Best Latte Machines to Brew Barista Level Latte at Home

Do you ever feel like a latte, but the idea of going down to the cafe and waiting in line before paying $5 for a coffee is too much? Many of us can relate. Luckily, there is a coffee machine that can brew you a latte right at home. The best part is, you don’t need to be a barista with a background in coffee to use it! 

What Is a Latte Machine

A latte machine has two main jobs— to brew coffee and steam milk. These are the main components of a latte, so this is what we need a latte machine to do.

As opposed to an espresso machine, a latte machine is designed to do all the work for you. You don’t need to learn about coffee grind sizes, nor do you need to know about pulling espresso shots or steaming milk. A latte machine will pull the shot, steam the milk and pour it right into your favorite cup. 

Not all latte machines brew a legitimate latte. For a real, legit latte, we need some real espresso, as well as some steamed milk. Not many machines are capable of this kind of heavy lifting. They can, however, produce a delicious milk coffee with minimal effort on your part. Close enough to a latte that is worth the trade-off for many people.     

Benefits of Using a Latte Machine

The biggest benefit of a latte machine is its ease of use. There is no learning curve. You’ll add the coffee beans, water, and milk, and the latte machine will do the rest. 

Using a traditional espresso machine is more of a hobby than a quick coffee fix. They take time to learn how to use it. Even when you are all skilled in espresso art, it still takes a while to adjust the grind size and other brewing parameters to dial in a tasty shot of espresso.

With a latte machine, we have none of that. They are super easy to use. 

How Does a Latte Machine Work

While each latte machine works a little differently, the basic idea is the same. You, the user, will first add water to the machine. All coffee brew methods need water, right?

Next, you’ll add coffee beans to the machine. Depending on the machine, these coffee beans might be whole— if the machine has an internal grinder. They might be in the form of a pod or K-cup, or they might be pre-ground. 

Finally, you’ll want to add some milk. Like the Keurig K-Cafe, some latte machines house a milk frother on the side of the machine. Others might have a milk reservoir inside the machine. Either way, to be a true latte maker and not an espresso machine, the machine automatically needs to froth or steam the milk.    

Pros and Cons of Latte Machines

Pros

• Incredibly easy to use. 
• Can be inexpensive.
• Brews a latte quickly. 

Cons

• Can’t produce a latte nearly as well as a real espresso machine can. 
• Not as customizable as an espresso machine. 

Types of Latte Machines

Semi-Automatic

Most espresso machines fall under the category of semi-automatic. The only ones that don’t are manual lever espresso machines. 

A semi-automatic coffee machine can never really be considered a ‘latte’ machine. Why? Because it doesn’t make lattes. It is capable of making a latte, so long as the user knows how to do it. But a semi-automatic machine can’t make a latte on its own. 

Semi-automatic machines produce, by far, the best results. But it will take some effort, as well as time to learn how to use the machine. You will absolutely get there, but it will take some practice. 

If you’ve ever had a perfectly brewed cappuccino or a velvety flat white, it was more than likely made using a semi-automatic espresso machine with a skilled barista at the helm. 

Super-Automatic

Otherwise known as a fully automatic espresso machine, super-automatic latte machines do everything for you. All you need to do is add the water, coffee beans, and milk. The super-automatic latte machine will do this rest with just a press of a button. 

Nespresso Pods Machine

Nespresso makes high-quality coffee pod machines that are actually capable of brewing some pretty tasty espresso. This, of course, depends on the pods and the type of coffee you are using. 

While a Nespresso pod machine isn’t an automatic latte maker, some models feature an automatic milk frother. A milk frother helps add creaminess to your beverage and gets you pretty close to the taste of a latte. 

Many pod-based machines are dual coffee makers. A premium dual coffee maker is capable of brewing coffee in multiple different ways. 

Keurig K-cup Machine

If you are keen on making an easy latte at home using a Keurig machine, you’ll want to look at the Keurig K-Cafe. It houses a milk frother, making it possibly the world’s best Keurig coffee maker. Using K-cups for brewing coffee, especially for making milk drinks like lattes, is convenient and easy.   

