Espresso machines are all the rage in today’s modern kitchen. The days of needing to run down to your favorite coffee shop are over. If you are in the market for an espresso machine that gives you the exciting feel of a barista, you must consider all your options. All espresso machines have a frother, but what really makes the best cappuccino machine?
To help you make the right decision, we have spent time researching the best espresso machines on the market today. We considered features of each machine like the ease of use and how much counter space you need. Diving deeper into our investigation has led us to learn what coffees can be used and what warranties are available for consumers.
Top 6 Cappuccino Machines
After digging deeper into the best espresso machines, we have decided to include reviews of each product along with a handy buying guide. We have simplified our findings into the table below, making your research experience a one-stop shop. Nothing has been left out. We hope you will make a great purchase using our knowledge to guide you.
This superautomatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder and customizable settings offers the best value for the price for most coffee aficionados An eye-appealing superautomatic espresso machine which is incredibly easy to use with its self-explanatory controls A high-end coffee machine which uses proprietary extraction and brewing technologies A compact and easy-to-use superautomatic espresso machine with programmable brewing and intuitive operation An affordable semi-automatic espresso maker with a removable milk reservoir that can even be placed in a fridge A capsule espresso machine that comes with the Aeroccino 3 milk frother and a sleek compact design
More features: micro-foam milk texturing; 1 or 2 cup shots; dose-control grinding; grind size dial Do you need that hot cup of coffee as you run out the door? If so, then the best espresso machine for you is the Breville Express. The design of this machine allows you to start sipping your drink in under a minute. With a choice of manual or automatic operation, you are guaranteed cafe style results every time. Interchangeable filters and the ability to grind coffee beans just moments before extraction keeps coffee fresh and aromatic. A grinder equipped with a conical burr delivers the perfect amount of coffee grounds into a portafilter. Your preferred taste is Breville’s top concern. Any roast of bean can be used in this espresso machine without the worry of oils clogging up the grinder. For optimal temperature and extraction is delivered using PID, a digital temperature control. This allows the espresso machine to heat the water to required temperature and give you an espresso extraction perfectly done. Extra features include dose-control grinding and dial to choose the grind size you prefer. There is micro-foam milk texturing for that flawless froth. A one-year limited warranty is available with your purchase.
Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine – Editor's Choice
More features: dynamic AromaticSystem brew chamber; CupSensor; heated cup rack High quality on a consistent basis is the mark of the Miele. Equipped with a stainless-steel grinder that features a cone shape, your coffee beans will experience a perfect grind. The AromaticSystem allows coffee grounds and water to mix evenly due to the expansion experienced while brewing. These two technologies work together to give an intense aroma with few bitter flavors. Since we all want fresh coffee each day, the Miele espresso machine has designed an automatic cleaning system. You can actually set your machine to clean each day. Setting your machine to clean it each day or night you will start your morning with a delicious brew. Options are endless with this machine. With one touch, you can choose the brew what you desire any time you want to enjoy it. As one of the best espresso machines on the market, this one is designed for families who love coffee. You can prepare two cups at once and admire how nice it looks in your kitchen. The sleek, modern design is an eye-catching pleasure on your counter. The price point is low for this high-end espresso maker, but a little steep for the average consumer.
Miele CM 6110 Coffee System – Most Elegant Design
More features: six-level Aroma G3 grinder; Pulse Extraction Process; Intelligent Water System; TFT color display; Energy Save Mode and Zero-Energy Switch JURA has fine-tuned the process of espresso brewing. Using an Aroma grinder equipped with six levels, your coffee will be ground perfectly. Extraction time has been optimized using the Pulse Extraction Method (P.E.P). With this brand new technology, the flavor of your coffee can be customized to your taste buds. If cappuccino with delicious foam is what you are after, the fine foam technology will deliver. Consumers who don’t like waiting for that perfect cup will love the advantages of the E8. This machine can prepare two cups simultaneously. Ease of use is important, and the Jura does not fail. Buttons for coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and milk function are located conveniently on the front. Operating the machine is self-explanatory using the TFT color display. Equipped with a container that will hold up to 10 ounces, uninterrupted coffee enjoyment is on the horizon. If you need to keep those beans fresh, use the aroma preservation cover. A water tank with a 64-ounce capacity is located on the front. To top all these features off, you will enjoy the sleek form of the Jura, making it an elegant choice for any kitchen. Keeping your automatic coffee machine fresh and clean is vital. Since we all don’t have much free time to clean them, the Jura has built in a rinsing program. With the touch of a button, you can maintain it clean and fresh. A bonus is the milk spout, which happens to be dishwasher safe. Always clean and delicious froth guaranteed.
