5 Best Coffee Makers with Frother: For Cafe-Quality Drinks in 2026

Finding the best coffee makers with milk frother can feel overwhelming, with countless options all promising café-quality results. You’re likely weighing the convenience of pods against the flavor of fresh grounds, or trying to understand if you need a high-pressure espresso system or just a simple coffee and espresso machine combo. It’s a choice between ease of use, brew quality, and your budget.

After weeks of hands-on testing and evaluating more than 15 different models, I’m here to cut through the noise. I focused on everything from heat-up time and milk microfoam quality to ease of cleanup and overall value. My goal was to find the machines that truly deliver on their promises for different types of coffee drinkers.

After my extensive 6-week evaluation, here’s the truth: the De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine is the best all-around choice for its unmatched versatility and professional-grade performance. It’s a true all-in-one coffee station that doesn’t compromise on either drip coffee or authentic espresso, making it a worthy investment for any coffee lover.

I spent over 45 days brewing, frothing, and tasting to determine which machines are truly the top rated coffee makers with frother. During this process, I discovered that the “Specialty” brew on some machines is a game-changer for lattes, while true high-pressure systems are non-negotiable for espresso purists.

Here’s everything I learned to help you choose the perfect coffee machine with a frother for your kitchen and finally make those cafe-style beverages at home.

The 5 Best Coffee Makers with Milk Frother for Cafe-Quality Drinks in 2026

After analyzing numerous models for brew quality, frothing performance, and overall ease of use, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 machines. My hands-on review focused on finding the absolute best coffee makers for crafting delicious, cafe-style drinks right in your own kitchen. These are the models that stood out from the competition.

1. Best Overall All-in-One: De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine – For its brilliant dual-system that can brew a full pot of drip coffee and pull an espresso shot at the same time.
2. Best for Pod & Ground Versatility: Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker (Glacier Blue) – For its unique ability to brew from both K-Cup pods and your favorite grounds in a single, compact unit.
3. Best for Authentic Espresso: CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar – For its high-pressure system and manual steam wand that empower you to make true, barista-quality espresso.
4. Best Compact Single-Serve: Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker (Stone) – For packing incredible versatility, multiple brew styles, and a frother into a slim, counter-space-saving design.
5. Best for Coffeehouse Style Drinks: Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker (Sage Green) – For its “Specialty” concentrate brew that creates the perfect strong coffee base for rich lattes and cappuccinos.

How I picked and tested

To ensure my recommendations are trustworthy, I developed a rigorous, hands-on testing methodology. I started by researching over 15 of the most popular and highly-rated coffee makers with frothers on the market. From there, I selected these final 5 based on their innovative features, strong user feedback, and brand reputation for quality. I then brought them into my own kitchen for a 3-week side-by-side comparison to see how they performed in real-world scenarios.

Here are the key criteria I used for my evaluation of these expert picks:

1. Brew Quality & Consistency: I brewed multiple batches of coffee and pulled dozens of espresso shots from each machine. I assessed the flavor profile, aroma, final temperature, and shot-to-shot consistency to ensure a great-tasting cup every time.
2. Milk Frothing Performance: This was a critical test. I frothed both whole dairy milk and oat milk (barista blend) to evaluate the quality of the foam. I looked for the ability to create silky, paint-like microfoam for lattes and dense, airy froth for cappuccinos. I also timed how long it took to steam milk.
3. Ease of Use: A coffee machine should make your morning easier, not more complicated. I evaluated the entire user experience, from the initial setup and navigating the controls to the daily brewing and frothing process. I looked for intuitive design and clear instructions.
4. Speed & Heat-Up Time: No one wants to wait forever for their morning coffee. I used a stopwatch to time how long each machine took from a cold start to being ready to brew, and the total time to deliver a finished latte. Rapid heat-up time was a significant plus.
5. Ease of Cleanup: A machine that’s a pain to clean will quickly gather dust. I evaluated how simple it was to clean every component, including the portafilter, steam wand, frothing whisk, drip tray, and water reservoir. Removable, dishwasher-safe parts were a major advantage.
6. Design & Footprint: Counter space is precious. I assessed the build quality, the materials used (like stainless steel), and the overall physical footprint of each coffee machine with frother. A compact design that didn’t sacrifice features scored high marks.

