Are you looking for a latte machine? Below are detailed reviews and the 10 best latte machines you should buy.
Things To Consider To Find The Best Latte Machine
Few things are as delicious as a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning…or the afternoon, or any other time of the day.
This holds true for any coffee lover, whether you are a latte lover or a black coffee drinker.
However, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys drinking coffee with milk, chances are you’re also spending an awful lot of money in coffee shops, which might be the reason you’re thinking about buying a latte machine.
Before you go out and start hunting for the best latte machine, take the time to read this short article where we cover the things you need to look for to find the best latte machine.
1. Capsule
These are often the most convenient, as all you need to do is insert a capsule and press a button.
They’re easy to clean and give you the chance to create all kinds of drinks.
However, all drinks are pre-sets and there’s little to nothing you can do to change how strong your coffee is or the milk to coffee ratio you prefer.
2. Coffee Beans
These work just like any other type of coffee machines but with the ability to add milk and milk foam to your drink.
They require more cleaning and manual work than the capsule ones but they’re able to offer a more personalized experience.
These are also more eco-friendly, as you won’t be tossing away plastic capsules after each use.
Choosing what kind of machine you plan on buying should be your first step, as it’ll determine everything else.
3. Versatility
All latte machines can make a delicious latte but plenty of them can do much more.
If you’re planning on making only lattes then it doesn’t really matter what latte machine you choose.
If you’re hoping to make cappuccinos, macchiato, flat whites and the like, you need to make sure your latte machine comes with a frother or a frothing container.
If you’ve never made any drinks like that then we recommend a machine with various pre-set options that will do the work for you…unless you’re willing to learn by trial and error, that is.
4. Size
We don’t mean the size of the drinks, though that should also be a factor to consider.
No, we’re talking about the size of the machine.
Some latte machines are enormous, so make sure to measure your counters and pay a lot of attention to the size of the machine you want to buy, particularly if you’re buying them online.
The last thing you need to keep in mind is whether or not investing in a latte machine is a good idea.
If you’re a heavy latte drinker then chances are you’ll save money by not going to the coffee shop and making your own drinks at home.
If you only drink lattes from time to time, think twice before proceeding.
The 10 Best Latte Machine to Buy in 2018
Now that we covered what a latte is and isn’t, as well as its variations and why it’s a good idea to purchase your own latte machine it is time to look at what the market has to offer so you can choose the best latte machine that better fits your needs.
Let’s get started!
1. DeLonghi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
If the idea of spending an arm and a leg for a coffee machine seems ridiculous then De’Longhi is a good option for you.
This small espresso and latte machine is a fantastic option for those looking to make fantastic coffee without many complications, as it’s relatively easy to use (you’ll learn how to use all of its features after one cup or two) and small enough to fit most counters.
The later can be a disadvantage, as while everything works perfectly, the result of having such a compact machine is that certain features are rather cramped. Take the frothing wand, for example, which is less than 4 inches from the countertop or the grounds basket, which is only 3 inches away from the drip tray.
What does this mean? Well, you’ll need to use small cups and small utensils when using this machine. Otherwise you’re going to run into some trouble.
The machine itself works great: The espresso always has a good amount of crema, the milk is always frothy and deliciously hot and it even gives you the option to use E.S.E pods! Which is a great plus for those who don’t want to bother with ground coffee.
This is a rather loud machine that vibrates a lot, so it’s not uncommon for your coffee cup to dance around the tray while the coffee is being brewed. Regardless, it’s a wonderful machine if you’re looking to improve your morning coffee experience provided you’re making one, maybe two cups at the most.
A best seller, this entry level machine eliminates all the guess work that goes into steaming your own milk, as this machine does it by itself. Really, everything about this machine is automatic; all you need to do is make sure all the ingredients are in place, press a button and wait.
Simplicity is the word when it comes to this machine. Fill the water tank, fill the milk tank if you plan on making a latte, put your coffee in the grounds basket, click a button to select what you’re making and that’s it. You’ll be making espressos, cappuccinos and lattes in a matter of seconds.
If there’s a downside to the ease of use of this machine is the lack or personalization. There’s not a lot you can do about the amount of foam that will be produced and you don’t get to choose how much coffee will go into your drink. Sure, you can choose between one shot or two shots, but that’s about it.
