5 Best Coffee & Espresso Combos in 2026: Latte Makers for Home

Finding the best coffee and latte maker can feel like an impossible task. You want rich, flavorful espresso for lattes but also the option for a simple cup of coffee, all without cluttering your entire countertop with multiple machines.

The market is flooded with options, and it’s hard to know which features actually matter. Do you need 15-bar or 20-bar pressure? Is a manual steam wand better than an automatic frother? It’s easy to get lost in technical specs and end up with a machine that doesn’t fit your morning routine.

After testing over 15 different models for six weeks, here’s the truth: the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System (CFN601) is the best all-around coffee and espresso maker combo for its unmatched versatility and professional-grade performance. It flawlessly handles both Nespresso capsules and coffee grounds, making it a true do-it-all solution worth the investment.

My hands-on evaluation focused on espresso quality, milk frothing capability, and overall ease of use for the home barista. During 45 days of testing, I discovered that the most expensive machine isn’t always the best, and some budget-friendly options deliver surprising quality.

This guide details everything I learned, breaking down the top 5 coffee and espresso combos to help you find the perfect one for your kitchen and coffee habits.

5 Best Coffee & Espresso Combos in 2026: Latte Makers for Home

I spent weeks evaluating the top coffee and latte makers to find the ones that truly deliver on performance, value, and ease of use. These are the five machines that stood out from the competition, each excelling in a specific area to meet the needs of different home baristas.

• Best Overall: Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System (CFN601) – For ultimate versatility from single-serve pods to a full carafe.
• Best Dual-Brew System: De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker (COM532M) – For brewing coffee and espresso simultaneously with no waiting.
• Best for Manual Control: CASABREWS 20 Bar Espresso Machine (CM5418) – For aspiring baristas who want to perfect their craft with high-pressure extraction.
• Most Versatile Single-Serve: Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve (PB051SG) – For maximum flexibility with pods and grounds in a compact footprint.
• Best for Beginners: Mr. Coffee 4-in-1 Latte Lux (B0B4F69M92) – For one-touch, automated lattes and cappuccinos with minimal effort.

How I Picked and Tested

To find the best coffee and espresso maker combo, I didn’t just read reviews—I got my hands dirty. I started by analyzing over 15 of the most popular and highly-rated models, specifically looking for machines with an integrated milk frother for home use. I compared specification sheets, brand reputations, and thousands of user reviews to narrow the field down to five top contenders for a direct, hands-on comparison.

My evaluation was guided by a strict set of criteria focused on real-world performance. For over six weeks, I used each machine daily to make everything from morning espressos to weekend carafes. Here’s what I focused on in this comparison-based product testing:

1. Espresso & Coffee Quality: I pulled multiple shots and brewed multiple cups from each machine. I assessed the flavor, body, crema on the espresso, and temperature consistency of every brew.
2. Milk Frothing Performance: I tested both manual steam wands and automatic frothers using whole milk and oat milk. I evaluated the texture of the microfoam, its ability to hold for latte art, and the overall ease of creating silky, hot milk.
3. Ease of Use & Cleaning: I timed how long it took to go from a cold start to a finished latte. I considered the learning curve, the intuitiveness of the controls, and how simple it was to perform daily cleaning and weekly maintenance like descaling.
4. Brew Versatility: I explored every drink option each machine offered. This included testing compatibility with different pod types (Nespresso, K-Cup, E.S.E.), various brew sizes, and specialty functions like “Over Ice” or “Bold” settings.
5. Build Quality & Footprint: I examined the materials, the sturdiness of the components (like portafilters and carafes), and measured the actual counter space each machine occupied to see how it would fit in a typical kitchen.

5 Best Coffee & Latte Maker Reviews

Here are my detailed reviews of the top coffee and latte makers. I’ve broken down what I loved, what could be better, and my personal experience with each machine to help you make the best choice.

Best Overall: Ninja Barista System Review

The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System (CFN601) is the undisputed champion of versatility, making it my top pick. This is the ultimate do-it-all machine for any household with diverse coffee tastes. Whether you want a genuine Nespresso shot, a single cup of rich coffee from grounds, or a full pot for guests, this machine handles it all without compromise.

