Coffee Machines - Organizer

I tested the tiny Russell Hobbs coffee maker that uses grounds or Nespresso pods — but I discovered one infuriating drawback

1:00 am | March 15, 2026

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: one-minute review

The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is an entry-level coffee maker with an unusual twist: in addition to a regular portafilter for ground coffee, it comes with a holder for Nespresso Original style coffee capsules. A handy option if you’re making the switch from pods to fresh beans, or sharing a kitchen with someone who prefers a different brewing method.

It’s very cheap too, with a list price of just £149.99 / AU$189.95 (about $200). For comparison, my two top-rated budget coffee makers, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo, and Philips Baristina, are $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600) and $449.99 / £299.99 / AU$599. respectively.

At that price it’s no surprise that the Everyday Espresso Machine is made almost entirely from plastic, but it still looks smart on your kitchen counter with its silver and matt black finish, and guests won’t guess how little you spent.

The budget price is reflected in the accessories though, which are quite bare-bones. In addition to the two portafilters, you get just two filter baskets, a lightweight scoop/tamper combo, and a pin tool for clearing the steam wand. There’s no milk pitcher, water filter, or water hardness testing strip included in the box.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine portafilter basket full of ground coffee — The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine accepts both ground coffee and capsules (Image credit: Future)

What really matters is performance, and I was pleased to find that the Everyday Espresso Machine could brew a decent shot with fresh coffee once I’d identified the best grind size, and extraction was consistent. However, I found I had to grind my coffee much coarser than I would usually to avoid under-extraction, and the puck of coffee grounds was always quite wet at the end, which suggests that although the pressure was lower than optimal.

Brewing with coffee capsules was easy, but again, it was a soggier experience than I’d like, and the used pod ended up sitting in a puddle in the portafilter after brewing.

The steam wand is the real problem, though. It feels flimsy, wobbling as you move it into position, and its lower section is too short, making it hard to submerge in your milk pitcher. Worst of all, it has an air intake hole that creates so much foam, I had to stop steaming my milk while it was still cold to prevent the jug overflowing. The large bubbles aren’t fine or stable enough for a latte, which is a shame when you’ve just brewed a perfectly good shot of espresso.

If you take your coffee black and want to shift between pods and grounds, this might be a good option for you. Otherwise though, I’d recommend saving up a little more cash and opting for the much more solidly-made De’Longhi Dedica Duo instead.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: price and availability

Available in the UK and Australia for £149.99 / AU$189.95
Not currently sold in the US
One of the cheapest espresso machines I've tested

The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is available in the UK direct from Russell Hobbs for £149.99 (about $200). It’s known as the Russell Hobbs Heaton Espresso Machine in Australia, where it retails for AU$189.95. It’s not sold in the US at the time of writing.

It’s one of the most affordable coffee makers I’ve tested here at TechRadar, and even cheaper than my favorite budget espresso machine, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo, which has a list price of $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600).

Value score: 4/5

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: specifications

Name	Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine
Type	Manual espresso machine (ground coffee and pods)
Weight	6lbs / 2.74kg
Water reservoir capacity	1.58 quarts / 1.5 liters
Milk frother	Manual steam wand
User profiles	None

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: design

Accepts ground coffee and Nespresso Original capsules
Steam wand is disappointing
Plastic components have a strong odor

The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is compact, and exceptionally lightweight. Upon weighing it, I found that the whole unit is just 6lbs / 2.74kg, including the plug and water tank, which could be a real advantage if you need a coffee maker you can tuck away in a cupboard between uses.

The Everyday Espresso Machine’s exterior is entirely plastic except for the drip tray and steam wand, but as you can see from the photos here, it doesn’t look cheap, and the silver-colored panels on the front give a convincing look of brushed steel.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine with water tank removed — The water tank has a robust handle for easy carrying, though it can only be used when the hinged lid is open (Image credit: Future)

It does, however, have a noticeable plastic odor when new. The instructions running the machine without any coffee to rinse it before making your first drink, but I'd actually suggest doing this a few times to wash away any taste (and flushing the steam wand thoroughly as well to avoid tainting your milk).

As with all coffee makers, you should wash the water tank, portafilters and baskets before use. These are safe to hand-wash with soapy water, and the tank has a reassuringly solid-feeling handle for easy carrying, which is a welcome touch.

The Everyday Espresso Machine comes with two portafilters: one for ground coffee and one for Nespresso Original style coffee capsules. The one for capsules has a conical insert, which holds the coffee pod and pierces the bottom when pressure is applied so water can penetrate.

Person placing Nespresso capsule in Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine holder — The attachment for coffee capsules contains small spikes that pierce the pod when the machine applies pressure. (Image credit: Future)

There are just two filter baskets for ground coffee (single and double shot size). Both of these are pressurized, which makes sense for a beginner-level machine because they're more forgiving than single-walled baskets if your grind isn't perfect.

You get a double-ended tamper/coffee scoop, which is standard issue for a budget espresso machine. It doesn't feel very satisfying to hold, and it's not as easy to use as a more solid tamper with a smooth metal finish, but it gets the job done.

The Everyday Espresso Machine's steam wand pivots out from the left-hand side of the machine, and is controlled using a large, tactile dial. Unfortunately, during testing I found that the bottom part of the wand was too short, meaning it couldn’t reach far enough down into my milk pitcher.

Accessories supplied with Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine — There's a small collection of accessories, including a plastic tamper/scoop, and two pressurized filter baskets (Image credit: Future)

The wand also has a pinhole in the side, which is intended to create extra foam when you steam your milk. Unfortunately,during my tests I found it created lots of very large bubbles, and made it impossible to create smooth, pourable microfoam. In fact, it created so much foam, I had to stop steaming before my milk was hot to avoid it overflowing.

Design score: 3/5

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: performance

Consistent results when grinder is dialled in
Water pressure seems to be lower than usual
Doesn't heat or foam milk properly

The Everyday Espresso Machine is simple to use, with just two brew buttons, but unlike most espresso machines, these don’t correlate to a single or double shot. Instead, the first button brews a double shot, and the second a quad (intended to be divided between two cups). The drink volume is customizable, but it's something to be aware of.

