Cappuccino is one of the world’s favorites when it comes to coffee-based drinks. It’s popular, it’s common, and sadly, it can be hard to make without the proper equipment.
When it comes to the delight of tasting a proper cappuccino it comes down to two options: go to a coffee shop that has the machines needed to prepare the beverage or have the machine yourself.
That’s why we have decided to make a list, containing the top-notch cappuccino maker you can buy. We will list all the important features, everything you need to know to make that purchase decision. You must also know that most of these machines will not only make cappuccino, but many more. This means that the list is mainly composed of coffee makers that can also make cappuccino like a boss.
Best Cappuccino Maker – Our Top Picks
The Best Overall – Breville BES870XL
Best Automatic Cappuccino Maker – Saeco Incanto
Best Budget Cappuccino Machine – Mr Coffee Cafe Barista
#1 Breville BES870XL Barista Express
Breville’s BES870XL brings an integrated conical burr grinder to help you reach that flavor you want.
- The steam wand allows preparing proper milk foam with the right texture and flavor
- The smart grinder will deliver the right amount of coffee depending on the filter and your taste
- Temperature control allows optimal extraction for Espresso
- Precise grinding allows different sizes with a simple dial
- Single or double shot settings that adjust the grind amount automatically
- Accessories like cleaning kit, water filter, coffee scoop and more
- Dose control grinding: Integrated conical burr grinder grinds on demand to...
- Precise espresso extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at...
- Micro foam milk texturing: The steam wand performance allows you to hand texture...
Pros
- The steam wand is great and makes amazing cappuccinos
- High-quality materials and professional use
- Price is good for what you get
Cons
- Professional use means it’s more complicated to use most of the time, so this is a more advanced machine
Verdict
This machine is good, really good in fact, but it’s not for beginners. I would say that the Breville’s should be used by advanced or professional baristas that want an affordable yet professional machine at home.
#2 Mr. Coffee One-Touch Cappuccino machine
The One-Touch from Mr. Coffee will whip milk automatically to bring perfect froth easy and fast.
Features At A Glance
- An intuitive interface allows the user to get the correct extraction for Espresso with just 1 button
- The milk reservoir is removable, allowing easy cleaning and filling, also a great advantage is that you can simply store the reservoir directly in the fridge if there’s some leftover milk
- Single or double Espresso shot button that also works for cappuccino and latte functions
- Automatic milk frother whips milk directly into the glass
- 1 touch cappuccino maker
- Adjustable cup tray for short or tall cups
- 19 Bar Italian pump delivers ideal pressure to extract robust coffee flavors
- Easy 1 button interface takes the guesswork out of controlling the espresso...
- Select single or double shots of espresso with a simple 1 button press
Pros
- As easy as it gets, this machine is made so that even a kid can use it
- Intuitive and simple controls
- Removable milk reservoir with an incorporated automatic frother
- Small footprint
Cons
- Lack of customization when it comes to frothing and intensity of the coffee
Verdict
This Mr. Coffee machine is truly made for anyone, it’s great for beginners and the price is ok for what you get. However, professionals may find themselves wanting more since most of the time adjusting settings can truly make a difference.
#3 Mr. Coffee Café Barista
This Mr. Coffee machine brings comfort and professional use into one. Meet Café Barista.
Features At Glance
- A semi-automatic machine that works like an espresso, latte, and of course, cappuccino maker
- Removable milk reservoir allows the user to store leftover milk as well as easy cleaning and filling
- Intuitive controls that allow selection of drinks with just one touch
- Automatic milk frother makes steaming easy
- Semi automatic 3 in 1 espresso maker, cappuccino maker, and latte maker
- 15 bar pump system brews rich tasting espresso coffee
- Trouble free automatic milk frother removes the guesswork
Pros
- Easier to use than most professional machines
- Automatic frother with the removable reservoir makes things faster and cleaner
- Small footprint
Cons
- The professional method of brewing may not be as easy to use for everyone
Verdict
The Café Barista is a great machine that gives you the ease of use but also nice control over the end product.
#4 Nespresso VertuoPlus Cappuccino Machine
Nespresso brings the new Vertuo pods and, for cappuccino lovers, this is great news.
Features At A Glance
- Automatic machine with a versatile range of cup sizes
- Nespresso’s Vertuo are high-quality coffee capsules
- Nespresso’s Aeroccino makes amazing milk for cappuccinos or lattes
- Intuitive controls make the machine easy to use
- Both the reservoir and the Aeroccino are removable, easy to clean and of high-quality materials
- Amazing 15 second heat-up time
- Includes some Vertuo capsules to use your brand new machines as soon as it arrives
- Versatile automatic Coffee maker: brew different single-serve coffee cup sizes...