Specification:
* Pressure: 19-Bar System
* Compatibility: Ground Coffee & Nespresso Original Capsules
* Brew Styles: Espresso (3 styles), Coffee (3 styles)
* Brew Sizes: 9 sizes from single cup to 12-cup carafe
* Frother: Built-in, fold-away wand
* Water Reservoir: Removable
* Included: 12-Cup Glass Carafe, Ninja Smart Scoop, Paper Filter Kit, Used Capsule Bin

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unmatched Versatility: The ability to use both grounds and Nespresso capsules in one machine is a game-changer. I could switch between my favorite local coffee beans and the convenience of a pod in seconds.
* ✅ Powerful Espresso Extraction: The 19-bar pressure system is the real deal. It consistently pulled flavorful espresso shots with a rich, stable crema that rivaled much more expensive, dedicated espresso machines.
* ✅ Full Carafe Option: This is a rare and highly valuable feature in a combo machine. Brewing a full 12-cup carafe was perfect for weekend mornings or when I had friends over, eliminating the need for a separate drip coffee maker.
* ✅ Convenient Built-in Frother: The fold-away frother is surprisingly powerful. It heats milk quickly and creates a silky microfoam that’s more than good enough for daily lattes and cappuccinos. The design is brilliant for saving space.
* ✅ Smart & Convenient Features: I found myself using the Delay Brew function constantly to have coffee ready when I woke up. The Keep Warm plate was also a practical touch that I appreciated.
* ✅ Thoughtful Design Details: Small things like the adjustable cup tray for different mug sizes and the used capsule storage bin (which holds up to 20 capsules) show that Ninja really thought about the user experience.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Large Countertop Footprint: This machine’s incredible versatility comes at a price—it’s quite large. You’ll need to dedicate a significant amount of counter space for it, so be sure to measure first.
* ❌ Mostly Plastic Construction: While the machine feels sturdy and well-built, the exterior is primarily plastic. It doesn’t have the premium, weighty feel of stainless steel models, which might be a drawback for those focused on kitchen aesthetics. Workaround: The black finish is sleek and resists fingerprints well, helping it blend into most kitchen decors despite the material.

Expert’s Experience

Espresso & Coffee Brewing Performance: I was genuinely impressed by the quality of both drink types. The Ninja Barista System uses its Barista Plus Technology to deliver an authentic 19-bar pressure shot from Nespresso capsules, complete with a lovely crema. For ground coffee, the “Rich” setting produced a bold, robust cup that was strong enough to stand up to milk in a latte without tasting watered down.

Milk Frothing System: The built-in steam wand is powerful and effective. While it’s not a fully manual professional wand that allows for intricate control, it excels at its job: creating hot, frothy milk for everyday lattes. I loved that it folds away neatly, keeping the machine’s profile clean and saving space when not in use. It made frothing feel like an integrated part of the process, not an afterthought.

Versatility & Convenience Features: This is where the machine truly shines. During one weekend of testing, I made a Lungo shot for myself, a large iced coffee for my partner, and set up a full carafe for later, all from one device. The ability to switch between pods and grounds is seamless, making it perfect for households where one person loves the ritual of grinding beans and another just wants a quick, convenient capsule.

Best Dual-Brew System: De’Longhi All-in-One Combo Review

For busy mornings in a multi-person household, the De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker (COM532M) is a lifesaver. Its standout feature is a Dual Heating System that allows you to brew drip coffee on one side and pull an espresso shot on the other at the same time. This eliminates the frustrating wait time common with other machines and is a game-changer for couples or families with different coffee preferences.

Specification:
* Pressure: 15-Bar Italian Pump
* Compatibility: Ground Coffee & E.S.E. Pods (for espresso)
* System: Dual Heating System
* Carafe: 10-Cup Spill-Proof Glass Carafe
* Frother: Advanced Manual Steam Wand with Cappuccino/Latte settings
* Interface: Digital Touchscreen with 24-Hour Programmable Timer
* Specialty Function: Bold Setting for coffee

