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.
While a quick run to Starbucks can make your morning cravings feel much better, those $5 can pile up instantly if you're unaware of how you spend your money.
Fortunately, plenty of latte machines are on the market capable of making a delicious latte in the comfort of your home. All you need is a latte machine that can do everything.
With so many options to choose from, it can be quite overwhelming and challenging to pick and choose which latte machine you're going to buy.
Worry not; I have already done the hard part and was fortunate enough to test some of the best latte machines today. If you're in for a treat, here's the list of the best latte machines.
According to the Specialty Coffee Association, a true espresso should brew with a minimum of 9 bars of pressure to get that rich and flavorful espresso taste.
Having a high-quality latte machine can do wonders for you. Latte makers are becoming more and more affordable these days.
Let's begin with my list of the best latte machines today.
The Barista Express Impress espresso machine The Barista...
INTELLIGENT DOSING: The smart dosing system automatically...
What I like
Grind size control
Brushed stainless steel
Balanced taste
All-in-one espresso machine
Easy to use
Manual steam wand
What I don't like
Not the best latte maker for beginners
I consider the Breville Barista Express Espresso machine the best overall on my list for various reasons.
One feature I liked the most was its conical burr grinder, which can grind coffee beans evenly for the best extraction. In addition, once the coffee beans are grounded, they are sifted through the portafilter.
Once they're in the portafilter, you can send them directly to the group head. The included micro-foam steam wand is great for beginners but is a little bit complicated for professionals.
Overall, I loved how it can make my espresso drinks tastier with its grinding process. I can safely say it is one of the best espresso makers on the market today in terms of performance and functionality.
This latte machine makes 4 shots of espresso at a time
Compact and very affordable
Small footprint great for small spaces
Simple controls with a simple brew method
It comes with an integrated frothing steam wand
What I don't like
It only brews at 3 bars of pressure
This Mr. Coffee Machine is a great espresso machine for beginners. Like me, I'm still new to making my espresso shot, and this machine did wonders for me.
Operating is not too complicated, and I can make hot or iced lattes faster than I would've imagined. The coffee-making process is not very tedious and is highly recommended for beginners.
One key feature I liked the most was a separate button to set your preference. I can also set what coffee beverage I want and the size.
With a single push of a button, I can simply sit back and relax while I wait for my delicious lattes to be finished. The Mr. Coffee machine is a great investment for beginners.
Efficient Heating: Thermocouple heating system evenly heats...
What I like
It comes with a frothing steam wand
Compact and simple controls
Very affordable
Manual brew method
Steaming milk is a breeze
What I don't like
Lacks a few controls for milk frothing
If you want your espresso shot to come in hot and ready to serve, this Mr. Coffee Café Barista is a budget latte maker making waves for its low price.
Coffee drinks were not meant to be made this way, but I must admit, this has got to be one of the best and most affordable machines when making an espresso-based drink.
This awesome little espresso machine can brew four espresso shots in one sitting, making it an ideal machine for making lattes whenever friends and family come by your home.
The only part where I feel it's quite a bummer is it only brews at around 3 bars of pressure. Unless you like your coffee drink to be as potent as possible, you might want to go a different round.
Still, if you are a coffee lover on a budget, this cappuccino maker can serve you a decent latte without going to a coffee shop.
Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or...
EVERY CUP TO YOUR LIKING: 15-bar professional pressure...
What I like
Uses manual steam wand
Fast heat-up time
Great performance for the price
Amazing for espresso-based drinks
What I don't like
Manual milk frothing
The DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Machine is a semi-automatic espresso machine specially crafted for lovers of espresso drinks on a budget.
What I love about this latte machine is that it's easy to use and has no steep learning curve. Most importantly, it's easy to control and has no large footprint.
It has manual milk-frothing features, and the steam wand applies enough pressure to achieve a nice milk froth. However, don't expect to achieve that latte art you're looking for from this price point.
While this is a nice and affordable option, it can't rival some of the best fully automatic latte machines on the market.
But for coffee lovers looking for a high-quality espresso maker on a budget, this is the best latte machine for the price. You can never go wrong with this latte machine, in my opinion.
Perfect cup of Espresso and Lungo: 2 programmable coffee...
Indulge at the touch of a button: Simple one-touch button...
What I like
Easy to use for beginners
Easy-to-clean features
Superb performance
Small footprint for small spaces
Creates steamed milk easily with its frother
Froth milk with just one button
What I don't like
No control over milk frothing
Coffee lovers looking to add a delicious espresso to their daily routine should check the De'Longhi Nespresso Lattissima Touch Espresso Machine with Milk Frother.
A freshly ground coffee can work wonders for your espresso shots and makes for a more flavorful brew, but if you're adding steamed milk to your morning routine, I don't see the point; why will you not take this latte machine?
Upon further testing, I think its milk frothing system is its crowning jewel.
It also uses DeLonghi's popular Automatic Cappuccino System combined with an integrated milk carafe, ensuring your milky drinks like latte macchiato or Cappuccino can be served in a single push of a button.
Overall, espresso machines like this one from DeLonghi are giving us a treat! It feels like a coffee shop was built inside of your home.
If you like your coffee beverages fast, fresh and with the...
The Bambino Plus heats up lightning fast, in only three...
What I like
Customizable options
touchscreen display
Durable ceramic grinder
Keeps coffee fresh longer
Easy to clean
What I don't like
High price
Oily beans might clog the grinder
The Breville Bambino Plus is the best of both worlds. A latte machine with all the fancy features in the world to make experts happy while still being easy to use for beginners.
One key feature I liked about this automatic latte machine is its programmable volumetric dosing. You can simply program two settings according to your liking and have your espresso delivered.
Even more impressive is it has an automatic milk frother. You must put up your desired milk temperature and texture, place the steam wand, and watch how the magic unfolds.
Its size is small enough to serve as your stovetop espresso maker. I was also deeply impressed with its micro-foaming. While it's automatic, you can also use this espresso machine manually.
Overall, I liked that it has several features to improve our lives. Even better is the number of things you can do with it. It can bring a coffee shop to your doorstep.
The PHILIPS 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is one of the best latte machines today, albeit expensive.
Still, this super-automatic latte machine has a built-in ceramic grinder that keeps the aroma of freshly ground beans completely sealed and freshness achieved.
Its milk-frothing features are great, and coffee drinks made by this latte machine can rival even some of the best coffee shops in your area. The machine is easy to clean and has a small footprint.
It is perfect for families who have a small space. This product is the best latte machine on my list if not only for its price. It's a bit pricier, but you get one of the best espresso machines today.
Nevertheless, it checks all the boxes most fully-automatic machines should have. Each cup is made to perfection. With this latte machine, you can become your neighbor's coffee shop.
Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide...
What I like
Stainless steel casing for added durability
Elegant and sleek design
Three serving size features
Fast heat up
Attached milk frother
What I don't like
Only good for pod coffee
The Breville Company knows what they're doing, and the Breville Nespresso, Creatista Plus machine, can brew your favorite coffee in record time!
To top it off, you can also choose three serving sizes: lungo, espresso, and ristretto! The dialing feature of this machine allows you to make eight different coffee selections according to your liking.
In addition, like most machines, I can adjust the texture and temperature of my milk and the amount of foam.
Furthermore, when I'm done using this machine, it simply stores the used pod and self-cleans the milk frother. The stainless steel milk jug adds to the overall sleek appearance of this amazing coffee maker.
The Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Coffee Machine is one of the best latte makers on my list. It might be full of features, but it has a small footprint which is perfect for my small kitchen space.
Like most espresso machines on my list, this machine works similarly. Everything can be made with a simple push of a button.
One of the more common problems I usually encounter with automatic espresso machines is its steep learning curve, but with Gaggia Anima, I didn't encounter such.
You also have control over how fine your grounded coffee beans are. It's a good feature, especially if you want to experiment with different kinds of milk, like soy, steamed, or oat milk.
With only six buttons to press, the ease of use is great for beginners, and other features can make an expert coffee maker happy. Performance and functionality-wise, this is a win for everyone.
The Gaggia Magenta Prestige is a sleek and modern machine...
On the Fly Programming: Making changes to your favorite...
What I like
Great value for money
Amazing performance
Intuitive user interface
Ceramic burr grinder
Integrated milk carafe
What I don't like
Limited grinder settings
I have spent a lot of time reviewing full and semi-automatic machines, and nothing brought more joy to the palm of my hands than the Gaggia Magenta Prestige.
I have learned so far from this brand that they know how to make an espresso machine. There are different settings to toy around with, and you can make your latte art with just a few buttons.
Add in the fact that this machine also comes with a built-in burr grinder, ensuring you get the best possible outcome for every great-tasting coffee and espresso drink.
This machine is one of the best latte machines for intuitive display. Navigating through the settings is a breeze, and it has to be on top if we're talking about being the best automatic milk frothers on my list.
If you love coffee, you would know by now having the best latte machines at your disposal can do wonders for you.
While it's easy to head to your local coffee shop and indulge in this creamy coffee goodness, nothing beats the convenience of doing it in the comfort of your home.
