The 5 Best Latte Machines for A Perfect Cup (2021)

Do you love a morning latte? Ever wanted to make your daily latte at home? Good news – you can buy a latte machine for your home and make them whenever you want! We’ve put together a list of the best models out there to save you some time. Check the whole list out below, or take a look at our best overall pick, the Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine – we think it’s the best latte machine out there for your average latte lover.

Table Of Contents

• Who This Guide Is For
• The 5 Best Latte Machines
• Our Top Picks Reviewed
• Buying Guide

Who This Guide Is For

For latte lovers, your household needs to have a latte machine. Owning your own latte machine can pretty much remove the “middleman” (i.e. coffee shops) to get your fix of your favorite espresso or latte. However, investing in a latte machine or espresso machine can hit your bank account as these appliances are known to be quite expensive.

Fortunately for you, we are here to assist you in choosing the best latte machine for your home. If you are a coffee fiend, but a newbie when it comes to these types of appliances, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will be giving you a list of the best latte machines on the market. Want a hands-on option? Done. Model with a built in milk frother? Easy. A complex latte machine that’s smarter than you are? No problem. We will be considering not only the quality of the product but the budget as well – so, expect to see latte machines covering the whole spectrum of the price bracket.

Read on below to know the best and most recommended latte machines in coffee enthusiast circles. Afterwards, we will also be taking a more in-depth look at the essential elements that make a great latte machine.

The 5 Best Latte Machines

• DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Pro Espresso Machine
• Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
• Breville Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine
• Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker
• Mr. Coffee One-Touch Coffee House Espresso Maker

Our Top Picks Reviewed

Our Review

The Lattissima Pro Espresso Machine is one of DeLonghi’s premium models in the market. It features their patented Automatic Cappuccino System and is also packed with features that coffee lovers will surely enjoy. This system creates long-lasting foam for espresso and lattes and cappuccinos.

The flexible cup support allows this unit to accommodate various cup sizes. Controls are handled by the LED touchscreen which streamlines the operation and is designed to be as user-friendly as possible.

This brewer is also pre-programmed with six different coffee blend options that include espresso, latte, cappuccino, ristretto, lungo, and hot milk. The Hot water option also allows the machine to be used for preparing tea or hot chocolate.

Additional features include a removable pod tank that can hold a capacity of 16 coffee capsules. The pod tank is conveniently located behind the drip tray, making it easily accessible. You will also get recyclable aluminum capsules that deliver the convenience as there will be no need for exact measurements or clean up afterwards. While this feature is not needed if you only want to make a good daily latte, it’s a good one to have baked into your machine regardless.

It also comes with a detachable milk container that has a fluid capacity of 0.5 liters. This is an excellent addition for storing fresh milk in the refrigerator for later consumption. The DeLonghi extraction system also provides optimum water flow with up to 19 bars of pressure. This machine also comes with the Thermoblock heating system that cuts down the heating time to just under a minute. If you’re looking for a model with a good milk frother or steam wand integration, this checks those boxes!

Our Review

Another well-known brand when it comes to coffee maker machines is Breville. The Breville Barista Express cracks the list of our top 5 latte machines, and it is easy to see why. This is an impressive product that is designed to be an all-in-one machine. However, note that this machine can be a bit intimidating to operate for beginners and is a way more than “just” an appliance you’d make a latte with.

While the price tag is along with the high-end category, it more than makes up for it with its features and top-quality material and parts. This coffee maker is a semi-automatic coffee machine and manages to find a balance between impeccable coffee making and consumer-friendliness.

As we have said earlier, this is an all-in-one coffee maker machine which is further cemented with its built-in canonical burr grinder. If you love to grind coffee beans yourself, the Breville Barista Express is an excellent model that you should check out.

When it comes to the features, Breville is no slouch. The Barista Express comes with temperature control and a built in grinder with grind size control for crema levels. The built in grinder allows for dose-control grinding that allows users the ability to select between 19 to 22 grams per dose. It’s a burr grinder, which is what you want to see when brewing a latte at home. You’ll get more consistent, accurate ground coffee from a burr grinder as opposed to a blade style grinder.

