Monica Hewitt is an accomplished chef with an extensive background in setting up kitchens around the world. From selecting kitchenware and kitchen utensils to menu planning, Monica has been responsible for establishing complete restaurants from the ground up. As the Kitchen and Cooking Expert at Homesthetics, Monica is in charge of reviewing and curating all cooking and kitchen-related content on the platform. In her free time, Monica is a good sport, enjoying critiquing our homemade meals around the clock and telling us what could have been improved in sandwiches.
AromaticSystem: The CM 5310 automatic coffee machine wows...
From coffee, espresso, latte macchiato to hot milk: Conjure...
What I like
Features a built-in burr grinder
Can prepare a large capacity at one
It comes with cleaning programs for easy care and maintenance
What I don't like
It can involve a learning curve
When I unboxed this coffeemaker, I admit I was quite intimidated by its sophisticated design.
Upon testing, I found that it's very convenient. You can easily get a single-serve or two coffee drinks, from ristretto and espresso to cappuccino and macchiatos, at a touch of a button.
This is all thanks to the super-automatic brewing features of this machine.
After many observations, I've seen that its wear-resistant burr grinder maintains coffee bean flavors. It also doesn't emit much grinding noise, in contrast to many cappuccino machines I've tried.
Almost every setting is programmable. You can choose your amount of coffee, water, water temperature, milk, milk froth, and pre-brew.
Its Aromatic System gives you an intense coffee aroma and the best brewing flavors.
Clean-up is not an issue with this machine at all. Its box includes descaling and cleaning tablets, the milk pipework is automatically cleaned after every milk-based drink, and its drip tray and coffee grounds container are dishwasher-safe.
This super-automatic espresso machine has a minimalistic design, which I attribute its learning curve to. However, after many uses, you can get used to it and prepare any tasty coffee drink in a breeze.
Built-in Grinder: Yes | Type: Super-Automatic | Water Tank Capacity: 44 fl. oz | Milk Frother: Yes
It tends to be noisy when brewing coffee and even more when grinding beans
With your budget, you might not consider fully automatic espresso machines and settle with semi-automatic espresso machines instead.
I'm here to tell you that you can get fully automatic machines even with a tight budget.
Through many tests with the Philips EP3221, I've experienced the coffee maker's credibility.
It features a user-friendly and intuitive touchscreen with all the necessary controls. It even includes maintenance prompts, such as when it's time to change the machine's filter.
You can have one to two servings of four preset drinks like Coffee, Espresso, Espresso Lungo, and Americano. With its classic milk frother, you can also create milk-based drinks like cappuccino and macchiato.
Since it's a fully automatic machine, it comes with a built-in grinder that is 100% ceramic. This comes with 12 grinder settings to give you more control over the bitterness of your coffee.
It has a fully removable brew group to maintain your machine easily.
If you're particular about after-sales guarantees, know that this machine comes with a 2-year service guarantee to give you peace of mind when purchasing it.
Built-in Grinder: Yes | Type: Fully Automatic | Water Tank Capacity: 60 fl. oz | Milk Frother: Yes
Earn up to $200 cashback with a Beanz coffee subscription...
The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty...
What I like
It comes with a conical burr grinder with 16 grind settings
On-demand grinding for freshly ground coffee in every cup
Features low-pressure pre-infusion and 9-bar extraction
What I don't like
May have leaking and overflowing problems
Making the best cappuccino is a skill developed through experience.
Thankfully, the bean-to-cup Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine takes the coffee shop to your kitchen countertop. The Barista Express is a professional-style cappuccino machine that grinds fresh beans directly into its portafilter.
This is all thanks to the machine's conical burr grinder. It measures the correct dose for every cup to get freshly ground beans in every brew. It also comes with 16 precision grind settings to help you get the exact flavor you want.
As I tried this product, knowing that it has a 67-ounce water tank capacity helped me estimate better when it's time to refill the tank.
Its PID temperature control also helped me get consistent results with my brew, making me say that the Barista Express is worth the investment.
Built-in Grinder: Yes | Type: Semi-Automatic | Water Tank Capacity: 67 fl. oz | Milk Frother: Yes
User friendly control panel with 3 buttons to adjust...
