A good latte or cappuccino is like a rich milky mug of heaven. They’re simply delicious drinks, and just writing about them makes me want one. Sadly, creating these drinks at home can be a big hassle. Making a barista-worthy espresso is tough enough, but getting the right amount of milk and foam, perfectly heated and combined, is surprisingly daunting.
I’ve always wondered how well machines that make lattes and cappuccinos actually work. A few months ago I decided to dive headfirst into the world of advanced coffeemaking devices and find out what makes them tick … er … hiss. After a fair amount of research, I spent almost three months testing eight machines with latte and cappuccino functionality.
Some machines made pure espresso using coffee-shop-style portafilters and came with milk canisters for frothing. Others relied on single-use pods with separate foamers. A few even came with legit steam wands and advanced options. Whether you’re a hardcore latte lover or just want something quick, these are the best latte and cappuccino machines we’ve tested.
1. Best Overall
Breville Barista Express ($550)[1]
Breville
At first, the Barista Express seemed too hardcore for me—it's basically a coffee shop in a box. The built-in pressure-activated conical burr grinder gives you fresh grounds however you like them, and the pressure gauge and options let you adjust the water temperature and shot amount. You have to froth your own milk, and the steam wand makes it easier than the competition, with a handle and the ability to tilt in any direction. It cleans itself and you can get hot water from the machine to brew tea or make an Americano.
Because it can do so much, there's a steep learning curve. The manual is...