Whether a beginner or a professional, this guide will help you find the perfect latte machine and coffee maker.
Semi-Automatic Or Fully-Automatic Latte Machine?
Fully and super-automatic latte makers have a built-in grinder that grinds beans evenly. As a result, you enjoy a rich and flavorful coffee in the palm of your hand.
However these machines come at a high cost, but what it does is simply do all the work for you. All you have to do is watch how the magic unfolds and leave you with a hot cup of coffee ready to be served.
On the other hand, a semi-automatic machine is more customizable in the way you want your end products to come out to be.
Simply put, you can customize the grind size, filter type, and other areas of the coffee-making process. Price-wise, they are significantly cheaper than automatic and fully-automatic machines.
For manual, it can be really hard to steam milk and extract espresso simultaneously. And without a steam wand, making your espresso can be tricky, let alone making your favorite latte art.
A semi-automatic and a fully automatic have their benefits in that you can only decide which one to choose.
But if you want the best programmable coffee makers, you might want to check out some amazing products!
Counter Space
If you don't have the luxury of space in the world, you would want something that doesn't require too much space, right?
Fortunately, plenty of machines on the market today offer this feature. You may want to look for a machine with fewer bells and whistles, like the Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker.
Fully automatic and automatic machines with built-in grinders use too much space because they have added attachments. It is recommended to take a different route if you're cramped with space.
Freshly Ground, Pre-ground Coffee, or Pods?
Many espresso and latte machines can grind coffee beans using a burr grinder. These grinders are perfect features if you want a great-tasting coffee as it extracts beans evenly.
Having a machine with an attached coffee grinder provides the convenience of use. At the same time, the prices for these machines go significantly high.
A latte maker using pre-ground coffee is less expensive and more affordable. Nevertheless, depending on your preference, you always have the option of which one you will choose.
Using the best home coffee roasters is highly recommended to get the best and most flavorful taste a coffee bean can provide.
What's Your Budget?
While heading out to your local Starbucks and coffee shops can be a good thing for convenience, those bills can easily pile up quickly if you're unaware.
You may want to invest in a high-quality latte maker and espresso machine if you constantly travel to these coffee parlors.
Fortunately, you can find a good quality latte maker at a very affordable price. As I've mentioned, the best budget espresso machines are under $200, and some are well over the $1,000 mark.
Once you have set up your budget, you can have the options laid out for you within your budget range.
FAQs Related To Latte Machines
If you have additional questions regarding the best latte machines and lattes, you might find some answers below.
What's the Lifespan of a Latte Machine?
It boils down to how many times you will use a latte machine. Affordable latte machines will get you around 3 to 5 years at most. But with infrequent use, the number can stretch.
High-quality and expensive latte and espresso machines can last 10 to 12 years if you’re lucky enough. As I said, it can last longer if you don’t use it too frequently.
Can You Make a Latte With Dairy-Free Milk?
Of course! But you have to do plenty of experimentation with your non-dairy milk if you want to achieve a promising outcome.
Many baristas highly recommend opting for oat milk if you want to achieve a traditional latte flavor. The texture and taste are similar to steamed milk used in lattes.
You can also try whole milk for people who love experimenting with their coffee drink; even soy milk is possible.
It is possible to use this type of milk as long as you get the best settings. Semi-automatic machines are great at this.
Do I Need an Espresso Machine for Espressos?
Espressos are best achieved with an espresso machine because it needs pressure to achieve desired results.
But if you don’t have one at home, you can make an espresso using a French Press, an Aero Press, or a Moka Pot.
Breville knows what they're doing. The Breville Barista Express always comes out on top in almost all latte machine reviews. Its functionality, versatility, and performance are unparalleled for the price.
I like how it keeps my coffee drink tasty, rich, and full of aroma. Knowing it is an automatic machine, it doesn't break the bank.
This latte and cappuccino machine has all the tools to make a beginner's life easy and smooth. It has no complex controls, and its easy-to-read instructions are enough for a beginner to brew coffee.
On top of it, this machine is pretty affordable and doesn't break the bank by any means. It is a great investment for any beginner looking to brew coffee at home.
This latte maker is quite impressive by any means. While it doesn't scream affordable to anyone, it hits the sweet spot of affordability and functionality.
I chose this one because it serves its purpose. It is a great mid-range option for beginners and experts on a tight budget. Plus, it is easy to operate and has no steep learning curve.
There are quite several amazing and high-quality latte machines on the market today. Each of them is unique in its own right.
When choosing the best latte machines, always consider your space, budget, and purpose for buying one.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your budget and personal preference, but with the right machine, you can enjoy a rich, flavorful, and delicious quality latte in the palm of your hand.