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The 5 Best Milk Frothing Pitcher for Latte Art (2024 Guide)

Jason Gass
Last Updated: February 8th, 2024

One of the fun things about making espresso drinks is being able to create art in your milk foam. Making latte art takes practice, but the effort can be greatly improved with the right pitcher.

In this article, we’ll give you information about shopping for the best milk frothing pitcher for latte art and provide you with our top picks

How To Choose the Best Milk Frothing Pitcher

choose the best milk frothing pitcher

Believe it or not, milk-frothing pitchers are not all alike. Sure, if you’re new to making coffee drinks at home, they may all look the same. However, as your skills grow, and you want to wow your friends with fun latte art, you’ll want to pick the best pitcher for latte art.

Our buyer’s guide will give you information on what to look for when shopping for the best latte art pitcher for your home coffee bar.

Capacity

Capacity is one of the most important features of a latte art pitcher. Milk frothing pitchers come in a wide range of sizes, but not all will work right for you. The range of sizes that we see most often starts at 6 ounces and goes as big as 34 ounces. There are two ways that you determine the proper size pitcher for making latte art.

First, you need to know how big your drinks are. You will want your best milk-frothing pitcher to be two to three times larger than the size of the cup your drink is in. Most people choose a milk-frothing pitcher with a capacity between 12 and 20 ounces.

Second, you’ll need to consider your espresso machine when you’re selecting the best pitcher for latte art.

Making latte art is dependent on the creation of microfoam. The frothing wand of your espresso machine needs to be at the right depth in the milk for microfoam production. If your milk frothing pitcher isn’t big enough or if it’s too big, you’ll not get the right result.

Too much milk will take longer than necessary to foam, and too little milk and you will end up with a firm foam that is best for cortados or cappuccinos.

If you aren’t confident about how much milk is correct for your latte art pitcher, look for one with markings that show you the ideal level for filling.

Material

Stainless steel is by far the best material for the best milk-frothing pitchers. Stainless steel is easy to clean but is also durable enough to withstand the heat from your espresso steamer.

Stainless steel is great for retaining heat, but it can get hot to the touch, so look for a stainless steel pitcher that has a handle or a silicone heat-resistant coating.

Spout Shape

Next to capacity, the most important factor you need to consider if you’re buying a pitcher for making latte art is the shape of the pitcher’s spout. Not every milk-frothing pitcher will work for making works of art in your coffee.

If you are experienced at making latte art already, the spout shape may not matter much, but for beginners, the right-shaped pouring spout is a must.

There are three different spout shapes. Each is best for different kinds of latte art. Depending on what kind of design or shape you want to create, you’ll want a differently shaped spout on your milk frothing pitcher.

  • Sharp or narrow spouts are perfect for intricate designs. This spout shape is the best milk frothing pitcher for more experienced home baristas. Shapes that work great with the narrow spout include swans and rosettes.
  • Classic-shaped spouts are suitable for a wide range of designs and latte art. These are the best pitchers for latte art if you don’t want to invest in a bunch of different pitchers. You may not get the same level of detail with this spout shape, but it does allow you to learn and experiment without a bunch of stuff.
  • Wide spouts are a nice beginner shape. These milk-frothing pitchers are best for latte art that is simple and blobby. You’ll use a wide spout for making tulips and hearts.

The Handle

Many experienced baristas prefer to use a pitcher that doesn’t have a handle. No handle gives you a lot of control over how you are pouring your foam.

However, you have to have the right milk frothing pitcher if you pick one without a handle. Make sure it has a heat-resistant coating like Teflon or silicone if you want a dishwasher-safe option. If you don’t mind hand washing your latte pitcher, look for one with a cool leather or cork wrap.

If you are just beginning to experiment with latte art, you will want to select a pitcher with a handle. The handle should be comfortable to hold. We like milk frothing pitchers that have a rubber or silicone handle for added grip and protection from heat.

Width

Microfoam, the silky, fine-textured milk that is used for latte art is created when pressurized steam creates a whirlpool in your pitcher. If your pitcher is too narrow, the whirlpool cannot form and you’re stuck using runny, warm milk or thick foam.

When selecting the best pitcher for latte art, make sure that it is wide enough for milk to properly circulate in the pitcher.

