This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other brands, I get a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost from you.
The perfect latte calls for the best latte machine, right?!
A delicious cup of latte is one of the most rewarding things in the world.
The rich foam and froth, aromatic coffee beans and velvety milk combine to form a delectable and satisfying drink that tastes like chocolate and life.
But how can you make a tasty latte at home you may ask? Well, first thing is to get the best latte machine obviously!
And this is what this article is all about.
I will guide you on how to choose the best latte machine, what can be included in it and I will help you determine which one fits your needs.
Read on to find out more!
What Is A Latte?
I always love to start by introducing the drink so it can help you make a better decision on what latte machine you should buy.
A latte is simply a shot of espresso combined with milk and foam. That’s it!
It’s simple, is it? But building it can be a little tricky, especially when adding the foam to the drink.
You don’t want a “tired” foam on top of your latte which looks like dead skin.
Latte is basically an Italian word for milk.
Historical records show that the first lattes were served in Europe in the 1400s, but the modern-day latte was invented by an Italian man named Luigi Bezzera who created a simple lever machine called “Lavazza” which started mass production of espresso and later gave birth to machines that can make cappuccino or latte.
The latte was later introduced to the United States in the 20th century and became a very popular drink.
Today, it is a worldwide phenomenon that makes people happy.
In fact, what do you think of when you wake up in the morning? A hot cup of coffee?
Well, Americans also love their lattes!
In fact, from 2006 to 2016, Latte consumption increased by almost 90%.
For a coffee-lover, there is no better way to start your day than drinking a latte.
The rich texture and delicious taste of this drink can take you back to the past and make you reminisce about the good old days when you were young and still enjoyed life.
With an increase in breakfast-drinking culture, latte consumption has also risen over the years.
According to a study conducted by TGI Friday’s, 85% of Americans used the word “cappuccino” and 75% used the word “latte” in a restaurant or cafe. (2)
If you want a perfect latte, then you should consider buying a good latte machine and I will help you know what to look for.
There are several things that you should consider when choosing the best latte machine.
Let’s go over these things so you can easily determine the type of latte machine that will work for you.
How to Choose The Best Latte Machine?
There are many different models of latte machines under the price range of $100.
I believe that if you are willing to spend about $150 or more, on a latte machine, then it is better to choose one that comes with different features and designs that are not available on some other models.
Here are some of the things that you should consider:
1. Frothing Options
Frothing is the process of making milk foam and there are many ways to do that.
Choosing a machine that can produce enough nice milk foams will be rewarding when making your lattes at home.
While there are many models available in the market today, you should also its frothing capacity.
Believe it or not, there are a few models that have like a weak frother which makes a very think foam, that will become milk again in a few seconds.
2. Temperature Settings
When frothing milk, it is very important to set the temperature just right.
For example, if you want to foam milk and use it as a latte, then you should take into consideration that you want your milk to be slightly warmer than room temperature.
Another good thing about using a latte machine is that the device has heated cups.
That way, if the beverage is too cold, you can simply take it out of its cup and warm it up for a few seconds before frothing.
3. Program Settings
While a lot of people don’t seem to need a latte machine with program settings, I believe that if you want to make different kinds of latte drinks, you would need it.
For example, some machines allow you to make lattes with froths levels zero to one (where zero is no foam on top and one is a full head of foam).
On the other hand, if you want to make a cappuccino or even latte macchiato, then you can choose different options of froth levels.
4. Type Of Milk Frothing
There are several types of froths available in the market today. But, it is important to know what type of milk froth you want to use.
Sometimes, it may be difficult to choose between one that has hot froth and cold froth because they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
But, if you want to make your drinks hot or cold without heating up your coffee, then choose a model that has hot or cold froths.
When choosing between one with hot froth and one with cold froth, here are some of the things you should consider:
- Hot froths are more consistent in temperature – This is because it is heated up at high temperature which results to better consistency in temperature.
On the other hand, cold froths are more consistent in taste which makes them more enjoyable.
When you choose a hot froth, the foam is hotter as you can see from how it looks. However, with a cold froth, the foam stays cool for a longer period of time.
5. Special Features
There are models that have special features such as automatic espresso or hot water dispenser, cappuccino, and features for latte…
While these sound great, you should consider how much they will affect your budget.
If you want a latte machine that can heat your water in just a few seconds, then consider purchasing one with Thermojet Heating Technology that can heat your water in just 3 seconds.
There are special features that you can find in some models only and that’s why it’s important to check these well before purchasing.
The Best Latte Machine – My Top 5 Picks
1. Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
The Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is one of the best latte machines available today.
It also comes with the best features that you will ever need for making good espresso and latte drinks.
