Best Cappuccino Makers of 2023: Our Top 5 Choices (for home use)
So you’re a fan of cappuccino? Seriously, though, how frustrating is it that you need to go to a coffee shop every single time you want one? It takes time, costs an arm and a leg, and is just plain inconvenient.
The solution? Get a home cappuccino maker. But… have you ever tried looking for one? Googling “best cappuccino maker” gives you well over 2 million results! Talk about a nightmare of a time trying to sift through that mess…
Don’t bury yourself in a mountain of needless research and information. All you need is a good list of the best cappuccino machine reviews, which is exactly what we’ve done for you here.
Breville Barista Express
The Breville BES870XL gives incredibly high quality to both the manufacturing and the brewing process itself, helping you create an incredible cappuccino.
Things To Keep In Mind When Looking For A Cappuccino Machine
First off, let’s make one thing clear: this isn’t an espresso maker review, it’s a cappuccino maker review (look here if you want a round up of the best espresso machines on the market). Some machines come without a a built-in milk frother, so don’t make the mistake of buying one without a wand.
Our focus here is to help you find the best way to get that cappuccino you’re looking for.
Related: What is a cappuccino?
Auto vs Semi-Automatic vs Manual
It’s important to determine if you’re looking for a manual, semi-automatic, or automatic cappuccino machine. Each one can serve different needs, and in this case you want to answer your own needs.
While we love lever/manual machines; they are not the best idea if you’re looking for a quick cappuccino. They take time. This list is going to focus on semi-automatic and automatic options, as they come equipped with the tools you’ll need to whip up a delicious cappuccino or even a flat white from start to finish. Learn the difference between flat white vs cappuccino.
The main difference between these two kinds is that a semi-automatic machine is going to leave a fair portion of the process in your hands, while an automatic (or super-automatic) machine is going to do as much of the process for you as possible.
Choose semi-automatic if you want to create a cappuccino yourself; Choose Automatic machine if you want to push a button to make a cappuccino.
Know Your Skill Level
This is an easy factor to overlook while you’re shopping, but it’s an important one. Don’t bite off more than you can chew (or maybe we should say… don’t drink more than you can swallow)
If you’re just starting off, don’t get a $1500 machine right off the bat unless you want to make some expensive, crappy, cappuccinos while learning. Find a machine that fits your current skill level or challenges you on a reasonable level. If, on the other hand, you’re an old pro, consider a machine that’s going to give you the freedom and benefits you prioritize in your brewing adventures.
Cost: The Almighty Dollar
Let’s be real. Money is always a factor. Try to understand the range you’re willing to worth within.
If you’re just starting out, don’t drop big bucks on a fancy machine that you won’t be able to capitalize on. If you’ve used a skimpy machine for years, see if you can set a budget big enough for a machine that will take your skills to the next level.
The one time price doesn’t apply is if you’re choosing a fully automatic machine where you just push a button to make your capp. Those tend to me more expensive to begin with.
It will be fairly obvious to see that cost impacts things like quality of manufacturing, the variety and quantity of preference options, and the overall quality of the cappuccinos themselves.
The 5 Best Home Cappuccino Machines of 2023
Alright. It’s time to take a look at the machines themselves. Bring on the cappuccino maker reviews!
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Breville Barista Express |
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De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine |
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Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker |
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Gaggia Classic Pro |
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Philips 3200 Super Automatic |
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1. Breville Barista Express – Best Overall
Type of machine: Semi-automatic
- Water reservoir: 2 litres
- Dimensions: 31.8 x 35.1 x 40.4 cm
- Milk frothing: 360-degree steam wand
The Breville BES870XL is an incredible mid-range option that will challenge your barista skills by giving you much more control over the process, but still deliver an incredible cappuccino. You can get all the details about how this machine works as an espresso machine in our review here. However, here are the essential points to consider when it comes to cappuccinos in particular.
Once you’re ready to take on the challenge of making cappuccinos yourself, this semi-automatic espresso machine will both develop your skills and increase the quality of your cappuccinos. Its 360-degree swivel-action steam wand is also designed to help you make your cappuccinos, lattes, and other coffee beverages as easy as pie.
Not only that, but the machine is truly quality made. It’s hard to find anything that compares at this price range. It feels like a high-end machine without hurting your wallet. The unit is quite a bit bigger than the others we’ve seen so far, and is particularly tall, standing at nearly 16 inches, so make sure you have enough room on your counters!
This machine is the perfect blend of excellent craftsmanship and affordable pricing, and the world knows it. It’s as popular as espresso machines get.
