Best Cappuccino Coffee Makers for Home: Top 5 Picks & Buying Guide

Finding the best cappuccino coffee makers for home is challenging because you have to match your budget with tons of features, such as build quality, performance, maintenance, and so on.

Don’t worry because we’re here for you. After countless hours of researching, we’ve shortlisted 5 great options and we’re going to share our experience with you when choosing the best home espresso cappuccino machine. Keep reading for further information about this machine!

Best Cappuccino Coffee Makers For Home

1. Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker – Best Overall

This elegant, modern-looking machine is our top pick as the best cappuccino maker for home. It uses K-Cup pods and can offer up to 6 cups before you need to refill the reservoir. Just insert any K-Cup pod into the machine and adjust the buttons to make cappuccinos.

The control panel with smart yet straightforward buttons makes it easy for everyone in the house to use. You can select one of 4 cup sizes without waiting for the machine to heat up. The device can also fit cups of up to 7.2 inches in height, so a travel mug is compatible with this machine.

Moreover, the control panel offers a feature called brewer maintenance alert. It reminds you when to clean the coffee maker, which can help to prevent the building up of calcium deposits.

Also, the high altitude setting will make sure the coffee machine performs well at higher than 5,000 ft.

Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker

Additionally, there is a button to strengthen the brew when you are in a rush. You can also set up the auto-off feature to save energy, which shuts the brewer after 2 hours standing by. The milk frother is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

All of these excellent features come in just a compact design and reasonable price. There’s no doubt the Keurig K-Cafe is our editor’s pick as the best of the best cappuccino makers.

Nevertheless, the water tank is somewhat not transparent as it should be when compared to other coffee makers. This demerit might happen due to condensation and makes it hard to see the water level inside.

Pros:

• Large 60oz water capacity
• Dishwasher safe to save cleaning time
• Auto-off function to save energy
• Fits tall mugs
• Affordable

Con:

• Unclear water tank

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2. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker – Best For Beginners

The Mr. Coffee Cappuccino Maker is an automatic machine that handles all the hassle for you. Even a coffee newbie can become a specialist with this simple-to-use unit. One-touch controls allow you to select between single or double shots with an adjustable control button automatically.

After programming the portafilter, you can leave the machine to work on its own. The electric 15 bar pump will produce a high pressure to make the flavor bold and rich. Wait for some minutes, and you will have a delicious hot cappuccino. Also, don’t worry about the settings since all buttons have descriptive pictures and texts.

Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Besides, this machine has a built-in frother to automatically froth milk in its separate section. The milk reservoir is removable for easy storage in the fridge.

On the downside, this Mr. Coffee unit is inconvenient to clean since the frother and water reservoir are not dishwasher safe. The frothing wand also requires immediately cleaning after each use to avoid any clog. However, be mindful about abrasive cleaning cloth as it might damage the wand.

The milk container is not too large, and the amount of beverage can vary depending on the milk types and froth control. Therefore, we recommend this model for single or 2-person households instead of high-volume uses.

Pros:

• User-friendly
• Quick & convenient
• Removable & easy-fill reservoirs
• One-touch milk frother

Cons:

• Needs regular cleaning
• Not suitable for high volumes

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3. Breville Nespresso Creatista Single Serve Espresso Machine – Best For Milk Frothing

This unit is our pick for creating premium milk foam. The automatic built-in milk frother offers 11 different milk temperature settings (55-76°C/133-169°F) and can foam up to 8 milk texture levels. You can enjoy a more complex cappuccino with any milk froth you want just by pressing a button.

With this pro feature, the Creatista can create top quality latte art and thus, turn you into a real artist in your own house using only an auto-purge steam wand.

Breville Nespresso Creatista Single Serve Espresso Machine

Moreover, the Breville Nespresso Creatista features a TFT LCD monitor to help you plan, set up, and control the process with a high-resolution display. Now you can have your perfect drink every day without any problematic preparation.

What about the performance? The ThermoJet heating system can make your coffee “boiled” in less than 3 secs and then standby for 9 mins before automatically shutting down to save energy. The unit also comes with 2 years of warranty, which is longer than ordinary devices with only 1 year.

But beware, this model does have its weakness. Having a high-end price but the Nespresso Creatista still has a plastic body and finish, which is less durable than other machines in the same price range. If you want a full stainless steel one, we might recommend the Creatista Plus.

Pros:

• Makes perfect milk froth
• LCD control panel
• Fastest heat up time (3 seconds)
• Large water container (~50 oz)

Con:

• Not so durable

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4. NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine – Best Budget

NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio 2 is our pick as the best cappuccino maker for home when you are on a tight budget. For some people, this machine might be a deal-breaker, but for others, it will be a low-cost way to enjoy the taste of caffeine every day.

The Genio 2 is an automatic capsule unit that goes well with your single cup and cappuccino needs in such compact dimensions.

NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine

The unit features an LED display, allowing you to customize your cappuccino’s size and temperature using a toggle stick. You only need to match the capsule bar to the LED bar, then adjust the toggle stick to either hot or cold and press start.

With this easy interface, the machine quickly offers just the right amount of coffee and intensity you want for the everyday morning rush.

What’s more, the Dolce Gusto has a patented technology that helps hermetically seal the capsules after use. This function can protect the coffee from moisture and oxygen, maintaining the ultimate aroma and freshness every time you open the capsules.

The downside is that this unit does not come with any instruction or user manual. You might have to go on Youtube to learn how to operate the machine.

