8 Best Espresso Machines for Lattes at Home (November 2026)
The best espresso machines for homemade lattes include the Ninja Luxe Café Premier ES601 for guided latte making, the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 for compact milk control, and the Ninja Luxe Café Pro 4-in-1 for lattes and hot water.
On this page (6 sections)
The best espresso machine for lattes for most homes is the Ninja Luxe Café Premier ES601, which combines guided espresso preparation with hands-free milk frothing. The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact alternative with adjustable milk temperature and texture, while the CASABREWS CM5418 gives you a manual steam wand.
A latte depends on both espresso and milk texture, so consider how much control you want during preparation. Our picks include automatic frothers and steam wands, plus machines with built-in grinders for buyers who want fewer separate tools.
Start with our guide to espresso machines with a steam wand if manual milk texturing is your priority. For help using a wand or making the drink, see how to froth milk for a latte and how to make a latte with an espresso machine.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for manual milk textureCheck it - 5
Check itNinja Luxe Café Mini Plus ES351
Best for a smaller guided setup - 6
Best for adjustable automatic foamCheck it - 7
Best for simultaneous brewing and steamingCheck it - 8
Check itAIRMSEN 20 Bar With Automatic Milk Frother
Best for one-touch milk drinks
How we chose espresso machines for lattes
The best espresso machines for lattes give you a useful balance of espresso preparation, milk frothing and counter fit. We compared the listed features for those jobs, then considered how much of the process each machine asks you to handle yourself.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A higher score here means the machine's combination of espresso and milk features fits latte making especially well.
We looked for a clear way to froth milk, whether an automatic system or a steam wand. We also considered built-in grinders, water tank details, footprint information and useful controls.
A built-in grinder can simplify the workflow, but it may take more counter space. If you already have a grinder or prefer pre-ground coffee, a simpler machine can be a better fit.
Compare the best espresso machines for lattes
The main difference is how each machine handles milk and the steps before brewing. Compare the frothing method first, then check whether you want a grinder, compact width or added drink options.
| Product | Best for | Frothing | Coffee input | Other drinks | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Luxe Café Premier ES601 | guided latte making | Hands-free, 4 preset programs or manual | Ground coffee or whole beans | Drip coffee and cold brew | 9.2 |
| Breville Bambino Plus BES500 | compact milk control | Automatic steam wand with adjustable temperature and texture | Ground coffee | 8.9 | |
| Ninja Luxe Café Pro 4-in-1 | lattes and hot water | Hands-free dual froth system | Ground coffee or whole beans | Drip coffee, cold brew and hot water | 8.8 |
| CASABREWS CM5418 | manual milk texture | Steam wand | Ground coffee | 8.5 | |
| Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus ES351 | a smaller guided setup | Automatic steam wand with 3 milk textures | Whole beans | 8.4 | |
| De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus | adjustable automatic foam | Automatic wand with 3 milk textures and temperatures | Ground coffee | 8.1 | |
| Chefman Crema Deluxe | simultaneous brewing and steaming | Steam wand | 7.4 | ||
| AIRMSEN 20 Bar With Automatic Milk Frother | one-touch milk drinks | Automatic milk frother | 7.3 |
Best espresso machines for lattes at home
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier is the best fit for a guided, mostly hands-free latte routine, while the other picks suit different preferences for milk control, space and brewing options.
Ninja Luxe Café Premier ES601: Best for guided latte making
- Hands-free frothing with 4 presets
- Built-in conical burr grinder with 25 settings
- Double or quad espresso shots
- Guided dosing and assisted tamping
Guided grinding, dosing and tamping simplify the steps before steaming. Four froth programs offer choices for steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth and cold foam.
Pros
- Automatic frothing presets
- Built-in grinder and assisted tamping
- Makes espresso, drip coffee and cold brew
Cons
- Multifunction design takes more counter space than a slim espresso machine
- Automatic frothing offers less direct wand control
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier ES601 makes sense if you want guidance through the steps before the milk is frothed. Its Barista Assist Technology guides grinding, weight-based dosing and assisted tamping, with real-time adjustments based on the selected drink.
