There are not many drinks more luxurious than a thick, foamy cappuccino, whether you enjoy it plain or with a touch of cinnamon or chocolate shavings scattered over the foam. A delicious drink to enjoy, the cappuccino is notoriously tricky to brew at home.
Although most coffee lovers have a drip coffee machine or french press to hand, these won’t do when it comes to brewing a true cappuccino. You need a cappuccino maker that can produce the rich, dark, espresso coffee alongside a means to produce silky microfoam in steamed milk.
There are loads of options available to choose between and it can be impossible to know where to begin. To help you out I’ve created this condensed review article, containing ten fantastic cappuccino makers. These options range in price from around $100 to $1000+ so there’s one to suit every budget.
Have a browse through the options and read the descriptions to find out what makes each one unique. If you like the look of any of these then check out the product on Amazon by clicking the ‘Price and Reviews’ button.
Now, without any further delay, let’s jump right in and look at our top choice for making cappuccino, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.
- 1. Top Choice – Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
- 2. Runner Up – Jura D6 Automatic Coffee Center
- 3. Best Capsule Coffee Machine – Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi with Aeroccino
- 4. Best Automatic Espresso Machine – Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine
- 5. Budget Option –DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
1. Top Choice – Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
The Barista Express by Breville is so-called because this machine gives you the full Barista Experience. You get the hands-on approach yet the machine is set up in a way that’s straightforward to use and with just a little practice you’ll be making coffee shop quality cappuccino.
A built-in coffee grinder delivers those freshly ground coffee beans straight into the portafilter and you get complete control over the grind size as well as the dose delivered. Brew a single or double shot of espresso by simply pressing a button!
The steam wand takes a bit of practice to get really good at creating thick micro-foam texture but it’s worth the time and effort it takes. A steam wand is always the best way to create good quality froth for cappuccino or macchiato and this machine is an all-in-one device that has everything you need built-in.
It has low-pressure pre-infusion built in to gradually and fully extract all those wonderful coffee flavors and digital temperature control keeps the water at the perfect coffee brewing temperature. The 15-bar pump ensures the coffee brewing process produces high-quality espresso with a thick crema.
The summary of this machine is it’s a brilliant all-rounder. It has all the specifications coffee lovers look for in a good quality espresso machine and can make all specialty coffees with just a little know-how. The downsides are you do need a bit of practice to get the perfect coffee as it’s not fully automatic.
2. Runner Up – Jura D6 Automatic Coffee Center
This is absolutely a more luxury option when it comes to brewing espresso drinks but if you’re happy to splash out a bit and you want a machine that does it all, then look no further. The Jura D6 is a super-automatic espresso machine that delivers hot coffee and thick, frothy milk at the press of a button.
It’s a bean to cup machine which means the coffee grinder is built into the machine. It has the option of grind setting adjustment which is great if you like to tweak the strength of coffee produced. It has a removable water tank for easy filling and it comes with a smart water filter that reduces or removes the need for descaling.
The pulse extraction process is advanced programming that optimizes the machine’s ability to extract rich and flavorful espresso. It has a simple dial control panel that allows you to select your drink ranging from espresso to cappuccino and even just hot water or foamed milk for use in other recipes.
This coffee machine has no problem brewing shot after shot of espresso so is great for entertaining or for commercial use. It’s extremely easy to use and pretty low-maintenance compared to most automatic espresso machines. It does take up a fair amount of counter space so it’s important to make sure you have room for it amongst your kitchen appliances.
3. Best Capsule Coffee Machine – Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi with Aeroccino
Brand:Nestle Nespresso
Type: Capsule Coffee Machine
Milk Frothing: Separate Milk Frother Jug
There’s something very satisfying and classy about a capsule coffee machine and for many, these are the coffee machines of choice. They’re extremely tidy to use (no coffee grounds all over the countertop), have a small footprint, and are low maintenance.
It has a removable water tank which is great for filling and cleaning and the drip tray height can be easily adjusted to suit the mug you’re using.
The Nespresso Evoluo uses centrifugation rather than high pressure to brew espresso coffee. This gives a rich flavor extraction but also guarantees a crema that’s ultra-thick and creamy. There is a range of Vertuo capsules to choose between so plenty of flavor options and for brewing cappuccino this model comes with the Aeroccino milk frothing jug.
Milk frothing jugs don’t always deliver the best quality foamed milk and can be a bit temperamental but are undoubtedly the easiest way to make cappuccino.
We are such big fans of the Nespresso Evoluo that we have dedicated an entire, in-depth, review article to this single machine.
The summary of this machine is it’s the ultimate option for simplicity when it comes to coffee brewing. The machine reads the barcode on the capsules and adjusts all brewing parameters automatically and ejects the spent capsules into a container so is always ready to brew more.
It’s sleek, stylish, and compact and brews delicious coffee without any skills needed from the user.
