The 5 Best Latte Machines for A Perfect Cup (2020)

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

Fortunately for you, we are here to assist you in choosing the right latte machine for your home. If you are a coffee fiend, but a newbie when it comes to these types of machines, 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. 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 and Cappuccino Maker
• Mr. Coffee One-Touch Coffee House Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Our Top Picks Reviewed

Our Review

The Lattissima Pro Espresso Machine is one of the 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 latte beverages.

The flexible cup support allows this coffee machine 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 coffee machine 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.

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 coffee machine 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.

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 coffee machine that is designed to be an all-in-one coffee maker. However, note that this machine can be a bit intimidating to operate for beginners.

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 coffee machine that you should check out.

When it comes to the features, Breville is no slouch. The Barista Express comes with temperature control, grind size control for crema levels, and dose-control grinding that allows users the ability to select between 19 to 22 grams per dose.

Breville provides users with up to 9 bars of pressure for optimum flavor extraction. This coffee machine also included 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 coffee machine. As for coffee drinkers who love adding foam/froth, this machine comes with a swivel-action steam wand.

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.

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 as well.

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 machines 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.

The Mr Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker 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 espresso and cappuccino 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 one-touch operation makes it a perfect coffee machine for coffee lovers who have little time to go through the intricacies of brewing their cup.

This is a compact coffee machine and comes with single and double shot filter baskets. It also comes in silver, gray, and red color variants. The Mr Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker 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 Mr Coffee machine maker, you should check out the One-Touch Espresso Maker. It is slightly more expensive than the Mr Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, 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 coffee machine models.

In terms of appearance, Mr Coffee chooses a more modern approach when it comes to aesthetics. Most of their coffee machines are compact and will fit right in contemporary kitchen aesthetics. This coffee machine model has upped the convenience factor by offering fully detachable parts that are all dishwasher-safe. Cleaning this coffee machine 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, Mr Coffee One-Touch checks all the necessary boxes. It features an impressive 19-bar Italian-made pump that provides the ideal pressure to extract all the nuance coffee flavors.

As the name implies, this coffee machine utilizes a one-button interface. This will provide coffee drinkers, especially newbies, an easy way to brew their favorite blend without the need to go through measurements and volume capacity.

The coffee machine also incorporates the Thermocouple heating system and the automatic milk frother that activates once you’ve begone preparing a cup of espresso/cappuccino. The cup tray is also adjustable to accommodate different size cups or mugs.

The Mr Coffee One-Shot also allows coffee lovers 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.

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/Latte Machines

First and foremost, note that there are three types of espresso machines out there that you can choose. Each type has its specific advantages and disadvantages which we will be listing down below.

Semi-Automatic/Automatic Espresso Machines

Ideal for beginners who prefer convenience when it comes to preparing their daily cup of joe. As the name suggests, these two espresso machine types offer automatic operation with one key difference. With the semi-automatic machine, the user still has control of the pump while the automatic coffee machine does not.

Why choose a semi-auto over a fully automatic machine? It all boils down to flavor extraction. Sometimes, optimum espresso extraction can be met earlier than what is programmed in the machine. This over-extraction will cause the flavor of the espresso to become diluted.  Being able to turn off the pump manually is essential for achieving the optimum taste of your espresso.

Super-Automatic Espresso Machines

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

However, as most coffee enthusiasts can attest, the super-automatic models usually produce less flavorful espresso shots compared to their semi-auto counterparts. That being said, this is still an excellent option for people who are not confident in regards to espresso brewing.

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 type of coffee machine is best suited for offices or for those who have a rather busy schedule.

Coffee Pod 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 coffee capsules or pods 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 an Espresso/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 makers, 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.

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.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance are essential to help prolong the life of your coffee 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 coffee machines that have a “de-scaler” which helps remove leftover minerals inside the coffee machine and sanitize the tank/reservoir in the process.

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, like the ones from Mr Coffee, can hold its own against its larger counterparts so don’t consider size to be much of a factor when it comes to performance.

Aesthetics of the Coffee 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 coffee machine will fit in quite well. For modern style kitchens, coffee makers from manufacturers like Mr Coffee will provide a good list of stylish coffee makers to choose from.

What is your Budget Range?

Remember that coffee maker 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 coffee machine 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 right coffee machine, or use our list of the best latte machines on the market today to pick out the model that’s right for you!