8 Best Latte Machines: Never Too Late For A Latte

Coffee and milk have always been a good combination but it’s not enough just pour cold milk into the cup with espresso and expect miracles. Brewing espresso first, then warming milk and finally mixing it, that’s called a job.

However, nowadays we are lucky because there is offered a lot of latte machines that do all these steps for us. Actually, half of the job is on you, but let’s start from the beginning.

Let’s see firstly what is a machine that makes a latte like, how does it work, what you need to do in this process, and finally what are 8 top-rated models that meet the criteria and work amazing for latte newbies as well as professional baristas!

The Rundown

What Kind Of Machine Makes Latte?

These machines are your basic espresso brewers that come equipped with a steaming wand. It’s the only thing that an espresso machine needs to have to classify as a “for latte”.

What Is The Difference Between A Latte And Espresso Machine?

As we said, these machines are espresso makers. However, your basic espresso machine does not need to have an additional steamer or a frother. That is the only difference.

Different Types You Can Find

Once you start looking for a latte brewer you will notice that the espresso machines fit into 2 main categories:

• semi-automatic machines
• super automatic machines

Semi-Automatic Machines
Semi-automatic machines are the best choice for those with some experience in brewing espresso. This is because they provide you with complete control over a range of brewing parameters.

You get to:

• program the espresso shot and time it
• adjust the brew strength to your liking
• switch between different filter sizes
• choose between a single and a double shot
• control the extraction pressure throughout the brewing process

When it comes to their steaming performance, you:

• are in control over the wand’s motion range
• get to adjust how deep it goes into the milk
• need to hold the milk pitcher as you steam the milk

Super Automatic Machines
Now, these machines are top class in user-friendliness. Beginners will appreciate their simplicity, however, professional baristas might lose out with these machines as they usually want to get their hands into the process.  That’s because These models do not allow you to adjust their brewing or steaming parameters but do come with pre-programmed settings you simply need to activate with a push of a button. They have an automatic milk system that dispenses milk straight into your cup. You only have to fill up the milk carafe and let the machine do the rest of the job for you.

Trustworthy Brands

There are dozens of versatile brands you will come across in your search. It is important that you know how to recognize quality and single out the brands that care about their customers. The most trustworthy brands customers like are Breville, DeLonghi, Philips, and Mr. Coffee (all of which you can find below).

Benefits Of Owning One

You might think that by buying an espresso brewer for a latte you can make only that, espresso and a latte. However, this is simply not true. You get to brew versatile espresso and milk-based beverages including:

• a macchiato
• a cortado
• a flat white
• a cappuccino
• a caffe latte

You might find some downsides if you don’t like or don’t have much time for maintenance. The steam wand can get clogged after a lot of use so you need to rinse or clean the wand to prevent it. Also, you need to be open to learning new things as you will need to master techniques to steam the milk.

Let Us Cover Important Features Of Latte Makers

Before you decide which model you want to buy, let us cover the most important features and the general ones you can expect from these machines:

Size & Design

There is no need to jump on a large brewer if you have a small kitchen. Apart from a larger reservoir, it won’t provide you with higher efficiency or functionality than a smaller model. If you need the extra space, choose a brewer with a somewhat smaller footprint, such as a 9.75 x 9 x 11.5-inch one as it fits perfectly atop any countertop surface.

Convenience & Ease Of Use

If you are new to the latte world choose an automatic or a super-automatic machine. It provides you with versatile options you will appreciate and allows you to get started with great brews. On the other hand, if you know your way around the brewing and the steaming process, don’t settle for anything less than a semi-automatic brewer that will allow you to adjust its temperature, timing, etc.

User Friendliness

There are versatile user-friendly features you will stumble upon. These include:

• simple front-mounted control panels
• visible pressure gauges
• top espresso cup warming plate
• height adjustable drip tray for versatile cups sizes

Boiler Type

This is another important feature as it defines whether you can brew espresso and at the same time steam milk or if you need to wait for the brewing process to complete for the machine to release enough steam at a high temperature.

