Up Your Brewing Game With The Best Cappuccino Makers In 2020
Espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos add the much needed zhoosh to otherwise plain black coffee. However, the cost of buying lattes and cappuccinos can drastically add up. More so, you have little control over the taste of store-bought cappuccino—enter-homemade cappuccinos.
The biggest issue most people have with making homemade cappuccinos is the effort that goes into the process. Not to mention, the skills required to operate some espresso machines. This can be remedied by finding the best machine to suit your needs. We help you do this by reviewing top cappuccino machines this year.
Why cappuccinos need a good espresso machine
If you are a cappuccino aficionado, you already know that they are made by combining equal parts of milk with espresso. This is unlike lattes, which are drenched in milk.
When it comes to cappuccinos, the quality of the espresso shot is as important as the milk quality. This is why most coffee experts recommend a brewer that pulls well-extracted shots when making cappuccinos.
However, we focus on both the espresso aspect as well as the milk aspect when reviewing our best cappuccino makers this year.
Types of Espresso machines
Espresso machines can be categorized based on boiler technology as well as the level of automation. When comparing based on the boiler, we have three types of cappuccino makers. These are single boilers, heat exchange, and dual boilers.
There are 5 types of espresso machines based on the level of automation. These include semi-automatic, super-automatic, manual lever, pod/ capsule, and steam-powered machines. Allow me to expound further.
Espresso machine based on boiler technology
- Single boiler dual unit
An SBDU machine uses water from a single source to brew coffee as well as produce steam for milk frothing. This means that you will not be able to brew and froth milk at the same time.
The SBDU first boils water for brewing, which is at a lower temperature. Later, water is heated at a higher temperature for frothing.
The biggest shortcoming of the single boiler is that you will have to wait for about 2 minutes for the water to boil to steam temperature. This can be quite a drag, especially when making multiple servings.
Aside from this, you will have to factor in the boiler’s cooling time after steaming before making another cup.
All factors considered, this type of brewer is best for the casual coffee drinker. Keep in mind that they are easy on your wallet hence great for a tight budget.
- Heat Exchanger
HX boilers have a single boiler but can brew and froth milk at the same time. Water in the boiler is maintained at steam temperaturE. Brewing water is then heated at a lower temperature in a different system within the boiler.
Expert baristas prefer HX boilers to their dual counterparts due to their inconsistent brewing temperature over time. In the hands of an experienced user, this can result in better-tasting coffee. HX boilers are also quite affordable and take up less space compared to dual boilers.
- Dual boiler
Just like the HX boiler, the DB is capable of steaming and brewing at the same time. The DB, however, comes with two separate boiling chambers, each with its heating element and water is heated at different temperatures for brewing and frothing.
The DB is very consistent, especially when preparing large volumes. This is owed to the ability to precisely control brewing temperature.
Espresso machine by automation level
- Super-automatic brewer
Also known as one-touch brewers, super-automatic machines deliver a cup of coffee by a press of a button. It is equipped with an internal grinder that grinds the beans, fills up the portafilter, tamps, and brews.
Most one-touch brewers also come with an internal bin for discarding the coffee grounds once used. Some go a step further and self-clean after every use, making maintenance effortless.
Despite the convenience of these machines, some often have a problem processing oily beans. They also come with exorbitant price tags, and the coffee brewed is not as satisfactory as with a semi-automatic brewer.
- Semi-automatic brewer
Many espresso machines are semi-automatic. They require some human intervention to operate whereby you get to decide the grind size, fill the portafilter, tamp, and press a button to brew.
The coffee brewed by a semi-automatic machine depends on the experience of the barista as they offer some level of control. This leaves room for honing your skis with time. Another advantage of semi-automatic over super-automatic is their relatively low price range.
- Manual lever brewer
Manual lever machines are the most involving espresso makers and require a lot of skills to operate. These are old-school brewers which require the user to fill the portafilter, tamp, fill up the water reservoir. To brew the coffee, you will need to lift the handle then lower it slowly lower it facilitating extraction.
Although this process is involving, brewing a good cuppa can be quite rewarding. Manual ever machines are confined to ground coffee and do not use pods. They also have a small base area hence take up little space.
- Capsule/Pod brewer
As the name suggests, capsule machines use coffee pods to brew a cup, as opposed to other espresso machines that use ground coffee. Using a pod brewer is quite easy; all you need to do is feed the pod to the machine and brew by a press of a button.
It is vital to confirm the machine model before purchasing as most pod brewers can only make espressos. However, a few come with a frothing wand, while some have an automatic milk frothing system.
Due to the ease of use and convenience of pod brewers, they are best suited for an office setting. It is also important to note that these machines are pod-specific; in that, they will only accept coffee pods of a specific size. With this in mind, make sure you confirm the pods that work on your machine and their availability.
