BUYING GUIDE · UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
The Best Espresso Machines for Lattes
If lattes are the goal, the steam wand matters as much as the espresso. Here are four machines, ranked from easiest milk to most control.
A good latte needs two things: decent espresso and well-textured milk. Most beginners struggle with the milk, so the type of steam wand should drive your choice. Here are four machines, ordered from easiest to most hands-on.
01 · EASIEST MILK
Breville Bambino Plus
Around $500 · Automatic milk texturing
You set the milk temperature and texture, and the machine does the rest. It's the closest thing to push-button café lattes in this price range. See the full review.
Check current price →02 · EASY AND AFFORDABLE
De'Longhi Dedica EC685M
Around $249 · Auto-frothing wand
A Pannarello-style wand mixes air into the milk for you, so a beginner can get foam without practice. You get less control over the final texture. See the full review.
Check current price →03 · MORE CONTROL
Breville Barista Express
Around $683 · Manual steam wand, built-in grinder
A manual wand lets you texture milk the way a café does, with a learning curve to match. The built-in grinder also saves you a second purchase. See the full review.
Check current price →04 · MOST TO LEARN
Gaggia Classic Pro (E24)
Around $450 · Commercial-style manual wand
The same style of wand a café uses, which gives you the most control and the steepest learning curve. See the full review.
Check current price →How to choose
If you want a good latte tomorrow, pick one of the first two. If you want to learn to steam milk properly, pick one of the last two. Either way, fresh beans and a decent grinder matter. See our starter kit guide.
Prices and availability change. Last checked October 2026.