Single Boiler Machines
They are the most common as they are the cheapest option. Their only downside is that they allow you to use either a brewing or the steaming process. Also, they usually need a 1-minute delay between the two functions as milk is steamed at a much higher temperature that, if used for the brewing process, would burn your coffee.

Heat Exchange Boilers
Heat exchange brewers use a single boiler system that has an internal heat exchange system. It rapidly heats the water inside the machine to create the steam you need to create perfectly steamed milk. They do allow you to brew and steam at the same time, however, the temperature is not stable and often fluctuates as the water leaves the boiler. This is a problem only if you buy this kind of machine for professional use. With regular home use, you shouldn’t notice this.

Dual (Double) Boiler Machines
These are your high-end brewers that are mainly made for professional use. For that reason, they are also the most expensive. One boiler works for the brewing process while the other one takes care of the steaming process. You can both brew and steam simultaneously, on-demand, and expect amazing results.

Extraction Pressure

Even though a 9 bar extraction pressure is considered to be good enough for espresso, models with a higher 15 to 20 bar extraction pressure provide you with barista-like results with every use.

Coffee Compatibility

Most models are made for use with ground coffee, but you can find those that are compatible for use with coffee capsules. If you prefer capsules there are versatile flavors on the market you can try out so you are not losing out on anything.

Coffee Grinder

As for models that are made for use with ground coffee, a lot of them come with a coffee bean grinder. This is an amazing feature as it ensures that you can get the freshest brew possible with every single use.

Water Reservoir – Design & Capacity

When possible, choose a model that comes with a removable water reservoir as it will be much easier to clean and refill when needed. Also, the larger it is, the more pulls you can make without having to refill it. If you have enough room for a larger machine, one with a 2-liter reservoir will ensure that you can brew shot after shot without worrying if the water reservoir will run out mid-process.

Safety Features

In general, all these machines are fairly safe to use. However, some come with additional features such as non-slip feet, heat-resistant portafilter handles, small steamer grips, etc., and even programs such as an automatic shut-off that turns the brewer off after a sufficient amount of time has passed since the last time you used the machine.

8 Best Latte Machines

While the first brewer provides a semi-automatic performance and provides you with complete control over its performance, the third one is fully automatic and comes with versatile pre-programmed settings you can adjust with a touch of a finger.

Breville Express Espresso Machine

The first thing to note is that this brewer comes with a powerful 1600 Watt heating system. Combines with a high 15 bar extraction pressure, it ensures that every espresso shot is perfectly pulled and that you get to enjoy all the delicious flavors and aromas from your grounds.

Its control panel is front-mounted and features a convenient pressure gauge. It allows you to observe the pressure level throughout the brewing process. Apart from the gauge, it also features a grind size control dial, shot size controls, and convenient light indicators.

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DeLonghi Espresso Machine

This model features the simplest design. It comes equipped with a 3in1 filter holder that is compatible for use with a single shot filter basket, a double shot filter basket, and an ESE pod filter holder. Its handle is long, heat-resistant, and designed to ensure that you can have a firm grip on it.

Apart from latte, you can use this machine to brew a clean espresso, cappuccino, and other espresso/milk-based beverages. It provides you with an option of a twin brewing cycle to ensure that you can brew two cups of espresso at once.

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Philips Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

The amazing thing about this model is that it features a simple touch control panel. It offers pre-programmed parameters for espresso, coffee, and americano (both single and double shots); cappuccino, latte, macchiato, and hot water. The “My Choice” part allows you to adjust the strength of the espresso shot, cup size, and the consistency of the frothed milk.

Since it comes with a fully automatic milk system, this machine does not steam the milk but rather froths it into a perfect consistency depending on the settings you make. The froth is automatically dispensed into a coffee cup from the small carafe on the side.

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Mr. Coffee Espresso And Cappuccino Maker

This is another espresso maker that uses a 15 bar extraction pressure to pull a perfect shot. It also comes with a milk system that froths the milk instead of steaming it. The small milk carafe is completely removable from the machine to ensure that you can easily clean it or store the leftover milk in a refrigerator.

