Norpro Glass Froth Master

UPDATE: It's been over a year and the glass still hasn't broken despite the insane amount of times I've smashed it against something else by accident (I'm an EXTREMELY clumsy person). Clearly it's sturdier than I thought before. Below is the original review. --- I've always tried to have milk froth in my home-made coffee after having tried it outside, but I never managed to do it right. I tried with those handheld battery-operated mixers or cups with the same system included in their base, and also with my parents' coffee machine which includes a steam-based one, and I rarely, if ever, managed to get a result anything closer to what I wanted. So, I purchased this on a whim, since I was purchasing an AeroPress Espresso Maker and this showed up in the "Frequently Bought Together" section. And I don't think I've ever been so happy with an unexpected purchase. This product works wonders. And now I find myself making a wonderful capuccino every day or even adding froth to just regular cocoa milk. This thing makes delightful hot beverages and cold desserts (or vice versa). I see some people claiming the froth it makes is not good enough, which forces me to conclude they're simply using it wrong. Perhaps they put too much milk in the container, or too little. Or they use the pump wrong. Who knows? My experience tells me that the froth created with this is great (creamy and thick), and while it MIGHT not fool a professional barista, it will look and taste fantastic to everyone else. If I have to find a defect in this is that the glass does look too fragile. Mine hasn't broken, but I'm extremely careful with it. But even though I don't force it it still might break by accident (it WILL break if it falls to the floor, I'm 100% sure). Even so, the container is easily replaceable, and I already have in my home several glass, ceramic or plastic containers of a similar diameter and height. As long as the replacement container isn't taller than the pump, you'll have no problem using it.

I wish I could give this 7 stars for what this contraption is able to produce - a light, airy and abundant froth that will give the most skillful employees in Starbucks a run for their money. I love my cappuccino and to be able to make a better one at home than the best coffee shops with the help of this Norpro frother is so awesome and economical. I have now used this for over a month. After a couple of tries in the beginning I figured how to get the perfect froth every time. Its no rocket science. Use 2% cold milk, fill it to the graduated line and pump for about 30 - 40 times when you will see some froth build up. Then take out the pump and put the glass beaker in the microwave. In about 40-50 seconds the milk heats up and so does the froth from the cold milk. As the froth heats, it will expand, become airy and rise up. Keep an eye on the beaker in the microwave so that you can stop the microwave just as the froth reaches the brim. This heated froth is not only light and airy but also more stable than the one that you achieved by pumping the cold milk. Mix the milk in the fresh brewed coffee and then mix half the froth into the coffee as well. Spoon the rest of the froth over the coffee to get a thick crown (like on a beer). Sprinkle some chocolate/cinnamon/allspice powder and enjoy a perfectly crafted cappuccino and say goodbye to the coffee shops who rip you off. I have even made one in spill-proof steel mug, taken to office and still found a decent froth floating on it after about an hour. I am ordering one more of this frother because the glass beaker is really thin and fragile and as reported by many reviewers, may break if it were to knock against the kitchen sink or tap. That is the only drawback but it should not stop you from buying this otherwise perfect contraption.

I wanted to try an at home milk frother(have never had one)- I got hooked on cafe au laits at my local coffee shop as a cheaper alternative to lattes etc. (just coffee instead of espresso) and decided I wanted to make them at home, too. Well this thing works and I was surprised! Yes, it is a little fragile but just be careful. It washed great- I have been using it daily and rinse with hot water and air dry. Here's how I get best froth, which btw- this is a creamy rich froth (which is what I like) not airy and bubbly foam. -I use 1 or 2% milk -put about half way to max line (I like a 2:1 ratio coffee to milk for my 12oz mug) -pump about 30-40 times (30 seconds) but you can tell when it gets your desired creamy/thickness -put in micro about 30 seconds and it about doubles in size in beaker as it rises -pour over my coffee and I generally have to spoon some of it out it is so thick. I usually don't add sugar but would be great with syrup flavoring in coffee, too. TRY IT- works GREAT and is very reasonably priced and easy to care for- no electric gadgets or parts to clean. Simple and effective.