The Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother is a must-have kitchen accessory for any coffee lover. It’s designed to quickly and easily froth milk for cappuccinos, lattes, and other espresso drinks. With its sleek design, easy-to-use controls, and quick results, the Aeroccino Milk Frother makes it simple to enjoy your favorite beverages in the comfort of your own home.
Nespresso’s Aeroccino is usually an accessory with the majority of their espresso machines, such as CitiZ, Pixie and Inissia or even Vertuo models. But if you don’t have one of those models, it’s also available for individual purchase.
There are several models of the Aeroccino milk frother:
- Aeroccino 3,
- Aeroccino 4
- Aeroccino XL
- Barista Recipe Maker [Dedicated post on the Barista Recipe Maker vs Aeroccino 4]
Why the Aeroccino XL Is the Best Pick
If you want a model that ticks most boxes, the Aeoroccino XL is the winner:
- It’s a large 13 oz capacity frother. Something that most Nespresso users wanted for a long time.
- It’s dishwasher safe.
- It does hot and cold froth, which is everything you need for your coffee recipe.
- It is reasonably priced for its function and capacity.
Nespresso will stop selling the Aeroccino 3 individually and will replace it with the XL model. But you’ll most likely still get the Aeroccino 3 bundled with Nespresso machines.
Top Differeces in Nespresso Aeroccino Models
Froth Type
All Aeroccino frothers can prepare hot or cold froth, or hot milk without the froth.
Aeroccino 3 and Aeroccino XL can make hot froth, hot milk, or cold froth. You can’t control the density of the froth, so you are either getting froth, or hot milk only.
Aeroccino 4 has options for hot milk, cappuccino froth, Latte froth (less dense), or cold froth. So if you want to get a mid-level froth, this model is a great option.
You should expect the same quality of milk froth from either model. However, Aeroccino 3 and XL can only make high froth as its default. So you are not getting the same range of froth as the Aeroccino 4. This ultimately comes down to your own preference.
Capacity
The majority of milk frothers available on the market are a single-cup capacity. Nespresso’s Aeroccino is no different, except for the newest addition: Aeroccino XL.
The XL version is great for large milk-based coffee recipes or for making multiple coffee drinks. It has a 13 oz capacity, and you can get that full capacity if you are preparing hot milk only. For milk froth, because it doubles in size, you can use 7 oz of milk.
When compared to Areoccino 3 and 4, they have an 8 oz capacity for hot milk or 4 oz for froth.
While XL version provides the highest capacity, you don’t have to use the full capacity every time. You can use the minimum of 4 oz or 8 oz for a single cup, or up to 13 oz for hot milk.
Frothing Whisks
Aeroccino 3 and XL come with a double whisk design. If you want froth, you’ll use the whisk with the coil attached to it. If you want hot milk only, you’ll have to remove the spring coil and keep the whisk only.
The Aeroccino 4 does not require that you add or remove any attachments. This is because it has a button for each type of froth, so the frother can control the froth level by itself.
This is not a huge issue on its own. The problem is that many people tend to lose the whisk over time. It’s a small part that is easy to lose. But if you happen to lose it, it’s cheap and easy to buy a spare part.
Related: Nespresso Aeroccino Whisk Differences
Coating
The type of nonstick coating used in a frother is an important deciding factor for some users. Many people don’t appreciate the use of Teflon for nonstick properties because it chips and peels off eventually. And it’s not as long-lasting as other types of nonstick coatings.
Aeroccino 3 uses Teflon for its coating. While Aeroccino 4 and Aeroccino XL use ceramic.
Ceramic coating is more resilient, it lasts longer and does not chip easily. It is a safer material than Teflon, too.
Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning, it’s fairly easy to clean all Aeroccino models.
Aeroccino 3 can be hand-washed only. You can run it under running water, but you can’t submerge it in it. You can say it is ‘splash-safe’ at best.
Aeroccino 4 and Aeroccino XL are dishwasher safe. You can wash them by hand, submerge them in water, or put them in a dishwasher. That includes the jug, the lid, the seal and the whisks.
Design
Aeroccino 4 has the best design out of these three models. It has a stainless steel body with a nice handle for an easy pour.
Aeroccino 3 uses a plastic housing without a handle. But it remains cool to touch, so you can hold it safely without any problems.
Aeroccino XL uses a similar design to the Aeroccino 3. It uses plastic housing, too, but has a narrower bottom to help you get a better grip on the frother for an easier pour.
Keep in mind that the XL model is larger, so you need that narrow grip to be able to hold it fully with your hand.
Nespresso Aeroccino 4 vs Refresh
You’ll notice that Aeroccino 4 is now called Aeroccino 4 Refresh. Here’s what changed:
The main difference between the two models is their design.
The Aeroccino 4 Refresh has a more modern and stylish look, as well as an improved handle for easy pouring. Instead of having the button selection on the bottom base, it is now moved up to the jug itself, which means you’ll have a smaller base that takes less space.
Dimensions:
The older version of the Aeroccino 4 is LxWxH 7.08 x 7.08 x 8.26 inches. The refreshed model measures 4″ diameter x 7.5″ h.
Design:
Other than the redesigned control buttons, the construction of the jug is the same stainless steel finish with a ceramic nonstick interior.
There’s a slight redesign in the handle, too. It has been slightly raised to give you a more ergonomic grip and pour.
Is Nespresso Aeroccino 4 Being Replaced by the new Aeroccino 4 Refresh Model?
Yes, that’s exactly what is happening here. Nespresso has refreshed the design of the Aeroccino 4 to give you a better experience, and it is replacing the older design. Nespresso no longer sells the older model on its website. You might find the older Aeroccino 4 sold at some other retailers, but for the most part, you’ll see the new design and it will be sold under the model name Aeroccino 4.
Which Aeroccino Is Best?
– Aeroccino 4 is my second pick. It has a stainless steel housing, it is dishwasher safe and it does not require that you switch up whisks. But it’s a single-cup capacity and more expensive than the XL model.
– The Aeroccino 3, would be okay as a bundle deal. It still makes great milk froth, but I don’t like that it has a Teflon coating or that you need to change the whisk to alter the foam density. This one is not worth buying individually, not at full price at least.
