10 Best Espresso Machines With Frother

The Breville Barista Express is a solid choice for anyone wanting to make high-quality espresso at home with some control over the process. It’s a semi-automatic machine with an integrated conical burr grinder, allowing you to grind fresh beans right before brewing, which helps improve flavor. The machine uses a pressure system with low-pressure pre-infusion, ensuring a balanced extraction of coffee flavors. It also has a digital temperature control (PID) that keeps the water at the right temperature for consistent espresso shots.

This model includes a manual steam wand for frothing milk, which is powerful enough to create microfoam and even latte art, making it suitable for milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. The 2-liter water tank and 250-gram bean hopper are a good size for home use, balancing capacity without taking up too much counter space. Ease of cleaning is reasonably good thanks to included accessories like cleaning tablets, a brush, and a water filter, though because it’s a semi-automatic machine, some routine cleaning and maintenance are needed to keep it running smoothly. The stainless steel construction makes it durable but adds to the weight (about 13 kg), so it’s not the lightest option.

A consideration is that it requires some hands-on involvement—grind size and amount need to be adjusted manually, and frothing milk takes practice. This might not be ideal if you want a fully automatic, push-button experience. If you enjoy experimenting and fine-tuning your espresso, this machine provides excellent control and quality at a reasonable price. It suits coffee lovers who want a step up from basic machines and appreciate fresh grinding and customizable brewing.

The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact, stainless steel espresso machine designed for those who want quick, cafe-quality coffee at home without a steep learning curve. It uses a 54mm portafilter that holds 19 grams of coffee, which helps make rich and full-flavored espresso. One standout feature is its ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just 3 seconds, so you won’t have to wait long to start making coffee. It also features a low-pressure pre-infusion step that gradually increases pressure to extract balanced flavors, giving your espresso a smooth taste.

This machine includes an automatic steam wand (frother) that textures milk to a creamy microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos, and you can adjust the milk temperature and texture to your liking. The auto-purge function resets the system after steaming to maintain the right temperature for your next shot. It holds 1.9 liters of water, which is a decent size for daily use without needing constant refills. The machine is fairly easy to clean, with straightforward controls and the stainless steel body resisting stains and wear. However, the warranty is limited to one year, which might be a consideration if you expect heavy use.

Though it’s not the cheapest option, the quick heat-up, adjustable milk frothing, and precise temperature control make it an excellent choice for espresso lovers who want convenience and quality. For those who prefer hands-off milk frothing combined with strong espresso extraction in a small footprint, this machine fits well. However, if you want a larger water tank or longer warranty, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Breville Barista Touch is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder and an automatic steam wand for frothing milk, making it a great choice for those who want café-quality coffee at home with minimal fuss. Its key strength is the precise temperature and pressure control, thanks to the ThermoJet heating system and digital temperature control, which help deliver consistent and balanced espresso shots. The automatic milk texturing wand creates smooth microfoam ideal for lattes and cappuccinos, and you can customize milk temperature and texture through an easy-to-use touchscreen.

The 2-litre water tank and 250g bean hopper are good for multiple drinks without frequent refills, and the machine offers programmable settings for personalized coffee preferences. On the downside, it’s somewhat bulky and weighs over 10 kg, so it needs a dedicated spot on your countertop. Cleaning is easier than many machines due to included tools and a clear interface, but the complexity of features might feel overwhelming to complete beginners.

This machine suits users who appreciate quality espresso and milk foam and desire a balance between automation and control, though it might exceed the needs of casual users.