We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Product Reviews and Buying Guides Coffee & Tea Product Reviews The Best Cappuccino Machines to Start Your Morning Off Right Our top picks are almost like having a coffee shop in your kitchen. By Erin Scottberg Updated on June 18, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Our Takeaway How to Pick the Right Cappuccino Machine Common Questions Why Take Our Word For It Photo: Amazon If we've heard it once, we've heard it a thousand times: "For the amount of time you spend at Starbucks every week, you could yada yada yada." While we're really not here to tell you how to spend your morning, if you are interested in making delicious, velvety cappuccinos at home, you've come to the right place. We researched and tested a variety of countertop cappuccino and espresso makers to come up with our favorite picks in various categories. Whether you're just developing your interest in espresso drinks or you're a long-time aficionado who's ready to make a real investment, we have a suggestion for you. Below, you'll find options based on ease of use, style, appliance size, and budget. Let's see what's brewing... Our Top Picks Our Top Pick: Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine at Amazon $700 Jump to Review Best Fully Automatic: SALE Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine at Amazon $800 $320 Jump to Review Best Manual: SALE Flair Espresso Maker Pro 2 at Amazon $325 $276 Jump to Review Best Budget: SALE De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine at Amazon $100 $76 Jump to Review Best Semi-Automatic: SALE Mr. Coffee Café Barista at Amazon $250 $150 Jump to Review Best Compact: De'Longhi Dedica Arte Espresso Machine at Amazon $300 Jump to Review Best Retro: Smeg Stainless Steel Retro Espresso Machine at Amazon $530 Jump to Review Best Set: EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker Barista Bundle Set at Amazon $190 Jump to Review Our Top Pick Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine PHOTO: Amazon $700 at Amazon $670 at Walmart $700 at Target Why It's Great: Supremely user-friendly; very customizable; built-in coffee grinder and foaming wandGrain of Salt: Somewhat of a learning curve Ideal for novices and experts alike, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine earned a well-deserved spot at the top of our list. This super-automatic espresso maker takes all the guesswork out of at-home cappuccino making and guarantees a perfect cappuccino—brewed precisely to one's liking—every time. Offering a customized experience from start to finish, this model allows you to choose your grind size and flavor boldness with its easy-to-use dial and conical burr grinder. Taking your roast preferences into account, it then precisely extracts the espresso and uses optimal water pressure and temperature to ensure every sip is rich in flavor and perfectly balanced. We even tested it ourselves and gave it high ratings for performance, design, and ease of cleaning. Pretty stellar! Available in brushed stainless steel or black sesame and measuring an especially compact 13.5 x 12 x 11 inches, even dwellers of the smallest apartments should be able to find room for this all-in-one cappuccino maker. The Details: Measures 13.5 x 12 x 11 inches; weighs 23 pounds; 67-ounce water tank capacity; comes in brushed stainless steel or black sesame PHOTO: Allrecipes / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: Allrecipes / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: Allrecipes / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: Allrecipes / Russell Kilgore Best Fully Automatic Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine PHOTO: Amazon $800 $320 at Amazon $600 at Williams Sonoma $640 at Sur La Table Why It's Great: Built-in grinder; easy-to-use control panel; while fully automatic, manual tweaks to your brew are easy to makeGrain of Salt: The built-in grinder is loud With four preset drink options, a built-in ceramic grinder, a frothing wand, and automatic water measuring and heating features, this fully automatic model from Phillips has all the perks of a super-automatic cappuccino machine while still offering the customization of semi-automatic models. The automatic water measuring feature is particularly nice for those who like to "set it and forget it" and do other things around the house while their drink is prepared. On the other hand, users can still control the strength, volume, and temperature of their cappuccino, plus the level of aroma it releases. Speaking of aroma, this top-rated espresso machine has an aroma seal that keeps your beans fresher for longer. But what's really special about the 3200 is its "LatteGo" mode. LatteGo mixes together milk, air, and steam at high speed in the frothing chamber, then adds a splash-free, creamy layer of milk