Our Top Picks (Updated Feb 15th, 2024)
Don't have time to read? Skip right to our top picks for espresso machines with milk steamers. We rigorously test each espresso machine and rely on real customer feedback to ensure we recommend only the best.
Do you want to learn how to make lattes or cappuccinos at home that taste like you got them from your favorite coffee shop?
If your answer is yes, then you’ll want to consider looking at espresso machines with milk steamers.
In this guide, we’ll help you make your decision by discussing our picks for the top 5 greatest home espresso machines with milk steamers, and the reasons why we think they’re so great.
This is what you’ll learn:
- How an espresso machine with a milk steamer benefits you
- Different features of espresso machines and what they mean
- Our picks for the top 5 greatest espresso machines with milk steamers
WHY SHOULD YOU BUY AN ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH A MILK STEAMER?
You might be wondering why you should buy a milk steamer espresso machine in the first place.
The answer to that all comes down to what kind of drinks you want to make at home. If you’re hoping to make lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, or mocha lattes, you’ll want a milk steamer to get you that much closer to professional-quality drinks.
A milk steamer makes it simple to create that perfect foamy milk used in many popular espresso-based beverages like lattes. It allows you to hold the pitcher of milk at the perfect angle for steaming and brings it up to temperature quickly.
Of course, you could always use your stove to make the heated milk necessary for those drinks, but your foam would never be quite as good.
At the same time, though, if you only ever want to make just espresso shots or Americanos, then you won’t get any significant use out of the milk steamer.
FEATURES TO CONSIDER IN YOUR PERFECT ESPRESSO MACHINE
There are other factors that contribute to how you steam milk for your latte beyond just the milk steamer.
The boiler your machine comes equipped with will have an impact on how you craft your drink. Perhaps the most significant thing your boiler type will affect is how quickly you’re able to enjoy your latte after you’ve started pulling a shot of espresso.
You’ll run into three main kinds of boilers as you look at machines:
- Single boilers
- Dual boilers
- Heat exchange boilers (also called HX boilers)
SINGLE BOILERS
Single-boiler espresso machines only have one boiler – just like the name says.
This type of boiler is a bit slower than the alternatives because having only one boiler means it cannot brew and steam at the same time. You’ll need to wait after brewing to steam and vice versa.
The reason behind this is that brewing water and steaming water need to be heated to different temperatures. With only one boiler to go between those temperatures, it will need time to adjust.
DUAL BOILERS
Espresso machines with a dual boiler system have two separate boilers – one for steaming-temperature water and the other for brewing-temperature water.
This kind of setup means you can easily steam and brew at the same time. You won’t need to wait for your shot to finish pulling before you can start frothing your milk.
Dual boiler machines are usually the most powerful on the market, but the downside to them is they can take longer to warm up once you turn them on because two boilers need to be brought up to temperature instead of just one.
HEAT EXCHANGE BOILERS
Heat exchange boiler systems have only one boiler, but an innovative design makes it so users can still simultaneously steam and brew.
How does it work? A tube in the boiler siphons brewing-temperature water to the group head, while steaming water is kept separate.
An advantage to heat exchange boilers is that they don’t take as long to warm up as dual boilers. However, you will need to flush the group head before pulling your espresso shot to ensure the water is at an ideal temperature.
BOILER SIZE
Just as the boiler type affects your drink-making, so does its size. Basically, the bigger the boiler, the more steam power the machine has.
For this reason, dual boilers are usually have the best steam power. Rather than sharing one boiler for both brewing and steaming, they have one boiler designed only for steaming and one for brewing.
But size really evens the playing field. If you have a 3-liter heat exchange boiler and you compare it to a .5-liter steam boiler in a dual boiler system, you’ll find the heat exchange boiler is stronger simply because of its larger size.
If you’re planning on using your expresso machine in your home, the size of the boiler isn’t going to be as big of an issue for you. Pretty much any boiler size will be sufficient for most home users.
