A milk frother, or milk foamer, may seem like a luxury, but it can actually be an affordable appliance that helps save you money. If you think a fancy automatic espresso machine is the only way to make café-level drinks at home, think again. When you pair an electric milk frother with a simple stovetop espresso maker—or moka pot—you can make your own lattes in minutes without spending money at a café. In fact, you can add frothed milk to any drink you want: make a café au lait with brew from your drip coffee maker or a London Fog with your Earl Grey tea and hot water from the electric kettle.

In addition to a milk frother being a great new addition to your kitchen, it is also a great gift to give to someone. Milk foamers are right up there with juicers and toaster ovens when it comes to finding the top kitchen appliances for thoughtful gift giving. Whether it's for a coffee enthusiast, a tea lover or someone who simply enjoys a touch of luxury in their beverages, giving an electric milk frother as a present can turn an ordinary morning ritual into a delightful experience.

Consider the features available when choosing your electric milk frother. Having adjustable temperature and froth levels allows you to meet the specific needs of the drink you are making. The cold froth feature is ideal for making frappes and other iced drinks. If you go that route, keep things cool with gourmet ice from an ice maker. Additionally, the hot froth settings can bring you a perfect cappuccino or a delicious flat white. Brand may also be important to you. For instance, if you are pairing your milk frother with a Keurig coffee maker, you could consider the Keurig milk foamer options.

If espresso is an everyday ritual for you, you may want to invest in a full espresso machine someday, like a semi-automatic espresso maker or a combination espresso machine. However, a milk frother can help you expand your drink options right now. Moreso and similar to other small kitchen appliances, a milk frother takes up very little space in your kitchen. Whether you prefer a sleek and sophisticated black milk frother or a lustrous silver milk frother, either option should make a great addition to your home.