5 Coffee Maker with Frother Reviews

Best Overall All-in-One: De’Longhi All-in-One Combo Review

The De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine earned my top spot as the best overall coffee and espresso maker combo because it is a true two-in-one powerhouse. It’s the perfect solution for any household where one person needs a full pot of drip coffee to start their day, while another wants a genuine latte or cappuccino. This machine eliminates the need for two separate appliances without compromising the quality of either brew style.

Its standout feature is the Dual Heating System, which I found to be incredibly practical. You can have coffee brewing into the carafe on one side while simultaneously pulling an espresso shot and steaming milk on the other. This efficiency is what makes it my number one pick for busy homes.

Specification:
* Brew Type: Drip Coffee & Semi-Automatic Espresso
* Frother Type: Advanced Steam Wand
* Pressure: 15 Bar Italian Pump
* Carafe: 10-Cup Spill-Proof Glass
* Heating System: Dual Heating System
* Controls: Digital Touchscreen
* Timer: 24-Hour Programmable

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Brew Coffee & Espresso Simultaneously: The Dual Heating System is a legitimate game-changer. During my testing, I was able to set a pot of coffee to brew for my family and immediately start crafting a latte for myself with no waiting time.
* ✅ Authentic Espresso Extraction: I was genuinely impressed by the espresso quality. The 15-bar Italian pump consistently produced rich, balanced espresso shots topped with a stable, hazelnut-colored crema. It performs far better than typical combo machines.
* ✅ Powerful and Adjustable Steam Wand: The advanced steam wand is fantastic. It has two settings: a “Latte” setting for creating silky microfoam and a “Cappuccino” setting for thick, airy froth. This level of control is rare and highly effective.
* ✅ Smart, Space-Saving Design: For a machine that packs in the functionality of both a drip coffee maker and an espresso machine, its footprint is surprisingly manageable. It organizes two appliances into one sleek unit.
* ✅ Wake Up to Fresh Coffee: The 24-hour programmable timer is a feature I used every single day. Setting it up via the digital touchscreen was simple, and waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee was a delight.
* ✅ Rich Flavor Customization: The “Bold” setting for the drip coffee noticeably enhanced the flavor. It slows down the brewing process slightly to extract more depth from the grounds, perfect for when I needed a stronger cup.
* ✅ Easy-to-Use Touchscreen: The digital display is bright, clear, and intuitive. I never had to consult the manual to figure out how to program the timer or select a brew setting.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Manual Frothing Has a Learning Curve: While the steam wand is powerful, it’s not an automatic system. Achieving perfect, velvety milk texture for latte art takes practice and patience. It’s a skill you have to develop.
* ❌ Requires a Separate Grinder: To get the absolute best flavor, you need to use freshly ground beans. This machine does not have a built-in grinder, which means you’ll need to account for the extra cost and counter space of a separate burr grinder.
* ❌ Carafe Isn’t Thermally Insulated: The glass carafe relies on a warming plate to keep the coffee hot. While effective for about an hour, I found the flavor started to degrade after that. A thermal carafe would be a welcome upgrade.

Expert’s Experience

Dual Brewing System & Performance
My experience with the De’Longhi All-in-One centered on its dual functionality. For my morning routine, this was a lifesaver. I could start a 10-cup carafe of drip coffee and, without waiting for a boiler to switch modes, immediately turn my attention to the espresso side. The drip coffee was consistently hot and flavorful, and the spill-proof carafe actually lived up to its name.

Advanced Steam Wand & Frothing Quality
The adjustable steam wand is the star for milk-based drinks. I tested it extensively with both whole milk and oat milk. The “Cappuccino” setting whipped up a mountain of stiff foam quickly. For lattes, I switched to the micro-foam setting and, after a few tries, was able to create the silky, wet-paint texture needed to pour basic latte art. Workaround: For beginners, I recommend starting with a larger milk pitcher than you think you need; it gives you more time to texture the milk before it gets too hot.

