Is the Breville Milk Cafe Worth It?
Based on tests by America's Test Kitchen (Jul 2025) and Reviewed (May 2024). How we score
Save $169Depends. Instant Pot Frother for most people.
Amazon prices as of Sep 30, 2:51 AM EDT (details)
Why
Both testers rank it as the best big countertop frother. America's Test Kitchen's countertop winner "was the most convenient and versatile of the bunch," with a temperature dial and a pitcher that "held up well to our abuse testing." Reviewed calls it "the Rolls Royce of milk frothers" and found it can whip 2 cups of milk, more than any other it tested. But both also tested the Instant Pot Milk Frother: ATK gave it the same performance score and named it its Best Buy, and Reviewed made it its Best Overall, noting it "is the best at frothing and steaming milk regardless of what kind of milk we used." The Breville's edge is capacity, precise temperature and a dishwasher-safe pitcher. Splurge if you froth for several drinks at once or want a dishwasher-safe pitcher; save if you make one or two drinks at a time.
Breville Milk Cafe warranty: 1 year limited
Cheaper alternatives, scored against the Breville Milk Cafe
4-in-1 Milk Frother, Black
Average of 2 testers: America's Test Kitchen 10 · Reviewed 10
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
America's Test Kitchen's Countertop Best Buy, with the same performance and durability ratings as the Breville: "It did a good job at making cappuccino foam from both whole and almond milk and made cups of delicious and smooth hot chocolate." ATK's complaints: "Latte foam came out dense and stiff, with large bubbles," and there's no alert when it finishes. Reviewed named it the best frother overall: "It froths up to a cup at a time," half the Breville's capacity, and its pitcher is "Not dishwasher safe."
| Criterion | Breville Milk Cafe | Instant Pot Frother |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2.5/3 | 2.5/3 |
| Ease of use | 3/3 | 2.5/3 |
| Ease of cleanup | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| Durability | 3/3 | 3/3 |
From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Milk Frothers (updated July 8, 2025)
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Milk Frothers (updated July 8, 2025), Reviewed: The Best Milk Frothers (updated May 2, 2024), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
Common questions
Is the Breville Milk Cafe worth it?
Only if you need its capacity or precision. America's Test Kitchen and Reviewed both rated it highly, but both found the Instant Pot Milk Frother froths about as well for a fraction of the price. The Breville froths up to 2 cups at once, has a temperature dial and a dishwasher-safe pitcher; the Instant froths up to 1 cup and must be hand washed.
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Milk Frothers (updated July 8, 2025), Reviewed: The Best Milk Frothers (updated May 2, 2024), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
