Best Milk Frothers Under 200 For Cappuccino Lovers
🏆 Top Picks at a Glance
#1
Best Overall
CafeGrace 8 in 1 Milk Frother and Steamer, 20 oz Large Capacity, 550 Watts, Fast Froth Whip Creamy, Automatic Warm and Cold Foam Frother for Coffee, Latte, Macchiato, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate
$62.99
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#2
Runner Up
SIMPLETASTE Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Frother and Steamer, Automatic Warm and Cold Foam Maker and Milk Warmer for Latte, Cappuccinos, Dark Blue
$39.99
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#3
Best Value
SIMPLETASTE Milk Frother, 4 in 1 Electric Milk Steamer, 16.91oz/500ml Automatic Warm and Cold Foam Frother for Coffee, Latte, Macchiato, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate, Easy to Clean
$39.99
Check Price →I used to chase perfect extraction for a living, but I'll tell you: a well-textured milk can make — or break — a cappuccino just as surely as a balanced dose and steady shot timing. This roundup cuts through the marketing fluff and compares battery whisks, 4‑in‑1 automatic jugs, ceramic‑lined units, and LED‑equipped models so you know which features actually affect microfoam quality, temperature stability, and counter realism. Read on if you care about velvety milk that complements your espresso rather than smothering it — and whether that frother on the shelf is a showpiece or a morning game changer.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Espresso Machines
Best Portable Quick Frother: Zulay Kitchen Powerful Milk Frother Wand With 2 Duracell Batteries - Ultra Fast Handheld Drink Mixer - Electric Whisk Foam Maker for Coffee, Lattes, Cappuccino, Matcha, Hot Chocolate & Creamer - Black
$9.99 — Check price on Amazon →
Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- Zulay Kitchen Powerful Milk Frother Wand With 2 Duracell Batteries - Ultra Fast Handheld Drink Mixer - Electric Whisk Foam Maker for Coffee, Lattes, Cappuccino, Matcha, Hot Chocolate & Creamer - Black
- Electric Milk Frother, 4 in 1 Milk Steamer,11.8oz/350ml Automatic Warm and Cold Foam Maker for Coffee,Latte, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Hot Chocolate
- SIMPLETASTE Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Steamer, Automatic Warm and Cold Foam Maker and Milk Warmer for Latte, Cappuccinos, Macchiato
- Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Milk Frother and Steamer, 10.6oz Electric Milk Steamer, Automatic Cold and Hot Foam maker for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Ceramic Lining Interior (Polished)
- Milk Frother, Paris Rhône 4-in-1 Milk Steamer and Frother, Hot & Cold Foam Milk Warmer with Temperature Control, Auto Shu...
- 4 in 1 Electric Milk Frother: 10oz/350 mL Large Capacity Electric Milk Steamer for Hot and Cold Milk Froth - Automatic Milk Frother & Warmer for Latte, Cappuccinos, Macchiato, Hot Chocolate
- DREO Milk Frother, All-in-1 Electric Foam Maker for Coffee, 15oz/450ml Automatic Foam Frother for Latte Art-level Microfoam, 30+ Drinks, Easy to Clean, Dishwasher Safe, LED display
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- Format first: handheld wands (like the battery‑powered whisks) are cheap, fast, and rinse clean—great for occasional cappuccinos and cold foam—but they rarely produce the consistent microfoam needed for latte art; automatic jug frothers give steadier texture and repeatable results for daily use.
- Match capacity to your routine: small jugs (~10–12 oz / ~300–350 ml) are fine for single cappuccinos; if you make two drinks or like extra steamed milk, go for the larger 15 oz (~450 ml) models to avoid overfilling and ruined yield.
- Temperature control and hot vs cold modes matter: models with precise heat settings or dedicated hot/cold functions yield more usable milk that pairs with your shot timing—cold foam is great for iced cappuccinos, but heated microfoam is what lifts crema and balances extraction in an espresso‑based drink.
- Cleaning and materials affect day‑to‑day use: dishwasher‑safe parts, removable whisks, and nonstick or ceramic linings make maintenance painless; battery wands are simple to rinse but can feel underpowered and inconsistent compared with mains‑powered jugs.