It also comes with an attached steam wand that we’ve found to be nearly best-in-class as far as an attached steam wand or milk frother goes. This is perfect for coffee drinkers who love adding foam/froth – we really can’t say enough about the swivel-action steam wand.

Breville provides users with up to 9 bars of pressure for optimum flavor extraction. It also includes a separate hot water dispenser for those who need to pre-heat their cup of joe. This hot water system is also an excellent feature for those who enjoy a cup of tea and other hot beverages besides coffee.

Keep in mind that the Breville Barista Express is considerably larger and will require more room in the kitchen counter. This is not a compact appliance. That being said, it’s quite striking in its stainless steel appearance and will serve you well as a “center of the kitchen” conversation piece to be admired by you and your guests alike. It’s one of the most impressive ways to make a latte at home that we’ve come across.

Our Review

For a mixture of premium features, user-friendly interface, and affordable price, you can’t go wrong with the Breville Duo Tempo Espresso Machine. Even beginners will have little to no trouble producing some excellent tasting coffee with this highly convenient coffee maker machine.

The Brevill Duo Temp takes its moniker from its ability to extract two espresso shots at a given time. It also provides users with the ability to control the espresso shot volume manually. The machine comes with an impressive 15 pump that provides steady low-pressure infusion and gradually increases it for optimum coffee bean extraction.

It uses a steam wand for frothing milk and has a 61-ounce water tank capacity. The steam wand utilizes 1600W of power to create the densest foam possible. If you love micro-foam on your espresso and latte, this will be able to provide and satiate that craving. Again – the milk is a key part of the latte, so make sure you pick up a model like this one that has as team wand or milk frother built in.

Additional features that the Breville Duo Temp Pro comes with includes a stainless steel milk container, dual wall filter baskets, water filter, and the water filter holder. You won’t need to worry about cleaning and maintenance with this model, as the almost entirely stainless steel build will stand up to the worst types of wear and tear.

The Breville Duo Temp is a low-maintenance machine. Whenever it does need some cleaning, a notification/alert will appear. The device is detachable, so cleaning can be quite easy to accomplish.

Our Review

Mr Coffee offers some of the most affordable coffee appliances in the market, but don’t overlook them for being just a budget-friendly alternative. Mr Coffee has proven themselves in this craft time and time again. If you are looking for an affordable, stylish looking coffee machine, but can also hang with the “big boys”, then Mr Coffee is an excellent brand to explore.

This machine is one of the more popular entry-level products for coffee lovers who would like to try their hands on brewing their cups at home. Don’t be turned off by the fact that it only has cappuccino and espresso listed on its name; it can also create a delicious batch of latte as well.

At a low price tag, you will get a coffee maker that comes with a 15-bar pump, which is the sweet spot for any home coffee makers. Convenience comes in the form of its automatic features, as you prepare your cup of espresso/cappuccino/latte, the machine will automatically froth milk in the reservoir. If you have unused milk left, the container can be removed and stored in the fridge for later use.

When it comes to preparing a cup of latte, all you need to do is punch the button of your preferred setting. Its smooth operation makes it a perfect choice for coffee lovers who have little time to go through the intricacies of brewing their cup.

This is a compact unit and comes with single and double shot filter baskets. It also comes in silver, gray, and red color variants. This machine also has a limited one-year warranty and a recipe book to help beginners in experimenting with their coffee brewing.

Our Review

If you are looking to level up from the previous option, you should check out this Espresso Maker. It is slightly more expensive than the previous machine, but this slight increase comes with better feature and quality. The One-Touch is still considerably more affordable than most mid to high-end models but can match up in terms of performance.

While Mr Coffee does need to sacrifice quality parts to stay within this price range, it is still a well-made machine. If handled and maintained correctly, it can last just as long as higher-end models.

In terms of appearance, they chooses a more modern approach when it comes to aesthetics. Most of their offerings are compact and will fit right in contemporary kitchen aesthetics. This model has upped the convenience factor by offering fully detachable parts that are all dishwasher-safe. Cleaning this appliance is relatively simple and easy.

Of course, all of these convenient features are for naught if the machine itself cannot create delicious coffee. In that regard, this brewer checks all the necessary boxes. It features an impressive 19-bar Italian-made pump that provides the ideal pressure to extract all the nuanced flavors of your favorite ground coffee.

