Survive the Dead of Winter With These Hot Chocolate Makers

Winter is coming! And that can only mean one thing: hot chocolate season. If you're still heating up water in a microwavable mug for your hot cocoa, it’s time you upgraded to something a little more reliable and invested in a hot chocolate maker.

Hot chocolate machines can be an invaluable addition to anyone's kitchen. They don't just whip up hot chocolate: These handy appliances can steam your favorite milk, add frothy deliciousness to your espresso, smoothen out any powdered clumps, and just make the overall task of whipping up hot chocolate easier, more convenient, and — dare we say it — that much cozier.

We've researched the best hot chocolate makers that get the job done for your convenience. You've got the tools, so now put them to use and ring in winter the right way.

The Best Hot Chocolate Makers

What to Consider

When in the market for a hot chocolate maker, it's helpful to first consider your counter space. If you have the real estate for a dedicated hot cocoa machine, these appliances definitely offer the most straightforward — and even kid-safe — experience. Smaller counters, however, can benefit from handheld milk frothers — which typically come with their own stands and still look relatively unobtrusive — while also remaining easy to clean, use, and store.

Another option to consider is multifunctionality. Many milk frothers not only create foam for coffee and hot chocolate, but also come with interchangeable heads for other forms of food processing, such as whipping up baby food, whisking eggs, and making yummy dips, whipped sauces, and smoothies. This might be the best route for those who want less appliance clutter, as well as for those on a budget who want a machine that ticks as many boxes as possible.

Last but not least is convenience. If hot chocolate, frothy lattes, and bistro-worthy cappuccinos are somewhat of a daily occurrence in your household, it might be worth it to invest in a pitcher-type machine, a detachable induction frother, or an actual hot chocolate maker, as these non-handheld options are faster, require less manual labor, and produce more drinks or foam yield for bigger families.