For the milk, the Dual Froth System combines a spinning whisk with an automatic steamer. Choose among 4 presets for steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth or cold foam, or use the manual frothing option.
The built-in conical burr grinder has 25 settings, and the machine offers double or quad espresso shots. It also makes drip coffee and cold brew, so it can serve more than latte drinkers at home.
This is a substantial multifunction machine, so measure your counter before choosing it. Pick it if guided preparation and hands-free frothing matter more than a slim footprint.
Breville Bambino Plus BES500: Best for compact milk control
- Automatic steam wand
- Adjustable milk temperature and texture
- 7.7 in wide
- Uses ground coffee
The narrow body suits a crowded counter, while its automatic steam wand lets you adjust milk temperature and texture. It keeps the latte routine focused on espresso and milk.
Pros
- Compact 7.7 in width
- Adjustable milk texture and temperature
- Automatic purge after steaming
Cons
- No built-in grinder
- Uses ground coffee
The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 fits buyers who want milk options in a compact espresso machine. At 7.7 in wide, it takes less counter width than the larger all-in-one machines in this group.
Its automatic steam wand lets you adjust milk temperature and texture. That gives you more choice than a single fixed froth setting, while still automating the steaming step.
The machine uses ground coffee and has no built-in grinder, so you'll need a separate grinder or coffee that's already ground. It also pre-infuses coffee at low pressure before extraction and automatically purges the heat system after steaming.
Choose the Bambino Plus if you want adjustable milk texture in a narrow machine. It's a practical fit for kitchens where counter width is limited and you don't need drip or cold brew functions.
Ninja Luxe Café Pro 4-in-1: Best for lattes and hot water
- Hands-free frothing
- Built-in grinder with 25 settings
- XL milk jug
- Independent hot water system
The Pro combines guided espresso preparation and hands-free milk frothing with a separate hot water system. Its XL milk jug is suited to preparing milk for 2 drinks at once.
Pros
- XL milk jug for 2 drinks
- Built-in grinder and integrated tamper
- Independent hot water system
Cons
- Multifunction design needs counter space
- Hands-free frothing gives less manual control
The Ninja Luxe Café Pro 4-in-1 suits a latte routine that also includes other drinks. It combines espresso with drip coffee, cold brew and an independent hot water system for tea, pour-overs and Americanos.
For latte preparation, its Dual Froth Pro system pairs a magnetic spinning whisk with an automatic steamer. The XL milk jug can prepare enough milk for 2 drinks at once, and you can choose automatic frothing or manual frothing.
A built-in conical burr grinder has 25 settings. Barista Assist Technology guides grinding and weight-based dosing, while an integrated tamper works with a lever.
The Pro adds hot water and a larger milk jug to a multi-drink setup, but it needs space for its broader set of functions. Choose it if you make more than lattes and want milk ready for 2 drinks together.
CASABREWS CM5418: Best for manual milk texture
- Manual steam wand
- Built-in pressure gauge
- 34 oz removable water tank
- Single and double filters
A steam wand gives you direct control over milk texturing, and the pressure gauge provides visual feedback while you adjust espresso. The compact body is 5.47 in wide.
Pros
- Manual steam wand
- Pressure gauge for shot adjustments
- Removable water tank
Cons
- Requires learning to texture milk with a wand
- Instructions advise cooling the machine after frothing before brewing
The CASABREWS CM5418 is for you if making milk foam by hand is part of the appeal. Its steam wand lets you texture milk yourself, and the built-in pressure gauge gives visual feedback as you adjust your espresso.
The 34 oz removable water tank and single and double filters support everyday drink making. The machine is 5.47 in wide, making it a slim option for a small kitchen counter.
Manual steaming has a learning curve. CASABREWS also advises letting the machine cool after frothing before brewing espresso, so this model may be less convenient if you want to prepare drinks in quick succession.
