What is the function of a milk frother?

The function of a milk frother is to aerate milk, creating a foamy texture. This process involves incorporating air into the milk, which transforms its consistency and gives it a creamy, velvety texture that's essential for beverages like lattes and cappuccinos. The frothing process also allows for the integration of microfoam, which is ideal for latte art and contributes to the overall mouthfeel and flavor richness of coffee drinks.

While heating milk is often performed by separate appliances or functions, a milk frother primarily focuses on the textural transformation by aeration. Adding flavor to milk and storing it at the right temperature are functions that do not pertain to the frothing process itself; these actions are typically handled in other ways within coffee preparation.