10 Best Cappuccino Makers 2026 in the United States

The Ninja Espresso Machine ES601 stands out as a versatile addition to any coffee lover's kitchen, particularly for those who enjoy cappuccinos and lattes. This machine excels in offering multiple brewing styles—espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew—making it a three-in-one solution that caters to diverse preferences. With its built-in conical burr grinder featuring 25 settings, users can achieve a fresh grind tailored to their specific drink needs, which is a significant advantage for those who prioritize flavor.

One of the key strengths is the Barista Assist Technology, which simplifies the brewing process through weight-based dosing and customizable grind sizes. This feature helps eliminate guesswork, ensuring that even novices can achieve café-quality drinks. The hands-free frothing system is another highlight, allowing for various milk types and textures without the complications of manual frothing.

The Ninja ES601 isn't without its drawbacks. At 32.4 pounds, it may be considered heavy and somewhat bulky for smaller kitchens or those with limited counter space. Cleaning can also be a bit of a chore, given the various components and the need to maintain the grinder and frothing system. Furthermore, while it offers an impressive range of features, some may find the learning curve steep, especially when adjusting the various settings for optimal results.

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine (BES880BTR) is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts looking to craft café-quality cappuccinos at home. Its standout feature is the integrated conical burr grinder, which allows users to grind fresh coffee beans on demand, enhancing flavor and aroma. The machine's low-pressure pre-infusion and digital temperature control ensure optimal extraction, resulting in a well-balanced espresso. With a quick heat-up time of just 3 seconds, it's convenient for those busy mornings.

The automatic microfoam milk texturing is a significant advantage for anyone wanting to create professional-grade lattes and cappuccinos. Thanks to the touch screen interface, users can easily customize their coffee to suit their preferences, save recipes, and even create multiple personalized drinks.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The machine's size and weight (21.8 pounds) may take up considerable counter space, which could be an issue in smaller kitchens. While the water reservoir holds 67 oz, frequent coffee drinkers might find themselves refilling it more often than anticipated, particularly if entertaining guests. The price point may also be a deterrent for those on a tight budget, though many users appreciate the quality and functionality it offers in return. Cleaning the machine can be somewhat involved, as it includes several components that require regular maintenance to ensure longevity and performance. Some users have noted that while the Barista Touch is user-friendly, it can take some time to master all its features effectively.

The Breville Barista Touch is ideal for home baristas who value quality and customization, although its size, maintenance needs, and price may not suit everyone. It's a strong contender in the cappuccino-maker category, especially for those eager to replicate café experiences at home.

The Breville Barista Express Impress is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed to make high-quality coffee at home, especially for cappuccino lovers. It features an integrated conical burr grinder with 25 grind settings, giving you great control over coffee flavor by adjusting grind size. The smart dosing system automatically measures the right amount of coffee and corrects doses for consistent shots, which is a big help if you're new to espresso making.

A standout feature is the assisted tamping system, which mimics a professional barista’s pressure to create an even coffee puck, improving extraction quality. The machine uses a Thermocoil heating system with precise temperature control, ensuring your espresso is brewed at the optimal temperature for flavor. For milk frothing, it includes a powerful manual steam wand that allows you to create microfoam, which is essential for making a creamy cappuccino and latte art. While it is manual, the wand is effective once you get the hang of it, but beginners might need some practice.

The water reservoir holds 2 liters, which is ample for multiple drinks without constant refills. Its brushed stainless steel design in Damson Blue adds a modern and stylish touch to any kitchen, though it is a bit on the heavier side at nearly 24 pounds. Cleaning requires some effort since the machine isn’t dishwasher safe, but it comes with several cleaning tools and accessories to help maintain it properly. This machine is well suited for coffee enthusiasts who want a hands-on experience with precision control and professional features. It may not be the easiest choice for those seeking a fully automatic or maintenance-free machine, but it balances performance and user-friendly features for making excellent cappuccinos at home.