Choose it when direct wand control and a narrow body matter more than automatic milk preparation. If you're new to steaming, read our guide to frothing milk for a latte or cappuccino before you start.
Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus ES351: Best for a smaller guided setup
- Hands-free automatic frothing
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Weight-based dosing
- Espresso and drip coffee
The Mini Plus pairs an integrated grinder and scale with hands-free frothing in a smaller machine design. Its automatic wand offers steamed, thin or thick milk textures.
Pros
- Hands-free frothing
- Integrated grinder and scale
- Espresso and hot or iced drip coffee
Cons
- Uses whole beans
- No manual steam wand control
The Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus ES351 brings guided coffee preparation and hands-free frothing into a smaller design. Ninja describes it as 30% smaller than the Luxe Café Pro Series.
Its integrated conical burr grinder and weight-based dosing support a bean-to-cup workflow. The automatic steam wand offers steamed, thin or thick milk textures, so you can prepare milk without learning to work a manual wand.
The Mini Plus also makes espresso and hot or iced drip coffee. It uses whole beans, so plan for that if you usually buy ground coffee.
Choose this model if you want an integrated grinder and automatic frothing with a smaller design than the Pro. Check the machine dimensions against your counter and cabinet clearance before settling on it.
De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus: Best for adjustable automatic foam
- Automatic steam wand
- 3 milk texture settings
- 3 brewing temperatures
- 54 oz removable tank
The automatic wand offers 3 milk texture choices and 3 temperature settings, giving you options without manual steaming. The removable tank holds 54 oz of water.
Pros
- Automatic steam wand
- Adjustable milk texture and temperature
- Removable water tank
Cons
- Uses ground coffee
- Wider than the narrowest machine here
The De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus is a ground-coffee machine with an automatic steam wand and several milk choices. Its 3 milk textures and 3 temperatures let you adjust the result without steaming by hand.
A 54 oz removable tank gives you room for multiple drinks before refilling. The machine also has 3 infusion temperatures, and its parts are described as easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components.
The listed dimensions are 13.62 in deep, 8.15 in wide and 12.9 in high. Measure the space around your counter as well as the width, especially if the machine will sit below cabinets.
Choose it for automatic milk texturing with temperature and texture settings. If you want to learn more about how espresso machines manage milk, see our guide to espresso machines with steam wands.
Chefman Crema Deluxe: Best for simultaneous brewing and steaming
- Double boiler
- Steam wand
- 30-setting conical burr grinder
- 58 mm portafilter
Its double boiler is designed to let you brew espresso and froth milk at the same time. A built-in grinder and steam wand bring the main latte steps into one machine.
Pros
- Can brew and froth at the same time
- Built-in grinder with 30 settings
- Removable 3 L water reservoir
Cons
- Manual milk texturing takes practice
- Larger footprint than the compact picks
The Chefman Crema Deluxe is a fit for buyers who want to brew espresso and froth milk at the same time. Its double boiler system is designed for simultaneous brewing and steaming, a useful feature when you're preparing a latte on a tight morning schedule.
It has a built-in conical burr grinder with 30 settings and a steam wand for milk texturing. The 58 mm portafilter has single and double shot baskets, and the removable water reservoir holds 3 L.
This is a semi-automatic machine, so you still handle espresso preparation and milk steaming. Choose it if simultaneous brewing and steaming is more valuable to you than automatic frothing.
AIRMSEN 20 Bar With Automatic Milk Frother: Best for one-touch milk drinks
- Automatic milk frother
- Single or double espresso
- Dual boiler heating
- Touchscreen controls
One-touch latte and cappuccino options pair espresso with automatic milk frothing. Its dual boiler design handles coffee extraction and milk heating separately.
Pros
- Automatic milk frother
- Touchscreen controls
- Removable water tank
Cons
- Less control over milk texture than a manual wand
- Milk reservoir needs cleaning
The AIRMSEN 20 Bar With Automatic Milk Frother suits buyers who want touch controls and one-touch latte preparation. It offers latte, cappuccino and espresso options, with single or double shots.
