if you are in the market for a Nespresso machine that can do both espresso and milk based drinks, you’ll find yourself torn between two options:
- Do you buy a Nespresso machine bundled with an Aeroccino milk frother?
- Or do you buy a Nespresso with a built-in milk frother, such as the Lattissima models?
- There’s also the option of using a classic steam wand instead of a frother.
Here, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each method for frothing milk to help you decide between an Aeroccino or Lattissima machine with built-in frother.
The Takeaway
In a hurry? Here’s the digest:
- Both Aeroccino and Lattissima frother make similar style of froth. There’s no real difference in the taste of froth you’re getting from either. Lattissima’s more airy froth and Aeroccino’s is creamier.
- Aeroccino is a one-button operation but for milk frothing only. Adding the milk froth to your coffee or adjusting the density is manual. Lattissima is a fully automatic operation from milk frothing to coffee brewing, it does it all with a press of a button.
Aeroccino vs Lattissima – The Differences
I’ll get straight to the point – how does the froth from each frother compares?
Froth Style and Quality:
Since we are talking about frothers, the most important factor is froth quality of each frother.
There’s no noticeable difference between the froth Aeroccino or Lattissima creates. Lattissima’s froth looks denser and more airy, because unlike the Aeroccino, it doesn’t use whisks to whip up the milk. Taste wise, they’re not much different, but it will come down to the texture of froth you prefer.
Performance and Usage:
the Aeroccino is a device independent of your coffee maker, so you’re frothing the milk and adding it to your cup manually. But with the Lattissima, it’s all done automatically, all you have to do is select a preset recipe and the machine will measure the correct amount of milk and pour it to your cup.
When it comes to adjusting the froth density, it’s done differently in each device:
- If you’re using an Aeroccino 3, you’ll have to use a whisk with a spring or without it to adjust the density. so it’s done manually.
- On an Aeroccino 4, there’s no need to switch whisks. The frother has several froth selections and uses a single whisk only.
- With a Lattissima, there is no whisk. There’s a knob on top of each Lattissima frother that you can dial to adjust the froth density.
Learn about the difference between Nespresso frother whisks here.
Purchase and Price
Aeroccino frothers are sold either separately or bundled with a Nespresso machine. If you choose to get an Aeroccino as a bundle, you are practically paying nothing for it. But only Aeroccino 3 is available for bundle deals, if you prefer an Aeroccino 4, you have to buy it individually.
Lattissima frothers, on the other hand, are built-in devices. They are part of the machine and it’s not something you can buy individually. And overall, Lattissima machines by DeLonghi are more expensive than Nespresso machines with Aeroccino frothers. But with Lattissima, you are getting full automation including preset recipes and frothing, so you are definitely getting your money’s worth.
Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother
The Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother is a great way to enjoy barista-style drinks at home. This device makes it easy to whip up creamy and smooth cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos and more. It’s a great addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen.
Ease of Use:
One of the main benefits of the Aeroccino Milk Frother is that it is extremely versatile and easy to use. This device can be used with any type of milk, including soy or almond. It works quickly and easily to give you a delicious and consistent cup of frothy milk every time.
When using an Aeroccino, milk frothing is a separate task than making coffee. It usually makes one single cup of froth at a time, but if you are using a smaller size cup, you can make two cups at a time. After the milk heats and froths, you can add it to your cup to add to your coffee or other ingredients (chocolate, matcha, chai…).
Cleaning:
Overall, cleaning an Aeroccino is as simple as rinsing it out using mild detergent. If you’re using an Aeroccino 3, it’s waterproof so you can wash it under running water, but it cannot be submerged in water and it’s not dishwasher safe. On the other hand, Aeroccino 4 is waterproof and dishwasher safe.
Related: Learn about the difference between Nespresso Aeroccino 3 vs 4
Design:
The Aeroccino Milk Frother has a sleek and stylish design, making it an attractive addition to the kitchen. It doesn’t take a lot of space on your countertop, so you don’t have to worry about it if you’re limited on kitchen space. It can be used in at a home kitchen, office or dorm and it can be used with a Nespresso machine or any other machine you have. While the Aeroccino can be bundled with many Nespresso machines, it is also sold separately so anyone who needs an electric milk frother can buy it, too.
Nespresso Lattissima’s Frother
Lattissima is a line of Nespresso machines by DeLonghi. What makes them special is that they all have a built-in milk frother. But is that a better or worse than using a separate milk frother like the Aeroccino?
Ease of Use:
Having an automatic built-in milk frother is much easier than using an Aeroccino. With a machine like the Lattissima, there are several recipes programmed into the machine, and with a press of a button, not only does the machine brew your espresso, but will automatically heat and froth the exact amount of milk for that recipe, whether it’s a latte, cappuccino or a macchiato.
Most Lattissima models have a frothing jug that holds milk for several cups. These jugs are detachable, too. So you can save any left over milk in the fridge for later use.
Cleaning:
Cleaning up a Lattissima frother is very easy. Detach the frother from the machine and wash it either by hand or in the dishwasher. All Lattissima frothers are dishwasher safe, but after each use, you’ll have to run a cleaning cycle on your the frother (simple knob switch) which runs hot water through the pipe to get rid of any milk residues.
Design:
Lattissima frothers are part of the Lattissima machine, so they don’t take up any space on their own. Lattissima machines are available in several sizes and capacities, the smallest is the Lattissima One, which holds a single serve of milk only. Largest is the Gran Lattissima.
The Verdict – Which Is Better
When it comes to froth quality and style, which is probably the first thing you are wondering about here, there’s no real difference from Aeroccino vs Lattissima because both of them maker airy style froth. Lattissima’s froth seems to be more airy and dense than Aeroccino’s because of the way each device prepares the froth.
And by the way, none of them make froth that can be used for latte art, which requires micro foam steamed milk. But there’s this one hack you can try.
The real difference between these two devices is their performance and usage: the Aeroccino 3 & 4 require manual operation while Lattissima machines are automatically operated.
So, if you’re looking for an automated solution with preset recipes and no need to manually froth your milk, a Lattissima machine is the way to go. But if you prefer manual operation and don’t mind frothing the milk yourself, an Aeroccino 3 or 4 could be a better choice for you.
It all comes down to your preferences and budget, so consider both devices carefully before making a decision.
Other Frother Options to Consider:
