There is a special feeling that goes along with a coffee from an expert barista. The smell of the coffee shop, the beautiful presentation, and that first hot sip all come together to make the experience whole. For many, the ritual of the perfect cappuccino is a morning routine. It is also a great accessory when spending time with good friends.
The only thing that could make the coffee shop experience better is enjoying the perfect cappuccino at your own kitchen table or curled up on your couch. Do you want to recreate these coffee shop delights in your own home? This can be accomplished with the right machine. It can be hard to find one that makes a quality drink but is also easy to use. This article highlights the best cappuccino machines for you so you can become your own barista in minimal time.Best Pick
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker. This machine is great for those that want specialty beverages without a fuss. This machine allows you to enjoy different types of coffee beverages without the having to learn complex barista techniques. It is convenient on a rushed morning and cleans up easily.
Budget Pick
De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker. This manual machine has a lot of features for the price. Pressure is set at 15-bar to ensure the best taste possible. The steam wand allows you to choose how long you want to spend frothing. This method allows you to be more particular about the foam consistency for your cappuccino. There is a thermostat for water and a separate one for steam. Water heats up in seconds for quick access to your cappuccino.
Quick Comparison: Top 7 Best Cappuccino Machine
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1. Mr. Coffee Ecmp1000- Café Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
The compact design of this machine makes it easy to fit in even a small kitchen. Mr. Coffee has been around since the 1970’s, giving you the reassurance of a reliable brand. You are not limited to only cappuccinos with this machine. You can also enjoy professional quality espressos and lattes. Your favorite drinks can be made with the touch of a button and the milk is frothed for you with no need for manual operation. Make your favorite drinks quickly on a busy morning.
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2. DeLonghi-EC155 Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
This machine brings professional quality beverages to your home. The DeLonghi-EC155 is a manual machine more like the one’s coffee shops use, yet it is perfectly sized for a home kitchen. The feature that sets this machine apart is the sensitive temperature control. The water and steam are held at different temperatures and this stays steady if the machine is in use. The water container stays fresh since you can remove it to clean as needed. You have the option to use pods for those days when you need to move a little faster, as well.
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3. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
This machine is designed to bring you the taste of coffee shop beverages. Home brewed coffee often tasted different because it is ground quite a while before you use it and the right amount of freshly ground beans may not be used. The Breville Barista Express measures the right amount of beans to bring a better flavor to each type of drink you choose. The temperature is also an issue when it comes to getting the best drink. Temperature control and proper pressure for the extraction process is an important feature of this espresso machine.
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4. Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Straight from Italy, this brand is known for its excellence in coffee beverages. This allows you to have the drinks you want without using steam. While this machine may be known for its espresso technology, it also makes cappuccino. The frothing wand, called the Pannarello wand allows you to make a milk topping for your caffeinated beverages, as well as your winter hot chocolate.
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5. DeLohghi Nespresso Lattissima Pro Espresso Machine
This machine is made for those that want traditional Italian brews with minimal effort. The one touch system allows you to choose from several different drinks, including cappuccino, espresso, and lattes. You an even choose hot water to make tea or hot milk for the kid’s favorite hot chocolate. The entire family can enjoy this machine. The stainless steel is easy to clean and compliments any kitchen décor. The innovative capsule system and automatic cappuccino feature make it easy to make your favorite drinks even when you are in a hurry.
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6. Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine
There are a lot of extras on this Breville model. You can choose from a variety of settings to make your espresso and cappuccinos exactly how you like them. The key features that make your coffee drinks more precise are all included on this machine. The dual boiler heater sets it apart, however. The temperature of your espresso is controlled by separately from the steam boiler for the milk using a PID system. This advanced technology ensures that the temperature stays steady throughout the grinding and brewing process. Even small changes can ruin the taste of an espresso or cappuccino.
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7. Delonghi ECAM22110B Super Automatic Espresso, Latte and Cappuccino Machine
This Delonghi version is made to fit well into any size kitchen with its compact design. It has a single boiler system and two compartments to satisfy your desire for either whole bean or pre-ground coffee at any time. Precise temperature control makes it easy to make specialty drinks for everyone right away during the breakfast hour.
You can adjust the strength of your beverage, as well. This makes it easy to have a strong coffee before you leave for work and a milder one with your evening desert. The steam milk frother is manual, allowing you to make your foam exactly how you like it. This machine allows you to customize your drinks and has both automatic espresso settings, while the cappuccino components are manual.
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Things to Consider Before Buying a Cappuccino Machine
A specialty coffee can be a fun party of your morning routine. Many people drag themselves out the door for an early work morning with their favorite cappuccino or espresso in mind. The expense of this habit can add up, however. You may also like to have your favorite coffee on a Saturday morning without changing out of your pajamas.
