PROGRESS EK5133P 4-in-1 Milk Frother & Hot Chocolate Maker Review: Your At-Home Barista Dream?

There’s a certain magic to a perfectly crafted latte or a rich, velvety hot chocolate from a favourite coffee shop. It’s a small, comforting luxury. But let’s be honest, that daily ritual can quickly become an expensive habit, and the results from instant powders and a simple kettle at home often fall disappointingly short. I remember countless mornings trying to whisk milk in a saucepan, only to end up with a skin on top and a lukewarm, bubbly mess that bore no resemblance to the microfoam I craved. It’s the difference between a simple drink and a true experience. The frustration of not being able to replicate that simple joy at home, without bulky, complicated equipment, is what sends many of us on the hunt for a better solution—a device that promises to bridge the gap between amateur effort and professional results, right in our own kitchen.

What to Consider Before Buying an Automatic Milk Frother

An automatic milk frother is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for elevating your entire at-home beverage game. It’s for those who appreciate the texture and taste of a well-made coffee, the comfort of a luxurious hot chocolate, or even the refreshment of a chilled iced latte. The main benefit is consistency. Unlike manual methods, an automatic frother heats milk to the optimal temperature without scalding and whisks it to the perfect texture—hot or cold—at the press of a button. It eliminates guesswork and delivers repeatable, high-quality results every single time, turning your kitchen counter into a mini café and unlocking a world of creative drink possibilities.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily desire for premium beverages but is constrained by time, budget, or a lack of barista skills. It’s for the busy professional who needs a quick, perfect cappuccino to start their day, the parent crafting decadent hot chocolates for the family, or the student wanting an iced coffee without leaving their flat. It might not be suitable for those who only drink black coffee or tea, or for commercial establishments that require high-volume, continuous steaming. For them, a traditional espresso machine with a steam wand or a simple kettle might be more appropriate. But for the vast majority of us looking for that affordable daily luxury, an automatic frother is a game-changer.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Kitchen counter space is prime real estate. Before purchasing, measure the intended spot for your frother. Models like the PROGRESS EK5133P 4-in-1 Milk Frother & Hot Chocolate Maker are specifically designed with a compact footprint (9.5 cm x 15.5 cm) to fit neatly beside your mugs or coffee maker without causing clutter. Consider both the width and height, especially if you plan to store it under low-hanging cabinets.
• Capacity/Performance: Capacity is usually listed in two ways: maximum for heating and maximum for frothing. Because milk expands significantly when frothed, the frothing capacity (e.g., 150ml) is always lower than the heating capacity (e.g., 300ml). Think about your needs. A 150ml frothing capacity is perfect for one or two standard lattes, while the 300ml heating capacity is ideal for a large mug of hot chocolate. Also, check the wattage (400W here), which influences heating speed.
• Materials & Durability: The interior material is critical for both longevity and cleaning. A non-stick coating, as found in this Progress model, is essential for preventing milk from scorching and sticking, which can be a nightmare to clean. The exterior is often a durable plastic like Polypropylene (PP), which is lightweight and stays cool to the touch, making it safe and easy to handle.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for simple, one-touch controls and clear indicator lights. A detachable whisk makes cleaning the interior a breeze. It’s important to note that most electric frothers like this one are “Hand Wash Only” to protect their electrical components. A quick rinse and wipe-down after each use is the key to long-term care and performance.

Understanding these factors will ensure you select a frother that not only makes fantastic drinks but also fits seamlessly into your daily routine.

While the PROGRESS EK5133P 4-in-1 Milk Frother & Hot Chocolate Maker is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Compact Powerhouse Unboxed

Upon unboxing the PROGRESS EK5133P 4-in-1 Milk Frother & Hot Chocolate Maker, the first thing we noticed was its refreshingly compact and lightweight design. Weighing just 0.85 kg, it feels substantial enough to be stable but light enough to be easily handled and stored. One user perfectly captured this sentiment, noting how they “love how small it is as it can just sit in the cupboard with my mugs,” which was exactly our experience. It doesn’t demand a permanent, dedicated spot on the counter. The sleek black polypropylene body has a modern, minimalist aesthetic that blends into any kitchen decor. Inside, the non-stick coating looks smooth and durable. The single magnetic frothing whisk clicks into place at the bottom with a satisfying certainty. There’s no complex assembly; you simply attach the whisk, plug it in, and it’s ready. The single button with its clear icons for the four functions—hot froth, heating/hot chocolate, cold froth, and off—promises an intuitive user experience from the very first use. Compared to larger, more industrial-looking frothers, the Chocoluxe feels approachable and designed for real-world homes and real-world users, a feeling confirmed when we first plugged it in and saw the simple, clear indicator light. You can see the thoughtful design details and full feature set here.

