Which Method Actually Works Best?

In New Zealand, matcha is often enjoyed differently from Japan.
It is commonly prepared at home, after workouts, or even outdoors — rather than in a traditional setting.
Matcha doesn’t just depend on quality or water.

👉 The way you prepare it changes the result.

In New Zealand, where matcha culture is still growing, many people ask:

• Do I need a bamboo whisk?
• Can I use a shaker instead?
• Is an electric frother good enough?

This guide compares three common ways to make matcha — so you can choose what actually works for your lifestyle.

1. How to Make Matcha with a Bamboo Whisk (Chasen)

A bamboo whisk, known as a chasen in Japan, is traditionally used to prepare matcha.
Its fine prongs create a smooth, even foam.

Pros

• Produces very fine, creamy foam
• Helps balance bitterness and umami
• Brings out the full character of matcha
• Offers a more authentic experience

Cons

• Requires some technique
• Needs proper drying and storage
• In New Zealand’s colder and more humid months, it can develop mould if not dried properly
• A small amount of matcha may remain in the whisk and bowl after use
• Wears out over time and needs replacement
• Requires additional tools such as a matcha bowl and a whisk holder (chasen stand)

Best for

👉 Those who value taste and texture
👉 Those who enjoy the ritual and experience

2. Matcha Shaker

A matcha shaker is a simple bottle that mixes matcha by shaking.

Pros

• Extremely easy to use
• No special skill required
• Portable and convenient
• Ideal for picnics, travel, or outdoor use
• Minimal cleanup
• Delivers a more direct, clean, and refreshing taste due to less aeration

Cons

• Foam is less fine
• Texture is slightly less smooth than whisked matcha
• Less traditional experience

Best for

👉 Busy lifestyles
👉 Daily use
👉 On-the-go or outdoor situations

This makes it especially suitable for New Zealand lifestyles — whether it’s after yoga, at the office, or during a weekend trip.

3. Electric Milk Frother

An electric frother is a handheld device that rapidly spins to mix liquids.

Pros

• Fast and efficient
• Works well for matcha lattes
• Easy to operate

Cons

• Creates larger bubbles
• Can slightly affect flavour balance due to aggressive mixing
• Requires batteries or charging
• The whisk tip requires cleaning

Best for

👉 Matcha latte drinkers
👉 Speed and convenience

Cost Considerations

Rather than focusing only on price,
👉 it’s more useful to think about long-term usability.

• A chasen offers a high-quality experience but requires maintenance, replacement, and additional tools such as a matcha bowl and a whisk holder  
  
• A shaker is simple, durable, and easy to keep using daily
• An electric frother offers speed, but requires batteries or charging — and may not be usable if power runs out while you're out  
  

👉 The best value is the method you will actually keep using.

Comparison Summary

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:

So, Which One Is Best?

There is no single correct answer.
👉 It depends on what you value:

• Taste & experience → Chasen
• Simplicity & consistency → Shaker
• Speed & lattes → Frother

And most importantly:
👉 Consistency matters more than perfection.

If you don’t keep using it, it doesn’t matter how “correct” it is.

Water quality in New Zealand can also affect taste.
→ Read how hard and soft water impact matcha

Choosing What Works for You

There is no one “right” way to prepare matcha.

The best method is the one that fits naturally into your lifestyle — and allows you to enjoy matcha regularly.

In New Zealand, where convenience and flexibility matter, choosing a method that fits your daily routine is often more important than following tradition perfectly.

Ultimately, the best matcha is the one you actually enjoy — and keep coming back to.

If you're just getting started, a simple shaker can be the easiest way to build a daily matcha habit — especially for busy lifestyles.
→ Explore our matcha shaker