- Watch price‑to‑performance and counter aesthetics: under $200 there are real winners that improve your morning (look for solid motor power, consistent whisk geometry, and temperature control); don’t be seduced by polished exteriors alone—beautiful finishes can hide mediocre foam quality.
Our Top Picks
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Zulay Kitchen Powerful Milk Frother Wand With 2 Duracell Batteries - Ultra Fast Handheld Drink Mixer - Electric Whisk Foam Maker for Coffee, Lattes, Cappuccino, Matcha, Hot Chocolate & Creamer - Black
🏆 Best For: Best Portable Quick Frother
This Zulay handheld wand earns "Best Portable Quick Frother" because it does the one thing most people want: fast, consistent foam on demand without a steep price or a permanent countertop commitment. For north of $9.99 you get a battery-powered whisk that produces drinkable foam in roughly 15–30 seconds, fits in a drawer or travel bag, and actually comes with batteries—so you can test it right away. As a former barista I respect gear that solves a single problem well, and this little tool does exactly that for quick cappuccino tops and drink finishing.
Key features you’ll notice in real use: a high-speed motor with a stainless-steel whisk, a slim ABS plastic body, and a one-button operation that keeps things simple. In the real world that translates to being able to froth a single cup of milk, prepare matcha, or whisk cream for a mocha without wrestling with pitcher technique. It won’t replace a commercial steam wand for silky microfoam, but paired with a properly extracted espresso (good dose, stable shot timing), it gives your cup the texture and aeration most home drinkers want.
Who should buy this? Travel-loving cappuccino fans, office workers, students, and anyone who wants better foam than a manual shake or spoon can provide—without committing to a bulky electric frother or espresso machine with a steam wand. It’s great when you’ve dialed in your espresso extraction and just need a quick finish: pour your shot, dose and yield dialed, then add a fast froth on top for that classic cappuccino mouthfeel.
Honest caveats: it’s cheap because it’s simple. The whisk won’t create the fine, glossy microfoam needed for latte art, and the plastic housing and clip-in motor feel less durable than pricier models. Battery life depends on usage and you’ll want fresh AA cells for best torque—also, the unit doesn’t heat milk, so pre-warm if you prefer hotter drinks. For its price and function, though, these are expected trade-offs.
✅ Pros
- Under $10
- Froths in 15–30 seconds
- Compact and travel-friendly
❌ Cons
- Not true steam-wand microfoam
- Plastic body can feel cheap
- Key Feature: Exceptional value and fast frothing
- Material / Build: ABS plastic body, stainless-steel whisk
- Best For: Best Portable Quick Frother
- Size / Dimensions: approx. 8.5 x 1 inch, handheld
- Power Source: 2 AA batteries (Duracell included)
- Special Feature: Quick 15–30s froth for single servings
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Electric Milk Frother, 4 in 1 Milk Steamer,11.8oz/350ml Automatic Warm and Cold Foam Maker for Coffee,Latte, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Hot Chocolate
🏆 Best For: Best Versatile Compact Frother
This Electric Milk Frother earns the "Best Versatile Compact Frother" slot because it packs four useful modes into a genuinely small footprint and delivers reliably good foam for cappuccinos without the fuss of a steam wand. At 11.8 oz (350 ml) it’s sized to make a single café‑style cappuccino or two smaller drinks, and the one‑button automation consistently produces creamy microfoam that, in my experience, beats most handheld whisks for texture and repeatability at this price point. For $44.99 and a 4.6★ crowd score, it hits a sweet spot between convenience and real milk performance.
Features you actually use: warm and cold froth modes, a separate hot milk heating option, and an automatic whisk that switches between frothing and heating depending on the program. In real terms that means you can pull a balanced 18–20 g espresso (or your preferred dose/yield), let the unit whip the milk while you time the shot, and end up with stable foam that sits on the cup instead of collapsing. It handles whole and 2% milk beautifully — plant milks (oat, almond) will foam differently, but the machine still gives the best result I’ve seen from a compact automatic frother. Cleanup is straightforward: a quick rinse and wipe, and the interior’s smooth surface keeps residue from clinging.