The machine heats quickly, though the cup-warmer on top isn't very practical. Like the rest of the machine's chassis, it's made from insulating plastic, so it'll barely be warm even half an hour after the machine has come to temperatures.

I was pleased to find that, although some components feel flimsy, the Everyday Espresso Machine does feel more robust than the Casabrews 5418 Pro. The filter baskets fit into the portafilter handle properly without feeling loose, and the handle locks nicely into place.

My first few shots of espresso pulled very slowly, and I found that I had to grind my coffee much more coarsely than usual to get good results. The puck of ground coffee was still quite wet once I'd finished brewing, which suggests that the pressure was low, but once I'd found the best size, the results were consistent.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine dispensing espresso — Once you've dialled in your grinder, you should be able to achieve consistently well extracted shotsFuture

Espresso made using Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine — Once you've dialled in your grinder, you should be able to achieve consistently well extracted shotsFuture

Brewing with a Nespresso capsule is straightforward; just place it in the conical holder provided, put the holder in the portafilter handle, and carry on as though you were using coffee grounds. The process is quick and easy, but messier than using a standard Nespresso machine. Usually brewing with pods is a neat process, but the Everyday Espresso Machine leaves water in the portafilter that tends to spill when you release the handle.

If you’re only really interested in brewing from capsules, I’d recommend picking a simple dedicated Nespresso machine instead. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop (for Nespresso Vertuo pods) or the Nespresso Pixie (for Nespresso Original capsules) are both affordable options.

Wet coffee pod filter basket for Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine — Brewing with a coffee capsule is surprisingly messy, and I found the portafilter always ended up full of water after brewing. (Image credit: Future)

For me, though, the steam wand is the weakest point. As mentioned previously, this is an espresso machine with a dairy intolerance; it incorporates too much air into the milk, so you have to stop steaming before it’s sufficiently heated, and it’s too short to use comfortably. The heat-resistant silicone handle is a nice addition, but the whole wand wobbles when you move it.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine steaming milk — The steam wand is barely long enough to use with a typical milk pitcherFuture

Close-up of Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine steam wand — The steam wand is barely long enough to use with a typical milk pitcherFuture

Whether I chose oat or dairy, the wand simply made lots of very large bubbles, which might look impressive if you've not used a coffee maker before, but are no practical use. This might be an entry-level machine, but new users need proper tools too, and this steam wand misses the mark.

Performance score: 3 / 5

Should you buy the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine?

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	One of the cheapest espresso machines I've tested, and looks like it should cost a lot more, but some components are flimsy in use.	4 / 5
Design	The plastic chassis is light and easy to move, but has a strong aroma that takes a while to wear off. Steam wand isn't well designed.	3 / 5
Performance	Can brew a decent espresso, importantly, but generates less pressure than optimal, so an extra coarse grind is necessary. Milk foaming is poor.	3 / 5

Buy it if

You're on a tight fixed budget

This is a very cheap coffee maker, and if you absolutely can't spend any more, it's one of the better options, Russell Hobbs is a reputable brand with good after-sales service.

You want to brew both pods and grounds

There aren't many coffee makers that can do both, so if this is a key requirement, the Everyday Espresso Machine may be the one for you.

Don't buy it if

You enjoy milky drinks

The Everyday Espresso Machine can make a lot of big bubbles, but the results aren’t useful for coffee. You can’t make fine foam, or even heat the milk properly with its strange, stubby steam wand.

You have an extra $50 in your pocket

If you can afford to be a little flexible on price, you can get something much better for your kitchen.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is the right coffee maker for you, here are two other options for your shortlist. For more recommendations, take a look at my complete guides to the best espresso machines and best Nespresso machines.

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

I've mentioned this little espresso machine several times in this review, and it remains the standard by which all other budget coffee makers are judged. Its performance and build quality belie its bargain price, and you'll often find it available for a discount now that it's a few months old. Highly recommended if you only want to brew from ground coffee, not pods.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

Nespresso Pixie

Prefer pods to beans? The Nespresso Pixie is an excellent, no-frills machine that accepts Original style capsules, and doesn't make a wet mess when brewing them. If you want to make lattes, this machine is available bundled with the Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother for a discounted price.

Read our full Nespresso Pixie reviewView Deal

How I tested the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine

I used the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine in my kitchen for a week, comparing it with my usual Gaggia Classic coffee maker.

I used it with freshly roasted coffee beans, ground using a Sage Dose Control Pro coffee grinder, and I adjusted the grind size until a double shot of espresso dispensed in around 30 seconds. I used the steam wand with fresh fat dairy and oat milk.

For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products on TechRadar.

I tested this compact drip-coffee machine and it’s a fantastically fuss-free way to brew small batches of coffee — even if it can’t quite reach the intense flavor of more methodical processes

4:00 am | February 28, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Ratio Four: one-minute review

The Ratio Four is a drip-coffee machine focused on smaller batches. That means it fulfils a valuable niche in the market, making it perfect for anyone likely to want just a few cups of coffee at a time.

Instead of leaving your brew to stew for hours over a heating element, you can quickly whip up a small batch of coffee on demand, so there's less waste than with some traditional drip machines. While it may not be optimal for offices or big families, it’s great for couples or coffee fans who are flying solo.

The smaller capacity has an extra benefit: its footprint takes up far less space on your counter than many of the best coffee makers. Instead, it cuts a sleek figure on your counter, with its clamp-shaped form and smoky-colored glass carafe looking at home in any kitchen. The only exception here is the water tank. While I understand the design helps keep its size down, I’m not the biggest fan of the way it’s hooked up to the machine via an umbilical cord pipe: I much prefer the built-in tanks of the more premium Ratio Six and Ratio Eight.

Using the Ratio Four couldn’t be easier. Once I’d filled the water tank, all I had to do was slip a compatible filter into the basket, grind my beans to medium-coarse, and pour them in. Pressing the single button on the front first runs a bloom cycle to pre-wet and stir up the grounds – a step many traditional drip machines skip – and then the Ratio Four gets to work running water through your grounds to fill the carafe with sweet Costa Rican crude.