froth to your cup at just the right temperature. That frothing chamber is made of two simple parts and can be cleaned in less than 15 seconds, making it one of the easiest to clean milk features on the market. The Details: Measures 3.94 x 6.69 x 5.91 inches; weighs: 20.3 pounds; 9.7-ounce water tank capacity; comes in black PHOTO: Allrecipes / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: Allrecipes / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: Allrecipes / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: Allrecipes / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: Allrecipes / Russell Kilgore Best Manual Flair Espresso Maker Pro 2 PHOTO: Amazon $325 $276 at Amazon View on Flairespresso.com Why It's Great: Five-year warranty; detachable brewing head makes cleaning easy; can be taken apart and packed in included carrying caseGrain of Salt: Aficionados only—may be too complicated for the casual espresso drinker It doesn't get more manual than this! The Flair Espresso Maker has been a favorite of espresso aficionados for years, and the Flair Pro 2 features all the same high-quality, 100 percent manual components as its predecessor, the Flair Classic, with a few improvements. This model includes a removable spout for easier cleaning, a stainless steel bottomless portafilter for better ratio control, a silicone protective wrap around the pressure gauge to increase durability, and a silicone lever grip for better handling. The Pro 2 is backed by a five-year warranty, and one look at the materials shows that it's built to last: the portafilter base is copper-plated, and most of the components are cast aluminum or stainless steel. NOTE: A high-quality burr coffee grinder, like this one from Baratza, is required to use this machine. The Details: Measures 14 × 10 × 4 inches; weighs 7 pounds; comes in black, chrome, and white We Tested 20 Coffee Makers With Grinders—Here Are The Ones That Wowed Us Best Budget De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine PHOTO: Amazon $100 $76 at Amazon $83 at Target $76 at Wayfair Why It's Great: Removable drip tray and water tank are dishwasher safe; compatible with pods; heats up quicklyGrain of Salt: Doesn't come with a frothing glass De'Longhi has been around for more than 30 years and is one of the most respected brands in the industry, so we were excited to find one of their trusted machines for just under 100 bucks. This compact, entry-level model may have the word "manual" in the description, but don't let that scare you. It's a very beginner-friendly manual. The included instruction manual is easy to follow and holds your hand through the whole process, from how to fill and use the portafilter to how to use the built-in frother. At this price point, it would be unreasonable to expect the Stilosa to have the bells and whistles that more automatic—and more expensive—models feature. There's no built-in grinder, no precise temperature control, and limited accessories. However, it does incorporate all the basics, including a 15-bar pump for optimal pressure when pulling an espresso shot, a manual steam wand to texture milk for lattes and cappuccinos, and the ability to remove the drip tray to accommodate larger cups. For beginners on a budget, this is a great first cappuccino machine. The Details: Measures 13.5 x 8.07 x 11.22 inches; weights 9.48 pounds; 33.8-ounce water tank capacity; comes in black PHOTO: Allrecipes / Nick Simpson PHOTO: Allrecipes / Nick Simpson PHOTO: Allrecipes / Nick Simpson PHOTO: Allrecipes / Nick Simpson PHOTO: Allrecipes / Nick Simpson Best Semi-Automatic Mr. Coffee Café Barista PHOTO: Amazon $250 $150 at Amazon $299 $183 at Walmart $200 at Target Why It's Great: Very little manual labor required; removable water and milk chambers; automatic frothing availableGrain of Salt: Can be tedious to clean From one of the most trusted names in home coffee brewing comes one of the easiest (and most affordable) semi-automatic cappuccino makers on the market. This semi-automatic 3-in-1 espresso, cappuccino, and latte maker machine from Mr. Coffee can do everything except grind your coffee beans. Simply add milk, water, and coffee grounds, use the one-touch control panel to select your drink style, and watch it get to work. The machine does all the measuring and mixing for you—it'll even froth your milk! And, its 15-bar pump system provides the ideal extraction pressure for a rich and flavorful brew. Those who prefer a hands-on approach will appreciate the ability to make manual adjustments, too. The Details: Measures 11.22 x 8.86 x 12.6 inches; weighs 10.37 pounds; comes in black with silver Best Compact De'Longhi Dedica Arte Espresso Machine PHOTO: Amazon $300 $262 at Amazon $300 at Target $300 at Sur La Table Why It's Great: Includes "LatteArt" steam wand; compatible with Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods; easy