Who should buy this? Home baristas who take extraction and timing seriously but don’t have room or desire for a dedicated steamer. If you’re dialing in your espresso (dose, grind consistency, shot timing) and want milk that complements a well‑extracted shot without wrestling a steam wand, this is a smart, budget‑minded companion. It’s also great for small kitchens, people who make one or two drinks each morning, and anyone who wants cold foam for iced lattes and macchiatos as easily as hot cappuccinos.
Honest caveats: it won’t replace a commercial steam wand for micro‑foam control or true milk stretching for latte art — you get convenience over craft control. Capacity limits mean you’ll need to froth twice for multiple full‑size drinks. There’s no precise temperature dial, so you sacrifice a bit of control for automation; if you’re chasing exact temp numbers for consistency, this might feel a step down from a machine with a probe or a dedicated steam wand.
✅ Pros
- Warm and cold frothing modes
- Compact footprint fits small counters
- Simple one-button operation
❌ Cons
- No precise temperature control
- Small capacity for multiple drinks
- Key Feature: 4‑in‑1 automatic warm/cold froth and hot milk
- Material / Build: stainless‑steel inner jug, plastic exterior
- Best For: Best Versatile Compact Frother
- Capacity / Size: 11.8 oz / 350 ml, countertop‑friendly
- Special Feature: one‑button programs for consistent foam
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SIMPLETASTE Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Steamer, Automatic Warm and Cold Foam Maker and Milk Warmer for Latte, Cappuccinos, Macchiato
🏆 Best For: Best Automatic Milk Warmer
What earns the SIMPLETASTE 4‑in‑1 the "Best Automatic Milk Warmer" spot is simple: it automates the most tedious part of morning espresso—turning cold milk into creamy, drinkable foam—without asking you to babysit a steam wand. For cappuccino lovers on a budget, it reliably produces hot and cold foam, warms milk for macchiatos, and does it with a one‑button routine that’s much easier than handheld frothers or delicate manual techniques. At about $38, it hits a sweet spot of convenience and consistent results that honestly improve more mornings than not.
On features, it’s straightforward and sensible: four modes (hot froth, cold froth, warm milk, and simple heating), a nonstick inner cup for easier cleanup, and an automatic shutoff when the cycle finishes. Real‑world benefits include faster turnaround than a manual whisk, steadier foam between uses, and quieter operation than most steam wands in compact machines. It won’t replace a commercial steam tip for microfoam, but paired with a well‑extracted shot—proper dose, grind, and timing—you’ll get cappuccino texture good enough for daily drinking and better than most microwave/wand shortcuts.
Who should buy this? Home baristas who want consistent, fuss‑free milk for cappuccinos and lattes without the cost or counter space of an espresso machine with a steam wand. It’s also great for apartment dwellers, busy mornings, and people who switch between hot and cold drinks. If you value repeatability over perfect latte‑art microfoam, this machine saves time and reduces variables so you can focus on dialing your extraction.
Honest caveats: the build is mostly plastic and feels budget‑oriented, so expect some wear after heavy daily use. Foam texture is pleasant but not barista‑level silky—non‑dairy milks and very low‑fat milk can be inconsistent. Lastly, capacity is modest, so you’ll be limited to one large cappuccino or two small drinks per cycle.
✅ Pros
- Automatic hot and cold frothing modes
- Affordable under $40
- One‑button, low‑learning curve operation
❌ Cons
- Plastic build feels budget
- Foam not steam‑wand silky
- Key Feature: 4‑in‑1 automatic frother (hot/cold/warm/foam)
- Material / Build: Plastic exterior, nonstick interior cup
- Best For: Best Automatic Milk Warmer
- Capacity / Size: Compact; serves 1–2 cappuccinos per cycle
- Power / Heat: Rapid heating with automatic shutoff
- Special Feature: Simple one‑button operation for consistency
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Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Milk Frother and Steamer, 10.6oz Electric Milk Steamer, Automatic Cold and Hot Foam maker for Lattes, Cappuccinos, Ceramic Lining Interior (Polished)
🏆 Best For: Best Ceramic-Lined Frother
This little jug earns the "Best Ceramic-Lined Frother" spot because it brings an uncommon material advantage to an entry-level price point. The 10.6 oz electric frother uses a ceramic-lined interior rather than bare stainless, which keeps milk tasting clean and resists the faint metallic edge I’ve noticed on cheaper frothers. At $29.99 and a 4.6-star rating, it’s one of the few affordable units that actually improves mouthfeel without pretending to be a steam wand.
