The best cappuccino machines in the UK 2023

Cappuccino is an espresso-based drink with a sublime touch of latte art. The purchase of a cappuccino machine will allow you to have this caramelized flavor of the coffee beans, so typical and rich in aromas, every morning. Semi-automatic, automatic or super automatic? Make your choice among our selection of the best cappuccino machines!

DeLonghi ECAM 23420 SB
9/10

Editor's Choice

DeLonghi ECAM 23420 SB

The best cappuccino machine in 2021

No more instant coffee, it's now time for cappuccino. In this sense, this coffee machine offers various innovative technologies and an adjustable grinder to concoct coffee in the rules of art.

320 £ on Amazon

Whether or not you have mastered the techniques of making a real cappuccino, this automatic coffee maker will help you rise to the challenge. Considering its price, you'll see that you don't have to break the bank to get a high-performance machine. If we ignore the sobriety and minimalism of its design, we must admit that the DeLonghi ECAM 23420 SB fits perfectly into any kitchen decor. The cappuccino machine is neither too big nor too small, its dimensions are right in the middle.

The DeLonghi ECAM 23420 SB has an adjustable grinder that allows you to choose from 13 different grind sizes. We appreciate the ease of use of its user interface, the presence of a steam nozzle and its 15 bar percolation power. Of course, the screen is not touch-sensitive. It is still practical for the various settings of the device. The water tank has a capacity of 1.8 L. The front of the coffee maker is embellished with two pouring nozzles, which allows you to brew two cups at the same time.

Breville PrimaLatte II VFC109X-01
8/10

Best cheapest

Breville PrimaLatte II VFC109X-01

The best entry-level cappuccino machine

Have you long been seduced by the taste of cappuccino, the basic drink of Italian cuisine? Dare to make your own every day by purchasing this cappuccino maker for less than €250.

191 £ on Amazon

The greatest strength of the Breville PrimaLatte II VFC109X-01 is its versatility and ease of use. Not only does it handle ground coffee using its filter holder, the machine is also compatible with ESE pods. In this sense, the cappuccino machine has 3 filter cartridges that are included with the purchase. With the first two inserts, you can choose the number of cups to produce. The third one, on the other hand, lets you enjoy a hot, single-serve drink directly from a coffee pod.

The Breville PrimaLatte II VFC109X-01 guarantees a wide variety of flavors, ideal if you want to try Italian specialties such as cappuccino, espresso, latte..., single or double as you like. The illuminated interface is equipped with several buttons. You'll easily find the controls you need for manual mode. Want extra milk? Add milk or milk replacer by turning the adjustable dial. And if you run out of time one morning, use the preset programs.

Philips Saeco Xelsis SM7580/00
9/10

Best high end

Philips Saeco Xelsis SM7580/00

The best premium cappuccino machine

As you can see, going to the coffee shop on the street every day is a waste of time and money. Invest once in this cappuccino machine and enjoy your morning coffee for years to come.

719 £ on Amazon

The Philips Saeco Xelsis SM7580/00 has an ABS construction, which makes it impact resistant and lightweight. The ceramic bean grinder can be adjusted as much as you like. You can adjust both the coffee strength and the grind size to suit your needs and vary the flavors. The Thermoblock technology heats the water in the aluminum boiler quickly, reducing preparation time. The Latte Perfetto technology heats the milk that will enhance your cup.

The Philips Saeco Xelsis SM7580/00 is not limited to traditional coffee. In addition to this basic essential, the machine offers up to 12 internationally renowned specialties such as espresso, cappuccino, americano, espresso macchiato, long coffee, ristretto... The coffee machine has a large touch screen on which you can program your milky drink according to your tastes and desires. In terms of maintenance, it is difficult to do better. You will benefit from the HygieSteam technology (cleaning of the entire circuit) and the Aqua Clean function (cleaning of the water filter).

