What’s The Difference Between Nespresso Aeroccino 3 vs 4?
There are still two versions of the Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother on the market. How similar or different are the Aeroccino 3 vs 4 and which one should you buy? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
What Is Aeroccino?
Aeroccino is a line of milk frother accessories made by Nespresso for use with Vertuo and Original machines. Unlike steaming milk, frothing injects air into the milk while heating it to create a delicate foam. Using a frother like the Aeroccino is an essential step in making drinks like cappuccinos and latte macchiatos.
Nespresso Aeroccino 3 vs 4
Nespresso released the Aeroccino 3 in 2012; the Aeroccino 4 came out in 2016. While there are many similarities between the two, there are a several features in the fourth generation that you won’t find in the third. Keeping reading to see if those features matter to you.
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Aeroccino 3 vs 4 Similarities
- Hot and Cold Frothing: Both models can make hot foam for cappuccinos and macchiatos, hot milk for a latte or hot chocolate, and cold foam for an iced macchiato or iced coffee
- Milk Type: Both models recommend using cow milk for best results, either reduced fat or whole milk. Reduced fat milk will make a dry, stiff foam whereas whole milk will produce a wet silky foam. Either is fine, it is just a matter of preference. Non-dairy milks will not froth as well given lower fat content.
- Speed: Both machines can froth milk pretty quickly, in about 70-80 seconds.
- Energy Saving: Both the Aeroccino 3 and Aeroccino 4 have auto shut off functionality.
Aeroccino 3 vs 4 Differences
- Foam: The Aeroccino 3 only has one hot foam setting vs the Aeroccino 4 which has two. The newer model can make both an airy milk foam for cappuccinos and a denser milk foam for macchiatos.
- Whisks: The Aeroccino 4 can prepare milk in any way using just one built-in whisk. In contrast, the Aeroccino 3 has two different whisks and you need to insert the one you want to use. The whisk with the wire coil make hot or cold foam, whereas the ring whisk without the coil heats milk.
- Cleaning: Only the whisks of the Aerocinno 3 can go in the dishwasher. The interior of the frother itself has a nonstick material so you need to wash it by hand after each use with a gentle cloth. In contrast, all except parts the base of the Aeroccino 4 can be are dishwasher safe. However, you may want to turn off the heat-drying function of your dishwasher since the temperature should not go above 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Design: The Aeroccino 4 comes in a sleek chrome finish vs the third generation which is mostly black plastic. The Aeroccino 4 also has a handle and spout for easier pouring.
- Size: The Aeroccino 4 has a slightly wider diameter at 7 inches vs only 4 inches for the Aeroccino 3. The Aeroccino 3 is also about an inch and a half shorter.
Where To Buy The Aeroccino Milk Frother
You can find both Aeroccino frothers at several retailers. Check to see who has it in stock at the best price.
Aeroccino 3 | Aeroccino 4 |
---|---|
Amazon | Amazon |
Williams-Sonoma | Williams-Sonoma |
Nespresso | |
Walmart | |
Target |
How To Use Nespresso Aeroccino 3 Frother
First make sure the underside of the jug is dry. Modify the whisk for either frothing or steaming. If you want to froth milk for a cappuccino, leave the coil ring around the whisk. If you want to steam milk for a latte, remove the coil ring. Add the desired level of milk to one of the two max levels on the container. If you are using the coil ring to froth milk, never fill above the lower max line otherwise the milk will overflow. If you are not using the ring, you can fill to either max line. Place the jug on the base. Press the button to start. For hot preparations, press the button only briefly. For cold frothing, keep the button pressed for two seconds. You can also see my complete guide on how to use the Aero3.
How To Use Nespresso Aeroccino 4 Frother
Place the clean whisk in the Aeroccino 4 and then add milk to one of the two max level indicators inside the jug. For milk froth, you will not want to exceed 120 ml. For hot milk, stay at or below 240 ml. Put the lid on the jug and make sure the bottom of the jug is dry before placing it on the base. The 4 buttons should display a steady light. Press the desired button to start milk preparation. The light will start blinking but will turn steady when the milk is ready.
If you need more help, see the complete Aeroccino 4 user manual.
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Hi,
It seems to me that you have a typo in this post; “Nespresso released the Aeroccino 3 in 2021; the Aeroccino 4 came out in 2016.”
Didn’t the release the older one, the #3 in 2016, and the newer #4 in 2021? The 3 is simpler & less expensive, and the 4 has more settings and is more expensive…
Otherwise the numbers make no sense!
Thank you for catching that! I’ve corrected it.
Michael, I think the 4 came out before 2021. I have one which was a gift before COVID. Funny how that puts a timeline on life. I just know this because I already had it when I had to get my pods from Amazon. I’m willing to wager it was 2018.
Thanks for pointing that out! Turns out the Aero 4 was actually released in 2016.