The machine has an automated system which makes it easy to work with. You will see below why the Breville Bambino Plus tops my list.
Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine – The Pros
1. Super Fast Heat Time
The thermojet system inside of this unit heats up the milk quickly which means that making cool drinks will be a lot easier.
It actually reaches an optimal extraction in just 3 seconds. How cool is this uh?
2. Precise Espresso Extraction
The Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine uses a 15-bar Italian pump pressure to brew 19 grams of espresso shots within a few seconds.
This means that you can actually enjoy a delicious espresso shot or latte in a twinkle of an eye.
3. Automatic Steam Wand
One of my favorite features of this machine is the automatic steam wand.
It comes in really handy when you want to warm up cold milk before frothing.
What I love about it is that it keeps the temperature consistent for a longer period of time so you can enjoy the drink with consistency.
4. Compact Footprint
This machine is really compact and it can be easily moved from one place to another.
This means that no matter where you want to enjoy your latte and espresso drinks, you will be able to do so anytime and anywhere.
Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine – The Cons
2. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Pump Espresso Maker with Milk Frother
I first want to talk about the first machine that made this list. It is none other than Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Pump Espresso Maker.
This espresso machine makes it easy to create quality coffee beverages at home with minimum effort on your part.
It is modern, stylish and versatile with over 15 different settings, making it one of the best latte machines on the market today.
The coffee maker comes with a removable water tank, which you can fill up before using the device.
It also has an onboard water filter, which you can use to ensure that the water you are using is free from impurities.
The device uses 15-bar pump pressure, which is common in commercial espresso machines.
The pressure gives high-quality drinks consistently, making it one of the best latte machines. With this machine, you can create authentic beverages like latte macchiato or cappuccino any time you want.
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Pump Espresso Maker – The Pros
1. 15 Bar Pump
This machine has a 15-bar pump system, which is very important for producing rich and creamy lattes.
The pump system produces high pressure that gets distributed evenly to the espresso and milk.
You don’t need any special training to make drinks with this machine as it comes with a built-in grinder that does the job for you.
2. One-Touch Control Panel
This is one of the most convenient latte machines on the market. It has a one-touch control panel that you can use to select your preferred recipes.
If you want to prepare a cappuccino, a latte or any other beverage for that matter, simply choose your recipe and press a button.
The machine has different settings for making drinks like lattes and cappuccinos as well as hot chocolate, caramel macchiato and even espressos.
3. Removable Milk Reservoir
This allows you to easily refill the milk. If you are planning to have a few drinks on your way home from work, then just remove the milk reservoir and replace it with fresh milk.
4. Automatic Milk Frother
One of the things I love about this latte machine is that it has an automatic milk frother.
The frother creates small bubbles that are evenly distributed through the milk for consistent foam.
The frother is very easy to use as all you need to do is insert the container into the machine and then turn on the setting you want to use (i.e., to make hot or cold foam).
5. Removable Water Reservoir
This feature is very important because it makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
It is easy to remove and replace the water reservoir if you need to refill it while using the device.
Also, you can use this feature to clean the machine or remove any debris that may have stuck in the water reservoir.
6. Double-Shot Espresso
This is an exciting feature that comes with the latte machine. With this feature, you can prepare two shots at once.
You just need to press two buttons and then let the device brew the espresso.
7. Quick Heat
When it comes to speed, this latte machine performs very well. It requires a few seconds to 1 minute to heat up.
This is very fast when compared with other models in the market today.
You can make a latte or cappuccino in less than a minute depending on the recipe you prefer and the number of cycles you use.
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Pump Espresso Maker – The Cons
3. Bonsenkitchen Espresso Machine 20 Bar Coffee Machine
The BonsenKitchen Espresso Machine has 2 buttons. The left one is used for preparing your drink, while the right button is used to press the milk frother button.
This BonsenKitchen Espresso Maker has 20 bars of pressure which is very high compared to other models in the market today.
This pressure gives you high-quality espresso beverages.
The device uses steel ball valves which eliminate the possibility of air getting trapped inside the device.
This ensures that your drinks are very smooth and consistent.
You can use this machine to make delicious cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and many other drinks.
BonsenKitchen Espresso Machine 20 Bar Coffee Maker – The Pros
1. Easy Milk Frothing
This latte machine has a milk frother that is very easy to use.
I really like the fact that it is easy to clean and maintain because a lot of models in the market tend to have complicated designs.
The fact that you don’t need any sort of training or prior experience to use this machine makes it even better.
You can easily make drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, and many more with this device.
2. Fast Heating System
This latte machine has a very fast heating system.