Krups Intuition Preference EA873810
8/10

Excellent choice

Krups Intuition Preference EA873810

Large tank capacity

Cappuccino perfection is easy to achieve with the Krups Intuition Preference EA873810, which features the largest water tank in this comparison at 3L. Its slider-style color touchscreen is also appealing.

576 £ on Amazon

Are you particularly fond of coffee machines made in the UK? The Krups Intuition Preference EA873810 will surely impress you. You'll have easy access to 11 pre-programmed recipes (ristretto, americano, cappuccino...), including 8 favorites, via its 3.5″ color TFT touch screen slider. Naturally, the realization of the various milk drinks can be done through the One Touch Cappuccino system especially since the small appliance has a milk jug. And feel free to make the most of the 15 bar pressure of your automatic coffee maker.

The Krups Intuition Preference EA873810 stands out for its correct container size. In addition to its 3L water tank, the cappuccino machine also has a 250g bean container and a 9-cup grounds collector. You'll appreciate its slightly slanted front panel, the disconcerting accessibility of its coffee grounds tray and the presence of its anti-spill tray. The Quattro Force function allows the coffee machine to automatically prepare your cup, from the grinding of the beans to the automatic cleaning, including optimized percolation and tamping.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best cappuccino machine

Any specific needs?

The best cappuccino machine in 2021

The best entry-level cappuccino machine

The best premium cappuccino machine

Large tank capacity

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best cappuccino machines

THE BEST CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
DeLonghi ECAM 23420 SB
9/10
Breville PrimaLatte II VFC109X-01
8/10
Philips Saeco Xelsis SM7580/00
9/10
Krups Intuition Preference EA873810
8/10
OUR SELECTION
DeLonghi ECAM 23420 SB
Breville PrimaLatte II VFC109X-01
Philips Saeco Xelsis SM7580/00
Krups Intuition Preference EA873810
No more instant coffee, it's now time for cappuccino. In this sense, this coffee machine offers various innovative technologies and an adjustable grinder to concoct coffee in the rules of art.
Have you long been seduced by the taste of cappuccino, the basic drink of Italian cuisine? Dare to make your own every day by purchasing this cappuccino maker for less than €250.
As you can see, going to the coffee shop on the street every day is a waste of time and money. Invest once in this cappuccino machine and enjoy your morning coffee for years to come.
Cappuccino perfection is easy to achieve with the Krups Intuition Preference EA873810, which features the largest water tank in this comparison at 3L. Its slider-style color touchscreen is also appealing.
Type
Automatic
Semi-automatic
Super Automatic
Automatic
Capacity
1.8 L
1.8 L
1.7 L
3 L
Pressure
15 bars
19 bars
15 bars
15 bars
Power
1450 W
1245 W
1850 W
1450 W
Milk tank

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Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - cappuccino machine

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How to choose your cappuccino machine

Don't just rely on appearances, the best cappuccino machine must conform to your expectations both on the aesthetic side and on the available features and its degree of practicality. With this in mind, these 6 main factors should be considered:
choisir machine à cappuccino

#1 - The type of machine

Depending on your lifestyle, usage and level of coffee knowledge, you can choose between the manual, automatic, semi-automatic or super automatic cappuccino maker. The manual model is for experienced baristas. The semi-automatic is for those who want to make their own cappuccino recipe from time to time.

The automatic and super automatic machines allow you to get your cappuccino at the touch of a button. The difference between the manual/semi coffee maker and the automatic/super auto is that the former let you manage much of the brewing process, unlike the latter two.

#2 - The types of coffee

What type of coffee do you usually use: ground coffee, bean-to-cup coffee or coffee pods? Your choice will depend on your answer to this question. Cappuccino machines with pods are the easiest to maintain and use. In addition, they are relatively expensive when you consider the cost per cup. Not to mention the fact that some pods (or coffee capsules) are not recyclable.

If you like the taste of freshly ground coffee, choose a model with a bean grinder. Ground coffee is easy to use. It doesn't require any particular accessories.