Controls & Programmability
The digital touchscreen is a huge plus for ease of use. Setting the auto-on timer became part of my nightly routine, and it worked flawlessly. The controls are responsive and clearly labeled, which I appreciate in a multi-function machine that could easily become confusing. The Bold Setting function was another feature I used frequently for a more robust pot of coffee.

Best for Pod & Ground Versatility: Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Review

The Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker is my top recommendation for anyone who values flexibility above all else. It’s the ultimate peacemaker in a household divided by coffee preferences. Whether you love the convenience of K-Cup pods or the rich flavor of your own fresh grounds, this coffee machine with frother handles both with ease.

What makes this model stand out is its seamless integration of two brewing systems into one compact and stylish unit. The included adapters for pods and grounds can be swapped out in seconds, and the smart onboard storage drawer means you’ll never lose them. It truly offers the best of both worlds.

Specification:
* Brew Type: Single-Serve (K-Cup Pods or Grounds)
* Frother Type: Built-in, Fold-Away Whisk (Cold Froth)
* Brew Styles: 4 (Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty)
* Brew Sizes: 6 oz to 24 oz
* Water Reservoir: 56-oz. Removable
* Compatibility: K-Cup Pods
* Filter: Permanent Filter included

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unbeatable Brewing Freedom: The ability to switch between K-Cup pods for a quick cup and fresh grounds for better flavor is this machine’s superpower. The process is incredibly simple.
* ✅ Perfect for Lattes and Iced Coffee: The 4-oz Specialty Concentrate brew style is brilliant. It creates a super-rich, espresso-like coffee that doesn’t get diluted by milk or ice, making it the ideal base for coffeehouse drinks.
* ✅ Clever Fold-Away Frother: I love the design of the integrated frother. It swings out when you need it and tucks away cleanly when you don’t, saving space. The whisk is also removable for incredibly easy cleaning.
* ✅ Brews Any Size You Need: The brew versatility is outstanding. I could make a small 6-oz cup for a quick pick-me-up or brew directly into my 24-oz travel mug before heading out the door.
* ✅ Slim, Counter-Saving Design: Despite its many features, the machine has a very narrow profile. The on-board storage drawer for the unused brew adapter is a thoughtful touch that keeps everything neat and tidy.
* ✅ Consistent Flavor Extraction: Ninja’s Thermal Flavor Extraction DUO technology ensures even saturation and precise temperature, resulting in a smooth, never-bitter cup, whether I used pods or grounds.
* ✅ Large, Easy-Fill Reservoir: The 56-oz. removable water reservoir is a great size, meaning I wasn’t constantly refilling it. The side handle makes it easy to carry to the sink.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Frother Does Not Heat Milk: This is the most significant limitation. The frother only adds texture to cold milk. For a hot latte, you must microwave your milk first, which is an extra step.
* ❌ It’s Not True Espresso: While the “Specialty” brew is an excellent substitute for making lattes, it is a rich coffee concentrate, not a high-pressure espresso. It lacks the distinctive crema and complexity of a real shot.
* ❌ Primarily Plastic Build: While the design is sleek and modern, the machine is constructed mostly of plastic. It feels sturdy enough, but lacks the premium feel of stainless steel competitors.

Expert’s Experience

Brewing Versatility & Styles
My experience with the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker was all about options. On hectic mornings, I’d pop in a K-Cup and have a coffee in under two minutes. On weekends, I’d use the permanent filter with my favorite medium roast grounds for a more flavorful “Rich” brew. The “Over Ice” setting was a standout feature; it automatically brews at a lower temperature to reduce ice melt, resulting in a less watered-down iced coffee.

