What’s the Best Latte Machine? Our Top 9 Picks (2024)
Searching for the perfect latte machine to elevate your home coffee experience? Look no further!
In this article, we compiled the 9 best latte machines available. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or simply enjoy a velvety latte while getting dressed in the morning, we've got you covered.
Discover the machines that will help you create barista-quality lattes right in your kitchen. Let’s dive in and find the best latte machine for you… because life’s too short to settle for average coffee.
Why Should You Trust Us?
Before we dive into the best latte machines on the market today, we want to explain to you why you should trust us in the first place.
First of all, we are not sponsored or biased. We have selected these latte machines based on their performance and characteristics while providing a diverse set of machines that fulfill various potential buyer preferences and budgets.
We strive to stress test all these latte machines to provide you with the most accurate, honest, and helpful buying guide on the net. Those that we have not tested yet are expertly researched by our very own engineer, Felipe.
We know how expensive these machines can be, and with many models available, choosing the right latte machine for you can be a daunting task.
What is the Best Latte Machine?
Check out our overviews below and click on "Read More" to jump down to the in-depth reviews:
no. 1
De'Longhi Dinamica LatteCrema
Best Overall
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- Conical burr grinder with 13 levels of adjustment
- LatteCrema milk frothing system with adjustable texture
- 18 different drink recipes
- Easy to clean (dishwasher safe)
- Read More ⇒
no. 2
Breville Oracle Touch
Best Lattes
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- 58mm commercial grade portafiler
- Automatically doses, grinds, and tamps
- Dual-boilers
- Steam wand with automatic and manual modes
- Expensive and bulky
- Read More ⇒
no. 3
Jura E8
Best Splurge
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- Beautiful and luxurious design
- 17 pre-programmed drinks
- Super-automatic, but with lots of customization
- Pricey and does not include a knockbox and milk jug
- Read More ⇒
no. 4
Breville Bambino Plus
Best for Beginners
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- Affordable entry-level semi-automatic machine
- Fast heating time with PID temperature control
- Automatic and manual milk texturing
- Small and compact but need to buy a separate grinder
- No knock box included
- Read More ⇒
no. 5
De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica
Best Value
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- Old model that has stood the test of time (20+ years)
- Intuitive super-automatic machine with analog controls
- Lots of customization and features despite age
- Excellent features-to-cost ratio
- Not compatible with water filters
- Read More ⇒
no. 6
DeLonghi Dedica EC680M
Best Budget
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- Durable and compact stainless steel design
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Excellent value
- More manual than other models - steeper learning curve
- Need to purchase a separate grinder and milk jug
- Read More ⇒
no. 7
Philips 3200 LatteGo
Easiest to Use
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- Intuitive design and easy to use
- 5 pre-programmed drinks
- Ceramic flat burr grinder
- The LatteGo frother is easy to wash
- Loud
- Read More ⇒
no. 8
Rancilio Silvia
Best for Advanced Users
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- Proven Italian design at a good price point
- Beautiful design
- Semi-automatic with 58mm portafilter
- Single boiler
- Steep learning curve
- Read More ⇒
no. 9
Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
Most Versatile
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- High variety of drink sizes (depends on the capsule)
- Customizable milk textures and temperatures
- Easy to use and clean
- Pod Machine
- Reasonable initial cost but the cost of capsules adds up
- Read More ⇒
Now stick around so you can learn more about each of our recommended latte machines. Plus, don't miss our guide on what you should look for when you're shopping for one!
1. DeLonghi Dinamica with LatteCrema System
Best Overall
The Delonghi Dinamica is our #1 recommendation as the overall best latte machine due to it being so well-rounded and capable at its price point.
The LatteCrema milk frothing system is one of the best we’ve seen, as it allows you to intuitively select different milk textures with a dial. Want a velvety smooth microfoam for a latte? No problem. Airy and frothy milk for a cappuccino. It has you covered.