Additionally, this is a capsule coffee maker. It produces a lot of plastic waste that is not eco-friendly.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Customizable LED screen
• Seal technology to keep the coffee fresh

Cons:

• Manual not included
• Plastic waste

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5. Capresso 116.04 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine – Best for Regular Users

The Capresso 116.04 Pump Cappuccino Machine features a full stainless steel structure that everyone is looking for. It brings about solidity and durability to your kitchen or cafeteria space.

Capresso 116.04 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

It also comes with an integrated warming tray and a removable drip tray. Both are stainless steel and large. The material makes it easy to clean thoroughly and keeps a massive amount of brewed coffee warm for a long time.

What’s more, the 46 oz water container is not the biggest tank on this list. Still, it offers sufficient water for several cups without refilling. The tank is removable, so even when you need to refill, this task is a piece of cake.

However, the brew operation is not so smooth. If you want to get the most of your coffee ground, slightly press it down with extra pressure using the tamper included in the package. Otherwise, the outcome of your coffee will be a little lighter than you expect.

In addition to that, this machine can not make your cup of coffee steaming hot. The temperature is so-so, it’s a minus for those who enjoy scorching drinks, but it’s also a plus because the coffee can not burn your tongue.

Pros:

• Reasonable price
• Sturdy stainless steel construction
• Unlimited steam output
• Can handle heavy-duty operation

Con:

• Inconsistent brew

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Buying Guide

Types Of The Machines

Based on automation, cappuccino makers are divided into 3 main types that suit different demands and styles. If you know each type’s merits and demerits, choosing your best coffee maker for cappuccino might become simpler.

Pod Machine

Pod machines use coffee pods and milk frothers to make cappuccino. Put in all ingredients, press the start button, and your coffee is on the way!

This operation style creates consistency, which means the flavor is still the same even when you make only 1 shot or 100 shots. Besides, you don’t have to buy an extra coffee grinder, and cleaning is also the easiest compared to other options.

Pod machines are generally affordable, but you have to stick with their compatible coffee pods. They also can’t produce a premium coffee taste.

Semi-automatic Machine

If you’re not often in a rush for a coffee, you should consider buying this type to have your coffee done just like you get it from a real barista. This type doesn’t use coffee pods or capsules; hence it produces little to no plastic waste.

However, it could take some practice since you need to grind the coffee, extract the espresso, and finally froth or steam the milk all on your own. Sometimes this kind of machine requires extra burr grinders. It might cost you a few more bucks.

Super-automatic/Automatic Machine

The most significant distinction between the semi and the super-automatic machine is that the former allows you to have greater control over your cappuccino. Meanwhile, an automatic one will handle most of the process.

You can minimize all the steps when using the semi-automatic units only with one touch of a button. In other words, automatic coffee makers combine pod machines’ instant results with semi ones’ freshness. That explains why they are the most pricey choice among the 3.

Boiler Type

A decent boiler system can offer a more outstanding performance, increase speed and temperature control. There are 3 primary boiler types on the market as below:

Single Boiler

It is the easiest to use as its operating principle is simple and usually comes inside entry-level machines.

Because there’s only one boiler, you need to wait until it heats up to steam the milk, and then wait for it to cool down to drain the espresso. Therefore, this type takes longer to finish than others.

Single Boiler Heat Exchanger

This type is similar to the single boiler but has 2 extra heat blocks to heat up the water, using a thermal blocking system. These 2 blocks allow you to extract espresso and steam milk simultaneously. Machines using this boiler type are usually in the mid-range price.

Double Boiler

This type is the most common system with 2 boilers in one machine, one for steaming, another for extracting. Thus, it gives you better temperature control and pressure flow.

FAQs

Where does the machine get water?

There are 3 water supply options, including portable and unremovable ones. The most common design is removable tanks since it is compact and convenient when filling water. Other machines have fixed water tanks. You might find them inconvenient when cleaning.

The priciest options are often units that can connect directly to your house’s water system. This design is the most innovative and convenient out of the 3.

How long does it take the machine to brew a cappuccino?

To make a cup of cappuccino, you have to add coffee grounds to the machine, gently tamp the coffee granules down, then pour water into the tank, and froth the milk.

In general, the best automatic cappuccino machine can prepare a hot espresso within a minute and take another minute to get the milk ready. So it’s much faster than the traditional way.

How to froth the milk?

Milk foam is an integral part of a cappuccino. The making method depends on the machine you have.

If it integrates a milk frother, all you need to do is to add milk. The unit will automatically steam, froth the milk, and then add it to the coffee. This option is more convenient but also more expensive.

Meanwhile, some units don’t feature such convenient equipment. They come with a steam wand and a built-in mug to let you make the foam independently.

The steaming or frothing wand is a 2-inch long metal pipe, sticking out from the unit’s surface, near the coffee shower head. A flexible tube attaches the wand internally to the boiler and utilizes the steam flow generated inside. This pipe is connected with the wand through a valve to adjust the steam flow. You can control it by using a built-in knob usually placed on the side of the unit.

Most of the options listed above come with milk frothers. It’s the most common and quick way to have delicious milk foam on your cappuccino as we’ve already researched that.

Conclusion

To conclude, the  multi-featured Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker deserves the title of the best cappuccino maker for home in general. The large capacity and affordability help it blend into your life easier and keep your family caffeinated all day long.

However, don’t limit your choices only to this Keurig model or any of the 5 options listed in this article, even though they are surely the best in their categories. We want to make sure all the coffee lovers out there, including you, will have reliable suggestions before making any purchase.