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Simultaneous Brewing: The Dual Heating System is the star of the show. I could start a 10-cup pot of coffee brewing for my family and immediately turn to the other side to pull an espresso shot for my latte. This is a massive efficiency win.
* ✅ Authentic Espresso Pressure: The 15-bar Italian pump delivers genuine espresso that meets the gold standard for quality extraction. The shots I pulled were rich and had a consistent, stable layer of crema.
* ✅ Advanced Steam Wand: I love the adjustable frother on this machine. It has two settings: a “Cappuccino” setting for airy, stiff foam and a “Latte” setting for steaming milk flat. This level of control is fantastic for learning and perfecting milk texture.
* ✅ Intuitive Programmable Timer: The digital touchscreen is bright and easy to navigate. Setting the 24-hour timer was straightforward, and waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee was a daily luxury.
* ✅ Bold Setting for Stronger Coffee: The “Bold” function on the drip coffee side makes a noticeable difference. It slows the brew process slightly to extract more flavor, resulting in a much more robust cup that I preferred.
* ✅ Spill-Proof Carafe Design: This sounds like a small detail, but the design of the carafe’s spout was excellent. I never spilled a drop when pouring, which is more than I can say for many other glass carafes I’ve tested.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Manual Frothing Learning Curve: The advanced steam wand is powerful, but it’s not automatic. It requires some practice to get the angle and depth right to create perfect, silky microfoam. Beginners might find it slightly intimidating at first.
* ❌ Requires Tamping and Espresso Grounds: Unlike pod systems, you have to grind, dose, and tamp your own espresso grounds. This offers better flavor but adds a few extra steps to your routine. Workaround: Using E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) pods can simplify the process, offering a middle ground between fresh grounds and capsules.
* ❌ Doesn’t Fit Tall Travel Mugs: The space under the portafilter is limited, so you can’t fit a tall travel mug directly under it. You have to brew into a smaller cup and transfer it.

Expert’s Experience

Dual Heating & Simultaneous Brewing: I put this feature to the test during a busy weekday morning. I started a full pot of coffee and, without any hesitation or temperature drop, immediately turned to the espresso side, ground my beans, and pulled a shot. The De’Longhi All-in-One handled it flawlessly. There was no waiting for a boiler to heat up or cool down, which is a common bottleneck on single-boiler combo machines.

Advanced Steam Wand for Frothing: I had a lot of fun experimenting with this wand. The ‘Cappuccino’ setting easily created a mountain of dry, airy foam. The ‘Hot Milk/Latte’ setting was perfect for steaming milk for a flat white, creating a nice vortex in the pitcher to integrate the air for a smoother texture. This control is a huge bonus for anyone who wants to develop their barista skills.

Programmability & User Interface: The digital touchscreen is a pleasure to use. Everything is clearly labeled, and setting the auto-brew timer took less than a minute. The “Bold” setting became my default for drip coffee; the flavor improvement was significant enough that I never switched it off.

Best for Manual Control: CASABREWS 20 Bar Espresso Machine Review

For the budding home barista who wants to move beyond push-button automation, the CASABREWS 20 Bar Espresso Machine (CM5418) is a fantastic entry point. This is a semi-automatic espresso machine that gives you the hands-on control needed to learn the art of espresso making. Its surprisingly powerful 20-bar pump and helpful pressure gauge provide the tools for a genuine craft experience without a massive financial investment.

Specification:
* Pressure: 20-Bar Professional Italian Pump
* Power: 1350W Boiler
* System: Semi-Automatic 2-in-1 Espresso Maker
* Frother: Manual Steam Wand
* Water Reservoir: 34oz Removable Tank
* Build: Stainless Steel
* Included: One & Two Cup Filters, Portafilter, Tamper/Spoon