4. Best Automatic Espresso Machine – Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine
Brand: Mr. Coffee
Type: Semi-Automatic Machine
Milk Frothing: Automatic Milk Frother
Mr. Coffee is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a really good quality machine that’s kind on your wallet. You can choose between pre-programmed drink options or the manual mode to make your coffee exactly the way you enjoy it.
The Italian pump can deliver an impressive 19 bars of pressure and the thermocouple heating system ensures an even and efficient way to heat the water. It has really simple push-button controls and even a cleaning option that can do all the hard work for you.
The older version of this model (the Cafe Barista) is a good alternative if you need a machine with a shorter profile as the One-Touch Coffeehouse is pretty tall. This does mean it can accommodate larger glasses and the drip tray is adjustable to help with this.
It has a milk frother built-in so all you need to do is add milk and select your drink of choice. It is a fully automated system and can deliver 6 cappuccinos or 3 lattes before it needs to be topped up. It doesn’t have a coffee grinder built-in so you do need to have one of these as well to maximize the flavor of coffee brewed. Otherwise, it’s easy to set up, easy to use, and inexpensive to buy, an all-around great option.
5. Budget Option – DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Up next we have the best espresso machine option for those on a tight budget. This little espresso and cappuccino maker by De’Longhi is so compact you’ll barely notice it’s there. Perfect for a smaller kitchen or coffee-making station this machine can’t accommodate larger mugs so if you want an americano you’ll have to brew the coffee into an espresso cup and add it to a taller glass.
It has a 15-bar pump to deliver good quality espresso and the steam wand gives you the option to make beautiful thick microfoam for a cappuccino. The water tank is removable for ease of use and cleaning and the advanced cappuccino system holds the water at the correct brewing temperature so you don’t need to wait between cups.
The general consensus with this machine is it’s one of the best budget espresso makers available to buy. The downsides are it does take some practice to get a perfect shot and you will need a separate coffee grinder to accompany this machine. What you get for your money though is a high-quality, well-built machine that can make delicious coffee with just a little practice from you.
Cappuccino Maker Buyers Guide
Espresso Making
The base to any cappuccino is the rich espresso coffee. To brew a ‘true espresso’ you need to extract the coffee using at least 9 bars of pressure and water that’s 195-205F. For best results, machines that can do low-pressure pre-infusion ensure a lovely even extraction of flavors.
Espresso machines take time and knowledge to produce a barista-level espresso so if you’re not keen to undergo this learning curve then a fully automatic option is a good idea. Pod and capsule machines don’t produce ‘true espresso’ but are really simple to use so a good option for a coffee novice.
Choose the espresso machine that best suits your skill level and that reflects the quality of espresso you hope to produce with it.
Milk Frothing
Just like espresso-making, milk frothing is a skill that needs to be practiced. A steam wand always gives the best results but only in experienced hands. If you feel this option is too much hard work then consider a milk frothing jug. These do all the work for you but give you less control over the milk texture. Some machines even have milk frothing systems fully built-in and deliver the final product straight into your mug.
Again, choose a milk frothing system that best reflects your skill level and the level of work you wish to put into creating your homemade cappuccino.
Coffee Grinder
A cappuccino maker with a built-in coffee grinder can save you time and money. These options deliver the coffee grounds right into the portafilter which saves you scooping them in place. This does cut down on the mess made when brewing espresso and well as saving time.
If there’s not a grinder included make sure you choose a conical burr grinder to accompany your espresso machine. You need burrs to ensure an even grind size which is essential for the fine grind needed to brew espresso. Burrs are also good because they don’t heat up like a blade grinder so avoid burning the coffee beans as they’re being prepared.
Cost
A cappuccino maker can vary in price from $100 to several thousand. As with most appliances, you get what you pay for with the more expensive options having better quality components and being more durable.
That’s not to say that the cheaper machines are a waste of money as some budget options can rival some of the more expensive choices. I’ve included a wide range of options here so it’s a good idea to set your budget before you browse and you’re bound to find an option here that fits your requirements.
Warranty
Always check the warranty information when you buy a new coffee maker. Most options have a year’s warranty included but some will go on for up to 5 years. It’s important to check that you’re not expected to register your product to activate the warranty otherwise you could lose out. Make sure you read all the manufacturer’s guidelines and follow the care and cleaning advice given.
F.A.Q.s
What is the best home cappuccino maker?
The Breville Barista Express is the top choice on our list today as it’s the perfect balance of really good quality and functional coffee maker and a mid-budget price. It gives you the hands-on barista experience so you can create a real cappuccino from the comfort of your own home.
Are home cappuccino machines worth it?
The answer to this question depends on you. How often do you enjoy a cappuccino? If you buy one every day then you will save loads of money by investing in a machine that does it for you. If you only like cappuccino occasionally then it may not be worth the cost and time taken to get good at making the drink. Consider your needs and how much you usually spend on coffee to decide if a cappuccino machine is worth the upfront investment.
Is an espresso machine the same as a cappuccino machine?
Yes. To brew a cappuccino you need a single or double shot of espresso and you top this up with 50% steamed milk and then 50% milk foam on top. You need an espresso machine to make the coffee and you also need a steam wand or milk frother to prepare the milk (these often come with an espresso machine).