While it has a lot of plastic parts and might not look the fanciest, this Dinamica comes with a lot of features and a great balance between automation and customization. The conical burr grinder has 13 settings to dial in the right grind size, a dual heating system for minimal wait time between extraction and steaming, and 18 drink recipes ready at the touch of a button, which includes iced coffee, latte, macchiato, and flat white.
This is an easy machine to clean since all the removable parts are dishwasher-safe. It’s easy to pop out the drip tray and the milk carafe and give them a deep scrub.
Key Specs:
- Type: Super-automatic
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 16.9” x 13.7” x 9.3” (430 x 348 x 236 mm)
- Boiler Type: Dual Heating System (Thermoblock)
- Milk Frothing System: Automatic frother
- Built-in Grinder: Yes
Pros
- Adjustable milk textures
- Easy to clean
- 18 different coffee recipes that are highly customizable
- Adjustable conical burr grinder
Cons
- Mostly made of plastic
- Loud
- Milk temperature cannot be changed
For more info, check our DeLonghi Dinamica Review with LatteCrema review.
2. Breville Oracle Touch
Best Lattes
This super-automatic espresso maker is our pick for making the best lattes. The Oracle Touch uses a commercial-grade 58mm portafilter and automatically doses, grinds, and tamps. It comes with dual boilers, allowing you to brew and steam at the same time (and with great pressure at exactly 9 bars).
The steam wand can automatically froth milk with 9 different texture levels and to a programmable temperature. It even cleans itself when done! As a bonus, you can take over and manually use the steam wand to create some latte art. The burr grinder comes with 45 grind settings that you can adjust based on the type of drink you want to make.
The large, interactive touchscreen is beautifully designed and very intuitive. The machine comes with an auto-off mode, a water level indicator, a removable bean hopper, a knock box, and a stainless steel milk pitcher.
If you have an external grinder and tamper, you can use the Oracle Touch as a manual espresso machine as well!
Key Specs:
- Type: Super-automatic with portafilter
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 15.4” x 14.7” x 17.8” (391 x 373 x 452 mm)
- Boiler Type: Dual Boiler
- Milk Frothing System: Steam wand with auto and manual modes
- Built-in Grinder: Yes
Pros
- Authentic espresso due to commercial-grade portafilter
- Dual-boiler system to brew coffee and steam milk at the same time
- The automatic milk frothing system even works for latte art
- Interactive touch screen
Cons
- Expensive
- Long heating time (but can be programmed)
For more info, check our Breville Oracle Touch review.
3. JURA E8
Best Splurge
The Jura E8 is arguably one of the most luxurious super-automatic espresso machines for lattes. Jura claims that their Professional Aroma Grinder generates more aroma with its consistent grind quality and that their Pulse Extraction Process ensures maximum flavor. We definitely notice a quality increase with this latte machine.
It comes with 17 pre-programmed specialty drinks available at the touch of a button, and each one is highly customizable.
Make a cappuccino, latte, macchiato, flat white… you name it. You can change the strength, volume, temperature, milk foam quantity, and interval time between the milk pour and the espresso pour for layering. You can of course adjust the particle size of the built-in coffee grinder using a dial.
The technology doesn’t stop here… Jura uses CLEARYL smart water filters fitted with the Intelligent Water System to inform you when you need to replace your filter. And when fitted with these filters, Jura claims you won’t need to descale your machine anymore!
This is one of the most luxurious super-automatic latte machines on the market. It’s packed with features and comes with lots of room for customization. The build quality is high, and this machine just looks good on your kitchen counter. The only drawbacks are the price and the fact that it doesn’t come with a cup warmer or milk pitcher.
Key Specs:
- Type: Super-automatic
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 11” x 13.6” x 17.5” (280 x 346 x 444 mm)
- Boiler Type: Thermoblock
- Milk Frothing System: Fully automatic frother
- Built-in Grinder: Yes
Pros
- Excellent espresso and latte quality
- 17 pre-programmed drinks
- Highly customizable
- CLEARYL water filters eliminate the need for descaling
- Beautiful and quality design
Cons
- Expensive
- No cup warmer or milk jug
- No user profiles
For more info, check our detailed JURA E8 review.