The device heats up very quickly, which makes it one of the best latte machines for those who like to make drinks fast.
If you are in a rush to get back home after work because your friends are waiting for you, then this is one of the best choices because it can prepare your drinks in less than 2 minutes.
3. Removable Drip Tray & Bubbler
This latte machine has a removable drip tray and a frothing bowl. This makes it very easy to maintain and clean.
4. Compact Design
When it comes to the design of the latte machine, this is one is super elegant and doesn’t take up much space on your countertop.
With this machine, you can easily make drinks in your own kitchen at any time.
The device measures 15.5 x 14.6 x 7.6 inches which is incredibly compact when compared to other latte machines.
It is very light too, which makes it easy for you to carry it whenever you have to carry it somewhere else.
5. Removable Water Tank
Another amazing feature of this device is that it has a removable water tank.
This allows you to refill the tank and use the machine again and again without stopping too often.
This is very important if you like your drinks to be prepared fast.
For instance, if you are hosting a party and you want everyone to try out your latte recipe, then this feature comes in handy. Simply fill up the water tank right before the party starts.
6. Powerful Milk Wand
The milk wand helps you to get the ideal froth for your drinks. If you like your drinks to be very foamy then this feature comes in handy.
Bonsenkitchen Espresso Maker – The Cons
4. Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine (40715)
Another machine that I proudly rank as the best latte machine is no other than Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine (40715).
This machine has a stainless steel construction and a 1.7 liter removable water reservoir, which makes it durable and easy to maintain.
This latte machine will help you make drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and other delicious beverages.
The device is very simple to use and you can easily make a beverage in a few seconds or minutes depending on the recipe you prefer.
The Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine – The Pros
1. Cup Warmer
Hamilton Beach has this amazing feature that keeps your cum warm until you are ready to serve and drink.
I love this feature because it helps to keep the drinks warm for a longer period of time.
2. Swiveling Steam Wand
Another great feature of this latte machine is the steam wand that can spin in all directions.
This feature comes in handy when you want to make drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
When you want to steam your coffee or froth your milk, the swiveling wand makes it very easy and convenient for you because you don’t have to keep moving around the countertop.
3. 15-Bar Italian Pump Pressure
If you love a very rich crema with your drinks, then this machine will do the job with its high-pressure pump.
This is an essential part of making a rich and flavorful cup of espresso.
4. Double-Serving Feature
If you want more than 1.5oz in one go, then you might try the double-serving filter.
Although for me, the double serving is too little, it might be good for you if you’re just beginning with the taste of coffee.
The Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine – The Cons
5. Nespresso BNE800BSS Creatista Plus Espresso Machine
Last but not least, we have Nespresso Creatista Plus.
This one actually sits in my studio kitchen and I simply love it for everything.
Of course, there are a few minor flaws but let’s have a look at the pros first. I really want to take my time with this one because it is too good to pass up!
The Nespresso Creatista Plus is very easy to use and you can practically make coffee in any setting.
You don’t have to have the perfect barista skills because it does everything for you.
It takes only 3 seconds to heat up and the froth in another 8 to 9 seconds.
The machine has 19 different bars of pressure to make sure you get a very rich and creamy cup every time.
The Creatista Plus has a very powerful milk relay plus which means that you can make milk foam in less than 10 seconds!
Nespresso BNE800BSS Creatista Plus Espresso Machine – The Pros
1. Barista Grade
At the touch of a button, you can turn the Creatista Plus into a worthy barista.
The device is designed to make delicious coffee and make sure that you enjoy every moment of it.
2. 19-Bar Pump Pressure
You can make your milk foam very easily and quickly with this machine.
The 19 pressure bars ensure that you get rich and creamy foam every time.
3. Creatista Milk Frothing System
Another great feature of this machine is its built-in milk-frothing system. This helps you to make delicious lattes and cappuccinos.
4. Easy to Use
This machine is super easy to use. You can immediately switch it on, choose your drink type and then start making espresso or cappuccino in a few seconds.
Nespresso BNE800BSS Creatista Plus Espresso Machine – The Cons
Final Thoughts on The Best Latte Machine
You’re probably wondering which latte machine should you purchase now.
Well, that totally depends on what you’re looking for in a latte machine.
If you’re looking for ease of use, I think each of these can work for you.
However, if you prefer a high-end look for your kitchen (apart from making good coffee), I would recommend the Nespresso Creatista Plus.
Although these are not the only ones out there, these are my top recommendations.
You might not agree with me on this one but I hope you’ve discovered something new about lattes and the best latte machine.
![The best instant coffee in UK [for 2023]](https://noisycoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/best-instant-coffee-in-uk-image-768x1152.jpg)