- Steam operated brewer
Steam operated espresso machines are glorified coffee makers. They are considered the electric version of a Moka pot.
They operate by boiling water to steam, which forces the hot water through ground coffee in the portafilter.
Steam operated brewers do not make good espressos and should not be considered by any espresso enthusiast, An excellent alternative to these brewers would be entry-level semi-automatic espresso machines. They are reasonably affordable and easy to operate.
Frequently bought together
It is common for most espresso machines to miss a couple of essential parts. However, most of these parts can be bought separately. Better yet, they are often under $20.
- A milk frother
Most low budget machines do not come with a milk frother-which is vital for most espresso-based brews.
In case you have your eye on a good machine, but it is missing a frother, the Secura milk frother can be a great addition to your machine.
This will also allow you to brew and froth simultaneously.
- A stainless steel frothing pitcher
Sure, your brewer came equipped with a frothing wand, but the pitcher is missing. No worries, this is reasonably common for low and mid-range espresso machines.
The Luxica pitcher can be obtained for a low price of $13. It comes with a durable stainless steel body and clear measurement markings for accuracy.
- Leveler and tamper
Most machines come with a plastic tamper which does not provide sufficient pressure for “packing” your grounds.
Buying a leveler and tamper separately will bring you a step closer to excellent lattes and cappuccinos. It is crucial to consider the size of your portafilter before buying a tamper. A suitable replacement for your plastic tamper can be the 53mm Apexstone tamper, which is not only made of stainless steel but also quite affordable.
Best cappuccino machines this year
Breville BES840X the Infuser Espresso Machine
Not all coffee beans are the same; that is why the Breville BES840XL is the right machine to adjust to your coffee needs. It comes with a PID temperature control system that can be adjusted by 2 degree Celsius increments. This allows you to select the ideal brewing temperature depending on your bean type.
The pre-infusion feature increases your chances of pulling a great shot. This injects a small amount of hot water to the grounds allowing them to moisten hence evenly extract. Paired with a 15 bar pressure system and a double-walled portafilter, you can brew a rich, flavorful cup.
You can pull a single or double shot as well as froth and brew at the same time thanks to the capable milk frother provided. The frother comes with a steam wand that swivels up to 360 degrees for frothing at different angles.
Cleaning and maintenance are effortless, thanks to the stainless steel body. Easy cleaning is further enhanced by the removable drip tray that is partitioned for both wet and dry spills and has an indicator for when it is full. The drip tray also gives room for large/tall mugs. The removable 1.8 liters reservoir also gives you easy cleaning time.
Pros
- Thermocoil heating system paired with PID temperature adjust system
- Pre-infusion feature and double-walled filter aid in proper extraction
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- 360-degree swivel steam wand for effective mill frothing
- Dry puck feature removes excess water from used grounds for easy disposal
Cons
- Does not have a coffee grinder
- 15 bar pressure system may not be as effective as the required 19 bars
Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine
The Barista Express comes with a hefty price tag but has features that make it worth it. This espresso maker is capable of transforming beans to cappuccinos by the press of a button.
It features a conical burr grinder that has a dial size option for grinding your beans, depending on their type. It also gives you control over the water temperature due to the inbuilt PID digital temperature control system. Likewise, you can choose between a single or double espresso shot depending on your beverage of choice.
The innovative grinding cradle feeds freshly ground coffee directly to the portafilter from the burr grinder. This is not only convenient but also ensures your coffee is as fresh as can be. The 360-degree swiveling steam wand allows for frothing at different angles as well as the creation of microfoam, which is essential on an excellent cappuccino.
Rest assured of getting your money’s worth with the hoards of accessories accompanying this appliance. These include; razor dose trimming tool, a coffee scoop, an integrated tamper, a stainless steel frothing jar, as well as cleaning and water filter tools.
Pros
- Versatile brewer with multiple adjustment options
- Large 2-liter reservoir with filter system
- 360-degree swivel steam wand for excellence in frothing
- Has an inbuilt burr grinder with grind size dial
- Heavily accessorized to meet your needs
- Value for your money
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space
- No empty reservoir detection
- Requires some level of skill to pull good shots
De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Maker
The De’Longhi EC155 might just be the perfect espresso machine for entertaining. It features separate thermostats hence allowing you to steam and brew at the same time. Better yet, this machine maintains a steady temperature that eliminates the lag time between shots; thus, you can brew cup after cup without pausing.
The EC155 features a 15 bar pressure system for coffee extraction and a 3-in-1 portafilter. The portafilter can be used to make a single or double shot. It can also accommodate coffee pods or even tea bags.
A steam wand is attached to this brewer enabling you to create a variety of drinks including cappuccinos. In case you are not up to frothing, a steam option is provided on the dial.
The removable water reservoir and drip tray make for struggle-free the cleaning. The reservoir is also strategically placed to save on space while at the same time providing visibility for the water level. Overall, the EC155 is designed in a space-saving set up to avoid an overcrowded look in your kitchen.