#3 - The dimensions

Take into account the dimensions of the cappuccino machine. For this, you need to consider its future location in your kitchen. Do you plan to install it on the countertop, on the worktop or store it every day after use?

If you plan to make coffee in your room, you should consider a light and portable cappuccino machine. Note that, unlike drip coffee machines, a cappuccino maker is a tad longer and wider. For a cramped kitchen, it's best to go for a simple cappuccino coffee machine and buy a milk frother separately.

#4 - The tank capacity

In most cases, such an appliance has an average capacity of 1.5L.

Some machines can be larger than 2.5 L, or even 3 L. The capacity of the water tank of your cappuccino machine will be based on the number of people consuming coffee on a daily basis. Do you often have guests? Choose a model with a larger capacity. This way, you'll have enough to treat them at any time of the day. Another advantage is that you don't have to refill it frequently.

#5 - The milk frother

The milk frother may or may not be integrated to the cappuccino machine. Usually, there are 3 types, namely:

  • The steam wand : the most common and apparently the most powerful, it is nevertheless messy and noisy.
  • The automatic frother: at the touch of a button, the machine froths your milk the way you like it.
  • The separate milk frother : It is very powerful and efficient. Since it is independent from the cappuccino machine, you will definitely save space on your work surface.

#6 - The pressure

To bring out all the flavors and get a cappuccino worthy of a good cafeteria, you must take into account the pressure of your future machine. It is the pressure, expressed in bars, that transforms the coffee beans into such a delicate drink. Good cappuccino machines have a pressure between 15 and 19 bars.

How do you make a rich and tasty cappuccino?

avis machine à cappuccino

Making a good, rich, flavorful cappuccino is no longer the domain of baristas. Cappuccino machines have been designed to make the drink more accessible to everyone. So you can make your own cups at home and enjoy them whenever you want, without any constraints. All you have to do is follow the steps and tips below.

Prepare espresso the normal way

The cappuccino formula follows the famous rule of thirds. The drink contains 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 milk foam and 1/3 espresso. So start by making the espresso cup with your coffee machine. There is no real rule. In Italy, the coffee used is more bitter. However, you can prepare the drink in your own way, to the length and strength of your choice.

Heating the milk

Next comes the preparation of the milk. The milk to be steamed should be 1/3 of the total volume of the cup. The cappuccino machine normally contains a compartment dedicated to this purpose. The milk to be frothed is the same volume. Semi-skimmed milk is easier to froth. However, it will be less creamy and smooth than whole milk. In both cases, use fresh, cold milk. Froth with the milk frother until you get a generous foam.

Blending

Pour the coffee into a large porcelain cup. Add one-third of the heated milk to fill two-thirds of the cup. Using a spoon, gently spoon the foam to fill the remaining third. Your cappuccino is ready! For aesthetic purposes, you can add cocoa powder to the foam. The choice to sweeten the drink is yours. Traditionally, cappuccino is enjoyed with a slight sweet note.

The different types of cappuccino machines

Some types of models are better suited to your use and consumption than others. How can you tell them apart? Here are some tips to help you.

Semi-automatic cappuccino machine

Machine à cappuccino semi-automatique

This type of cappuccino machine is most often used by baristas. Indeed, these experts do almost all the preparation work by hand. They take care of grinding, tamping, heating the milk and extracting the espresso. However, the brewing process is quick, especially since the purchase price of the coffee maker is within reach of everyone. The machine has some interesting features such as temperature stability.

The coffee consumer has optimal control over the quantity and quality of his hot beverage. The machine offers many customization options regarding coffee strength, water level or even foam thickness.

Automatic cappuccino machine

Machine à cappuccino automatique

As the name suggests, this cappuccino machine takes care of measuring the amount of water needed until your coffee is ready to be enjoyed. Even though the machine is fully automatic, you should know that the frothing and grinding of the beans will be manual. With this clear improvement, the brewing process becomes very easy.

