If you find yourself often spending your extra cash on lattes to go, now could be the time to invest in a home latte maker! The latte machine, with the addition of a travel cup and a few more minutes of your time in the morning, allows you to enjoy your latte on the move, or even at home, for a fraction of the cost of one purchased at your favorite coffee shop.
In this post, we look at a variety of the finest latte machines, ranging from simple versions to more complex types, as well as machines that employ pods or capsules for automated latte brewing. We also discuss what to look for when purchasing a latte machine and several ways for making nice froth for your latte. If you like non-dairy alternatives in your daily latte, we’ll show you how to get the most out of them while brewing lattes at home.
Best Selection
The touch control Keurig K-Caf, which utilizes K-Cup pods to make hot or cold lattes, cappuccinos, and more and is intended to accommodate travel cups for simple lattes on the go, is our Top Choice.
Budget Selection
The DeLonghi EC155 is our budget pick since it boasts an Advanced Cappuccino System that keeps the temperature perfect and the machine ready to prepare the next cup.
Contents
- Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Latte Machines
- 1. Keurig K-Cafe Latte and Cappuccino Maker
- 2. De’Longhi EC155
- 3. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
- 4. Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine
- 5. SOWTECH Espresso Maker
- 6. Mr. Coffee Cafe Latte Maker
- 7. Delonghi EC680M Dedica
- 8. The Keurig Rivo Cappuccino and Latte System
- 9. De’Longhi America EN750MB Lattissima Pro
- 10. Breville BES810BSSUSC Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine
- Considerations Before Purchasing the Best Latte Machine
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- What is the best machine to make a latte?
- What should I buy to make lattes at home?
- What machine do baristas use?
- Can you make a good latte at home?
- What latte machines does Starbucks use?
- How to make a latte like a coffee shop?
- How to make a latte like a pro?
- What makes a latte taste good?
- Is Breville or DeLonghi better?
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Latte Machines
Product Name | Grade |
---|---|
Keurig K-Cafe Latte and Cappuccino Maker | A |
De’Longhi EC155 | A- |
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker | B+ |
Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine | A- |
SOWTECH Espresso Maker | A- |
Mr. Coffee Cafe Latte Maker | A- |
Delonghi EC680M Dedica | A- |
The Keurig Rivo Cappuccino and Latte System | A- |
De’Longhi America EN750MB Lattissima Pro | A |
Breville BES810BSSUSC Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine | A- |
1. Keurig K-Cafe Latte and Cappuccino Maker
The Keurig K-Caf can create hot or cold lattes, cappuccinos, or simply coffees using K-Cup pods. You may also use your own ground coffee with the K-Cup universal reusable coffee filter.
This machine utilizes fresh milk and either warms and froths it for hot beverages or froths it alone for cold drinks. The nozzle is high to enable simple filling of larger cups and travel mugs up to 7.2 tall, and it includes touch button control. This can offer a variety of coffee cups ranging from 6 to 12 oz, and the water reservoir holds 60 oz, requiring less replenishing during the day.
This machine also features a shut-off option that you may configure, or it will turn off the machine automatically two hours after it was last used. The frother may be washed in the dishwasher.
The milk frother has caused some issues for some buyers, and you should establish electrical requirements before purchasing since this requires its own 15 amp circuit. Several customers have also discovered that hot beverages are not as hot as they would like.
Pros
- Touch-screen machine for making hot or cold lattes, cappuccinos, and coffees.
- You may either use K-Cup pods or your own ground coffee.
- It has a huge water reservoir that can carry up to 60 oz.
- Milk may be frothed cold or heated and frothed hot.
- Auto shut-off feature that may be programmed
- The frother may be washed in a dishwasher.
Cons
- Before purchasing, clarify the electrical requirements, since this requires its own 15 amp circuit.
- Beverages may not be as hot as you want.
- With time, the milk frother is prone to acquiring flaws.
2. De’Longhi EC155
The DeLonghi EC155 latte machine has self-priming, which means it is always ready to use. This is a small machine with a swivel jet froth wand and an Advanced Cappuccino System that maintains the proper temperature so you can make cup after cup. With a pump pressure of 15 bar, this includes two independent thermostats for controlling water and steam temperatures.
You can utilize ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods with this, as well as manual selection choices to make lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos.
The 35 oz water tank and drip tray can be removed for simple dishwasher cleaning, and there is a cup warmer on top of the machine.
This only fits smaller cups, like as espresso cups, comfortably beneath the portafilter, and some buyers have expressed dissatisfaction with the brew when using ESE pods. Since most of this equipment is made of plastic, its lifetime may be shorter than you would prefer.