to useGrain of Salt: Some components are made of plastic At a mere 5.9 inches wide and 13 inches deep, this is one of the smallest cappuccinos available. But don't let its size fool you—this is a De'Longhi, after all! This compact machine packs a bevy of useful features into its tiny size, including a steam nozzle, cup warming plate, 35-ounce water tank, and auto-shutoff feature, just to name a few. This device takes ground beans or ESE pods, and its rapid cappuccino and "Thermoblock" heating systems allow you to brew cup after cup without pausing in between for the water to warm, which is huge on busy mornings. Speaking of busy—the multitaskers among us will appreciate the Dedica's automatic flow stop feature, which prevents spills (and its removable drip tray that will catch anything that manages to sneak out of your mug). The Details: Measure 12 x 5.9 x 13 inches; weighs 8.8 pounds; 35-ounce water tank capacity; comes in black, red, stainless steel, and white Best Retro Smeg Stainless Steel Retro Espresso Machine PHOTO: Amazon $530 at Amazon $530 at Williams Sonoma $530 at Wayfair Why It's Great: Super compact size; comes in a variety of colors; built-in frotherGrain of Salt: Included temper is flimsy Smeg is known for its retro-inspired appliances (including one of our favorite tea kettles), and we're particularly smitten with this tiny espresso maker. The single-cup model includes a stainless steel cup holder, a passive cup warmer, a chrome zamak steam lever, and a chrome-plated base. This vintage-style beauty comes in a variety of fun, muted colors, including mint green, baby pink, sky blue, and cream—so you likely won't mind leaving it out on your countertop. With a footprint of just 13 by 5.9 inches, it's also a great choice for folks with small kitchens. The Details: Measures 13 x 5.9 x 13 inches; weighs 13.37 pounds; 34-ounce water tank capacity; comes in pastel blue, pastel green, pink, red, cream, black, and white (color selection is retailer-dependent) Best Set EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker Barista Bundle Set PHOTO: Amazon $190 $162 at Amazon Why It's Great: Small footprint; great value; minimal features make for easy operationGrain of Salt: Espresso may be too weak for some If you're looking to take the guesswork out of which equipment you'll need for a complete coffee station, look to this set from EspressoWorks. This all-inclusive setup includes an electric grinder, a stainless steel filter with single and double shot baskets, a milk frothing cup, a dual-sided measuring spoon and tamper, and two espresso cups. With a preparation time of less than 45 seconds, the path to delicious espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, or macchiatos is a quick one. We love the attached frothing wand for precise milk foaming, and the minimal buttons make operating this baby a breeze. This option is truly a one-stop shop for all your home barista needs. The Details: Measures 9.75 x 9 x 11.5 inches, weighs 9.7 pounds; comes in white, red, stainless steel, and blue From Cold Brews to Cappuccinos, These Are the Best Coffee Makers Our Takeaway When it comes to the best cappuccino machines for home use, we can't get enough of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. Newbies will appreciate how this super-automatic machine takes almost all of the guesswork out of brewing a well-made cappuccino, while more experienced connoisseurs will enjoy its precision and opportunities for customization. How to Pick the Right Cappuccino Machine At the end of the day (or, since we're talking coffee, maybe "beginning of the day" is the more appropriate phrasing?), the best cappuccino machine for you is a personal choice that depends on your skill level, the level of effort you want to make, and what sort of space and budget restrictions you might have. Ease of Use How easy a cappuccino machine is to use depends on your experience operating an espresso or cappuccino machine and how the machine is designed. A fully manual espresso machine will be much more challenging for a newbie to operate successfully than a semi- or fully automatic setup. Ease of use also depends on how well the instructions are laid out and, in the case of digital interfaces, how the user experience is designed. Brew Type There are a few different types of cappuccino machines: manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic. Here's a rundown of how they work: Manual: Best suited for experienced users, manual espresso machines grant at-home cappuccino makers the freedom to personalize every aspect of the process. As the name implies, there's no mechanical assistance: The beans must first be run through a grinder, after which they're pumped through a user-operated lever, which is also responsible for the pressure of the boiling water and the flow of the beans