Functionally it’s straightforward and effective: 4-in-1 modes for hot foam, cold foam, heating-only, and a quick steam-style froth. In real-world use it makes dense, stable foam for cappuccinos and holds up well for cortados when you don’t need latte-art microfoam. The ceramic lining is easy to wipe clean and doesn’t stain; the automatic cycle is convenient on busy mornings and gives consistent results shot after shot. It won’t change your extraction or grind consistency, but it will deliver reliably textured milk that complements a well-pulled espresso.
Who should buy this? If you love cappuccinos, want something compact for a small counter, and don’t plan to practice latte art, this is a great value. It’s perfect for single or double shots at home — pair it with a decent grinder and a 18–20 g dose for a balanced cup. For people who rely on quick, repeatable milk texture without fuss, the automatic modes and the ceramic interior make the morning routine simpler and more enjoyable.
Honest caveats: the 10.6 oz capacity limits you to one drink at a time, and the foam isn’t true microfoam — you’ll get velvety, airy cappuccino foam, not the silk required for latte art. Build quality is fine for the price, but if you’re coming from a commercial steam wand or a higher-end electric frother you’ll notice the motor is less robust and the temperature control is basic. Still, for under $30 it’s a functional, flavorful upgrade over most no-name milk frothers.
✅ Pros
- Ceramic-lined interior prevents metallic taste
- Versatile 4-in-1 hot/cold modes
- Great value for consistent cappuccino foam
❌ Cons
- Only 10.6 oz capacity, single-drink limit
- Cannot produce latte-art microfoam
- Key Feature: Ceramic-lined 4-in-1 frother and steamer
- Material / Build: Polished exterior, ceramic interior
- Best For: Best Ceramic-Lined Frother
- Capacity: 10.6 oz (≈300 ml)
- Special Feature: Automatic hot and cold foam modes
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Milk Frother, Paris Rhône 4-in-1 Milk Steamer and Frother, Hot & Cold Foam Milk Warmer with Temperature Control, Auto Shu...
🏆 Best For: Best Precise Temperature Control
What earns the Paris Rhône 4-in-1 the "Best Precise Temperature Control" slot is its focus on repeatability: instead of a single “on/off” heat cycle it offers incremental temperature settings and an auto‑shutoff tied to an internal sensor, so you hit the same milk temperature every morning. For a home barista who cares about the interplay between shot and foam, that predictability matters — you can chase the sweet spot (around 60–65°C for cappuccinos) without guessing or scalding the milk.
In practice the unit does exactly what it promises. The four modes (hot foam, cold foam, milk warmer and automatic stir) give you flexibility for cappuccinos, iced lattes, and afternoon flat whites, while the temperature control keeps microfoam from overheating and collapsing. Cleanup is straightforward — the interior wipes out easily and the whisk detaches — so consistent texture doesn’t become a chore. If you’re dialing in an espresso extraction (dose, yield and timing nailed down), this frother makes the milk side of the equation reliably reproducible.
This is for cappuccino lovers and meticulous home baristas who value consistency over theatrics. If you don’t have a steam wand and want latte-worthy microfoam without the learning curve of manual steaming, the Paris Rhône is a smart tool. It’s also nice for people who switch milk types and want to preserve sweetness — a precise temperature prevents that scorched, bitter note that ruins a good shot.
Fair warning: it won’t replace a high‑pressure steam wand for the densest latte art microfoam — whisk‑based systems have limits. Some plant milks still need technique and a hotter finish to stall out big bubbles, and the unit’s capacity leans toward single or small double drinks rather than twelve‑ounce lattes.