4. Breville Bambino Plus
Best for Beginners
If you are just getting started making espresso-based drinks at home, this is the machine we recommend to make coffee shop-level drinks, even as a beginner.
Bambino Plus comes with an intuitive user interface, single or double pre-programmed shot volumes, a steam wand that can automatically texture milk, and no overwhelming touchscreen with a million options.
This Breville keeps it simple with just a few physical buttons that make sense. It’s compact and will fit in any kitchen… plus it will look good in brushed stainless steel or one of the 8 different available colors, like Royal Champagne and Damson Blue.
The Bambino Plus comes with the essentials you need to extract high-quality espresso. The ThermoJet Heating System allows for a heating time of 3 seconds, while a 15-bar Italian pump creates the perfect brewing pressure of 9 bars. The steam wand can froth milk using three adjustable temperatures and textures.
The only drawback to this latte machine is that it comes with a 54mm portafilter instead of a larger size. You should get a high-quality espresso grinder since you will have to grind and tamp your own coffee beans (the Plus comes with a metal tamper.)
If you’re looking for an affordable entry-level latte machine to help you get down the basics of brewing killer espresso, the Bambino Plus may be perfect for you.
Key Specs:
- Type: Semi-automatic
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 7.7” x 12.2” x 12.6” (196 x 320 x 310 mm)
- Boiler Type: ThermoJet Heating System
- Milk Frothing System: Automatic and manual steam wand
- Built-in Grinder: No
Pros
- Attractive and simple stainless steel design
- Affordable
- Fast heating time with PID temperature control
- Steam wand with automatic and manual modes
Cons
- No knock box provided
- Need to buy a separate grinder
Should you choose the Bambino Plus over the Bambino? The answer is yes. Read our Bambino vs Bambino Plus comparison to find out why.
5. DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300
Best Value
For under $1000, this latte machine gives you the best bang for your buck. The DeLonghi Magnifica has been one of the most popular choices for entry-level home super-automatic espresso machines for over two decades. While the design hasn’t changed in 20+ years, this machine is still sold by DeLonghi - a testament to its quality.
The Magnifica doesn’t come with pre-programmed drinks, but it does let you customize your espresso with 13 volume levels, 12 coffee strength levels, and 13 grind size adjustments. Don’t worry about any nonsense with a difficult-to-navigate touchscreen… everything is done intuitively on this machine with physical, analog dials.
The included steam wand creates a decent microfoam, but the pressure isn’t as good as dual-boiler machines. The grinder is a conical burr grinder, so the particle sizes are consistent. If you don’t mind the old-school look, this super-automatic espresso machine provides great value.
Key Specs:
- Type: Super-automatic
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 15.3” x 14.4” x 11.0” (389 x 367 x 279 mm)
- Boiler Type: Dual thermoblock heating system
- Milk Frothing System: Manual Panarello steam wand
- Built-in Grinder: Yes
Pros
- Conical burr grinder with 13 levels of adjustment
- Proven design and quality over 20 years
- Dual heating allows for a rapid transition between steaming and brewing
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Loud grinder
- Incompatible with water filters
For more info, check our detailed Delonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 Review.
6. DeLonghi Dedica EC680M Espresso
Best Budget
This is about as cheap as you can go with a latte maker and still receive a unit that will work for more than a month and consistently make a good shot of espresso. The EC680M comes in beautiful stainless steel and is very small in size (just 5.9” wide), making it perfect if you don’t have a lot of extra countertop space.
Because this is a semi-automatic espresso machine, you will need to use a scale to dose your beans, grind them, and tamp the coffee grounds into the portafilter. We recommend you have some experience with espresso (or be excited to learn) before purchasing the EC680M. You can use ESE coffee pods with this latte machine, but we recommend grinding your coffee fresh to unlock its full potential.