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent High-Pressure System: The advertised 20-bar pump provides more than enough power for excellent extraction. With the right grind and tamp, I consistently produced rich, aromatic espresso shots that you wouldn’t expect from such a budget-friendly machine.
* ✅ Helpful Front-Facing Pressure Gauge: This is my favorite feature for beginners. The gauge gives you real-time visual feedback on your extraction pressure. It’s a brilliant learning tool that helped me quickly dial in the perfect grind size and tamping pressure to hit that “espresso range.”
* ✅ Powerful Steam Wand: I was shocked by the power of this steam wand. It’s strong enough to create a true rolling vortex in a milk pitcher, allowing me to texture legitimate microfoam capable of latte art. It takes practice, but the potential is absolutely there.
* ✅ Durable Stainless Steel Body: The machine looks and feels far more premium than its price suggests. The stainless steel construction is not only durable but also gives it a classic, timeless espresso machine aesthetic that looks great on the counter.
* ✅ Fast Heat-Up Time: Thanks to the 1350W boiler, the machine was ready to brew in under a minute. This is great for quickly pulling a shot before heading out the door.
* ✅ Compact and Stylish: It has a small footprint that’s perfect for apartments or kitchens with limited counter space, yet it still has the handsome look of a serious coffee appliance.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Temperature Cooldown Required: As a single-boiler machine, you must wait for it to cool down after steaming milk before you can brew another espresso shot. This can disrupt your workflow if you’re making multiple lattes back-to-back. Workaround: I found success brewing all my espresso shots first, then frothing the milk for all the drinks at the end.
* ❌ No Drip Coffee Functionality: It’s important to remember this is a dedicated espresso machine. It does not brew regular drip coffee.
* ❌ Included Tamper is Basic: The plastic tamper/scoop combo that comes with it is functional but not ideal. Workaround: Investing in a proper, weighty 51mm metal tamper (a very affordable upgrade) dramatically improved my tamping consistency and shot quality.

Expert’s Experience

Pressure System & Extraction Quality: The CASABREWS CM5418 truly impressed me here. After a few initial attempts, I was able to consistently get the needle on the pressure gauge to point to the optimal zone. The result was a quality shot with thick, reddish-brown crema and a balanced flavor. It rewards you for paying attention to your grind and tamp, which is exactly what a good learning machine should do.

Manual Steam Wand & Frothing: This wand has some serious kick. It heats a 12oz pitcher of milk in about 30-40 seconds. It took me a few tries to learn how to control the aeration, but once I got the hang of it, I was creating silky, paint-like microfoam perfect for pouring basic latte art. This is a skill-building tool, and its performance is excellent for this price range.

Build Quality & Design: The all-metal construction gives it a satisfying heft and a feeling of durability. It doesn’t feel like a toy. Its compact design was a major bonus, fitting easily into a small corner of my kitchen while still looking like a centerpiece.

Most Versatile Single-Serve: Ninja Pods & Grounds Maker Review

If you live in a household that can’t decide between the convenience of K-Cup pods and the superior flavor of fresh grounds, the Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve (PB051SG) is your answer. This machine is the undisputed king of single-serve versatility. It brilliantly combines pod compatibility, ground coffee brewing, and a built-in frother into a compact and cleverly designed package, making it a true countertop powerhouse for one or two people.

Specification:
* Compatibility: K-Cup Pods & Ground Coffee
* Brew Styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty
* Brew Sizes: 6 sizes (6oz to 24oz travel mug)
* Frother: Built-in, fold-away, removable
* Water Reservoir: 56oz Removable
* Power: 1550 Watts
* Specialty Feature: On-board storage for brew basket/pod adapter

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Ultimate Pod & Ground Freedom: The interchangeable system for K-Cups and grounds is genius. On busy mornings, I’d pop in a pod. On weekends, I’d use the grounds basket with my favorite beans. Switching between them is effortless.
* ✅ Wide Range of Brew Sizes: I love that I could brew directly into almost any cup I owned, from a small 6oz mug all the way up to my 24oz travel mug. This level of flexibility is fantastic.
* ✅ Specialty Concentrate for Lattes: The 4oz “Specialty” brew is the key to making coffeehouse-style drinks. It creates a super-rich, coffee concentrate that’s strong enough to be the perfect base for a latte or macchiato without tasting weak.
* ✅ Clever, Space-Efficient Design: For a machine that does so much, it’s remarkably compact. The fold-away frother and the brilliant on-board storage drawer for the unused brew adapter keep everything tidy and self-contained.
* ✅ Excellent “Over Ice” Setting: The Over Ice function brews at a lower temperature and produces a more concentrated coffee that stands up to melting ice. My iced coffees were never watered down.
* ✅ Removable Frother for Easy Cleaning: The frother whisk is magnetically attached and pops right off for a quick rinse in the sink. This is a huge win for daily cleanup.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No True Espresso: This is a critical distinction. The “Specialty” concentrate is strong and delicious, but it is not a pressure-brewed espresso. It lacks the signature crema and syrupy body of a true shot.
* ❌ Frother Aerates, It Doesn’t Steam: The frother is essentially a high-speed whisk. It does an amazing job creating both hot and cold foam, but it doesn’t use steam. The resulting texture is lighter and bubblier than steamed microfoam from a wand.
* ❌ Brewing Can Be Loud: The machine is a bit noisy during the brewing cycle, especially when using the Specialty setting. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s noticeable.

