The unique LatteCrema micro-foam technology allows you to make a cappuccino that always has a rich, thick foam and a perfect temperature at the push of a button. Moreover, the system of automatic cleaning, which is built into the frother, allows you to easily and quickly clean those parts of the system that come into contact with the milk.
With regular usage, the tray often develops scratches.
De'Longhi Eletta ECAM 44.660.B is a must-have for coffee lovers. The machine operates on newest technologies, has a built-in grinder, and possesses unique features like Milk Menu and My Milk, which allows you to programme the recipe of your favourite drink and enjoy it whenever you want.
Pump-driven
15 Bars
Whole bean coffee, ground coffee
Milk frother
Espresso, ristretto, americano, cappuccino, caffe latte, latte macchiato, espresso macchiato and flat white
Automatic
Memory function, silent grinder with 13 settings, energy saving function, aroma control, audio Signal, automatic cleaning, auto-shut off, selection of 1 or 2 cups, stand-by function
Removable milk carafe, removable 2l water tank, cup holder, descaling, cleaning and rinsing program, removable drip tray with level indicator
2 years
The machine prepares the perfect coffee at optimum temperature and using the correct extraction process. Moreover, the 1850 W power will not keep you waiting for your coffee for long.
The device takes time to set up and make the necessary adjustments.
Sage BES875UK coffee maker includes a milk jug with a temperature indicator that will make you feel like a real barista and allow you to try latte art. This model possesses a wide range of features; at the same time, it is rather compact, which means it will easily fit into a small kitchen or office.
Pump-driven
15 Bars
Whole bean coffee, ground coffee
Panarello
Espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato
Semi-automatic
Digital temperature control, single or double shots, adjustable grind amount with 18 settings, manual over-ride, dose-control grinder, micro-foam milk texturing
Removable 2l water tank, cup warming tray, removable drip tray, cleaning indicator, razor dose trimming Tool, 54mm stainless steel portafilter, 1 cup & 2 cup single & dual wall filter baskets, coffee scoop, milk jug with temperature control features, cleaning disc and tablets, cleaning brush, tool and Allen key, water filter holder and water filter included
2 years
If you are looking for a compact coffee machine for ground coffee and ESE pods, then De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685R is exactly what you need. Thanks to its narrow body, it will look great even in a small kitchen.
It is supplied with a European 2 pin plug, so you will need an adapter for UK socket.
It is a practical machine for making coffee, cappuccino, and other drinks at a fair price. Thanks to the removable drip tray, you can control the volume of the beverage and the cup used for its serving. Thus, you can use an 8cm-tall cup with the tray in place and a 12cm-tall cup with the tray removed.
Pump-driven
15 Bars
Ground coffee or ESE pods
Panarello
Espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato
Semi-automatic
Auto shut-off, adjustable steam arm, preparation of 1 or 2 cups simultaneously
Removable 1l water tank, maximum cup height 8 cm (12 cm with removed tray), removable drip tray, water level indicator, 3 filters including a single, double and ESE compatible filter
2 years
With the help of the frother, you will be able to make your coffee just the way you like it quickly and easily. The two control options allow to both make a rich foam for a cappuccino and heat up milk for a cocoa or flat white. There are marks on the wand that will help you figure it out.
The drip tray is very easy to detach, which can at times happen accidentally.
This coffee machine with a stylish chrome finish can become the centre-piece of any kitchen. The device can work both on ground coffee and capsules. It is equipped with an intuitive control system and a convenient auto shut off function. There is no doubt that De'Longhi ECP35.31 will become an excellent present for anyone who is a good judge of cappuccino and coffee in general.
Pump-driven
15 Bars
Ground coffee or ESE Pods
Panarello
Espresso, ristreto, americano, lungo, cappuccino, latte, latte macchiato, flat white
Semi-automatic
Auto shut-off, Adjustable steam arm, preparing 1 or 2 cups simultaneously
Removable 1.1l water tank, double drip tray, maximum cup height 12 cm, 3 filters including a single, double and ESE compatible filter
2 years
The ThermoJet® heating system will guarantee that the perfect extraction temperature is achieved in just 3 seconds, so, you won't have to wait for too long for your cup of joe. Equipped with a 19-gram portafilter, the unit will allow you to enjoy a full flavour of double espresso or ristretto.
The glossy surface of the housing is prone to fingerprints.
The Bambino™ Plus pump capuccino coffee machine is a real find for java lovers. Not only does it allow you to make classic espresso but also, thanks to the variable milk temperature and texture control, you will be able to make your favourite milk coffee drinks and practice latte art.
