It’s hard not to love a cozy warm latte or a refreshing iced latte, made with espresso, milk, and a light layer of foam. These days, latte machines make it easy to enjoy coffee shop–quality drinks at home, whether you want to press a single button and have your latte ready or try your hand at barista-style brewing with a more manual machine. A latte machine is essentially an espresso machine with a built-in milk frother, so there’s no need to buy a separate one.
Over the past few decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has tested more than 60 espresso and latte machines. We continue testing these machines throughout the year, and for the past five years, I’ve been evaluating the newest coffee and espresso makers on a regular basis year round. In our testing, we evaluate performance, ease of use, and, of course, taste.
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This machine stands out for its wide variety of drink options, customization, and easy-to-use interface. It lets you choose from 12 different espresso drinks, including some you don’t see on most latte machines, like a cortado or café au lait. You can adjust the temperature and select how bold you want your coffee (light, medium, or dark), along with setting your preferred espresso and milk amounts.
It also gives you the option to decide whether the coffee or milk pours first and includes settings for dairy or non-dairy milk to achieve better frothing results. With a large 74 ounce water tank, you won’t have to worry about refilling it often.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: In Lab testing, the espresso came out flavorful and well-balanced. I found the machine very consistent in taste, volume, and temperature every time I made an espresso shot. The frother created smooth, silky foam for lattes, and the milk container is removable, making it easy to store any leftovers in the fridge. In fact, this machine stood out so much that it earned a spot in our Good Housekeeping Kitchen Awards.
TAKE NOTE: One of our at-home testers noted that this machine looks great on the counter, but it’s on the large side for her limited counter space so it’s best for someone who won’t mind a bigger machine.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Fully-automatic |
| Dimensions | 18.5″ x 10.25 ” x 14.25″ |
| Water reservoir capacity | 74 ounces |
| Grinder | Yes |
The Breville Bambino Plus makes excellent espresso and features an upgraded frothing wand compared to the original Bambino. It’s one of the most compact machines, saving counter space, and is also one of the few high-quality machines that delivers excellent lattes without costing thousands of dollars. I appreciate that, despite its smaller size, it has a large 64-ounce water tank, which means less refilling.
It comes with single- and dual-wall filter baskets, a trimming tool, a tamper, and a milk jug to use with the attached steam wand for frothing your own milk. The brew settings allow you to choose between a single or double espresso, along with steamy, frothy, or very frothy milk. It comes in an array of color options to match your kitchen aesthetic, and Williams Sonoma carries a few more beautiful options than other retailers, such as Damson Blue and Sea Salt.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: You won’t have to wait long for your latte, as this machine preheated in less than five seconds and brewed tasty espresso just as quickly. The built-in steam wand created silky microfoam in under a minute, so you can make a perfect latte in just a few minutes.
TAKE NOTE: This is a more hands-on machine that requires filling the portafilter with pre-ground coffee, tamping it down, and emptying the portafilter after brewing.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Semi-automatic |
| Dimensions | 7.75″ x 12.5″ x 12.25″ |
| Water reservoir capacity | 64 ounces |
| Grinder | No |
Pros
- Easy to use
- Makes excellent lattes
- Compact size
Cons
- Frother doesn’t work as well with plant-based milk
If making a latte seems intimidating, especially with machines that have endless drink options, this De’Longhi is a great choice for beginners (or pros who want to keep it simple). It offers five drink choices, including latte macchiato, cappuccino, espresso, coffee, and hot water. It comes with an automatic frothing container, so all you need to do is push a button and a latte is made for you.
The control panel features both pictures and text, making it easy to navigate the menu and choose your drink. Even though it’s simple to use, the machine has 13 grind size settings along with adjustable intensity and temperature controls, so you can customize your coffee to your preferences.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN TESTS: I’ve tested almost all of De’Longhi’s espresso machines, and I love this one for its simplicity and convenient features, like a built-in grinder and automatic frothing container. I found that it produces consistently delicious espresso, and the froth is nice and thick. It’s very easy to use, and I liked that I wasn’t overwhelmed by endless drink options.
I was also impressed by its compact size compared to other fully automatic machines. Plus, for a fully automatic machine with automatic frothing, it’s a great price. One of our at-home testers noted that they had never used an espresso machine before and found this one easy to clean and use. Another praised the milk frother saying, “I’m so impressed by the milk frother, whether I choose a latte or cappuccino, the milk always comes out the right consistency and temperature.”
