What’s the Best Way to Make Matcha? A Comparison of 4 Popular Tools with Pros and Cons

Matcha is more than just green tea powder—it’s an art form and a spiritual tradition. Even the act of preparing matcha involves a wealth of detail. Traditionally, matcha is whisked using a chasen, a bamboo whisk that not only performs exceptionally in creating fine, smooth foam, but also carries deep aesthetic and cultural value.

However, over time, modern tools for making matcha have become more accessible and diverse. Today, you can choose between electric milk frothers, blenders, or even simple shakers. Each tool significantly affects the texture and flavor of the final matcha. This article compares the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which one suits your style and purpose best.

Bamboo Whisk (Chasen)

Pros:

• Best at breaking up matcha powder—no lumps.
• You can control whether to create foam or not, depending on your preference.
• Ideal for hot matcha lattes that need smooth surfaces for latte art (foamy matcha makes latte art harder).
• No electricity needed.
• Produces the smoothest, silkiest foam.

Cons:

• Takes more time than other methods.
• Requires skill and practice to whisk properly.
• Must be properly dried after use to prevent mold.
• Can be easily damaged if mishandled.

Best for:
Unhurried tea rituals, traditional Usucha or Koicha ceremonies, hot matcha, dirty matcha, and those emphasizing a classic, aesthetic experience.

Electric Milk Frother

Pros:

• Suitable for making several servings at once.
• No skill required to make foam.
• Fast and time-saving.

Cons:

• Creates a lot of foam, but it's coarse.
• Doesn’t produce as smooth or refined a flavor as the bamboo whisk.
• Often fails to fully dissolve matcha—leaving tiny lumps.

Best for:
Iced matcha lattes, clear iced matcha drinks, and fast-paced settings.

Blender

Pros:

• Ideal for blended drinks.
• Convenient and quick.
• Can make multiple servings in one go.

Cons:

• Not suitable for hot matcha preparations.
• Creates coarse foam.
• Doesn’t always dissolve matcha fully.
• Involves more cleanup.
• Noisy operation.

Best for:
Matcha smoothies or drinks with multiple ingredients.

Shaker Bottle

Pros:

• Easy and convenient—can shake with ice and syrup.
• Quick and time-saving.
• No electricity required.

Cons:

• Produces less foam than other methods.
• Not suitable for shaking hot water or milk (pressure can build up).
• Often leaves undissolved lumps of matcha.
• Requires physical effort and some technique to shake properly.

Best for:
Iced matcha lattes, clear Taiwanese-style iced matcha, or bottled ready-to-drink matcha.

✅ So, What’s the Best Method?

It’s hard to definitively say which method is the best—each has its own strengths and limitations. In truth, there is no single “best” method, only the most suitable one for each situation.

For example, if you want to express care and tradition, the chasen is your best bet. If speed and efficiency are priorities—especially for multiple servings—then an electric frother or blender might be more appropriate. Choosing the right method comes down to your purpose and the experience you want to create.