Nespresso Aeroccino 3 vs 4: Which Milk Frother Is Better?

Are you a coffee lover who likes to enjoy frothy and creamy milk in your espresso drinks? If so, you might be interested in Nespresso Aeroccino milk frothers, which are designed to froth milk hot and cold with ease.

However, with two main models available, the Aeroccino 3 and 4, you may wonder which one to choose. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the Aeroccino 3 vs 4 in terms of their design, features, milk frothing performance, ease of use and cleaning, price, and value, to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in!

Nespresso Aeroccino 3 vs 4: Which Milk Frother Is Better?

Design and Features

The first thing to consider when choosing a milk frother is its design and features, which can affect its usability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. In terms of size, the Aeroccino 3 is more compact than the Aeroccino 4, with a diameter of 9cm and a height of 17cm, compared to 7 inches in diameter and 8.25 inches in height for the Aeroccino 4. This means that the Aeroccino 3 takes up less space on your countertop and is easier to store when not in use. However, the Aeroccino 4 has a more elegant and sturdy appearance, thanks to its stainless steel housing, which also makes it more durable and resistant to scratches and stains. By contrast, the Aeroccino 3 has a plastic housing that comes in three stylish colors: red, white, and black, but may look less premium and more prone to discoloration over time.

Another key difference between the Aeroccino 3 and 4 is the number and type of milk options available. While both models can froth hot and cold milk, the Aeroccino 4 offers four milk options, including airy warm froth for cappuccinos, dense warm froth for latte macchiato, hot milk for latte, and cold milk froth for iced coffee, which can cater to different tastes and preferences. By contrast, the Aeroccino 3 has a single button that can froth milk hot or cold, but doesn’t offer any customization or variation in the froth texture or temperature. Moreover, the Aeroccino 4 has four buttons at the base for each milk option, which makes it more intuitive and user-friendly, while the Aeroccino 3 only has one button that you need to press and hold to switch between hot and cold modes.

In terms of whisk types and detachable base, the Aeroccino 3 and 4 share some similarities and differences. Both models come with a single whisk that can be used for all milk options, which saves you the hassle of changing whisks or attachments. However, the Aeroccino 4 has a more advanced whisk design that can produce different froth textures and densities for each milk option, thanks to its spinning mechanism that creates a vortex effect. By contrast, the Aeroccino 3 has a simpler whisk that relies on steam to froth the milk, which may result in less consistent froth quality and more noise during operation. Additionally, the Aeroccino 4 has a detachable base that makes it easier to pour and serve the frothed milk, while the Aeroccino 3 doesn’t have this feature and requires you to lift the jug manually.

One of the key differences between the Nespresso Aeroccino 3 and the Aeroccino 4 is their dishwasher safety. The Aeroccino 4 has a dishwasher-safe design, which means that you can easily clean it in the dishwasher without worrying about damaging the device. This feature can be particularly useful for busy coffee lovers who want to save time and effort in cleaning their milk frother. Instead of having to hand wash the device, you can simply pop it into the dishwasher and let it do the work for you.

In contrast, the Aeroccino 3 is not dishwasher safe, which means that you have to hand wash it carefully after each use. This can be time-consuming and require more effort than simply placing it in the dishwasher. Additionally, the Aeroccino 3’s non-stick coating can be easily damaged by harsh detergents or scrubbing, which can shorten its lifespan.

In terms of energy saving, both the Aeroccino 3 and the Aeroccino 4 have the automatic shutoff function. This feature ensures that the device turns off automatically after frothing or heating milk, which can help to prevent over-heating or burning of the milk, and also save energy.

Milk Frothing Performance

Of course, the most crucial aspect of any milk frother is its ability to froth milk to perfection. So, how do the Aeroccino 3 and 4 compare in terms of milk frothing performance?

Overall, both models can froth milk quickly and efficiently, thanks to their high-quality heating elements and whisk design. However, the Aeroccino 4 has a slight edge in terms of froth quality and consistency, thanks to its spinning mechanism and milk options. For example, if you want to make a cappuccino with airy froth on top, the Aeroccino 4 can create a denser and more stable froth that doesn’t dissipate quickly, which is crucial for latte art and presentation. Similarly, if you prefer a latte with a velvety and creamy texture, the Aeroccino 4 can produce a denser and smoother froth that blends well with the coffee, without being too hot or cold.