A Deep Dive into the Chocoluxe Performance

A device can look great on the counter, but its true value is revealed in its performance. We put the PROGRESS EK5133P 4-in-1 Milk Frother & Hot Chocolate Maker through its paces, testing all four of its core functions with various types of milk and ingredients. Our goal was to see if this compact machine could truly deliver on its promise of café-quality results. From the richness of its hot chocolate to the stability of its cold foam, we meticulously evaluated every aspect of its operation.

The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Test: From Flakes to Flawless

The headline feature of the “Chocoluxe” is its ability to make hot chocolate, not just from powder, but by melting actual chocolate flakes. This, for us, is the true test of a premium machine. We started with 300ml of whole milk, filled to the upper ‘MAX’ line inside the jug, and added a generous portion of real dark chocolate flakes. Selecting the ‘heat’ function (which also serves as the hot chocolate mode), we pressed the button twice. The machine whirred into action with a quiet, confident hum. The see-through lid is a fantastic feature, allowing us to watch the magic happen as the whisk spun, creating a vortex that effortlessly pulled the chocolate flakes down and incorporated them into the warming milk. In just under four minutes, the machine automatically shut off. The result? A perfectly hot, flawlessly smooth, and luxuriously rich hot chocolate. There were no lumps, no graininess, and no scorched milk at the bottom, thanks to the excellent non-stick coating. The texture was sublime—thick and velvety, clinging to the spoon. One user remarked that the result was “just like a shop brought one,” and we couldn’t agree more. This machine isn’t just mixing; it’s truly creating a high-end beverage. The ability to control your ingredients, like the user who uses 100% cacao and natural sweeteners, makes this a far healthier and more customisable option than pre-packaged mixes. This hot chocolate function alone makes the PROGRESS EK5133P an incredibly compelling device.

Frothing Finesse: The Art of Hot and Cold Foam

Beyond hot chocolate, a frother’s primary job is to create perfect milk foam for coffee-based drinks. We tested both the hot and cold froth functions. For the hot froth, we filled semi-skimmed milk to the lower ‘MAX’ line (150ml), as instructed. A single press of the button initiated the cycle. The machine heated and frothed simultaneously, finishing in about two minutes. The foam it produced was exceptional: dense, creamy, and stable, with very fine bubbles (the hallmark of quality microfoam). It poured beautifully onto an espresso shot, creating a classic latte with distinct layers. It held its shape for several minutes, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the drink. We also tested it with oat milk (a barista blend) and were impressed that it produced a similarly stable and creamy foam, which is often a challenge for frothers.

The cold froth function, often an afterthought on lesser models, was equally impressive. A long press of the button started the cycle without engaging the heating element. In about 90 seconds, it transformed 150ml of cold milk into a thick, dollop-worthy cold foam. This is an absolute game-changer for iced lattes, iced cappuccinos, and even for topping desserts. The foam was stiff enough to be spooned out and sat proudly atop our iced coffee without immediately dissolving. This versatility truly makes the PROGRESS EK5133P 4-in-1 Milk Frother & Hot Chocolate Maker a year-round appliance, not just a winter comfort machine. The quality of the foam, both hot and cold, is a testament to its well-engineered whisk and motor.

Design in Daily Use: Compact, Clever, and Clean

Living with an appliance day-to-day is where design choices really matter, and this is an area where the Progress Chocoluxe excels. Its most lauded feature among users, and in our own testing, is its compact size. It genuinely doesn’t feel like an intrusion in the kitchen. As one happy user noted, its small size is a major plus, making it easy to store in a cupboard, which is a significant advantage over bulkier kitchen gadgets. This compact design also makes it a viable travel companion for those who, as another user shared, can’t be without their specific daily hot chocolate recipe even when away from home. The ergonomic handle and seamless pouring spout, designed for both right and left-handed users, are small but significant touches that enhance the user experience.

