5 Best Latte Machine Reviews (+ a Buying Guide)
How do you find a latte machine that fits your needs? Here’s a hint: it’s not just about spending more money. You need a machine that puts a priority on perfectly steamed milk, and we’ve tracked down eight amazing machines that do just that.
Here’s our list of top latte machines for your home, ranging from those ideal for newbies to those sought after by espresso machine veterans. No matter your skill level or budget, there’s a machine to help you make the latte you crave.
At A Glance:
- OUR TOP PICK: Breville BES870XL Barista Express
- FOR COFFEE NERDS: Rancilio Silvia
- BEST MILK FROTHER: Philips 3200 Series
How To Choose The Best Latte Machine
Before you dive into making such a big purchase, there are a few things to consider…
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
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Breville BES870XL Barista Express |
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SEE ON AMAZON
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DeLonghi EC155 |
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See on Amazon
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Philips 3200 Series |
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See on Amazon
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Jura E8 |
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CLICK TO CHECK PRICE |
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Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker |
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See on Amazon
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Nespresso Lattissima Pro |
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See on Amazon
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Rancilio Silvia |
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CLICK TO CHECK PRICE |
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Breville Bambino Plus |
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See on Amazon
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What makes it a Latte Machine?
The reality is that, while there are many things to consider; what we’re looking for here, under that frothy “latte” exterior, is a regular coffee machine that makes lattes really well.
As you know, a latte is coffee drenched in milk, which means the milk part of the coffee machine – the milk frother – is a really important factor. In fact, some coffee lovers even go as far as to say that you don’t need to worry much about the espresso side of things at all, as it’s such a small part of the overall milky taste of a latte. We beg to differ – for us, the best latte starts with the best coffee – but the point is well taken.
The goal here is to find a latte machine that handles the milk well.
The Difference Between Cappuccinos, Lattes, and Other Espresso-Based Drinks
This may seem like an obvious section (seeing how you like lattes enough to consider buying a latte machine!), and we realize that, so we’ll keep it short.
It bears pointing out just what a latte is (a sweeter, espresso-based drink made with steamed milk and a top layer of micro-foam) and how the latte differs from the cafe au lait, flat white, and other milky espresso-based drinks. You’ll want to have this in mind when you buy a coffee machine specifically for lattes.
Not to mention, you’ll also want to know the nuanced differences between these drinks if you’re going to make them at home! A classic example would be a latte, which is milk-heavy, compared to a cappuccino, which has more foam. Remember that there are two parts to effective frothing (1).
Steaming milk is remarkably difficult to do well…Remember that there are 2 phases: aerating, (aka “stretching”) and emulsifying (aka “texturing”). You need both to have a creamy, velvety batch of milk with enough body to create latte art or a great cappuccino
If you’re into flat whites, here’s where you can learn more about the differences between the drink and other popular espresso-based drinks:
- Flat White vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference?
- What is the Difference between the Flat White and the Latte?
For brevity’s sake, we found a couple of good sources (here and there) and a video below that breaks down the differences in espresso drinks.
With all that being said, there is no reason you can’t have both in one machine. The drinks may be different but the same machine will make them all well. Your latte machine will also be a cappuccino machine.
Does It Froth Milk For You?
First off, know that it doesn’t take rocket science to make a latte. But if you don’t have any knowledge on the subject, there’s going to be a steep learning curve… and a lot of wasted coffee.
As the temperature of milk rises, lactose becomes more soluble. As it does, its sweetness is more noticeable…It’s not that the milk is actually sweeter, but as it heats up its perceived sweetness increases.
If you don’t have any experience yet, though, that’s okay. Don’t panic! You’re just going to want to do some research on how to make a latte before you get your hands on your shiny new machine. Some latte machines will froth milk for you; others will require YOU to learn how to handle the milk.
Semi-Automatic vs Automatic Latte Machines
One important thing to decide before you go into the buying process is how much of the work you want to do yourself.
If you want to have more control over the whole process, consider a semi-automatic espresso machine like one of these. These give you more control over the whole latte-making process. However, some say they provide much less convenience. You’ll need to ramp up your game if you want to get a good cup of coffee out of a semi-automatic brewer. For example, you’ll have to know how to use a frother or a steam wand.