So how did my coffee turn out? Once I found the best grind for the Ratio Four, it made very solid coffee – it wasn’t too bitter, and there was at least a hint of some of those volatile flavors that make speciality coffees so fantastic. But I wouldn’t say it packed the rich bouquet I associate with wonderfully extracted coffee. I’ve definitely experienced pour-over and pressure-extracted coffees that expressed more character out of similar beans.

That doesn’t mean the Ratio Four isn’t worth buying, though. Pour-over coffee requires developing the knack for it, while many of the best espresso machines require you to spend more money and a lot of time cleaning. When you just need a couple of cups of tasty coffee in mere minutes, the Ratio Four is definitely worth your time.

A closeup of the front of the Ratio Four, showing its button and lights that read 'Bloom', 'Brew' and 'Ready'. — (Image credit: Future)

Ratio Four review: price and availability

Launched November 2024
Retails for $279

Launched in November 2024, the Ratio Four is available now. It retails for a list price of $279 (around £205) – unfortunately, unlike its larger stablemates, the Ratio Six and Ratio Eight, it’s not currently available in the UK. So those based on that side of the pond might have to content themselves with drip machines like the Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal or Ninja DualBrew Pro instead.

While the black version featured here isn’t currently available on Amazon, the white colorway is, and it looks just as classy. For that price, you get pretty much everything you need included – such as the carafe and filter basket – with the exception of compatible Ratio or Melitta filters. I’d recommend you grab some at the same time if you’re going to purchase the Ratio Four.

The Ratio Four's carafe and filter basket on a desk in front of a pink background. — (Image credit: Future)

Ratio Four review: specs

Type	Automatic drip machine
Dimensions (W x H x D)	10.6 x 7.5 x 11.5 inches / 26.9 x 19.1 x 29.2cm
Weight	24.18lbs / 10.97kg
Water reservoir capacity	20.3 ounces / 0.6l

The Ratio Four, carafe and water tank on a desk in front of a pink background. — (Image credit: Future)

Ratio Four review: design

Sleek, attractive styling
Perfect for just one or two cups
Water tank looks less elegant

For some reason, not every brand seems to have gotten the memo about coffee maker design. Some manufacturers seem to think that just because an appliance is bulky, it has to be squat and utilitarian. Fortunately, Ratio is way ahead of the crowd here: all of its drip coffee machines are gorgeous, and the Four is no exception.

Despite measuring 10.6 x 7.5 x 11.5 inches / 26.9 x 19.1 x 29.2cm, this coffee maker looks pretty sleek to my eye. Both its matt black finish and bracket-shaped form meant it cut a bold silhouette in my kitchen and stood out among all the chrome and squat boxes of my other appliances.

As the smallest product in Ratio’s range, the Four’s water tank only holds 20.3oz / 0.6l, which is approximately enough for two full mugs. There aren’t many drip machines that cater to this size, making this a great choice for individuals or couples. However, that does mean that if you need to brew enough for a family brunch or your coworkers’ coffee order, you’ll probably want to size up.

A man's hands insert the Ratio Four's water tank into its dock. — (Image credit: Future)

The water tank is the one area where this machine loses some style points. The discrete reservoir and hose hookup looks a little goofy to me, like it's connected to the device with an umbilical cord. Personally, I prefer the built-in tanks of the more premium options.

By their very nature, drip coffee machines are far simpler affairs than espresso machines, so you don’t get a lot in terms of accessories here, but it includes everything you need. The packaged carafe is nicely made, and its darkened, heat-proof glass gives it a smoky, sophisticated look. And it comes with a filter basket, although you can swap in your Hario V60, Kalita Wave, or Origami basket if you prefer.

Beyond this, you’re on your own. So, to get the right coarseness of grind – pre-ground is unlikely to give you either the freshness or precision you’ll need here – you’ll want a coffee grinder too. It’s also worth getting some compatible, flat-bottom filter papers. Ratio sells its own, but the Ratio Four is also compatible with Melitta filters if those are more convenient for you.

Design score: 4.5/5

A man folds over the edges of a coffee filter into the Ratio Four's filter basket. — Future

A man pours coffee grounds into the filter paper inside the Ratio Four's filter basket. — Future

Ratio Four review: performance

Quick to use and clean
Easier than pour-over to get consistent results
Flavor is good, but not top tier

If you’re looking at automatic drip-coffee machines, your biggest priorities are likely to be speed and convenience. I’m happy to say that the Ratio Four offers both of these things in spades.

Larger drip-coffee machines can take 5 to 10 minutes to brew, but thanks to the Ratio Four’s smaller batch sizes, it often takes far less time. While the first brew I did took 1 minute 52 to bloom and 5 minutes 16 for the total pour, once the boiler had warmed up, this time shrank considerably. My final brew took 1 minute 29 to bloom and 4 minutes 28 for total pour time, so pretty much bang on what I’d expect.

So, how easy is it to use? All told, I felt the process was pretty straightforward. Once you’ve ground your beans, just insert a compatible filter, fill it up, and top up the tank – then you’re good to go. Press its single button, and it’ll automatically bloom and brew your coffee. Compared to the more finicky process I’ve come to expect from my pour-over or espresso machine, using the Ratio Four is a breeze.

And it achieves decent results… as long as you’re willing to experiment with dialing in the right grind. While you’ll be broadly fine with a medium-coarse grind – somewhere between sand and sea salt in texture – I found brewing a few test batches allowed me to really zero in on the right grind for the machine and filters I was using.

A man presses the button to start the Ratio Four's brew cycle. — (Image credit: Future)

Case in point, for my first batch, I set TechRadar’s Mazzer Philos testing grinder to 100 (on a scale of 0 - 140). While the initial bloom of the grounds seemed to go well, the resultant pour looked a little weak to my eye – something I confirmed when I tasted it. Honestly, it was insipid, tasting indistinguishable from a stewed French press. Back to the grindstone then.