This is a larger factor if you’re considering an espresso machine for a small office, where more people are going to be using the machine. A larger boiler can accommodate more drinks being made back to back.
STEAM WAND DESIGN
At first, the steam wand on your machine seems simple. After all, it’s there for frothing milk – what more could there be to it?
In fact, there are a few different features steam wands come with, and you may find some of them necessary.
For example, do you plan on making larger lattes? You might want a longer steam wand that’s capable of reaching deeper into bigger milk pitchers.
If you are worried about your comfort and want to be able to froth milk at different angles, you may prefer an articulating steam wand that can be repositioned as you see fit.
There are also thermally insulated steam wands that stay cool to the touch, for those who are worried about being burnt.
If your main concern is just making basic lattes or cappuccinos, the details of your steam wand may not be a big deal.
But if these features sound appealing (or even essential) to you, be sure to research the design of the steam wand in any espresso machine you consider.
If you're looking for a more powerful espresso machine that can steam enough milk for a business, you'll want to look at our buying guide for commercial espresso machines.
TOP 8 ESPRESSO MACHINES WITH MILK STEAMERS
Now that you’ve read up on some key features and what they mean, you might still be wondering which espresso machines you should consider.
To make it easier, we’ve selected what we think are the five greatest machines for making delicious steamed milk drinks from the comfort of your kitchen.
To make our picks, we looked at factors such as:
- Price
- Steam power
- Steam wand design
Without further ado, here are our picks for the top 5 greatest home espresso machines with milk steamers:
The Nuova Simonelli Musica is a professional-grade espresso machine that is well-suited for home users, small cafes, restaurants, and mobile locations thanks to its compact size and powerful capabilities. The espresso machine not only brings aesthetic appeal to any setting, but also ensures consistent high-quality espresso shots and creamy cappuccinos.
The Musica's unique Soft Infusion System enhances the richness of espresso shots with its pre-infusion feature that soaks coffee grounds before applying pressure. The machine is equipped with a 2-liter insulated copper heat exchange boiler, which provides ample steam power to brew and steam simultaneously. The heat exchanger system also leads to faster warm-ups and temperature stability all while being energy-efficient.
For milk-based beverages, the powerful steam wand allows users to froth milk to the desired texture. The steam wand’s articulating design, coupled with a push-pull lever, ensures easy maneuvering and precision control over the milk frothing process.
Featuring a large 101-ounce water tank, the Nuova Simonelli Musica is designed to accommodate a continuous flow of drinks without needing frequent water refills. The machine also includes a programmable hot water nozzle, allowing for quick preparation of Americanos, teas, and other hot beverages.
Other notable features include an ergonomic button pad with backlit soft-touch buttons for adjustable volumetric dosing, indicator lights, thermo-compensated group for consistent brewing, a stainless steel portafilter, and a boiler pressure gauge to monitor pressure levels.
Overall, the Nuova Simonelli Musica exhibits the ideal balance of form and function, making it a solid choice for those seeking a professional-grade espresso machine with the convenience of a powerful milk steamer.
The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for home users, small cafes, small-medium restaurants, and small offices. Its affordability makes it an attractive option without compromising on quality. This machine offers powerful steaming capabilities, programmable dosing, and soft infusion, contributing to easy operation and high-quality beverages.
Built with a stainless steel body, the Oscar II features an antimicrobial copper heat exchange boiler, promoting sanitation and efficiency. Additionally, the boiler has a 2-liter capacity, which allows continuous brewing and steaming actions during busy hours.
One crucial advantage of the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is its programmable timed dosing buttons for single and double espressos. This feature not only increases efficiency but also ensures consistency between espresso shots.
The soft infusion system guarantees even extraction, beautiful crema, and enhanced flavor in your espresso. To make steamed milk and macchiatos with perfect microfoam, this espresso machine comes equipped with a push-pull steam lever. The extended articulating steam arm allows for precise control over milk pitcher positioning, leading to better milk frothing.