✅ Pros
- Incremental temperature presets for repeatable heats
- Hot and cold foam modes increase versatility
- Detachable whisk for easy cleaning
❌ Cons
- Can’t match steam‑wand microfoam quality
- Small capacity for larger drinks
- Key Feature: Incremental temperature control with auto‑shutoff
- Material / Build: Stainless steel housing, nonstick interior
- Best For: Best Precise Temperature Control
- Capacity: Roughly single to small double cup volume
- Power / Heating: Fast, controlled heating suited for milk
- Special Feature: Hot & cold foam plus automatic stirring
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4 in 1 Electric Milk Frother: 10oz/350 mL Large Capacity Electric Milk Steamer for Hot and Cold Milk Froth - Automatic Milk Frother & Warmer for Latte, Cappuccinos, Macchiato, Hot Chocolate
🏆 Best For: Best For Two Cups
It earns the "Best For Two Cups" title because that 350 mL (10 oz) jar actually matches morning reality: you can froth milk for two modest cappuccinos in one cycle without reloading. At $39.99 and a 4.3-star rating, this 4‑in‑1 electric frother gives couples or roommates a no-fuss way to get consistent textured milk faster than repeating two single servings with a tiny handheld whisk.
What you get is simple and effective: hot- and cold-frothing modes, a milk‑warming setting, and a chocolate/heat-only option—four useful functions in one compact unit. The interior is stainless-steel lined with an automatic cycle, so you don’t babysit it; press the button and it stops when the program finishes. In real life that means more reliable foam than a frantic whisk, decent texture for cappuccinos and lattes, and cold foam for iced drinks without the need for a bulky machine or a steam wand.
Buy this if you want café-style drinks without investing in a full machine with a steam wand. It’s ideal for small kitchens, apartments, or anyone who makes two milk‑based drinks in the morning and values a hands‑off workflow. If your mornings are about consistency and convenience—dose, shot timing, and a quick textured milk finish—this device slots in nicely without overcomplicating the routine.
Honest caveats: the foam won’t give you barista-grade microfoam for latte art—think creamy and airy rather than razor-sharp texture. Build quality and long‑term durability match the price point; it’s a great value, but not a professional appliance. Also, like many countertop frothers, cleaning the whisk and lid can be fussier than a single‑piece pitcher and steam wand wipe-down.
✅ Pros
- 350 mL capacity — froths two cups at once
- Hot and cold froth modes
- One-button automatic operation
❌ Cons
- Foam lacks steam-wand microfoam density
- Plastic parts can feel inexpensive
- Key Feature: 4-in-1 modes — hot froth, cold froth, warm, chocolate
- Material / Build: Stainless-steel interior, plastic exterior
- Best For: Best For Two Cups
- Capacity: 10 oz / 350 mL
- Power / Operation: One-button automatic cycles
- Special Feature: Hands-off frothing for quick morning routines
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DREO Milk Frother, All-in-1 Electric Foam Maker for Coffee, 15oz/450ml Automatic Foam Frother for Latte Art-level Microfoam, 30+ Drinks, Easy to Clean, Dishwasher Safe, LED display
🏆 Best For: Best For Latte-Art Microfoam
What earns the DREO Milk Frother the “Best For Latte-Art Microfoam” slot is simply the texture it produces — fine, silken microfoam that holds a rosetta or heart far better than most countertop frothers in this price band. The whisk geometry and controlled agitation create tiny, stable bubbles instead of airy foam, so your cappuccinos look and mouthfeel like something you’d pull with a competent steam wand, not like marshmallow fluff. For $84.53, that level of texture is impressive and genuinely changes morning routines.
Under the hood you get automatic programs (30+ drink presets), an LED display, and a 15oz / 450ml jug designed to be dishwasher safe. In practice that means you can pick a setting, hit start, and expect repeatable results across multiple milk types — whole milk gives the best silkiness, but it can also get textured oat or soy into latte-art territory with a few tries. Cleanup is painless: the non-stick interior and removable whisk go through the dishwasher, which matters when you’re making daily drinks and don’t want a laborious post-shot routine.
