In an industry worth over $12 billion in annual sales, coffee is well-loved by millions around the world. In fact, in the United States alone, there are over 24,000 coffee shops. But given the price for a cup of java, it's pretty self-explanatory why coffee drinkers are looking for alternatives for their fresh brew.
If you want to save money but still want the best coffee out there, you should invest in the best cappuccino maker for your kitchen. They're easy to use and give you the freedom to have a cup of your favorite drink whenever you want.
You can't just purchase a good coffee maker; you have to purchase a good coffee machine with a good frother, as both are needed to make the perfect cappuccino. So here are the best cappuccino makers of the year, fully equipped with the quality you're looking for. They won't make you miss standing in line at your favorite coffee shop.
1. EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
First up, we have the Espressoworks All-In-One is a mid-range coffee appliance with a 15 bar pump pressure system. As you see from the image below, this model is on the bulkier side; but it's big and beautiful. It's definitely worth investing in if you need flexibility to pull a single or double shot.
Thanks to this machine's ThermoBlock fasting heating system, this model is ready to use in just 45 seconds. After making your coffee, filling up the machine's water reservoir is easy due to its removable water tank. On top of that, there is hassle-free cleaning with this machine as it offers a detachable frother and dripping tray along with two reusable, stainless steel portafilter baskets.
If there's any complaint to be made with this machine, however, is that it sometimes takes more than 45 seconds to start up. Setting this petty con aside, the EspressoWorks All-in-One has an incredible steam wand, is moderately priced yet looks and functions as if it's double the cost, and generally provides everything you would need in a cappuccino maker.
Top Features:
- 15 bar pump pressure system
- Thermoblock fast heating system
- Detachable frother
- Removable tray
- Removable water reservoir with handle
- Includes 2 stainless steel portafilter baskets for single and double shots
2. Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee, Latte and Cappuccino Machine
Before diving into the next best home cappuccino machine, first know that because this is a Keurig K machine, only K-Cup coffee pods will be compatible. But regardless, this machine can brew a flavorful latte and cappuccino and the best espresso you've ever tasted in five different sizes, including a 2-ounce setting if you prefer shots.
While there are plenty of cup sizes to choose from, and you can pick between a milder or stronger brew, what this machine lacks is a timer. In other words, you won't be able to schedule your coffee to be brewed at a certain time. While this isn't a big deal for some, it can be a drawback for others who like to wake up to freshly-brewed coffee. Other minor flaws with this Keurig models include the fact that this machine is larger, and thus, harder to store and that the cord is short, making it difficult to plug into outlets depending on their placement.
Setting the latter cons aside, this moderately-priced Keurig machine provides high quality that some state could be comparable to that of a high-end $1,000 machine while still making cappuccino-brewing simple. That said, selecting this machine is a good choice for those who are new to making cappuccinos or even regular coffee for that matter. Additionally, because you'll receive 24 K-Cup coffee pods with your purchase, you'll have plenty to experience to find what is the best coffee for your taste buds.
Top Features:
- Smart start brewing
- Five sizes (2, 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces)
- Brew strength
- Dishwasher safe frother
- Removable, dishwasher safe mess tray
- 60-ounce water reservoir
- Includes 24 K-cup coffee capsules
3. Hamilton Beach 40792 Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, Black
Coming to the European-inspired Hamilton Beach 40792 with frother, this tiny but mighty machine may not look like much, but it exceeds most expectations. This cappuccino coffee maker flaunts a beautiful black, silver, and red exterior along with a removable water reservoir and drip tray and a swiveling steam wand to give you versatility, ease of brewing, and simple cleaning.
One of the top features of this model is its patented Slide-and-Lock filter holder. With just two steps, one can just slide the filter holder forward and then lock it on the side to quickly secure your ground coffee without a hassle. On top of that, this compact unit offers the ability to personalize your coffee and espresso. They even offer the ability to keep your cup of coffee warmer for longer.
Top Features:
- 15-bar Italian pump
- Swiveling steam wand
- Patented Slide and Lock filter holder
- Indicator lights
- Cup warmer
- Dial for espresso and steam
- Removable water reservoir
4. Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso and Cappuccino Maker in Silver
If you're looking for something a bit more high-end and luxurious, consider the Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine and Cappuccino Machine. It might be at the higher end of your budget. However, from the appearance of this machine to its overall features and capabilities, it's hard to beat a Gaggia cappuccino and espresso machine.
The Gaggia Brera features a gorgeous and easy-to-use LED display and one-touch controls to allow you to quickly program your cappuccino or other beverage to your liking. Due to its rapid steam technology, this Gaggia espresso and cappuccino machine quickly heats up and delivers your espresso in no time, whether you're brewing with coffee beans or pre-ground coffee. Popping your cup over to the Brera's integrated Pannarello wand frother, you can froth up your beverage for the perfect cappuccino or latte. The frother can also dispense hot water if you instead wish to make hot tea or an Americano.
Although, one downside to this cappuccino machine is that even for its higher cost, you only get a one-year warranty. While Gaggia is a popular and trustworthy company, everyone knows that with technology, anything could go wrong at any point. But even with this con, this cappuccino espresso machine has a quiet burr coffee beans grinder, is affordable for being a Gaggia machine, and is incredibly quick and easy to clean thanks to self-cleaning.
Top Features:
- User-friendly LED display
- Stainless steel front panel
- Ceramic burr bean grinder
- Programmable brewing
- Pannarello wand frother
- Rapid steam technology
5. Breville Creatista Plus Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
The Nespresso Creatista Plus can be deemed the best cappuccino single-serve espresso machine of all time thanks to its variety of features, one-of-a-kind appearance with a narrow stainless steel design, and ability to accommodate shorter and larger cups and mugs.
