The best machine for making lattes at home should make good espresso and help you turn milk into smooth foam. Some models handle grinding and milk texturing in one setup, while others save counter space and keep the process simpler. These five picks range from hands-on machines for learning barista skills to options with automatic milk texturing and touchscreen controls.
Quick Comparison
| Machine | Best for | Grinder | Milk texturing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express | Hands-on espresso and latte making | Built in | Manual steam wand |
| Mooye Espresso Machine with Grinder | Grinder settings and touchscreen controls | Built in, 20 settings | Manual steam wand |
| AERCANA Espresso Machine | Small kitchens and simple espresso making | Not listed | Manual steam wand |
| Breville Bambino | Compact setup with automatic milk texturing | Not built in | Automatic steam wand |
| Breville Barista Touch | Guided drinks and saved preferences | Built in | Automatic steam wand |
Our Picks: Best Machine For Making Lattes At Home reviews
Breville Barista Express: Best for Hands-On Latte Making
The Barista Express combines an espresso machine and a conical burr grinder in one unit. It grinds beans into the portafilter, so you can prepare espresso without buying a separate grinder. You can adjust the grind size and amount, then use the manual steam wand to texture milk for a latte.
Its controls suit someone who wants to learn the steps behind a café-style drink rather than rely on one-touch automation. The machine includes a 54mm portafilter, single- and double-shot baskets, a milk jug, and a built-in tamper. Its 67-ounce water tank means you can make several drinks before refilling, though the machine takes up more counter space than a compact espresso maker.
Low-pressure pre-infusion and PID temperature control are designed to support even extraction. The manual wand gives you more direct control over milk texture, but it also means you need to practice steaming and clean the wand after use. If you prefer automatic milk texturing, the Bambino or Barista Touch may be a better fit.
Pros:
- Built-in grinder with adjustable grind size and amount
- Manual steam wand for hands-on milk texturing
- Large 67-ounce water tank
- Includes useful espresso and cleaning accessories
Cons:
- Manual grinding, tamping, and steaming take practice
- Less compact than the Bambino or AERCANA
Verdict: Choose the Barista Express if you want an all-in-one machine and are willing to learn hands-on espresso and milk preparation.
Mooye Espresso Machine: Best for Built-In Grinder Settings
This Mooye machine pairs a built-in grinder with a steam wand, so you can grind beans and prepare espresso and milk drinks with one appliance. Its grinder has 20 adjustable settings, offering more adjustment points than the other built-in-grinder models in this selection. A touchscreen provides access to drink and shot options.
The listing describes single- and double-shot options, as well as settings for grind size and shot volume. Its 61-ounce removable water tank is a practical size for regular home use. The machine is described as lightweight and compact, but the listing does not provide specific dimensions, so check the product page if your counter space is limited.
The steam wand is manual, which gives you a chance to control the milk texture but requires some technique. The listing also promotes cold brew and Americanos, but this is still an espresso machine with a steam wand; consider whether its stated drink options match how you plan to use it. It offers a touchscreen and many grinder settings, while the Barista Express has a more clearly specified set of included accessories and brewing features.
Pros:
- Built-in grinder with 20 adjustable settings
- Touchscreen controls and single- or double-shot options
- Removable 61-ounce water tank
- Manual steam wand for milk drinks
Cons:
- Manual milk steaming takes practice
- Listing details do not specify the machine’s exact dimensions
Verdict: Consider the Mooye if you want a built-in grinder with a wide range of listed settings and prefer touchscreen controls.
AERCANA Espresso Machine: Best for a Compact Countertop
The AERCANA is a compact semi-automatic espresso machine with a steam wand and a visible pressure gauge. Its listed dimensions are 5.3 by 12.2 by 11.5 inches, making it one of the smallest options here. It has a removable 34-ounce water tank and drip tray, which should make routine refills and cleanup more manageable.
The listed 1450-watt heating system is described as reaching brewing temperature in about 20 seconds. You still need to prepare the coffee yourself, and the product information does not list a built-in grinder. If you buy pre-ground coffee or already have a suitable grinder, that may be fine; otherwise, account for a separate grinder in your setup.
A key practical detail is the operating guidance: after frothing milk, allow the machine to cool as directed before brewing, or its overheat protection may activate. That extra step can interrupt a quick latte routine if you make drinks in a particular order. Compared with the Breville Bambino, the AERCANA takes up less stated space but does not list an automatic steam wand.
Pros:
- Very compact listed dimensions
- Visible pressure gauge
- Removable water tank and drip tray
- Steam wand for making milk foam
Cons:
- No built-in grinder is listed
- Instructions call for cooling between frothing and brewing
Verdict: The AERCANA is a space-conscious choice if you have a grinder or use pre-ground coffee and do not mind following its cooling guidance.
Breville Bambino: Best Compact Pick with Automatic Milk Texturing
The Bambino is a compact espresso machine with an automatic steam wand. You can adjust the milk temperature and texture, so it offers more guidance than a fully manual wand while still letting you tailor the result. Its ThermoJet heating system is listed as reaching the target extraction temperature in three seconds.
This machine does not have a built-in grinder, so you will need ground coffee or a separate grinder. It includes single- and double-shot baskets, a milk jug, a portafilter, a tamper, and a steam-wand cleaning tool. Its compact design makes it a sensible option for kitchens where counter space matters, especially if you already have a grinder.
The automatic wand can make the milk step more approachable than the manual wands on the Barista Express, Mooye, and AERCANA. In return, you give up an integrated grinder and the Barista Express’s all-in-one workflow. The Bambino is a more focused espresso machine rather than a complete bean-to-cup setup.