This is where I went down a bit of a rabbit hole. I brewed about eight more batches, dialing the grind down 60 microns at a time, producing more flavorful brews each time. I did eventually hit a sweet spot of richness and acidity, but this came at a finer grind than I expected and didn’t quite produce the flavor-forward caffeine hit I was looking for. Don’t get me wrong: it makes a tasty cup of joe, but I honestly feel like pour-over or an espresso machine would have extracted more of those mouth-watering, floral flavor notes I was hoping for.

But barring a little grind calibration, I have to hand it to the Ratio Four for being incredibly easy to use. And it’s similarly easy to clean. All I had to do was bang the used filter and grounds into the trash, wash out the filter basket, carafe, and water tank, wipe down the shower, and it was ready to go again. Compared to espresso machines, with their milk-encrusted steam wands and silt-clogged portafilters, it’s much easier to get the Ratio Four looking spotless.

All in all, the Ratio Four makes good coffee while being simple to operate. It ekes a little bit more flavor out of your grind than a standard drip coffee, and it’s cheaper and easier to use than the best espresso machines – it just can’t reach the same heights of flavor.

Performance score: 3.5/5

A man pours rich black coffee out of the Ratio Four's carafe into a glass. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Ratio Four?

Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Few coffee machines at this price will make a better brew. But many pour-over setups are a fair bit cheaper and more expensive espresso machines will likely give you better results.	4/5
Design	Stylish and sleek, although the separate water tank looks a little silly. A perfect size if you just want two cups of coffee, but less useful for families or workplaces.	4.5/5
Performance	Incredibly easy to use and clean. After you’ve properly calibrated your grind, it can produce tasty coffee – but if flavor is your biggest priority, you may find other setups more rewarding.	3.5/5

Buy it if…

You want pour-over style coffee without the hassle
With its bloom cycle and the way its shower agitates the grind, the Ratio Four gets you much closer to pour-over quality without you needing to spend time honing your technique.

You’re tired of boxy kitchen appliances
As with all of Ratio’s coffee machines, this cuts a gorgeous silhouette. The umbilically connected water tank aside, this stylish machine will look seriously classy on your counter.

Don't buy it if…

You want the best possible tasting coffee
While the Ratio Four provides a tasty brew, I don’t think it can quite hit the heights of an exquisitely executed espresso or perfect pour-over. So if you want truly exceptional coffee, I think it’s worth the extra expense or practice.

You want coffee for your whole house or office
The Ratio Four’s whole niche is that it provides small-batch drip coffee. That’s fantastic for individuals or couples, but, naturally, if you want to serve more people, a bigger drip machine will suit you better.

Ratio Four review: also consider

Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal
Breville’s machine is everything a drip-coffee machine should be. It’s simple to use, has a well-designed interface, and produces great-tasting coffee. It has a few tricks up its sleeve as well: it’s able to keep your java warm for hours without stewing it and also produce authentic cold brew with far less mess. Read our full Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal review.

Ninja DualBrew Pro
This chimera of a device combines two easy-brew coffee-making methods in one handy gadget. Not only can it create a batch of drip coffee anywhere from 4oz to 55oz, but its included K-cup adapter means you can also use pods to fire out a quick espresso instead. It can’t quite rival a dedicated espresso machine, but it sure makes up for that in convenience. Read our full Ninja DualBrew Pro review.

How I tested the Ratio Four

Tested it over a week
Made around 8 - 10 batches of coffee
Have several decades of experience making coffee

I tested the Ratio Four over the course of a week. As it’s exclusive to the US and I’m testing in the UK, I used a voltage transformer to step down our 240V mains power to 120V. I exclusively used fresh-roasted beans ground right before brewing to ensure as much of the delicate flavor profile was preserved as possible.

When it came to testing, I brewed 8 - 10 batches of coffee at a range of grinds from coarse to medium, covering a much wider range of grinds than would usually be used for drip coffee. I followed the exact grounds-to-water ratio suggested by the manufacturer. I created multiple batches one after another, then made sure to compare the results to see how variations in the grind affected the finished results.

In terms of my experience, I’ve been making and drinking coffee on a daily basis for over two decades. My go-to brew methods are espresso using my Breville Bambino and cold-brew extracted at room temperature over 18 hours and then filtered through a fine mesh. However, I’ve used an enormous array of coffee-making devices over the years, from the Aeropress to a stove-top moka pot.

First reviewed: February 2026
Read more about how we test

The Philips Baristina is the most affordable bean-to-cup coffee maker I’ve ever tested — and it’s seriously impressive

5:53 pm | February 24, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, Europe, North America | Comments: Off

Philips Baristina: one-minute review

With the Philips Baristina, brewing espresso using freshly roasted beans is as easy as using coffee pods. Unlike most of the best bean-to-cup coffee makers, where the entire brewing process takes place within the case, the Baristina uses a portafilter handle much like a manual espresso machine. Push the empty handle into place, select your drink, and the Baristina will grind the right dose of coffee into the filter basket, tamp it down, then move it to the brewing group automatically for the shot to be extracted.

It's a clever design that's unlike any other bean-to-cup machine I've tested, and because the Baristina uses a portafilter, cleaning up is a piece of cake. There's no need to take the side off the machine, empty messy internal bins, remove components, or wipe up stray coffee grounds that have escaped.

It's a good-looking little coffee maker as well. Although its case is plastic, its matt finish and choice of tasteful colors mean it doesn't look cheap or attract fingerprints. The portafilter handle even arrives in a choice of colors and natural wood finishes (the exact options available will depend on where you buy your machine).

Philips Baristina espresso machine with plant on kitchen counter — (Image credit: Future)

During my tests, coffee was consistently well extracted using my usual freshly roasted beans, with the pressurized filter basket producing a thick layer of crema.

In my opinion, the biggest drawback is that the Philips Baristina doesn't allow you to adjust the grind size, which means you have no control over how quickly your coffee is extracted. You can adjust the volume of your brew, but that's all. If your coffee tastes over- or under-extracted, you'll need to try different beans until you find something that works well with the standard settings.

You should also be aware that the Baristina doesn't have a steam wand or any other means of foaming milk, although it's available bundled with a standalone milk frother if cappuccinos and lattes are your thing.

