Best Cappuccino Machines for Home Use – 5 Top Picks You Must Check Out

Why should you search for the best cappuccino machines for home use?

Around 150 million Americans consume cappuccino, espresso, latte, or iced/cold coffees. Surprisingly this is 50% of the American population. A famous coffee variant cappuccino originated in Italy and invaded the whole world.

This article will unfold the secrets of cappuccino and will guide you to brew your own cappuccino at home. With a level of confidence, we have reviewed the best cappuccino machines for home use.

Top 5 Best Cappuccino Machines for Home Use

1. Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker

Why It is one of the best cappuccino machines for home use?

An excellent way to prepare cappuccino, coffee, or latte lies in using the Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker. Whether you want to enjoy rich, full-flavored coffee, creamy latte, or a frothy cappuccino, you can be sure to rely on it. The coffee brewer is compatible with any K-cup pod so that you can benefit from endless brewing options. It has hot and cold settings that make it suitable for preparing hot or iced cappuccino. Additional features and benefits include:

Easy-to-use button controls

The K-Cafe Coffee Maker integrates simple button controls. These controls are easy to use, allowing you to brew delicious coffee in a simple process. Better still, the coffee machine highlights a smart start function for ease of use.

Large water reservoir

When you want a coffee maker that will allow you to save some time and simplify your morning routine, I would like to recommend the K-Cafe Coffee Maker. Featuring a 60oz water reservoir can brew up to six cups of coffee without the need to refill.

Energy efficient

It is an energy-efficient cappuccino maker that highlights a programmable auto-off feature. This feature turns the brewer off 2 hours after the last brew to save energy.

Dishwasher safe

For fast and effortless clean up, this machine comes with a dishwasher-safe frother. After use, you can clean it on the top rack of the dishwasher, a measure that makes clean up a breeze.

Brewer maintenance reminder

Lastly, the coffee maker includes a brewer maintenance reminder. This feature alerts you when it is time to descale the coffee maker. By doing so, you can remove built-up calcium deposits for the best-tasting brew.

Pros

• Easy to use and operate.
• The water reservoir is easy to refill.
• The cappuccino maker operates quietly.
• Modern and stylish design

Cons

• A large footprint occupies a lot of space.

2. Sowtech Espresso Machine 3.5 bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker

Why This Device in the List of Best Cappuccino Machines for Home Use?

The Sowtech Espresso Machine is a powerful appliance best suited for preparing up to four cups of espresso. It features a frothing arm that makes a creamy froth for topping off your lattes and cappuccinos. Besides that, the machine comes in a package that includes a filter and funnel, carafe, spoon, and manual for immediate use after arrival. Additional features and benefits include:

Easy to operate

It is one of the best choices for a professional cappuccino maker that is easy to operate. It integrates a single switch knob with an indicator light for easy operation. Also, there is an on/off function, coffee/steam selector, and an accurate temperature control knob to customize your coffee.

Powerful design

The cappuccino maker can produce rich espresso within seconds. It has a powerful 3.5 bar pressure. As a result, it can make 1-4 cups of rich espresso with a rich and smooth cream within seconds of use. Better, the espresso maker can maintain the brewed coffee in the right temperatures so that it is ready to serve.

Compact and easy to clean

If you are looking for a professional cappuccino maker for use in single apartments, kitchens, or travel, this is an excellent option. It features a compact footprint to protect it from occupying much space on the counter. Besides that, the machine is made using stainless steel and equipped with a removable drip catcher for effortless cleanup.

Pros

• Reasonable price.
• Small size enhances portability.
• Easy to use.
• The machine produces large batches of coffee.

Cons

• No, auto-shutoff.
• Not easy to tell the amount of water in the reservoir.

3. De’Longhi 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

The Best Affordable Cappuccino Machine

The De’Longhi EC155 is a high-quality espresso and cappuccino maker. Once you get it, you can use pods or ground coffee to simplify the espresso’s preparation. The machine integrates a self-priming operation function to eliminate the annoying start-up preparation. Also, it has an on/off switch for a simple start-up. The device can last for years and provide quality results all the time equipped with a high-quality stainless boiler and a 15-bar pump pressure.

Customizable brewing experience

For a customized brewing experience, you will want to use this cappuccino maker. It brews single or double espresso, latte, or cappuccino. The machine has a swivel jet frother for delivering the perfect drinks each time. The manual frother can mix milk and steam to deliver a rich and creamy froth. Additionally, two separate thermostats make it possible to control the steam pressure and water separately.

Advanced cappuccino system

Featuring an advanced cappuccino system, this machine is an excellent option for preparing coffee fast. It can maintain the ideal temperatures to let you brew a cup after another instantly. Still, the 15-bar professional pressure is an excellent addition for fast results, while the adjustable controls allow you to make modifications to suit your taste preferences.

