Need the best machine for cappuccino at home? Here are 2025’s top picks, covering all skill levels and needs.
Top Espresso Machines for Cappuccino Enthusiasts
For cappuccino lovers, the choice of an espresso machine can significantly impact the quality of your homemade coffee. The best machines cater to various preferences and skill levels, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for everyone. Here’s a quick overview of the top espresso machines for cappuccino enthusiasts in 2025:
Best for Beginners: Breville Bambino Plus
Best for Convenience: De’Longhi Eletta Explore The Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine is ideal for traditionalists. It offers an authentic espresso-making experience.
Best for Compact Spaces: Solis Barista Perfetta Plus Plus The Breville Barista Express is considered the best all-in-one machine. It offers a comprehensive solution for coffee enthusiasts.
Best for Smart Features: Breville Barista Touch
Best for Advanced Users: De’Longhi La Specialista Arte
Best for Customization: Philips Barista Brew
Each of these machines brings something unique to the table, whether it’s ease of use, advanced features, or compact design. Let’s dive deeper into what makes each of these machines stand out.
Breville Bambino Plus - Best for Beginners
Price: $499
Specifications:
Fast heating system (3 seconds)
Compact and lightweight design
Manual temperature and time adjustment
Pros:
Rapid heat-up time
Easy to handle and store
Customizable brew settings
Cons:
Small drip tray requires frequent emptying
As a beginner, nothing beats the Breville Bambino Plus when it comes to simplicity and performance. This espresso machine heats up in just three seconds, ensuring you don’t have to wait long for your morning cappuccino. Despite its compact and lightweight design, it packs a punch with its customizable settings, allowing you to adjust the brew temperature and time to your liking.
However, the small drip tray can be a bit of a hassle as it fills up quickly and needs frequent emptying. But considering its overall performance and ease of use, this minor inconvenience is easily overlooked. The ability to manually steam milk adds a personal touch to your cappuccino maker experience, making it a great starter machine for any coffee enthusiast.
Rating:
Price: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Ease of Use: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Overall: 8.75/10
De'Longhi Eletta Explore - Best for Convenience
Price: $1,299
Specifications:
Touchscreen interface
13 grinder settings
Integrated milk frother
Pros:
User-friendly touchscreen
One-touch operation for various drinks
Consistent milk froth
Cons:
Higher price point
Larger footprint
If convenience is your top priority, the De’Longhi Eletta Explore is the best espresso machine choice among the best espresso machines. This fully automatic espresso machine features a user-friendly touchscreen interface that guides you through the drink preparation process effortlessly. With 13 grinder settings, you can achieve the perfect grind for your coffee beans every time. The integrated milk frother ensures creamy, consistent foam for your cappuccinos, making this super automatic espresso machine a truly delicious espresso delight for busy mornings.
While the Eletta Explore comes at a higher price point, its ease of use and consistent performance justify the investment. The larger footprint might be a consideration for those with limited counter space, but the convenience it offers makes it worth the extra space.
Rating:
Price: 7/10
Design: 8/10
Ease of Use: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Overall: 8.5/10
Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine - Best for Traditionalists
Price: $449
Specifications:
Commercial-grade parts
Stainless steel body
Robust steam wand
Pros:
Durable and reliable
Authentic espresso-making experience
High-quality steam wand
Cons:
Requires a separate grinder
Steeper learning curve
For those who appreciate the traditional approach to espresso making, the Gaggia Classic Pro is a standout choice among high end espresso machines. Built with commercial-grade parts, this machine promises durability and reliability. Its stainless steel body and robust construction ensure a long lifespan, making it a worthwhile investment for serious coffee enthusiasts.
The commercial-style steam wand allows you to create rich microfoam, perfect for cappuccinos. However, this machine does require a certain level of skill to operate effectively, which may not be ideal for beginners. The lack of a built-in grinder means you’ll need a separate one, adding to the overall cost. But for those who value an authentic espresso experience, the Gaggia Classic Pro is hard to beat.
Rating:
Price: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Ease of Use: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Overall: 8.25/10
Solis Barista Perfetta Plus Plus - Best for Compact Spaces
Price: $599
Specifications:
Slim design
Powerful steam wand
Fast heat-up time
Pros:
Ideal for small kitchens
Quick and efficient
High-quality steam wand
Cons:
Smaller capacity water reservoir
Frequent refills required
The Solis Barista Perfetta Plus Plus is perfect for those with limited counter space. Its slim design makes it an excellent fit for small kitchens without compromising on performance. The machine heats up quickly, allowing you to prepare your espresso in no time. The powerful steam wand ensures you can create excellent microfoam for your cappuccinos, adding a professional touch to your home coffee-making experience.
One downside is its smaller capacity water reservoir, which means you’ll need to refill it more frequently. However, its compact size and efficient performance make it a great choice for those who value both space and quality.