By contrast, the Aeroccino 3 can also produce decent froth, but may not be as versatile or precise as the Aeroccino 4. Since it only has one button for hot and cold frothing, you may need to experiment with different milk volumes and temperatures to achieve the desired froth texture and consistency. Moreover, since the whisk relies on steam, you may hear some hissing and popping sounds during the frothing process, which may be annoying for some users.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Another crucial factor to consider when choosing a milk frother is its ease of use and cleaning, as nobody wants to spend too much time and effort on cleaning or operating the device. In this regard, the Aeroccino 4 has some advantages over the Aeroccino 3, but also some drawbacks.

On the positive side, the Aeroccino 4 is more user-friendly and intuitive than the Aeroccino 3, thanks to its four buttons and milk options, which allow you to select the desired froth type and temperature with ease. Additionally, the Aeroccino 4 has a convenient handle that makes it easy to pour and serve the frothed milk, without spilling or dripping. Moreover, since the base is detachable, you can clean it separately or even put it in the dishwasher, which saves you time and effort.

On the negative side, the Aeroccino 4 may be slightly more complex and demanding than the Aeroccino 3, especially if you’re not familiar with the milk options or the whisk mechanism. For example, you may need to adjust the milk volume or temperature depending on the type of froth you want to create, which requires some trial and error. Additionally, since the Aeroccino 4 has more parts and features than the Aeroccino 3, it may be more prone to malfunctions or breakdowns over time, which may require repairs or replacements.

As for the Aeroccino 3, it is relatively easy to use and clean, but may lack some of the advanced features and customization options of the Aeroccino 4. For example, since it only has one button, you don’t have much control over the froth texture or temperature, which may limit your creativity or preferences. Moreover, since the Aeroccino 3 is not dishwasher safe, you need to clean it manually with a soft cloth and warm water, which may take some time and effort.

Price and Value

Finally, let’s compare the price and value of the Aeroccino 3 and 4, as these factors can influence your decision to buy either model.

At the time of writing, the Aeroccino 4 is more expensive than the Aeroccino 3, with a retail price of around $119.

However, the Aeroccino 4 may offer better value for money in the long run, depending on your needs and preferences. For example, if you’re a coffee enthusiast who enjoys experimenting with different milk textures and temperatures, the Aeroccino 4 may provide more flexibility and precision than the Aeroccino 3, which can enhance your coffee experience and satisfaction. Moreover, since the Aeroccino 4 has more milk options and is dishwasher safe, it may last longer and require less maintenance than the Aeroccino 3, which can save you money and hassle in the long term.

On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t require advanced milk frothing features, the Aeroccino 3 may be a more economical and practical choice for you. Despite its limitations, the Aeroccino 3 can still froth milk hot and cold and produce decent froth for cappuccinos and lattes, which can satisfy most casual coffee drinkers. Additionally, since the Aeroccino 3 is cheaper than the Aeroccino 4, you can save some money upfront or spend it on other coffee-related accessories or gadgets.

Aeroccino 3 vs 4: Similarities & Differences At A glance

Similarities

Differences

Which Nespresso Aeroccino is better: the Aeroccino 3 or the Aeroccino 4?

So, which Nespresso Aeroccino is better: the Aeroccino 3 or the Aeroccino 4? The answer, as usual, depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable milk frother that can produce decent froth for your cappuccinos and lattes, the Aeroccino 3 may be a good choice for you. However, if you want a more versatile and precise milk frother that can create different types of froth and temperatures, the Aeroccino 4 may be a better fit for you, despite its higher price tag.

Ultimately, both models have their strengths and weaknesses, and both can enhance your coffee experience and enjoyment, depending on how you use them. Whether you’re a coffee novice or a coffee connoisseur, a Nespresso Aeroccino can be a great investment that can elevate your coffee game and make your mornings more enjoyable and delicious.