De-calc system alarm will alert you when a de-calc is...
What I like
Features a retro-style design
It comes in 6 different colors
Easy to operate
What I don't like
Made of plastic
Here's a vintage-designed coffee machine that can match your timeless cappuccinos. Put this on your countertop and be transported to the mid-1900s Italy.
It has an eye-catching shape and your choice of a glossy pink, pastel blue, pastel green, black, or cream finish.
When I used this machine, I was impressed with its adjustable settings for water temperature and espresso strength.
Aside from this, the machine features a 15-bar pump system and an adjustable milk frother to deliver high-quality specialty drinks like your favorite lattes and cappuccinos.
It even has a removable drip tray and a water tank for easy cleaning.
After my fourth product trial, I realized you could also remove the drip tray to fit a taller mug. This was a bonus to the versatility of this aesthetic cappuccino machine.
Built-in Grinder: No | Type: Manual | Water Tank Capacity: 47 fl. oz | Milk Frother: Yes
It only has limited controls and adjustable settings
Experiment with your barista skills in the comforts of your home with this commercial-inspired semi-automatic espresso maker.
Starting with its design, it showcases a streamlined look with its stainless steel frame.
It has features commonly found in commercial machines, such as a 3-way solenoid valve and a chrome-plated brass 58 mm portafilter.
Based on my firsthand experience with this semi-automatic espresso machine, its commercial-style steam wand is its highlight.
This steam wand is an upgraded version of the steam wand of Gaggia's prior models. It features a rotating movement that makes steaming and frothing easier for beginners at cappuccino brewing.
This is the best cappuccino maker for beginners who want to practice brewing the perfect cappuccino.
Built-in Grinder: No | Type: Semi-Automatic | Water Tank Capacity: 72 fl. oz | Milk Frother: Yes
Item Package Dimension: 15.3L x 12.2W x 10.9H inches
Item Package Weight - 11 Pounds
What I like
Milk-based drinks are ready in less than 40 seconds
Features 6 One-Touch recipes
Easy cleanup with less waste
What I don't like
Coffee pods can be difficult to buy
Are you looking for a cappuccino machine that does your entire work?
The Nespresso Lattissima Touch can give you coffee shop drinks with just one touch of a button. It is a pod cappuccino maker that won't require your barista skills to brew the perfect cappuccino, latte, flat white, or cafe macchiato.
Unlike other pod machines, it delivers an authentic espresso taste with its 19-bar pressure feature.
You're not limited to just one serving with this cappuccino machine, too!
When I tested this product, its large milk carafe allowed you to make back-to-back cappuccinos. You can even adjust the froth to suit your preference.
But what I love most about this machine is its easy cleanup. Once your drink is done brewing, the pods drop into a waste container. No messy grounds to think about here.
Built-in Grinder: No | Type: Pod Machine | Water Tank Capacity: 30 fl. oz | Milk Frother: Yes
Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or...
Sleek design takes up only 6 inches of counter space, while...
What I like
Compact and lightweight
Can brew both coffee grounds and pods
Features one-touch control and automatic flow stop
What I don't like
The machine may be leaky
Bring this home espresso machine anywhere and enjoy a cup of freshly ground beans or an E.S.E. or easy serving espresso pod.
It comes with a manual milk frother, so you're not limited to only black coffee.
You can brew a single or double espresso shot at a time, and this espresso maker will take care of the rest for you.
It features Thermoblock technology as it maintains the ideal temperature to brew espresso one after the other.
After testing this cappuccino machine, I enjoyed coffee anywhere, and it was fast. Its brewing time is only 40 seconds, so there's no waiting between cups.
Built-in Grinder: No | Type: Semi-Automatic | Water Tank Capacity: 35 fl. oz | Milk Frother: Yes
Enjoy Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte At Home: The...
Ready To Use in 45 Seconds: Thanks to the efficient...
What I like
It comes with everything you need
Easy to operate
It comes in silver, white, cream, blue, and red
What I don't like
No auto-clean feature
This all-in-one starter set will save you from the hassle of looking through different products to complete your coffee station.
Are you curious about what the bundle includes?
You get a 15-bar pump espresso and cappuccino maker, an electric coffee bean grinder, a stainless steel milk frothing cup, a portafilter with single and double shot basket, a measuring spoon and tamper, and 2 porcelain coffee mugs.