As the name implies, this model utilizes a one-button interface – an easy way to brew your favorite blend without the need to go through measurements and volume capacity.

It also incorporates the Thermocouple heating system and an automatic milk frother that activates once you’ve begone preparing a cup of espresso/cappuccino. This included milk frother is one of our favorite implementations overall. The cup tray is also adjustable to accommodate different size cups or mugs.

The One-Shot also allows you to choose between single or double-shot espressos with a touch of a button. The milk reservoir can also be removed and stored in the fridge if there is still some remaining milk. Also, keep in mind that you should always follow the manual when starting the machine for the first time, to avoid issues that might occur due to improper operation.

6. Keurig K-Cafe Latte and Cappuccino Maker

Our Review

As far as coffee pods or k cup options go, this K Cafe model is your best option if you want to make a latte or cappuccino without the hassle of ground coffee. If ease of use is your top concern, this is likewise a fantastic option – perhaps the best overall choice on our list. Pop a k cup in, fill the extra large water reservoir, and with the touch of a button you’ll end up with a steaming hot latte or cappuccino. The 60 oz water tank is so big that I’m always shocked at how infrequently I have to refill it.

This one also comes with a dishwasher-safe milk frother, reusable coffee pods functionality, energy efficient operations, and a relatively small form factor to boot.

7. Sboly Espresso Machine

A newer entry on our list, the Sboly Espresso Machine is a well-reviewed option for those looking to make a latte in the comfort of their own home. This machine speaks to the “shot of espresso” phrasing you’ll hear from some baristas, and will easily provide you with the shot of espresso you’re looking for. It actually makes beyond a single shot of espresso, and goes all the way up to 4 to be exact.

It’s a 3.5 bars of pressure mini espresso machine that looks good and works even better.

Latte Machine Buying Guide

Now that you have a list of the best latte machines on the market today, it is time to understand the factors that contributed to the selection of these specific products. By knowing what to look for in a quality latte machine, you can easily make an informed decision in the future.

Three Types of Espresso Machines and Latte Machines

First and foremost, remember that “latte maker” and “espresso maker” can be used fairly interchangeably, as a latte is made primarily with espresso. With that understood, note that there are three types of espresso maker out there that you can choose from. Each type has its specific advantages and disadvantages which we will be listing down below. What ends up being the best espresso maker for one coffee enthusiast may not be the best espresso maker for your own personal needs.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Makers or Automatic Latte Machines

Ideal for beginners who prefer convenience when it comes to preparing their daily cup of joe. As the name suggests, a semi automatic espresso maker (also known as an automatic latte machine) offers automatic operation with one key difference. With the semi-automatic machine, the user still has control of the pump, while automatic machines do not offer such control.

Why choose a semi-automatic model over a fully automatic machine? It all boils down to flavor extraction. Sometimes, optimum espresso extraction can occur earlier than what is programmed by typical automatic espresso machines. This over-extraction will cause the flavor of the espresso (and subsequently the latte) to become diluted.  Being able to turn off the pump manually is essential for achieving the optimal espresso and latte taste.

Basically, a semi automatic appliance is the best of both worlds for someone who is looking to squeeze the most value per cup of joe out of their latte machine or espresso machine.

Super-Automatic Latte Machines

Super-automatic latte machines push the convenience offered by semi-automatic and automatic latte machines to new heights. Most super-automatic models utilize a one-touch interface, which means you can press a button and wait for your latte to be processed.

However, as most latte enthusiasts can attest, the super-automatic latte machine usually produces less flavorful espresso shots compared to a semi-automatic latte machine counterpart. That being said, this is still an excellent option for people who are not confident in regards to espresso brewing and latte making.

Super-automatic espresso machines are the current pinnacle of convenience when it comes to making espresso. While the flavor might be lacking, the speed and convenience balance it out. Because of its strengths, this class of espresso machines is best suited for offices or for those who have a rather busy schedule. You can think of a super-automatic latte machine as the industrial class of latte makers – truly automatic machines offer the fastest, most consistent lattes out there.

Coffee Pod Latte Machines

The latest type to appear in the market, coffee pod machines utilizes a unique way to prepare a delicious cup of coffee. This coffee machine requires pods or k cups that will be brewed alongside pre-grind coffee beans.