Pump-driven
9 Bars
Ground coffee
Panarello
Espresso, Lungo, Cappuccino, Latte macchiato
Automatic
ThermoJet® heating system (3-second fast heat-up time), Cup warmer, Dual nozzle for two cups, Digital temperature control (PID) system, Auto purge
Removable water reservoir (1.9 l), Removable drip tray, 54 mm porta-filter, Razor Tool, Tamper, Cleaning Kit included
2 years
Stylish, Multi-Functional Machine
This elegant but powerful machine has everything necessary to satisfy the pickiest coffee lover. Whether your drink of choice is a strong espresso or creamy latte, De'Longhi Eletta can make it all.
Its sleek design will look stunning in any kitchen. With its rather compact width dimensions, the cappuccino maker will not take up a lot of space on your counter. The machine is made of high-quality stainless steel. On the top, there is a large coffee bean intake; it is sealed for flavour protection. The grinder has 13 different work settings, so you can make your coffee as fine or coarse as you like. If you want to use pre-ground coffee, there is a chute for that as well. Also, you can find a dispenser with an adjustable height, which means it can fit both a full-sized and a small espresso cup. The water is supplied from a 2l tank that you can attach and remove; it also has a built-in filter for great quality of water.
The milk reservoir in this cappuccino coffee machine deserves your special attention. It is the part that executes De'Longhi patented Latte Crema Technology. Attached to the machine on its left side, it provides the perfect froth for your favourite milky drink. You can even adjust the amount of foam you wish to have on your coffee. The milk carafe can be easily removed and stored in the refrigerator until further usage.
There is also an auto-cleaning programme for an even more enjoyable experience.
Custom-Made Coffee Every Day
The operation of this coffee machine is quite simple and intuitive, and all of the functions are rather handy. You can easily adjust the size of your beverage, as well as the degree of hotness. Moreover, you can choose whether you want your drink to be mild, medium, or strong. The device has a two-line digital screen that displays your options and settings.
There are various drink options you can choose from. This device is capable of making single or double espresso, ristretto, single or double long coffee, espresso macchiato, cafe latte or latte, cappuccino, and latte macchiato with just a touch of a button. You can also prepare americano, flat white, and even tea. As for the latter, there is a special spout that produces hot water for that purpose. The "Cappuccino" and "Milk Menu" buttons allow you to quickly make your favourite frothy drinks without any extra settings. You just push one button and wait for your delicious coffee. Moreover, you can programme all the necessary adjustments, like the amount of milk and coffee, and add it to the machine's memory. This way, you will be able to make your daily beverage faster.
This cappuccino coffee maker is also equipped with an energy-saving mechanism. You can programme your machine to turn on and switch off at a particular time.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £502.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00I6E7CWG |
Become a Barista in Your Own Home
The Barista Express by Sage is an exceptionally good-looking and well-built coffee maker. It is obvious that the manufacturers put a lot of thought and care into this machine, as it just screams quality, inside and out. The numerous features and specialties will definitely be appreciated by any coffee aficionado.
First of all, this device is extremely fast, as it goes from beans to cup in under 60 seconds. It is equipped with a grinder, which itself is a real work of art. Besides the 18 grind settings that allow you to choose how coarse the grind will be in the end, there are also tailored dose settings that stay in the range of 19-22 g, which is more than most home coffee machines offer. Moreover, thanks to the original grinding cradle that delivers the ideal amount of coffee straight to the filter, you do not need to measure or even tamp the grind—it is all done for you. The coffee maker also allows you to use ground coffee if you prefer it over beans.
The package includes single and double filter baskets, so you are covered in this department as well. With daily usage, you should be good with changing the filters every few months. There is a "Clean Me" indicator on the machine; it will tell you when you need to use descaling tablets for proper maintenance.
Secret of Exceptional Coffee
The true magic of this cappuccino maker is in the brewing process. In making good coffee pressure and temperature are essential. Sage Barista Express uses a special technique that includes pre-infusing the grind at low pressure in order to ensure even soaking and expansion of the coffee and then applying high pressure for extraction. This is what ensures the smooth taste with a soft crema. At the same time, this device utilises the PID technology for digital temperature control. The function makes sure there are no variations in temperature during the extraction process.
