Joybuy Insights

Which milk frother suits your coffee habits?

A good milk frother can make cappuccinos, latte macchiatos and hot chocolate a simple part of your daily routine. However, not every compact appliance is right for every need. Some models only make hot foam, others cannot heat milk, and some are difficult to clean.

So don’t focus only on a low price or claims such as “professional foam”. Pay particular attention to the features, capacity, materials and cleaning process. Below, you’ll find out what to look for and which options suit different households.

Common pitfalls when choosing a milk frother

1. Confusing frothing capacity with heating capacity

An appliance that can heat up to 300 ml of milk can often froth a smaller amount at a time. According to its product listing, the Severin SM 3588 can froth up to 150 ml of milk and heat up to 300 ml. This difference matters when you’re making coffee for several people.

Exceeding the maximum capacity can also cause the contents to overflow. Always follow the fill line inside the jug.

2. Looking only at hot foam

Many people use hot milk foam for cappuccinos, but cold foam can be useful for iced coffee and cold latte drinks. Check that you’re buying a milk frother for hot and cold foam. An electric milk frother with several programmes usually offers more flexibility than a one-button model.

3. Underestimating the cleaning involved

Milk residue can quickly become baked on, especially around the stirring mechanism and at the bottom of the jug. A smooth, removable inner jug is more practical than a design with lots of hard-to-reach parts. A dishwasher-safe milk frother can save time, but always check which parts are actually safe to put in the dishwasher.

Important specifications to check

Capacity and size

A milk frother with a foam capacity of around 150 ml is often enough for one or two cups. Families may want to pay closer attention to the heating capacity and number of programmes. A model with a 300 ml jug usually takes up little room on the worktop, but check its dimensions too.

According to the product specifications, the Severin SM 3588 measures approximately 17 cm long, 12.5 cm wide and 23 cm high. It will usually fit on a compact kitchen worktop, but measure the available space if you’re short on room.

Features to suit your choice of drink

Look at the combination of features:

  • Hot frothing for cappuccinos and lattes.
  • Cold frothing for iced coffee and cold milk drinks.
  • Heating milk without frothing for drinks such as hot milk.
  • A milk frother with a hot chocolate function if you want to use chocolate pieces or cocoa powder.
  • Automatic shut-off, so the programme stops when it’s finished.

According to the product information, the Severin SM 3588 has two quantity settings for hot foam, plus programmes for hot frothing, cold frothing and heating.

Materials and cleaning

A stainless steel milk frother is a practical choice if you’re looking for a sturdy jug with a smooth surface. According to the product specifications, the Severin’s milk jug is made from brushed stainless steel and is dishwasher-safe.

The product title also states that this model is PFAS-free. Treat this as a product specification provided by the seller; check the current product information and manual when buying for precise details about the materials. PFAS-free does not automatically mean that every part of the appliance is made from stainless steel.

Product choices for different needs

The selection below is based on verifiable specifications and intended use. Not every appliance is a dedicated milk frother; we’ll make this clear to help you avoid the wrong expectations.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Severin SM 3588 Milk Frother

Severin SM 3588 Milk Frother

Why it suits this profile: If you want to make hot drinks and the occasional cold milk foam without fiddling with lots of settings, this model offers several programmes in a compact appliance.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The frothing and heating capacities are listed separately: up to 150 ml of foam and 300 ml of heated milk. This makes it easier to judge portion sizes.

Key benefit & highlights

Hot and cold frothing, a hot chocolate function, two quantity settings and a stainless steel jug that the product information states is dishwasher-safe.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Severin SM 3588 stainless steel milk frother

Severin SM 3588: materials and automatic programmes

Why it suits this profile: This profile focuses on materials, preset programmes and day-to-day care rather than just the purchase price.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stainless steel jug is removable and, according to the product description, dishwasher-safe. Before use, check the instructions for the stirring part and base.

Key benefit & highlights

550 W power, automatic shut-off, an anti-drip system and 360-degree placement on the base, according to the listed specifications.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent use
IAGREEA Nut Milk Maker

IAGREEA 8-in-1 Nut Milk Maker

Why it suits this profile: This isn’t a dedicated milk frother, but it’s an option for households that want to make their own plant-based drinks and are looking for a multifunctional appliance.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product listing clearly describes functions for making nut, soya and oat milk. Don’t buy this model if you only want to make milk foam quickly for coffee.

Key benefit & highlights

According to the product information, the appliance has a 1-litre capacity, eight programmes and a self-cleaning programme.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.

Using and caring for your appliance

  • Never fill the jug above the marked maximum line.
  • Use the right whisk or stirring part for the selected function.
  • Clean the jug and whisk after every use to minimise milk residue.
  • Don’t immerse the base, cable or other electrical parts in water.
  • Unplug the appliance before cleaning it.
  • Let hot milk and the jug cool down before touching any parts.
  • Keep the appliance out of children’s reach while it’s in use.

According to the product specifications, a milk frother with automatic programmes will often stop by itself, but automatic shut-off is no substitute for safe use. Don’t leave the appliance running unattended unnecessarily.

Frequently asked questions about milk frothers

How much milk can I froth at once?

It varies by model and function. The Severin SM 3588 is listed as holding up to 150 ml for frothing and up to 300 ml for heating. Always follow the fill line inside the jug and allow for the extra space the foam takes up.

Can a milk frother make hot chocolate too?

Only if the appliance has a suitable function. According to the product description, the Severin SM 3588 comes with a hot chocolate function for chocolate pieces or cocoa powder. Follow the manual and don’t add ingredients that aren’t intended for the appliance.

How long does an electric milk frother last?

Its lifespan depends on how you use, clean and maintain it. Regular cleaning, avoiding overfilling the jug and handling the whisk carefully can help reduce wear. Check the warranty terms too. For the Severin SM 3588, the product information states that it has a minimum two-year statutory warranty under EU consumer rules; additional rights may apply under Dutch law.