Design

There really isn’t a whole lot of variation to milk frothing pitchers. So, design isn’t a huge consideration when shopping for the best pitcher for latte art.

If you are wanting something a little different than just a plain stainless steel pitcher, check out options that come with fun-colored exterior coatings. This is also a great way to designate different kinds of milk.

Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Milk Pitchers

IMAGEPRODUCTDETAILS
dstblcr-table__imageMotta Europa Milk Frothing Pitcher
  • Stainless Steel
  • 160-960ml
  • Dishwasher Safe
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dstblcr-table__imageFellow Eddy Steaming Pitcher
  • Polished Steel
  • 530ml
  • Measurement dots for accuracy
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
dstblcr-table__imageBrewista Smart Pour Frothing Pitcher
  • Stainless Steel
  • 600ml
  • Non-stick coating
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dstblcr-table__imageApexstone Espresso Steaming Pitcher
  • Matt Black
  • 600ml
  • Curved pour spout
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dstblcr-table__imageZOWIE KING Milk Steaming Pitcher
  • Stainless Steel
  • 400ml
  • Dripless Spout
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The 5 Best Milk Frothing Pitchers for Latte Art 

1. Motta Europa Milk Frothing Pitcher

Our favorite milk frothing pitcher is the Motta Europa milk frothing pitcher. It is the best pitcher for latte art, and it comes from the home of espresso and lattes – Italy. You can’t go wrong buying a milk frothing pitcher that comes from Italy.

Espresso is a staple in Italy so it just makes sense that the best latte art pitcher is a beautiful work of Italian kitchenware.

The Motta Europa comes in four different sizes. The smaller 8.5-ounce and 11.8-ounce pitchers are perfect for making beautiful lattes at home. The design of this pitcher makes it perfect for steaming milk.

The wide button allows for whirlpool development that is necessary for making perfect microfoam. The deep and narrow spout is ideal for making bold or delicate latte art.

This is a nice robust pitcher made from thicker stainless steel than you’ll find in many other pitchers. The pitcher has a functional handle that allows you to pour from a range of positions.

Pros

  • Made from food-grade stainless steel that is durable and long-lasting.
  • Ergonomic handle is heat resistant and offers a versatile grip.
  • Four different sizes for a range of drinks and uses.
  • Easy pour duck bill spout is perfect for latte art

Cons

  • This pitcher is a little more expensive than other options.
  • No fun color options with this pitcher.
  • No graduated markings inside the pitcher for easy measuring.

2. Fellow Eddy Steaming Pitcher

This sleek-looking milk frothing pitcher is a great addition to your home coffee bar. Not only does the Fellow Eddy look amazing on your counter, but it works great for making delicate latte art designs. The Fellow Eddy comes in two material options, stainless steel or graphite. We, however, prefer the stainless steel option

The unique thing about this pitcher is that it doesn’t have a structured spout. Instead, this pitcher has a fluted spout that is more like a crease in the metal than a spout. This design allows microfoam to gently tip out of the pitcher and is perfect for making delicate works of art in your cup.

The fluted body of the Fellow Eddy allows milk to spin smoother and faster for a more consistent and delicate microfoam. The ergonomically designed handle is perfect for controlled pouring and a secure grip. The graduated markings make it easy to pour the perfect amount of milk for your coffee drinks, without waste.

Pros

  • The fluted spout is perfect for making delicate latte art
  • The ribbon handle is open-ended to accommodate all hands and pouring preferences.
  • Inside graduations are clearly marked and easy to read.

Cons

  • There are only two size options
  • Not great for larger volume drinks
  • This is one of the higher-priced pitchers we considered.

3. Brewista Smart Pour Frothing Pitcher

With a nice narrow spout, the Brewista Smart Pour frothing pitcher is the perfect addition to your latte art tools. This beautifully made pitcher mimics the ones used in coffee-making competitions. However, the affordable price makes it a perfect addition to your home coffee bar.

The Brewista comes in a delicate design with an ergonomic open-ended handle. The handle provides a nice grip and good pour control so you can easily perfect your latte artwork. Inside this stainless steel pitcher, you’ll find easy-to-read graduations so you pour the perfect amount of milk every time.

