Making a great latte or cappuccino is a tricky task.
You’ll need a silky smooth blend of espresso, with the right combinations of steamed milk and microfoam.
This means you’ll need a method of making authentic espresso, as well as a steaming wand or milk frother for the milk and foam components of your latte or cappuccino.
Luckily, the best latte and cappuccino makers come with all this and more onboard. As you will be capable of making short shots of espresso, you can also build out other coffees, from flat whites to macchiatos.
Whenever you’re shopping for a new coffee machine, the sheer volume of choice can be overwhelming. Before browsing our comprehensive reviews below, we would suggest you familiarize yourself with the following pointers to maximize your chances of getting the most suitable machine.
Keep this simple framework in mind and you should be ideally positioned to choose the best latte and cappuccino maker for your needs.
Enjoy our reviews!
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The 16 Best Latte & Cappuccino Makers
1. Our #1 Pick:Breville Barista Express
Features
The Breville Barista Express is our overall favorite in today’s showcase of the best latte and cappuccino makers. While you’ll need to put in some effort to make longer, creamier coffees, you’ll be glad you did when you taste the result in your cup.
This is a super-automatic machine offering you bean-to-cup espresso at the push of a button and twist of a dial.
The burr grinder baked in will blitz your fresh espresso beans. Use a medium roast and grind directly before brewing. Your coffee grinds will be doses right into the portafilter.
Pre-infusion, this machine delivers the low pressure you need, and then pump then ratchets up to produce the more powerful pressure required for first-class espresso.
Highly precise PID controls ensure the water is at just the right temperature for espresso – between 190F and 196F.
With your espresso as a base, you can either enjoy the drink neat or use it as a base for latte and cappuccino. The manual steam wand lets you take full control over this aspect of the process. While there is a learning curve involved, once you master it you’ll be making creamy coffee with latte art like a barista.
This is not the cheapest method of making latte and cappuccino at home, and it is not the most user-friendly either. Despite this, once you start creating homemade creamy coffees using top-notch espresso as a base, you’ll be glad of the extra control this machine affords you.
2. Mr Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Features
Next in line we have a much more cost-effective solution for making homemade cappuccino and latte from Mr Coffee.
While this might not be the most robust machine and you might not get years of service from it, it’s priced well within anyone’s budget and makes a great latte and cappuccino with push-button ease.
The Café Barista is finished in stainless steel with plastic accents. Use the responsive touch controls to access a wide variety of creamy coffees as well as espresso.
With espresso, choose from a single, double, or custom shot to enjoy your breakfast eye-opener just the way you like it. Pick from latte or cappuccino at the press of a button, and again in two sizes.
The pump is capable of generating up to 15 bars of pressure, more than enough for authentic espresso.
Both the water reservoir and milk tank are removable to streamline cleaning and refilling.
As long as you remember to prime this unit before using it for the first time – clear instructions are provided – you can start enjoying gourmet coffee at home, even if you’re a complete beginner.
3. DeLonghi Magnifica Espresso and Coffee Machine
Features
DeLonghi has an impressive stable of coffee machines and the Magnifica is one of the jewels in the crown. What do you get for your money, then?
Well, this is a super-automatic machine, meaning you won’t need a third-party grinder, and you won’t need to master the art of pulling a shot either. From bean to cup, the Magnifica does everything for you.
This machine is not just limited to making espresso, so the onboard grinder comes with a choice of 13 different grind settings. If you’re rolling with espresso, you need a fine grind.
DeLonghi appreciates that every once in a while you might want to use some pre-ground coffee. If so, use the bypass doser to load in some powdered decaf or your preferred tipple.
If you want to enjoy longer and creamier coffees, you’ll be starting with the perfect authentic espresso as a base. Even better, this unit comes equipped with a pioneering cappuccino system that lets you enjoy foamy, creamy coffees at the push of a button, with the optimum ratio of foam and milk dispensed automatically.
While some people dislike the lack of control you need to accept with fully-automatic machines, if you’re looking for the best latte and cappuccino makers in terms of convenience, you can’t go wrong with the DeLonghi Magnifica.
