best and FASTER (convenience) to warm the milk first in microwave (use the same cup you sip coffee from), then pour in frother, by the time the milk starts to foam the coffee maker brews the coffee. On the other hand, if not in a hurry, warm milk directly in the frother on low heat, smallest burner, before you start to pump the lever. Which ever method you use, let the milk get warm to hot...don't let it boil or the milk will not make large amount of foam, it will yes produce a thick creamy consistency of what looks like a flat foam, but still it is good!!! And the milk really grows in volume !!! the foam lasts thru the last drop, sometimes I spoon the last drops of foam and it doesn't go flat. 3) After use, rinse immediately with hot or cold water, easy to clean...there is really no hassle to clean it. As another review said it was too much to wash when you warm the milk first then pour it in the frother, but if you warm milk in the same cup you use to sip the coffee it will not be much to wash afterward. 4) how good it is not to have to buy batteries or plug gadgets to get this same results.

I always ask for my London Fogs to have no foam because it seems a lot to pay for air. BUT I love foam.. now with this new machine I can bathe in it!! I've been looking for a frother/steamer for a while and always thought I would buy an electric one. This brand kept on coming up as a top frother in many reviews. It does not heat the milk but the frothing is amazing. One review mentioned you need to pump for 1-2 minutes, in reality it took less than 30 seconds. There are no instructions that come with it but its pretty fool proof. Highly recommend this! Update: I've been using this over 2 weeks now... every day.. .sometimes twice a day. I am so impressed with it that I am starting to buy family members one!!

Just right. Perfect for frothing. Very sturdy too. Would wish there was a bigger size as well

Froths full-fat milk quickly and effectively, and gets clean quickly in the dishwasher.

Was going to spend big $ on a fancy milk frother to make iced cappuccinos (cappuccino freddo) and saw the reviews for this little manual frother. It’s impressive and does a great job. Sometimes a simple tool is better than a complex machine and this is a great example of that.

I was skeptical about this thing but after using it for about 2 months, this thing definitely gives you nice, silky, frothy milk. Milks that frothed the best to worst were: (1) Soy, (2) Cow milk, (3) Oat, (4) Almond, and (5) Cashew. I would not use the last three milk types to make lattes. The froth dissipated after microwaving. I found that about 60 pumps give adequate froth. Lately, I've been stepping two bags of tea in 3-4 tbsp of hot water. During the steep, I would froth ¾ cup of soy. Add the froth to the cup with the tea and microwave for 1 minute. Keep an eye on it during the microwave because the froth grows.