Affiliate Disclosure: As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases when you buy from the links on this page. This does not cost our readers anything extra and allows us to continue making these guides.
Looking for the best pitcher for latte art? You've come to the right place.
In this article, we're going to give you the top 10 options to buy along with all the little details you need to know!
Let's begin...
Best Milk Frothing Pitchers for Latte Art
The best pitcher suited to your needs depends on your experience, lifestyle, and how many drinks you plan on making at a time. While there will be some commonalities between all the choices on this list, you shouldn't jump at the first one you see! Let's take a look at some milk pitchers on the market and which one will complement your style.
The first pitcher on our list is this well-rounded entry from De'Longhi. This brand is already quite popular for its home coffee machines and kitchen appliances. This milk pitcher ticks off many of the basics you should expect in your purchase. Its stainless steel design means you won't have to worry about rusting or discoloration, while its narrow spout is ideal for fine detail. The size is on the smaller side, which is no problem at all if you're making just one or two drinks at a time. Stick this in the dishwasher or wash it by hand: either way is fine!
Who Should Buy This?
Baristas-in-training, passionate homebrewers and professional commercial espresso machine users will all love this milk pitcher. It's a solid basic tool with few bells and whistles. However, more experienced or experimental brewers should hold off for later entries on this list.
Need a little more help with your latte art? Take your milk pitcher a step up with the Apexstone Steaming Pitcher, designed with a visual boost: written measurements inside the cup. This tiny detail will make or break a sale depending on your skill level. While an experienced coffee brewer or barista will be able to 'eyeball it', a beginner may be intimidated by the subtlety that comes with measuring milk. This measurement system is written inside the cup, meaning you won't have to break your work flow as you aerate your milk. All in all, this is a smooth piece of equipment that will make you wonder why you ever settled for less.
Who Should Buy This?
Similar to our first entry, this is a good tool for beginners and experienced coffee brewers alike. Its simple design and useful internal measurement make it a solid entry for your equipment counter.
If the first two entries were too minimalistic for your tastes, you'll love this one. This milk frothing pitcher comes with a few extra pieces of equipment to liven up your coffee sessions. Alongside the latte art pitcher, this set comes with a powder shaker and a pull needle. The former item is ideal for patting on a dusting of cinnamon, nutmeg, or powdered sugar onto your creation. The latter item is also known as a latte art pen and lets you draw more elaborate designs into the drink. Not content to end here, this set also has a staggering sixteen cappuccino art templates. If you're a creative soul itching to express yourself in your morning coffee, this set is a must-have. All of the supplies are made with stainless steel and are easy to clean with a little soap and water.
Who Should Buy This?
Artistic coffee brewers who want to try their hand at more complex latte art should get this set ASAP. The sheer variety you'll achieve with the powder shaker and the pull needle is off-the-charts. If you're still sharpening your barista skills, the cappuccino templates will make it easy to pop cute designs onto each drink.
Are you weary of the uniform stainless steel look among many coffee supplies? Toss in some color with this dashingly iridescent latte art pitcher. All of the high notes you should expect with a milk pitcher are in this purchase. You have quality stainless steel, a flexible 12 oz size, and an internal ruler for easy measuring. There's even a handy latte art pen to help you create more professional latte art! The biggest difference is the rainbow coloration coating the pitcher from top to bottom. The glossy rainbow would fit nicely into a colorful kitchen space and break up the monotony that comes with endless rows of silver.
Who Should Buy This?
This is a standard milk pitcher with a handy pen and a colorful design, making it ideal for coffee artists who crave a spot of color. All of the basics for frothing milk and pouring latte art are here, so beginners should consider this purchase, too.
No need to stop there! If rainbow is a little too much for your tastes, these frothing pitchers come in a dazzling set of colors to help you mix-and-match. Let's nail down the basics first: these are your average frothing pitchers with stainless steel constructions and a nicely designed tapered spout. They're dishwasher friendly and have enough room to make two or three drinks at a time (depending on the size!). Ruler etchings inside the pitcher give you an easy measurement of the milk inside. Alongside the typical silver, you can choose from a matte black, gold, or rose gold coloration. The Zulay logo is carefully etched into the material, but not so obvious it overshadows the overall design.
Who Should Buy This?
Due to the simple design and high quality stainless steel, these frothing pitchers fit all skill sets. What really sets this entry apart is the gorgeous color variations of black, gold, and rose gold. Mix things up to your heart's content as you make the perfect cup.
