In my rating I included only the best coffee machines that make cappuccino. As a basis, I took the models with the largest number of positive reviews from customers from Yandex Market and social networks.
The main characteristics that I paid attention to:
- Assortment of drinks . All presented models of coffee machines will delight you not only with cappuccino, but also with lattes, espresso and other hot drinks.
- Number of cups . I tried to choose models capable of preparing a drink for two. Exception – Krups Dolce Gusto KP 1701/1705/1708/KP173B Infinissima
- Execution . All models can fit perfectly into any kitchen.
Which cappuccino makers were included in the rating?
At the moment, coffee machines have four types of cappuccino makers:
- Manual cappuccino maker (panarello)
- Semi-automatic cappuccino maker
- Automatic cappuccino maker
- Capsule
Manual cappuccino maker (panarello nozzle)
These coffee machines have a retractable metal tube from which steam is released under pressure to froth the milk into milk foam. Nozzles come in both metal and plastic.
For beginners, such coffee machines will not be convenient to use, since the process is more reminiscent of the work of a barista. First, you need to release steam from the steam tube into a separate container to clean the structure. Next, you pour milk into any container (pinscher) halfway, immerse the steam wand in the milk and whisk the milk in a circular motion. It is important not to boil the milk! As you can see, the process is a little long, especially if you want a cup of cappuccino in the morning.
Here is an example of coffee machines with a manual cappuccino maker De'Longhi ECAM 21.117 and Philips EP2224 Series 2200.
Semi-automatic cappuccino maker
These coffee machines have a special nozzle, a steam supply tube, from which a hose extends, which is directly lowered into a container of milk (for example, into a Tetra Pak). You take out the milk, lower the hose into it and start the cooking process. This system is a two-stage preparation of a coffee and milk drink. You prepare coffee separately and milk separately.
You choose the sequence yourself. If it’s coffee, then you put the cup under the milk and the cappuccino is ready. To make a latte macchiato, you first prepare the milk and then place the cup under the espresso.
Melitta Caffeo Solo & Perfect Milk and Gaggia Syncrony Logic RS coffee machines.
Automatic cappuccino maker
This is a more expensive type of coffee machine. With one touch you start the process of preparing milk and brewing coffee. The coffee machine does everything for you. These models most often come with a jug (milk jug) that is attached to the coffee machine. It is important not to forget to lower the spout of the milk jug in the direction of the cup, otherwise the whole kitchen will be covered in milk. The jug can be removed and stored with milk in the refrigerator.
The downside is that the milk foam is prepared only through this milk jug. And you can break it or break it. It also needs to be disassembled and cleaned, unlike coffee machines with a tube attachment.
Here is an example of coffee machines with a fully automatic cappuccino maker - Gaggia CADORNA Prestige OTC and Philips EP3243 Series 3200 LatteGo.
Capsule
These models are much cheaper than automatic coffee machines. And if you don’t consume much coffee, then these models will suit you, and their price is much lower. Thus, for Tassimo coffee machines, milk capsules contain milk concentrate, while for Dolce Gusto they contain milk powder. You will have to use two capsules to prepare a coffee-milk drink (first the milk capsule, and then the coffee capsule).
Here is an example of such coffee machines: Krups KP 1705/1708 Infinissima and Bosch TAS 1001/1002/1003/1006/1007 Happy. But Nespresso coffee machines are equipped with an autonomous beater (aerochino). But the price of such a model will be significantly higher. The Nespresso Lattissima One model has a built-in aerocino.
How to make a latte in a coffee machine
In the middle of the last century, passionate coffee lovers, the Italians, came up with a way to reduce the strength of the aromatic drink using milk foam. They solved the problem of consuming coffee in large quantities with the least harm to health. Thus began the triumphant march of a new way of making coffee - latte.
The name was easy to come up with: in Italian, the word “latte” is used to describe milk. We will tell you how to make a real latte coffee in a coffee machine.
Milk is as important an ingredient in lattes as coffee. But don’t think that latte and coffee with milk are the same thing. After all, milk is not added to espresso, but milk foam. To get it, the milk needs to be thoroughly whipped.
Secrets of making latte coffee
The popularity of the coffee drink is explained by its amazing softness. An interesting feature of latte is the layered structure of it - for the same reason, in coffee shops it is usually served in transparent containers - so a coffee lover can see the sequence of layers. What else do you need to know about this drink?
- The bottom layer should be coffee; if you pour milk into the glass first, you get a latte macchiato.
- The secret of any delicious coffee is well-chosen coffee beans. It is recommended to use a coffee machine to brew them. At the same time, the coffee base of the drink must be strong - the beans can contain up to 10% robusta.
- The legendary latte foam is made exclusively from milk with a high percentage of fat.
Liqueurs, syrups and chocolate will help add personality to the drink.
- The bottom layer should be coffee; if you pour milk into the glass first, you get a latte macchiato.
- The secret of any delicious coffee is well-chosen coffee beans. It is recommended to use a coffee machine to brew them. At the same time, the coffee base of the drink must be strong - the beans can contain up to 10% robusta.
- The legendary latte foam is made exclusively from milk with a high percentage of fat.
Latte macchiato
Latte macchiato uses the same ingredients as a classic latte. Black coffee is brewed in the same way and milk is frothed. The milk is then poured into a glass for Irish coffee. Black coffee is poured into the frothed milk in a thin stream.