The only noteworthy flaw in this otherwise outstanding machine is the fact the burr grinder is made of metal rather than ceramic. This is not a deal-breaker, and the grinder is more than fit for purpose.
4. Breville Barista Touch
Features
Next in line we have a multipurpose coffee machine from industry specialist Breville. While the Barista Touch is first and foremost an espresso machine, you’ll also be free to make a variety of gourmet coffees using the responsive touchscreen.
As with all fully-automatic espresso machines, this unit has a burr grinder mounted on top. This conical burr grinder gives you one-touch grinding and ensures your espresso gets off to the strongest start with beans blitzed to the fine grind required for short shots.
When you fire the Barista Touch up, it gets up to heat almost instantly.
As with all Breville machines, the pre-infusion stage involves only low pressure for the choicest extraction. When the extraction gets underway, you’ll get the robust pressure essential for properly extracted espresso.
Making any coffee you fancy really couldn’t be easier with the Breville. Grind at the push of a button, tweak the coffee strength and the milk texture, and you’re up and running. Take care of all of this and more using the crisp touchscreen.
You won’t need any tech skills to operate this interface either, and you can also punch in up to 8 personalized settings, allowing everyone in the family to access their preferred beverage at the push of a button.
Aside from the machine not getting the water up to a high enough temperature for espresso, this is one of the best latte and cappuccino makers if you’re shopping primarily based on convenience.
5. Mr. Coffee CoffeeHouse Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Features
Mr. Coffee make some highly effective and user-friendly coffee machines, so how does the CoffeeHouse perform?
Well, ease of use is uppermost here. Taking control of this machine is as simple as pushing the preset matching you preferred drink. Espresso lovers can get a single or double shot without needing to worry about extraction time or grinding beans. All you need to do is push a button.
As an added kicker, the efficient pump generates more than enough pressure for an authentic shot of espresso like the Italians drink it.
Anyone who favors longer and creamier coffees can get a large or small latte and cappuccino with similar ease.
The machine comes with a manual milk frother. While this means you’ll need to put in a little effort, it also means you can manipulate the levels of foam and milk to suit.
Many automatic coffee machines fail to get the water up to temperature. Here, you’ll get your coffee piping hot not lukewarm, enhancing the extraction, flavor, and aroma.
The plastic build polarizes opinion, and this machine doesn’t feel as solid as you would like. Having said that, the combination of the flexibility, price, and overall performance makes this one of the best latte and cappuccino makers out there. Does it make the right fit for your home kitchen, though?
6. Keurig K-Café
Features
Single-serve coffee makers offer unrivaled convenience and a space-saving form factor. Keurig is the brand who first brought these machines to market, and they remain a dominant force today.
To fuel this machine, you’ll need to stock up on some K-Cup pods. You can use proprietary Keurig capsules, or a choice of hundreds of other pods from brands like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.
After popping in your K-Cup pod and topping up the water tank, simply push a button and get the coffee, latte, or cappuccino you crave in seconds.
The water tank is quite large, containing up to 60oz and cutting down on refilling. This is also removable for ease of cleaning.
You can also move the drip tray to accommodate your taller travel mugs, so brew straight into your large container and hit the road for work with a smile.
The auto shut-off function powers this machine down after 2 hours of inactivity, helping you to control your power consumption.
For anyone who wants single serve convenience married to the ability to make freshly ground coffee, just buy the permanent filter separately and use your favorite freshly ground beans when you’re in the mood for something special. The Keurig K-Café is one of the best-selling models in this brand’s arsenal with just cause.
7. Nespresso Creatista Plus
Features
If you thought all Nespresso machines were cheap and made of plastic, you couldn’t be further from the truth, as evidenced by the Creatista Plus.
Sitting somewhere in the middle of the Nespresso line, you get an elegant and hardwearing stainless steel machine available in several striking finishes.
This model allows you to benefit from both single-serve coffee as well as espresso. This model even has a dedicated setting for the super-strong ristretto.
