My Favorite Kitchen Gadget

This thing is genius.  And it’s two (2) dollars! It’s the IKEA brand milk frother, called PRODUKT.  It’s small, fits easily in your utensil drawer, uses two AA batteries that last forever in it, and is infinitely useful.  This is honestly the best little kitchen gadget you can buy.

Frothed milk in my morning coffee or a latté feels so decadent, but it only takes 30 extra seconds with this thing.  I have discontinued using my espresso machine in favor of my stove top espresso maker and this frother- it takes much less time and the clean up is a snap.  Just warm milk (soy and almond are what I usually use) in the microwave for 30 seconds or so.  Put the frother in the warmed milk, turn the switch on and let the milk whip for about 20 seconds or so.  You will see the milk bubble and rise up in the glass.  Using a spoon to hold back the foam, carefully pour the milk into your coffee-filled mug.  Spoon the foam over the top.  Boom!  You’re caffeinated. If you’re feeling glamorous sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg or cocoa on top.

But as great as this gadget is for coffee, it’s real benefit is that you can use it for a ton of different things.  Salad dressings emulsify in a snap, marinades come together quickly.   You can whip egg whites, and make whipped cream.  It’s not going to whisk pancake batter for you, it’s not powerful enough, but this little guy can be a huge help in the kitchen.  Clean up is a snap- turn it on in a bit of soapy water, rinse, and turn it on for a few more seconds to dry and you’re ready to put it back in the drawer.  Even Serious Eats recommended this in its Guide to Essential Kitchen Hand Tools.

I have an extra in my closet just in case something happens to this one since the closest IKEA is a few hours from my house, but I’ve been using the same one for at least 6 months now with daily use.  Haven’t even had to change the battery yet!  I’m sipping a London Fog Latte made using this right now, actually.  Mmm.