Pros
- Dual heating system for simultaneous brewing and frothing
- Compact design with a small footprint
- Removable easy to clean see-through reservoir
- Steady temperature control for back to back brewing
- Versatile 3-in-1 portafilter
Cons
- The steam wand has a plastic tip
- The plastic body is not as durable as stainless steel
Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable Espresso Maker
Cuisinart EM-200 is a decent mid-range espresso machine with all the necessary features for a satisfactory cappuccino. It features a 15 bar pressure system for maximum flavor extraction. It also comes with a Cuisinart-classic cup warming feature. This ensures your cups are warm before serving coffee to prevent your coffee from losing heat when it gets to your cup.
You can program the EM-200 by pre-selecting the cup size (1.5 or 3.0 ounces) hence brewing fast back to back drinks. It also features a removable 2-liter reservoir that is easy to clean. The stainless steel body is also easy to maintain, requiring a wipe down every so often.
The drip tray easily detaches to accommodate larger mugs. It also comes with a cover that absorbs any spillage. A stainless steel steam wand makes the much-needed foam for cappuccinos and lattes. As proof of durability, this machine is backed up with a 3-year warranty.
Pros
- 15 bar pressure for extraction
- Pre-programmable for effortless brewing
- Stainless steel steam wand for milk frothing
- Cup warmer
- 3-year warranty
- Uses both ground coffee and coffee pods
Cons
- You have to buy the grinder separately
- The steam wand easily gets damaged
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
No time to master barista skills? No problem, the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is optimized to deliver delicious espresso-based drinks with minimum effort. This semi-automatic espresso machine comes with an automatic milk frother that removes any effort or guesswork from frothing. The frother comprises a removable milk reservoir that can be stored in the fridge for convenience.
An easy to clean removable water tank is equally easy to refill as it can be accessed from the top. Expect no trouble understanding the operation of this machine, which is made trouble-free by the dial interface. This allows you to choose your beverage and the number of shots required leaving the rest to the machine.
A 15 bar pressure system is not bad for its price range. It also comes with extra accessories such as a coffee scoop, tamper, and a recipe book for a variety of drinks.
Pros
- Trouble-free, easy operation
- Affordable price
- Does not require espresso-making skills
- Easy to clean
- Fast brewing saving on time
Cons
- A stainless steel frothing wand does a better job compared to an inbuilt system
- Rigid operation leaving little room for learning or adjustments
Nespresso USA Essenza Mini Espresso Maker
If you are short on cash and space, perhaps this is just the espresso maker for you. The Nespresso Essenza mini model comes with a compact alim design that will easily blend into your kitchen without taking up much space. The icing on the cake is that this machine is quite pocket friendly, going for under $100!
Don’t dismiss this little espresso maker for its low price just yet. Many customers have given it a good review as it is well capable of delivering a tasty cuppa. This is enabled by the 19 bar pressure system that provides precisely the right force to pull a creamy, delicious shot.
The Essenza mini also saves on energy by going into energy-saving mode after 3 minutes of inactivity and finally automatically shutting off 9 minutes later. The first time you purchase this capsule espresso maker, you get 16 free assorted coffee pods to start you off.
Pros
- Slim, compact design that saves on space
- 19 bar pressure system for sufficient extraction
- Pocket-friendly price
- Free coffee pods with the first purchase
- Easy to use and clean up
- Energy saving
Cons
- Small 0.6 liters water reservoir will need constant refilling
- You will have to buy a separate milk frother for latte art
- Restricted to coffee pods
Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine
This espresso machine is made to mimic commercial-grade espresso makers. For this reason, it makes the perfect buy for anyone looking to advance their barista skills.
The Gaggia Classic Pro comes with a sleek stainless steel body that is not only easy to clean but also durable. It also features a commercial 58mm portafilter as well as a solenoid valve.
A 2-liter reservoir saves you the effort of constantly refilling the water tanks. You can also make coffee art thanks to the quality stainless steel steam wand provided.
Pros
- Good for entry-level learning
- Decent steam wand for milk frothing
- Sleek and durable stainless steel body
- Compact design that saves on space
Cons
- Has very few features hence overpriced
- Does not have a grinder
Last word
The Breville BES840XL comes with all the necessary features for pulling an excellent espresso shot. It is also quite flexible ( especially in terms of temperature control), making it excellent for learning and experimenting. The fact that it is below $500 despite all its exceptional features makes it our top pick.
The Breville Barista Express is a close second with promising features and excellent reviews. Our only qualm with it is the relatively hefty price tag that is beyond $500.
If you simply want quick and easy cappuccinos without much learning or effort, bet on the De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Maker.
We would love to hear how homemade cappuccino is working for you. Leave a comment below, maybe some tips and advice for our avid readers.