On a related note, we compared two of the most popular coffee maker manufacturers. Read our article on Breville vs Delonghi.
2. De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine – Budget Pick
Type of machine: Semi-automatic
- Water reservoir: 1 litre
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 34.3 x 28.5 cm
- Milk frothing: Panarello steam wand
Adding a milk frother to your espresso machine doesn’t have to be out of your budget. The De’Longhi Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is an excellent option for any budding coffee enthusiast who wants a quality cappuccino at a very affordable price.
Buying from a reputable brand such as De’Longhi, you can expect a certain level of build quality. The Stilosa might not have all the bells and whistles of a higher-end machine, but it’s got everything you need to make your morning cappuccino.
You’ll get a double spout portafilter, with options for a single or double shot. For milk, there is a panarello steam wand, which is designed to be easier for beginners to get light, airy foam.
And did we mention it’s small? Because it is. Very small. As in, under a foot in every direction, which makes it the perfect size to fit snuggled up on your counter.
3. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker – Best Value for Money
Type of machine: Automatic
- Water reservoir: 1.2 litres
- Dimensions: 34.8 x 22.6 x 33.5 cm
- Milk frothing: Automatic
This next unit screams both affordability and convenience. In fact, you’ll barely need any formal instructions for the Mr. Coffee Cappuccino Maker, as this super automatic machine does almost everything for you! Once the portafilter is set, the rest of the process is as simple as the push of the cappuccino button. The machine automatically brews the coffee and froths the milk for you, providing the drink quickly and with minimal hassle.
If you’re looking for a way to cut down on the time spent going to the cafe but you don’t want to learn how to be a barista yourself, the convenience of this machine is a major plus. It even comes with a recipe book, equipping you with a host of different drink ideas.
This is a small machine, too, coming in at just over a foot in height, so it should fit on your counter without any overhead issues.
Read our Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista review.
4. Gaggia Classic Pro – Best for Aspiring Baristas
Type of machine: Semi-automatic
- Water reservoir: 2.1 litres
- Dimensions: 24.1 x 20.3 x 36.1 cm
- Milk frothing: Professional steam wand
This is the first machine on our list that begins to move you out of the realm of the beginner, into the more nuanced stages of your espresso journey.
The Gaggia Classic Pro is a semi-automatic espresso maker that comes backed by the quality of a good company (and a 1-year warranty). But, more importantly for your barista skills, it also gives you more control over the process.
Capable of making both single and double shots, this machine also comes with a commercial-style steam wand, which is an update from Gaggia’s earlier model, the Classic. This is perfect for those who want to use a steam wand but are still learning the tricks of the trade, as the wand is designed to make steaming and frothing easier – helping you bridge the gap from inexperienced to master barista!
This machine is narrow and shallow, but it’s over fourteen inches high, so make sure to measure for space!
Read our Gaggia Classic Pro review.
5. Philips 3200 Super Automatic – Best Super Automatic
Type of machine: Super automatic
- Water reservoir: 1.8 litres
- Dimensions: 25.4 x 43.2 x 38.1 cm
- Milk frothing: LatteGo system
If you love the idea of a cappuccino at home, but can’t seem to escape the lure of the barista, then a super-automatic machine is what you need. It’s going to grind your coffee, pull an espresso, and top your drink with foam, all at the touch of a button.
There are plenty of options out there, but the Philips 3200 has some great features that landed it a spot on our list. The brand’s patented LatteGo system is a standout. The hands-free design means that once it’s attached, you don’t need to move your cup during the coffee-making process. There are also no tubes involved, so cleanup is as simple as rising under a tap – no more risk of a stale milk taste!
From the user-friendly display, you can select from five one-touch recipes – espresso, coffee, latte macchiato, cappuccino, and Americano – as well as hot water. Drinks can be customized for the strength, volume of coffee, and amount of milk. Black coffees can be served as a single or double.
The Philips 3200 doesn’t offer the level of customisation of some other super automatics, but this makes it more affordable, and much easier to use.
THE VERDICT
While these models are each excellent options for the best cappuccino maker in their own way, our choice for the best cappuccino machine for the home is the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine.
This machine answers the needs of both beginners and experts alike, bringing incredibly high quality to both the manufacturing and the brewing process itself. It’s also a semi-automatic, which allows you to remain a part of the process.
Make sure to also invest in the right cappuccino cups to complete the experience. Check our review of the best cappuccino cups here.
Which one is your favorite? What has you looking for a cappuccino maker in the first place? Share your thoughts and experiences with us. We’d love to hear them!
