Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Chiana Dickson

Stop Compromising on Your Cappuccino – This $50 Gadget Makes Barista-Level Foam in 30 Seconds

A black handheld milk foamer against a white diamond. A dark blue diamond beside it with a white & sign inside it. .

You can't beat proper barista-brewed coffee, but those daily coffee shop trips can add up, costing hundreds over the course of a year without you even realizing it.

Luckily, you don't have to settle for a subpar cup when brewing coffee at home or on the go with the Subliminal NanoFoamer from Amazon, which can turn an average cup of joe into a luxurious treat in just 30 seconds.

It's tiny but mighty, producing beautifully silky milk foam for cafe-quality foam art or simply a stunningly smooth brew, whether you're using the best non-toxic coffee maker at home or in the office.

How a NanoFoamer Can Instantly Improve Your Coffee Game

When we think of silky coffee, we think of steaming milk with a steam wand or a bulky milk frother taking up precious space on the kitchen counter. However, you don't need either to improve your coffee game – and the Subminimal NanoFoamer from Amazon proves it.

Measuring just 1.4"W x 9.4"H, this tiny tool slots easily into bags and travel packs, and slots seamlessly into small kitchen storage without getting in the way of your everyday essentials, so you can enjoy coffee shop coffee anywhere, any time.

Such a small device might not sound powerful enough to make much of a difference (and don't get us wrong, unlike the full-sized SMEG Milk Frother we reviewed, it won't heat your milk for you), but it can whip up some seriously smooth foam in just 30 seconds. We haven't had the chance to test it ourselves, but the verified customer reviews speak for themselves.

With over 750 five-star reviews, shoppers have praised the consistency, battery life, and performance. One shopper, Christopher Skinner, shared in their five-star review, ' As a bit of a coffee addict, traveling sucks sometimes. Sure, I can get a cappuccino at a coffee shop, but not before I wake up, get showered, get dressed, and drag my tired self out the door. With this frother, some shelf-stable milk, a few Nespresso pods, and a cup, I can whip up a tasty cappuccino or latte before I try to get my day started.

'The two screens let you choose your foam texture, which is nice; the finer one is more like a micro foam, while the coarser one is closer to what you’ll get with a more traditional, whisk-type frother. The travel cover is a brilliant addition, keeping the extra screen within easy reach and protecting the whole setup. I didn’t worry once about things getting damaged in my backpack. Definitely worth the $50 price tag.'

The tool is completely rechargeable, cutting out battery waste. (Image credit: Subminimal)

What sets the NanoFoamer apart from traditional milk whisks is the ability to produce microfoam, which is on par with professional coffee shops. It blends the milk into a velvety, smooth texture that mixes more evenly with espresso, while whisks can leave milk on the thinner side. This makes foam art nearly impossible when making a cappuccino at home or making a latte at home, and is harder to mix in.

The trick lies in the method. To use the NanoFoamer, you select your screen size (the included super fine NanoScreen is best for a super smooth microfoam) and churn the milk for at least 20 seconds, starting in the middle of your milk before moving to the side for a consistent blend. Then, simply pour it into your coffee. The longer you churn, the thicker your milk will become.

It's multi-purpose too. To quickly mix up drink powders (including matcha) or protein drinks, unclip the NanoScreen and whisk as normal. To clean, a quick rinse in water is more than enough.

What to Shop

The perfect cup of coffee is not just about having the best non-toxic coffee maker to hand or the best beans, but also the vital tools that takes standard drink to a luxurious one. Here's my selection of small coffee tools that bring big impact to taste and enjoyment of your favorite brew.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.


These are just a few of the coffee bar essentials we recommend to level up your brewing game. Next, check out how to choose coffee beans for the best cup.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.