The temperature of the espresso can be set to three different levels. There is a provided steam wand so you can try your hand at some latte art, and the machine even comes with a hot water dispenser for all the Americano lovers. It’s also super easy to clean.
Key Specs
- Type: Semi-automatic
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.9” x 13” x 11” (150 x 330 x 279 mm)
- Boiler Type: Single Thermoblock
- Milk Frothing System: Manual steam wand
- Built-in Grinder: No
Pros
- Beautiful and compact
- Extremely affordable
- 15 bars of pressure
- Easy to clean and operate
Cons
- More manual than other models - steeper learning curve
- No milk jug or knockbox
- Need to have a separate grinder
The Dedica also made it to our top DeLonghi Espresso Machine Recommendations. Check our post for more info!
7. Philips 3200 LatteGo Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Easiest to Use
If you are looking for a budget-friendly, compact latte machine, the Philips 3200 is a great choice. We have found this to be one of the easiest-to-use and most intuitive automatic espresso machines on the market. It comes pre-programmed with 5 drinks: espresso, coffee, americano, cappuccino, and latte. You can easily customize the coffee strength, coffee and milk volumes, and temperature for each drink.
Even at this cheaper price point, a high-quality ceramic flat burr grinder is included with 12 levels of adjustment. The provided steam wand froths milk pretty well, although we found the texture more suitable for cappuccinos than for lattes. The Philips 3200 also comes with an AquaClean water filter, reducing the number of times you need to descale the machine.
While the Philips 3200 is quite loud and lacks several common features such as user profiles, a cup warmer, and more milk temperature customization, it makes up for these drawbacks in its intuitive design and ease of cleaning.
Did we mention the LatteGo milk system is only made up of 3 components that can be dissembled quickly and washed in the dishwasher?
Key Specs:
- Type: Super-automatic
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 9.6” x 14.6” x 17.0” (246 x 372 x 433 mm)
- Boiler Type: Single thermoblock
- Milk Frothing System: Automatic milk frother
- Built-in Grinder: Yes
Pros
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Ceramic flat burr grinder with 12 levels of adjustment
- 5 pre-programmed coffee drinks
- Easy to use and clean
- Affordable
Cons
- No customizable milk textures and temperatures
- Lacks advanced features
For more info, check our detailed Philips 3200 LatteGo review.
8. Rancilio Silvia
Best for Advanced Users
The Rancilio Silvia is an all-time favorite and cult classic for many home baristas all around the world. Yes - it is made in Italy (of course) and has been around for over 20 years. It comes equipped with a very straightforward and uncluttered interface. The Silvia is durable and built like a tank but still has a retro, small coffee shop vibe to it. It even comes with a heavy-duty espresso tamper.
If you are someone who has no problem taking the time to learn and master the art of making espresso, this machine is for you. You will need to dose, grind, and tamp your beans, so be ready to invest in a quality burr grinder.
This machine only has one boiler, so it’s important to wait the right amount of time after you’ve steamed your milk before brewing so you don’t risk burning your shot.
The Silvia comes with a huge cup warmer and 67.6 oz (2 liter) removable water tank. The commercial-grade 58mm portafilter is also a huge plus. The handle is extremely ergonomic, making this espresso maker a joy to use.
Key Specs:
- Type: Semi-automatic
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 11” x 9.5” x 13.5” (280 x 241 x 343 mm)
- Boiler Type: Single
- Milk Frothing System: Manual steam wand
- Built-in Grinder: No
Pros
- Commercial-grade 58mm portafilter
- Very good cup warmer
- Proven Italian design that is built like a tank
- Good steaming pressure
Cons
- Requires user to have more skills than other models
- Single boiler
The Rancilio Silvia also made it to our best espresso machines under $1,000 post!
9. Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
Most Versatile
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to make anything from espresso to 18-oz carafes, this versatile pod machine from Nespresso has you covered. The Vertuo Creatista uses Nespresso capsules to make a variety of drinks. The provided steam wand comes with an automatic setting and is capable of latte art. The milk also comes with customizable settings, allowing you to choose between three different temperature and texture levels.
If you are looking for the best pod machine on the market, the Vertuo Creatista is our winner. Plus, it looks damn good in its shiny stainless steel exterior.
Key Specs:
- Type: Pod machine
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 9.6” 16.4” x 12.7” (244 x 417 x 323 mm)
- Boiler Type: ThermoJet
- Milk Frothing System: Automatic steam wand
- Built-in Grinder: No (not needed)
Pros
- Great option for those on the go
- Customizable milk texture and temperatures
- Variety of drinks
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Freshly ground coffee beans usually taste better than pods
- The cost of pods is high
Looking for other Nespresso Machines? Check our top Nespresso Machines recommendations!
What to Look for in a Latte Machine?
If you are convinced it’s time to buy a latte machine to upgrade your morning coffee ritual, here are the factors that you should consider before whipping out your credit card.
Milk Frothing System
Look for a latte maker with a milk frothing system that suits your preference for how involved you want to be in the process. Some machines have a steam wand for manual milk frothing, providing more control over the texture. Others offer automatic milk frothing capabilities, making the process easier and more consistent.
Type: Semi-Automatic, Super-Automatic, or Pod Machine?
Similar to the milk frothing system, the type of latte maker you pick depends on your desired level of control vs convenience. Semi-automatic machines provide more customization options. You will need to start and stop the espresso extraction and measure and grind your beans.
Super-automatic machines automate the entire process. They grind the beans and tamp the measured grounds into the portafilter or internal brew unit, as well as start and stop the brew.
Pod machines offer the most simplicity with pre-packaged coffee pods. You simply insert them into the machine and press a button. However, this isn’t real espresso since 9 bars of pressure aren’t used to extract the shot, but it’s close enough for most people.
Boiler Type
We won’t go too in-depth here since our other article covers this in more detail, but latte machines can come with many different types of boilers. Boilers are the elements that heat the water.
Single-boiler machines may require time to switch between brewing espresso and steaming milk, while dual-boiler machines can do both simultaneously, reducing waiting time. A dual-boiler makes the most sense for producing a quick shot of espresso and steaming milk at the right temperatures, but it comes with a bigger price tag.
Versatility
Some machines work better in large households, able to please several coffee drinkers with different preferences for how they like their coffee. If you will need to accommodate various brewing styles, cup sizes, and milk preferences, make sure you pick the right coffee machine for the job.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Look for intuitive controls and easy maintenance. Removable parts, self-cleaning features, and clear instructions contribute to a user-friendly experience. Proper maintenance of these machines is crucial to keeping them around for many years. Beware, fully automatic machines sometimes require more cleaning than manual ones.
The Price
Determine your budget and compare features against the price. Consider the long-term value, durability, and performance of the machine. If you buy daily lattes, purchasing most machines from this list makes financial sense. Your $5 daily latte adds up to over $1,800 per year!
The Size
Consider the machine's dimensions and ensure it fits your available space. Compact machines are suitable for smaller kitchens, while larger ones may offer additional features and capacity.
How Does a Latte Machine Work?
A latte maker works by combining espresso shots with steamed milk to create a latte. How does this milk get added?
There are two main milk frothing systems commonly found in latte machines. One style uses a steam wand, which releases steam to heat and froth the milk manually. You then pour the milk into your drink, hopefully creating some nice latte art.
The other style includes an automatic milk frother, where the coffee machine froths and steams the milk with the push of a button. The machine itself pours the milk into your drinking cup so latte art is a no-go with these frother types.
Both systems produce the creamy texture needed for a delicious latte, but they differ in terms of user involvement and convenience.
For more details on how espresso and latte machines work, check this post: How Espresso Machines Work & Their 5 Main Parts - Complete Guide.