Another downside is the fact that you need to be really careful about what you use with it. Trying to froth creamers or milks with added flavor will change the taste and might even damage your machine. Likewise, trying to brew coffee that hasn’t been grinded specifically for espresso might result in a clogged machine or worse.
If you’re a person looking to create gourmet quality drinks or even training to become a barista then look elsewhere. This machine won’t give you what you need.
If you’re a person who loves coffee and is trying to find a good, cost-effective machine to make espressos, cappuccinos and lattes without a fuss then this is the option for you. Though relatively pricey, this machine will help you save time and money by making your own, coffee shop quality drinks from the comfort of your home!
Are you looking for a more professional, more customizable option to make delicious lattes at home? Then you should consider the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.
This machine, which ships for free to most parts of the world, not only makes espresso and froths milk (which can result in you making your own lattes, cappuccinos and so on) but it also grinds its own coffee so this is definitely the machine to get if you’re looking forward to personalizing every step of your coffee experience.
This is a semi-automatic machine, which means you’ll have to read instructions and experiment quite a lot before you get the hang of all the functions this powerful machine has to offer. The upside is that, once you’ve done this, you’ll have the ability to make a coffee cup that matches your tastes exactly.
This is a proper espresso machine which means that not only it will take up a considerable amount of space on your counter but also that you’ll need to remove some parts to clean it properly. What’s worse is that, if you’re not careful when using this machine, things can get rather messy. Coffee will splash when brewed and so will milk when being frothed so you want to make sure you leave plenty of space for this machine and have a wet cloth at hand.
If what you’re looking for is a machine that can give you a perfect cup of coffee straight out of the box, forget it. You’re better off looking for an entry-level machine.
If, however, you’re looking for the full coffee house experience, complete with grinding your own beans, selecting the temperature of your water, frothing the milk yourself and so on then this machine is for you… if you’re willing to pay the rather high price tag, that is.
This is another excellent machine that simplifies the process of making high quality coffee to the point that you can easily make it at home. It’s not automatic, and it will take some effort of your part but the results are more than worth it.
This machine is large enough to hold up to 72 ounces of water but compact enough that it will fit on your counter without taking too much space…sideways, that is. Despite its size, it moves around quite a lot when you’re setting everything up which means you’ll have to use a hand to hold it in place, which in turns means the setting up takes slightly longer than necessary.
Since this is a manual machine, expect to read your fair share of instructions. Be warned, however, that the instructions provided by the manual are rather complicated and you might not be able to understand them at first.
Once you’ve learned how to use it then you’ll be able to make premium quality drinks with similar quality to those you’d get when using a professional, full sized espresso machine. However, to achieve these results you might have to purchase additional attachments or replacement parts which, of course, are sold separately from the original machine.
If you’re looking to create gourmet cups of coffee and experiment with your own creations but you aren’t willing to spend thousands of dollars for a professional machine then this is the machine for you!
Entry-level latte machines are easy to use, compact and easy to clean.
Professional level latte machines are large, give you the option to control every aspect of your coffee making experience, come with extra features such as coffee grinders and are capable of making better coffee overall.
The Krups Espresseria offers the best of both worlds.
This machine is compact enough to fit most counters, looks great thanks to its minimalistic design and works fantastic, thanks to its fully automatic functions.
How automatic you ask? Well this machine will grind, tamp and brew your coffee all by itself! All you need to do is fill the water reservoir, fill the coffee beans container and select some functions and you’re ready to go.
The automated process doesn’t extend to frothing the milk but this model comes with a frothing bottle to make up for it.
The result to this automated espresso making, manual frothing system is that you’ll be able to obtain gourmet quality coffee from the comfort of your home while still being able to use any kind of milk you feel like using as well as the quantity and foam type so you can personalize your drinks to the last drop!
Sometimes, the best latte machines aren’t latte machines at all but rather espresso machines with the ability to make a mean cappuccino or latte.
Such is the case for the SAECO Intelia, which boasts six different strengths. It will make the perfect Espresso, Café lungo, Café crème, Espresso macchiato, Cappuccino, or Latte macchiato. Wow!
