Are you a cappuccino or latte lover who simply has a cup every morning? Do you hate to join the long queues at the café joint near your workplace? Tired of paying the expensive price tag of over $5 for your coffee? I am. But I do not want to deal with messy coffee in the morning. The solution is a pod-based Nespresso coffee machine. But can they make cappuccino and latte? Not all models but even so, there are workarounds. In this review, we’ll look at the best Nespresso Machine for cappuccino and Lattes.
If you are particular with the milk foam and taste, go for a Lattissima or Creatista. Between these two options, the choice lies in whether you want maximum convenience or control over the milk texturing process.
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Best Nespresso Machine for Cappuccino and Lattes
There are 3 ways to make milk-based coffee beverages with Nespresso Machines. And these 3 methods have their pros and cons. Let’s take a deep dive into each method right away.
Method #1 : Use standalone Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother
Most of Nespresso models do not come with an integrated frother. These include the early Nespresso OriginalLine models and the newer Vertuoline models. They can only be used to make espresso. And if you look at most of these models, you probably figure that the milk frother has to be left out so that these models can be made compact.
But Nespresso has not forgotten the market for milk-based drinkers. Hence, they have introduced their own standalone milk frothers. In fact, you can see that they really treasure this market segment such that they have made multiple iterations to their milk frother such as the Nespresso Aeroccino 3 and Aeroccino 4.
How Aeroccino works
These Aeroccino models use the same mechanism to make your milk froth. There is a mechanical whisk inside the milk frother. This whisk spins the milk with air to create the milk froth for your drink.
Shortcomings
But the result of using a mechanical whisk is an airy foam. So it’s not exactly the same as your Barista style cappuccino and lattes at your favourite coffee joint.
Another shortcoming is that you have to make the milk separately. Although the milk frother uses a one-touch operation just like your Nespresso machine, you are now handling 2 equipments.
The Good Points
But Aeroccino is cheap. It is also compact. So it’s easy to bring along on your travel together with your favourite compact Nespresso machine.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact – able to carry on your travel
- Easy to make milk-based drink and cappuccino
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Airy milk foam – not the true Barista-style milk foam
- Have to handle 2 equipments – Nespresso machine & milk frother
Related: Best Nespresso With Milk Frother
Method #2: Use Automatic Nespresso Machine
Earlier, I have said Nespresso is serious about the milk-based lover market segment. And this is further proven when they introduced the Nespresso Lattissma series which now include 4 different models under this product line.
Why use a Lattissima model?
Nespresso Lattissma models are really the way to go in making cappuccinos or lattes. These are automatic Nespresso machines which make milk-based drinks automatically. The milk is heated and frothed by channeling hot steam into the milk. So you get a milk froth of Barista standards.
Lattissima models are the result of a partnership between Delonghi and Nespresso. These models blend Delonghi’s automatic cappuccino technology with Nespresso capsule system. So you get the convenience from both systems when you make your milk-based drinks.
The lattissma models allow you to make both espresso or milk-based drinks with just one-touch of the button. The rest is done automatically by the machine. Of course, you have to slot the Nespresso capsule and fill the milk container with milk. But there’s all the preparatory works.
Also, the milk containers are removable. So you don’t have to worry about measuring the amount of milk required to avoid wastage. Just remove the milk container with the leftover milk and place it in the fridge!
In case you are wondering if you can get them in your country… Regardless if you are in Americas or Europe, the Lattissma models are manufactured by Delonghi in both markets since this involves their technology.
Our Favourite Lattisma Model – Nespresso Lattisma Pro
So I mentioned there’s 4 models for the Lattissima product line. But our favourite is the Nespresso Lattissma Pro. This is the 3rd Lattissma model made.
We love it simply for these advantages:
- Larger water tank capacity
- Larger milk tank capacity
- Larger used capsule capacity
- Faster heatup time
- More drink options (including hot water option)
- More options for idle duration for automatic shutdown
- Not forgetting it has a intuitive LED touch display!
See the Full Nespresso Lattissma Pro Review
Why I do not prefer Lattissima One over Pro?
The latest model, Lattissima One may match Pro in terms of heat up time. But Lattissma One is marketed more towards those who prefer a compact, strip down version of Lattissima Pro. And hence, its smaller capacities for water, milk and used capsules.
See the Nespresso Lattissima One Review (include comparison chart for all 4 models)
No doubt, Lattissima One is available in the classy pure white color. But the reason to get a Lattissima model is mainly for convenience. And what is better to get maximum convenience than to get Pro with larger capacities and faster heatup time. So that I can have lesser water and milk refills, as well as leaving the emptying of used capsule to the weekends. And I can get my latte faster. Afterall, who has so much time and energy in the morning before work to deal with these matters!
Method #3 : Use a Nespresso Machine with integrated milk frother
Why Lattissima model may not be the right fit for every cappuccino and latte lover?
The Lattissima models are brilliant for those who are busy and want their favourite cappuccino or latte macchiato in the most convenient way.
However, if you are true cappuccino or latte lover, you will probably want to have more control in the texturizing of the milk. The only way to do that is to froth the milk with an integrated frother and steam wand.
And if you want to make latte art, you definitely will want that integrated steam wand!
Nespresso really wants to secure the milk-based coffee drink market
So I have said a few times Nespresso is serious about the milk based drinker market. And you can see it is true here. Nespresso has most recently partnered with Breville to create the Nespresso Creatista product line. In just a few years, they have already introduced 3 models under this product line, including the latest Nespresso Creatista Uno Sage.
This partnership combines the strengths of both giants. The conveniences of Nespresso capsule system and Breville’s milk texturing technology.
Our Favourite Creatista Model: Nespresso Creatista Plus
All the 3 Nespresso Creatista models are great. They all have the same premium design and look really classy, abeit having different sizes and different color schemes. They have energy saving features. They use the same 19 bars pressure pump to create the best optimum temperature for espresso extraction.
Nespresso Creatista Plus Espresso and Coffee Beverages Maker with Milk Frother by Breville
However, we still love Nespresso Creatista Plus for the following reasons:
- It has a largest water tank capacity of 50 ounces.
- It has the fastest heatup time of just 3 seconds
- It has more levels to adjust the milk texture and milk temperature
- The built is a full stainless steel body. No plastic, just pure metal!
If you are serious about Latte Art, you really have to get the Creatista Plus with 11 milk temperatures and 8 milk textures options to play with!
See full Nespresso Creatista vs Creatista Plus Review
Which Nespresso machine should I buy to make cappuccino and latte?
If you are particular with the milk foam and taste, go for a Lattissima or Creatista. Between these two options, the choice lies in whether you want maximum convenience or control over the milk texturing process. These two models may be slightly expensive. But think of the cost savings over the lattes bought from cafe joint in the long run. And the time saved from the long queues. Not forgetting the frustration and anxiety over being late for work during the long wait. And don’t forget the joy you get making latte at the comforts of your own home anytime you want. Why get a mediocre and more cumbersome option when either Lattissma or Creatista offers value for money? I hope this article has helped you choose the best Nespresso cappuccino and latte machine for your home