Compact and easy to clean

Finally, the De’Longhi EC155 highlights a narrow footprint. Because of this, it can fit on a kitchen countertop without taking a lot of space. Additionally, it features a sleek profile that serves as an excellent addition to modern decors, while the removable water tank and drip tray facilitate easy cleanup.

Pros

• The machine includes two different-size portafilter holders.
• It doesn’t take much counter space.
• The built-in frother is highly efficient.

Cons

• Small water reservoir.

4. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

One of the Best Affordable Cappuccino Machine

This is a high-quality cappuccino maker. You can use it to make custom drinks, including lattes, espresso, or cappuccino. The machine has an electric 15-bar pump that creates intense pressure to extract bold and rich flavors. It comes with a recipe book that makes it possible for you to create impressive coffee drinks.

Removable reservoirs

The machine integrates removable reservoirs. You can remove the water and milk reservoir for easy cleaning from the sink. Still, the milk reservoir can store the milk that is not used during the refrigerator’s brew.

Easy to operate

Featuring a one-touch control panel, this is one of the best professional cappuccino makers that is easy to use. The panel allows you to select the drink you want to make to create cappuccino, latte, or espresso. Also, it integrates an adjustable control knob to froth the milk automatically.

Pros

• The machine is easy to clean.
• On/off button for easy operation.
• Three-button controls for easy selection of the preferred drink.

Cons

The machine makes some noise.

5. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

Why It is in the List of the Best Cappuccino Machine?

The Breville BES870XL is an ideal choice for a professional cappuccino maker for preparing barista-quality coffee. This machine can brew great-tasting espresso in less than a minute. It grinds the beans right before the extraction to assure you of brewing professional-quality coffee without interfering with the contents. The machine has settings for double or single shots while it provides a manual or automatic operation choice. It includes additional features that make it worth purchasing, including:

Dose control grinding

This machine integrates a conical burr grinder. The grinder can grind coffee beans on demand to produce the right amount of freshly-ground coffee. Also, it has a grind size dial that gives you ultimate control over the grind size.

Digital temperature control

What’s more, there is a digital temperature control knob. Using it, you can get your water at the desired temperature for precise and optimal espresso extraction.

Hands-free operation

Lastly, the machine integrates an innovative grinding cradle. The cradle makes it possible for you to grind the coffee beans directly into the espresso port filter for hands-free operation. A steam wand can also hand texture the micro-foam milk to create latte art and enhance the flavor.

Pros

• The machine comes with tools to clean the filters.
• Sleek and durable stainless steel.
• The included manual provides plenty of useful information.

Cons

• The included frothing cup is relatively small.

What is a cappuccino?

A Cappuccino is the even balance of three layers. The first layer is a shot of espresso. Then comes the layer of steamed milk. Finally, the top is the milk foam. A traditional cappuccino has a bold taste of coffee with a creamy and smooth texture.  

It’s a 5-6 ounces Italian beverage introduced in the early 20s. The popularity spread to America later in the 1980s. 

There are different opinions about the ratio of these three layers. A standard cup of cappuccino has 1-ounce espresso, 2 ounces steamed milk, and 2 ounces foamed milk. 

The caffeine amount is less compared to the regular coffee. A 12-ounce cup of cappuccino has the caffeine of 160mg. The reason is the more significant amount of milk. This ratio makes cappuccino less intense than regular coffee. 

The Difference Between a Cappuccino Machine and An Espresso Machine

From a technical point of view, there is hardly any difference. Moreover, the best cappuccino and espresso machines are the semiautomatic espresso machine. These coffee makers are pump operated.

In general, the cappuccino consists of 1/3 of espresso shots, 1/3 of espresso shots, and 1/3 of foamed milk. You need a milk frother in an espresso maker and that makes an ideal cappuccino machine.

For an espresso shot, a highly pressurized steam vapor is forced through the puck of coffee ground. You get a thick concentrated coffee with a mind-blowing strong aroma.

There are many espresso machines without milk frother. But for a cappuccino milk frother is a must accessory.

Types of Cappuccino Machines

In the industry, there are basically three types of cappuccino machines available:

1. Super Automatic
2. Semi-automatic
3. Pod Type

For more information, you can read BEST ESPRESSO MACHINE UNDER 500 WITH GRINDER – THE ULTIMATE REVIEW OF 2020

Super Automatic Cappuccino Machines

Super-automatic cappuccino machines are for convenient operation and freshly brewed coffee.

These machines are expensive but you get the brewing fully automatic. Starting from the coffee bean grinding to frothing milk, extraction of espresso, and pouring is automatically done. If you want to start your coffee shop, you must have a commercial super-automatic espresso machine.