The best thing about this brewer is that it comes with a convenient, self-cleaning cycle. It is specially designed to ensure that the brewing system is perfectly clean and that each cup of coffee you brew using it, has the most delicious taste.

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Gevi Espresso Machine

This machine provides you with active temperature control. It comes with two separate thermostats that allow you to control both the brewing and steaming temperature. The thermometer on the control panel allows you to check the temperature and make the desired adjustments.

The top of this machine functions as a cup warming tray. Thanks to this feature you can heat your espresso cups before you brew your next shot. That way you can ensure that the espresso remains at its optimal temperature level much longer than it would in a cold cup.

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EspressoWorks Espresso Machine

You won’t have any trouble using this espresso brewer. It features a simple rotating control knob you only need to switch between the “brew” and “steam” settings. Its water reservoir is completely transparent and conveniently located on the back right side of the machine to ensure you can easily remove and refill it when needed.

The great thing about this brewer is that it comes equipped with everything you need. Apart from the machine itself, the package includes two different filter baskets (a single and a double shot one), a measuring spoon that doubles as a tamper, a 120 V plug-in electric grinder, a stainless steel pitcher, and two high-quality espresso cups.

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Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

What makes this brewer stand out is that it is suitable both for home and professional use. It comes equipped with a commercial-grade group head that ensures optimal temperature stability and extraction quality. It is also suitable for use with pods and coffee capsules, but you do need an additional adaptor kit (one is available for sale separately).

Its articulating steam wand is specially designed to ensure that it provides you with a whole motion range. A small pressure control knob is located just above the wand to ensure that you can easily adjust how much steam is released through the wand during the steaming process.

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JURA S8 Automatic Espresso Machine

This brewer provides you with a super-automatic performance. It comes equipped with a large and colorful TFT display that allows you to set the desired program in only a few seconds. It offers 15 barista-quality specialty recipes to ensure that you can make versatile, delicious beverages with as little effort as possible.

Atop the machine is located a powerful conical burr grinder that freshly grinds coffee beans right before the brewing process. As a result, you get perfect brewing results with every use. Its milk system automatically dispenses steamed or frothed milk right into your cup.

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How To Make A Perfect Latte?

Apart from a great espresso machine, to get the perfect latte you need to have:

• freshly roasted and ground coffee beans
• a ground coffee tamper
• a stainless steel pitcher for the steaming process

Step By Step To A Perfect Brew

A latte is a perfect blend of espresso, steamed milk, and milk froth. To get it right, you need to:

1. Prepare a single or a double shot of espresso (depending on how strong you like your latte to be).
2. Fill up the milk pitcher.
3. Now, purge the wand and pull it into a straight position.
4. Place the tip of a steaming wand into the middle of the pitcher just below the milk surface.
5. Turn the steamer on. Start the steaming process with a steaming nozzle near the top. After two to five seconds pull the pitcher down so that the steaming wand is fully immersed.
6. Steam the milk for about 30 seconds until it becomes smooth, silky, and shiny.

Can You Make A Latte Without…

We all often wonder what happens if we do not have some of the key components needed to brew a latte. So, we covered different scenarios you might be wondering about:

…An Espresso Machine?

Let us be clear, you can brew espresso-like beverages using, for instance, Moka pots, but you won’t end up with the true espresso shot you need for a latte. Also, assuming that since you do not have an espresso machine you do not have a milk steamer, you can use a special frother to froth milk. Again, the results won’t be the same since there is no steam, but, by creating a light froth (instead of a thick foam) you can get near.

Here are some tips that might come in can come in handy when you crave a latte:

• make a strong coffee brew and measure out an espresso shot
• add 2/3 parts of frothed milk to the coffee
• add a thin layer of microform

… Using A Dairy-Based Milk?

Yes, you can make a delicious latte without using dairy milk. The only part you might have trouble with is the steaming process. Different kinds of milk have different consistency so you will need some practice to adjust the steaming time and temperature to get that perfect texture.