Automatic machines are built for convenience and are often very user-friendly. Most include a built-in coffee grinder that lets you add coffee beans and push a button. They frequently have an automatic milk frother, which takes the place of a steam wand and doesn’t require you to learn the skills to use one. An automatic latte machine does most of the work for you, but some manual intervention is still required.
A super automatic takes over the entire process, from bean to cup. It’s like having a coffee shop in your kitchen.
Super-automatic latte machines are also technically more stable in delivering the same quality latte each and every time, as there is little to no human intervention.
It’s worth noting that most of the best latte machines, whether manual or some flavor of automatic, are essentially single-serve machines, due to the nature of the drink (2).
The 8 Best Latte Machines of 2023
Remember, while these are generally espresso machines, this is not an espresso machine review list. So while they are all good espresso machines, we will be focusing on the details that make them the best latte machines.
1. Breville BES870XL Barista Express – Best Overall
Style of espresso machine: Semi-automatic
- Style of milk frothing: Manual steam wand
- Heat-up time: 30 seconds
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 inches
The best latte machine on our list is Breville Barista Express BES870XL. This latte machine is extremely popular and a perfect selection for any home barista who wants to upgrade from smaller, user-friendly coffee and latte makers, to an all-in-one machine.
This semi-automatic machine was made with both great coffee and happy consumers in mind. The price means you’re getting high-quality parts, but it also comes with clever little additions like special “no-slip” feet that keep the machine from moving. Plus, the built-in conical burr grinder means you don’t need to buy a separate grinder. Or, worse yet, to buy pre-ground coffee to make your espresso. With this machine you grind every cup before brewing..
Other excellent features include digital temperature control and dose-control grinding (between 19 and 22 grams per dose) for adjusting coffee flavor. Also, a grind size control lets you customize for the level of crema you desire. The low-pressure pre-infusion cycle precedes a brew cycle that operates at the recommended 9 bars of pressure for optimum espresso extraction. It also has a separate hot water dispenser for pre-heating your latte cup or making tea or other hot beverages.
More important to latte lovers, however, is the quality 360-degree swivel-action steam wand.
The steam is designed to make lattes as easy as 1, 2, 3.
This machine is quite a bit bigger than the first two. It is also particularly tall, standing at nearly 16 inches – so make some space on your counters while waiting for it to ship to you.
Watch our video review here:
2. DeLonghi EC155 – Best Budget Pick
Style of espresso machine: Semi-automatic
- Style of milk frothing: Manual steam wand
- Heat-up time: 45 seconds
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 19.3 x 15 inches
This shockingly inexpensive espresso and latte machine from DeLonghi has all the expresso geeks excited. That’s because, while far from the fanciest model, it easily outperforms options twice its price.
The name of the game with the EC155 is convenience. It’s compact and easy to use, with self-priming operation, a single dial control, and virtually no learning curve. And just as importantly, it’s easy to clean and maintain. Both the drip tray and 35-ounce water reservoir are removable and dishwasher safe
The EC155 heats up in seconds, and thanks to its Advanced Cappuccino System, you can pull shots consecutively without a wait. It uses two separate thermostats, guaranteeing ideal temperature for both espresso and steam.
Milk frothing is done manually, and the steam wand has enough pressure for a nicely textured milk froth. Though at this price point, don’t be surprised if you can’t achieve the ideal silky microfoam for latte art.
Adding to this latte machine’s value is the three-in-one portafilter, so you can make a single shot, double shot, or use an easy serving espresso pod. The portafilter is pressurized ensuring you’ll always achieve a rich layer of crema, even using pre-ground beans.
3. Philips 3200 Series – Best Milk Frothing System
Style of espresso machine: Fully automatic
- Style of milk frothing: Automatic LatteGo System
- Heat-up time: 1 minute
- Dimensions: 20.16 x 20 x 12.2 inches
I firmly believe that the foundation of a great latte is a great espresso, but it’s equally important not to overlook the steamed milk, which in fact makes up more than half the drink. And that’s where the Philips 3200 fully automatic espresso machine really shines.
