The Best Espresso Machines With Steamers
For many folks, no morning is complete without a rejuvenating cup of espresso. And there's a whole world of espresso-based beverages you'd be missing out on without a steamer. Steamers heat and froth milk, giving it the aerated texture you need to make lattes and cappuccinos. Finding the right espresso machine can be a difficult process, so we created this comprehensive list of our favorites to help you on your buying journey.
What To Look For
Not all espresso machines are created equal, and once you include the steamer attachment in your search, it can be even more confusing to sift through all the noise. But if you simplify your search criteria to a few essential attributes, your job can become a whole lot easier. To us, the most important things to look for in an espresso machine are affordability, steamer quality, and pump pressure. We feel the machine that most effectively balances these qualities is De’Longhi’s Stilosa espresso machine. With a 15-BAR pump and a dual-spout design, this espresso machine can create first-rate beverages at a fraction of the price of premium machines. On the flip side, if you’re looking for something a bit more customizable, it would be hard to go wrong with Calphalon’s Temp iQ espresso machine. This advanced machine has a convenient dial interface for changing brew settings, a spacious 58-millimeter portafilter for holding your grounds, and a convenient cup-warming tray on top. Read on to get the low down on the rest of our favorite espresso machines.
De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine with Steam Wand
Wake up right
Few things can brighten a morning quicker than sharing a cappuccino or espresso with a loved one. Thanks to the Stilosa’s dual-spout construction, you can make two beverages at once. This espresso machine has a 15-BAR pump that can provide just enough pressure to create a fresh, rich, and full taste in your espresso-based drinks. What’s more, the steamer is easy to use and creates an even, thick froth throughout the milk cup.
Pros:
- Dual-spout design
- Durable stainless steel boiler
- Includes filters for single and double espresso shots
Cons:
- There is no automatic power-off feature, which can cause your cup to overflow if you walk away from the machine while it’s brewing
Gevi Professional Espresso Machine with Steam Wand
Cappuccino, coming right up
Gevi’s espresso machine caught our attention right away, mostly due to its sleek, compact design and minimalist design quality. This no-nonsense machine features only what’s essential to create a delicious cup of espresso. With a built-in pressure gauge and a 20-BAR pump, this model allows you to create highly pressurized beverages with a rich and dense flavor profile. We also appreciate that the steamer attachment easily comes off when it’s time for cleaning.
Pros:
- Compact footprint won’t take up much counter space
- 20-BAR pump
- Built-in pressure gauge
Cons:
- We wish the tamper was a bit more durable
Mixpresso Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
Lovely little lattes
If you don’t have a lot of counter space in the kitchen but still want to make cappuccinos and espresso at home, this machine from Mixpresso should definitely pique your interest. This highly compact espresso machine has an exceptionally slender construction, allowing it to easily nestle between other appliances already taking up space in your kitchen. The large water tank in the back holds up to 37 fluid ounces, enabling you to brew a multitude of espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos before having to refill it.
Pros:
- Dual-spout
- The removable drip tray makes cleaning a breeze
- Adjustable steam wand attached
Cons:
- The steam wand takes a little while to heat up
Sowtech Espresso Machine with Steam Milk Frother
Pump it up
You might assume that you need to spend an arm and a leg to get an espresso machine, but this surprisingly affordable machine is here to make you rethink that. This highly portable espresso machine features a 3.5-BAR pump and an adjustable steam wand for frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It also comes with a stainless steel cup for collecting your finished espresso. Conveniently, you can drink directly from the stainless steel cup or simply pour the brew into any mug of your liking.
Pros:
- The steamer heats up quickly
- Features a temperature control function
- Stainless steel cup included
Cons:
- The 3.5-BAR pump might not offer enough pressure for some folks
Calphalon Temp iQ iQ Espresso Machine with Steam Wand
Ooh la la
If you’re trying to achieve the same quality in your kitchen as you get from the coffee shop, Calphalon’s Temp iQ espresso machine might be just what the doctor ordered. With a 15-BAR pump and a 58-millimeter portafilter, this versatile machine can efficiently create a densely flavored brew. The removable two-liter water reservoir is easy to clean and holds enough water to make espresso for the entire family for at least a week. We also appreciate the Temp iQ’s unique cup-warming tray on top of the machine.
Pros:
- Simple dial interface for selection functions
- Stainless steel milk pitcher included
- Cup-warming tray on top
Cons:
- It’s a bit pricier than some of its competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a frother and a steamer?
While both of these attachments froth milk for espresso-based beverages, there are a few notable differences. Steamers utilize heat and air pressure to aerate the milk, creating a thick, creamy finish. Frothers, on the other hand, rapidly whisk the milk instead of using heat and pressure.
What is the difference between a cappuccino and a latte?
Since cappuccinos and lattes share the same exact ingredients, it can be confusing to know what the difference is between the two beverages. The only real difference between the two is that cappuccinos have a milky foam layer on top, while lattes mix the foam right into the coffee. However minor this disparity may seem at a glance, it actually does create a noticeable difference between the taste of the two drinks.
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