As with all Nespresso machines, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the capsules this thing uses. While buying Nespresso machines direct is not generally your most cost-effective option, it is worth looking at the manufacturer’s site for capsules as they offer these at the keenest prices, and also in bulk and custom quantities.
The display guides you through making your chosen coffee, and you’ll get push-button simplicity, as well as a wide menu of gourmet coffees to choose from. Overall, this is a strong contender for the best cappuccino and latte maker out there.
8. Breville Nespresso Vertuo
Features
Nespresso has a deep bench of single-serve coffee machines, and they also offer many co-branded models like this collaboration with Breville. How does this iteration of the Vertuo stand and fall?
Firstly, the compact footprint and slender dimensions make this a great choice for anyone living in an apartment, or for anyone with space constraints in the kitchen.
You’ll be locked into using capsules from Nespresso’s Vertuo Line. In return, barcode recognition lets the machine optimize your coffee every time. Consistency is perhaps the key selling point with all Nespresso machines. You never get a bad cup of coffee.
The Vertuo gives you a choice of the following beverages:
- Single espresso
- Double espresso
- Gran lungo
- 7oz coffee
- 14oz coffee
If you want latte or cappuccino, you get the Aeroccino milk frother included with this iteration of the Vertuo. As long as you don’t mind frothing the milk yourself, you’ll have no excuse not to get your cappuccino and latte just the way you like them, even if it takes you a few attempts to get it right.
You get a welcome pack of a dozen capsules thrown in to get you going out the box.
The water reservoir is quite large at 40oz, and it’s also removable to simplify refilling and cleaning.
Perhaps the other primary draw of this machine is the patented Centrifusion technology delivering top-notch results with single-serve ease.
Aside from an excess of plastic parts, this is one of the best latte and cappuccino makers in a crowded market segment.
9. Gaggia Classic Pro
Features
Gaggia is a powerhouse brand with many impressive coffee machines on offer. The Classic Pro proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy one of their machines, so what do you get in exchange?
The first thing that stands out is the number of commercial-grade parts used. From the brew group and the steam wand through to the solenoid valve, you get components built to perform while also lasting the distance.
You can also pick from a handful of vibrant colorways if you want an alternative the usual black and silver latte and cappuccino makers.
This is a semi-automatic espresso machine, which means you’ll need to master a slight learning curve, and you’ll need to learn how to pull a shot the right way.
As this machine is not fully automatic, you’ll need to invest in a third-party grinder if you don’t already have one at home.
Use the manual steam wand to froth up milk for latte and cappuccino, using your espresso as the ideal base.
For anyone committed to learning the art of making great espresso at home, this is one of the most effective options up for grabs.
10. DeLonghi Eletta Cappuccino and Espresso Maker
Features
Another offering from the inimitable DeLonghi up next in the form of the Eletta. At first glance, this machine doesn’t look like much, but it sits near the top of the DeLonghi range and makes one of the best latte and cappuccino makers out there.
If you’re on the hunt for a cheap coffee machine, this is not for you. If you don’t mind digging deeper for great quality gourmet coffee with ease, read on.
Made from stainless steel finished in a muted black, the machine has sleek, angular lines.
A super-automatic machine, you’ll enjoy bean-to-cup convenience, and you won’t need an additional grinder either.
The interface allows you to choose from the following options:
- Espresso
- Double espresso
- Coffee
- Cappuccino
- Latte
- Macchiato
- Flat white
- Hot milk
With those choices, you have all bases covered from breakfast to bedtime, and everyone in the family can enjoy their coffee just the way they like without compromising.
There are 13 different grind settings so you can get the precise consistency you need for the drinks you have in mind.
The pump under the hood is capable of kicking out up to 15 bars of pressure, ample for making authentic espresso.
Whether you want short, strong shots or long, creamy coffees, this is one of the best latte and cappuccino makers out there, and you can make much more besides.
11. Keurig K-Cafe
Features
Keurig is Nespresso’s main rival in the single-serve coffee machine vertical. The K-Café is one of the most popular models in the extensive line, so how does it perform?