What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
Both these drinks start off very similar with a single or double shot of espresso. With a latte, you top the coffee up with steamed milk that’s twice the volume of coffee added.
A cappuccino is 1 part coffee topped with 1 part steamed milk and finished with 1 part milk foam. It’s a layered drink that’s more light and airy than the rich, creamy latte.
What does a dry cappuccino mean?
A cappuccino can be served wet or dry. All you need to do is shift the ratio of milk foam to steamed milk. A wet cappuccino has more steamed milk and less milk foam whereas a dry cappuccino is more milk foam and less steamed milk.
More Cappuccino Makers Reviewed
Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
A Keurig is a great option for the coffee-loving newbie or for those who want coffee quickly, without any barista skills required. Simply add your favorite pod, select the brew size and strength and enjoy!
This model comes with a milk frother jug that allows you to create thick, creamy cappuccino and lattes. The good news is that the jug is dishwasher safe so easy to keep clean. The drip tray is removable to accommodate travel mugs and this machine is compatible with the K-cup universal reusable filter so you can use your own coffee grounds and save on waste.
This machine is stylish in design and one of the simplest cappuccino makers to use. It doesn’t give you a lot of room to adjust brewing parameters but it does keep things simple. It’s not the best choice for everyone but it’s good at what it’s designed for.
Capresso 117.05 Stainless Steel Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine EC50
A very simple, budget machine, this Capresso espresso machine is surprisingly nice to use. It has a fully removable water tank and the top of the machine functions as a warming plate to warm your cups before brewing.
You have to grind your coffee separately and fill and tamp the portafilter by hand. This machine comes with a tamper but it’s a pretty poor quality plastic material so it’s recommended to buy a heavier one for daily use.
The steam wand has two options. You can froth milk with the plastic cover in place which gives a much bubblier texture or you can steam milk with the plastic cover removed which gives a thicker texture.
This machine is a budget option so not as durable as our top choices and it does require some barista skills to get a cafe-quality cappuccino. It does perform exceptionally well for the price and is a great option for a first espresso machine to get any budding barista started.
Cuisinart EM-100 Espresso Maker
The thing I really love about this Cuisinart espresso maker is the added extras you get when you choose this option. The semi-automatic machine comes with a stainless steel frothing pitcher, handheld tamper, and descaling power all included. There are also filter baskets included so you can brew a single or double shot or use pod filters with this machine.
It’s a nice simple design with features similar to a professional espresso machine just in miniature. Like any semi-automatic espresso maker, you do need to practice in order to get good quality coffee and thick steamed milk from this machine.
It has all the nice features like a removable water tank and cup warming plate above the group head. The drip tray can be removed for easy cleaning or to fit taller cups here.
This is a great mid-range option for cappuccino brewing that will make excellent coffee once you get the hang of it.
Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine, Latte, and Cappuccino Maker
A great option for hands-on coffee brewing is this little model by Hamilton beach. It’s another semi-automatic machine so requires some technical know-how but once you get the hang of the steam wand you’ll be brewing a cappuccino that’s so professional-looking it will make all your friends envious.
With a warming plate on top to prepare your cups and a removable drip tray to accommodate larger cups, this machine can rival the best. It has a unique, slide and lock mechanism for the portafilter to fix into place which is very user-friendly.
A simple dial button allows you to easily control this machine and the 15 bar pump delivers plenty of pressure to extract a delicious espresso.
This is another good budget option that produces really good quality espresso in the correct hands.
Saeco Xelsis Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Brand: Philips
Type: Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Milk Frothing: Automatic Milk Frother
Last but certainly not least I had to include a high-end option for those of us that appreciate a touch of luxury when it comes to coffee brewing. The ceramic burr grinder ensures a cool, even grind so from the moment you add your coffee beans there’s no flavor compromise.
There are 12 grind settings to adjust to your liking, 5 aroma settings, and 3 temperature settings so you can brew coffee that ticks all the boxes. The coffee equalizer control panel means you can adjust each variable using a slider which is really user-friendly and fun to play with.
15 different drink options will leave you wanting for nothing and you can save up to 6 user profiles in this machine so everyone has the option to pre-program their coffee settings. It delivers milk frothed to perfection and as an added bonus, the machine cleans out the milk system using steam to save you from having to carry out this unpleasant task.
This machine is ergonomically designed, user-friendly, and makes really delicious coffee. The only downside is the premium price tag. It’s worth the investment if you want delicious coffee without any hassle.
Take-Home
Making a cappuccino at home can vary from an in-depth, hands-on coffee experience to simply pressing a button depending on which machine you have available. Whether you want an advanced and intricate machine that will last 10 years or more or you just want a compact option to get you started, they’re all here for you to browse.
I hope this article has helped narrow down the options for you and helped you to decide which kind of machine will best suit you. In the end, the perfect coffee maker is one that you enjoy using and one that fits into your home so ultimately you get the final say.
Happy Brewing!
