Coffee Machines with Milk Frother

Choosing a coffee machine with milk frother

If lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos are your thing, the milk frother matters as much as the coffee. Every machine in this collection can texture milk, either with a traditional steam wand or a fully automatic milk system, so you can make café-style milk drinks at home.

Steam wand machines

A steam wand gives you complete control over milk texture and lets you pour latte art. Espresso machines like the Lelit Mara X PL62X, Rocket Appartamento TCA, Black & Copper and Gaggia Classic Evo Pro, Polar White have powerful commercial-style wands. The Sage Bambino Plus, Brushed Stainless Steel and Sage Barista Pro, Brushed Stainless Steel have automatic steam wands that texture milk to your chosen temperature, which is a brilliant halfway house.

Automatic milk systems

Fully automatic machines draw milk from a jug or carton, froth it and pour it straight into your cup. De’Longhi’s LatteCrema, used in the De’Longhi Eletta Explore, Dark Grey, De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul and De’Longhi Rivelia Bean to Cup Machine, Grey, and Jura’s fine foam system in the Jura E8 Bean to Cup Machine, Black and Jura Z10 Diamond Onyx make silky milk with no effort at all. The Smeg BCC13 Bean to Cup Machine with Milk System, Matte Black and Sage Barista Touch, Brushed Stainless Steel are stylish alternatives.

Steam wand or automatic milk?

• Steam wand: best texture and latte art, more control, easy to clean, but takes practice.
• Automatic milk: one-touch convenience and consistency, ideal for busy households, needs regular cleaning.
• Automatic steam wand: the best of both, with temperature and texture set for you.

Getting great milk at home

Use fresh, cold milk, and a stainless steel jug like the Rhinowares Pro Milk Pitcher, 600ml if your machine has a steam wand. Whole milk is easiest to texture, while barista versions of oat milk froth beautifully. Purge and wipe the steam wand after every use.

Frequently asked questions

Which coffee machine with milk frother is best?

For automatic milk, the De’Longhi Eletta Explore, Dark Grey and Jura E8 Bean to Cup Machine, Black are superb. For hands-on control, the Lelit Mara X PL62X has one of the best steam wands at its price.

Is a steam wand better than an automatic milk frother?

A steam wand gives better texture and control once you’ve practised. An automatic milk system is easier and more consistent day to day.

Can I use plant milk in a coffee machine?

Yes. Barista versions of oat, soy and almond milk are designed to froth well in both steam wands and automatic milk systems.

Related buying guides

• The best coffee machines with milk frother
• The best coffee machines for home