What’s The Difference Between Steamed And Frotherd Milk?

Steamed milk is made by steaming wands that release hot, pressurized air into the milk whereas frothed milk is made by combining air and milk at a high speed. Since steamed milk is heated, it is much more delicately aerated and you are left with a small amount of microform. Frothed milk has much more volume and will provide you with a higher amount of foam.

If you opt for a machine that comes with a steaming wand you get to do both, steam the milk as well as create the froth. However, if you buy a model with a frothing system, you will not be able to enjoy the steaming function. So there’s a little difference.

Can You Froth Cold Mik?

Whether you should use cold or warm milk depends on whether you use a machine with a steamer or another method such as the french press or a good old whisk.

If you use an espresso machine you must add cold milk to the pitcher as the steaming wand warms it up as it steams/froths the milk. If you opt for another method, you can use cold milk or even heat it a bit – by heating it, you will get a bit sweeter flavor.

What Kind Of Milk Froths The Best?

The process of frothing the milk is part science and part art you need to master by practice. The great thing is that you can froth versatile types of milk including:

• fresh whole milk – provides a rich, smooth, and creamy texture
• oat milk – due to its high protein level it works pretty much the same as whole milk
• skim milk – provides a more delicate and stable foam
• almond milk – creates thin foam with long-lasting and stable bubbles
• soy milk – provides thick, creamy, and stable foam

However, there are also some milk types you should avoid including cashew milk, macadamia milk, rice milk, and hemp milk. They are just too watery and you only might achieve small bubbles that will disappear almost immediately.

How Much Do You Need To Steam For A Latte?

A steaming wand usually needs only about 15 to 30 seconds to provide you with high-quality milk foam. To ensure that you achieve the best results, move the milk pitcher up and down over the wand. That way you will get an even texture throughout the milk.

What’s The Difference Between Latte And Cappuccino?

A latte features one part espresso shot, two parts steamed milk, and is topped with a delicious milk froth. Cappuccino, on the other hand, features one part espresso shot, one part steamed milk, and one part milk froth.

What Is A Flat White Vs Latte?

A flat white is made using one shot of espresso and 4 oz of microfoam steamed milk. Latte is made by combining one espresso shot, 8 to 10 oz of steamed milk, and half an inch of milk foam.

Are Lattes Unhealthy And Make You Gain Weight?

Unfortunately, this is true. Lattes are considered to be fairly unhealthy as they contain about one-third of the daily fat intake that is recommended for women. Now, if you enjoy a single cup per day you do not need to worry about it affecting your weight. However, if you often drink more, you might notice some weight changes.

Should You Add Sugar To Latte?

Latte is generally not sweet so if you enjoy a bit sweeter beverages, you can sweeten your latte using anything from regular sugar to honey, agave syrup, or other sweeteners.

Interested In Latte Art?

Once you master making a latte, you might want to try creating latte art. This can only be done by practice. If you can’t drink as much latte as you need to practice, here is a convenient trick: use a mixture of dish soap and water. The combination nicely mimics the steamed milk’s consistency and is a cheap way to practice all the wiggles and pulls you need to master to make beautiful art.

How To Keep The Steamer Clean?

As we mentioned, keeping your steam wand clean is very important both because of its performance and hygiene. Here are some tips you should follow to ensure that the steamer is always ready for the next use:

1. Clean the steamer using a damp cloth immediately when you finish the steaming process to prevent the leftover milk from sticking to the nozzle.
2. Once you do that, cover the wand with the cloth and turn the steam on once again. At this point, you need to be careful not to burn yourself.
3. Now, place the steamer above the drip tray and purge it once again.
4. In case you notice that there are some clogs, remove the steamer’s tip by unscrewing it from the wand. Clean its inside using a paper clip or a small cleaning brush to unclog the holes.
5. If you completed all these steps and you are still getting poor steaming performance, unscrew the steam top (at the point where it meets a steam valve) and brush it out.