Pros
- With a 15 bar pump pressure, this compact espresso and latte machine
- A swivel jet froth wand is included for creating lattes and cappuccinos.
- The Advance Cappuccino System maintains appropriate temperatures.
- The machine has a cup warmer on top.
- It self-primes and is therefore always ready to use.
- With this recipe, you may use either ground coffee or ESE pods.
- The dishwasher-safe drip tray and 35-ounce water tank
Cons
- Under the portafilter, only espresso cups and other tiny cups will fit.
- Several consumers have had difficulty obtaining a satisfactory brew with ESE pods.
- Rather from stainless steel, this machine is made of plastic.
- Its lifetime may be less than you would prefer.
3. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
The Mr. Coffee Caf Barista, available in red or silver, is a semi-automatic three-in-one espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos maker. This model contains a 15-bar pump system as well as an automated milk frother with customizable control.
The water reservoir may be easily removed and refilled. The milk reservoir is also removable and may be kept in the refrigerator until the next time you brew. Nonetheless, the milk tube should still be cleaned after each usage. The coffee is made using a one-touch method that comes with a recipe book.
After out of warranty, it may be difficult to locate new parts for this machine, and it may not last as long as you would anticipate from this brand. Several people believe that this does not froth the milk as well as they would want.
Pros
- Three-in-one semi-automatic coffee machine
- With a single touch, it makes lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso.
- For brewing, a 15 bar pump is used.
- The milk frother operates automatically and has an adjustable controller.
- The water and milk reservoirs may be completely removed.
- A recipe book with drink ideas is included.
Cons
- While the milk reservoir may be removed for refrigerator storage, it is advised that the milk tube be cleaned after each usage.
- Some owners believe that this does not froth the milk as nicely as they would want.
- The lifetime may be less than planned.
- After a machine’s warranty has expired, it might be difficult to acquire new components.
4. Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine
The Breville Barista Express is made of brushed stainless steel and has an in-built burr grinder with a customizable grind that puts the ground coffee directly into the portafilter.
This machine employs PID digital temperature control to guarantee that the water is at the proper temperature for brewing, and its steam wand produces tiny foam to help you perfect your latte art. The extraction pressure is 9 bar through the 15 bar pump.
It can brew single or double shots and includes touch control as well as manual override so you can create your latte precisely way you want it. This latte machine also includes filter baskets, a stainless steel milk jug, a cleaning brush, tablets, and other accessories.
This machine does come with a one-year limited warranty, and some owners have reported that repairs outside of the warranty window are expensive, so you may want to consider purchasing an additional warranty with this machine. The use of oilier beans, as with any in-built grinder, should be avoided since it increases the danger of clogging. Cleaning this machine may also take longer than cleaning simpler latte makers.
Pros
- Automated espresso, latte, and cappuccino machine with grinder
- There are also manual override possibilities.
- The 15 bar pump extracts 9 bar of pressure.
- The built-in burr grinder may be adjusted manually to get the desired grind.
- The steam wand can generate tiny foam, which is great for latte art.
- It comes with a variety of accessories.
Cons
- You might consider purchasing an additional warranty since repairs outside of the manufacturer’s warranty may be costly.
- Several people believe that cleaning this machine takes longer than cleaning other latte machines.
- To lessen the likelihood of the machine being clogged, avoid using oilier beans.
5. SOWTECH Espresso Maker
The SOWTECH espresso machine is equipped with a steam wand for boiling milk for lattes and cappuccinos. This is a little machine with a single knob for convenient function selection and operation.
Together with the drip tray, this includes an incorporated easy pour glass coffee pot with volume indicators that is dishwasher safe. At 3.5 bar pressure, this brews.
Being a low-cost equipment, it may not survive as long as intended and may not fit more experienced brewers. This also lacks an auto shut-off feature, so you must remember to switch it off after each usage. There is also a built-in water reservoir, which may make replenishing and cleaning more difficult.
Pros
- A little machine with a single control knob.
- Its steam wand may be used to steam milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
- It is a built-in glass coffee pot with an easy pour handle and volume indications.
- Coffee pot and drip tray are dishwasher safe.
Cons
- This low-cost machine may not be ideal for more expert baristas.
- Brews at a lower pressure of 3.5 bar.
- Since the water reservoir is built in, replenishing or cleaning might be difficult.
- Since it lacks an auto shut-off mechanism, it must be switched off manually after usage.
6. Mr. Coffee Cafe Latte Maker
The Mr. Coffee caf latte machine contains a 24 oz glass pitcher and can prepare one-touch lattes and hot chocolates. This machine can also make coffee and heat and froth milk. While the coffee brew basket is dishwasher safe, the pitcher is not.
