Nespresso Aeroccino 3 For Yummy Espresso Froth

by sciencestudent

The Nespresso is an often-overlooked pod coffee system. There Aerccino 3 is a functional machine that isn't limited to the Nespresso system.

The Aeroccino 3 will turn anyone into a master barista.

I love my espresso drinks. However, recreating my favorite coffee drinks at home requires patience and skill... and a $2,000 espresso machine.

Ever been there?

After experimenting with several different coffee makers, I finally realized that it takes more than just skill, it takes the right equipment.

An at-home machine may create a fine espresso, but it typically struggles with producing a drinkable steamed milk (in my experience most at-home espresso machines tend to under-steam and under-froth the milk).

This is where the Aeroccino 3 enters as a truly inexpensive, easy-to-use milk frother.

The Aeroccino 3

A Nespresso Remake of a Classic

Nespresso is a pod-system of making espresso.  However, they sell their milk frothing unit -- the Aeroccino Automatic Milk Frother - separately, which means that you can use it with their system, or buy it for your own system -- even if you are using an old-school stove-top espresso pot. (incidentally, one of my favorite methods of making espresso)

Let's face it.  The Europeans drink espressos. We Americans drink coffee-flavored milk shakes.  And if you can't get the milk right, the best espresso in the world won't impress your guests. And milk is finnicky.  I would go so far as to suggest that it is harder to get the milk right than it is to pour a sweet shot of espresso. 

 Nothing Like Freshly Ground Espresso Beans!

The Nespresso Pod System

Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker, Red
Only $499.95

Stovetop Espresso Maker

A True Espresso Classic
Bialetti 6799 Moka Express 3-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
$54.15  $37.16

Here it Is!

Amazon Has Some Of The Better Prices On The Aeroccino 3. Click below to view.
Nespresso 3194-Us-Bk Aeroccino and Milk Frother, Black

Aeroccino 3 Review

The Pros

(Near) Perfect Foam - The Aeroccino turns out some of the best foam you will ever see.  It's light and fluffy, and holds its body well from the time you whisk it up to the moment you serve it, create the perfect "ahh" moment every time. The only downside?  It's a little cool for some user's tastes.

Time Saver -  It's fast.  We are talking warmed milk or foam with perfect texture in under 1 minute.  After all, who wants to wait for an espresso shot to spoil while they get the milk ready?  Plus, if you are making for a few guests, you can quickly churn out each custom order. 

Quiet - I have to remember to grind my coffee the night before or I risk waking the house up.  Not so with the Aeroccino 3.  Its so quiet that even Fido will sleep through it. 

Functional - What do your guests want?  You can be the perfect barista whipping up cold froths, warm froths, or warm non-froths. There are two whisks, one for frothing and one for stirring. 

Simple - I love the one-button operation.  Hold it for two seconds and it turns blue for cold frothing (summertime frappucinos, anyone?).  Or press it once quickly and it can warm and froth the milk for a hot coffee drink. 

Easy To Clean - Since the Aeroccino uses a magnetic stirrer, there are no moving parts that you have to work around to clean.  Simply rinse with a little soap and its good until the next time. (don't immerse!)

You may need to lock it up when you have company over to make sure your friends don't "borrow" it.  The same goes for your office. It's sure to be a popular item.

Oh, and it comes in multiple colors!

 

How To Use the Aeroccino 3

Three Main Functions

The Aeroccino 3 has three - count 'em - main functions. 

  • Cold Froth
  • Warm Froth
  • Warming

The instructions are a little skimpy, so here's the run down:

  • Fill with milk to the correct line.  The lower line is for frothing and uses less milk to leave room for expansion.  The upper line can be used when just stirring but not frothing. 
  • Drop in the correct whisk. The whisk-type spinner creates the froth, while the smooth one will simply stir. 
  • Press and hold the button for two seconds for cold -- it will turn blue and start spinning. Or, if you want it heated, just a quick press will activate both the frothing and the heating action simultaneously. The milk will be heated to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. 

 

It's worth noting that you will get more froth with the heated milk setting than you will with the cold milk setting. 