Jura Automatic Coffee Machine E8 – Most Intuitive Design
More features: LED display with illuminated icons, 3.25 to 4.5-inch cup height, front-loaded water reservoir The Gaggia Brera Superautomatic Espresso Machine is designed to fall into the low to mid-range market of the best superautomatic espresso machines. It will fit onto any countertop due to its compact design. A key feature of this espresso machine is the pre-infusion brewing system. This system is developed to get the most out of your beans, including the best aroma with no bitter taste. Once the beans are ground, they are tamped and soaked before the machine starts extracting all the flavor. For quick access and ease of cleaning, the drip tank and water tank are located at the front. You will have to stay on top of the cleaning, though. The components are plastic and need to be maintained regularly to avoid residue buildup and having to replace parts. A minimal amount of settings means you do not need to be a barista to get an ideal cup. You can adjust how fine you want your beans to be ground and how strong you want your brew. An opti-dose system used in this machine includes 3 different settings-light, medium, or strong. Take your pick! Adding steamed milk to your espresso, latte, or cappuccino is done with a breeze due to Rapid Steam Technology. This compact espresso machine gives consumers a middle of the pack option. The energy efficiency, compact size, and ease of use make it a great choice. While durability is low due to the use of plastic parts for assembly, this is still a worthwhile purchase for the beginning at-home barista.
Gaggia Brera (Silver) – Best Design
More features: removable milk reservoir; single or double shots of espresso Mr. Coffee Espresso machine is bringing the coffeehouse into your home. This semi-automatic espresso machine has great features for at the home coffee connoisseur. To take out all the guesswork, Mr.Coffee has designed its espresso machine with a one-touch interface system. No need to think too hard before you have had your first cup. You have the option of one or two shots as well as an automatic milk frother. You will enjoy light and airy froth with every cup. Milk reservoir is easily removed in order to fill with milk and store or clean. Adjustable drink trays allow you to choose whatever size cup you want. A Thermocouple heating system allows water to heat faster and more evenly. After use, a removable water tank allows easy access to refill or clean.
Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker – Best Beginner Machine
More features: Espresso and Lungo functions; Aeroccino 3 milk frother Elegance and functionality come together to create the Nespresso Pixie Espresso machine by De’Longhi. A large range of features, this machine offers a sleek, compact design with fantastic energy efficiency. The Nespresso Pixie Espresso machine lives up to its name and reputation of producing high-end technology. With the Aeroccino technology, a finely textured, smooth milk froth is guaranteed every time. You can also choose the temperature of your milk froth. Hot or cold; it is your preference. If a Caffe Latte or Cappuccino is what you are wishing for, the automatic system of this machine will make it come true.
Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by De'Longhi with Aeroccino – Budget Pick
Features to consider while choosing the best cappuccino machine
As we mentioned before, a frother alone doesn’t make the best cappuccino machine. So, let’s look at some more things to think about when choosing a cappuccino machine.
Type and ease of use
The best espresso machines on the market are ones that are superautomatic. Jura, Miele, Breville, and Gaggia all appear with a superautomatic design. While this is great, there are more options built in which could be helpful or lead to frustration.
Mr. Coffee is the semiautomatic option for consumers. It gives you a decent amount of options, but you will need to clean it yourself. Lastly, the Nespresso espresso machine is the one with a simple design. It is easy to use by popping in a capsule. The downside is that ground coffee can’t be on your grocery list.
