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Sasha Pavlovich is a coffee expert with years of experience as a barista, and she knows quite a bit about caffeine and coffee. She manually curates every single page on CaffeineStats.com to make sure that you are getting the right information at your fingertips.
Sasha's expertise is backed by a strong foundation of credentials. She is a certified Coffee Roast Master, specializes in Green Coffee Analytics, and is a certified Sensory Cup Taster.
Tired of the same ol’, same ol’ when it comes to your morning coffee routine? Maybe that old drip maker or Keurig just isn’t cutting it anymore. If you find yourself going out almost every day for a cappuccino, you might want to consider buying your own cappuccino maker. Having one in your own home can save both time and money – plus it can make a downright delicious cuppa.
Besides, what better early holiday or birthday present to get oneself?
But which machine should you choose? Is there one that works better than all the rest? Whether you are looking for an affordable option or something a little more high-end, I’ve got some suggestions for the best cappuccino maker to buy.
Okay, before we leap into which is the best cappuccino machine on the market, let’s talk about what a cappuccino machine is and how it functions. This is simply a machine that makes cappuccino – a drink perfected and popularized during World Wars I and II. What you have is a shot of espresso as the bottom layer, steamed milk in the middle, and milky foam on the top. You can personalize your drink with a flavored syrup and/or a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder on the top.
Unlike an espresso machine, a cappuccino maker can easily make you an espresso-based drink with milk with the quick touch of a button.
Aside from just going the manual route, you can buy either a semi- or super-automatic espresso machine. Semi-automatic machines require you to press a button to get the shot, as opposed to pulling a lever. But you still have to grind the coffee. While they are user-friendly enough, they still have steep learning curves. Of course, you get full control over your brewing variables and can spend some time honing your barista skills.
A super-automatic machine does most of the work for you. It will grind the coffee, set up the portafilter and tamp, pull the shot, and steam the milk for you. This makes them rather convenient, especially for the untrained hand. And they’re incredibly consistent. But – and this is a big “but” for many aficionados – you get almost no control over your brewing variables. You might also need to get your machine professionally cleaned, as it will get dirty fast.
Depending on your skill level, you might want to opt for semi-automatic. It doesn’t require a ton of strength to pull the shot, but you get a good amount of control over the brewing variables. You also get to practice your skills as an in-home barista with the semi-automatic espresso maker. It is just a tad more fun and doesn’t require a crazy pro-level cleaning.
Need something quick and easy to clean? I recommend opting for pods. But if it is bold flavor you want, use grounds. In fact, buy whole beans and use your own grinder or the grinder built into your cappuccino maker.
You can get one of three types of milk frothers on an espresso-cappuccino maker: a frothing wand, a frothing tank (generally found on an automatic model), or a separate frother (like what you get with the Nespresso). Wands are messy and loud but provide more control. Frothing tanks are quick and easy to use but take time to clean. The separate frother is a space-saver, but their effectiveness varies.
How much counter space can you spare? Bear in mind that espresso-cappuccino makers are often wider and longer than drip coffee makers. Measure your space ahead of time and make sure the cord length will actually reach a nearby open outlet.
Espresso actually means “to press out”, not “to express” or expedite. Speeds vary. It takes about 30 seconds to pull an espresso shot, but a machine can take anywhere from 15 seconds to nearly 30 minutes to heat up. Automatic machines save the most time but are more restrictive in terms of control.
Fully automatic cappuccino makers do most of the work for you while semi-automatic models do only some of the work. A super-automatic machine does pretty much everything with just the press of a button. As mentioned above, they all have their benefits and drawbacks. If ease-of-use is the top priority for you, a super-automatic is the way to go. However, most semi-automatic models are easy enough to use once you work through the learning curve.
Cappuccino makers require some clean-up. Grounds should always be dumped post-use, and a brush should be used to scrub the porta-filter and grouphead to wipe away grounds. Wipe the end of the frother to keep that tidy. The frother will need an occasional rinse too.
Backflush the portafilter by locking it into the grouphead and running the brew cycle a few times until it is clear of debris. At home, you can do it every few days. Doing it every few weeks with detergent makes it even cleaner.
Descaling is crucial for removing residue. Manufacturers recommend doing it once a month, but some machines really only need it every two to three months. You might want to use vinegar with soap water, but check your user’s manual first to ensure that it is safe to do so.
One of the things to keep in mind is that practice makes perfect. Your first cup won’t be your greatest. Start by getting more foam than milk, then brew your espresso – single or double – using your desired setting on the machine. Swirl the milk around to release air bubbles; you can tap the milk jug against a counter if there are persistent bubbles. From a low height, pour the milk over the espresso. Then give the milk a gentle wiggle to make sure the foam transfers into the cup.
A cappuccino is an Italian-style drink that involves three layers: an espresso shot, steamed milk, and a layer of froth.
If you’re going to the coffeeshop several times a week, you can save money by buying a cappuccino machine.
Some espresso machines can make cappuccinos, but a few don’t. Check with the manufacturer before you buy.
You might need to buy shot glasses, a cup drawer (for pods/capsules), and a grinder if your machine doesn’t come with it.
This is the hand-held basket attached to your machine that lets you brew. It is also referred to as a grouphead.
Starbucks uses a super-autmated machine called Mastrena, which was specifically developed for them by Swiss manufacturer Thermoplan AG.
In the US, Costa will be using a coffee barista bot designed by Briggo.
Hoffman helped develop the Eagle One with Victoria Arduino and uses that.
The Linea Mini is extremely comprehensive and commercial-grade.
With the right grounds and a honed frothing technique, you can make a good cappuccino at home.
Finding a cappuccino maker that gives you some control over your drink is essential for making a great drink. While you might face a bit of a learning curve, you can make your own customized delicious drink.
That’s what I like about the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. There are a number of settings that allow for greater customization. Texture the milk by yourself while the machine delivers smooth and even flavor. It makes for just the right blend of machine functionality and human control.