Included with the Oscar II is a commercial-grade 58mm portafilter, granting users a professional experience. Single and double filter baskets are also provided to cater to different preferences. The cup warmer feature keeps espresso cups preheated and ready for use, ensuring that lattes stay warm for longer periods.
In summary, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II offers a comprehensive package of features, including:
- Programmable timed dosing buttons for consistent espresso shots
- Soft infusion system for even extraction and flavor enhancement
- Copper heat exchange boiler for simultaneous brewing and steaming
- Push-pull steam lever and extended articulating steam arm for effective milk frothing
- Commercial-grade 58mm portafilter with single and double filter baskets
- Cup warmer for maintaining the ideal temperature of lattes
This espresso machine is an excellent choice for those who seek an affordable yet efficient solution for their home or business. Its fusion of advanced commercial-grade features and user-friendly operation ensures that users can achieve top-quality results.
The Rocket Appartamento is a semi-automatic espresso machine specifically designed for home baristas who want cafe-quality beverages in a compact package. Its sleek, durable 304 stainless steel casing combined with elegant copper or white circular side panel cutouts make it a standout choice for any kitchen.
This espresso machine features a 1.8-liter copper heat exchange boiler, which allows users to pull an espresso shot and steam milk simultaneously. Copper is naturally antimicrobial, improving sanitation and contributing to the overall performance of the boiler system. The Appartamento also comes with a 2.25-liter water tank, which is easily accessible for quick refilling.
The E-61 commercial group provides temperature stability and automated pre-infusion, ensuring optimal flavor extraction in each espresso shot. With a 2-hole steam tip on the steam wand, users can create beautifully frothed milk for creamy lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
Some of the key features of the Rocket Appartamento include:
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Non-Compression Hot Water and Steam Valves: These allow for smooth and seamless steaming performance with less maintenance cost.
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No-Burn Hot Water and Steam Wands: Designed to stay cool to the touch, reducing the risk of accidental burns and making them easier to clean.
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Black Boiler Pressure Gauge: Displays the pressure within the boiler, indicating when the machine is ready for brewing and steaming.
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Cup Warmer with Removable Plastic Cup Guard: Keeps coffee cups warm and provides additional storage space.
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Vibratory Pump: Creates steady pressure for consistent extraction, resulting in excellent quality espresso with rich crema.
Each Rocket Appartamento comes with a set of standard accessories, including a metal tamper, two 58mm commercial portafilters (single and double spout), a stainless steel backflush disk, a cleaning brush, and a plastic coffee scoop. Its 3-year warranty provides peace of mind for buyers, ensuring quality and support for the duration of its use.
In conclusion, the Rocket Appartamento espresso machine combines style, functionality, and performance in a compact package, making it a great choice for those looking to make professional-quality espresso drinks at home.
The La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II is a dual boiler espresso machine designed for versatile performance and high-quality coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos. It features a 0.45-liter coffee boiler and a 1.2-liter steam boiler, both nickel-plated copper and brass boilers, ensuring excellent temperature stability and efficient heating performance.
This espresso machine comes with an adjustable volumetric dosing feature accessible through its touch pad, allowing users to customize the volume of their espresso shots. The machine's group temperature can be adjusted in one-degree increments, ranging from 91 to 97 degrees Celsius, indicated by an LED display.
Constructed from durable stainless steel, the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II is equipped with a swivel steam arm for creating perfect milk steaming and frothing results. It has a manual-fill 2.4-liter water tank, providing enough capacity for home and office use. The machine operates using a quiet vibratory pump system, making it a delightful addition to any domestic or workspace setting.
The Mini Vivaldi II's portafilters have been redesigned for improved functionality, accommodating both single and double 53 mm baskets. It also includes a notable 4-hole 0.9 mm steam tip, providing excellent milk frothing capabilities. With a compact design measuring 15 inches in height, 16.5 inches in width, and 16.5 inches in depth, this espresso machine is an excellent choice for environments where space is limited.