through the portafilter. Manual models don't come with a frother, so you'll need to purchase your own milk steamer in order to make your cappuccinos. For that, we recommend an all-in-one model, like this one from Secura, or a convenient handheld frother, like Zulay's best-selling model. Semi-Automatic: These are easier to use (and to learn to use) than fully manual machines, but they do offer some automated assistance. So, while you'll still have to grind, tamp, and extract the espresso yourself, semi-automatic cappuccino machines oftentimes come with convenient features like temperature stability, commercial-style portafilters, frothers, and multiple coffee strengths. Many prefer this style because it gives them more control over their espresso drinks, creating more opportunities for customizing flavor intensity, water levels, and foam thickness. Fully Automatic: Like semi-automatic models, fully automatic cappuccino machines require manual grinding and foaming. However, they have an automatic water measuring feature, meaning they can stop the flow of water by themselves when your coffee is ready (one of the hardest parts of making a solid cappuccino drink). Super-Automatic: These machines are built with tons of amazing features to streamline the at-home cappuccino-making process. Typically offering built-in grinding functionality, multiple temperature controls, and various coffee strengths and sizes, super-automatics are all-in-one models that basically do all of the work for you. But, of course, you're going to pay a premium for this level of ease. Ease of Cleaning Like any other small appliance, cappuccino and espresso machines must be cleaned regularly to maintain optimal functionality. Before purchasing your device, make sure to check out the maintenance guidelines and review which parts need to be cleaned, whether they're dishwasher safe, and how easy it is to remove and resemble those pieces. Design All espresso machines have the same basic components, but each brand and style has its own look and feel. Logically, manual cappuccino machines are going to look different than a super-automatic style with lots of bells and whistles. And, of course, there are different styles to lean into, all of which are a matter of personal choice: Are you looking for something sleek and slim? A retro stunner? A modern, high-tech design? That's totally up to you. Size Similar to design, what size cappuccino machine is best for you is a matter of personal preference. Once again, a more fully automatic machine will have more components, which usually translates into a larger footprint. That said, there are some trendy, design-forward manual machines out there. Where you'll be storing the machine—whether it's on the counter or in a cabinet—will likely be the biggest factor impacting size and design choices, so be sure to take that into consideration. Common Questions What is a cappuccino? With café menus as long as CVS receipts, we don't blame you if you're a bit confused by all the different ways to get your coffee fix. A traditional cappuccino is a layered drink that has equal amounts of espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk, in that order from bottom to top. The espresso flavor is strong but is balanced by the steamed and foam milk. Is a cappuccino machine the same thing as an espresso machine? For most intents and purposes, a cappuccino machine can do the same thing as an espresso machine. The main difference is going to be how they integrate milk into the drink-making process, if at all. For example, a manual espresso machine isn't going to have any milk component, so you'll have to warm and froth your milk separately. On the flip side, a semi- or fully automatic machine will have a milk jug for warming the milk, as well as a frother. Can you make a cappuccino without a machine? You can, but it's not going to be easy! Making a shot of espresso at home without the ease of a machine requires a lot of patience and some specific tools. If you plan on making cappuccinos regularly, it's probably worth investing in at least a basic machine. Why Take Our Word For It? Allrecipes is a community-driven brand for home cooks to find kitchen products, crowd-pleasing recipes, and cooking tips. Factors considered for the best cappuccino machines on the market include performance, design, ease of use, and ease of cleaning, as well as brand reputation, warranty, and quality. Some of these cappuccino machines were tested by our staff, while others were selected based on expert input and in-depth research from Allrecipes contributor Erin Scottberg. An alum of Saveur, Modern Farmer, and Domino magazines, among others, Erin has been covering food, kitchenware, and the people who work in and adjacent to kitchens for nearly a decade. Our Allstars Love Single-Serve Coffee Machines—Here Are Their Favorites