In order to create the perfect cappuccino, you also need the right amount of pressure. In Barista Express, it is provided by a steam wand that is operated manually. The manufacturers believe that it is the best way to get the right micro-foam with tiny air bubbles. The machine also comes with a milk jug that has temperature control capacity. Not only does this combination allow you to control the texture of the milk but also lets you experiment with latte art.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £598.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B077YZXR1W |
High-Level Brewing in a Compact Device
De'Longhi Dedica Style is a petite but functional machine that appeals to many coffee consumers. The attractive appearance, together with reliability and high quality, make this device a popular pick among customers.
This coffee maker has pretty much everything you need for an excellent cup of aromatic drink. It includes a 1l water tank, a steam wand for frothing milk, and three types of filters: single, double, and those compatible with easy-serving espresso pods. The solid and sturdy portafilter is quite easy to attach and remove. It applies the pressure of 15 Bar to ensure the perfect smooth taste. The milk frother creates a splendid foam for your cappuccino or latte. Moreover, if necessary, you can also use it as a hot water dispenser and make an americano or even tea. It is situated on the side of the machine due to its compact size. The drip tray is doubled, which means you can use both small and large cups. On top of the machine, there is a heated pad for warming up and storing your cups.
The function of pre-infusing the grind with water boosts the quality of the coffee you get. At the same time, the built-in thermoblock ensures an even temperature throughout the process of brewing.
Appearance and Usability
Although this coffee maker is made of plastic, it is coated in stainless steel, which gives it a high-quality, trusted look. Its build is rather advantageous; with only 20 cm in width, it can fit in even the smallest space. The shiny red colour also adds to the stylish appearance.
Using this machine is a piece of cake. There are three buttons on the top: the first is for a single shot, the second—for a double, and the third for the steam wand. You can also control the temperature of the drink, choose water hardness, and set the time of operation by holding down the buttons. The process is not complicated, but somewhat tricky, so you should read the manual first. Of course, you can also experiment with the amount of coffee used and the degree to which it is tamped down. You can choose how long or short you want your espresso as well. Moreover, on the steam wand, there is a rubber switch that allows you to adjust the amount of foam you wish to receive. Once everything is set up according to your needs and preferences, the coffee maker is extremely easy to operate and maintain.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £209.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B06WD7Z8GD |
Decent and Dependable Machine
This coffee maker is like an old friend—familiar and reliable. Its traditional design and mechanism make it attractive, easy-to-use, and affordable. While it is quite simple compared to other machines in our review, it possesses numerous functions and covers all the basics of coffee making.
The device is well-built and sturdy. It has a full metal front side and a stainless steel portafilter. The removable, transparent 1.1l water tank ensures convenient replenishment as you can see the level of water at all times. There is a high-quality panarello with adjustable controls; it can also dispense hot water if you change the settings. The double drip tray can be removed, therefore making it possible to put in a larger cup.
What is also notable about this machine is its boiler. With its stainless steel material and capacity of 180 ml, it delivers steady and strong flow of steam for frothing the milk as well as provides the ability to make two espressos in a row without compromising the quality.
Strong Espresso, Silky Foam
This espresso maker is a universal machine. It can operate on ground coffee of your choosing; you can also use ESE pods if you find the clean-up process troublesome.
Thanks to the right pressure and temperature, the device makes an excellent espresso with a nice, rich crema. With the help of the frother, you can also prepare macchiato, cappuccino, latte, and flat white. You can even control the amount of foam you wish to get. The steam wand also has the function called "Hot milk," which means simply heating the milk, without creating foam. It would be relevant for making cocoa or specialized drinks, like flat white. The nozzle can act as a hot water dispenser, which you can use to make an americano or herbal tea.
The indicators are functional and visible, and the knob is quite intuitive, all of which makes the usage of the machine easy and effortless.
With this coffee maker, you never need to worry about consuming too much energy as it has a very convenient auto shut off feature. After 9 minutes of being idle, the machine turns off and therefore does not cause any energy waste.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £161.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B013GDE0SU |
Powerful Manual Machine
If you're looking for a great manual coffee machine that would be able to prepare top-notch coffee requiring a minimum of your time, Sage's solution should fit you to tee. Coming in a compact package, the machine can make a cup of coffee virtually in a matter of minutes, perfectly working with both pre-ground and fresh coffee beans that you can grind yourself. It is not exactly the cheapest model but if you want the power and full manual control, it is definitely worth considering.
With many years of experience in this industry, Sage has already made a name for themselves and is associated with high-quality appliances. The SES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Maker is not an exception, featuring a signature stainless steel finish that meshes perfectly with about any interior and user-friendly controls. This espresso machine is also impressively small (compared to many similar models) with the overall dimensions measuring 195 x 320 x 310mm, so it won't eat up a lot of valuable space on a shelf or countertop.