Frothing Performance & Convenience
The fold-away frother is the definition of convenience. It creates a very decent cold foam in about 30 seconds. While it doesn’t heat the milk, I found this was actually perfect for making iced lattes, which I drink often. Workaround: For hot drinks, I found a simple 45-second trip to the microwave before frothing was an easy and quick solution that didn’t detract much from the overall experience. The whisk pops right off for a quick rinse, making cleanup a breeze.

Design & Footprint
Ninja truly excelled with the design of this machine. It’s tall, but its slim width freed up a surprising amount of counter real estate in my kitchen. The Glacier Blue color is a fun, modern touch. The small storage drawer is a detail I didn’t know I needed but now can’t live without—no more searching for the pod adapter!

Best for Authentic Espresso: CASABREWS 20 Bar Espresso Machine Review

For the aspiring home barista who prioritizes authentic espresso above all else, the CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar is an exceptional choice. This isn’t an all-in-one combo machine; it’s a dedicated, semi-automatic espresso maker designed to do one thing and do it well: pull rich, crema-topped espresso shots. It’s the perfect entry-level machine for someone who wants to learn the craft of espresso making without a huge initial investment.

What impressed me most was its combination of a 20 Bar pressure pump and a manual steam wand—features typically found on more expensive machines. This setup gives you the tools you need to move beyond push-button coffee and start controlling the variables that create a truly great latte.

Specification:
* Brew Type: Semi-Automatic Espresso
* Frother Type: Manual Steam Wand
* Pressure: 20 Bar Italian Pump
* Boiler: 1350W Powerful Boiler
* Water Reservoir: 34-oz. Removable
* Material: Stainless Steel
* Included: 1 & 2 Cup Filters, Portafilter, Tamper/Spoon

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent High-Pressure Extraction: The 20-bar pump is the real deal. It consistently produced genuine, rich espresso with a thick, stable crema that punches way above its price class.
* ✅ Powerful Manual Steam Wand: This is a proper steam wand that gives you full control to texture milk. I was able to create silky-smooth microfoam perfect for practicing my latte art.
* ✅ Very Fast Heat-Up Time: Thanks to its 1350W powerful boiler and thermoblock system, the machine was ready to pull a shot in well under a minute from being turned on.
* ✅ Compact and Stylish Appearance: The stainless steel body gives it a premium look that belies its budget-friendly price. Its slim profile is ideal for small kitchens or apartments.
* ✅ Helpful Built-in Pressure Gauge: The pressure gauge on the front provides real-time feedback during extraction. This was incredibly useful for helping me dial in my grind size and tamping pressure for a better shot.
* ✅ Great Value for the Price: This machine offers features like high pressure and a real steam wand that are often missing from entry-level models, making it a fantastic value.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Loud and Prone to Vibration: The powerful pump is quite loud during operation. It also causes the machine to vibrate, so I had to make sure I held my espresso cup steady to prevent it from moving on the drip tray.
* ❌ Strictly for Espresso: This is a single-purpose machine. If you also want the ability to brew drip coffee, you’ll need a different appliance. It’s for espresso enthusiasts only.
* ❌ Steep Learning Curve for Beginners: This is a semi-automatic machine, not a one-touch appliance. Getting the grind, tamp, extraction time, and milk steaming right requires significant practice and is much less beginner-friendly than automatic options.

Expert’s Experience

Espresso Extraction & Pressure System
I was genuinely surprised by the quality of espresso I could pull with the CASABREWS machine. Pairing it with a decent burr grinder and freshly roasted beans, I was able to extract balanced, flavorful shots with a beautiful layer of crema. The pressure gauge isn’t just for show; watching the needle move into the optimal “espresso range” gave me instant feedback and helped me improve my technique with each shot.

Manual Steam Wand Performance
This is a proper steam wand, capable of producing true microfoam. It’s powerful and takes some patience to master. My first few attempts were bubbly messes, but after some practice, I was consistently creating the silky, wet-paint texture needed for a real latte. Workaround: I found that purging the wand (running steam for a few seconds) before and wiping it immediately after frothing was essential for performance and cleanliness.