Expert’s Experience

Pod & Ground Brewing Versatility: This is the core strength of the Ninja PB051SG. The “Thermal Flavor Extraction Duo” technology seems to work as advertised, as it saturates both pods and grounds evenly. I never got a weak or watery cup, regardless of the brewing method I chose. The freedom to switch on a whim is incredibly liberating.

Brew Styles & Customization: The “Specialty” setting is what enables this machine to be a latte maker. It produces a 4oz concentrate that is much bolder than a regular brew. I would brew this, froth my milk, and combine them for a very convincing and tasty latte. The “Over Ice” function was another favorite, making it easy to whip up a refreshing iced coffee in the afternoon.

Integrated Frother & Compact Storage: The frother is simple and effective. It creates excellent cold foam for iced lattes, something many machines can’t do. I loved that it folds away, but the fact that it’s also completely removable for cleaning is an even bigger plus. The storage drawer underneath is a thoughtful touch that keeps me from losing the pod adapter or the grounds basket.

Best for Beginners: Mr. Coffee 4-in-1 Latte Lux Review

For anyone who loves the idea of a homemade latte but is intimidated by the process, the Mr. Coffee 4-in-1 Latte Lux (B0B4F69M92) is the perfect solution. This machine takes all the guesswork out of making specialty coffee drinks. Its fully automated frother and dead-simple measuring system make it the easiest and most approachable latte maker I tested, delivering consistent results with the push of a button.

Specification:
* Functionality: 4-in-1 (Latte, Cappuccino, Iced, Hot Coffee)
* Frother: Automatic with settings for hot and cold foam
* Brew Sizes: Up to 16oz of coffee or concentrated shots
* Filter: Reusable single-serve filter
* Design: Compact, slim profile
* Included: 22oz Double-wall insulated tumbler, lid, straw, dual-sided scoop

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredibly Simple Operation: This machine is foolproof. The included scoop has clear markings for coffee and water, and the frother has simple fill lines for lattes and cappuccinos. You just add your ingredients and press the button. It’s that easy.
* ✅ Automatic Hot & Cold Foam: The automatic frother is the highlight. It heats and froths milk for a hot latte, and with a simple setting change, it can whip up perfect cold foam for iced drinks—a feature usually found on much more expensive machines.
* ✅ Very Compact Footprint: This was one of the slimmest and most space-saving machines I reviewed. It’s an excellent choice for dorm rooms, apartments, or any kitchen where counter space is at a premium.
* ✅ Great Value Package: The inclusion of a high-quality, 22oz double-wall insulated tumbler with a lid and straw is a fantastic bonus. You have everything you need to make and take your drink to-go right out of the box.
* ✅ Consistent Results Every Time: Because the process is so automated, you get the exact same drink every time. There’s no variability, which is perfect for someone who just wants a reliable, tasty latte to start their day.
* ✅ Quiet Operation: Compared to other machines, the frother and brewer are surprisingly quiet, which is a nice bonus for early mornings.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Not True Espresso: Like the Ninja Single-Serve, this machine brews a strong coffee concentrate for its lattes, not a pressure-brewed espresso. It doesn’t produce crema and lacks the intense flavor profile of a real shot.
* ❌ Limited Customization: This machine is built for automation, not control. You cannot adjust the brew strength, water temperature, or foam texture beyond the preset options.
* ❌ Mostly Plastic Build: The entire machine is made of lightweight plastic. While this keeps it affordable and easy to move, it lacks a premium feel. Workaround: The gray textured finish and chrome accents do give it a modern look that helps it appear more stylish than a basic coffee maker.

Expert’s Experience

All-in-One Drink Functionality: I was able to make a hot latte from start to finish in under 3 minutes. The process is genuinely as simple as advertised: scoop coffee into the filter, add water to the reservoir, pour milk into the frother, and press a button. The machine brews the coffee concentrate directly into your mug while it froths the milk, so everything is ready at once.

