Home / Guides / For lattes and cappuccinos

Best espresso machines for lattes and cappuccinos

For milk drinks the frother matters as much as the espresso. This list weighs milk frothing and the overall score equally.

Updated October 16, 2026 · Ranked by our 0 to 100 score · No paid placements

Best value

XIXUBX EM910

Only 5 points behind the top pick, for less money.

67Semi-automatic · $

  1. 1

    Breville Barista Express Impress

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$$

    Stands out for: adjustable brew temperature, PID temperature control, hot water outlet, pre-infusion

    72 Check price All specs
  2. 2

    Breville Barista Pro

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$$

    Stands out for: PID temperature control, pre-infusion, built-in grinder, heats up faster (3 s vs. 25 s avg.)

    71 Check price All specs
  3. 3

    Breville Barista Express

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$$

    Stands out for: PID temperature control, pre-infusion, built-in grinder, bigger water tank (67 oz vs. 57 oz avg.)

    67 Check price All specs
  4. 4

    XIXUBX EM910

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$

    Stands out for: pressure gauge, adjustable brew temperature, PID temperature control, hot water outlet

    67 Check price All specs
  5. 5

    Breville Barista Touch

    Semi-automatic GrinderAuto steam wand$$$

    Stands out for: PID temperature control, hot water outlet, pre-infusion, built-in grinder

    74 Check price All specs
  6. 6

    Chefman Crema Deluxe

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$

    Stands out for: dual boiler, 58 mm portafilter, adjustable brew temperature, built-in grinder

    64 Check price All specs
  7. 7

    Breville Bambino

    Semi-automatic Steam wand$$

    Stands out for: PID temperature control, hot water outlet, pre-infusion, heats up faster (3 s vs. 25 s avg.)

    61 Check price All specs
  8. 8

    Spacekey CM5510

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$

    Stands out for: PID temperature control, pre-infusion, built-in grinder, more grind settings (30 vs. 25 avg.)

    61 Check price All specs
  9. 9

    GeniCup CM-301B-A Espresso Machine with Grinder

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$

    Stands out for: adjustable brew temperature, PID temperature control, pre-infusion, built-in grinder

    61 Check price All specs
  10. 10

    Gevi ECMI0-SS0A1

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$

    Lowest price in the last 12 months right now

    Stands out for: 58 mm portafilter, PID temperature control, hot water outlet, built-in grinder

    60 Check price All specs
Torn between the top two? Breville Barista Express Impress vs Breville Barista Pro, every spec side by side.Compare them

What to look for

  • 95 machines, average score 46 out of 100
  • 46 of 95 with built-in grinder
  • 20 of 95 with PID temperature control
  • 62 of 95 with manual steam wand
  • 33 of 95 with automatic milk frothing
  • Steam wand for textureA manual steam wand makes the silky microfoam baristas use. It takes some practice.
  • Automatic for speedAutomatic milk systems pour a latte at the push of a button. Foam is less fine, and they need rinsing after each drink.
  • Brew and steam at onceWith one heater you wait between pulling the shot and steaming. Dual boilers and heat exchangers do both at the same time.

Questions

What is the best espresso machine for lattes and cappuccinos?

The Breville Barista Express Impress. It scores 72 out of 100, the highest of the 95 machines for lattes and cappuccinos we compare. Its biggest strength: adjustable brew temperature, only 17% of the machines we compare have this.

Which machines come close?

The Breville Barista Pro with 71 points and the Breville Barista Express with 67. Compare any two of them side by side to see where they differ.

How do you score the machines?

From up to 17 specs that change taste and daily use, such as grinder, heating system, temperature control and milk frothing, plus how well the machine sells on Amazon. Specs come from the manufacturer first and the Amazon listing second. Commissions never change a score.

More guides

We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score or a ranking. Price classes: $ under $200, $$ under $500, $$$ under $1,000, $$$$ above.

Top pickBreville Barista Express ImpressCheck price on Amazon