The specific gravity of coffee is less than that of milk, so the drink in the glass stratifies: the milk settles to the bottom, the coffee sits above it, and on top there is snow-white foam with a speck of coffee: translated from Italian, macchiato means “stained.” The effectiveness of the speck can be emphasized by sprinkling it with chocolate chips.
Black coffee and a glass of whipped milk are served separately. The guest himself selects the proportions of the ingredients.
Features of making latte coffee
- To serve the drink you will need an Irish glass. If you don’t have it in your kitchen arsenal, you can replace it with a regular larger and tall glass glass with a volume of 250 to 370 milliliters
- Ideally, the treat should be made from espresso coffee, but any other freshly ground strong coffee can be substituted.
- To froth milk you need a blender, hand mixer, cappuccino maker or French press.
- Milk for latte at home does not need to be boiled: it is heated to 70 degrees Celsius. If you boil milk, it will be very difficult to make foam from it.
- Once you have mastered all the features of making latte coffee at home, you can begin the creative process of creating a coffee treat.
- Latte can be prepared in two ways: either mix all the ingredients evenly, or place them in neat layers
- In order for the coffee treat to lie in a glass in layers, you need to master several cooking tricks:
- To prevent the layers from mixing, the ingredients for each layer must be at different temperatures. When making a latte with syrup, spread the warm frothed milk over the cool syrup. Then they pour in scalding coffee
- Pour the coffee into the milk in a thin stream; to make the process easier, place a long spoon in the glass
For example, a latte called “Gingerbread”
Italian brand Squisito
The history of the Squisito company goes back decades, but its products first appeared on the Russian market only in 2008. But even in such a short period of time, the company managed to win a large army of fans throughout the country, since the main principles it adheres to are strict quality control of production and the use of only premium raw materials to create its blends. The Squisito brand is a combination of Italian luxury and modern functionality.
The history of the Squisito company goes back decades, but its products first appeared on the Russian market only in 2008. But even in such a short period of time, the company managed to win a large army of fans throughout the country, since the main principles it adheres to are strict quality control of production and the use of only premium raw materials to create its blends. The Squisito brand is a combination of Italian luxury and modern functionality.
Composition and proportions
It is not clear who first came up with the idea of combining coffee and dairy products. The Italians claim primacy, citing the name of the famous drink. This is unlikely to be the case, because in Italy they prefer very strong coffee from heavily roasted beans. The French and Austrians are also not inferior. Perhaps the first were the Americans, who to this day cannot tolerate the strong taste of the beans, adding more water to espresso.
Caffe latte, also called macchiato - what is it? In fact, macchiato, cappuccino and latte are different drinks. Their difference is not only in composition - there is also an external difference. First you need to understand the composition - what you need to make a latte at home.
It is best to use freshly ground coffee beans, as for espresso. Arabica is suitable - it is more aromatic and contains less bitterness. Per serving you need from 7 to 10 g of grains and 50 – 60 ml of water.
Everyone chooses the milk for the recipe at their own discretion. It can be whole cow or plant based. The former whips better, has a rich taste and high fat content.
Plant analogues do not whip well, contain virtually no fat, but have a subtle taste, for example, almond or walnut. Such drinks are prepared mainly by vegetarians, as well as people who fast.
The sweet taste of the drink comes from sugar, sweeteners or sugar syrups. There are recipes with sweet alcoholic drinks - in this case, it is better not to use white refined sugar, as the drink will be cloying.
The proportions are dominated by the milk component: take 30–50 ml of espresso per glass of milk. Therefore, latte is not a strong drink - it can be drunk in the evening.
Video: Making latte using improvised utensils
The proportions are dominated by the milk component: take 30–50 ml of espresso per glass of milk. Therefore, latte is not a strong drink - it can be drunk in the evening.
Coconut latte
To make a coconut latte, mix two shots of espresso with one tablespoon of coconut and chocolate syrup. Fill the mug with milk, add a little foam. Top with grated chocolate and coconut flakes.
Not all lovers of this Italian coffee drink know that latte means “milk”, which is the main ingredient in it, besides coffee, of course. Many people already know how to make a latte in a coffee machine - it’s quite simple. But not everyone knows that there are coffee machines that require some effort both in preparing the drink and in caring for them.
Interesting features
If you want a coffee machine with an automatic self-cleaning system, self-cleaning milk jug, and an energy-saving mode, then you'll love the Gaggia CADORNA Prestige OTC model.
Grade | Coffee machine type | Making cappuccino | Volume | |||
1 | Gaggia CADORNA Prestige OTC | 4.33 /5 | automatic | yes, automatic cooking | 1.5 l | More details |
2 | De'Longhi ECAM 21.117 | 3 /5 | automatic | yes, manual cooking | 1.8 l | More details |
3 | Philips EP2224 Series 2200 | 4.33 /5 | automatic | yes, manual cooking | 1.8 l | More details |
4 | Krups KP 1705/1708 Infinissima | 4.33 /5 | capsule | No | 1.2 l | More details |
5 | Bosch TAS 1001/1002/1003/1006/1007 Happy | 3 /5 | capsule | No | 0.7 l | More details |
6 | Philips EP3243 Series 3200 LatteGo | 3.67 /5 | automatic | yes, automatic cooking | 1.8 l | More details |
7 | Nespresso Lattissima One | 4 /5 | capsule | yes, automatic cooking | 1 l | More details |
8 | Gaggia Syncrony Logic RS | 2.5 /5 | automatic | yes, automatic cooking | 1.7 l | More details |
9 | Melitta Caffeo Solo & Perfect Milk | 3 /5 | automatic | yes, automatic cooking | 1.2 l | More details |