This Nespresso cappuccino maker is in the mid- to higher range price-wise, but it claims to offer barista-grade brews thanks to its plethora of settings for adjusting milk temperature, mixture, and coffee volume. Its quick-to-use integrated milk frother alone offers eight different textures to pick from and 11 milk temperature settings from 113 to 168 degrees Fahrenheit.
On top of that, the Nespresso Creatista Plus heats up in under three seconds, offers 19 bars of pressure, and automatically shuts off after nine minutes for convenience and energy-saving. While you already receive a lot for your money, Nespresso even throws in a welcome kit featuring 16 coffee capsules.
Fortunately, there aren't significant cons with this cappuccino espresso maker, but there are still some important cons to cover nevertheless. It only has a two-year warranty. Also, this machine is also only compatible with Nespresso coffee pods. But if you opt for a reusable pod, you can fill it with the ground coffee of your choice.
Top Features:
- 19-bar pressure
- LCD display
- 8 beverage selections
- 3 beverage size options: 0.5, 1.35, or 5 ounces
- Integrated milk frother with 8 texture levels and 11 temperature settings
- Automatic cleaning process
- 1.5-liter removable water tank
- Stainless milk jug
- Self-cleaning feature
- Automatic shutoff
- Includes a kit with 16 different-flavored coffee capsules
6. De Longhi EC155M Manual Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
This line of De Longhi espresso cappuccino coffee makers, the EC155M, is great if you're on a budget. Its narrow shape and overall design make this machine attractive for both traditional and modern kitchens, offices, and the like. Even being a smaller and more affordable machine, this De Longhi unit is equipped with a self-priming system, meaning it's ready to brew coffee at all times.
Getting down to the features in specific, the De Longhi EC155M Manual Espresso Machine feature two thermostats, one for steam temperature and one for water temperature. That said, you can make the perfect cappuccino to your liking. With the 3-in-1 filter holder provided by this machine, you can add one shot, two shots, or an ESE espresso pod depending on your personal preferences. To top your brew off, the frother is one of the best out there. With the ready indicator light on this machine, you'll know right when it's time to froth.
This machine is a great buy, but one of the downsides is that the water reservoir can only accommodate 35 ounces of water at a time. Additionally, if you end up purchasing this machine, consider purchasing a separate pitcher as the steam wand sits low.
Top Features:
- 15 bars of pressure
- Self-priming, anti-drip system
- 3-in-1 filter holder
- Single selector knob
- Removable drip tray
- Adjustable steam emission
- Indicator lights
7. Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine Bundle with Aeroccino Milk Frother by Breville, Black
Now, let's take a look at the Nespresso Vertuo. With three different cup size options and patented CentrifusionTM technology, the Vertuo can blend up your cappuccino with the perfect coffee-to-water ratio. Being a slimmer machine, this is an ideal cappuccino machine for office spaces.
But before you think about getting this machine, keep in mind that this model is only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo coffee capsules. You can use a reusable pod for brewing ground coffee, but you would need a grinder if you prefer to use freshly-ground coffee. For some people, the pod issue isn't that big of a deal. In fact, you'll receive 12 coffee pods with your purchase of this Nespresso cappuccino maker.
Plus, Nespresso is a well-known brand with a great reputation for reliability and durability. There are dozens of high-quality Nespresso machine units. Your investment will surely be safe with this appliance.
Top Features:
- 3 beverage size options: 1.35, 8, and 14 ounces
- Automatic blend recognition
- One-touch brewing
- Patented CentrifusionTM technology that reads barcodes on special coffee pods
- Includes 12 different-flavored coffee capsules and an Aeroccino 3 milk frother
How to Find the Best Cappuccino Maker: Buyer's Guide
Not impressed by any of the cappuccino machines we reviewed? No problem, you can always find the one of your dreams by yourself. To help you save time (and money), we've compiled a list of the top features to keep in mind.
Versatility
Not all cappuccino machines are made the same. Some boast pre-settings that will help you brew the perfect cup of your favorite frothy drink. Others only have an "on-and-off" button, so they don't give you many options to tinker with.
Steam Wand
It's important to get a cappuccino maker with a high-quality steam wand. After all, you can only get the signature frothy and creamy layer of milk using the wand. Is it easy to use? How easy is the cleanup afterward? Can you trust it to be reliable? It's best to pick a model made of stainless steel, as it won't rust and it'll be a breeze to clean.
Reliability
Cappuccino machines are pricey, so it's important to only spend money on one that works well. The best way to see if a cappuccino maker is reliable is to go through customer reviews or professional reviews like ours.
Durability
Similarly, you'll want to make sure your cappuccino maker will work for many years to come. That's why it's best to buy a model that is built robustly with durability in mind. Once again, turn to reviews to gauge how long cappuccino machines last their owners.
Water Tank Capacity
This feature isn't as important as the ones we've gone over, but it's still worth looking into. Is the water tank roomy? Will it hold many cups of water at once? The larger the tank, the less often you'll have to consistently fill it up.
Size and Design
Lastly, let's talk about size and design. Since cappuccino makers are bulky appliances, they'll probably be constantly on display on your kitchen counter. For that reason, it's not shallow to invest in a model that looks good and fits nicely with the rest of your decor. You'll also have to figure out if you have any kitchen counter space, to begin with. Otherwise, it wouldn't be worth getting a cappuccino maker.