Setting aesthetics aside, the SES500BSS is also pretty functional. In the box, it comes with all of the accessories necessary for preparing delicious foamy coffee-based drinks. You get two filter baskets (single-walled and double-walled), a removable 1.9L water reservoir, a tamper, a razor tool, and a cleaning kit. When it comes to the mentioned filter baskets, single-walled filter baskets are usually used for beans while double-walled are for pre-ground coffee. So, you can safely use it with a grinder and worry not that it might not take fine grind.
Despite being that compact, the SES500BSS has the right dimensions to accommodate shorter espresso cups and larger glasses that are used for latte, cappuccino, etc. so with this machine, you will be able to prepare many different drinks.
About Controls and Maintenance
The feature that distinguishes Sage's products is that the company tends to keep things simple. The same is true for this espresso machine. It comes only with a few buttons to dispense single and double espresso. The settings are pre-programmed, but if you want, you can always override them and set the amount of coffee you or your family members want. On the note of controls, it's also worth pointing out that the machine has no control to dispense water. That's why if you prefer your shots of coffee to be piping hot, you will need to boil water in a kettle first and then pour into the tank.
Speaking of the frothing system, it is automated, meaning you can select the desired amount of foam and milk temperature, which may come in handy when you want a very quick morning cup. That said, you can froth milk manually too, adjusting the density of foam and amount of bubbles in it to your liking.
In terms of maintenance, the Sage SES500BSS isn't any different than any regular coffee machine, requiring regular emptying of the drip tray and cleaning the showerhead with water to remove the residue of coffee beans. It comes with handy indicators that start to flash when the cleaning mode should be used.
Summing up the review, if you are after a powerful manual machine capable of taking both fresh coffee beans and pre-ground ones, the Sage SES500BSS will be a good choice. With this machine, you yourself will decide when you want control and when you don't, choosing between manual and automatic settings.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £229.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07GB2JVD7 |
What Is a Capuccino Maker?
In today's world, a lot of people start their day with a cup of aromatic and invigorating coffee, which is so popular all over the world. And many consumers specifically prefer a cappuccino—a coffee drink based on espresso with added steamed and frothed milk. But how can you get the highest quality of coffee with milk in the comfort of your own home? The answer is simple: get a cappuccino maker.
Its mechanism is quite ingenious: hot water goes through ground coffee under pressure and creates a portion of espresso with a rich crema, which adds intensity and aroma to the flavour. Then, the steamed and frothed milk is added, and you get a latte or cappuccino. If you add milk to the espresso, it is a cappuccino; if you pour espresso over a larger portion of milk, it is a latte. In order to get a delicious cappuccino, you need the milk frothed the right way and not overheated. In this article, we review some cappuccino makers that will equip you with everything necessary for you to enjoy tasty coffee with a thick milky foam.
If you are a true lover of espresso itself, you should specifically look for espresso machines or just best coffee machines, which will prepare a cup of good coffee in minutes.
What Features to Compare
Type of Device
In order to choose a cappuccino maker, you need to first take note of the type of device. They can be pump- or boiler-based. The mechanisms of their operation are similar: hot water goes through the ground coffee under pressure, and we receive a prepared beverage. However, pump machines create the pressure of over 10 Bar, and pass water at a temperature of 88-95 degrees, and in the end we get coffee with an aromatic and thick crema of a beautiful golden color, which is very much appreciated by both coffee lovers and professional baristas. This drink is also called classic espresso. The boilers bring the water to a boil and pass it through coffee under less pressure, usually 3-5 Bar. This coffee will be more invigorating, since the caffeine content in it will be higher, and the taste will be stronger due to the water temperature. Some models have the function of manually selecting the water temperature, which will allow you to customize the cappuccino machine to your own preferences.
Type of Coffee Used
Also pay attention to the type of coffee used—beans, ground or capsules. Beans are used in models with a built-in coffee grinder: this way you will get freshly ground coffee, which positively affects the taste. In capsules, the amount of coffee per serving is already measured. When buying a capsule model, please note: usually, you can only use capsules from the same manufacturer that made the coffee machine. And the choice of capsules in some firms is not very diverse.
