Picked for one job
Top pick
A hands-on user making lattes gets the most from the Breville Dual Boiler, which extracts and steams at the same time and keeps brew temperature under independent control. Bambino Plus favors compact automatic milk. Eletta Explore favors one-touch volume.
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Whether latte making stays enjoyable comes down to steam capacity, microfoam control and switching time.
By the numbers
What we found across the espresso machines we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Only 6 of the 62 models checked meet every need here: “I want to work on my latte art”, “I make several milk drinks back to back”, “I often go for oat, almond or soy milk”, “I make coffee for groups”, and “I want brew temperature I can adjust”.
6 models fit, out of 62 checkedBreville Dual Boiler lists 84 fl oz for water-tank capacity, 13% above the 74 fl oz median.
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I want to work on my latte art”, “I make several milk drinks back to back”, “I often go for oat, almond or soy milk”, “I make coffee for groups”, and “I want brew temperature I can adjust”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
How we calculatedTanks listed in liters are converted at 33.814 US fluid ounces per liter. The median draws on the 7 of 62 models that publish comparable figures.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Dual Boiler |
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| Breville Bambino Plus |
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| De’Longhi Eletta Explore |
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3 options
Breville, BES920XL
Extraction and steaming run simultaneously on this 58mm dual-boiler machine, which also has independent temperature control.
Top pick ifSerious home baristas who make milk drinks back to back
Expect to buy a capable grinder separately, and expect it to occupy far more counter than a compact thermoblock machine.
Breville, BES500BSS
This compact ThermoJet machine lets you keep a portafilter workflow while it takes care of milk temperature and texture.
Best forEspresso and lattes with the least fuss in a compact body
You will still buy a grinder separately.
De’Longhi, ECAM45086S EX:4
True rapid cold extraction and separate hot- and cold-foam carafes sit alongside a wide menu on this super-automatic.
Best forThe widest menu of hot, iced and cold-foam drinks
Refrigerator space goes to two milk carafes, and both need cleaning.
Ready to buy
Top pick for this job
Steam strength and recovery
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Espresso and lattes with the least fuss in a compact body
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