I tried the £99 Bird & Blend Matcha Latte Magic Whisk for a new way to make tea - is it worth it?

I love tea, and I have been really enjoying matcha lattes. So, when I heard about the Bird & Blend Matcha Latte Magic Whisk comes in for a way of making them myself at home I was very intrigued.

The idea is wonderfully simple; it’s a dedicated - and very pretty - whisk designed to make preparing a matcha latte easier, quicker and less messy. At £99, however, this isn't an impulse purchase, but if you're regularly buying matcha lattes from cafes, having the equipment to make one at home is certainly very appealing. This also makes it much more cost effective.

I was particularly drawn to the fact that this is designed specifically around matcha rather than being a generic kitchen gadget. Bird & Blend describes it as making hot or iced matcha lattes in an effortless way. So, I put it to the test.

What I like about the Bird & Blend Matcha Latte Magic Whisk

First things first, the Bird & Blend Matcha Latte Magic Whisk really does make preparing matcha a lot easier.

Anyone who has tried making matcha from powder will know that getting a smooth drink without lumps isn’t easy and it can require a bit of technique. A dedicated whisk takes much of that manual work out of the process, making it so much easier to get that properly blended consistency you'd expect from a good matcha latte.

I also like that it encourages you to make matcha at home. Matcha has become such a popular alternative to the usual tea order, but buying one from a café regularly can quickly become an expensive habit. This gadget therefore helps you to save money.

Having the right equipment in the kitchen also means you can experiment with your own flavour combinations too, whether that's a classic matcha latte or an iced version, and you don’t have to choose from what is often a small list of options in cafes.

Bird & Blend has clearly thought about the wider matcha experience too. They have a dedicated collection of matcha, matcha tools and recipes, so the Magic Whisk is just part of the brand’s offering. It’s great that you can get everything you need from one website.

Another thing I like about it is that because it was so easy to use I felt confident using it quite quickly. It was intimidating with lots of different buttons or options, and I was soon experimenting with different drinks.

Plus, it’s really pretty and looks lovely on the kitchen counter-top. You won’t want to hide this one away in the cupboard. I chose the soft lilac colour, but a yellow toned bamboo gloss and brushed stainless steel version is also available.

What I don't like about the Bird & Blend Matcha Latte Magic Whisk

The biggest consideration is the price, but it’s not a negative as long as you use it properly. At £99, it is an investment. But, if you’re paying £3 to £4 a time every time you buy a matcha latte from a cafe then it quickly pays for itself.

Bird & Blend does sell a handheld milk and matcha frother for £20, so there is a cheaper way of getting your matcha mixed. You’ll just have to put a lot more manual effort in with this one and rely on your own skill to be able to get that ideal smooth drink.

So, I wouldn't recommend buying the Magic Whisk simply because you're curious about matcha. If you're still deciding whether matcha is something you'll drink regularly, I'd start with a less expensive option of the handheld milk and matcha frother and then see how you feel.

For someone who already knows they love matcha though, like me, it’s a different consideration. If you're buying matcha lattes regularly, the convenience of having a dedicated device at home which you can use whenever you want is obvious.

It's also worth remembering that the whisk itself doesn't magically make every matcha taste good. The quality of the matcha powder, the milk you use and the quantities all still matter. The gadget can make preparation easier, but you do still have to make sure some key elements are there. Luckily, Bird & Blend does sell a range of delicious matcha flavours.

My Verdict

The Bird & Blend Matcha Latte Magic Whisk is one of those products that makes the most sense id you know you will use it regularly.

At £99, I wouldn't describe it as essential, and there are much cheaper ways to whisk matcha. But if you're regularly making matcha lattes at home and want to make the process quicker, easier and more enjoyable, this device has great appeal.

• Please note that delivery charges may apply.