Its automatic milk frother has a detachable design, and separate boilers handle coffee extraction and milk frothing. The machine has a touchscreen and a removable 60 oz water tank.
The milk reservoir also needs regular cleaning, so factor that into your routine. Choose AIRMSEN if you want automatic milk preparation and touchscreen controls in a compact body.
What should you compare before choosing a latte machine?
Compare the milk system, grinder and counter fit before choosing an espresso machine for lattes. Those three details shape the everyday routine more than a long list of extra drink modes.
Do you want an automatic frother or a steam wand?
An automatic frother does more of the milk work for you, while a steam wand lets you control the texture by hand. The Ninja models, Breville, De'Longhi and AIRMSEN include automatic milk systems, while CASABREWS and Chefman use steam wands.
If you want to practice making microfoam yourself, choose a wand and give yourself time to learn. If you prefer a button-led process, look for automatic settings that match the textures you use.
Does the machine need a built-in grinder?
A built-in grinder can simplify the route from whole bean to espresso, but a ground-coffee machine may suit you if you already own a grinder. The Ninja models and Chefman include grinders, while the Breville Bambino Plus, CASABREWS and De'Longhi use ground coffee.
Grind size affects how water flows through espresso. Our guide to choosing an espresso grind size can help you understand what to adjust if a shot runs too fast or too slowly.
How much counter space do you have?
Check the machine's dimensions and leave room to refill water, handle the portafilter and position a milk jug. The Bambino Plus and CASABREWS provide clear width measurements that may help with a narrow counter, while the Ninja machines combine several functions in larger bodies.
Measure the full usable area, including cabinet clearance. A compact width alone doesn't tell you whether a machine will fit front to back or leave enough working space.
How do you make a better latte at home?
A better latte starts with a balanced espresso shot and milk textured to your preference. Use the same cup and coffee dose while adjusting one step at a time, so you can tell what changed the flavor.
If espresso tastes sour, the grind or shot may need adjustment. Our guide to simple fixes for sour espresso covers a few common causes, and how long to pull an espresso shot explains why timing is a useful clue.
For milk, start with the machine's recommended settings and learn how its frothing system behaves. Automatic presets offer a repeatable starting point, while a manual steam wand takes practice to produce smooth milk.
Which espresso machine should you choose for lattes?
Pick the Ninja Luxe Café Premier if you want guided grinding and hands-free frothing in a machine that also makes drip coffee and cold brew. Choose the Bambino Plus for a compact body with adjustable automatic milk texture, or the CASABREWS if you want to handle milk with a steam wand.
For more milk-focused options, compare our best espresso machines with a steam wand and learn how to make a latte with an espresso machine. The right choice is the one whose milk routine and size fit your kitchen.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What makes an espresso machine good for lattes?
A good latte machine makes espresso and gives you a way to texture milk to your preference. An automatic frother reduces the steps, while a steam wand gives you more direct control.
If you make several drinks at once, consider how quickly you can repeat the process and whether the water tank and milk jug suit your routine.
Is an automatic frother or steam wand better for lattes?
An automatic frother suits you if you want button-led milk preparation with fewer technique steps. A steam wand suits you if you want to control how you texture the milk yourself.
Some automatic wands also offer texture settings, so check whether those choices match the drinks you make.
Do you need a grinder for a latte machine?
No. You can use pre-ground coffee in machines designed for it, such as the Breville Bambino Plus or CASABREWS CM5418.
A built-in grinder saves a separate step and lets you grind whole beans at home.
Choose based on your routine and counter space, since grinder-equipped machines can have a larger footprint.
Can you make a latte with plant-based milk?
Yes. The Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus is described as frothing dairy and plant-based milk, and the AIRMSEN is described as handling milk alternatives.
Foam results can vary by milk type and brand.
Use the machine's settings and the milk maker's guidance to find a texture you like.