- Smart Coffee maker: brew the perfect single-serve coffee or Espresso drink time...
- Single serve Coffee machine: have the ability to create Barista grade brewed...
Pros
- As easy to use as it gets
- The included Aeroccino 3 makes amazing foam
- High-quality build
- Huge range of cup sizes
Cons
- It only works with the VertuoLine capsules which makes each cup of coffee a little bit more costly but improves comfort and speed
Verdict
Nespresso is popular for a reason, the quality is great and it’s easy to use. The new Vertuo capsules keep the brand’s taste and this machine makes amazing coffee for a fair price.
#5 Keurig K-Café
The K-Café will be a favorite for those who love to have their coffee fast and bring the best out of their cup.
- Automatic machine, comfortable and easy to use
- Dishwasher safe frother is easy to use and works like a charm
- Strong brew and Coffee shot functions. The strong brew giving a bolder taste and the coffee shot giving the perfect base for specialty drinks
- 4 different cup sizes for 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces
- Simple and intuitive controls that allow anyone to use the machine with ease
- Removable 60-ounce water reservoir for easy cleaning and filling
- Bundle Includes: Keurig Charcoal K Café Single Serve Coffee, Latte and...
- Coffee Shot for Specialty Drinks: Press the Shot Button to Brew a Concentrated...
- Coffee, lattes & cappuccinos: Use any k cup pod to brew coffee, or make...
Pros
- Easy to use with amazing quality
- The frother is easy to clean and manipulate, also makes great foam
- Nice specialty features with the Strong Brew and Coffee Shot buttons
Cons
- Only works with K Cup pods
- Some consumers complain about electrical issues with some units
Verdict
Keurig makes great machines and this one is not the exception. It brings great things to the table and competes with Nespresso’s best.
#6 DeLonghi La Specialista
When it comes to professional machines at home, it doesn’t get much better than La Specialista.
- Integrated grinder gives you the freshest cup of coffee you can get with a machine
- The tamping station allows perfect results
- Quick-Start function allows you to start grinding as soon as the machine is plugged
- Latte system gives you amazing frothing and steaming capabilities
- Temperature is controlled constantly for consistency
- Freshest Coffee, every time: Integrated grinder with sensor grinding technology...
- Handcrafted precision: Smart tamping station ensures the right pressure for...
- 1 second quick start: Power the machine on and immediately start grinding. Pump...
Pros
- High-quality and professional grade
- Great features with a full-house of anything a barista would need
- The footprint is not as big as most machines with this many features
Cons
- More costly than other machines
- Can be overwhelming for a novice
Verdict
La Specialista is one of the best machines you can buy out there, but sure it’s expensive and it can be really hard to use if you are not a pro, still, what a barista can make with this little beast is impressive.
#7 SowTech Espresso Machine
The small but powerful Sowtech Espresso maker is a perfect entry-level machine for those who want to start themselves in the world of espresso and cappuccino making.
Features At A Glance
- User-friendly machine with simple controls
- Extremely portable and small footprint
- Frothing arm works great, although is not as easy to use as others included in bigger machines
- Up to 4 cups of espresso can be made
- Included carafe as well as a spoon and a filter
- EASY TO USE - Single switch knob with indicator light for easy operation with...
- COMPACT DESIGN - The stainless steel compact design of the espresso coffee...
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY - Coffee espresso machine with frothing arm makes creamy...
Pros
- Competitive price
- Frothing arm is a nice feature that usually cannot be found in machines around this price
- Carafe for up to 4 cups of espresso
- Simple as it gets and easy to use
- Compact design
Cons
- Fairly basic, not exactly suited for professional use
- No milk frother included
Verdict
This small but powerful machine will work like a charm at home for those who just want a simple espresso maker with a frothing arm as an extra feature.
#8 DeLonghi EC155
The small EC155 will bring a nice professional machine into a portable and economic setting.
Features At A Glance
- Can use either pods or ground coffee for extra versatility
- Frother arm makes great foam
- Perfect double temperature control for water and steam
- Compact design
- Easy cleaning
- Use convenient pods or ground coffee with the patented dual function filter...
- Easily prepares latte and cappuccino with the swivel jet frother, for perfect...
- Eliminate annoying start up preparation with the self priming operation. On/off...