All in all, it's an excellent beginner-friendly espresso machine that's ideal if you're new to using fresh beans and want to keep things as simple as possible. It's remarkably affordable, too, with a list price of just $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600).

Philips Baristina espresso machine hopper with coffee beans — Unlike most espresso machines, the Philips Baristina doesn't offer a way to adjust the grind size. (Image credit: Future)

Philips Baristina: price and availability

Very cheap for a bean-to-cup coffee maker
Sold in North America, Europe and Australia
Often available at a discounted price

The Philips Baristina is the most affordable bean-to-cup coffee maker I've tested to date, with a list price of $449.99 / £299.99 / AU$599. You can pick up a good-quality manual espresso machine for around the same price — the five-star rated De'Longhi Dedica Duo for $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$550), for example — but if you're after an automatic coffee maker, I haven't seen another model that delivers better in terms of value for money.

It's often available at a discount at major retailers, making it even better value. You'll find all today's best deals below.

The Baristina is available in North America, throughout Europe and has recently made its way to Australia.

Value score: 5/5

Philips Baristina: specifications

Name	Philips Baristina
Type	Bean-to-cup
Dimensions (W x H x D)	7 x 13.6 x 15 inches / 18 x 34.5 x 38cm
Weight	11lbs / 5kg
Water reservoir capacity	47oz / 1.2 liters
Milk frother	No
Bars of pressure	16
User profiles	None

Philips Baristina: design

Sleek design with matt finish
Clever "one swipe" portafilter design
No steam wand (although separate milk frother is available)

The Philips Baristina is a compact coffee maker with a smart, minimalist design. It comes in two colors, black and white, with matching portafilter handles as standard. Some retailers also offer a selection of contrasting portafilter shades (including red, green, and yellow), plus light and dark wood options so you can pick something that suits your kitchen décor. Whichever color you choose, the portafilter is fitted with a non-removeable pressurized basket.

All in all, it's a good-looking machine, and although its case is made from plastic, its matt finish means it doesn't appear cheap or attract fingerprints like some more expensive coffee makers I've tested.

Philips Baristina coffee maker with espresso on kitchen counter — The Baristina uses what Philips calls a "one-swipe" system. Push in the portafilter, slide it to the right, and the machine does the rest (Image credit: Future)

The Baristina is controlled using a simple set of three buttons: one for a single shot of espresso; one for a lungo (a longer drink with the same amount of coffee and twice as much water); and one to boost the intensity by increasing the dose of ground coffee.

The bean hopper is quite small, but that isn't a problem unless you're preparing coffee for a crowd; it's best to keep your coffee in a dark, cool, airtight place until you're ready to grind it and refill your coffee machine little and often.

The Baristina's water tank slides onto the back of the machine, and although I'd have liked to see a handle, its ridged surface makes it easy to grip when filling and replacing. It has a robust lid that fits firmly in place to avoid accidental spills, but do note that there's no water filter provided, so if you live in a hard water area then you might want to use a separate water filtration pitcher.

Philips Baristina espresso machine with water tank removed and plant on kitchen counter — The water tank has no handle, but its ridged surface provides grip (Image credit: Future)

There's a removable plastic drip tray for your espresso cup, which slots into place below the groupset. It's nicely made — but, unfortunately, it isn't designed to accommodate a larger cup if you want to use your espresso as the foundation for a long drink.

The Baristina doesn't have a steam wand or automatic milk-frothing system. However, if you want to make milky drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, it's available bundled with a standalone milk frother.

The standard Philips Baristina (which I tested here) has a single hopper, but there's also a model called the Baristina Variety, which has a larger dual hopper so you can choose between two different beans or roasts on-the-fly.

Design score: 5/5

Philips Baristina: performance

Super easy to use, with no need to weigh or measure
Produced well-extracted espresso in tests
Easier to keep clean than a typical bean-to-cup machine
Grind size can't be changed

The Philips Baristina is a beginner-friendly espresso machine that combines the convenience of a bean-to-cup coffee maker with the easy cleanup of a manual one. To use it, just fill the water tank and bean hopper, gently push the empty portafilter handle into place, and slide it to the right under the coffee grinder. Choose your drink (espresso or lungo), hit the extra intensity button if you like, and the machine will get to work.

The appropriate dosage of coffee will be ground and dispensed directly into the filter basket, then tamped down evenly. Once it's ready, the machine will slide the handle to the left so it sits under the brew group, and extract your drink into your waiting espresso cup. You never touch the coffee grounds yourself, and there's no need to weigh or measure anything.

Philips Baristina espresso machine dispensing a shot of espresso — The Baristina's pressurized filter basket produces plenty of crema (Image credit: Future)

When the Baristina is done and your coffee is ready, the handle will be unlocked so you can pull it out, knock the puck of used coffee grounds into your food waste bin, and clean the basket. It's a lot easier than cleaning up a conventional bean-to-cup coffee maker, which involves pulling out the drip tray to clean out used coffee grounds, removing a side panel to take out and rinse the brew group, wiping up any stray coffee grounds inside the machine's casing, and leaving the whole thing open to dry so it doesn't grow mold.

The biggest drawback of the Baristina is that there's no way to change the grind size, so if your drink tastes under- or over-extracted (sour or bitter), you'll need to experiment with different types of coffee until you find something that works with the machine's default setup.

Philips Baristina espresso machine portafilter with used coffee grounds — During my tests, the used coffee grounds always formed a dry, solid puck, showing that the coffee was properly extracted (Image credit: Future)

It's also worth noting that while manual coffee makers give you a choice of single and double filter baskets, with double (pressurized) and single walls, the Baristina's basket is integrated into the handle and can't be removed. Again, this limits customization, but it's unlikely to be a concern for those looking for their first espresso machine, or upgrading from a capsule coffee maker.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Philips Baristina?