This necessitates the use of disposable or permanent filters. It also includes a recipe book with 24 dishes and an auto shut-off mechanism for safety.
Some consumers have been dissatisfied with the product’s longevity, while others have had difficulty locating new components after the one-year guarantee has expired.
Pros
- or milk froths Latte machine that produces latte, coffee, and hot chocolate as well as warms and
- The glass pitcher can contain 24 oz of brew and operates with a one-touch method.
- Features an auto-shutdown feature
- A cook book with 24 recipes is included.
- The coffee brew basket may be washed in the dishwasher.
Cons
- For this, you must use disposable filters or purchase a permanent filter.
- The dishwasher will not clean the glass pitcher.
- After the equipment has beyond its warranty period, it may be difficult to get new components.
- Several owners have been dissatisfied with the product’s longevity.
7. Delonghi EC680M Dedica
The DeLonghi Dedica (EC680M) is a 15-bar pump espresso machine equipped with a manual cappuccino frother for making barista-quality lattes and cappuccinos. This compact and slim design, available in three colors and made of stainless steel, is only 6 wide and takes up less space on the countertop.
To accommodate bigger cups, the bottom tray may be adjusted or removed. The machine gets heated and ready to use in 35 seconds thanks to thermo block technology.
Several consumers have discovered that this machine may not last as long as promised, and even with frequent descaling, it may not perform as well as it should for certain users.
Pros
- For creating lattes and cappuccinos, an espresso machine with a manually operated frother is used.
- It is powered by a 15 bar pump.
- The stainless steel design is compact and slender, measuring just 6 inches wide and available in three colors.
- Because to thermoblock technology, the machine is ready to use after just 35 seconds of being turned on.
- To accommodate bigger cups, the bottom tray may be adjusted or removed.
Cons
- Even when periodically descaled, this machine does not perform as effectively as it should for certain owners.
- It may not last as long as expected before breaking down.
- Since this is a smaller machine, it is not ideal for big houses or workplaces.
8. The Keurig Rivo Cappuccino and Latte System
The Keurig Rivo is a cappuccino and latte device that brews espresso in under a minute using 15 bar of pressure. This system’s design enables espresso to be made on one side of the machine while frothing milk on the other. Milk foaming is mechanized, including latte, cappuccino, and cold froth settings.
Just Keurig Rivo pods will fit in this machine, and the only coffee offered is Lavazza, which not all latte lovers will like. There is also a chance that it may break down shortly after purchase, despite the fact that it comes with a one-year limited guarantee.
Pros
- A cappuccino and latte maker that brews espresso on one side and froths milk on the other.
- To brew the coffee, a 15 bar pressure pump is used.
- Keurig Rivo coffee pods are used.
- Can make a shot of espresso in under a minute
- The automatic milk frothing machine creates froth for lattes, cappuccinos, or just cold froth.
Cons
- Only Lavazza coffee is currently available in Keurig Rivo pods.
- Several consumers have discovered that this might fail quickly after purchasing.
- Rather of being human modifiable, milk foaming is totally automated.
9. De’Longhi America EN750MB Lattissima Pro
The DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Pro is inspired by professional machines yet designed for home usage. This machine makes rich and long-lasting froth for lattes and cappuccinos using an Automated Cappuccino System.
The milk reservoir may be removed after use and kept in the refrigerator until the next time, and the design of the milk reservoir ensures that no milk comes into touch with the machine, resulting in little clean up.
Utilizing thermoblock technology, this machine warms up in around 40 seconds and can extract coffee from Nespresso OriginalLine capsules at a pressure of 19 bar. The trash capsule receptacle has a capacity of 15 capsules, while the water reservoir has a capacity of 40 oz.
This model includes a brushed stainless steel finish, touchscreen controls, and a descaling function that indicates when it needs to be descaling based on the set degree of water hardness. It also features an auto shut-off feature and a pack of Nespresso capsules. Some owners dislike the temperature at which the milk is cooked and would want it to be hotter.
Pros
- OriginalLine Nespresso capsules and fresh milk are used in this automatic latte maker.
- Touchscreen control and stainless steel finish
- Because of thermoblock technology, it can heat up in around 40 seconds.
- It employs an Automated Cappuccino System to create long-lasting, rich foam.
- After usage, the milk reservoir may be refrigerated.
- Notifies you when it is time to descale.
Cons
- Only OriginalLine Nespresso capsules are permitted.
- Since the milk temperature cannot be changed, it may not be hot enough if you like hotter beverages.
