The Best Espresso Machines for Lattes and Cappuccinos
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If most of your drinks have milk in them, the milk system matters as much as the espresso. Automatic steam wands and milk systems save time and give consistent foam without practice.
Manual steam wands take practice but give the most control, and you need one for latte art.
Our picks at a glance
- Sage Bambino Plus: Best for lattes
- Sage Barista Touch: Best touchscreen
- Philips 3200 LatteGo: Best push-button
The picks
The automatic steam wand lets you choose milk temperature and texture, then stops on its own.
Watch out: No grinder included.
Built-in grinder plus automatic milk texturing and saved drink settings on a touchscreen.
Watch out: A premium tier machine.
One-touch lattes and cappuccinos, and the two-part LatteGo milk system rinses clean quickly.
Watch out: Milk foam is good but not as fine as a steam wand for latte art.
Side by side
| Machine | Type | Grinder | Milk | Price tier* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Bambino Plus | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Automatic steam wand (set temp and texture) | Mid-range |
| Sage Barista Touch | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Automatic steam wand (set temp and texture) | Premium |
| Philips 3200 LatteGo | Super-automatic (bean to cup) | Yes, ceramic burr | LatteGo automatic milk system | Premium |
*Price tier is a rough guide. Click through for today's price on Amazon.
Tips before you buy
Use cold, fresh milk
Cold milk gives you more time to texture it before it gets too hot. Whole milk foams most easily; many oat milks labeled "barista" also work well.
Pick the right jug
A small stainless milk jug (around 350 ml) is right for one or two drinks.
Clean the wand right away
Wipe and purge the steam wand after every use so milk does not dry inside it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, design features and patterns in published owner feedback. We do not accept payment from brands for placement. More about how we work.
FAQ
What is the best espresso machine for latte art?
Any machine with a strong manual steam wand, such as the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro or the Sage Barista Express, gives the control you need. Automatic systems make foam but are harder to pour art with.
Can I make cappuccinos with a super-automatic?
Yes. Machines like the Philips 3200 LatteGo make cappuccinos and lattes at the press of a button.
Steam wand or milk system?
A steam wand gives the best texture and latte art. An automatic milk system is faster and easier, and better if several people use the machine.