This latte machine model offers Philips’ patented LatteGo milk frothing. In this system, milk and air are rapidly whipped in the frothing chamber to produce perfect silky milk at the ideal temperature. Even better, because it involves no tubes or wands, it’s ultra-easy to keep clean.
Of course, the rest of the machine is no slouch either. There’s a built-in ceramic burr grinder, so you’re always brewing with freshly ground beans. The touchscreen display makes it easy to select and customize one of the 5 automatic drinks. You can adjust the strength, temperature, and ratio of espresso to milk in your latte.
Maintenance is a breeze thanks to the included AquaClean filtration system, which means you’ll only need to descale once every 5,000 cups. The brew head can be easily removed whenever it needs a rinse, and other removable parts are dishwasher safe.
4. Jura E8 – Most Customizable Latte
Style of espresso machine: Fully automatic
- Style of milk frothing: Automatic frother
- Heat-up time: < 1 minute
- Dimensions: 23.9 x 17.7 x 18.4 inches
If you want a custom latte at the touch of a single button, you can’t beat a Jura super-automatic espresso machine. I love the E8 in particular because it includes Jura’s best technological advances without reaching the stratospheric prices of the higher-end models. This is not a cheap espresso machine, but the value is incredible.
First, there’s the built-in burr grinder, ensuring fresh tasting coffee. Then there’s Jura’s patented Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System and Pulse Extraction Process (PEP), which work together to guarantee the best extraction of your ground beans and the most flavorful brew. These are coupled with the Intelligent Water System (IWS), which optimizes the quality of your brewing water.
But what we love most about the E8 is the degree to which you can customize your favorite drink. There are 12 pre-programmed drinks available at the touch of a button, lattes included. For each, you can use the intuitive color display to adjust the coffee strength, brew temperature, milk temperature, shot volume, and milk volume.
Like all Jura machines, this one is beautifully designed, with the sleek and modern aesthetic that defines the Swiss brand.
5. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker – Best for Variety
Style of espresso machine: Automatic coffee maker
- Style of milk frothing: Fold-away automatic frother
- Heat-up time: < 5 minutes
- Dimensions: 11.99 x 8.75 x 15.04 inches
If you want a brewer that can make your morning latte AND deliver a perfect drip brew, look no further than Ninja’s top-rated Specialty Coffee Maker. Admittedly, it doesn’t make a true espresso, because it doesn’t use pressure, but it does brew a highly concentrated coffee that makes an excellent base for a milky drink.
The Ninja is SCA certified, the highest honor a home brewer can receive. This means that it meets the rigorous criteria set out by the coffee experts at the Specialty Coffee Association for optimal brewing.
It offers four different brewing styles, to suit any coffee drinker, and in six different sizes, from cup to carafe. The classic brew yields a pleasant and balanced flavor. The rich brew provides a richer and more intense experience. The iced coffee mode brews fresh over ice. For latte lovers, the specialty brew mode produces a super-rich coffee concentrate, perfect for topping with silky smooth steamed milk.
Speaking of milk, the Ninja Specialty Brewer has a clever fold-away milk frother, not something often seen on a drip brewer. This unique design can froth either hot or cold milk in just a few seconds before slotting back in its hiding spot.
6. Nespresso Lattissima Pro – Best Capsule Latte Machine
Style of espresso machine: Fully automatic capsule
- Style of milk frothing: Automatic with carafe
- Heat-up time: 40 seconds
- Dimensions: 7.63 x 13.07 x 10.79 inches
Okay, so a Nespresso machine doesn’t make true espresso. And of course, freshly ground coffee always makes a more flavorful brew. But if you’re adding all that steamed milk to make a latte anyway, it’s not the end of the world to start with a Nespresso capsule, especially if you’re rushed for time. With a 40 second heat-up time, no need to grind or tamp, and virtually no clean-up, you can be caffeinated and out the door in minutes.
The Lattissima Pro, made by De’Longhi, pulls the same crema-topped espresso shot you’d expect from any Nespresso machine thanks to its 19 bar pump. But latte lovers will be glad to know that its milk frothing system is where it really shines. It uses the popular De’Longhi Automatic Cappuccino System paired with an integrated milk carafe, so you can prepare your favorite milky drinks, including a Latte Macchiato or Cappuccino, with just the press of a button.