Materials of Latte Machines

Stainless Steel

Most will agree that brewing coffee in a stainless steel coffee machine tastes better. Not only does stainless steel produce untainted coffee, but it is also durable and looks great. The more stainless steel in the latte machine, the better. 

Plastic

If you purchase a machine that uses plastic and, let’s be honest, most machines do, be sure that it is quality plastic. If the plastic touches the hot water or milk, be sure that the plastic used is BPA-free.

Rubber

Latte machines will often use rubber on the outside of the machine, such as the feet or on the bottom of the housing. Espresso machines use rubber gaskets inside the group head of the machine. Like plastic, keep in mind what the rubber will be coming into contact with. 

Features of Latte Machines

Cup Warmer

A cup warmer is a lovely feature to have in any coffee machine. It keeps your cups warm, so your coffee doesn’t lose too much heat when entering the mug or glass.  

Milk Frother

One of the most important things a latte machine should have is a milk frother. If the machine doesn’t have a milk frother, you’ll need to buy one separately.

Water Filter

The espresso that goes into a latte is largely made up of water. This means that to get our coffee tasting its best, we should use a water filter. Many coffee machines come with a water filter included in the machine’s water reservoir. 

Programmable Settings

If you want a super easy-to-use machine, programmable settings will be an important feature to look at. Does the machine have an auto-start timer? Can you program the strength of the coffee and the temperature of the milk? 

How to Choose the Best Latte Machine

Milk Frother

Does the machine have a steam wand or an automatic milk frother? Does the machine heat and steam the milk, or do you need to do it? An espresso machine has a steam wand, meaning the user does need to steam the milk. Super-automatic latte machines, on the other hand, heat the milk and dispense it automatically. 

Convenience and Usage

Some machines are far easier and more convenient than others. A machine that will grind the coffee beans, pull a shot of espresso, then pour over some steamed milk automatically will be far easier to use than a traditional espresso machine. 

Customization and Automatic Controls

Being able to customize your latte will make a machine far more valuable to you. Whether you like your coffee strong, a little weaker, or you want to wake up to a ready-made cup of coffee in the morning, being able to program the machine will be a solid feature. 

Price

Ultimate convenience does cost a bit of cash. Super-automatic latte machines are crazy easy to use but are also fairly expensive. If you are on a tighter budget but still want something quick and tasty, one of the pod-based options might suit you nicely.  

Cleaning and Maintenance

Not all machines are created equal when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Where some machines do the hard work automatically via a descale cycle, others are fully manual. Generally speaking, the more automatic a machine is, the more work you’ll need to put into cleaning it. 

Water Reservoir Capacity

A large water tank is beneficial because you won’t need to fill it up too often. This can be great if the machine is used in an office or an Airbnb. On the other hand, large water tanks are somewhat harder to refill when the occasion does arise. 

Size

There is no good buying a beautiful super-automatic latte machine if it can’t fit the kitchen counter! Looking at the size of the machine versus the space you have available will help you pick the perfect machine.  

Grinder

Having a coffee brewer with a grinder is crucial for tasty coffee. If your machine doesn’t grind the coffee for you, you might want to invest in one separately. The benefits of grinding coffee fresh can not be overstated. 

How to Use a Latte Machine 

Step 1 – Add the water

Locate the water reservoir and top it to the fill line with cool fresh water. Power on the machine and let it heat up. 

Step 2 – Add the coffee

While the machine heats up, add your coffee. If you are using a super-automatic machine, you’ll probably be using whole beans. Pod-based machines will use either Nespresso pods or K-cups. 

Step 3 – Pull a shot 

If you are using a super-automatic latte machine, you need to add milk to the milk reservoir and press the start button. If you are using a machine like Keurig’s K-Cafe, engage the coffee brewing process. 

Step 4 – Make the milk

Again, if you are using a super-automatic latte machine, you’ll already be drinking your latte by now! But if you are using something that isn’t fully automatic, you’ll need to make your milk. Add the milk to the milk frother and let it do its thing. 

