The Subminimal NanoFoamer V2 is a handheld milk frother that runs on two AA batteries and textures milk with an impeller behind a fine mesh screen, which Subminimal calls a NanoScreen. Subminimal's own store sells it for $37.00 in black, rates it up to 3,000 RPM submerged, and includes two screens and a wall mount.
What is the Subminimal NanoFoamer V2?
It looks like the battery whisk frothers sold everywhere for a few dollars, and Subminimal goes out of its way to say it is not one. Instead of a coil whisk on the end of the shaft, the NanoFoamer has a small impeller enclosed by a mesh screen. Subminimal says the system shears air bubbles down to a microscopic size rather than just stirring the milk, and that it gives the best microfoam you can make without a steam wand.
The V2 is the battery-powered model. Subminimal also sells a NanoFoamer Lithium with a rechargeable battery and a second speed, at $49.95. The V2 is the simpler, cheaper one: replaceable AA batteries, one speed, one color.
Subminimal NanoFoamer V2 specs
| Type | Handheld milk frother with impeller and mesh screen |
|---|---|
| Power | 2 AA batteries, replaceable |
| Speed | Single speed, up to 3,000 RPM submerged |
| Screens | 2 interchangeable NanoScreens |
| Dimensions | 234 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 104 g |
| Water resistance | IPX4 splash resistant |
| Shaft | Stainless steel |
| Wall mount | Included |
| Color | Black |
| Price | $37.00 on subminimal.com |
Subminimal does not publish a heating function, a milk capacity or a warranty term on the product page, and none is claimed here. It is not a heater: you warm the milk first, then texture it.
How the NanoFoamer V2 makes microfoam
The difference is the head. A coil whisk beats air into milk and leaves large bubbles that rise and separate. The NanoFoamer's impeller spins inside a fine screen, and Subminimal says that cuts the bubbles down so the milk turns glossy and smooth enough to pour latte art, which is the texture a steam wand gives.
The two included screens set how much foam you get. Subminimal pairs the superfine screen with a piccolo or a flat white, where you want thin, silky milk, and the fine screen with a cappuccino, where you want more foam. Subminimal's technique is short: start in the middle of the jug to add air, then move the head to the side to swirl the bubbles into microfoam, about twenty seconds in all.
The IPX4 rating means the frother is splash resistant, and Subminimal says you can rinse it under the tap. Every part is designed to be serviced, the company says, and it sells spare impellers and screens separately, so a worn part can be replaced without replacing the frother.
NanoFoamer V2 vs NanoFoamer Lithium
Both share the same 234 x 35 mm size, IPX4 rating, two screens and wall mount. The Lithium adds a rechargeable 1400 mAh USB-C battery, a second speed, a top speed of 3,500 RPM against the V2's 3,000, indicator lights and a white option, and it weighs 137 g against the V2's 104 g. It costs $49.95 against $37.00.
For most people the V2 is enough: it makes the same kind of foam with the same head. The Lithium makes sense if you froth every day and would rather charge a battery than buy AAs, or if you want the extra speed for larger amounts of milk.
NanoFoamer V2 vs Zulay and Aeroccino 3
The Zulay Kitchen Classic Milk Frother is the cheap handheld most people start with, at $9.99. It uses a stainless coil whisk, and Zulay quotes 19,000 RPM. That figure is not comparable with Subminimal's, which is measured submerged in milk, and the two heads do different jobs: a coil whisk makes bubbly foam, while the NanoFoamer is built for smooth microfoam. If you only want foam on a mug of coffee, the Zulay does that for a quarter of the price. If you want milk you can pour, the NanoFoamer is the step up.
The Nespresso Aeroccino 3 is a different kind of product: a $99.00 jug that heats and froths at the press of a button, with hot milk, hot foam and cold foam modes. It does the heating for you, which the NanoFoamer does not, but it makes a fixed foam you cannot adjust. The NanoFoamer costs less, takes up less room, and lets you choose the texture, at the cost of warming the milk yourself and learning a short technique.
Is the Subminimal NanoFoamer V2 worth it?
At $37.00 it costs several times a basic handheld frother and well under any electric frothing jug. What the extra money buys is the impeller and screen head, which is designed to give pourable microfoam rather than stiff bubbles, plus replaceable parts and a choice of two textures. For anyone making lattes or flat whites at home without a steam wand, that is the reason to pay more than for a basic whisk.
The trade-offs are clear from the spec sheet. It does not heat milk, so you need a kettle, microwave or pan as well. It runs on AA batteries, which wear out. And it is a technique tool: the result depends on where you hold the head. More options, including jug frothers that heat, are in our milk frothers category.
Who should buy the NanoFoamer V2 (and who should not)
Buy it if you make espresso or strong coffee at home without a steam wand and want milk smooth enough for a flat white or latte art, if you want to choose between thinner and thicker foam, or if you would rather have a small tool in a drawer than another appliance on the counter.
Skip it if you want hot milk at the press of a button, since an automatic jug like the Aeroccino 3 does the heating and frothing together. Skip it too if you only want a little foam on top of a coffee now and then, where a basic whisk frother does the job for much less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the NanoFoamer V2 heat milk?
No. It textures milk but has no heater, so warm the milk first for a hot drink. It can also be used on cold milk.
What batteries does the NanoFoamer V2 use?
Two replaceable AA batteries. The NanoFoamer Lithium is the rechargeable model, with a USB-C battery.
What is the difference between the NanoFoamer V2 and the Lithium?
The Lithium is rechargeable, has two speeds, reaches 3,500 RPM against the V2's 3,000, has indicator lights and comes in white as well as black. It weighs 137 g against 104 g and costs $49.95 against $37.00.
Which NanoScreen should I use?
Subminimal recommends the superfine screen for a piccolo or flat white and the fine screen for a cappuccino. Two screens come with the V2.
Is the NanoFoamer V2 waterproof?
It is rated IPX4, which means splash resistant. Subminimal says you can rinse it under the tap.
Can you replace parts on the NanoFoamer?
Yes. Subminimal says every part is designed to be serviced and sells spare impellers, screens and a wall mount separately.