Semi-automatic Cappuccino Machine

If you love to have barista-style coffee then you need this cappuccino maker badly. It requires manual operation as you see in the coffee shops.

Semi-automatic espresso machines are less expensive than the super automatic one. They have a sturdy build and superb boiler system.

One thing you must know that semi-automatic coffee machines don’t come with grinders always. You must remain careful while grinding as average grinding will give you an average coffee experience.

Pod Type Cappuccino Machines

For home use pod type cappuccino makers are the best solution. They need very less maintenance and operation is also easy.

Most pod types of coffee machines provide automated milk froth. Another feature is consistency. You get a consistent cup of coffee every time from Pod types cappuccino machines.

How do Cappuccino Machines Work?

To understand how a cappuccino machine works, let’s walk through the parts of a traditional cappuccino machine:

• Group head or brew head
• Portafilter
• Portafilter spring
• Portafilter basket
• Group Gasket
• Group Screen
• Group Dispense Switch
• Group Dousing Keypad
• Water Filter
• A water tank or reservoir
• Hot water tap
• Power switch
• Pressure Gauge
• Sight glass
• Milk Frother or Steam wand 
• Steam Tip
• Programmable Display

First, these machines heat the water. This hot water then passes through fine ground coffee kept in the portafilter. This flow of water extracts the flavor from the coffee grinds. Passing hot water forcefully through coffee grinds brews the espresso shot. 

This machine uses steam or hot air with very high pressure (5-15 bars). The voluminous foam is the result of catching hot air between protein molecules. 

You need to mix this steamed milk and foam with the espresso shot correctly. In automatic cappuccino makers, the machine itself does the foaming and mixing. 

How to make a cappuccino with a cappuccino machine?

Things you will need:

• Cold Milk
• Fine Coffee Grounds
• A Milk jug or Metal Pitcher
• Cappuccino cups 
• A Cappuccino Machine 

If you have gathered these things already, let’s see the steps to make a perfect cup of cappuccino.

1. First, fill the portafilter with finely and freshly ground coffee. Ensure that it’s clean and dry before filling it. 
2. Flatten the surface of the coffee with your finger. Now, to tamp the surface a little bit, use a tamper. Make sure to maintain a certain level. Leveling compressing will affect how fast the water will pass.
3. Now, load the machine with the portafilter nice and tight. Keep the espresso cup underneath.
4. Then, set the timer to 30-35 seconds and turn-on the espresso machine. The machine will fill the cup with an espresso shot.
5. Next, fill a metal pitcher 1/3 full with cold milk. 
6. Release steam from the steaming wand for 2-3 seconds to eliminate water residues.
7. Now, Submerge the steam wand in the milk. Make sure the tip is inside the milk before switching on. Else it can spill milk to your face. But don’t dip it too profoundly. Stay a little below the surface. 
8. Allow the wand to spin the milk until the milk is frothy and warm enough. Once you have got enough whip, lift the pitcher a little to raise the milk’s temperature. It’s better to hold the pitcher with a bare hand to monitor the temperature. 
9. When the milk gets foamy enough, please turn it off and clean the wand well.
10. Finally, pour the espresso’s top with steamed milk and foam from a low height. The real art lies in the pouring method. It takes years of practice for baristas to do it correctly. So, don’t lose hope. Enjoy your cappuccino!

What are some tips for making a great cappuccino?

The secret of cappuccino lies in espresso brewing and the creation of microfoam. Here we will share some tips to give you a barista-like cappuccino experience. 

1. Fill the cup with hot water before starting to brew. Hot water will keep it nice and hot. The preheated cup will also help you keep a little bit more sweetness out of the milk. So, you don’t need to heat the milk much.
2. The voluminous foam is the result of catching hot air between protein molecules. For getting more foamier result, the protein content of milk needs to be higher. So, skim milk is perfect if you want a larger foam volume.
3. The steam wands of cappuccino makers that we use at home cannot produce enough pressure. The trick is, using a small pitcher with a small amount of milk. 
4. You have to start the process exactly when the light turns on after pressing the steam switch. Don’t let the pitcher get too hot. Finally, tap the pitcher on the counter or table to pop out the larger bubbles. Then, swirl the pitcher again to mix the foam. These are the tricks to make really good cappuccino foam.
5. Some coffee shops use a shot of vanilla or caramel syrups and a dash of cinnamon, chocolate, or cocoa powder for decoration and flavor. These toppings will elevate the taste of cappuccino to a new level.
6. The last and most important tip is, Practice! There’s no shortcut for it.

Latte VS Cappuccino

Are Latte and Cappuccino the same? What’s the real difference between a cappuccino and a latte? These are some common questions most people have.