10. Breville BES810BSSUSC Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine
The Breville Duo Temp Pro (BES810BSSUSC) espresso machine is made of stainless steel and has a 15 bar pump and a steam wand. This is a semi-automatic equipment that employs digital temperature control technology (PID) for regulated coffee extraction. The steam wand can make tiny foam, which is ideal for latte art. The water reservoir has a capacity of 61 oz.
This machine purges the heat system after steaming to ensure that the next espresso produced is at the proper temperature, and it also warns users when maintenance, like as cleaning or drip tray emptying, is required.
Several owners have had difficulty determining the ideal grind for a high-quality shot, and the water filters in this machine should be replaced every two to three months.
Pros
- Semi-automatic steam wand machine
- For balanced extraction, PID or digital temperature control technology is used.
- Capable of producing tiny foam for latte art
- It has a huge 61-ounce water reservoir and self-purges after use.
- Notifies the user that maintenance chores are due.
Cons
- These includes water filters that must be replaced every few months.
- Finding the correct grind for a good shot of espresso may be challenging.
Considerations Before Purchasing the Best Latte Machine
Coffee with milk has been used since the seventeenth century, however the word caffe latte was first used in English by the writer William Dean Howells. The cafe latte is claimed to have originally been drank in California in the late 1950s, when an Italian coffee shop operator noticed that coffee customers continually requesting for additional milk to be added to their drink to balance the strong taste of the espresso. Lattes became popular with the emergence of coffee culture in the 1980s and the development of latte art.
A latte, or a cafe latte, is made up of 2 oz of espresso, 3 oz of steamed milk, with a thin coating of foam on top. If you order a latte in Italy or any European country, you will be given a glass of steamed milk!
Things to Look for When Purchasing a Latte Maker
Purchasing daily lattes from the coffee shop quickly adds up, so although a latte machine may seem pricey at first, it will quickly pay for itself when compared to the expense of buying lattes to go. It also allows you to experiment with various coffees at your leisure.
Machines are available to suit various budgets, with simple ones often costing less than a hundred dollars. These simple machines often fulfill the demands of most latte drinkers, producing espresso and letting you to manually steam your milk with a steam wand or frother.
Automatic and semi-automatic machines, particularly those that utilize pods or capsules, do not provide as much user control as manual machines, so if you want to fine-tune your brew, they may not be the ideal choice for you. The key benefit of these machines is that they are consistent, rapid, and often create a latte at the push of a button.
Freshly ground beans, like any other sort of coffee, work best in a latte machine. Some machines have an in-built grinder that grinds the beans and deposits them directly into the portafilter, ready for brewing.
Latte machines include a removable water reservoir for convenient refilling. Some machines additionally include a milk reservoir that can be removed and stored in the refrigerator.
Every sort of machine will need some basic cleaning after use as well as frequent maintenance such as a thorough clean and descaling, so it is important investigating how much care you will need to do on a regular basis with your equipment. Certain machines may also need filter replacement, which will increase the total cost during the machine’s lifespan.
Milk reservoirs and drip trays help with cleaning. You should search for a latte machine that has dishwasher-safe elements, such as water.
The Milk’s Significance in a Good Latte
The silky and creamy texture of the cafe latte is created by heating and foaming the milk, which combines with the rich espresso to create a range of tastes. The distinction between a latte and a cappuccino is that the cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, but a typical espresso macchiato (or dry cappuccino) contains just espresso and foamed milk.
Air is pushed into the milk in a latte maker to make it creamy and velvety. When frothing milk with a steam wand, use cold milk and fill your jug no more than a third full, since this allows the milk to double or even treble in volume while it is aerated.
Before foaming the milk, purge the steam wand by wrapping it in a moist towel and turning on the steam for a few seconds. Place the want in the milk and aim it just off-center so that the milk begins to flow in a clockwise manner. If the wand is in the correct position, it should now sound like you’re cooking something on a grill, and foam should form. This is often referred to as the sweet spot.
It is critical to maintain the steam wand under the surface of the milk to avoid sputtering and the formation of big bubbles. If huge bubbles occur, raise the jug to further immerse the wand, and the circular motion of the milk should drive the larger bubbles back into the milk, leaving just the desired little bubbles.
If you have bigger bubbles or too much foam, you will have a cappuccino rather than a latte! Tap the jug on the counter a few times to eliminate any stray bigger bubbles. At this time, the milk temperature should be about 145F; much higher and you risk scorching the milk and giving your latte an off-taste.
When you’ve done, lay a moist towel over the steam wand and turn on the steam for a few seconds to remove any remaining milk residue. Wipe any stray droplets away from the machine’s wand as well. It may take some time to become accustomed to preparing lattes at home, so be patient!
