If you have always dreamed of being a barista, you are one step closer to fulfilling its reality. Even at home, you can prepare your own gourmet coffee. With a little knowledge and patience, as well as the right tools, you can make the perfect caffeine fix. Among others, one equipment that you need to own is the best latte machine.
Looking for a top-notch latte machine can be confusing, basically because of too many options available, each claiming to be the best. If you need help in coming up with a well-informed decision, keep on reading this guide and learn a thing or two from the insights that I will be sharing.
Types of Latte Machine
Latte is a drink that is made from a combination of espresso and steamed milk
- Super-Automatic: They are the most expensive, but also the easiest in terms of operation. Most of the features are automatically done, which minimizes the effort that you need to spare. It is also excellent in terms of the consistency of the drink that you will make.
- Semi-Automatic: This is a more affordable option, yet it does not fall in terms of reliability. It will provide you with the opportunity to tweak some of the functions, allowing you to make the drink as desired. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but it won’t be too much for you to handle.
Choosing the Best Latte Machine
Below are some of the most important considerations that will help you to narrow down the possibilities in the market:
- Size: When it comes to size, consider how much space is available in the countertop. Also, think about the quantity of the latte that you have to prepare every time. A compact machine is usually the cheaper one.
- Capacity: This will refer to the size of the water tank that is incorporated in the unit. You do not really need a large one. Most of the models in the market have tanks that are easy to remove and refill.
- Ease of Use: Look for a latte machine that is user-friendly. Especially if you are a beginner, you will benefit from a machine that comes with simple controls. One-touch functions are the best since all that you have to do is to select what you want and the machine will take care of the rest of the job.
- Ease of Cleaning: Aside from being easy to use, it is also important that the machine is effortless to clean and maintain. With this, it will be a snap for you to retain its peak performance even through the years.
- Medium: This refers to what the machine will use in making espresso or coffee. There are generally two choices – pods or ground coffee. Pods are more expensive, but they are available in a wide array of flavors. For those that use ground coffee, on the other hand, it will also be great if the machine comes with an integrated grinder.
- Reliability: There are many things that will be indicative of the reliability of the latte machine. For instance, it is important that there are positive feedbacks from its users. Also, the heating time should be quick. To add, it must be able to maintain constant temperature.
- Warranty: If the machine breaks or becomes defective at some point, what should you do? If it is still under warranty, you can get in touch with the manufacturer and they will offer free repair and replacement of the defective parts. Choose one that comes with an extensive warranty coverage.
Tips in Making the Perfect Latte
It is not enough that you are using the best latte machine. It is just one of the essentials in making the perfect drink. If you want the best outcomes, below are some of the things that you have to keep in mind:
- The right choice of milk is one of the most important components of the best latte. Use fresh milk straight from the fridge. It will also be good if the pitcher is chilled. Full cream milk is also recommended because it can add to the creaminess of your latte.
- Purging the wand is another expert tip that you should do. This will help in the elimination of condensation and will get rid of water in your milk.
- Pouring is another important technique that every beginner must master. You do not simply pour the milk and the espresso. It is an art that you need to learn. Especially in the case of the milk, pour it delicately so that you can achieve the right texture.
- Enjoy your latte as soon as possible. When it gets too cold, there will be an odd fatty taste.
- Your drink will not be complete without latte art. The short video below will provide you with some practical tips on how to do it like a pro:
Top Picks for the Best Latte Machine
To make your search a lot easier, in this section, we will have a rundown of the best brands and models that you might want to consider. We will also list down some of their noteworthy features, as well as a few of their pros and cons.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-05-14 at 12:06 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- EVERY CUP TO YOUR LIKING: 15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences.
- BREW LIKE A PRO: Whatever your preference – single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte – the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffeehouse.
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them.
- ONE ESPRESSO SHOT OR TWO? The three-in-one filter holder, included with the unit, has filters for one espresso shot, two shots, and one for an easy-serve espresso pod – whatever your preference.
- NO WAITING BETWEEN CUPS: The Advanced Cappuccino System maintains the optimal temperature so you can brew cup after cup instantly.
- SLEEK SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: With a sleek profile, compact design and narrow footprint, the EC155 fits beautifully on a kitchen countertop – without taking up too much space.
- CONVENIENT WATER TANK: The water tank is simple to remove, refill and reattach, and the water level is easily visible to eliminate the guesswork.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Removable water tank and drip tray make for easy cleanup, and the parts are dishwasher safe.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-05-14 at 12:06 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Semi automatic 3 in 1 espresso maker, cappuccino maker, and latte maker
- 15 Bar Pump System Brews Rich Tasting Espresso Coffee
- Trouble Free Automatic Milk Frother Removes the Guesswork. Do not wash the water reservoir in the dishwasher
- One touch control panel for drink selections
- Easy fill, removable water and milk reservoirs
- Cord length: 26 Inches; 1040 Watts
- Important: It is important to note, instruction manual must be followed to prime unit before using café barista for first time (Pg; 8, Steps 1 and 2); The total amount of beverage can vary depending on type of milk used and froth control knob setting; It is advised that frothing tube be cleaned after each use because that can cause a variance in the frothing as well
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-05-14 at 12:06 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Includes Aeroccino Plus milk frother: rapid one touch preparation of hot or cold milk froth; Items sold separately valued at 398
- New revolutionary Centrifusion technology to gently brew both Coffee and Espresso with one touch of a button
- Capsule recognition and code reading technology for blend-specific parametric brewing; Two capsule sizes, large for Coffee and small for Espresso
- Easy insertion and ejection of capsules; For use with Nespresso VertuoLine capsules only; Not compatible with Nespresso Original Line capsules
- Removable used capsule container holds 13-20 used capsules; Automatic off mode after 9 minutes of inactivity; Fast heat up time 15 seconds
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-05-14 at 02:28 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
- MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: The powerful steam wand performance allows you to hand texture microfoam milk that enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art
- ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH GRIND SIZE DIAL: Simple and intuitive, giving you control over the grind size no matter what type of bean you're grinding
- ESPRESSO MAKER WITH BUILT-IN COFFEE GRINDER: Innovative grinding cradle allows any at home barista to grind directly into the espresso portafilter for the perfect espresso
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Razor Dose Trimming Tool, 54mm Stainless Steel Portafilter, 1 & 2 cup Single & Dual Wall Filter Baskets, Coffee Scoop, Integrated Tamper, Stainless Steel Milk Jug, Cleaning Disc, Tablets, Brush Tool & Allen Key, Water Filter & Filter Holder
- CAPACITY & SETTINGS: 1/2 lb Bean Hopper; 67 oz Water Tank; Single or double shots; Adjustable grind amount and Manual override
- WARRANTY: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty; Power: 1600 Watts; Voltage: 120 Volts
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-05-14 at 04:00 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 15-bar pump system uses powerful pressure to extract a dark, rich espresso brew
- Frothing arm makes creamy froth to top off your cappuccinos and lattes
- Make 2 single shots at once with dual-shot brewing. Watts: 1250
- Thermal block heating system provides barista-speed brewing and heating. Cord length: 26 inches
- Removable, washable drip tray keeps brew space neat and tidy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-05-14 at 12:06 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
With the best latte machine, you can turn into an instant barista. Even without the need to spend too much, you can make the perfect lattes, even at the comfort of your own home. To maximize the benefit of having such a machine, however, make sure that you pick the right product.
Personally, I would say that Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso/Cappuccino stands out from the rest. From its operation to cleaning, this can be user-friendly. It also has durable construction, allowing it to provide the best bang for the buck.