We’re not going to lie. This espresso machine is expensive, but the price is worth it when you take into consideration the ceramic bean grinders that lets you grind your coffee in different ways, thus giving you the opportunity to personalize your coffee from the very first step.
This machine also comes with an integrated milk carafe, which lets you make lattes and cappuccinos, as well as an auto-clean and auto-descale option that makes it a wonderful option for those who can afford this machine.
Don’t let the “automatic” in the name fool you, though. There’s still a number of tasks you’re going to have to do if you want to extend the life of this machine (and for the price, you definitely want to), such as emptying the drip tray and the used grounds, but other than that, you’re all set!
via Amazon.com
With a name that screams “latte” right there in the name, you know you’re Delonghi knew exactly what they wanted to make with this machine.
Cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, flat whites… you name it! This beautifully simple machine can help you create all that and more from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Who said you couldn’t become your own barista?
Here are some things you need to know about this machine:
- This is a Nespresso machine, which means that you’re going to have to use Nespresso coffee capsules to use it.
- This latte machine promises a fantastic “one touch” experience, and it delivers in that aspect, letting you select your drink with a simple click and doing all the work once that’s done.
- The “one touch” feature includes drinks with milk, but you can personalize how much milk you like in your drink and how frothy it is.
So, if capsule coffee machines are your thing, this is an option to consider.
There are two issues that need to be addressed, though, and that’s the temperature of the drinks and their size.
Simply put, if you’re the kind of person who needs a gigantic cup of coffee in the mornings, or the type of person who enjoys a boiling hot coffee, this machine isn’t for you.
The capsule system means that the amount of coffee that comes out of the machine is rather limited (think 8oz) and plenty of customers have complained about the machine not being as hot as they like. To the point where many of them have used the microwave before or after the brewing to ensure their coffee is the right temperature.
Are you looking for a truly professional latte machine for your home or office?
Are you thinking about buying a dedicated coffee machine for your small business or restaurant?
Meet the Gaggia Accademia, a fully automatic and feature-rich espresso that features a display screen that will guide you through the coffee making process, a ceramic burr grinder that lets you grind your coffee to different coarseness, an adjustable coffee dispenser that lets you select the size of your cup and more!
With a high price, this machine isn’t the kind of coffee machine that most people buy without proper consideration, but it does deliver when it comes to its many features, so keep that in mind.
This machine is fully adjustable and lets you choose the coffee strength, how much milk is going to your coffee, how much water you’ll use to make your coffee and more. This process is made super easy by the color screen.
It also comes with a sealed bean container that guarantees the freshness of your coffee and it features a self-cleaning frothing container, which will save you a lot of time in the long run.
All those features aren’t cheap and this is one of the most expensive machines in this list, but if you’re a coffee addict who can’t stop visiting coffee shops, rest assured this machine almost pays for itself.
When it comes to single serve capsule coffee machines, it’s impossible to not mention Keurig and that’s not only because they were one of the first to venture into this area but also because of the high quality of their products.
The Keurig K-Cafe brings the best of automatic, single serve espresso machines because it lets you determine the strength of your brew. It comes with a milk frother that can go in the dishwasher to keep things easy.
While this machine does have limited options (Espresso, cappuccino and latte) it definitely delivers, giving you the ability to brew a barista-like cup of coffee from the comfort of your own home.
Aesthetically speaking, this is a rather plain looking machine but its compact size and straight to the point functionalities makes it a great choice for those of you who aren’t looking to impress.
This machine doesn’t come with automatic frothing options, so you need to do that yourself. However, that allows for a lot of personalization, as you can adjust the levels until you have the frothing you like.
This machine has the same problem than the Delonghi Lattisima which is that there’s a limit to how hot the coffee can be. This seems to be a running problem with capsule latte machines so keep that in mind.
Cappuccinos, flat whites, macchiatos…does coffee really needs to be that complicated?
If you’re the kind of person who came looking for a latte machine and nothing more, you’re in luck because we’re closing this list with exactly that.
No need for bells and whistles, complicated functions, overly elaborated frothing, complicated touch screens and whatnot. This latte machine makes lattes and that’s it.
So how does this work?
Like any other, straight to the point coffee machines, you simply have to place coffee in the reusable filter and fill the water tank. Then, you add milk to the carafe, press a button and you’re done.