Philips Baristina score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	The most affordable bean-to-cup coffee maker I've tested – and one that doesn't skimp on quality.	5/5
Design	Simple, compact and stylish, without the tricky clean-up associated with most automatic coffee makers – although it lacks a steam wand.	4.5/5
Performance	Quick and easy to use, even for beginners, and produces great results with the right beans. Grind size can't be adjusted, but at this price it's tough to complain.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You're on a budget

This is the most affordable bean-to-cup coffee maker I've tested, and Philips hasn't cut corners to achieve its affordable price tag.View Deal

You want to upgrade from coffee capsules

The Philips Baristina is just as convenient as a capsule coffee maker, but without the hassle of having to recycle the pods (which can be difficult, depending on the facilities in your area).View Deal

Don't buy it if

You want to experiment with different beans

The Baristina doesn't offer any way to customize the grind size, so you'll have to stick with coffees that work well with its default settings. There's nothing you can do to change the extraction rate.View Deal

Philips Baristina: also consider

If the Philips Baristina doesn't sound like the right coffee maker for you, take a look at these two highly rated alternatives:

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous and want more control over your coffee, this is the best entry-level manual espresso machine I've tested in the past couple of years. You'll need a separate coffee grinder, but this setup provides more scope for experimentation.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo

This semi-automatic coffee maker doesn't have a spring-fired portafilter so you'll come into contact with loose coffee, but it gives you a lot more brewing options than the Baristina, and is a good way to start developing your home barista skills.

Read our full De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo reviewView Deal

How I tested the Philips Baristina

I used the Philips Baristina for two weeks with my usual regular and decaffeinated coffee beans, freshly bought from a local coffee roaster. I used fresh tap water, and compared the taste of the coffee with that from my usual Gaggia Classic espresso machine. I used both the regular espresso and lungo options, with and without the "intensity boost" feature. I cleaned the portafilter between each drink, and flushed the brewing group with hot water by pressing and holding one of the control buttons.

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course, you can also follow TechRadar on YouTube and TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.

Lavazza’s A Modo Mio Deséa makes delicious espresso and a decent cappuccino – if you use the right milk

5:00 pm | January 18, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, Europe, US | Comments: Off

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: one-minute review

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is a compact capsule coffee maker with optional milk-frothing for cappuccinos and macchiatos, plus hot and cold milk foam. It's excellent at the fundamentals, and Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are superb – affordably priced and packed with great quality coffee, with no flavored or sweetened options.

The Deséa is simple to use, as you'd expect from a capsule coffee maker, and is exceptionally quiet. During the testing period, it reached a maximum of only 50dB during brewing, making it the quietest machine I've tested to date.

It uses the same milk-frothing system as the Lavazza Assoluta (an automatic coffee maker that adapts its own settings to suit your chosen beans). This comprises a large glass cup with a lid containing a rotating electric whisk and a steam pipe. It works reasonably well with full-fat dairy milk, but in tests it produced very little foam when used with oat milk. This was very different to my experience with the Assoluta, so I suspect the much smaller Deséa may not be able to generate the same level of steam pressure.

Overall, it's a likeable little espresso machine that would be a good option for small kitchens, particularly if you're the lone coffee-drinker. The price of its capsules won't make you sweat, even if you enjoy several cups a day.

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: specifications

Name	Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg
Type	Capsule coffee maker
Dimensions (H x W x D)	11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm
Weight	9.9lbs / 4.5kg
Water tank capacity	37oz / 1.1 liters

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: price and availability

Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk foaming
Available in Europe and Australia, but not currently sold in the US
A Modo Mio coffee pods are much cheaper than alternatives

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa has a list price of £249 / AU$349 (about $330), but is often available at a discount. For example, at the time of writing, it could be found on sale for £199 in the UK in Lavazza’s online store, and $261.75 in Australia. Currently, this model isn't available in the US.

That price is about standard for a capsule coffee maker with a built-in milk frother. For comparison, the De'Longhi Lattissima One is currently priced at $429.99 / £259.99 / AU$519.

What sets the Deséa apart from the competition is the price of its capsules. A pack of 16 Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules retails for £6.45 / AU$15 (about $9), and the cost per drink drops significantly if you buy a bundle instead. That makes the A Modo Mio capsules some of the cheapest around, and much less expensive than Nespresso Vertuo or Tassimo alternatives.

A Modo Mio pods offer up lots of choice when it comes to coffee blends, roasts and terroir, but you won’t find any hot chocolate or coffee with added flavors. Your options are espresso, espresso, and more espresso. During testing, I found the freshly ground and vacuum-sealed beans excellent – but note that if your drink of choice is pumpkin spice, you won’t find it here.

Value score: 4.5/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: design

Compact and smart-looking
Includes milk-frothing system
Milk frother only works with supplied mug
Dishwasher-safe components

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is available in black, white, cream and a deep burgundy (different retailers keep different colors in stock). It has a robust-feeling, glossy case with the company logo embossed on the side, and although it isn't quite as sleek as the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, it certainly isn't a slouch in the looks department. Gloss finishes can sometimes be a magnet for fingerprints, but I was pleased to find that this wasn’t an issue with the cream-colored model I tested.

Image 1 of 2

Person adjusting height of drip tray on Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — You can adjust the height of the drip tray to suit different cups (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Coffee capsule slot on top of Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The Deséa takes Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules, which can be composted industrially (Image credit: Future)

The Deséa is particularly compact, even for a capsule coffee maker. At just 11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm (H x W x D), it will easily tuck away into the smallest of kitchens – and can be stashed in a cupboard when not in use (provided it’s properly cleaned and dried beforehand). Despite this, it has a larger water tank than most pod coffee machines, holding 37oz / 1.1 liters. That’s because this isn’t just an espresso machine; it can also foam milk for lattes and cappuccinos using high-pressure steam.

The Deséa has an unusual milk-frothing system that uses a special glass mug with a lid containing a steam tube and a whisk. It's the same system used by the Lavazza Assoluta I tested a couple of months ago, and although it isn't as effective as a proper steam wand, it works reasonably well – provided you use the right type of milk.

However, bear in mind that you can only make milk-based drinks in the glass mug; the special lid doesn't fit onto other cups. Unless you buy a second (they are $22.70 / £15 each), you and your partner won't be able to enjoy lattes as the same time.