Latte art is a regular sight at many coffee shops, and it’s not only a barista speciality; many of us want to try it at home. While doing latte art by hand requires a lot more experience, the easiest method to attempt it at home is using a stencil and a topping like cinnamon or chocolate. To create latte art, the froth on the latte must be smooth and velvety, with no huge bubbles.
Using Milk Substitutes in Latte Machines
Since milk substitutes do not have the same amount or kinds of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates as dairy milks, they might curdle when mixed with an acidic drink like coffee.
Non-dairy alternatives promoted as barista choices are the best to use in latte machines because they include stability regulators that not only prevent the non-dairy alternative from curdling, but also mean that when heated, they generate foam. Some alternatives may also include additional sugars and hence are not suited for all diets.
While soy milk is popular, there is a danger of it curdling when added to coffee. Shaking or swirling it thoroughly before pouring will assist, and it can generate froth perfect for latte art. Oat milks are becoming more popular in coffee due to their thicker, creamier consistency. While oat milk may be more frothy than conventional milk, it can still be utilized for latte art.
Alternatives such as pea, almond, coconut, cashew, and others may all be used in lattes. Some will steam better than others, while others, such as coconut, will give the latte a richer flavor. Alternatives from various manufacturers may also yield varied results when preparing lattes, so you may need to experiment with a few different lines to find what works best for you.
If you want to acquire a latte machine that automates milk frothing, be sure it allows you to utilize alternatives. With alternatives, a machine with a separate steam wand might be advantageous since you have complete control over how much or how little you froth the non-dairy option.
Conclusion
As we have seen in this article, it is the milk that makes a cafe latte so popular, and whether you use milk or a plant-based replacement, there is a latte machine that will steam and foam it precisely as you want it for your latte.
If you want to save money on your regular coffee purchases, a home latte maker is the way to go. With a variety of types available to suit all budgets and drink tastes, we hope that our article on selecting the finest latte machine was informative and that you are now ready to put one in your kitchen!
FAQs
What is the best machine to make a latte?
Top 5 Latte Makers
Cleaning is the simplest: K-Café Latte Maker from Keurig.
Mr. Coffee Espresso Machine is the easiest to use.
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is ideal for small kitchens.
Philips Automatic Espresso Machine is the most versatile.
DeLonghi Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is the best buy.
What should I buy to make lattes at home?
Lattes are simple to prepare at home, whether you have an espresso machine or not. You’ll need coffee and milk whether you use an espresso machine or not. Any sort of milk or milk substitute will do. You may either use espresso beans or your preferred roasted beans.
What machine do baristas use?
The most prevalent form of espresso machine on the market is a pump-driven espresso machine. They employ an electrical pump to deliver hot water through the coffee beans at the optimal pressure, which is roughly 9 bars. “You can manufacture highly consistent espresso because they utilize electronics to manage temperature and pressure,” Suarez said.
Can you make a good latte at home?
Even if you don’t have an espresso machine, a milk frother, or other specialized equipment, you can create a very nice latte at home – and yes, it will have a lovely cap of foam. All you need is an espresso or aggressively brewed coffee and some foamy milk, which you can easily prepare in the microwave.
What latte machines does Starbucks use?
There is no true ‘Starbucks espresso machine’ accessible for home use since they acquire their espresso equipment from Mastrena. Although other cafés may utilize Breville or Nuova Simonelli, the Mastrena series was specifically designed for Starbucks.
How to make a latte like a coffee shop?
As the coffee is brewing, heat the milk of your choice in a microwave-safe coffee cup for 30-45 seconds. When the milk has been heated, use a tiny whisk to aggressively whisk back and forth for 15-30 seconds, or until huge bubbles form and the milk turns frothy. This will create the froth on top of your latte.
How to make a latte like a pro?
There will be 3 parts milk to 1 part espresso in your latte, with only a dab of foamed milk on top. When you’ve explored the world of high-quality coffee beans, you’ll want to make sure you choose the correct milk to go with it. Jersey milk is the greatest milk, according to baristas and coffee enthusiasts.
What makes a latte taste good?
What should you look for when tasting a latte or other espresso beverage with milk? The essential traits to look for are sweetness, acidity, body, and cleanliness, and if there is a residual aftertaste, it should be pleasant.
Is Breville or DeLonghi better?
While the Breville has more grind sizes, the DeLonghi boasts unique sensor grinding technology for the perfect dosage every time. The DeLonghi pump is more powerful, at 19 bars compared to the Breville’s 15 bars, but either is sufficient to make a real espresso with a beautiful crema.