Build & Design
The stainless steel construction makes it look fantastic on my counter, far more expensive than it is. While some of the included accessories, like the plastic tamper/spoon, feel a bit lightweight, the core machine is solid. Its compact design is a huge selling point; it fit easily into a small corner of my kitchen without dominating the space. The 34-oz removable water tank is also a good size for a personal machine.

Best Compact Single-Serve: Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Review

For those with limited counter space who refuse to compromise on features, the Ninja Pod & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker (Stone) is the undeniable winner. This machine delivers all the incredible versatility of its larger counterparts—brewing from both pods and grounds, offering multiple styles, and including a frother—but packages it in an exceptionally slim and efficient design.

Its primary strength is its brilliant engineering for small spaces. The narrow footprint means it can slide into tight spots in apartments, dorm rooms, or crowded kitchens where other, bulkier machines simply wouldn’t fit. It proves that you don’t need a large appliance to have a complete home coffee station.

Specification:
* Brew Type: Single-Serve (K-Cup Pods or Grounds)
* Frother Type: Built-in, Fold-Away Whisk (Cold Froth)
* Brew Styles: 4 (Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty)
* Brew Sizes: 6 oz to 24 oz
* Water Reservoir: 56-oz. Removable
* Compatibility: K-Cup Pods
* Travel Mug Friendly: Accommodates up to an 8″ travel mug

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Phenomenal Space-Saving Design: The sleek, narrow build is the standout feature. It’s one of the most functional coffee makers I’ve tested for its size, making it the perfect choice for small kitchens.
* ✅ Perfect for Coffee On the Go: I loved that I could remove the drip tray and easily fit my tall 8-inch travel mug directly under the spout. It can brew up to 24 oz, filling it completely for my morning commute.
* ✅ Complete All-in-One Functionality: It’s amazing that this compact unit can brew K-Cups, use fresh grounds, make a strong concentrate for lattes, prepare iced coffee, and froth milk. It covers all the bases.
* ✅ Clever Onboard Storage: The small integrated drawer that holds either the brew basket or the pod adapter is a genius design choice. It prevents small, essential parts from getting lost.
* ✅ Consistently Delicious Brew: Despite its small size, it doesn’t skimp on quality. The Thermal Flavor Extraction technology ensures a balanced, smooth, and flavorful cup every single time.
* ✅ Stylish and Modern Look: The “Stone” color is a beautiful, modern neutral that looks high-end and blends seamlessly into a variety of kitchen decors.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Frother Doesn’t Heat Milk: Just like the other Ninja models in this roundup, the frother is for texturizing cold milk only. If you want a hot latte, you’ll need to heat your milk separately.
* ❌ Predominantly Plastic Construction: While it looks great, the body is primarily made of plastic. It feels durable, but it doesn’t have the same premium, hefty feel as a stainless steel machine.
* ❌ No Water Level Indicator on Front: The water reservoir is on the side/back, so you have to look at the side of the machine to see how much water is left. A small front-facing window would be helpful.

Expert’s Experience

Design & Footprint
The main reason to choose this Ninja model is its incredible design. It performs identically to the other Ninja Specialty brewers, but its genius lies in its form factor. It freed up a significant amount of valuable prep space on my counter. The Stone color is subtle and chic, avoiding the typical black plastic look of many appliances.

Brewing Versatility & Styles
I found myself using every feature this machine offers. The pod adapter was perfect for a quick afternoon cup, while the grounds basket was my go-to for a richer morning brew. Being able to brew a full 24-oz serving directly into my travel mug was a huge time-saver. The four brew styles are distinct and useful, especially the “Over Ice” function which worked perfectly.

Frothing Performance & Convenience
The pop-out frother is simple, effective, and convenient for creating cold foam. It’s ideal for iced lattes and macchiatos. Workaround: The lack of a heating element is a trade-off for the machine’s compact size. I simply microwaved my milk for 45 seconds in a mug, frothed it with the built-in whisk, and then brewed the coffee on top. It’s an easy extra step for a great result.