They both have a coffee base, milk, and milk foam. The difference is in the ratio of contents. To make a standard cup of latte, you will need 1-2 ounce espresso, 5-6 ounces of steamed milk, and a little foam. The foam will mix with the crema of espresso.  

That means the milk to espresso ratio in cappuccino is equal. But in the case of latte, it is 2:1. You need to pour the espresso into milk in the latte case, while for cappuccino, it’s the reverse. That is why cappuccino has more espresso flavor and a strong taste than a latte.

So, what is healthier, latte or cappuccino? In my opinion, both are quite similar. Latte contains a little more calories, fat, and lactate than a cappuccino. The health risk or benefit depends on your consumption. An excess amount of caffeine from excess drinking can harm you in both cases.

Buying Guide: What to look for in a cappuccino machine?

There are plenty of cappuccino makers out there. Each has different attachments and features. Let’s unfold the consideration factors while looking for the best cappuccino maker.

Traditional or Capsule Cappuccino Machine

Some cappuccino maker uses coffee pods instead of coffee grounds. Coffee pods or capsules make the brewing easier and quicker. Also, it’s super easy to clean. But on the dark side, coffee pods are costly, and some are non-recyclable.

So, you can go for coffee pods if convenience and speed is the primary concern. You will need to insert the capsule, and the cup will be ready in few seconds.

Nothing can replace coffee grounds’ fresh taste. So, if flavor and variety are a matter of concern to you, the coffee ground is the one you should go for. Coffee grounds offer more control over the brewing.

The good news is, some cappuccino machines offer patented dual-function filter holder. So, you can use either coffee pods or grounds here.

Size of the cappuccino maker

No one wants a messy kitchen counter full of appliances. Cappuccino machines usually are more extended and broader. So, make sure the machine fits between your countertop and cupboards. If the countertop is short of enough space, you can consider buying a unit with a separate maker and frother.

Milk Frother type

Talking about cappuccino machines, a milk frother is a must accessory to discuss. They contain three types of milk frothing devices. Steaming and frothing wand is one of them. Steaming wands are controllable and powerful on the right side. But they can be quite loud and messy on the dark side.

Next comes the frothing tanks. they can automatically generate froth milk from one hit of a button. These types of tanks have a built-in steam wand. The tank will steam, froth, and add the milk automatically. But these frothers are difficult to clean.

Finally, some models will offer you a separate milk frother. So, choose according to which type of frothing mechanism will be convenient for you.

Ease of Use

The automation level will define how ease of operating the coffee maker. The machine can be manual, semi-automatic, or super-automatic based on automation.

If you want to make the coffee yourself, try a manual cappuccino maker. But, you have to be a skilled person for this. In semi-automatic machines, the espresso brewing will be automatic. But you have to add layers yourself.

Finally, the super-automatic machine working with few buttons is perfect for non-skilled persons. But remember, a super-automatic cappuccino maker can be costly.

Brewing speed of the Cappuccino Maker

Nobody wants to wait long for a perfect cup of cappuccino coffee. Most of the cappuccino machine will deliver hot espresso in a minute through a piping system. The time can vary depending on the unit.

To add coffee to a traditional machine, tamp it, pour water in the water tank, and froth the milk can be time-consuming. But for automatic machines, all these steps are automatic.

Water Reservoir type and size

The water tank of the cappuccino maker can be removable or fixed. Removable water tanks are easier to refill in comparison. Some coffee makers can also connect to the home’s water supply. But, this type of unit is very costly.

Cappuccino makers with a smaller tank will be perfect if you are the sole cappuccino lover at home. But, for a larger family full of coffee lovers, the optimal choice will be larger water tanks.

The durability of the Cappuccino Machine

The durability of a cappuccino maker depends on the material and construction. Metal or steel cappuccino makers are quite durable. They can handle heat efficiently. Also, the plastic cappuccino machines have inferior durability.

Ease Cleaning and Maintenance

Cappuccino machines are high maintenance devices. For brewing, cappuccino cleanliness is a significant factor. You have to clean the grounds and wand, rinse and wipe after each use. Also, the internals should be clean as it operates under high pressure.

So, descaling the machine interior is necessary at least twice per year. You have to pass hot water and vinegar through the machine for cleaning. If the wand is dishwasher safe, cleaning will be hassle-free for you. Also, a removable drip catcher can keep the brew space clean.

Extra Features

Some machines have a programmable auto-off feature. This auto-off function will automatically shut down the unit after 2 hours of the last brew. Some have travel mugs. Maintenance reminder will alert you when you need to descale the calcium deposits.

Also, Indicator lights can be a beneficial feature for a better brewing experience. The digital temperature control knob can help you get the water’s desired temperature. Moreover, the Inbuilt grinder, water filter, cup warmer, etc., are beneficial features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)