The space-saving form factor of this machine makes it a smooth fit for small or crowded kitchens, and its lightweight nature means it’s also a great travel option, whether for a dorm room, the RV, or the boat.
You likely won’t want the Keurig leaving the home kitchen, though, and certainly not once you experience how easy it is to make tasty coffee with this single-serve gem.
Choose from any K-Cup pod to make the latte, cappuccino, or coffee of your choice. You have an enormous range of options with this pod-based coffee.
Now, not everyone enjoys the taste of Keurig coffee, some feeling it tastes weak and underextracted. There is no right or wrong with coffee, only personal preference. We’re not here to sell you on a Keurig, but we can recommend the K-Café if you’re looking for push-button ease rather than steep learning curves and shot-pouring.
12. Breville Dual-Boiler Espresso Machine
Features
Breville has a wide range of espresso machines in many different styles, so how does this powerful model deliver?
One of the key attractions of this model is the dual-boiler system. This comes into its own when you’re making longer coffees, as you can extract your espresso at the same time as steaming milk for the froth and foam of your latte, cappuccino, or other long coffee.
A great espresso is at the heart of all cappuccino and latte, so this machine ensures you nail that part of the equation.
This is a fully-automatic espresso machine, so all you need to do is pop your coffee beans into the hopper and then allow the machine to dose 19g to 22g of fine coffee grinds directly into the portafilter.
Use the simple buttons and dials to select your preferred beverage and then wait for a single or double espresso well within a minute.
If you want to create longer coffees like cappuccino or latte, you’ll need to use the manual steam wand. Once you master creating the microfoam and milk in the right ratio, you’ll have more than just espresso up your sleeve.
13. Mr Coffee Latte Maker
Features
As we near the end of our collection of the best latte and cappuccino makers, we have another entry from the budget-friendly Mr Coffee.
Now, this is a dedicated latte maker, a superb choice if you drink lots of creamy coffee and prefer one-touch functionality to making espresso and then frothing milk manually.
The fully automated process sees the machine making coffee or espresso at the same time as it heats and froths milk for your latte. Using this machine is literally child’s play.
The Mr Coffee brand has been in business for over half a century, pioneers of the first drip coffee machine for home use.
If you’re put off making latte because of the mess, this machine couldn’t be easier to clean and maintain.
As an added kicker, you can also rustle up hot chocolate in this versatile machine, giving you a drink for bedtime as well as throughout the day.
Safety features include auto shut-off, powering the machine down as soon as your drink is served.
For anyone looking to make mainly latte at home, this is one of the most capable solutions you can find.
14. Nespresso Lattissima Pro
Features
We have time for another entry from the mighty Nespresso stable next with the Lattissima Pro. While this is one of the costlier machines in the line, it is also aggressively discounted right now. Act quickly and you can snatch yourself a real bargain.
Once you fire this machine up, you won’t need to worry about pre-heating. Slip in any capsule from Nespresso’s Original Line and you’ll get great coffee at the push of a button.
The main benefit of this machine for latte and cappuccino lovers is the proprietary cappuccino system onboard. The Lattissima Pro can layer milk and foam in the right proportions to complement your espresso wonderfully and yield the long, creamy coffees you crave.
The pump under the hood is rated at 19 bars, giving you more than enough pressure for authentic espresso.
If you end up with any milk left over in the carafe, you can remove this, allow it to cool, and then refrigerate until you’re next ready for coffee.
The spent capsule container has space for up to 15 empties before you need to head to the trash can.
Not only is this Nespresso machine a cinch to use, but it’s equally easy to keep clean, and also requires practically no maintenance.
15. Breville Barista Pro
Features
As we near the end of our search for the best latte and cappuccino makers, Breville enters the fray once more.
Sitting somewhere at the upper end of the mid-range, the Barista Pro is a rugged stainless steel unit capable of thriving, even in high-demand environments.
A bean-to-cup super-automatic, this model is ideal for anyone prizing convenience above control. If you prefer to take more of a hands-on approach to brewing espresso, we would recommend one of the semi-automatics we review above.