Moreover, the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II comes with built-in safety features, such as a thermostat to prevent overheating and safety cut-out on the vibratory pump. The machine operates on either 15-amp or 20-amp power mode, providing flexibility for different electrical setups.
In summary, the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II Espresso Machine offers impressive performance and customization options in a compact package. Its dual boiler system, adjustable volumetric dosing, and temperature control enable users to craft an array of delicious coffee drinks with great ease. Its stainless steel construction and comprehensive safety features make it a reliable choice for home and office use.
The La Spaziale Espresso Machine S1 Dream T is a highly regarded dual boiler espresso machine with a built-in milk steamer. With exceptional features and a sleek design, it provides a top-notch experience for crafting various coffee drinks, from espressos to americanos.
The S1 Dream T comes equipped with stainless steel front and back panels, adding durability and style to the machine. The dual boiler system consists of a 0.45 liter coffee boiler and a 1.2 liter steam boiler, ensuring precise temperature control and efficient heating. A key feature of this espresso machine is its PID temperature controller, allowing users to adjust the temperature to their preference within one degree Fahrenheit. Additionally, the group temperature can be conveniently adjusted through the touchpad.
The espresso machine's steam wand is designed with a swivel mechanism, ensuring ease to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. This feature, in combination with the hot water spigot, provides versatility in crafting a wide range of coffee drinks. The S1 Dream T has a volumetric dosing system, adjustable through the touchpad, providing consistent shots every time.
This machine offers two power options: 15 Amp and 20 Amp, catering to different electrical requirements. Some helpful extras include barista lights next to the group, a built-in shot counter and timer, and a memory card reader and writer for programmable profiles. For added convenience, the S1 Dream T has a manual fill 3 liter water tank, which eliminates the need for plumbing.
The La Spaziale S1 Dream T comes with two 53 mm portafilters, a single and a double, to accommodate different espresso preferences. Its stainless steel construction ensures durability, and the vibratory pump operates quietly for a pleasant user experience.
In summary, the La Spaziale Espresso Machine S1 Dream T with its dual boiler system, efficient milk steamer, and user-friendly design, is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts looking for a high-quality espresso machine with versatile options for crafting their preferred coffee drinks.
The Rancilio Silvia Pro X is a reliable semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in milk steamer that allows you to create milk-based drinks like mocha lattes in just a few minutes. With its stainless steel exterior and dual boiler system—consisting of a 1-liter steam boiler and 300ml brew boiler—you can enjoy simultaneous brewing and steaming capabilities.
This espresso machine features a PID temperature control, ensuring precise management and fine-tuned adjustments for both the steam and brew boilers. The steam boiler is always at the ready, providing hot water and foam whenever you need it. Additionally, the Silvia Pro X comes with an integrated pressure gauge for accurate control of brewing pressure.
Soft pre-infusion and a quality built-in tamper allow for even extractions, while the front-facing PID display doubles as a shot timer during brewing, ensuring consistently delicious results. The machine also comes with a 2L water reservoir; thus, it offers enough capacity for multiple espresso shots and steaming without frequent refilling.
One of the unique features of the Rancilio Silvia Pro X is its programmable auto-on function, allowing you to set a preferred time for the machine to power up and be ready to use. This way, you can conveniently start your day with a freshly brewed espresso right when you need it.
Included with the Silvia Pro X is the upgraded stainless steel portafilter from the Rancilio Specialty line, which gives users a professional-grade machine in their own homes. The dual boilers make this machine an excellent choice if you're seeking consistent temperature stability and the ability to create creamy foam for your milk-based drinks.