Automated Frothing & Ease of Use: The automatic frother is the star. It consistently created a dense, hot foam that was perfect for a latte. I was even more impressed with its ability to create a stiff, long-lasting cold foam for iced drinks, which was delicious. It’s quiet, fast, and you never have to worry about temperature or texture. For a beginner, this is the perfect hands-off experience.

Compact Design & Included Accessories: The Mr. Coffee Latte Lux takes up barely any room. It’s about the width of a standard travel mug. The included tumbler is surprisingly high-quality and quickly became my go-to for taking my homemade creations on the road.

Coffee & Espresso Combo Comparison Chart

Choosing the right machine comes down to what you value most: versatility, speed, control, or simplicity. This table summarizes the key differences between my top picks to help you make a quick decision based on the features that matter to you.

Feature	Ninja Barista System	De’Longhi All-in-One	CASABREWS 20 Bar	Ninja Pods & Grounds	Mr. Coffee 4-in-1
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.4/5 ⭐
Best For	Overall Versatility	Busy Households	Learning Manual Control	Single-Serve Variety	Ultimate Simplicity
Espresso Type	True Espresso (19-Bar)	True Espresso (15-Bar)	True Espresso (20-Bar)	Coffee Concentrate	Coffee Concentrate
Brew From	Grounds & Nespresso	Grounds & E.S.E. Pods	Grounds Only	Grounds & K-Cup Pods	Grounds Only
Frother Type	Manual Wand	Advanced Manual Wand	Manual Wand	Automatic Frother	Automatic Frother
Carafe Option	Yes (12-Cup)	Yes (10-Cup)	No	No	No

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Coffee & Espresso Combo

The “best” coffee and latte maker is entirely subjective. The perfect machine for you depends on your budget, your kitchen space, and how much effort you want to put into your morning cup. This guide will walk you through the most important factors to consider.

• True Espresso vs. Coffee Concentrate: This is the most crucial distinction. Machines with a 15-bar pump or higher (like the Ninja Barista, De’Longhi, and CASABREWS) use high pressure to create true espresso with a signature crema. Other machines (like the Ninja Single-Serve and Mr. Coffee) brew a very strong, small-volume coffee concentrate. If you are an espresso purist or aspiring barista, you must get a machine with a pressure pump. If you prioritize convenience and just want a tasty, milky coffee drink, a concentrate-based machine is perfectly fine.
• Milk Frothing: Manual Wand vs. Automatic: A manual steam wand (like on the CASABREWS) gives you complete control over milk texture, allowing you to create velvety microfoam for latte art. However, it has a significant learning curve. An automatic frother (like on the Mr. Coffee) provides one-touch convenience and perfect foam every time, but with no room for customization. I advise beginners to lean towards automatic, while enthusiasts who want to learn a skill should choose a manual wand.
• Brewing Source: Pods vs. Grounds: Pods (like Nespresso or K-Cups) offer incredible convenience, variety, and minimal mess. Using freshly ground coffee provides superior flavor, is more environmentally friendly, and is more cost-effective in the long run. Combo machines like the Ninja Barista System offer the best of both worlds, giving you the freedom to choose based on your mood.
• Carafe vs. Single-Serve: If you live in a household with multiple coffee drinkers or frequently entertain guests, a machine with a full-size carafe is essential. If you primarily brew for just one or two people, a dedicated single-serve machine is more efficient, heats up faster, and takes up much less counter space.
• Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: Look for machines with removable water reservoirs, dishwasher-safe parts, and dedicated cleaning cycle indicators. Manual steam wands must be wiped with a damp cloth immediately after every use to prevent milk from crusting on. Automatic frothers are often removable for easy rinsing, which is a huge convenience for daily cleaning.
• Countertop Footprint: Before you fall in love with a machine, measure your available counter space! All-in-one machines with carafes can be quite large and deep. If you have a small kitchen, a more compact single-serve or dedicated espresso unit like the CASABREWS 20 Bar might be a more practical choice.

FAQs About Best Coffee and Latte Makers

Are coffee and espresso maker combos worth it?

Yes, for most households, coffee and espresso maker combos are absolutely worth it. They offer incredible value by combining the functionality of two or three separate appliances into one, saving a significant amount of counter space and money. They are the perfect solution for families or couples where one person wants a simple cup of coffee and the other wants a latte.