Pros:
- Automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture
- Compact design for smaller counters
- Listed three-second heat-up to extraction temperature
- Includes a milk jug and espresso accessories
Cons:
- No built-in grinder
- Less hands-off than a machine with saved drink settings
Verdict: Pick the Bambino if you want a compact espresso machine with automatic milk texturing and are prepared to source coffee grounds separately.
Breville Barista Touch: Best for Guided Drinks and Saved Settings
The Barista Touch brings together a built-in conical burr grinder, espresso brewing, and automatic milk texturing. Its touchscreen organizes the process into grinding, brewing, and milk preparation. You can adjust coffee strength, milk temperature, and texture, then save up to eight personalized drinks.
Its automatic steam wand is a good match if you want more control over your latte without learning to texture milk entirely by hand. The machine also has five pre-programmed café drinks, single- and double-shot options, and a 67-ounce water tank. The listing specifies a 54mm portafilter and includes a milk jug, baskets, and cleaning accessories.
Compared with the Barista Express, the Touch adds a touchscreen and automatic milk texturing, which can make repeat drinks more straightforward. It also costs more in features and complexity than a simple compact machine, though no price comparison is made here. If you want to adjust every step manually, the Barista Express may suit you better; if you want a more guided routine, this is the stronger fit.
Pros:
- Built-in grinder with on-demand dosing
- Automatic milk texturing with adjustable temperature and texture
- Touchscreen with five programmed drinks
- Save up to eight personalized coffee settings
Cons:
- More controls and features than a simple espresso machine
- Still requires routine cleaning and machine maintenance
Verdict: Choose the Barista Touch if you want an integrated grinder, guided touchscreen steps, and repeatable saved latte settings.
How to Choose a Latte Machine for Home
Decide whether you want a built-in grinder
A built-in grinder can simplify the path from whole beans to espresso and keeps the grinder and machine together on your counter. The Barista Express, Mooye, and Barista Touch include grinders. The Bambino and AERCANA do not list one, so plan to use pre-ground coffee or add a separate grinder. A separate grinder also gives you a choice of equipment, but it takes up space and adds another step.
Choose the kind of milk wand you will use
Manual steam wands give you direct control over how you texture milk, but you need to learn the technique and clean the wand after steaming. Automatic wands, like those on the Bambino and Barista Touch, let you adjust milk temperature and texture with more assistance. Think about whether you enjoy practicing or would rather keep the milk step more guided.
Match the controls to your routine
Semi-automatic machines involve more decisions, including preparing the coffee and managing the shot. Touchscreen controls and saved settings can make it easier to repeat a preferred drink. The Barista Touch offers programmed drinks and up to eight saved settings, while the Barista Express keeps the process more hands-on. The right choice depends on how much control you want each morning.
Check your available counter space
Measure the space where you plan to put the machine, including room above it for filling the hopper or opening any removable parts. The AERCANA lists specific compact dimensions, and Breville describes the Bambino as designed for compact kitchens. Machines with built-in grinders combine more functions in one appliance but may need more room than a focused espresso maker.
Consider water-tank capacity and cleanup
A larger tank can reduce how often you refill, especially if you make drinks for more than one person. The Barista Express and Barista Touch list 67-ounce tanks, while the Mooye lists 61 ounces and the AERCANA lists 34 ounces. Removable tanks and drip trays can make refilling and cleaning easier. Whichever machine you choose, plan to clean the milk wand after use and follow the machine’s maintenance instructions.
Think about the learning curve
Making a latte involves preparing espresso and texturing milk. A machine with a manual wand and adjustable grinder can offer more control, but it also asks you to learn more. Automatic milk texturing and guided controls can reduce some of that work. If you are new to espresso, consider which steps you are comfortable learning and which you would rather simplify.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to make a latte at home?
You need espresso and steamed or textured milk. An espresso machine with a steam wand handles both parts, while some models also include a grinder. If the machine has no grinder, use suitable pre-ground coffee or buy a separate grinder.
Is a built-in grinder necessary for making lattes?
No. A built-in grinder is convenient, but you can use an espresso machine without one if you have a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee. The Bambino and AERCANA do not list built-in grinders, while the Barista Express, Mooye, and Barista Touch do.
Is an automatic steam wand easier to use?
An automatic wand can make milk texturing more guided because you can set temperature and texture. A manual wand gives you more hands-on control but takes practice. The Bambino and Barista Touch have automatic steam wands; the other listed models use manual wands.
Which machine is best for a small kitchen?
The AERCANA has the smallest stated dimensions in this selection. Breville describes the Bambino as compact as well. Compare the machine’s measurements with your available counter space before choosing, and remember to leave room to access the water tank and other removable parts.
Can these machines make drinks other than lattes?
Yes. The product information lists espresso and milk drinks such as cappuccinos for several models. The Mooye listing also names Americanos and cold brew among its drink options. Check each product’s included settings and instructions to confirm that it suits the drinks you plan to make.
Which machine is best for a beginner?
The Bambino may suit someone who wants a compact machine and help with milk texturing. The Barista Touch offers touchscreen guidance and saved drink settings. If learning to grind, tamp, and steam manually appeals to you, the Barista Express offers a more hands-on path.
Final Recommendation
For an all-in-one, hands-on latte setup, the Breville Barista Express is a well-rounded pick because it combines a grinder, espresso brewing, and a manual steam wand. Choose the Barista Touch if touchscreen guidance and automatic milk texturing matter more. For a smaller machine with automatic milk texturing, consider the Bambino, while the AERCANA is worth considering when counter space is the main concern. The best fit depends on whether you prioritize convenience, control, or a compact setup.