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Cappuccino machines have come a long way since they were first introduced as simple stove-top pressure cookers around the turn of the 20th century. Nowadays, you can choose from pump-driven, semi-automatic, and completely automatic machines. You can also buy cappuccino machines that include milk frothing rods, coffee bean grinders, and computers. Many commercial cappuccino makers are even equipped with programs that command the machine to draw water and grind beans at various rates throughout the course of the day.

With so many different choices (and resultant prices), how can you choose a cappuccino machine that is right for you?

First, you should determine which drinks you are making most often. If you typically make just espresso, then a simple, manual machine will probably suffice. However, if you desire the full gamut of beverages, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, and hot chocolate, a semi-automatic or automatic cappuccino machine is a better choice. For households or workplaces where people might consume several different types of coffee beverages per day, buying a cappuccino machine with additional gadgets, such as a coffee bean grinder, is also a good idea. [Read more…]