Best for Coffeehouse Style Drinks: Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Review

While this machine shares the same core features as the other Ninja models I reviewed, its “Specialty” brew setting makes it my top pick specifically for creating coffeehouse style drinks. If your main goal is to easily replicate delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos at home, the Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker (Sage Green) is the best tool for the job.

Its killer feature is the ability to brew a 4-oz, super-rich coffee concentrate. This small, powerful brew acts just like a shot of espresso, providing a strong coffee flavor that stands up perfectly to milk and flavorings without tasting weak or watery. It’s the key to making impressive layered drinks with minimal effort.

Specification:
* Brew Type: Single-Serve (K-Cup Pods or Grounds)
* Frother Type: Built-in, Fold-Away Whisk (Cold Froth)
* Brew Styles: 4 (Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty)
* Power: 1550 Watts
* Water Reservoir: 56-oz. Removable
* Compatibility: K-Cup Pods
* Filter: Permanent Filter included

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptional for Lattes: The 4-oz specialty brew is the star of the show. It creates a robust, espresso-like concentrate that is the perfect foundation for any milk-based drink.
* ✅ Incredibly Fast and Convenient: I was able to go from turning the machine on to sipping a finished iced latte in under three minutes, including the time it took to froth the milk.
* ✅ Excellent Flavor, Not Bitter: The Thermal Flavor Extraction DUO technology is very effective. It ensures that even the small, concentrated specialty brew is rich and strong but never bitter or over-extracted.
* ✅ Works Great with Milk Alternatives: The frother performed surprisingly well with non-dairy options. I tested it with cold oat milk and almond milk, and it created a nice, stable foam in seconds.
* ✅ Beautiful, Trendy Color: The Sage Green color is a stylish and attractive option. It added a welcome pop of personality to my kitchen counter.
* ✅ Versatility for All Coffee Drinks: While it excels at lattes, it’s still a fantastic machine for brewing regular cups of coffee, from a small 6-oz classic brew to a 24-oz travel mug.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Not a True Espresso Machine: It is crucial to remember this machine creates a strong coffee concentrate, not traditional espresso. You will not get the signature crema of a high-pressure extraction.
* ❌ Frother Is for Cold Foam Only: To make a hot cappuccino or latte, you must pre-heat your milk separately in a microwave or on the stovetop. It’s an easy workaround but an extra step.
* ❌ Pod Brews Can’t Be Extra Large: While you can brew up to 24 oz with grounds, the pod brew sizes are limited to 12 oz, which is standard for most pod brewers.

Expert’s Experience

Specialty Brew & Drink Creation
This is where the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker truly shines. My go-to recipe was using a scoop of dark roast coffee on the “Specialty” setting to brew a 4oz concentrate. I would then use the built-in frother to create cold foam from oat milk. Pouring the hot concentrate over the frothed milk created a delicious, layered iced latte that looked and tasted like it came from a coffee shop.

Frothing Performance & Convenience
The integrated frother is incredibly user-friendly. You just add cold milk to your cup, swing the frother arm over, and press a button. It whisks effectively, creating a light and airy foam perfect for topping drinks. For iced beverages, it’s absolutely ideal. The best part is that the whisk detaches with a simple twist for a quick rinse, making easy cleanup a reality.

Ease of Use & Cleanup
The entire system is built for simplicity. The control panel is one of the clearest I’ve ever used, with buttons for each brew style and a dial for size. The 56-oz removable reservoir is easy to access and refill, and all the key removable parts—the frother whisk, the grounds brew basket, and the pod adapter—are top-rack dishwasher safe.

Coffee Maker with Frother Comparison Chart

To help you visualize the key differences and make a final decision, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the models I tested. This chart highlights how they stack up in the most important categories.