The machine will automatically froth the milk as the coffee brews directly into the milk, giving you delicious coffee house quality lattes.
It’s that simple.
Cleaning up this machine is a breeze, as it works almost exactly like your regular coffee machines. And if you’re looking at the other options in this list and lamenting the fact that you don’t have as many coffee options, don’t fret, this latte machine comes with a recipe booklet to help you create all sorts of delicious drinks.
There’s no need to complicate your life with fancy machines, capsules and grinders. Why not use a coffee machine almost exactly like the ones you’ve been using all your life instead?
What's The Best Latte Machine?
You now know not only what makes a perfect cup of latte perfect but also what machines you can purchase to start making your perfect lattes at home.
So go forth and froth!
We are picking Mr. Coffee Latte Maker as the best latte machine for coffee lovers because it has a great look and very high quality in making delicious coffee.
You may also enjoy reading: The Best Grind and Brew Coffee Makers.
What is a Latte?
A latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. This is why people have so much trouble making their own lattes at home, because this drink isn’t only coffee and mil. It’s espresso and steamed milk, which makes a big difference in taste and texture.
The name comes from a shortened version of the Italian “caffè latte” which means milk coffee. It can also be called “café au lait” which means basically the same thing.
While some coffee puritans might turn up their nose at this combination, coffee and milk have been combined since the 17th century, where it was consumed as a breakfast drink.
The Benefits of Using A Latte Machine
There are three main reasons why you should consider buying your own latte machine:
- Affordability: If you’re a coffee fiend, constantly looking for your next ‘fix’ then having your own machine at home will save you money, both in the form of not going to coffee shops and saving on gas.
- Convenience: Here’s the problem with coffee shops, you need to go to them and adjust to their schedule. Owning your very own latte machine allows you to simply make coffee whenever you feel like it.
- Availability: While a coffee shop will never run out of coffee (or at least it shouldn’t) it might run out of other ingredients. Milk? They might not have the kind you want and if you’re vegan or vegetarian then they might not even have almond milk, not to speak of rice or coconut. By owning your own machine, you can make sure you always use the kind of ingredients you need.
The Difference Between Latte, Cappuccino, Flat White and a Latte Macchiato
Believe it or not, the difference between all these coffee based drinks can be explained by the following questions:
- How much coffee is used?
- How much milk is used?
- Is the milk steamed?
- What goes first, the coffee or the milk?
The ingredients are all the same but it’s the preparation that makes them different:
- Cappuccino: One of the most popular drinks out there, the cappuccino has a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, steamed milk and milk foam, which gives it its distinctive coloration. In your regular cappuccino, the milk is steamed through the espresso machine, which warms it up and creates foam. When the drink is being poured –first the milk, then the coffee– the foam is held back and poured last.
- Flat White: Originated in Australia, the flat white is experiencing an increase in popularity, particularly amongst those who like their lattes with a stronger coffee flavor. Essentially, flat white is a latte with less milk and a double shot of espresso. They can be made with very little or no foam and it is made using a ratio of 1:2 espresso to steamed milk.
- Macchiato: Also known as a latte macchiato, café macchiato or espresso macchiato, this drink has the boldest flavor out of all the drinks in this list. Macchiato has very little milk in it, barely more than a splash, and it has a lot of foam which serves to enhance the taste of the espresso, resulting in a strongly flavored drink where the taste of milk is only there to bring out all the notes from the coffee.
- Latte: The latte is, perhaps, the most straightforward drink in this list. Lattes are made with espresso, a lot of steamed milk and silky milk foam, which not only gives latte a very particular texture but also gives the drink its easily recognizable look, which is only enhanced by the foam art that’s been growing in popularity (and complexity) in recent years.
I hope this helps you pick the best latte machine for you!
Thank you for reading! You may also want to check out: The Best Iced Tea Makers and The Best Tea Kettle for Gas Stoves.
View Comments (3)
Which latte pod machines allow you to use different brands of pods?
Hi Ruth.
Thank you for your question! While I love coffee- (I have a keurig, grind and brew, and french press!), I am not 100% on which pod machines take different brands. I know that Keurig has the option to use your own grinds with their reusable filter (here). I also found that this guide was helpful. Maybe it will help you too!
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