Tips on Making the Best Tasting Latte at Home
- Use freshly roasted and ground coffee: Invest in high-quality coffee beans and grind them just before brewing. Freshly ground coffee ensures that your espresso shot won’t taste stale!
- Get the right milk temperature: Properly steamed milk is crucial for a creamy and velvety latte. Aim for hot milk at a temperature between 150°F to 155°F (65°C to 68°C) to achieve the ideal balance of sweetness and texture.
- Practice your milk frothing technique: If your latte maker has a steam wand, practice this technique for frothing milk to create microfoam suitable for latte art. Hold the wand below the surface of the milk, angle it slightly to create a whirlpool effect, and slowly pull the cup down so that the wand “moves” upward.
- Experiment with milk types: While whole milk is commonly used for lattes, you can also try plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk. Remember: the higher the fat content, the creamier your frothed milk will get!
- Find your espresso-to-milk ratio: Experiment with the espresso-to-milk ratio to achieve your preferred balance. Start with a 1:3 ratio (1 part espresso, 3 parts milk) and adjust according to your taste. That’s about 2 oz of espresso and 6 oz of milk.
- Preheat your cup: Warm up your cup before pouring the latte to maintain the drink's temperature and enhance the overall experience.
- Practice latte art: If you're feeling creative, try your hand at latte art. Nothing makes a latte look better than a cute heart or squiggly design!
Remember, making great lattes takes practice, so don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. Enjoy the process, experiment, and refine your technique to create the perfect latte tailored to your taste preferences.
Other Coffee Drinks Similar to Lattes
Other specialty coffee drinks similar to lattes include cappuccinos and flat whites, and you can often make them with the same latte maker. A “latte” machine almost always doubles as a “cappuccino machine” or “flat white machine.”
While lattes are made with espresso shots combined with a larger volume of steamed milk and a small layer of milk foam, cappuccinos have equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The result is a 5-6 oz drink with a drier and more frothy texture compared to lattes.
On the other hand, flat whites are made with a double shot of espresso and a smaller amount of velvety microfoam. Flat whites have a smoother and less frothy texture compared to lattes, allowing the flavor of the espresso to shine through.
Need more inspiration? Then check out our other buying guides!
- The Best Breville Espresso Machines
- 17 Espresso Machine Accessories You Should Buy
- Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do latte machines last?
The lifespan of latte machines can vary depending on the brand, usage, and maintenance. On average, a well-maintained latte maker can last between 5 to 10 years before requiring replacement or major repairs.
Can coffee machines make lattes?
No, coffee machines cannot make lattes because lattes require espresso shots. You could make something like a latte by making a strong coffee in your coffee maker and a milk frother. If you don't have a frother, heat some milk in a mason jar in the microwave, closet it, then shake it.
What type of milk works best for lattes?
The type of milk that works best for lattes often depends on personal flavor preference. However, whole milk is commonly used due to its higher fat content, which contributes to a richer and creamier texture. Alternatively, non-dairy milk options such as almond, soy, or oat milk can also be used to make delicious lattes.
What is a latte machine called?
A latte machine is commonly referred to as an espresso machine with a milk-frothing capability. It’s also called a latte maker, cappuccino maker, or a latte and cappuccino machine. It can be a standalone machine or an attachment to an espresso machine. Some popular types of latte machines include automatic espresso machines, manual espresso machines with a steam wand, or even capsule-based coffee makers that come with a milk frother.
Can an espresso machine make a latte?
Yes, an espresso machine can make a latte. Lattes are typically made by combining a shot or shots of espresso with steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam. Many espresso machines come with a steam wand, allowing users to steam and froth milk to create the required texture for a latte.
Bottom Line
Alright, that’s a wrap on the best latte machines of 2023!
Investing in a high-quality latte machine will definitely make your home coffee brewing more memorable. Whether you prioritize customization, automation, or design, there’s a latte maker on this list to help you elevate your latte game.
Happy brewing!
