Make Your Espresso Drinks at Home With One of These Cappuccino Machines

Cappuccino machines have been helping java fanatics eliminate trips to the coffee shop for decades, and the newest models are easier than ever to use. When considering which cappucino maker is right for you, you'll need to decide what features you need, how much you want to spend and how much counter space you have available. The most minimalist cappuccino machines are also the most compact and will simply brew the espresso and steam and froth the milk. High-end machines will allow almost endless customization and the brewing of a wide variety of coffee shop favorites in addition to cappuccino. All of them will have you whipping up your favorite coffee shop drink in no time.

The Details

As any coffee lover knows, the secret to a great cappuccino is the espresso, and in fact, when you are shopping for a cappuccino maker, you are really in the market for an espresso machine with a built-in milk frother. All of the cappuccino machines in the Williams Sonoma collection are easy to operate, making it easy to consistently brew delicious espressos, lattes and Americanos in addition to cappuccinos. Read on for a few of the options.

• Breville Bambino Espresso Machine - At only 6 ¼" wide, this machine is designed to save counterspace. With a Thermojet heating system that is ready in just three seconds, the Breville Bambino delivers rich, balanced flavor in one- and two-shot volumes. The steam wand heats and froths milk for both lattes and cappuccinos.
• SMEG Espresso Machine - Another compact design, the SMEG is a manual espresso maker, allowing you maximum control over the end result. It features an adjustable cappuccino system and works with ground coffee as well as paper pods. The machine features the brand's iconic retro style and comes in black, cream, pink, red and white.
• Philips 4300 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Classic Milk Frother - This fully automatic machine can save multiple personal profiles, so it grinds and brews exactly what you want at the touch of a button. It features five coffee presets (espresso, coffee, Americano, caffe crema and ristretto) and 12 grinder settings, so you're guaranteed the perfect cup every time.
• Miele CM6350 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine - Engineered for ultimate convenience, this workhorse of a machine can two brew single or double espresso drinks simultaneously ensuring an end to arguments over who gets the first cup of the morning. In addition to making perfect espressos, cappuccinos, lattes and more, the Miele CM6350 can even brew an 8-cup pot of coffee (carafe sold separately).

Wrap it Up

Cappuccino machines make for incredibly generous gifts on their own, but if you want to add a personal touch, you could consider pairing the machine with one or two complementary extras. Mugs from which to enjoy that homemade cappuccino would be an obvious accompaniment, as would a selection of gourmet coffees and syrups. If you're shopping for newlyweds or new homeowners, consider pairing a cappuccino maker with a box of breakfast pastries for the gift of a truly luxurious morning.