Now for the reigning champion of coffee drinks. This milk frothing pitcher set is loaded with accessories that turn every coffee session into an art session. This set lays claim to one of the best milk frothing pitchers we've ever seen. Not only do you have the stainless steel design and internal measurement features, you also have a built-in thermometer. This useful detail is located near the bottom where the heat will be at its strongest, allowing you to gauge how hot your steamed milk is at a glance. The best temperature for hot coffee wavers between 190 degrees and 205 degrees. Too cold and you risk a bland, mild flavor. Too hot and you increase your chances of a bitter cup. Most milk jugs don't have this feature, which immediately caught our eye: this model has different color stripes to let you judge the best temperature for different milk types. You have blue for whole milk, yellow for less fatty milk, and green for soy milk.
Who Should Buy This?
Experienced coffee brewers who want as much convenience as possible will love this set. It has all the necessary details in one handy place: temperature, measurement, and milk differential.
This entry is a subtle, fine-tuned creation. If you've tried your hand at latte art before, you're likely familiar with the urge to tilt your cup to see the milk inside. This latte art pitcher saves you the trouble with an already tilted cup design. It's a simple touch that goes a long way and turns an average frothing pitcher into something special. With a quintessentially sharp spout and grade 304 stainless steel, you just can't go wrong. Even better? You're not limited when it comes to colors! Choose between matte black, white, silver, copper, blue, or rainbow ombre. This level of customizability would make some fine barista swag for a friend or family member.
Who Should Buy This?
Artsy coffee brewers with an eye for design, this is the purchase for you. This is the cutest and easiest pitcher to use for steamed milk.
Why settle for just one? These latte art pitchers come in a three-set to tackle all your cappuccino, cortado, and latte needs. Made of 304 stainless steel and boasting a tapered spout design, these are some of the easiest pitchers to fall in love with. The lack of accessories will be appealing to those that want to focus on simple coffee art. The sizes come in 8oz, 12oz, and 20oz to help you tackle different orders more efficiently.
Who Should Buy This?
Training baristas that want to try their hand at different drinks will appreciate the variety in sizes. This is also a great pack for large families that like to make several drinks at one time.
Are you a fan of traditional macchiatos and cortados? You may find the standard milk pitcher size a little too large for your liking. Enter the eHomeA2Z bell creamer shot set. These delicate, tiny pitchers are a world apart from their latte-focused counterparts. They come in 3oz, 5oz, and 8oz sizes that make them well-suited to smaller drinks. Alongside macchiatos and cortados, they can be used to serve creamer, syrup, or sauces. Who says the best milk frothing pitcher has to be enormous? The stainless steel design ensures you won't have to worry about rust or lingering, stale flavors. The spout shape is still tapered to allow for easy pouring and a wonderful coffee experience. Before you ask: yes, you can even make latte art in a tiny shot glass!
Who Should Buy This?
If you're a barista that wants a strong handle on a standard coffee menu, you'll want to practice with these dainty beauties. Coffee drinkers who love more espresso-focused drinks such as the macchiato, cortado, and flat white will also favor these. The small size makes pouring a little easier, which is everything in the latte art world!
Do you have wrist or hand issues that make it difficult to grip everyday items? This milk frothing pitcher is an accessible variation on the basic design that may interest you. Foaming milk has never been easier with the HOMEEE milk frothing pitcher. You've got the quintessential stainless steel design and internal measurement that characterizes most entries on this list. The size is on the smaller side: ideal for lattes and flat whites, but perhaps too small for cappuccinos. What sets this entry apart is the heat-resistant grip sleeve. Replacing the handle, it's perfectly aligned with the unique needs of diligent baristas and home workers. You won't have to worry about rusting, staining, or cracking with this model! You can also choose from sharper spouts or a more rounded tip.
Who Should Buy This?
Coffee brewers who have mobility issues and struggle with a firm grip will appreciate this model. The silicone sleeve pushes back heat and allows you to hold, twist, and turn your cup without slipping.
General Milk Pitcher Questions
Now that you've whittled down the best milk frothing pitcher for your needs, it's time to understand how it works. While some coffee rules can seem arbitrary, there's a reason why certain pieces of equipment are so popular. With a good milk pitcher, you'll level up your latte art journey to brand new heights.
What's one of the best things about a good drink? Beautiful art! Finding the best milk frothing pitcher for latte art is how you make it easier to enjoy this wonderful detail.
From creamy cappuccinos to chai tea, latte art is a catch-all term for beautiful designs drawn into microfoam. Entire competitions and fields of study are dedicated to this brilliant art form (such as the Italian Barista Association). You're likely already familiar with the classic leaf design, though you can technically draw anything once you practice more. What kind of milk is best for latte art?
Can you make latte art with any kind of foam? We're going to dive deep into this mundane delight and get you started on the path to latte greatness.
Do You Need a Pitcher for Latte Art?