All this is housed inside a durable and attractive aluminum casing and controlled by an advanced but intuitive touch screen.
If you’re worried about the environmental consequences of pod brewers, you can take comfort in Nespresso’s extensive recycling program. This machine also has a programmable energy-saving mode, which shuts it down after a period of inactivity.
7. Rancilio Silvia – Best for Coffee Nerds
Style of espresso machine: Semi-automatic
- Style of milk frothing: Manual steam wand
- Heat-up time: 10 – 15 minutes
- Dimensions: 13 x 14 x 16 inches
If you fancy yourself a serious barista in the making, the Rancilio Silvia is the latte machine for you. Thanks to the use of commercial-grade components, you can prepare cafe-quality espresso drinks at home.
The commercial style group head means you get incredible temperature stability, a key for preparing a flavorful espresso shot to form the basis of your latte. The milk frothing capabilities are equally impressive. The professional-style steam wand is fully articulated and operated by a knob for precise pressure control. Compared with the thermoblock machines on this list, you’ll get far more steam power and a drier steam with the Silvia’s boiler, making it easier to prepare perfect, silky microfoam.
The Silvia is known for its durability, thanks to an abundance of high-quality stainless steel components. It is frequently described by fans as being “built like a tank,” so expect to get a lot of years of service from a relatively modest investment.
8. Breville Bambino Plus – Easiest to Use
Style of espresso machine: Automatic
- Style of milk frothing: Automatic steam wand
- Heat-up time: 3 seconds
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 7.6 x 12.2 inches
The Breville Bambino Plus is the rare espresso machine that appeals to both experts and novices alike. It has enough fancy features to please the pros, but it’s so easy to use that anyone can prepare a great latte. Not only that, but it’s remarkably low priced for what it offers.
It’s a programmable automatic espresso machine that relies on volumetric dosing. You can pre-program two different shot volumes, typically a single shot and a double shot. Then preparing an espresso is as simple as pressing a button.
Even more impressive, from the standpoint of a latte lover, is the automatic milk frother. You set your preferred milk temperature and texture, put the steam wand in the included frothing pitcher, and let it work its magic. No less a figure than coffee icon James Hoffmann was impressed by the quality of the Bambino’s microfoam. Of course, if you’re more the hands-on type, you can froth manually as well.
Design-wise, the Bambino is both beautiful and compact. However, compared with something like the Silvia, it has far more plastic than steel. This was an intentional choice, allowing such a high-tech machine to be offered at a reasonable cost. But don’t expect it to last forever.
The Verdict
And there you have it – the best latte machines. All things considered, the winner is Breville BES870XL Barista Express. Quality manufacturing, excellent coffee, ease of use, and a great price all set this machine above the rest when it comes to making lattes, espressos, and a host of other drinks.
FAQs
Yes, you can make a latte with non-dairy milk. However, you may need to experiment with different steaming times and temperatures to achieve the same consistency you would with dairy milk. Many professional baristas find that oat milk best mimics the taste and texture of a traditional latte.
There are a few different ways to make a latte with coffee gear other than an espresso machine. You just need a means of frothing milk and a way to brew a small, extra strong cup of coffee. That said, you can’t achieve latte perfection without the machine designed to do the job.
If you’ve already mastered how to make a latte, you might want to step it up by learning latte art. The only way to learn latte art is through a lot of practice. Luckily, if you don’t want to spend all your money on milk and coffee beans, a mixture of dish soap and water nicely mimics the consistency of steamed milk, so you can cheaply work on your wiggles and pull-throughs. Having a good milk steamer and a milk frother jug also helps make better-looking latte art.
References
- ChefSteps. (n.d.). Retrieved May 29, 2019, from https://www.chefsteps.com/activities/steaming-milk
- ones, A. (2019, May 01). 8 Things Your Barista Wishes You Knew About Coffee. Retrieved May 29, 2019, from https://www.thekitchn.com/8-things-your-barista-wishes-you-knew-about-coffee-smart-coffee-regular-joes-217941