Image 1 of 2

Milk frothing cup for Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The milk system uses a glass mug with a lid containing a steam pipe and a rotating whisk (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Water tank detached from Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The water tank holds almost a liter and has a sturdy lid and handle to prevent spills (Image credit: Future)

Most removable components (including the cup, drip tray and used pod container) can be safely cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher, although they take only a moment to wash by hand, too.

The drip tray can be detached and positioned higher up to avoid splashes if you’re using an espresso cup, which is a welcome touch. Used pods drop into a bin that can be accessed by removing the tray and pulling out a drawer on the front of the machine.

Design score: 4/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: performance

Produces excellent espresso
Extensive drinks menu
Milk system doesn't work as well as a steam wand
Performs better with dairy than plant-based milk

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa has a cleverly designed control panel that displays the different menu options depending on the cup you’re using. Place an ordinary cup of any size under the dispenser and you’ll see options for brewing an espresso, long espresso (lungo), and long coffee. Push the milk-foaming cup into place and the options for milk-based drinks will light up. The full menu includes:

Espresso
Long espresso (lungo)
Long coffee (Americano)
Cappuccino (regular or large)
Latte macchiato
Hot milk foam
Cold milk foam

You can adjust the volume of your coffee pour, which is a nice feature that you won’t find on many capsule coffee machines. All the drink size options are customizable; just hold the appropriate button on the control panel for three seconds to begin dispensing, then press it again once you have the desired volume. When you hear two beeps, you know the new setting has been saved successfully, ready to use next time.

Like the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker I tested recently, the Deséa brews excellent, well-rounded espresso in just a few seconds, and does so extremely quietly. Using a decibel meter, I measured an average volume of 50dB when extracting coffee, which is about the same as the murmur of a quiet office (although Lavazza claims the volume doesn't exceed 43dB).

After your coffee has brewed and the lights on the front panel have re-illuminated, lift the lid and after a second or two you’ll hear the used pod drop into the collection bin.

Image 1 of 2

Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker dispensing espresso — Espresso is consistently delicious, and the machine's pump is exceptionally quiet (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker waste bin with used coffee pods — Used pods drop into a bin, ready to be collected for commercial composting (Image credit: Future)

The milk system is a little louder when injecting steam, reaching a maximum of 70dB for a couple of seconds as it incorporates air, but it's quieter than the squeal and rip of a manual steam wand, and the whisk is whisper-quiet.

When you want to use the milk system, take a good look at the fill lines on the side of the glass cup that indicate how much milk to add for different drink sizes. Add too much milk and it risks splashing; too little and it won’t foam properly.

During tests, the Deséa didn’t fare very well when texturizing oat milk, which was very different from my experience with the Lavazza Assoluta. Despite the two machines using the same cup-and-lid system, the Assoluta produced inches of creamy oat foam, whereas the Deséa heated the milk (a little too much – it reached 70ºC, whereas the optimum for coffee is about 60-65ºC), but didn’t actually create any froth, even with the "extra foam" option selected.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker dispensing espresso into milk to make cappuccino — The milk system works much better with dairy than plant-based milk (Image credit: Future)

The Deséa’s milk system worked much better with full-fat dairy milk, although I found that it still didn’t produce quite as much foam as the Assoluta. This might be because the smaller Deséa can’t generate as much pressure and inject as much steam into the liquid.

The Deséa can also prepare cold milk foam. To do this, add your cup of milk, drop in a coffee pod if required, hold the temperature +/- button on the front of the machine until the foam and latte lights turn blue, then press the one you want. Again, during my tests this worked better with dairy milk. It’s a nice feature, but bear in mind that the Deséa can only brew hot coffee, so if you want to make a cold latte then you’ll need to add a shot of hot espresso when the milk is ready, which will raise the temperature. You might like to add a few ice cubes to the drink once it’s made (but not before, as they could damage the whisk).

Cappuccino prepared using Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The whisk produces large bubbles rather than fine microfoam, so the froth tends to break down relatively quickly (Image credit: Future)

Finally, a word on waste. Lavazza’s A Modo Mio capsules are compostable, but you can’t simply toss them into your household waste or add them to a compost pile. They have to be processed in an industrial facility; currently Terracycle is the only service that offers this in the UK. There’sno home collection or postage system as there is with plastic and foil coffee pods, so you’ll need to gather your used capsules and take them to a drop-off point. If there isn’t one near you, you can apply to create one.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa?

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk frother, but the pods are much cheaper.	4.5/5
Design	Compact and smart-looking, though milk system only works with supplied mug.	4/5
Performance	Doesn't foam milk as well as a steam wand, but espresso is consistently excellent and the whole machine is very quiet in use.	3.5/5

Buy it if

You have a compact kitchen

There aren't many coffee machines this small with a milk-frothing system, and the Deséa is light enough to easily move around your home and tuck into a cupboard when it isn't in use.

You're a frequent coffee-drinker

Other capsule coffee makers may be cheaper to buy, but the pods can be very expensive, particularly if you drink several cups a day. Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are super affordable, and packed with great-quality coffee.

Don't buy it if

You prefer plant-based milk

The Deséa's milk system works best with full-fat dairy, which is true of many automatic coffee makers. If you want to stick with oat or soya, you might be better choosing the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie, which arrives with a standalone milk frother.

You want to make a round of coffees

The milk system only works with Lavazza's own mug; you can't fit the lid onto your own favorite cup. Again, a more basic Lavazza A Modo Mio machine and a separate milk frother would be a great alternative.

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is the best coffee maker for you, here are two other options for your shortlist:

De'Longhi Lattissima One

This smart coffee maker uses Nespresso Original pods (the ones shaped like top hats) and has a milk system that produces foam more like a conventional steam wand. You can use any cup and the froth is thick; but the capsules cost more than A Modo Mio ones.

Read our full De'Longhi Lattissima One review

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

Want to move on from capsules? This little manual espresso machine costs about the same as the Deséa and is a great introduction to fresh speciality coffee. It has an excellent steam wand as well.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

How I tested the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa

I used the Lavazza A Mio Deséa for two weeks, making at least two drinks per day and using all of the available drink options (including hot and cold milk foam). I used it with dairy and oat milk, both of which were freshly purchased and chilled. I used two different types of Lavazza A Modo Mio coffee capsules, with different intensities.