Some models are equipped with a water filter. This is essential if your tap water contains limescale and chlorine, which will alter the taste of your coffee. The height-adjustable serving nozzle as well as the cup-warmer tray will definitely please you.

Super automatic cappuccino machine

Machine à cappuccino super automatique

It is the Rolls Royce of coffee machines. It can also be considered a true home barista. It stands out for its countless features, to name a few, the integrated grinding option, automatic temperature control, coffee strength and size adjustment...

You don't have to worry about the preparation steps or being a connoisseur anymore because the machine does it for you. Of course, these innovations are not without a price. Such a coffee maker can be bought for several hundred euros. The most elaborate ones even go up to more than 1000 €.

The method is simple. You need to press a few buttons to start the process. More than that, it allows you to effortlessly make a multitude of coffee-based recipes. The cappuccino machine is usually equipped with a coffee grinder.

Manual cappuccino machine

You have control over the entire process of making your coffee, from grinding to extraction. Reserved for professionals, the manual machine requires a certain degree of skill. The only complaint is that it comes without a milk frother.

Cappuccino or espresso machine?

Cappuccino machine

Generally speaking, the cappuccino machine is similar to the espresso machine. One feature sets it apart. Since the drink includes steamed and frothed milk, the cappuccino machine includes a milk frother, a feature not always found on espresso machines. Other than this extra option, both machines work exactly the same.

The cappuccino machine costs relatively more than an espresso machine. However, the investment is worth it, especially for cappuccino lovers. The preparation of the drink is much easier and faster.

Espresso machine

The espresso machine is the most common modern coffee machine. It allows you to prepare coffee at the length of your choice with disconcerting ease. On the automatic models, a few clicks are enough to produce a number of cups up to twelve. The brewing time, the heat of the water or the number of cups are variables that you can adjust by clicking on a few buttons.

The espresso machine is offered at a wide range of prices. The price range is very wide. You can buy a basic model from twenty euros while the sophisticated espresso machines are worth several thousand euros.

Verdict

Choose the cappuccino machine if you are a fan of this creamy drink and if you prepare it very regularly. The machine will of course be capable of making espresso and other coffee-based drinks.

If you already have a single espresso machine at home, you can buy a milk frother. The two devices combined will make it easier to prepare your cups of cappuccino.

Why buy a cappuccino machine?

pourquoi acheter machine à cappuccino

Homemade cappuccino

According to Italian tradition, the tasty cup of cappuccino is enjoyed at breakfast. Many of us have adopted this habit. But it is more difficult to go to a coffee shop and ask the barista for a cup of cappuccino in the morning, when you have to go to work and go about your daily activities.

With a cappuccino machine, you could make your cups at home, in the morning and at any time of the day.

Quick and easy to prepare

Making a cup of cappuccino is an art. To bring out the flavors of espresso mixed with frothed milk, you have to prepare each ingredient well, find the right proportions and blend delicately. All of this sounds very difficult. Not so with a cappuccino machine. You won't have to do much. The machine takes care of everything. In a few minutes, your cups will be ready to be enjoyed.

The wide variety of flavors

In general, a cappuccino machine works with proprietary capsules or pods. Each brand's machine has its own capsules and pods. The good news is that manufacturers offer a wide variety of tastes, aromas, flavors and fragrances for each type of capsules and pods.

So you'll have the opportunity to discover a wide universe of flavors and find the one that suits you best, regardless of the brand of your cappuccino machine.

Long-term savings

The purchase of a cappuccino machine requires a more or less important investment depending on the model, its brand and its range. You will also have to plan for the purchase of pods or capsules throughout its use. In any case, your expenses will be less expensive than if you were to consume your cappuccino cups in the local coffee shop.

In the long run, buying and using your own cappuccino machine is more cost effective.

A versatile coffee machine

The cappuccino machine shines in the preparation of your favorite drink. It delivers cups on demand with just a few clicks. But it doesn't stop at cappuccinos. It's a versatile coffee machine. You can make espresso, latte, latte macchiato and other coffee drinks from the same machine.

