Choosing an espresso machine for a honey latte in a small kitchen mainly comes down to how you want to prepare the milk and how much worktop space the complete set-up will take up. A slim espresso machine with a portafilter requires some hands-on effort, a capsule machine will usually need a separate way to prepare the milk, and a bean-to-cup machine with a milk system needs space and cleaning. Add the honey to your glass, then pour in the espresso and prepared milk; don’t expect the machine to have a dedicated honey setting.
Wants to make espresso and hot milk without the equipment and cleaning taking over the worktop. Measure the complete set-up, not just the machine’s width; De'Longhi and Nespresso list the dimensions of their compact appliances.
Wants to make honey lattes regularly and is weighing up the convenience of automatic milk preparation against cleaning the milk components. Philips says LatteGo should be cleaned after every use.
Wants control over brewing and frothing, and is happy to put in a few extra steps for an espresso machine with a steam wand. Sage lists the Bambino with a manual steam wand and the Bambino Plus with an automatic steam wand.
First decide how you’ll prepare the milk, then measure the space needed for the machine, filling it and cleaning it.
Choose this option if: you want to prepare the espresso and milk yourself. De'Longhi lists a width of 15 cm for the Dedica Style EC685.BK EX:4; Sage lists a manual steam wand on the Bambino.
Trade-off: allow for hands-on preparation, as well as space for the milk jug and room to operate the machine.
Choose this option if: easy espresso preparation and a slim machine are important, and you also have room for a separate frother. Nespresso lists the Essenza Mini’s dimensions as 8,4 × 20,4 × 33 cm.
Trade-off: measure both appliances together and check whether the frother is included in the offer.
Choose this option if: automatic milk preparation matters more to you than keeping the set-up as small as possible. The Philips EP2230/10 has LatteGo; Krups lists automatic milk drinks for the Sensation Milk M50 EA9129.
Trade-off: check that you have room for the machine, access to its components and space to carry out the recommended maintenance.
Choose this option if: espresso and a narrow machine are your priorities, and you have another way to prepare the milk. Krups lists a width of 15 cm for the Coffee Crush SA4001.
Trade-off: the listed drink options are espresso and lungo, so also consider the space you’ll need for your milk-preparation solution.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for the complete set-up | Measure the width, depth and height of the machine and any frother; also check that you can access the water tank and milk components. | If my worktop is small, I want to know whether there’s room for milk preparation and cleaning too. Around 33% of consumers say total worktop space is their top buying priority. |
| Preparing and cleaning milk | Check whether milk preparation is integrated, how the components come apart and what cleaning is needed after use. | If you make honey lattes often, automatic milk preparation may be important, but you’ll also want to know how much cleaning is involved. Around 27% of consumers say milk preparation is their top priority. |
| Making espresso and frothing milk yourself | Check whether the model has a manual or automatic steam wand, and which coffee and accessories suit the way you use it. | If I want control over the espresso and milk foam, I may be happy to put in a few extra steps when making a drink. Around 20% of consumers prioritise making it themselves. |
| Supplies and maintenance | Compare the coffee you’ll need, any capsules and the recommended maintenance products for the way you plan to use the machine. | If you want to factor in the cost of ongoing supplies, look beyond the machine itself and check what your chosen brewing method requires. Around 20% of consumers say running costs and maintenance are their top priority. |
A separate milk frother takes up extra worktop space. For example, the Essenza Mini and the separately sold Aeroccino 3 are two separate appliances.
Measure the complete set-up and check that you can access the water tank, milk jug and cleaning components.
A separate frother or milk jug may need extra space, reducing the room you have to work.
Krups lists espresso and lungo for the Coffee Crush SA4001; these listed drink options don’t include milk preparation.
Check the features of the exact model and what’s included in the offer. If you need it, plan to prepare the milk separately using a suitable method.
Philips says LatteGo should be rinsed or its two components washed after every use.
Compare not only the steps involved in making a drink, but also the cleaning recommended by the manufacturer afterwards.
Allow time to clean the milk components.
A manufacturer’s or retailer’s guarantee is not the same as your statutory rights against the retailer. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that your statutory guarantee applies in addition to these.
Keep your proof of purchase and contact the retailer if there’s a problem with a product used as intended.
The Dedica Style EC685.BK EX:4 is a slim manual option with a system for preparing milk.
The Bambino has a manual steam wand; Sage lists an automatic steam wand for the Bambino Plus.
The Essenza Mini makes espresso using Original capsules; you can prepare milk with a separate appliance.
According to Philips, the EP2230/10 has LatteGo for automatic milk preparation.
The Coffee Crush SA4001 is a slim bean-to-cup machine for espresso and lungo; according to Krups, the Sensation Milk M50 EA9129 makes milk drinks automatically.
Joybuy product picks for making espresso for a honey latte; check how you’ll prepare the milk with each model and how much space the complete set-up needs.
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The combination of espresso and a steam milk frother could suit you if you want to prepare the milk yourself.
The product information lists 15-bar extraction, a 1,25 L water tank and manual operation.
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This manual espresso machine could suit you if you want to make espresso yourself; you’ll also need prepared milk for a honey latte.
The product information lists ground coffee or capsules, manual pressure build-up and hot water at 85–95 °C.
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Before choosing this model for a small kitchen, check how it operates and how much space it needs.
The product title lists a pressure gauge, a 58 mm stainless steel portafilter, adjustable temperature for coffee and steam, and an adjustable cup size.
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The steam wand is designed for those who want to froth milk themselves; the description says the machine is manually operated.
The product information lists a 1,1 L water tank and dimensions of 11,9 × 11,2 × 5,1 inch.
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The listed milk frother is a manual steam wand, making this a good fit if you want to prepare the milk yourself.
The product title lists a 50 Oz tank; the description mentions a removable 1,5 L water tank.
No. You can add honey to your glass, then pour in the espresso and prepared milk. The De'Longhi Coffee Lounge recipe describes adding honey to the glass before the espresso; this is not evidence of a built-in honey function on a machine.
Yes, if you have an Essenza Mini without an included frother and want to heat or froth milk electrically. Nespresso sells the Aeroccino 3 separately, so check what’s included in the specific offer.
Philips recommends rinsing LatteGo after every use or washing its two components in the dishwasher. Also follow the maintenance instructions for your exact appliance.
According to the Voedingscentrum, milk is a perishable product and should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. Put it back in the fridge as soon as possible after use.
No. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that your statutory guarantee applies in addition to any manufacturer’s or retailer’s guarantee. If a product used as intended doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect, contact the retailer.