Step 5 – Pour your latte

Once the milk is finished steaming, pour it over the espresso in your cup. Try your hand at pouring some latte art and enjoy your delicious homemade latte! 

 

How to Clean Your Latte Machine 

Cleaning is an easy and crucial step to keeping any coffee machine running properly. An uncleaned machine will eventually have blockages and clogs, and in extreme cases, have issues powering on.

Machines that feature a grinder will take a little more work to clean. In this case, refer to the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning process.  

Step 1- Add the descaling solution to the water reservoir

Locate your machine’s water reservoir and add your chosen descaling solution. Check with the manufacturer of the machine as to the solution they recommend. If you are using a pod-based machine, ensure there is no pod in the machine. 

Step 2 – Run a descaling cycle

Most modern coffee makers feature a descaling cycle. Check with the manufacturer of your machine as to how to enter descaling mode. Run through the descaling cycle.

Step 3 – Rinse

Once the machine has finished descaling, you’ll want to rinse all the leftover solutions out of the machine. Rinse the water reservoir and fill it with fresh, clean water. Run the descale cycle again with this freshwater. If you can still detect the smell of the descaling solution after the first rinse cycle, repeat the rinse cycle once or twice more.

Latte Machine vs Espresso Machine

A latte machine is designed to automate the process of an espresso machine. 

Espresso machines are mostly manual, meaning that the machine user needs to grind the coffee and pack it into the portafilter before loading the portafilter into the espresso machine and engaging a shot. Then you’ll need to get started on steaming the milk using the machine’s steam wand. 

Latte machines do all of this for you. Some machines will require you to add ground coffee to the machine, while others will accept whole beans. While it all depends on the device, a latte machine should do most of the work for you. You shouldn’t need any coffee-making experience to use a latte machine. 

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

Latte machines can get really expensive. Some of the high-end super-automatic latte machines can run well into the thousands. Those more expensive machines certainly make a better latte than a machine that is sub $100. Not only will a more expensive machine do a better job of making you a latte, but it will also last longer. 

Having said that, there are certainly ways of making a delicious latte without spending loads of money on equipment. Using an AeroPress or a Moka pot, combined with an automatic milk frother, will produce a tasty cup of coffee. But it won’t be nearly as easy as a latte machine.  

Do’s and Don’ts With Latte Machines

Do’s

• Regardless of the machine you choose, use quality coffee. 
• Keep your latte machine clean. It’s impossible to make tasty coffee in a dirty machine. 
• Explore different kinds of milk with your machine. Some work better with full fat, whereas others go better with light milk.  

Don’ts

• Don’t be afraid to get stuck into the programmable features of a machine. Strength controls and milk temperature can massively affect the taste of a latte.
• Don’t buy a machine that is too big for your kitchen. The temptation of buying a big commercial-sized machine can be strong but will lead to frustration if you don’t have space for it. 

FAQ About Latte Machines

What’s the best latte-making machine for beginners?

If you are looking for a super-automatic machine, the Delonghi Magnifica S is a great option. It produces tasty coffee and is super easy to use. 

Do I need any other essential equipment along with the machine?

Aside from having your perfect coffee mug, you shouldn’t need too much else. If you are using an espresso machine, you’ll need a milk jug and a tamper. Other than that, just coffee, water, milk, and your cleaning supplies are really all you’ll need. 

Do all espresso machines make lattes?

Yes! All espresso machines are capable of making a latte. But no espresso machine will make a latte for you. An espresso machine is pretty much a manual coffee maker, a tool for you to use to make a latte. 

What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

While it varies from barista to barista, a cappuccino tends to have more foam than a latte. Both will use the same milk and usually the same coffee. A cappuccino will also typically have a sprinkle of chocolate powder on top. 

Conclusion

Latte machines are a great, easy way of making a latte at home. Using a super-automatic machine, there is zero learning curve. No need to learn about espresso, no need to waste coffee dialing in the right grind size, and best of all— you don’t even need to leave your front door! 

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