A cappuccino machine can save money over time when you make your own drinks. With some models, you can have a luxury espresso or latte with the touch of a button. Frothed milk isn’t just for visit to your local café. All of this can be done at home. There are some things to consider when you begin searching for a cappuccino machine.
Saves Money
Coffee shop drinks cost more than those you make at home. You are paying for the service and atmosphere, not just the beverage. Even with one cup a day, you can easily spend a couple of hundred dollars each month. A cappuccino machine can be an investment. You may spend more money up front, yet you end up spending less in the long-run.
Choices
When you buy from a coffee shop, you only have access to their brand of coffee. You can purchase different brands and flavors to find out what you like best or to simply have a variety to choose from. You can also have many different types of drinks in one day. Enjoy more choices with a machine at your disposal.
- Try out different flavors and brands
- Enjoy an espresso in the morning and a cappuccino later in the day
- Customize your drink without having to explain the details to a barista
Learn Something New
It is important to do your research before you bring home a cappuccino machine. Some work better for beginners, while others have more advanced controls and variation. You may want to consider a fully automated machine if you have never made specialty drinks on your own. If you prefer to learn how to make complex layered drinks and how to find the perfect grinder settings, a more advance model may be a good addition to your home.
Parties and Gatherings
Many people like to serve coffee at their parties or family gatherings. If you are looking for a machine that can hold up to this type of activity, it must have a large water reservoir and a good temperature control. A double boiler system ensures the proper temperature for both water and steam. When the temperature is not precise, quality of the drinks is compromised. A manual frother can make a more customized foam, however, it can also take more time. If you are using the machine to entertain a large group, a machine that does everything for you may save you some time.
One Machine for Everything
If you pick the right machine, you can use it for specialty drinks, as well as regular coffee. Some machines have two portals for receiving coffee beans or grounds. One side is equipped with a grinder for fresh espresso from the bean. The other is for pre-ground coffee beans.
Some cappuccino makers can even provide you with hot milk or water instead of coffee. This can be great if you have kids that like to have a hot cocoa in the winter. Hot water can be used to make tea, as well. When you have one machine that accomplishes a lot of things, it can clear up some counter space. This also saves money, as you only have to buy one device.
Cleanup
It is easy to let a complex machine sit for a long time without getting proper cleaning. It is important to find out what parts come off before you get home and become frustrated when its time to clean the machine. The water reservoir is not the only thing that can be removed for cleaning up. The milk container on an automated frother should be removable so you can store leftover milk in the fridge. Check for several removeable parts for easy cleanup. A machine that is hard to clean can harbor buildup that causes it to be unsanitary.
- Removeable parts
- Efficient drip tray
- Stainless steel keeps a nice shine
The Extras
Many of these machines come with some extras that make your coffee time even more luxurious. A double boiling system makes the extraction and brewing process much more precise, making it more likely to taste like a professional made it. A warming tray keeps your coffee hot if you need to set it down for a few minutes, as well.
Steam wands are a great asset for the machines with manual frothers. You can use these to get your foam to the consistency that you prefer. An automatic shutoff feature is helpful if you are in a hurry in the morning and forget to turn off your coffee maker. This is both a safety and energy saving feature.
- Double boiling systems to keep water and steam at the perfect temperature
- Warming tray to keep your special beverage hot
- Steam wand frother
- Automatic shutoff for safety
Size
Appliances can take up a lot of room on your kitchen cabinets. Toasters, small ovens, and crock pots often get left out for daily use. Your current coffee maker may fit nicely in a little corner. Think about how much cabinet space you are willing to give up for a cappuccino maker. If this machine is a priority you may be fine sacrificing a large amount of counter space.
Machines with many accessories need ample space. Some are also very tall. Check the measurements to make sure there is enough clearance with your overhead cabinets. Some are purposely made shorter to accommodate low cabinets. A device that is too tall to fit often sticks out awkwardly or sits too close to the edge.
- Leave room to comfortably use all the accessories and remove the reservoir and frother
- Check the height that your cabinets can accommodate
- Look for a model that fits into your available space
- Some compact models still have a variety of features
- Consider an alternate location such as the breakfast bar or a separate kitchen cart
Conclusion
When you are ready to purchase an espresso and cappuccino maker, there are many different things to think about. Each person has their individual preferences when it comes their specialty coffee beverages. There are some professional tactics used to get the milk frothed to the right consistency and the flavor extracted properly from the beans.
The grinding of the beans, temperature, and pressure all contribute heavily to the final flavor. Research the features on your favorite machine models to make sure these items are covered. You also need to make sure you choose a model that fits nicely in your kitchen. Even the basic models have features that allow for professional style beverages in your own home.