Buy this if you’re a home barista who cares about texture and presentation but doesn’t have room or inclination for an espresso machine with a steam wand. It’s ideal for single-serve cappuccinos, weekend flat whites, or anyone who wants consistent latte art without dialing steam pressure, shot timing, or technique. It’s also a solid mid-range option for small households — one or two drinks at a time is its sweet spot.
Fair caveats: the 450ml capacity limits back-to-back drinks, and it won’t reach the extremely high temperatures a commercial steam wand can, so if you chase piping-hot beverages it may feel lukewarm by comparison. Some non-dairy milks need dialing-in for the best texture, and a few users report long-term reliability hiccups (the 4.1-star average hints at that). For the price, though, the trade-offs are reasonable for the texture you get.
✅ Pros
- Latte-art microfoam consistency
- 30+ automatic drink presets
- Dishwasher-safe jug and whisk
❌ Cons
- Limited 15oz capacity
- Less heat than a steam wand
- Key Feature: Produces latte-art quality microfoam
- Material / Build: Non-stick inner coating; removable whisk
- Best For: Best For Latte-Art Microfoam
- Size / Dimensions: 15oz (450ml) capacity; compact footprint
- Special Feature: LED display with 30+ drink presets
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a steam wand to get proper cappuccino microfoam?
No — you can get very good microfoam from high-quality automatic frothers that replicate the aerate-and-stretch motion, but a true steam wand (even on compact machines) usually gives the most control. For under $200 you’ll find some wand-style handhelds or powerful electric frothers that come impressively close; if latte art is your priority, favor devices that allow you to control aeration and temperature.
What temperature should I heat milk to for cappuccinos?
Aim for 55–65°C (130–150°F). That range brings out the milk’s natural sweetness and holds microfoam structure; anything above that scalds the milk and flattens flavor. If your frother has no thermometer, learn to judge by touch or steam wand tips — stop when the pitcher is too hot to hold comfortably for a second or two.
How long does it usually take to froth milk?
Most electric whisk-style frothers take 20–45 seconds; automatic pitchers or small steamers take 30–90 seconds depending on volume and starting temperature. Faster machines are handy because they keep your espresso shot from cooling — match froth time to your shot timing for best integration and extraction. For multiple drinks, consider recovery time between batches.
Can I make cold foam and hot foam with the same device?
Many countertop frothers under $200 offer both hot and cold settings, but not all do. If you like iced cappuccinos, cold brew with cold foam, or sweet cold milk drinks, look for an explicit cold-foam function or a frother that works without heating the motor cup.
Which plant milks foam best for cappuccinos?
Oat and soy are the most forgiving and produce creamy microfoam closest to dairy; barista‑formulated oat milks are especially reliable. Almond and rice milks tend to be thinner and harder to stabilize, so if you’re plant-based prioritize a frother and a milk labeled “barista” for consistent results.
How do I clean a milk frother properly?
Rinse immediately after each use to prevent milk residue from baking on; removable whisks and lids should be washed with warm soapy water or placed in the dishwasher if the manufacturer allows. For internal scale or milk film, run a vinegar/water rinse occasionally and follow the manual — good cleaning habits extend the machine’s life and keep flavors clean.
Are handheld frothers as good as electric pitchers?
Handheld frothers are great for quick convenience and cold foam, and they’re inexpensive, but they typically produce looser foam and lack temperature control compared with heated pitchers or automatic machines. If you care about tight microfoam and consistent temperature for cappuccinos, a dedicated electric frother or pitcher-style unit will give better, repeatable results.
Conclusion
If you love cappuccinos and are shopping under $200, prioritize devices that deliver true microfoam, reliable temperature control, and easy cleaning — those features matter more than styling or bells and whistles. Personally, I’d choose a robust pitcher-style electric frother or a quality handheld steam‑style unit that gives control over aeration and temperature; those are the machines that genuinely improve morning shots, not just look pretty on the counter.