TAKE NOTE: The frother didn’t work as well with plant-based milk. It produced foam, but with larger air bubbles and a less silky texture—though this is common with many frothers when using plant-based milks.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Fully-automatic |
| Grinder | Yes |
| Dimensions | 17″ x 9.25″ x 14″ |
| Water reservoir capacity | 60 ounces |
This latte machine earned a spot in our Kitchen Awards and is a current obsession in our Lab, with multiple staff members using it on a daily basis. It comes with two hoppers that you can easily switch out without the hassle of emptying one or waiting for the beans to run out, perfect for those who want to switch between regular and decaf beans or for households with different bean preferences.
For a machine that can make a latte at the push of a button, it’s compact compared to bulkier latte machines and won’t take up too much counter space. In addition to lattes, there are 17 other drink options, such as iced coffee, cappuccino, flat white, and more. You can also set up as many as four user profiles, which can save individual coffee routines and customizations.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: I found that the default espresso settings produced a strong espresso with creamy crema. However, you can choose from five intensity levels if you want a weaker or stronger brew. The frothing container automatically froths milk and pours it directly into your cup, making the process completely hands-off. I found that it produced hot milk and silky foam when making a latte. I also found the hoppers easy to swap out with minimal effort and appreciated the uniqueness of having two hoppers for different types of coffee beans.
TAKE NOTE: I don’t love that some beans are left behind when switching hoppers, but the machine has a grind-and-empty feature to clear out remaining beans. Alternatively, if you don’t want to waste the beans, you can brew another drink to use them up.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Fully-automatic |
| Dimensions | 9.75″ x 15″ x 14.75″ |
| Water reservoir capacity | 47 ounces |
| Grinder | Yes |
If you’re a sweet foam lover, this Jura machine is for you. It features an attachment that allows you to infuse your favorite syrup into frothed milk for an extra burst of sweetness in your latte. It’s fully automatic, so you can make any of the 27 drink options, including lattes, with no hands-on effort beyond pushing a button or two.
It has a full-color display and touchscreen, which I found responsive. There are also customization options for temperature and strength, as well as volume settings for espresso and froth, so you can make your latte exactly the way you like it.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN TESTS: Straight out of the box, I found that the default settings produced a strong espresso with a solid amount of crema. The frother worked well, creating smooth, stable foam that didn’t deflate quickly. In the Lab, the sweet foam feature was easy to use by loading the attachment with coffee syrup and attaching it to the machine. Testers found that the machine produced barista-quality drinks, with at-home testers raving this machine was a game changer since they no longer purchase coffee every morning.
TAKE NOTE: The sweet foam attachment is designed to make one serving at a time, so you’ll need to refill it for each sweet foam drink, which can be a bit of a hassle. However, this does make it easy for another user to switch to a different syrup. The attachment also needs to be rinsed after each use, so it’s not quite as hands-off as I’d prefer.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Fully-automatic |
| Dimensions | 17.75″ x 11″ x 14″ |
| Water reservoir capacity | 64 ounces |
| Grinder | Yes |
Others We Tested
- Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty 12-Cup Drip Maker: This isn’t a traditional latte maker rather it makes espresso-like drinks and regular coffee. It can accommodate ground coffee or K-cups. It has a frother but it doesn’t heat the milk. This is a good option for someone who wants a lot of choices for coffee and is not a stickler about a true latte.
- Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine: I tested this a few years ago and it was very appealing for it’s good performance and lower price compared to other fully automatics. However, I haven’t tested the latest versions since and there are other great machines at a similar price point that our Lab has come to favor.
- Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve Latte Maker: Although not a true latte machine since it doesn’t brew espresso shots, Keurig fans will appreciate this machine that comes with an attached frother and can make hot or iced lattes.
- Thyme & Table Barista Mini Espresso Machine: It’s hard to beat the price of this machine, and I found it makes well-balanced espresso. However, the frothing wand doesn’t produce much froth and simply heats up the milk.
- Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine: This is a great machine for someone who wants to experiment with temperature and grind settings. Like most Breville models, it froths milk well and is manual for those who want to feel like a barista.
- Café Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine & Frother: I love the look of this modern looking machine that will shine on any counter top. It did well in espresso and milk frothing tests. However, this is best for someone who likes medium roast or drier coffee beans as the brand recommends not using dark roast beans since they tend to be more oily and can clog the grinder.