Pros
- A lot of features in a small footprint
- Affordable price with high-quality
- Double espresso shot feature available with the included holder
- Can brew from pods or ground coffee
Cons
- May not have as many features as bigger machines
- Bad coffee cup clearance
Verdict
The EC155 is a great machine in a small package, has some great features along with a fairly competitive price and a compact design.
#9 Saeco Incanto Automatic Cappuccino & Latte Maker
A classy machine with a retro look that brings all the features you need. It’s a super automatic, so you don’t have to mess much with things around.
Features At A Glance
- Extremely high-quality build
- Automatic milk frother
- Removable and easy to clean milk reservoir
- High-performance disc grinder
- Automatic cleansing and descaling system with removable tanks make cleaning extremely easy
- 9 oz water reservoir along with an 8.8 oz bean hopper
- Powder option for decaffeinated coffee
- Elegant design, best materials, and high quality workmanship
- Creamy cappuccino and latte macchiato at the touch of a button thanks to...
- Professional disc grinder made of 100% ceramic for consistent performance and...
Pros
- Super high-quality machine with all the bells and whistles you need
- Design is as elegant as it gets when it comes to coffee machines
- Size is very comfortable and footprint is not bad at all
- Everything on this machine is premium, and it feels like it
Cons
- High price for a premium product
Verdict
There are not many machines that can beat the Saeco Incanto in a contest, but the price can be a deal-breaker. However, this Saeco machine is made for professionals and people that are serious about coffee.
#10 Nespresso Lattissima Plus
The Lattissima Plus brings all the Nespresso love along with amazing cappuccino making features.
Features At A Glance
- Uses Nespresso capsule system that we all love
- The removable automatic cappuccino maker (or automatic frother) works great and is easy to use and clean
- Controls are easy to use and intuitive
- Fast heat-up system
- 30 oz water container
- Barista grade: De’Longhi’s patented espresso extraction system creates the...
- Smart Coffee Maker: Choose your favorite coffee or espresso drinks (3 milk and 2...
- Versatile: Single touch easy to clean hot milk system helps you create the...
Pros
- Small size for an amazing performance
- Convenient as it gets
- Elegant design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Only works with Nespresso capsules, although this could be an advantage
Verdict
The Nespresso Lattissima Plus is a great option for Nespresso lovers or simply for those who like a convenient and fast machine that makes great cappuccinos.
What is Cappuccino?
Now let’s clear up some doubts that people may have around this amazing beverage we call cappuccino. This coffee-based drink has to meet some requirements to be called such and a properly made cappuccino is completely different from a simple drip coffee with whipped milk.
Cappuccinos are espresso-based, this means that you cannot prepare a proper cappuccino with just regular coffee, you need that strong base to make it happen.
A base of espresso, with milk on top that has been whipped until it becomes a microfoam, that’s what a real cappuccino is.
How To Make Cappuccino
So now that we stated what a cappuccino is, how do we make it? Well, it’s rather simple, a proper cappuccino has 1 part of espresso for every part of milk, and the milk is poured onto the espresso to keep the foam. If using a transparent glass or cup, you should be able to see the separation. To achieve this, milk has to be poured slowly and carefully.
Having great coffee is a big aspect of a good cappuccino, but also a proper foam on the milk, therefore what frother you use is quite important.
So once you get an espresso machine with a steam wand or a frother, congratulations, you can make a proper cappuccino as long as you follow the simple steps needed. Also, remember that you can top it with some shaved chocolate or cinnamon for an extra taste and of course, decoration.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Cappuccino Machine
Before rushing out to buy an espresso machine with a steam wand or an automatic frother, you have to consider a few factors that will make a difference in the long run. There are several price range, features, sizes, and many more, all of which we have to consider before making the purchase decision.
Pod vs Semi-Automatic vs Automatic
The first thing to consider is fairly simple, where will the coffee come from? It can come from ground coffee, from a pod or even directly from beans, if the machine has a grinder.
Pod Machines
Pod based cappuccino makers are usually the most convenient, since, as long as you have the pods available, you will be able to get an espresso in seconds, and usually the milk will be foamed also in no time. This fast operation and how easy it is to use them made them extremely popular. These machines nowadays also have high-quality coffee, so it’s no wonder they became a favorite.
Pod machines are also really clean, so this just improves their already high convenience. Nespresso coffee machines are the most popular for this format.
Semi-automatic Machines
Semi-automatic machines are more of a hands-on experience, where the user has control over most factors. The only difference between a semi and an automatic machine is that the semi requires more user interaction, making it a bit harder to use, and therefore is recommended for more experienced baristas.