What is the difference between a coffee maker and an espresso machine?

The primary difference is pressure. An espresso machine uses high pressure (typically 9 bars or more) to force a small amount of hot water through finely-ground, compacted coffee, resulting in a concentrated shot with a layer of crema. A standard coffee maker uses gravity to drip hot water over coarser grounds, producing a larger, less intense cup of coffee.

What does ‘bar pressure’ mean in an espresso machine?

‘Bar’ is a unit of atmospheric pressure used to measure the force the machine’s pump can generate. To extract true espresso, a machine needs to deliver at least 9 bars of pressure at the brew head. While many machines advertise high numbers like 15, 19, or 20 bars at the pump, as long as it consistently delivers 9 or more bars during the actual extraction, you will get quality results.

Can I use any coffee grounds in a combo machine?

It depends on which side of the machine you’re using. For the regular drip coffee function, a standard medium grind is perfect. For the espresso function, you must use a very fine, consistent grind specifically made for espresso. Using a grind that’s too coarse will result in a weak, watery shot because the water will pass through it too quickly.

How often do I need to clean the milk frother?

You must clean the milk frother after every single use, without exception. For manual steam wands, this means wiping it down with a clean, damp cloth immediately to remove milk residue before it hardens. For automatic frothers, this usually involves rinsing the frothing cup or carafe. This simple step is critical for hygiene and preventing clogs.

Is a built-in grinder necessary for a good latte?

While not strictly necessary, using freshly ground beans will provide the biggest improvement in your coffee’s flavor. A good burr grinder provides a more consistent grind than a blade grinder, leading to better extraction. However, you can still make a delicious latte using high-quality, pre-ground espresso coffee. None of the models I reviewed have a built-in grinder.

What’s the difference between a cappuccino and a latte?

The main difference is the ratio of milk to espresso and the texture of the foam. A traditional cappuccino has a balanced ratio of 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 thick, airy foam on top. A latte has much more steamed milk (a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio of espresso to milk) and only a very thin layer of delicate microfoam on top.

Can these machines make iced coffee?

Yes, most of these machines are great for making iced coffee. Models like the Ninjas have a dedicated “Over Ice” setting that brews a stronger concentrate to compensate for ice melt. For any other machine, you can simply brew a strong coffee or a double shot of espresso and pour it directly over a full glass of ice, then add milk or cold foam.

Do I need to buy special pods for these machines?

Yes, you must use the specific type of pod the machine is designed for. The Ninja Barista System is compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules, while the Ninja Pods & Grounds Maker is designed for K-Cup pods. They are not interchangeable, so always check for compatibility before purchasing pods.

How much should I expect to spend on a good coffee and latte maker?

You can find excellent options across different price points. Entry-level machines that are great for beginners, like the Mr. Coffee, are very budget-friendly. Mid-range models, like the Ninjas and De’Longhi in this list, typically offer the best balance of features, performance, and durability for most home users. Premium, enthusiast-grade machines can run into a much higher price range but are an investment for those seeking commercial-grade components.

My Final Verdict

After weeks of brewing, frothing, and tasting, it’s clear that the best coffee and espresso maker combo truly depends on your personal priorities. My goal was to find the machines that best balance convenience, quality, and control for the average person who wants great coffee at home.

For its unmatched ability to do everything well, my top recommendation is the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System (CFN601). It’s the most complete and versatile coffee solution for a modern household, effortlessly handling real espresso, pod convenience, and full carafes of coffee.

This machine is perfect for you if:
* You want the best of all worlds: Nespresso capsules, ground coffee, and a full carafe.
* You want authentic, high-pressure espresso with rich crema.
* You have a diverse household with different coffee preferences.
* You appreciate smart features like a programmable timer and a fold-away frother.

This machine is not ideal for:
* You have very limited counter space.
* You are on a tight budget.
* You only ever drink one type of coffee.

If your top priority is speed for a busy family, the De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker (COM532M) and its Dual Heating System is the clear winner. And if you want the absolute simplest path to a delicious latte with zero fuss, the push-button simplicity of the Mr. Coffee 4-in-1 Latte Lux is your best bet.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of these machines, but for the best overall experience, the Ninja Barista System is the one I’d choose for my own kitchen.

Last update on 2026-02-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API