Creating barista-quality coffee at home is a goal for many, and the right espresso machine with a milk frother makes it achievable. The perfect machine streamlines the process, from grinding fresh beans to steaming milk for a velvety cappuccino or latte. With so many options available, finding the one that fits your kitchen and skill level is key to your morning routine.
Whether you are a beginner looking for simplicity or an enthusiast seeking full control, this roundup covers a spectrum of machines. We have evaluated features, performance, and design to help you identify the ideal espresso machine that will become the centerpiece of your home coffee station for years to come.
Our Top Picks for Espresso Machines With Frothers
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
- De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
- Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
- Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
- Gevi 20 Bar Compact Professional Espresso Coffee Machine
- Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
- De’Longhi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine
- Turin Legato Espresso Machine
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
The Breville Barista Express is an all-in-one solution that simplifies the journey from beans to espresso in under a minute. Its integrated precision conical burr grinder doses directly into the portafilter, ensuring you use the freshest grounds for every shot. This feature provides significant control over the grind size and amount, which is fundamental for tailoring the strength of your espresso.
Beyond grinding, the machine employs a low-pressure pre-infusion function. This process gradually increases water pressure at the start of the extraction, which helps to saturate the coffee grounds evenly. The result is a balanced and full-flavored espresso shot that captures the nuanced notes of your preferred coffee beans, making specialty coffee accessible at home.
De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
For those with limited counter space, the De’Longhi Stilosa offers a compact and contemporary design without sacrificing essential performance. Its 15-bar pump system generates the optimal pressure needed to extract a rich and flavorful single or double espresso. This machine proves that you do not need a large footprint to enjoy a quality coffee drink.
The manual milk frother steam wand gives you the tools to texture milk for a variety of beverages. With a bit of practice, you can create the silky microfoam necessary for an authentic cappuccino or a smooth latte. Its straightforward operation makes it a solid choice for beginners entering the world of home espresso.
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Mr. Coffee brings user-friendly automation to the home barista experience with this 3-in-1 machine. It functions as a semi-automatic espresso maker and also prepares cappuccinos and lattes with ease. The 15-bar pump system is designed to produce a rich and flavorful espresso base for all your drinks.
A key benefit is the trouble-free automatic milk frother. This system takes the guesswork out of frothing, consistently producing a good amount of foam for your beverages. It’s an excellent option for anyone who wants the versatility of milk-based drinks without the learning curve of a manual steam wand.
Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
The Philips 1200 Series is a fully automatic machine that prioritizes convenience and consistency. It features a 100% ceramic grinder that is designed to stay cool, preserving the aroma of the coffee beans. With an intuitive touch display, you can select your preferred coffee variety with a single touch.
Its Classic Milk Frother System dispenses steam, allowing you to prepare silky smooth milk froth for cappuccinos manually. Combined with features like the Aroma Seal to keep beans fresh and the AquaClean filter for longer times between descaling, this machine is built for a streamlined and low-maintenance coffee routine.
Gevi 20 Bar Compact Professional Espresso Coffee Machine
The Gevi espresso machine combines a powerful 20-bar pump with a compact and professional design. This higher pressure rating is engineered to ensure a thorough extraction, resulting in a rich and robust espresso. The stainless steel construction and vibrant yellow accents make it a stylish addition to any kitchen.
It includes a milk frother and steam wand, giving you the capability to make lattes and cappuccinos. The 35-ounce removable water tank adds convenience for refilling and cleaning. This model is a strong contender for those seeking a feature-rich machine in a space-saving form factor.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
The Nespresso VertuoPlus by De’Longhi is designed for ultimate simplicity and versatility. It uses Nespresso’s proprietary Centrifusion technology to read barcodes on each capsule, automatically adjusting brewing parameters for the perfect result. This system allows you to brew four different cup sizes, from a single espresso to a full mug of coffee.
When paired with the separate milk frother, it becomes a complete system for making both coffee and espresso-based milk drinks. Its fast 25-second heat-up time and energy-saving automatic shut-off make it a practical choice for busy mornings and casual coffee drinkers who value convenience and a wide variety of drink options.
De’Longhi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine
The De’Longhi La Specialista Prestigio is engineered for those who appreciate guidance and precision. Its integrated burr grinder features two sensors to deliver a consistent grind and optimal coffee dose for each shot. This attention to detail helps achieve a professional-quality espresso at home.
A standout feature is the proprietary Smart Tamping Station, which tamps the coffee grounds evenly and significantly reduces mess. For users who want to develop their skills, the single-wall filter baskets offer more control over the extraction process, allowing you to fine-tune your technique and explore different coffee profiles.