Automatic Machines
Now for Automatic machines, we will have to add the coffee grounds (or beans) ourselves, but usually, this is still a fairly hands-off experience. Just by filling everything the machine needs and we will have everything covered. This is convenient and allows the user to use whatever coffee he or she wants. The only true difference is that these machines tend to be the one-button kind of experience. This kind of cappuccino maker is popular because of simplicity and ease of use.
For the milk frother or steam wand, you will find a lot of different variations and most of them will get the job done. This point, in particular, will be mentioned below.
Time to Brew
Another point to consider is how fast you want that cappuccino made and ready to drink. Here, the pod system takes the prize, since you can have it ready in a minute. For a fully automatic machine, it is still fast but it also depends if you have one of those high-end models with a grinder, which takes a little longer but brew fresher coffee. For the semi-automatic, it takes a bit longer, but if you are a barista, you know this time is worth it.
Frothing System
As we mentioned previously, some machines have an automatic frother, which pretty much prepares the milk you put in, usually in a reservoir. These frothers are pretty convenient but obviously, you won’t have the control you would with a steam wand. The steam wand foams the milk and you move the frothing cup as you wish or the wand to create the foam you are looking for. Another example of a frothing system is the popular Nespresso Aeroccino, which has a great result but you will have to pour the milk pretty much every single time you want to froth it, however cleaning these is extremely easy.
Another point we should mention is that usually steam wands are cheaper because the automatic method requires more components.
Boiler
The boiler as you may expect will affect the speed of the machine and of course, how accurate the temperature will be. For this area, we have to talk about 3 categories, the single boiler, the thermoblock boiler, and the dual boiler machines.
Single Boiler
Single boilers are usually the ones found in the basic machines. They are simple and cannot work the coffee and the milk at the same time. This means that you will have to wait for each process to finish and for the boiler to reach the right temperature for the next one. You cannot extract espresso at the same temperature that you need to froth milk.
Thermoblock
For the thermoblock boilers, they are separated into two sections so you can extract espresso and prepare the milk at the same time. They tend to heat-up fast and usually are pretty convenient.
Dual Boiler
Dual boiler machines tend to be the most expensive and they have customizable temperatures for both espresso and milk, therefore you are allowed to control everything. Only high-end machines use dual boilers and only a great barista should use it, as the temperature control can bring a great difference to the cup of cappuccino.
Ease of Use
Convenience is important in modern times. Most people are always in a hurry, on a schedule, or simply want to waste the least amount of time possible. A coffee machine is not only convenient because of the speed but because of the ease of use. An intuitive set of controls is important, as it will allow you to operate the machine with a couple of buttons. But also another part is how many things you have to prepare to use the machine, how long it takes to heat-up and such.
You can say that pod machines will always be the easiest ones to use and also if they have an automatic frother, better. Automatic machines are the second in this category, but it also depends on, for example, if you are gonna grind the coffee beans and such.
Budget
This is important, and well, you can find a proper cappuccino machine for as little as $100, but a professional machine will go for over ten or twenty times that. It depends on how serious you are about this, if you are just in for some simply cappuccinos or espressos, a simple machine or a pod machine will do. But let’s say you are a barista, you wanna experiment and make art out of those cappuccinos, then, you will need something professional.
Don’t overspend on something with features that you are not gonna use, but also don’t go for something too simple if you plan on actually trying out more sophisticated things.
FAQs
Yes you can, but that will not be as decandent as an original one with an espresso machine. A Cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 foam basically. So, brew your regular coffee and than for the frothed, heat 2% milk or no fat milk. Heat until it starts to boil. Now use an immersion blender to produce the froth or shake the milk in a sealed jar. Pour over this froth on the coffee you just made.
These machines are not a different thing and are actually the espresso machines. These work by forcing very hot water through the puck of coffee grounds. After that, frothed or steamed milk is used to created the top layer of cappuccino.
A cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 espresso and 1/3 foam whereas the latte is 1/6 espresso, 4/6 steamed milk and 1/6 foam. So, Latte has more milk content than a cappuccino. Here is our guide about latte vs cappuccino for more elaboration.
The steamed milk is one-third of of the overall cappuccino which is same as the espresso part of the drink. The rest one third is foam on top.
A latte is 2/3 milk whereas a cappuccino is 2/3 espresso, so a cappuccino is much stronger than latte.
Wrapping up
Cappuccinos are amazing if you love coffee, and especially espresso, chances are you are gonna love a good cappuccino, so having a machine to make it is never a bad idea.
Find whatever you need and whatever you want in this list and rest safe that you will be buying something worth every cent, doesn’t matter how expensive or cheap it is.