"Does milk pitcher affect latte art?" is a common question asked by coffee lovers. Just like a painter will seek out the highest-quality paintbrushes for an oil painting, so too should you invest in appropriate tools to boost your technique. While you can technically make nice art without a pitcher, a good quality pitcher is an indispensable tool in your coffee brewing set-up. It will give you the ability to enjoy several elements at once, such as:
- Measuring out your milk quickly and efficiently so you won't waste product
- Improved fine control for creating detailed latte art
- Heat retention to keep the milk from getting cold too quickly
Additional features that will add value to your purchase include (but aren't limited to):
- Measurement table inside or outside the cup
- Accessories such as spoons or thermometers
- Dishwasher safe materials
- Silicone grip for easy handling
- Tapered or rounded spout shapes
Can You Steam Milk in a Glass Pitcher?
It's more than possible to steam milk in a glass pitcher or cup. Glass is good at retaining heat and even easier to clean. Just be careful about holding a glass handle, as this material gets very hot very quickly.
Can You Make Latte Art With Milk Frothers?
Absolutely! With a little practice, you can create some seriously complex illustrations with just your latte art pitcher. Much of latte art comes down to using the right amount of milk and getting the ideal texture. Milk with too much air will come out frothy and have a hard time blending into the coffee. On the other hand, milk that is too runny will fail to 'stick' in a design. While a latte art pen is a great tool for fine design, it's recommended you get comfortable designing with your stainless steel pitcher first. Save the pen for when you want to round out your final details.
What Milk is Best for Latte Art?
This is the question to end all questions in the coffee space. Steaming milk is difficult enough without adding new varieties to the mix! A good rule-of-thumb when choosing milk jugs is to go for more fatty milk: think whole milk, oat milk, and soy milk. Fat mixes well with air and creates a creamier, fluffier result. To compare, rice milk and almond milk are a little more tricky. Not only will you need to aerate a little longer with your steaming wand, your art won't hold its shape quite as well as other variations. With a little extra practice, you'll still be able to make stunning art.
How Much Milk do You Put in a Latte Art Pitcher?
The average stainless steel pitcher is 12 oz. How much milk you'll need depends on the drink you're making and the quantity, but it's good to leave at least a few inches of space. Having a little room gives your milk the ability to fluff and froth up without spilling over. If you're making a cappuccino, leave at least half of the milk pitcher empty.
What Size Milk Frothing Pitcher is Best?
The standard frothing milk pitcher will be 12 oz, which is great for making one to three drinks at a time. If you like to serve multiple people at once, consider getting a 20oz. You can also get different latte art pitchers and dedicate them to different milk jugs. Whatever makes your set-up feel the most natural!
Can I Put a Frothing Pitcher on Stove Top?
It is not recommended you put your latte art pitcher on your stove top. While the latte art pitcher is designed to retain heat, you'll enjoy the best flavor by keeping it to your steam wand. Putting your pitcher on the stove will run the risk of burning the milk or burning your hand. If you don't have a microwave and want to keep your milk warm, only use the lowest heat setting on your stove. It's better to be safe than sorry!
Why do Baristas Pour Milk Into Another Pitcher?
You may be familiar with baristas pouring milk into another pitcher while making latte art. This process is sometimes dubbed 'folding the milk' due to how it helps sort the air from the fat. Precise pouring is best done with a very even milk consistency. Sadly, steaming milk tends to rise air to the top and create an uneven clumping effect. Failing to mix the milk in time will lead to even more clumping, hence why baristas will pour their milk into different pitchers to mix things up. Over time, you'll learn how to recombine milk to maintain its consistency and improve your art.
Wrap Up
Coffee art is delicious
and delightful. It adds a touch of whimsy to a mundane drink, transforming it into an experience you're eager to taste again. A basic milk frothing pitcher should come with the following traits:
- Stainless steel design for easy clean-up and durability
- Spout shapes with a fine point
- A size suited to your needs (12oz for lattes or cappuccinos, 3oz or 5oz for macchiatos or cortados)
Your milk frothing pitcher can also come with a few handy additions such as:
- Internal ruler for easy measurement
- External thermometer
- Dripless spout
- Teflon coating
- Thick walls for heat retention
Do you need help picking out supplies for your home, office, or cafe set-up? Reach out to our live chat or send us a message. We're ready to help you narrow down your options and start pouring latte art in style.
Affiliate Disclaimer: MajestyCoffee.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases when you buy from the links on some of our pages.
*Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates
Ask an Expert
Buy with Confidence. Contact Our Experts Today. M-F 10am - 6pm EST
📞 888-978-5224
Tony Barlow, with over a decade of experience in the coffee industry, is the go-to technical sales expert at Majesty Coffee. He's passionate about helping businesses find the right espresso equipment for their needs.