Aside from these, my favorite features include its easily refillable 42-ounce water tank and heated cup tray that preheats ready-to-use mugs.
After brewing multiple cups using this coffee and espresso maker, I've been gifting it to my friends to enjoy it as I do.
Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or...
2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso...
What I like
Affordable
Compact machine
It comes with an automatic milk frother
What I don't like
Tamper is made of plastic
If you're not very particular about customizable settings, you can get the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista.
It's one of the most popular semi-automatic machines available on the market, and there's a reason why.
It allows you to control how long the espresso cups are pulled to give you fresh coffee that's perfect for your taste. You also have the option to manually stop brewing espresso shots if the machine's set recipe is too much for you.
One thing I love about this cappuccino maker is its automatic milk frother. With just one touch of a button, it dispenses the right amount of milk for your cappuccino.
Unlike cappuccino machines with steam wands, you don't have to worry about pouring too much milk on your cappuccino because the machine ensures the right ratio.
This semi-automatic machine also has a removable milk reservoir, so what I usually do with it is store the leftover milk directly in the fridge.
This semi-automatic cappuccino maker may be basic, but it delivers the features you're paying for.
Built-in Grinder: No | Type: Semi-Automatic | Water Tank Capacity: 47 fl. oz | Milk Frother: Yes
What Are Things to Remember When Using Cappuccino Makers?
Using a cappuccino machine doesn't usually end when you get your coffee drink. It requires clean-up and maintenance to ensure the long usability of your machine.
Keep in mind the following schedules:
After Every Brew - Remove the remaining grounds from the portafilter and group the head with a brush. Throw away all used grounds. Prevent build-up in your milk frother by rinsing it with hot water and wiping the inside arm with a small brush or paperclip.
Every Few Days - Backflush your portafilter by running a few brew cycles until the water is clear. Use detergent every few weeks to clean thoroughly.
Every One to Three Months - Descale your cappuccino machine. Some manufacturing brands recommend doing this monthly if you use your machine heavily.
What Are the Differences Between Cappuccino Machines and Espresso Machines?
A cappuccino comprises espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Because of this, most cappuccino machines are espresso machines as well.
But how can you tell a cappuccino maker apart from an espresso machine?
A manual espresso machine may not have a milk frother. A cappuccino maker always does because you need frothed milk to make a cappuccino.
Achieve the perfect cappuccino by knowing what to look for in a machine. These are the things that you should take note of:
Brew Type
Cappuccino makers can have different levels of brewing automation.
They may be manual, semi-automatic, fully automatic, or super-automatic. Here's how the levels differ from each other:
Manual Machine
Manual espresso machines don't have any mechanical assistance involved. Because of this, you get to customize almost all the factors in your brewing.
First, grind your beans to pump the grounds through a user-operated lever. This lever provides the pressure of the boiling water and the flow of the coffee through the portafilter. You can also use a stovetop or electric mocha pot to make your espresso.
Regardless of the manual espresso maker you use, they won't come with a milk frother to make your cappuccino. You'll have to get a separate milk steamer for this.
Semi-Automatic Machine
If you frequent the coffee shop, you'll find semi-automatic machines there.
They offer a little automated assistance, allowing the barista more control over your espresso drinks. You can customize the flavor intensity, water levels, and foam thickness with a semi-automatic espresso machine.
If you look into semi-automatic cappuccino machines for your home, they are easier to use, but you'll have to grind, tamp, and extract the espresso on your own.
However, they have more convenient features like temperature stability, higher-quality portafilters, steam wands, and varying coffee intensities.
Fully Automatic Machine
Fully automatic machines stop brewing your espresso once it reaches its ideal extraction.
You'll still have to grind beans and froth milk as with semi-automatic cappuccino makers. But their automatic water measuring feature stops the water flow for you, so you get espresso with the right amount of richness.
Super-Automatic Machine
You only have to hit a few buttons to brew your bean-to-cup coffee with a super-automatic machine.
The machine has a built-in grinding machine, temperature controls, and multiple coffee intensities and sizes to do all the work for you.
