What's better than a coffee machine? A coffee machine with an in-built milk frother, of course.
A must-buy for anyone who enjoys a smooth and creamy coffee experience, a coffee machine with a milk frother is your new BFF for crafting an endless stream of cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos and flat whites.
Looking to elevate your coffee-drinking experience at home? Pay attention to the following before investing in your new machine.
The type of coffee machine
There are three main types of coffee machines with milk frothers: manual espresso machines, bean-to-cup machines and capsule machines. Manual espresso machines give you the most control and flexibility over your coffee, but they require more skill and effort. Bean-to-cup machines grind fresh beans and brew espresso automatically, but they tend to be more expensive and need regular cleaning. Capsule machines are the most convenient and consistent, but produce more waste and limit your choice of coffee.
The quality of the espresso
A crucial point for coffee-drinking aficionados, the quality of the espresso depends on several factors, like the pressure, the temperature, the grind size, the extraction time and the freshness of the beans. Look for a coffee machine that can produce at least 15 bars of pressure, as well as one that can heat up quickly and maintain a stable temperature throughout the brewing process. If you're all about the details, you should choose a machine that allows you to adjust the grind size and the extraction time according to your preference, or use fresh beans if possible.
The ease of use
The ease of use depends on how much work you want to put into making your coffee. If you want more control and customisation over your brew, you might prefer a manual espresso machine with a steam wand that lets you froth your own milk. But if your priorities are convenience and speed, you may prefer an automatic or semi-automatic machine with a built-in milk frother or a milk carafe that can froth and pour milk for you at the touch of a button.
We've rounded up all of the best coffee machines with milk frothers
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De'Longhi Magnifica S Smart Automatic bean to cup coffee machine
Bean-to-cup coffee machines don’t have to cost the world and this De’Longhi Magnifica S Smart Automatic coffee machine is one of the best options for coffee-shop-esque drinks.
Its manual milk frother allows you to create all your favourite espresso recipes, including creamy cappuccinos and frothy lattes, while the star of the show has to be its twin delivery option, which lets you deliver two espresso drinks at once - perfect for busy mornings and even busier households.
Buy now £243.72, Amazon
Sage the Dual Boiler
Sage’s sleek-looking appliance is the coffee machine for those in the know. You know, those who like to read up on all the extra little details to perfect the art of the brew. Coffee from this machine is so particularly delicious and the reason for this lies in that namesake Dual Boiler. At the heart of this machine is a dual boiler heating system. But what does this mean?
The boiler for the espresso shot is PID temperature controlled, while a separate steam boiler offers instant and powerful steam on demand. So you can extract your shot at the right temperature, delivering optimal flavour, while simultaneously steaming your milk. It’s pretty much the barista’s choice for home espresso if you’re looking for a premium model.
Buy now £1249.95, Sage
Melitta F85/0-102 Barista TS Smart Coffee Machine
The best thing about the Melitta F85/0-102 Barista TS Smart Coffee Machine is how efficiently it can make your favourite brew. With 21 pre-set coffee specialities prepared according to the original recipes, you’ve basically got your own cup of Joe-making robot ready to whip up endless mugs in a matter of seconds.
Save the preferences of up to eight people and make use of its four pre-programmed classic specialities: Expresso, Café Crème, Cappuccino, Latte and Macchiato. It also has five options for coffee strength.
Buy now £749.00, Amazon
Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse Coffee Machine
With its automatic milk frother and 19 settings for coffee, this Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse Coffee Machine delivers the perfect pressure to extract robust coffee flavours no matter how many people you’re making it for. Its adjustable milk frother is ideal for a variety of different café style drinks and with a 600ml capacity, it’s large enough for big groups.
Its one-button control allows for an easy selection of your favourite bews, while its easy cleaning elevates the whole process even more.
Buy now £134.99, Amazon
Nespresso Creatista SNE500BKS Uno Coffee Machine by Sage
The Nespresso Creatista creates eight barista-quality espresso and milk recipes at the touch of a button and is one of the latest additions to the Nespresso Original range. Based on the older models, it’s a more efficient (and simpler to use) coffee machine that allows for easy personalisation no matter how you like your coffee.
Its milk frother has easy heating while its water capacity warms up quickly: no more pacing around the kitchen when you’re desperate for a caffeine hit.
Buy now £329.00, John Lewis
Swan Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine
This Swan Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine is a top hit for anyone who loves a vintage design but comes with the added benefit of a 21st-century set-up. Renowned for its smart performance, this Swan machine comes with 15 bars of pressure and a self-priming system so it’s always ready to make delicious coffees in minutes.
Compatible with easy-serve espresso (ESE) pods and ground coffee, it features a traditional milk frother with a steam pressure control that lets you create your froth exactly how you like it.
Buy now £98.99, Amazon
Lavazza, A Modo Mio Jolie & Milk Coffee Machine
Lavazza’s Modo Mio Jolie & Milk Coffee Machine is everything a traditional Italian coffee machine should be: elegant and quiet while producing top-notch coffee. Thanks to its compact and minimalist look, this is a coffee machine that you won’t want to hide away, no matter your kitchen decor.
Its integrated cappuccino frother is the secret to a soft, creamy milk froth while its integrated button allows you to enjoy all kinds of signature Lavazza brews, including the classic espresso or lungo.
Buy now £129.95, Amazon
Cooks Professional 15 Bar Retro Coffee Espresso Machine
This budget-friendly Cooks Professional machine has a large 1.2-litre detachable and transparent water tank, which means plenty of room to make multiple cups of coffee. Perfect for cappuccinos, lattes and even creamy hot chocolates, it utilises a large steam wand to produce effortless frothy cups of all types.
Perfect for the style-conscious coffee drinker, this appliance promises to look great in any kitchen, ready to go for your morning coffee right through to catering for your guest’s after-dinner drink.
Buy now £79.99, Amazon
SMEG BCC02RDMUK Bean to Cup Coffee Machine
Need a hit of colour to wake you up in the morning alongside your caffeine? This vibrant red SMEG Bean to Cup Coffee Machine has a 19-bar pump that provides just the right amount of pressure for perfect extraction and a rich crema.
With a steam wand and integrated grinder, you can create creamy cappuccino, energising espresso or six other types of coffee using just one touch of a button. It’s also a little smaller than many other machines, making it ideal for cosy, compact kitchens.
Buy now £699.00, Currys
Jura Z10 All Black Coffee Machine
The Jura Z10 All Black Coffee Machine is for the self-confessed coffee snobs who want the best of the best with money no object. Designed to produce a seamless coffee-making experience that’s arguably better than what you’ll find in your local coffee shop, it features a cold brew process and a grinder with innovative technology to recognise your chosen speciality drink and adjust accordingly.
The brewing unit of the Z10 also allows water to flow evenly through the fresh coffee grounds making the most of the aroma both in hot and cold drink specialities.
Buy now £1989.00, Harts of Stur
Verdict
The Delonghi Magnifica S Smart Automatic bean to cup coffee machine is a stylish machine with an easy-to-use manual frother for your favourite recipes. It's low maintenance and delivers top-quality coffees without much effort at all.
