The Best Espresso Machines for Lattes and Cappuccinos

By the CremaCompare team · Updated November 4, 2026

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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
Ninja Luxe Café Premier: Best 3-in-1
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro: Best for enthusiasts

The picks

1. Sage Bambino Plus (SES500)

The automatic steam wand lets you choose milk temperature and texture, then stops on its own.

Watch out: No grinder included.

Read the full review →

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2. Sage Barista Touch (SES880)

Built-in grinder plus automatic milk texturing and saved drink settings on a touchscreen.

Watch out: A premium tier machine.

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3. Philips 3200 LatteGo (EP3246)

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.

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4. Ninja Luxe Café Premier (ES601UK)

Hands-free frothing for hot and cold foam, plus filter coffee and cold brew for the rest of the household.

Watch out: Large footprint.

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5. Gaggia Classic Evo Pro (RI9380)

A commercial-style steam wand with real power, for people who want to learn latte art.

Watch out: Manual only, and you need a separate grinder.

Read the full review →

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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
Ninja Luxe Café Premier	Semi-automatic with grinder (espresso, filter coffee and cold brew)	Yes, conical burr	Hands-free frothing system	Premium
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro	Semi-automatic (no grinder)	No	Commercial-style steam wand	Mid-range

*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.

More buying guides

See all machines in one table →