Rating:
Price: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Ease of Use: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Overall: 8.5/10
Breville Barista Express - Best All-in-One
Price: $699
Specifications:
Built-in bean grinder
30 grind settings
Dual-function dial
Pros:
Comprehensive all-in-one functionality
Fresh coffee preparation with built-in grinder
Convenient hot water and steaming functions
Cons:
Minor grind adjustment challenges
Requires regular maintenance
The Breville Barista Express is the epitome of an all-in-one coffee machine, combining convenience with high-quality espresso making. Equipped with a built-in bean grinder, it allows for fresh coffee preparation right at home. The automatic grinder offers 30 settings, providing precise control over the grind size for optimal coffee extraction. Additionally, the dual-function dial lets you easily switch between hot water and steaming functions.
While it does have minor grind adjustment challenges, the overall convenience and performance make it a standout choice. Regular maintenance is required to keep it in top shape, but the results are well worth the effort.
Rating:
Price: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Ease of Use: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Overall: 8.75/10
Breville Barista Touch - Best for Smart Features
Price: $1,099
Specifications:
LED touchscreen
Pre-programmed drink options
Personalized drink profiles
Pros:
Intuitive touchscreen interface
Customizable drink profiles
High-quality build and design
Cons:
Higher price point
Larger footprint
The Breville Barista Touch impresses with its smart features, making the coffee-making process a breeze. The LED touchscreen simplifies the preparation of your favorite drinks with pre-programmed options and guided steps. You can store up to eight personalized coffee drink profiles, catering to multiple users’ preferences. This feature-rich machine is perfect for those who appreciate technology and convenience.
Though it comes at a higher price and has a larger footprint, the intuitive and user-friendly design justifies the investment for tech-savvy coffee lovers.
Rating:
Price: 7/10
Design: 9/10
Ease of Use: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Overall: 8.75/10
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte - Best for Advanced Users
Price: $999
Specifications:
Built-in grinder
Hot water dispenser
8 grind settings
Pros:
Precise control over coffee making
Versatile with built-in grinder and hot water dispenser
Durable and high-quality construction
Cons:
Limited grind settings
Challenges with larger coffee mugs
Designed for advanced users, the De’Longhi La Specialista Arte offers precise control and versatility in cappuccino making. With a built-in grinder and hot water dispenser, it caters to a wide range of coffee preferences. However, it has only eight grind settings, which may limit experimentation for those seeking more precise control.
Despite its limitations, the machine’s high-quality construction and advanced features make it a top choice for serious coffee enthusiasts.
Rating:
Price: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Ease of Use: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Overall: 8.25/10
Philips Barista Brew - Best for Customization
Price: $849
Specifications:
15 grind settings
Single or double espresso options
Stylish stainless steel exterior
Pros:
Extensive customization options
User-friendly design
High-quality steam wand
Cons:
Grinder may not produce fine enough grounds for some
Limited grind settings for advanced users
The Philips Barista Brew stands out for its extensive customization options, allowing users to fine-tune their coffee to their exact preferences. With 15 grind settings and a user-friendly control panel, it’s easy to adjust the coarseness of your coffee and froth the milk to perfection. The stylish, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior adds to its appeal.
However, some users find the grinder doesn’t produce coffee grounds fine enough for their liking, and the 15 grind settings may not satisfy those seeking more precision. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Philips Barista Brew offers a highly customizable and stylish coffee-making experience.
Rating:
Price: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Ease of Use: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Overall: 8.5/10
How to Choose the Best Cappuccino Machine
Selecting the right cappuccino machine for your home can be a daunting task given the multitude of options available. However, focusing on a few key aspects can help narrow down the choices and ensure you pick the machine that best suits your needs.
Ease of use is a critical factor, especially for beginners. Machines like the Breville Bambino Plus simplify maintenance with reminders for cleaning and descaling. User-friendly interfaces, such as touchscreen controls on the Breville Barista Touch, make navigating drink settings straightforward.
Automatic milk steaming functions, available on several models, assist beginners in achieving great froth without needing extensive skills with a Breville machine.
Advanced features are another important consideration. Machines with PID temperature control and customizable settings allow users to refine their espresso experience. For those who enjoy experimenting, options to adjust brewing parameters, such as milk temperature and drink volume, provide a personalized touch. Connectivity features, like the De’Longhi Connect app, enhance customization and control over coffee preferences.
Space and durability are also crucial factors. Compact designs, like the Solis Barista Perfetta Plus, are ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. While lightweight materials may offer modern aesthetics, they can compromise durability compared to traditional heavy-duty designs.
Lastly, budget plays a significant role in the decision-making process. Pricing varies widely, but users appreciate the value offered by machines that blend functionality with advanced features. Additional features, such as the ability to froth hot and cold milk, enhance versatility and drink options, making machines more appealing.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect cappuccino machine to elevate your home coffee experience.
Summary
Finding the right cappuccino maker is about matching your preferences and needs with the machine’s features and capabilities. We started with the Breville Bambino Plus, ideal for beginners due to its ease of use and customizable settings. Its fast heat-up time and compact design make it a great entry point into the world of home espresso making.
For those who value convenience, the De’Longhi Eletta Explore stands out with its user-friendly touchscreen and one-touch operation. It’s perfect for busy individuals who want a quick and delicious espresso without the hassle. Traditionalists will appreciate the Gaggia Classic Pro for its commercial-grade components and authentic espresso experience.