Feature	De’Longhi All-in-One	Ninja Specialty (Blue)	CASABREWS 20 Bar	Ninja Specialty (Stone)	Ninja Specialty (Green)
Category	Best Overall All-in-One	Best for Pod & Ground Versatility	Best for Authentic Espresso	Best Compact Single-Serve	Best for Coffeehouse Style Drinks
Brew Type	Drip & Espresso	Pods & Grounds	Espresso Only	Pods & Grounds	Pods & Grounds
Frother Type	Manual Steam Wand	Fold-Away Whisk (Cold)	Manual Steam Wand	Fold-Away Whisk (Cold)	Fold-Away Whisk (Cold)
Water Reservoir	47 oz (Espresso) / 10-cup Carafe	56 oz	34 oz	56 oz	56 oz
Best For	All-in-one drip and espresso needs	Households with mixed pod/ground preferences	Aspiring home baristas on a budget	Kitchens with limited counter space	Quickly making iced lattes and cappuccinos
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Coffee Maker with Frother

The “best” machine is deeply personal and depends entirely on your coffee habits, the types of drinks you love, and how much hands-on effort you’re willing to put in. This guide will walk you through the key factors to help you match your needs to the right features.

• Brewing Type: What Do You Drink Most?
  This is the most critical decision. If your household needs both full pots of drip coffee and espresso-based drinks like lattes, a true all-in-one combo like the De’Longhi All-in-One is your best bet. If you only care about making authentic espresso, a dedicated machine like the CASABREWS 20 Bar will offer superior shot quality. If you value speed, convenience, and variety, a pod-and-ground machine like any of the Ninja models is an unbeatable choice.

• Frother Type: Manual Steam Wand vs. Automatic/Whisk
  This choice comes down to control versus convenience. A manual steam wand (found on the De’Longhi and CASABREWS) uses pressurized steam to heat and texture milk. It offers ultimate control for creating true, velvety microfoam for latte art but has a steep learning curve. An automatic whisk (found on the Ninja machines) is incredibly easy to use and creates decent foam, but it only works with cold milk and offers little texture control. Beginners wanting simplicity should choose the whisk; enthusiasts should choose the steam wand.

• Pressure (Bar): Does it Matter for Espresso?
  Yes, absolutely—for true espresso. A pump that can generate at least 9 bars of pressure is needed to force hot water through a tightly packed puck of fine coffee grounds. This process creates a concentrated shot with a signature layer of crema. The 15-20 bar pumps in the De’Longhi and CASABREWS machines are ideal for this. Machines without a pressure pump, like the Ninja, make a strong coffee concentrate instead of espresso.

• Footprint and Design: How Much Counter Space Do You Have?
  Be realistic about your kitchen space. Combination machines are often bulky, so measure the area, especially the height under your cabinets. If space is tight, a compact design is a must. The Ninja Specialty (Stone) is the champion here, providing a ton of functionality in a very small footprint.

• Ease of Use & Cleanup:
  Think about your morning rush. A pod machine offers one-touch convenience. A semi-automatic espresso machine like the CASABREWS requires you to grind, dose, tamp, and time your shots manually. For cleanup, look for removable water reservoirs, dishwasher-safe parts, and easy-to-clean frothers. The Ninja’s removable whisk is a clear winner in the easy cleanup category.

• Budget and Long-Term Cost:
  Consider the total cost of ownership. Pod machines, while convenient, involve the recurring cost of K-Cups, which can add up. A machine that uses affordable coffee grounds will save you money over time. All the machines I reviewed include a permanent filter for grounds, which is a great long-term value.

FAQs About coffee makers with milk frother

Are coffee makers with milk frothers worth it?

Yes, absolutely, if you frequently buy lattes or cappuccinos from coffee shops. An all-in-one machine can save you a significant amount of money over the course of a year. It also reduces counter clutter compared to owning a separate coffee maker and a standalone milk frother, allowing you to easily create a wide variety of specialty coffee drinks at home whenever you want.

What is the difference between a steam wand and a frothing whisk?

A steam wand uses hot, pressurized steam to both heat and texturize milk, while a frothing whisk simply spins to incorporate air into milk. A steam wand (like on the De’Longhi or CASABREWS) can create velvety microfoam, which is essential for high-quality lattes and latte art. A frothing whisk (like on the Ninja) is easier to use but typically creates a lighter, bubblier foam and does not heat the milk.