Super-automatic cappuccino makers even take care of the frothed milk for you. They allow you to customize how much milk foam you want on your cappuccino.
Based on all my product tests, this type is the most convenient. However, the level of ease also comes at a price.
Pods or Grounds
Do you want an espresso-cappuccino machine that brews with pods? Or do you want one that brews with grounds instead?
Coffee pods and capsules are quicker and easier to use but cost more. The trade-off of their convenience is variety in terms of customization.
In contrast, coffee grounds offer the authentic taste of coffee. Machines that brew grounds offer more adjustable settings for precise brewing. You can also look for the best home coffee roasters for a more hands-on experience.
The Seattle Coffee Gear Content Marketing Specialist differentiates the two by saying that coffee pods use pre-ground coffee, so it's hard to know how fresh it could be. They usually offer less flavor than freshly ground coffee; their only benefit is convenience.
Milk Frothing
Your espresso-cappuccino machine can have different types of milk frothers.
Most have a steaming or frothing wand, common in a coffeehouse. This gives you more control, especially if you want to work on your latte art.
More automated machines usually have an automatic milk frother. One button hit, and the machine will froth milk for you.
Some models, especially those brewing pods, have an independent milk frothing system. This saves more space on your countertop.
Coffee Grinder
A grinder is an essential tool to pair with your espresso-cappuccino maker to enjoy the full flavors of your coffee.
Super-automatic machines often have built-in grinders. If the cappuccino maker you're considering does not have one, this is what you have to know about grinders:
Grinders can be electric or manual. You can have either a burr mill or a blade grinder. Burr gives you more consistent grounds, but it has a higher price.
Brewing Speed
Do you need your caffeine fix in the morning to fuel your day?
If so, you might have to check out espresso-cappuccino machines that only take less than a minute to pull an espresso shot.
Some machines can take a few minutes to heat up, so these may not be ideal for you.
Size
Most cappuccino machines are bigger than drip coffee makers. Measure your counter space ahead of time to make sure that your new machine can fit.
Design
Each brand and type can have its design. For example, super-automatic cappuccino machines look different from manual ones.
If you want a machine that matches the design of your modern kitchen, this is one thing you should consider.
Cappuccino Maker FAQs
Know more about brewing cappuccino and get the most out of your cappuccino machines through the following answered FAQs:
What Is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a layered drink with equal parts of espresso, steamed, and foamed milk.
They go in this order from bottom to top. If you change the order or ratio, you’ll get a different coffee drink, such as a latte or a macchiato.
Are Espresso Beans Different From Coffee Beans?
All espresso beans are still coffee beans.
Espresso is a brewing method. This means any coffee can be espresso, depending on the coffee preparation. You can use all roasts for espresso brewing, but some may not give you the same full-bodied espresso taste you’d want.
Espresso beans are mostly dark roast beans that are best for espresso brewing.
What Is the Best Milk for Cappuccino?
Use whole milk to get the best cappuccino with a creamy milk froth.
If you substitute it with low-fat milk, you may not get a froth as smooth. On the other hand, if you use skimmed milk instead, you’ll get froth that dissolves fast.
Conclusion
The best cappuccino maker for you is the one that suits your needs and, most of all, your taste.
Cappuccino machines offer a wide variety of automation and features.
We hope this has been helpful in your search for finding the perfect cappuccino maker that matches your preferences, lifestyle, and budget.
Our top choice for an ideal option when it comes to a fully-automatic cappuccino maker is the Miele CM 5310 Silence. Although it may involve a learning curve at the beginning, the numerous customizable settings and quiet operation make it a convenient and enjoyable machine to have in your kitchen.
For those looking for a budget-friendly, yet still fully-automatic option, the Philips EP3221 3200 Series is a good choice. It is easy to assemble and operate, and despite being noisy during operation, its user-friendly features and 2-year service guarantee make it a reliable and practical selection for coffee lovers on a budget.
Lastly, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is the right choice for those who want to experience grinding and brewing cafe-quality cappuccino right at home. With a built-in grinder and numerous customizable settings, you can become your very own barista and enjoy freshly ground coffee in every cup.
Whatever your preference, get a cappuccino machine with the best-tasting cappuccino for YOU.
Happy brewing, and may your cappuccino always be frothy and delicious!