Turin Legato Espresso Machine
The Turin Legato is built for the serious home barista who demands professional features. Its dual boiler and thermoblock system is a significant advantage, allowing you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously without a drop in temperature or pressure. This leads to a quick heat-up time and efficient workflow.
It comes with a standard 58mm portafilter, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of professional-grade accessories. The integrated PID controller guarantees precise temperature stability for consistent extraction, while the programmable shot timer lets you customize your pulls with repeatable accuracy.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
This all-in-one machine is designed to deliver a complete barista experience, integrating a grinder and espresso maker into a single unit. It allows you to grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor for every shot. The dose control grinding feature gives you command over the amount of coffee used.
The Barista Express also utilizes an optimal water pressure system with low-pressure pre-infusion. This technique helps to evenly saturate the coffee puck before full pressure is applied, which contributes to a more balanced and nuanced extraction. It’s a comprehensive solution for those who want hands-on involvement without needing multiple separate appliances.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Espresso Machine With Milk Frother
Choosing the right espresso machine with a milk frother can feel overwhelming with so many options. I’ve spent a lot of time testing these machines, and I can tell you that focusing on a few key factors makes the decision much easier. It’s all about matching the machine’s capabilities to your lifestyle and how you like your coffee.
First, consider the type of machine. Manual and semi-automatic machines give you the most control over every part of the process, from grinding to pulling the shot. They are fantastic if you want to develop your barista skills. Super-automatic machines do almost everything for you at the press of a button, which is perfect for a busy morning routine. Then there are pod-based systems, which are incredibly convenient and consistent but limit your choice of coffee beans.
Next, pay close attention to the milk system. This is a huge part of what makes a great espresso machine with milk frother. There are two main types: manual steam wands and automatic frothers. A manual steam wand requires some practice to texture the milk properly for lattes and cappuccinos, but it offers the most flexibility. An automatic frother, often called a one-touch system, does the work for you. You just place a jug under the spout, and it dispenses hot, frothed milk. This is a major time-saver and much easier for beginners.
Think about your kitchen space and the machine’s footprint. Some machines are compact and fit neatly under cabinets, while others are statement pieces that need more counter space. Also, check the water reservoir size. A larger tank means fewer refills, which is a big plus if you’re making multiple drinks in a row or have a family of coffee drinkers.
Finally, set a realistic budget. The price for a quality espresso machine with milk frother can range from a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars. Remember that higher-end models often have features like built-in grinders, dual boilers for simultaneous brewing and frothing, and more durable construction. Decide which features are non-negotiable for you and invest there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a steam wand and an automatic milk frother?
A steam wand is a manual tool that uses pressurized steam to heat and aerate the milk. It gives you full control over the texture, allowing you to create everything from silky microfoam for latte art to stiff foam for a cappuccino. An automatic frother is a hands-off system where you place a pitcher, press a button, and the machine heats and froths the milk to a pre-set consistency. The automatic option is much easier for beginners, while the steam wand is preferred by enthusiasts.
Can I make regular coffee with an espresso machine?
Typically, no. An espresso machine is specifically designed to force hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure to create a concentrated shot. However, many machines allow you to pull a longer shot, which is sometimes called an “Americano” setting. This is not the same as a standard drip coffee. If you want both, look for a machine that has a dedicated coffee-brewing function or consider a 2-in-1 machine.
How important is a built-in grinder?
I think a built-in grinder is one of the most valuable features you can get. Coffee beans start losing their flavor minutes after being ground. Having a grinder built into your espresso machine with milk frother means you’re always using the freshest grounds possible, which makes a noticeable difference in the taste of your espresso. It also saves you counter space and the cost of a separate grinder.
Are these machines difficult to clean and maintain?
Maintenance requirements vary, but all espresso machines need regular cleaning. Machines with automatic milk frothers often have a cleaning cycle that you should run after each use to prevent milk residue from building up. Steam wands need to be wiped down and purged immediately after use. All machines will also need to be descaled periodically to remove mineral buildup from the water. It’s not difficult, but it is a necessary routine.
What should I look for if I want to create latte art?
If latte art is your goal, you need a machine with a powerful steam wand, not an automatic frother. The steam wand gives you the control to create the velvety, microfoam texture required for pouring designs. Look for a machine with a panarello or, even better, a standard commercial-style steam wand. You’ll also need plenty of practice to perfect your technique!