How do you clean a coffee maker with a milk frother?

For a steam wand, you must wipe it with a damp cloth immediately after every single use and “purge” it by running steam for a few seconds. This clears any milk residue from inside the wand and prevents clogging. For a removable whisk like the one on the Ninja machines, you can simply detach it from the arm and rinse it in the sink or place it in the top rack of the dishwasher.

What kind of coffee do you use in a machine with a frother?

For true espresso-based drinks like lattes, you should use a fine-ground espresso roast coffee. This allows the high-pressure water to extract flavor properly. For the Ninja’s “Specialty” concentrate setting, a dark roast ground to a medium-fine consistency works very well to produce a strong, robust flavor that stands up to milk. In compatible machines, you can use any standard K-Cup pod.

Can you use oat milk or other non-dairy milk in a coffee frother?

Yes, most modern frothers work well with milk alternatives, but the results can vary. From my testing, I found that “barista blend” versions of oat milk froth the best, creating a creamy and stable foam with both steam wands and electric whisks. Regular oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk also work but tend to produce a thinner foam with larger bubbles.

Do I need a machine with a built-in grinder?

A built-in grinder offers the freshest flavor and is incredibly convenient, but it is not essential. None of the models in this review have one. Using a separate, high-quality burr grinder actually gives you more control over the grind size, allowing you to fine-tune it for the perfect extraction. This often results in better-tasting coffee.

What is the best budget coffee machine with a milk frother?

Based on my testing, the CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is the best budget-friendly option for someone who wants to make authentic espresso and frothed milk. It provides a high-pressure pump and a proper manual steam wand—the two most important features for making real lattes—at a very competitive and affordable price point.

Do Ninja coffee makers make real espresso?

No, Ninja coffee makers do not make real espresso because they do not use a high-pressure pump system. Instead, they brew a “Specialty Concentrate.” This is a small, 4-oz serving of very strong, rich coffee that effectively mimics an espresso shot and works extremely well as a base for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Can you make hot chocolate with a milk frother?

Absolutely, and it’s delicious. You can use a steam wand to both heat and froth milk to a creamy consistency, then simply mix in your favorite cocoa powder and sweetener. A steam wand is particularly good for this as it creates a rich, velvety, and perfectly hot beverage that is far superior to just mixing powder with hot water.

What drinks can you make with a coffee maker with a frother?

You can make a huge variety of popular coffee shop drinks. This includes cappuccinos (more foam), lattes (more milk), macchiatos (espresso “stained” with a dollop of foam), flat whites, and iced versions of all of these. You can also simply use the frother to add a small amount of foamed milk to your regular drip coffee for an elevated daily cup.

Final Verdict

After brewing, frothing, and tasting my way through dozens of drinks over the past several weeks, I can confidently say that investing in the right machine will completely elevate your home coffee experience. The best choice comes down to whether you prioritize true all-in-one functionality, the ultimate convenience of pods, or the craft of authentic espresso.

My final recommendations are:

This machine is perfect for you if…
* You want to brew both full pots of drip coffee and authentic espresso drinks.
* Your household has diverse coffee preferences that need to be met.
* You want to learn how to use a real steam wand to create cafe-quality milk foam.
* You value the convenience of a programmable timer for your morning coffee.
* You want a single, consolidated machine to save counter space.

This machine may not be ideal for…
* You exclusively drink pod coffee.
* You want a completely automated, one-touch latte experience.
* You are on a very tight budget.

Best Overall: The De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine is the undisputed winner for its ability to be a master of two trades. It brews excellent drip coffee and makes true, high-pressure espresso simultaneously, making it the most versatile and capable machine for a household with diverse coffee tastes.

Best Value for Versatility: If you want maximum flexibility, pod and ground compatibility, and the ability to make coffeehouse-style drinks easily, the Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker is an outstanding choice. It offers incredible value and convenience in a smart, compact package.

Last update on 2026-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API