The Aeroccino 3 Vs. The Aeroccino Plus

The Aeroccino 3 is very similar to the Aeroccino Plus.  Some might argue that it is more stylish. The whisks are different, and some would argue that the newly designed whisks may work a little more efficiently. 

However, if you already have a Aeroccino Plus, there's not really much reason to upgrade.

Plus, if you can Aeroccino Plus unit at a closeout price, than it makes sense to take advantage of those savings. 

The functionality of the two units is virtually identical, and both have a lot of highly favored reviews. 

Aeroccino 3 Capacity

Just how many servings can it make?

The Aeroccino 3 has two capacities:

  • Milk Froth: 130 mL (4.4 ounces)
  • Hot Milk: 240 mL (8.1 ounces)

What's the difference? The type of coffee drink that you are masterfully preparing. Most of us favor the Latte-style drink which requires more hot milk (and some flavored shots, if you please).

Others prefer more of a cappuccino-styled drink which has a lot more froth and very little milk to help preserve the strong espresso flavor. 

Considering that most coffee cups are 6 ounces, you could say that the Aeroccino has enough room to make one large espresso drink.

Size: 9 cm diameter x 17 cm tall (3.6 inches x 6.7 inches)

Espresso Beans

Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, 2.2 Pound (Pack of 1)

Perfect for those who want a traditional espresso coffee that has a full, rich taste without a hint of bitterness. Has sweet aroma and sharp flavor, as well as an easily attaina...

View on Amazon

Starbucks Espresso Blend Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee, 20 Oz. Bag | Great Holiday Gift for Coffee...

Every espresso beverage we handcraft for you begins right here. Our master roasters coax the beans along, the heat taking them deep and dark for a recipe of caramelly sweetness ...

View on Amazon

Kicking Horse Coffee, Cliff Hanger Espresso, Medium Roast, Whole Bean, 2.2 Pound - Certified Orga...

Bright, fruit & cocoa, heavenly. Get a grip on this chocolaty, smooth blend. There's cocoa tones and a bold happy ending. Don't hang in suspense, this blend reads like a manifes...

View on Amazon

Lavazza Caffe Espresso Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Roast, 2.2-Pound Bag (Pack of 2)

Two 2.2 lb. bag of Lavazza Caffe Espresso Italian whole coffee beans

View on Amazon

Verena Street 2 Pound Espresso Beans, Shot Tower Espresso Whole Bean, Rainforest Alliance Certifi...

Our espresso coffee beans have a smooth yet sharp character. The delicately dark roast level results in a taste and aroma that is full-bodied with a sweet and creamy complexity....

View on Amazon

Lavazza Gran Espresso Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast, Bag 2.2 Pound (Pack of 1)

It’s no accident that Lavazza is Italy’s favorite coffee. Four generations of the Lavazza family have dedicated over 120 years to finding the best blends of coffee beans from al...

View on Amazon

Problems With Your Aeroccino 3?

Oh No!

Too Cold - Some Aeroccino owners complain that 150 degrees (F) is not warm enough.  And they are right.  To match the steaming units the milk needs to be warmed to 160 degrees for proper carmelization of the milk's natural sugars.  However, it is really, really close to the real deal ... and a lot less expensive and easier to use than some of the professional level steamers out there. Pros and Cons, I guess.

Poor Foam - Ok, what?  I though you said... Here's the deal.  Not all milk is equal.  Some brands of milk may not work ass well as others.  That said, the Aeroccino is designed to work with all milk types -- even skim. However some milk types will be too heavy... for example it can't form a heavy cream. Non-dairy milks such as Soy and Rice milk receive very mixed reviews with this unit and it is generally accepted that there will be quite a bit less froth with these non-dairy milks. 

Flashing Red Light - Best I can gather, the "flashing red light of death" is where the Aeroccino thinks that it has reached maximum temperature, and turns off its heating coil. This is likely due to a build up of milk residue on the thermostat. You son't want to use detergent or anything rough to clean the unit (no scouring pads!), however, you might try washing with baking soda if this happens to see if it will remove any build up. 

Warranty - The good news is that Nespresso offers top-notch warranty support. All of their American machines are covered for 1 year

Updated: 07/08/2012, sciencestudent
 
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