Pressure
The pressure is important to getting the most flavor from your coffee grounds. In order to get a great espresso, you need nine bars of pressure. While you only need nine bars, the Jura, Miele, Breville, and Gaggia brands offer up to 15 bars. Mr. Coffee and Nespresso go even higher with 19 bars of pressure. So, you have to ask yourself, is that too much pressure?
Water reservoir capacity
In order to make coffee in a large quantity, you need a water reservoir that can hold up. The best choices for this are Breville and Jura. These two have a 67 and 63.6-ounce water reservoir. Coming in last is the Nespresso coffee maker only holding 24 ounces.
Which coffee can you use?
All machines have a built-in grinder except the Nespresso and Mr. Coffee. Because they have this excellent feature, you can use a pre-ground coffee of your choice. Your beans can be purchased from the grocery or your favorite coffee shop.
Dimensions
Is your countertop space sufficient for your machine? All five machines offer dimensions that would be good for any type of kitchen. Always think beyond the machine sizes to how much space do you need to get the water reservoir and milk containers out for cleaning.
Warranty
Warranties are important in case of any damages or breakdowns that may happen due to any circumstances. If you want the security of a 2-year warranty, go for the Miele, Jura, and Nespresso. Gaggia, Breville, and Mr. Coffee espresso makers only have a 1-year warranty. A side note to consider is all warranties are limited.
More features
When choosing your espresso maker, all the features and extras will be considered. These models offer the right amount of pressure to guarantee a delicious brew with optimal aroma. Drink trays that are adjustable and create a great incentive for the wife who wants a small cup with a husband wanting the mega dose. Do not forget to point your attention to superautomatic and semiautomatic types. How much effort do you want to put forth into your next cup of latte?
It’s always great to get cool accessories with a purchase. If you choose any of these espresso makers, you may get a tamping tool or a free package of coffee capsules.
Prices
Most importantly, you want what you pay for. Going all in and spending the big bucks will get you a Jura E8 or a Miele superautomatic espresso machines. These coffee makers will cost you $1,500.00 to $1,700.00 dollars. For a little less, you can purchase a Breville for $600.00 dollars or go with the Gaggia model for $450.00. At the lower end of the spectrum is the Nespresso at $279.00 or Mr. Coffee costing $359.00. This wide variety of prices gives consumers a lot to think about.
Tips on making cappuccino
Making a perfect cup of cappuccino comes with practice. Once you receive your machine, take time to play with the settings. With these machines, like Jura and Miele, the cappuccino recipes are at your fingertips. All you need is to touch a button. Espresso makers like Mr. Coffee also have brew settings. Whatever strength you desire can be chosen with the settings.
FAQ
A superautomatic machine virtually does all the work for you. You use the interface to select the settings desired and sit back while your coffee is perfected. You can choose the amount of coffee grounds you want per shot.
Semi-automatic machines will function automatically to a point. They use an electric pump to get the water through the grounds. There will be no indications if something needs to be changed or cleaned.
Coffee machines provide pressure as water is flowing through the coffee grounds. With that being said, there is little difference between a 15 and 19 bar machine. One has more pressure than the other. The overarching thought is that a 19-bar machine may be overkill.
Cappuccino makers are not as noisy as they once were. With new technology and upgrades, they are getting quieter. To show how quiet they are becoming, newer models are brewing your perfect cup while you are still sleeping.
Our Verdict
The six machines we have analyzed are all great options with a few differences.
Breville was out top pick because it offers the best features for the price. The machine is actually semi-automatic, but has intuitive controls and customizable settings. It may take some time and practice for you to get used to it, but the results will be superb.
Miele turns its focus on brewing technology with their AromaticSystem and cone-shaped coffee grinder.
Jura is an espresso machine that has fantastic ease of use and brewing system. An intelligent water system detects when you need to change your filter, guaranteeing a fresh cup of every brew.
Gaggia’s best espresso maker hits the mark with its superautomatic system. It’s not hard to operate and its LED lit screen is fantastic.
Mr. Coffee offers an espresso maker that is perfect for the beginner home barista. Low price point and simple features are its strongest points.
Nespresso will always give you a great taste in your cup but only with the use of Nespresso capsules.