The conical burr grinder gives you one-touch grinding and blitzes your beans to the perfect consistency for your espresso.
Choose from a single or double shot and then allow the machine to all the hard yards for you, delivering piping hot and authentic espresso like the Italians drink.
If you’re looking to make cappuccino and latte, you can take advantage of the manual frothing wand to finish off your creamy coffees to a turn.
As with all Breville espresso machines, the water is only subjected to low pressure during the pre-infusion stage for the optimum extraction.
A thermoblock heating system slashes waiting time and allows you to enjoy the coffee you want in next to no time.
Not only do you get all this performance with practically no effort, but Barista Pro occupies very little space on the kitchen counter either.
16. DeLonghi Espresso Machine
Features
Last but certainly not least in today’s breakdown of the best latte and cappuccino makers is another model from the inimitable DeLonghi.
This affordable espresso machine is solidly built and offers stripped-down simplicity at a very keen price point for this brand. How does it perform, though?
The pump is capable of generating up to 15 bars of pressure, so you have more than enough in reserve to make an Italian espresso.
Choose from single or double shots and benefit from push-button convenience rather than grappling to pour your own shot like with a semi-automatic.
To make longer coffees, however, you will need to roll up your sleeves. Once you get to grips with the manual steam wand, though, you’ll appreciate the extra level of control this gives you over your latte, cappuccino, or macchiato – see our FAQs below if you’re not sure of the differences between these creamy coffees.
The only complaints we could find concerning the DeLonghi among a sea of positive user testimony concerns the fact it takes a while to heat up. If you’re prepared to pack a little patience, we feel you’ll be delighted with the cappuccino and latte this machine makes.
FAQs
1) What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
While latte and cappuccino look similar at a glance, there are some key differences between these beverages. A latte is composed of more milk than coffee. Latte does not have any foam either. A cappuccino, by contrast, consists of equal parts coffee, foam, and milk. There is no universal agreement when it comes to ratios. Typically, though, cappuccino involves a 2oz double espresso shit, 2oz steamed milk, and 2oz foamed milk. There will also be some foam that mixes in with the crema on the espresso when you add the milk.
2) What is a macchiato?
Making a macchiato involves the same processes, but the order is different. With a latte or cappuccino, you add frothy and steamed milk to a shot of espresso. The milk comes first when you’re making macchiato. You add your espresso to the milk, and buy doing this you almost eliminate the crema, resulting in a smoother drinking experience. Macchiato means stained in Italian. This is due to the way the espresso stains the milk froth when it’s added.
3) What is the best way to go about making espresso?
You should use medium roast coffee beans and grind them directly before brewing. If you are not using a super-automatic espresso machine with an integrated grinder, consider investing in the best ceramic burr grinder you can find. For espresso, you want a fine grind that’s the same consistency as table salt. Coffee beans degrade quickly once ground, so grind directly before making your espresso. Use bottled water or filtered water for a crisper and cleaner taste. With these basics in place, you can let the machine do all the work for you if you’re using a full-automatic model, or you can get to work pulling your shots manually if you prefer to use a classic semi-automatic espresso machine.
4) Can all espresso machines make latte and cappuccino?
Not every espresso machine is capable of making longer and creamy coffees, although most offer this functionality. You will need a steaming wand or milk frother to rustle up the milk and foam required for latte and cappuccino if you don’t have a machine that makes these drinks on demand.
5) What is the best milk to use for latte and cappuccino?
You should use milk that’s very cold but not frozen. The protein and fat content are important for latte and cappuccino, so stick with 2% milk and you’re in safe hands.
Conclusion
Choosing the best latte and cappuccino maker takes a little time and patience, but we hope today’s guide has helped clear up any confusion you might have had.
You have many options from espresso machines and latte machines through to single-serve pod-based machines. All of these can make first-rate latte and cappuccino. The main variable is how much effort you need to put in, and how much control you want to retain over the whole process. We review machines in all these styles and more today to cover all bases.
We have highlighted the drawbacks of the machines we review today as well as showcasing the benefits so you can more accurately determine which of these units makes the most seamless fit.