If space is a concern, the Solis Barista Perfetta Plus Plus offers a slim design without sacrificing performance, making it ideal for small kitchens. The Breville Barista Express, with its all-in-one functionality and built-in grinder, provides excellent value for those seeking comprehensive features in a single machine.
For tech enthusiasts, the Breville Barista Touch offers smart features, including a touchscreen interface and customizable drink profiles, making it an intuitive and advanced option. Advanced users will find the De’Longhi La Specialista Arte perfect for its precise control and versatility in cappuccino making.
Lastly, the Philips Barista Brew excels in customization, allowing users to fine-tune their coffee to their exact preferences. Its stylish design and user-friendly features make it a strong contender for those who enjoy experimenting with their coffee.
In conclusion, whether you’re a beginner, a tech enthusiast, or a traditionalist, there’s an espresso machine on this list that will meet your needs. The key is to consider your priorities, from ease of use to advanced features, and choose a machine that aligns with your lifestyle. Here’s to enjoying the perfect cappuccino at home, every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best espresso machine for beginners?
The Breville Bambino Plus is an excellent choice for beginners as it offers user-friendly features, quick heat-up time, and customizable settings. This makes it an ideal starting point for anyone looking to create quality espresso at home.
What features should I look for in a convenient espresso machine?
For a convenient espresso machine, prioritize user-friendly interfaces that include touchscreens and one-touch operation features. These enhance the ease of use and streamline the drink preparation process.
Why is the Gaggia Classic Pro ideal for traditionalists?
The Gaggia Classic Pro’s commercial-grade components provide an authentic espresso-making experience, making it perfect for traditionalists who value classic techniques.
What makes the Breville Barista Express the best all-in-one machine?
The Breville Barista Express stands out as the best all-in-one machine due to its integrated grinder and user-friendly features, delivering exceptional value and convenience for home espresso enthusiasts.
How important are customization options in an espresso machine?
Customization options in an espresso machine are essential for coffee enthusiasts, as they allow users to fine-tune their drinks to match individual preferences, greatly enhancing the overall coffee experience.
Which Machine is Best for Making Cappuccinos at Home?
The Breville Barista Touch is among the best espresso machines for cappuccinos. It offers an intuitive touchscreen, automatic milk frothing, and a built-in burr grinder for fresh ground coffee every time. For budget-conscious buyers, consider a budget espresso machine like the Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker, which is affordable yet effective for cappuccino-making.
What Makes a Great Espresso Machine for Cappuccinos?
A great cappuccino machine should have features like a steam boiler for steaming milk, a reliable espresso maker for pulling a quality espresso shot, and options for customizing milk texture. Machines with an attached milk containeror milk jug are particularly convenient for frothing milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes.
Are Super Automatic Machines Good for Cappuccinos?
Yes, super automatic machines and super auto machines are excellent for cappuccinos. They handle the coffee brewing process, milk frothing, and shot extraction with minimal effort. The quietest super automatic machineoptions, like newer models of the Breville Barista Touch, ensure a seamless experience.
Should I Consider Commercial or Prosumer Machines for Cappuccinos?
If you’re serious about cappuccinos, commercial espresso machines or a high-end prosumer machine can provide café-quality results. Brands like Rocket Espresso offer models with advanced features like dual boilers and precise temperature control, which are perfect for milk-based drinks.
How Does Milk Choice Impact Cappuccinos?
Milk choice significantly affects the flavor and texture of your cappuccino. Whole milk creates a creamy consistency, while oat milk is a great dairy-free alternative. Machines like the Breville Barista Touch and even the Breville Bambino handle both types of milk well, offering smooth, frothy results.
Can I Use Ground Coffee for Cappuccinos?
Yes, you can use ground coffee with most espresso machines. Ensure the coffee is finely ground for proper extraction. For the best results, invest in machines with double-walled filter baskets, which help create a more consistent brew.
What’s the Difference Between Lever Machines and Super Automatic Machines?
A lever machine requires manual effort to extract espresso, giving you full control over the process. In contrast, super automatic espresso makers automate everything, from grinding to milk frothing, making them ideal for convenience and consistency.
Are Cold Brew Deals Relevant for Cappuccino Lovers?
Not directly, but cold brew coffee can be enjoyed as a separate option. Some machines, like those from the coffee world of Breville, cater to diverse brewing preferences beyond just cappuccinos.
How Do Cappuccino Machines Differ from Other Espresso Machines?
Cappuccino machines prioritize frothing milk and steaming milk for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. While they overlap with other espresso machines, cappuccino-specific models often have features like integrated milk containers or automatic milk frothers.
What Should I Look for in a Drip Coffee and Espresso Combo Machine?
Look for a machine that supports both drip coffee brewing and espresso extraction, offering versatility without sacrificing quality. These hybrid machines are perfect for households with diverse coffee preferences.
Do Rocket Espresso Machines Work Well for Cappuccinos?
Yes, Rocket Espresso machines are exceptional for cappuccinos. They feature high-quality components and precise control over milk steaming, ensuring barista-level results every time.