The best brands of cappuccino machines

In our opinion, the best brands of cappuccino machines in 2022 are :

De'Longhi
Breville
Philips
Nespresso
Krups

De'Longhi is an Italian brand that has been immersed in the coffee tradition for over a hundred years. The brand offers a wide range of coffee machines to individuals and professionals. There is something for every taste and need, from semi-automatic coffee machines to ultra-perfect, 100% automatic models. De'Longhi cappuccino machines are known for their exceptional quality and compatibility with Nespresso pods.

The Breville brand is a big name in the manufacture of high-end appliances. Its catalog includes a wide variety of products ranging from toasters to blenders to ovens and, of course, coffee machines. Breville has proclaimed itself a master of coffee products with popular machines like the Barista Express and the Oracle Touch.

The Philips brand has been making coffee machines since 1965. Since then, the Dutch manufacturer has made a series of innovations and acquisitions to become a major player in the espresso-cappuccino machine market worldwide. Philips owns two other major brands that are influential in the coffee market, namely Saeco, maker of the first fully automatic coffee machine, and Senseo.

The Nespresso brand is the coffee subsidiary of the Swiss food company Nestlé. In the 1950s, the brand had brought a small revolution to the market by offering the very first highly efficient and fast pod coffee machines. Today, Nespresso manufactures the best cappuccino machines accompanied by a whole range of accessories and pods.

Founded in Germany, the Krups brand is today part of the French group SEB, leader in the household appliances market. Although it offers other items like deep fryers and food processors, Krups specializes in coffee machines and related accessories. Its cappuccino machines are now ranked among the best on the market. Krups has signed an agreement with Nespresso, which makes its machines compatible with the Swiss brand's wide range of pods.

What is the price for a cappuccino machine

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
175 £ to 300 £
Mid-range
300 £ to 500 £
High-end
more than 500 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Descale to maintain the cappuccino machine and improve its taste

Like all automatic coffee machines, the cappuccino machine accumulates scale over time. Descaling is an essential operation since it allows you to maintain the machine, but also to prevent the scale from affecting the taste of the coffee. Use a descaling product and follow the manufacturer's recommended procedure when you need to descale your cappuccino machine.

Filtered water to limit scaling

Tartars come mainly from minerals, especially limescale, in the water. These scales are the main cause of breakdowns on cappuccino machines. You can limit the scaling of the machine's walls by using filtered water. The filter will retain some of the minerals that can be deposited in the machine. There are also cappuccino machines equipped with a water filter. In this case, you should remember to clean or change the filter regularly.

Cold whole milk provides better taste

Semi-skimmed milk is sometimes recommended since it is easier to froth. Its taste, due to a low fat content, is less creamy than whole milk. If you prefer a creamy cappuccino, use whole milk. It can be more difficult to froth. Just remember to use cold whole milk, which froths more easily than hot milk.

Limit the use of bottled water

It may be tempting to think that bottled water is better than tap water. This is not the case if you plan to make coffee or cups of cappuccino. The problem is that bottled water is higher in minerals. These same minerals will build up as scale in the walls of your cappuccino machine.

Special cappuccino milk

In supermarkets and specialty stores, you can find milk that is specially treated for cappuccino making. This type of milk is distinguished by its very high protein concentration. This makes it much easier to froth. Choose this type of milk if you want to make your cappuccino cups at home even easier.

FAQ

What type of coffee makes a good cappuccino?

Although it is made up mostly of milk, cappuccino is still a coffee. The base of the drink is still coffee and its quality and processing guarantee its taste. Ideally, baristas prefer a bitter coffee to bring out all the flavors of a cappuccino. In particular, bitter coffee is made from heavily roasted beans, whether Arabica or Robusta.

How to clean a cappuccino machine?