Cleaning is often the Achilles’ heel of milk-based appliances, but Progress has addressed this thoughtfully. The non-stick interior is incredibly effective. After making even a rich hot chocolate, a simple rinse with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid was enough to have it sparkling clean. The magnetic whisk detaches effortlessly for individual cleaning. As a user confirmed, “I’ve not had much of a problem cleaning it once I’ve taken the whisk out.” While it is hand-wash only, the process is so quick and painless—taking less than 30 seconds—that we never found it to be a chore. The combination of its small footprint, simple operation, and hassle-free cleanup makes the PROGRESS EK5133P a joy to use on a daily basis.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user feedback for the PROGRESS EK5133P 4-in-1 Milk Frother & Hot Chocolate Maker strongly aligns with our own findings. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with users frequently expressing delight at the quality of the drinks it produces. The phrase “just like a shop brought one” is a recurring theme, highlighting its ability to replicate a professional barista experience at home. A key point of praise is its compact and lightweight nature. One reviewer specifically bought it for travel, a testament to its portability, stating they “wanted something to pack when I travel for work or on holiday.” This user also noted that it makes the drink “a little hotter than my other hot chocolate maker,” which is a significant plus for those who enjoy their beverages piping hot. Ease of use and cleaning are also consistently mentioned, with one person who received it as a gift being “chuffed with it” because it’s “really easy to use and makes hot drinks very quickly!” While there’s a lack of significant negative feedback, the primary limitation is inherent in its design: the 150ml frothing capacity means it’s designed for single servings, which is perfect for individuals or couples but might be slow for serving a large family all at once.

How Does the Progress EK5133P Compare to Alternatives?

While the PROGRESS EK5133P 4-in-1 Milk Frother & Hot Chocolate Maker stands strong on its own merits, it exists in a competitive market. Understanding how it stacks up against other popular models can help solidify your decision. We’ve compared it to three key alternatives to see where it excels and who might prefer a different option.

1. Rafow 4 in 1 Milk Frother

The Rafow 4 in 1 Milk Frother is a very direct competitor to the Progress model. It offers the same core 4-in-1 functionality (hot dense foam, hot airy foam, heating, and cold foam) and an identical 300ml heating and 150ml frothing capacity. Where it primarily differs is in its aesthetic, featuring a slightly more tapered, modern design. It also boasts silent operation, which could be a deciding factor for those sensitive to kitchen noise. If your primary concern is finding the quietest possible machine with identical capacity and functionality to the Progress, the Rafow is a worthy contender. However, the Progress often wins on its proven track record and the user-praised compact, storable shape.

2. Rafow 5 in 1 Milk Frother 350ml

For those who need to serve more than one person at a time, the Rafow 5 in 1 model presents a compelling upgrade. Its key advantages are a larger capacity (350ml for heating) and, most significantly, its “split” design which makes the jug dishwasher safe. This is a massive convenience factor that the hand-wash-only Progress cannot match. The fifth function is typically an extra foam setting (e.g., extra thick). This model is better suited for small families or those who frequently entertain and prioritize cleanup convenience above all else. The trade-off is a slightly larger footprint and potentially a higher price point, making the Progress a better choice for individuals or those with limited space.

3. morpilot 4 in 1 Electric Milk Frother

The morpilot 4 in 1 frother offers similar functionality but with a slightly different capacity configuration, heating up to 240ml of milk. This positions it between a single-serve and a multi-serve device. It features smart temperature controls to prevent overheating and also operates very quietly. Its design is stout and minimalist. Someone might prefer the morpilot if they find the Progress’s 300ml heating capacity slightly too large for their single mug, but want a bit more than a basic single-serve machine. However, the PROGRESS EK5133P 4-in-1 Milk Frother & Hot Chocolate Maker still holds an edge with its dedicated hot chocolate melting capability and its proven, ultra-compact design that so many users love for its storability and travel-friendliness. The Progress feels more purpose-built for its range of tasks.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Progress Chocoluxe Worth It?

After extensive testing and poring over user feedback, our verdict on the PROGRESS EK5133P 4-in-1 Milk Frother & Hot Chocolate Maker is overwhelmingly positive. It is a superb, multi-functional appliance that punches well above its weight class and modest price tag. Its brilliance lies in its simplicity and consistency. It flawlessly executes its core functions, delivering velvety hot chocolate, rich hot foam, and refreshing cold foam with the simple press of a button. Its stand-out features are its incredibly compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for any kitchen, and its genuinely easy-to-clean non-stick interior. While the single-serving capacity and hand-wash-only nature are points to consider, they are minor trade-offs for the convenience and quality it offers. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any individual or couple looking to elevate their at-home beverage experience without investing in bulky, expensive equipment. It’s the perfect tool for turning a simple daily ritual into a moment of pure, café-quality indulgence. For its performance, versatility, and exceptional value, it’s an easy choice.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to mediocre homemade drinks and hello to your own personal barista, you can check the latest price and bring the Progress Chocoluxe home today.