- Lelit MaraX Manual Espresso Machine: The Lelit is a manual espresso machine and very hands-on. It’s best for someone who wants full control of the latte making process and is willing to go through a learning curve. That said, it’s a great machine for a coffee enthusiast.
How we test latte machines
In the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we’ve test all types of espresso machines, including those that have frothing capabilities for lattes (and many other espresso drinks!). To find the best latte machines we evaluate each one for performance, including how well the frother works, ease of use and of course—taste. Here’s how we tested.
✔️ Performance: We test each latte machine for brew time, consistency, taste, noise level and ease of use. We test the time and temperature of multiple espressos and evaluate the frothing capabilities using whole and plant-based milk. The frother should produce luxuriously creamy and hot milk with just the right amount of foam.
✔️ Ease of use: Our top picks were easy to set up and use without having to study the user manual. They should also be quick to heat up, brew and froth.
✔️ Taste test: The best machines produced lattes that had depth and were creamy and balanced. We favored latte machines that brew smooth and good-tasting espresso and froth both milk and milk alternatives quickly and quietly.
What to consider when purchasing a latte machine
✔️ Type: Latte machines generally fall into four categories: semi-automatic, automatic, super-automatic and capsule.
- Fully-automatic machines are a one-stop shop. They grind the beans, measure them out and often tamp them for you. The drinks are programmed, usually including the amount of milk that will be portioned from the milk hopper.
- Semi-automatic machines combine automated functions with manual steps. This varies by machine but usually it requires the user to add coffee grounds, tamp them, and insert the portafilter into the machine. The frothers are typically built-in wands rather than automatic containers.
- Manual machines are very hands on (think barista-level at a high end coffee shop) allowing the user to control every part of the process, including water temperature, flow, timing, pressure, and more.
✔️ Frother: There are two basic types of frothers associated with latte machines:
- A milk container that clips directly onto the machine — or connects via a straw or tube — and works with the machine’s programming to heat, froth and dispense the milk. These are designed so extra milk can be stored in the fridge making them convenient. Some frothers on fully automatic machines may let you select settings that control the amount of froth and temperature milk.
- A frothing wand is a metal tube that is inserted into a pitcher of milk and releases hot steam to heat and aerate the milk, creating foam. Using a frothing wand does require some skill compared to machines that froth milk automatically.
✔️ Capacity: This refers to the capacity of the water reservoir as well as the coffee bean hopper and/or milk hopper, if applicable. A larger water reservoir means you won’t have to fill it as often, but a smaller one ensures fresh water more frequently.
If your machine has a bean hopper, it usually holds ½ to 1 pound of beans and should keep them well sealed and shielded from light to preserve their flavor.
✔️ Pressure: Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. The Specialty Coffee Association — a nonprofit, member organization that represents coffee professionals — has defined espresso as “coffee through which [water] has been forced at 9 to 10 atmospheres of pressure.” Most home machines can achieve nine bars of pressure, though some machines will range up to 15 to 19 bars.
✔️ Footprint: Latte machines, especially fully automatic models, can be larger than other types of coffee or espresso machines. Be sure to check the dimensions to ensure the machine fits in the space where you plan to place it.
What type of milk works in a latte machine?
Any type of milk will work, but not all types of milk will create the same rich, creamy foam with tiny bubbles (called microfoam) that is considered the gold standard of lattes. The best type of milk is whole, dairy milk: It has the right balance of fat, protein, sugar and water to make microfoam.
Low-fat and skim milk lack the richness of whole milk and tend to create larger bubbles, though they will still produce some foam. Non-dairy milk alternatives vary widely in their ingredients, so foam results can differ and you may need to try a few types. Some brands offer “barista blend” non-dairy milks, which are specifically designed to create more foam for lattes.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jamie Ueda has tested and written about dozens upon dozens of espresso and latte makers, and she covers all things coffee throughout the year. She’s genuinely passionate about coffee and has taken part in a coffee cupping class, along with in-depth training from the Specialty Coffee Association in brewing, barista skills, and sensory tasting. She also regularly tests coffee and espresso machines, and shares her expertise as a judge, for the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Awards.
Nicole Papantoniou has led the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab since 2019. She oversees all of the testing and content for kitchen and cooking appliances. Over the years, she’s used countless latte machines in her every day life and still road tests new models on a regular basis.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute‘s Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
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