Your cappuccino machine should be cleaned regularly. This will extend its life. Removable parts that are dishwasher safe should be cleaned as needed. Ideally, run them through the dishwasher after each use. Also consider washing the drip tray, spout and water tank. Descaling should not be neglected. Today, cappuccino machines have lights that come on whenever descaling is required.

Is cappuccino good for your health?

Cappuccino contains milk and coffee. The former is known for its many virtues such as a good content of calcium, vitamins and minerals. Coffee, on the other hand, contains antioxidants that have health benefits. Compared to hot chocolate, cappuccino will have fewer calories and less fat.

Do you have to clean the water tank of the cappuccino machine?

Over the course of use, the water tank will eventually scale up due to the minerals in the water accumulating. This can clog the water outlet and, of course, affect the quality of the coffee obtained. Therefore, it is highly recommended to clean the water tank of a cappuccino machine regularly. Daily cleaning is not required. However, check from time to time that the tank is not scaled and wash it with clean water or washing-up liquid.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Espresso Maker - How to Choose the Right Espresso Machine, quechoisir.org
  2. The 10 Best Cappuccino Machines That Bring the Coffee Shop to Your Home, allrecipes.com
  3. The 7 Best Latte & Cappuccino Makers, wired.com
  4. Best Cappuccino Makers Of 2021: Our Top 5 Choices (For Home Use), homegrounds.co
  5. The 10 Best Espresso/Cappuccino Machines in 2021, thespruceeats.com
  6. Which Is The Best Cappuccino Machine?, friedcoffee.com
  7. Best Cappuccino Makers For Home Use 2021, coffeespiration.com
  8. Best Cappuccino Maker: Top Rated Cappuccino Machine Review, blackinkcoffee.com
  9. Expresso vs. cappuccino, lecafedeclara.fr
  10. How to make a cappuccino, cafebarista.ca
  11. How to make a cappuccino, illy.com
  12. Best Cappuccino Maker : Comparison & Reviews 2021, cafetiereexpresso.fr
  13. Amazon.co.uk : cappuccino machine, amazon.co.uk
  14. Your search : cappuccino machine, darty.com
  15. Espresso and cappuccino machines | Amazon.co.uk, amazon.co.uk
  16. 6 Best cappuccino machines - Purchase comparison 2021, le-vrai-debat.fr
  17. Best cappuccino machine - Reviews and buying guide, pouvoirdagir.fr
  18. The perfect cappuccino | De'Longhi, delonghi.com
  19. Coffee machine - 1 hour in-store withdrawal* | Boulanger, boulanger.com
  20. Cappuccino machine - To make a good coffee with a ...., mousseur-a-lait.com
  21. How to make a cappuccino with a coffee machine ..., top-cuistot.com
  22. How to make a cappuccino and whip up the milk - illy, illy.com
  23. Cappuccino machine - Appliances on Rue du Commerce, rueducommerce.fr
  24. Perfect cappuccino thanks to its espresso machine grinder, maxicoffee.com
  25. Cappuccino: how to make a good one? Dosage tips ..., maisonducafe.com
  26. Espresso And Cappuccino Coffee Machine - Percolator 15 ..., leroymerlin.fr
  27. Starfrit Espresso And Cappuccino Coffee Machine, starfrit.com
  28. How to make a cappuccino with a Nespresso machine ..., gourmesso.fr
  29. Cappuccino Machines | La Redoute, laredoute.fr
  30. Oster Prima Espresso Cappuccino and Latte Machine ..., oster.ca
  31. Espresso Machines and Cappuccino Machines | Walmart Canada, walmart.ca
  32. Center of the Razor Espresso-Cappuccino Machine | Gamea Lux, centredurasoir.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
DeLonghi ECAM 23420 SB
DeLonghi ECAM 23420 SB
Breville PrimaLatte II VFC109X-01
Breville PrimaLatte II VFC109X-01
Philips Saeco Xelsis SM7580/00
Philips Saeco Xelsis SM7580/00
Krups Intuition Preference EA873810
Krups Intuition Preference EA873810

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