While the additional requirement of a coffee capsule might deter others due to budget reasons, these capsules are incredibly cheap. Most coffee capsules fetch for around 50 cents so that it won’t affect your budget at all.

The most significant advantage of coffee pod machines is their hassle-free functionality. Coffee pod machines are also quite affordable with some models ranging around the $100 bracket. Of course, flavor will not be on par with coffee produced using a manual or semi-automatic machine. However, it is still able to deliver a decent espresso without the need of understanding the brewing process correctly.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Latte Machine

Check the Features

The feature is an integral part of any appliance. More features do not necessarily mean it is better. In regards to coffee brewing, always check for features that you believe will be of great use to you personally. Do you prefer convenience and speed? Go for user-friendly one-touch button interface coffee makers. If you prefer to experiment, there are coffee makers out there that provide flexibility and variety.

Do you have a milk frother at home? If not, you should probably invest in a latte maker that has a milk frother included or built in. Getting the milk aspect of a latte just right is extremely important, and it’s very hard to do so without a real milk frother involved in the process.

Know what you want in your coffee and build your checklist from there. You should also consider the machine’s cup sizes. Most affordable coffee makers are designed to accommodate smaller cups while higher-end models are designed to be compatible with small to large cups.

Also, if you are a beginner when it comes to espresso and latte brewing, always go for the less complicated coffee makers. Some coffee makers out there are designed for users who have the know-how in regards to brewing a delicious cup of coffee. These individuals know the right measurements and temperatures to process coffee properly. If you are still new to the game, choose coffee makers that are simple to operate.

A big one that people often overlook is the size of the water reservoir on any latte machines that include them. There’s nothing more annoying than relying on an undersized water reservoir to feed your latte addiction, constantly having to refill a tiny water reservoir over and over again. Another thing to consider is whether or not the machine is a removable water tank, or if it’s fixed to the appliance. A removable water tank makes filling, cleaning, and general maintenance much easier.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance are essential to help prolong the life of your latte machine. This also ensures that the quality and flavor consistency will not be affected due to the accumulation of leftover coffee grinds from previous uses. We highly suggest you opt for a latte machine that has a “de-scaler” which helps remove leftover minerals inside the unit and sanitizes the tank/reservoir in the process.

The overall build quality and durability of the machine factors in to the “cleaning and maintenance” category too. You’ll run the range of materials when looking for the best latte machine, with lower end models typically featuring more plastic pieces and higher end models boasting large swathes of stainless steel. As with most kitchen appliances, stainless steel is definitely the way to go if you’re looking for true longevity. Stainless steel pieces clean easier, can take more of a beating, and look more modern in most 21st century kitchen settings.

Pick the Right Size for your Kitchen

Most coffee makers can be quite large and will take up a lot of space on your kitchen counter. If you have limited space left in your kitchen, look for more compact models. Some small coffee makers can hold tjeor own against its larger counterparts so don’t consider size to be much of a factor when it comes to performance.

Aesthetics of the Latte Machine and Your Kitchen

Now that we have discussed functionality, next up is with the machine’s design. This will mostly depend on the design of your kitchen. Some styles clash with each other. If you have a traditional or rustic kitchen design, a more conventional-looking latte machine will fit in quite well. For modern style kitchens, most well known manufacturers will typically provide a good list of stylish coffee makers to choose from.

What is your Budget Range?

Remember that coffee machines can cost in the hundreds to thousands. How much are you willing to spend? The most affordable quality models will still cost you a couple of hundred bucks (between $100 to $300) while high-end models come with $500+ price tags. If you are a coffee enthusiast, I recommend investing in a quality model rather than opting for cheaper versions to ensure that the quality of your coffee will meet your standards.

Check for the Warranty

Since coffee makers can be quite expensive, we suggest you choose a latte maker e that offers a decent warranty. You will be investing quite a hefty amount of money here, so take all the necessary safety precautions to protect your investment.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, everything you need to know when buying your espresso machine. As a coffee enthusiast, having your latte machine at home will offer a new level of convenience to satisfy your daily caffeine needs. Follow the buying guide above to know how to look for the best latte machine, or use our list of the best latte machines on the market today to pick out the model that’s right for you!