We like that the Brewista comes in two color options: white and stainless steel. This makes the Brewista a perfect companion to your home coffee tools.

Pros

  • The handle is perfectly aligned with the spout for better pouring control and a comfortable grip.
  • Interior graduations are laser etched so they’ll never wear off.
  • 300 series, food-grade stainless steel graduations

Cons

  • Not ideal for larger-size coffee drinks.
  • Only comes in 12 and 20-ounce options.

4. Apexstone Espresso Steaming Pitcher

The Apexstone Espresso steaming pitcher is a really affordable option that works surprisingly well for making delicate latte art. Made from 304 food-grade stainless steel, the Apexstone comes in silver or black options.

The unique dripless spout makes pouring frothed milk controlled and smooth, which is perfect for creating beautiful latte art.

The etched interior graduations are ideal for pouring the perfect amount of milk for a variety of drink options. The stainless steel construction means that not only is it durable and long-lasting, but the Apexstone steaming pitcher is also easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

Pros

  • Easy-to-read measurement markings reduce milk waste
  • Made from durable and stylish 304 food-grade stainless steel
  • Two finish options and 3 different sizes

Cons

  • The lightweight construction isn’t as durable
  • The design is very basic

5. ZOWIE KING Milk Steaming Pitcher

Like the name, the Zowie King milk steaming pitcher is a fun and unique take on the milk frothing pitcher. This nicely made pitcher features a narrow spout for controlled pouring and delicate latte art designs.

The unique shape of this pitcher allows for good whirlpool development which gives you a delicate microfoam. The simple handle design is easy to hold and does not get hot, even though it has two connection points.

Under the fun colors, this pitcher is made from high-quality 304 food-grade stainless steel. The interior of this pitcher has two sets of etched measurement markings so it’s one of the easiest to read.

Pros

  • One of the few milk-frothing pitchers that have two sets of engraved measurements inside the pitcher
  • Made from durable 304 stainless steel
  • Fun finishes for every personality
  • Comes in three sizes

Cons

  • The handle alignment was off, so the pouring wasn’t as comfortable.
  • The measurements can be difficult to read on the colored pitchers.

Milk Frothing Pitcher for Latte Art – FAQs

What’s the Best Milk for Latte Art?

This is a really important question to answer. If your milk isn’t right, you’ll struggle to make a good foam and you’ll be frustrated when your art doesn’t last. Professional baristas use milk with higher fat content.

Air mixes well with higher fat-content milk, making a nice smooth and fluffy foam. For the best latte art, use whole dairy milk, soy milk, or oat milk. These all have plenty of fat content to make a great foam for latte art.

Do You Really Need a Pitcher for Latte Art?

If you are committed to making latte art, you will want to invest in a good milk-frothing pitcher. Just as other artists do, buying the right tools for the trade makes a big difference in how your latte art turns out.

You can create latte art without a pitcher, but there are other benefits to a milk-frothing pitcher than just great latte art. Your milk frothing pitcher keeps steamed and frothed milk warm, provides control, and is a good way to measure milk so you don’t have waste.

How Much Milk Goes in a Latte Art Pitcher?

Typically, most people settle on a 12-ounce milk frothing pitcher. This is plenty for creating a beautiful and delicious latte. The exact amount of milk that you will use depends on the type and size of the drink you are making.

For best results, you’ll want to fill the pitcher around two-thirds of the way full. Make sure to leave a couple of inches at the top so your foam can expand without spilling.

Final Thoughts

Our recommended milk frothing pitcher for latte art is the Motta Europa milk frothing pitcher. This beautifully designed pitcher from Italy has a perfect pouring spout for a range of coffee art creations.

From hearts to leaves and flowers, this pitcher does an amazing job of controlling your pour for perfect foam creations. Made from sturdy and durable stainless steel, this pitcher is long-lasting and easy to clean.

About The Author

Jason Gass

Jason Gass is a Colorado based freelance writer and blogger whose goal is to share a good cup of coffee and great stories around a campfire with close friends. When he’s not working, he spends most of his time traveling, searching for the best breweries, and road-tripping in his teardrop trailer with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.

Just so you know, if you click on a product on DrinkStack.com and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.


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