Brewing Method and Modes
A very important factor in choosing cappuccino makers is the brewing method and modes. Milk can be frothed with a milk frother or panarello, and there are models where these two methods are present together. A milk frother foams the milk in a special jug, and it is poured into the cup automatically or manually by the user. The advantage of this method is that everything happens automatically, and you do not need to use any additional dishes. A panarello is a nozzle that froths the milk with steam to form a thick and rich milky foam. Its advantage is in the speed of frothing (no more than 30 seconds); moreover, you can adjust the level of density and temperature by yourself. However, you need to pour the milk into a separate container and control the process of frothing. In the models that include both methods, you can work with a large amount of milk at the same time. The time of brewing the espresso and frothing the milk also plays a big role; when you press the start button, you want to make that first heavenly sip as quickly as possible! Many models have several pre-set modes: once each drink is programmed according to your preferences, you can prepare it with one touch.
Control System
The control system also plays a big role in choosing cappuccino makers. They are divided into super-automatic, automatic, semi-automatic, and manual. The super-automatic are easiest to use. They have a built-in coffee grinder for grinding beans. Such models prepare coffee by themselves, and the user is responsible only for the loading of coffee, as well as the proportions of coffee and milk. The automatic ones differ from super-automatic only in the absence of a built-in coffee grinder, but they are also very simple and convenient to use. Semi-automatic machines only create pressure, but you load your own coffee into the holder. Manual coffee makers require control over all preparation processes. For maximum comfort, super-automatic and automatic machines are the best.
Functions
You should also pay attention to the functions and comfort of using the cappuccino makers. By regulating the amount of milk froth, you can make a unique coffee recipe, and the regulation of the amount of coffee froth will enhance the aroma. Adjusting the strength will make the drink more invigorating or as gentle as possible. A removable tank makes it easy to fill it with water. The volumes of water, milk, and coffee meal tanks will affect the speed of brewing several servings at once. Fast heating upon turning on will allow you to take a sip of your favourite drink as soon as possible. The memory function will remember your preferences and prepare the exact same drink next time—you will just need to press one button. As for the removable brewing unit, it will simplify the cleaning of such a cappuccino machine and maximize its service life. There are a lot of functions in modern models, and all of them are created so that you can make coffee based on your preferences with minimum effort.
The above points will simplify your choice of cappuccino makers and help you find your way through the huge number of models offered by various manufacturers today.
Did you know?
- The first coffee machine was patented as early as 1884. It was done by Angelo Moriondo from Turin, Italy. Up until 1961, the device had gone through numerous transformations before ending up equipped with a pump-based mechanism, which is what almost all modern machines use.
- The most expensive cappuccino maker in the world is the Javabot Coffee Machine. Its price reaches $1,000,000. It is more of a robot system than a device. It takes up the space of the entire store it is situated in, and it goes through the entire coffee-making process, from the very green bean to cup.
- A cappuccino was first made in Italy in the early 1900s. It quickly became popular in Europe. What's notable is that cappuccino was the most lovable form of coffee in England; the British had already been used to drinking their coffee with milk, but the difference in taste and texture made cappuccino their preference.
- The word "cappuccino" means "little cap" in Italian, which is a rather suiting description for the layer of foam that rests on top of the espresso part. The name is also connected to the Capuchin monks, who wore brown cowls with hoods resembling the appearance of the drink.
- In Italy, it is okay to have a cup of cappuccino in the morning, but you would be considered strange if you ordered it later in the day. In the rest of Europe, particularly in the UK, Germany, Belgium, people have become accustomed to drinking cappuccino in the afternoon and after dinner.
- When asking your barista for a cappuccino, you may choose between a dry and wet one. The difference is in the proportions of milk. A wet cappuccino contains a larger amount of steamed milk whereas a dry one has more frothed milk. Note that a wet drink will be sweeter, and the bitterness of coffee will be less distinct.
- If you have always wanted to know why it is necessary to tap the milk pitcher on the table before pouring it into the espresso, here is your answer. These movements help force the bubbles of air out and evenly distribute the foam in the milk. It is one of the secrets to a delicious cappuccino.
Sources:
1. The Perfect Cappuccino - How To Foam Milk, FoodEditorials.
2. AJ Gwilliam Here’s How to Make the World’s Perfect Cappuccino, Highsnobiety. December 23, 2015.
3. Coffee Drinks Recipes, Allrecipes.
4. Kate Bratskeir 38 Types Of Coffee Drinks, Explained, The Huffington Post. February 10, 2014.
5. Cappuccino, Wikipedia. December 1, 2016.
6. Kristen Hicks How to Choose the Best Espresso Machine [Buyer’s Guide], CompactAppliance.com. August 26, 2015.
7. Jovia D'Souza Things To Consider When Buying A Cappuccino Machine, Ezinearticles. August 09, 2016.
8. Jimmy Stamp The Long History of the Espresso Machine, Smithsonian. June 19, 2012.