In summary, the Rancilio Silvia Pro X provides exceptional functionality, quality brewing, and steaming performance wrapped up in a sleek stainless steel design. Its user-friendly features, like the programmable auto-on and versatile brewing options, make it a top contender among espresso machines with milk steamers.
The Quick Mill Anita Evo Espresso Machine is a top contender for those looking to purchase an espresso machine with a milk steamer. Designed with exceptional features, this espresso machine is perfectly suited for creating lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based coffee drinks. The heat exchange boiler allows for simultaneous milk steaming and espresso brewing, providing an efficient and user-friendly experience.
One of the most striking aspects of the Quick Mill Anita Evo is its stainless steel construction, which not only offers durability but also adds a sleek and professional appearance to the machine. Equipped with a commercial-grade E61 group head, it ensures consistent temperature and pressure throughout the brewing process. This espresso machine also boasts a generous 3L water reservoir and a large 1.6L steam boiler, allowing users to make multiple coffee drinks without frequent refilling.
The steam wand design plays a vital role in creating the perfect foam for lattes and cappuccinos. The Quick Mill Anita Evo's steam wand is designed to be no-burn, reducing the risk of accidents and making it easier to clean. The wand also comes with a 2-hole steam tip that further enhances the milk frothing process.
In comparison to automatic espresso machines and single boiler machines, the Quick Mill Anita Evo provides a superior experience by enabling the user to have more control over their coffee-making process. Its heat exchange boiler system allows for brewing and steaming at the same time, without compromising on the quality of the espresso or the milk steaming. This feature sets the Anita Evo apart from single boiler machines, which require users to wait between brewing and steaming.
The Quick Mill Anita Evo offers versatility in terms of brewing options, as it comes with different filter baskets and a tamper. This allows users to experiment with various coffee drinks and customize their beverages to their preferences. Although the Quick Mill Anita Evo might not be as popular as the Rancilio Silvia, it certainly stands out for its impressive features, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking an espresso machine with milk steamer capabilities.
The Quick Mill Alexia Evo Espresso Machine is a high-quality and reliable single-boiler espresso machine that delivers excellent espresso and milk-based coffee drinks. This semi-automatic machine is designed for both home and office use, and offers several notable features which set it apart from other espresso machines in its class.
One of the standout features of the Quick Mill Alexia Evo Espresso Machine is its ability to produce consistently hot water and steam through the use of its TEA-coated 0.75-liter boiler. This coating provides protection, reducing the possibility of metal leaching and improving overall durability. Additionally, the machine is equipped with a PID temperature controller, ensuring precise temperature control and improved consistency in every shot.
With a 3-liter water reservoir, the Alexia Evo offers ample capacity for extended use without the need for frequent refilling. The magnetic float sensor provides accurate and reliable detection of low water levels, ensuring that the machine remains functional and efficient.
The steam wand on the Alexia Evo is designed for ease of use and safety. The swivel design allows for greater versatility when frothing milk, and the 2-hole steam tip ensures even and consistent foam production for lattes and cappuccinos. Furthermore, the no-burn steam wand remains cool to the touch, reducing the risks of injury and simplifying the cleaning process.
The Alexia Evo also includes a large, pull-out stainless drip tray with a 46-ounce capacity, making clean-up simple and efficient. The hinged top cover allows for easy access to the water tank without removing the cup warming tray. Additionally, the machine comes with two complete 58mm portafilters (one single and one double) and a blank for backflushing, ensuring a comprehensive setup for producing a variety of coffee drinks.
In conclusion, the Quick Mill Alexia Evo Espresso Machine offers an impressive combination of features and performance, making it a top choice for those seeking a semi-automatic espresso machine with milk steaming capabilities. With its consistent temperature control, steam wand design, and overall ease of use, the Alexia Evo is a worthy contender for any coffee enthusiast
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Tony Barlow, with over a decade of experience in the coffee industry, is the go-to technical sales expert at Majesty Coffee. He's passionate about helping businesses find the right espresso equipment for their needs.