I measured the temperature of the prepared milk with a food thermometer, and used a decibel meter app to measure the machine's volume.

For more details, see how we test, rate, and review at TechRadar.

Lavazza’s A Modo Mio Deséa makes delicious espresso and a decent cappuccino – if you use the right milk

5:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, Europe, US | Comments: Off

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: one-minute review

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: specifications

Name	Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg
Type	Capsule coffee maker
Dimensions (H x W x D)	11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm
Weight	9.9lbs / 4.5kg
Water tank capacity	37oz / 1.1 liters

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: price and availability

Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk foaming
Available in Europe and Australia, but not currently sold in the US
A Modo Mio coffee pods are much cheaper than alternatives

That price is about standard for a capsule coffee maker with a built-in milk frother. For comparison, the De'Longhi Lattissima One is currently priced at $429.99 / £259.99 / AU$519.

Value score: 4.5/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: design

Compact and smart-looking
Includes milk-frothing system
Milk frother only works with supplied mug
Dishwasher-safe components

Image 1 of 2

Image 2 of 2

Image 1 of 2

Image 2 of 2

Most removable components (including the cup, drip tray and used pod container) can be safely cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher, although they take only a moment to wash by hand, too.

Design score: 4/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: performance

Produces excellent espresso
Extensive drinks menu
Milk system doesn't work as well as a steam wand
Performs better with dairy than plant-based milk

Espresso
Long espresso (lungo)
Long coffee (Americano)
Cappuccino (regular or large)
Latte macchiato
Hot milk foam
Cold milk foam

After your coffee has brewed and the lights on the front panel have re-illuminated, lift the lid and after a second or two you’ll hear the used pod drop into the collection bin.

Image 1 of 2

Image 2 of 2

Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa?

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk frother, but the pods are much cheaper.	4.5/5
Design	Compact and smart-looking, though milk system only works with supplied mug.	4/5
Performance	Doesn't foam milk as well as a steam wand, but espresso is consistently excellent and the whole machine is very quiet in use.	3.5/5

Buy it if

You have a compact kitchen

There aren't many coffee machines this small with a milk-frothing system, and the Deséa is light enough to easily move around your home and tuck into a cupboard when it isn't in use.

You're a frequent coffee-drinker

Don't buy it if

You prefer plant-based milk

You want to make a round of coffees

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is the best coffee maker for you, here are two other options for your shortlist:

De'Longhi Lattissima One

Read our full De'Longhi Lattissima One review

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

Want to move on from capsules? This little manual espresso machine costs about the same as the Deséa and is a great introduction to fresh speciality coffee. It has an excellent steam wand as well.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

How I tested the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa

I measured the temperature of the prepared milk with a food thermometer, and used a decibel meter app to measure the machine's volume.

For more details, see how we test, rate, and review at TechRadar.

Want delicious, quality espresso with the convenience of pods? After two weeks of testing, I can say the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is the coffee maker for you

4:00 pm | January 17, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: US | Comments: Off

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: one-minute review

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg combines the convenience of coffee capsules with Smeg's signature retro style. It's a cut above your typical espresso machine in terms of looks, and it performs brilliantly as well.

This is an appliance that does one thing, and does it well: making espresso. There are just two options to choose from – standard or lungo (long) – and the controls couldn't be simpler to operate. You barely need the manual to get started; just rinse the machine as directed and you're ready to make your first drink.

Lavazza's A Modo Mio capsules are remarkably affordable (much cheaper than similar Nespresso Vertuo or Tassimo pods), and offer a great variety of coffees and roasts, each of which is labelled with an intensity rating. There are no fancy added flavors here; just good coffee, freshly packed in an airtight package, ready to brew in seconds.

The pods themselves are compostable, although it's worth bearing in mind that you can't toss them in your home food waste or compost heap. Instead, you'll need to take them to a Terracycle collection point, which might be a little inconvenient, depending on where you live.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker on kitchen counter with espresso cups, box of coffee pods, and plant — This is a capsule coffee machine that does one thing well: it makes great espresso (Image credit: Future)

The A Modo Mio Smeg also has a tendency to accumulate finger marks as a result of its glossy plastic chassis. I had a damp cloth on hand to ensure it remained looking smart; but it's one of the best coffee makers around – if you like your drinks short, strong, and fast.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: specifications

Name	Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg
Type	Capsule coffee maker
Dimensions (H x W x D)	11.4 x 6.2 x 14.4 inches / 290 x 157 x 366mm
Weight	9.4lbs / 4.25kg
Water tank capacity	30.4oz / 900ml

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: price and availability

Relatively expensive for a capsule coffee maker
Currently not available in the US
Pods are much cheaper than Nespresso or Tassimo capsules

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg has a list price of £249 / AU$349 (about $350), but can sometimes be found at a discount – for example, at the time of writing, it was available in Australia for 25% off. At full price, it's expensive for a capsule coffee maker – particularly one without a milk frother – but the capsules themselves are so affordable that this coffee maker could actually work out cheaper than a budget Nespresso or Tassimo machine in the long run.

Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules are available directly from Lavazza as a one-off purchase or via subscription. You can also find them on various specialty coffee websites, on Amazon, and in some supermarkets. A pack of 16 capsules retails for £6.45 / AU$15 (about $9), and the cost per drink drops significantly if you buy a bundle instead. That makes A Modo Mio pods some of the cheapest coffee pods around, and much less expensive than Nespresso Vertuo capsules or Tassimo T-Pods.

Value score: 4/5

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: design

Compact and lightweight
Gloss finish tends to attract fingerprints
Very simple controls
Small drip tray

This is an attractive little coffee maker with the same 1960s-influenced retro styling as many of Smeg's other products. It’s purely an espresso machine; it lets you choose between long (lungo) and regular shots, but these are the extent of your options. However, it would look great alongside the Smeg Mini Milk Frother, giving you a perfect little setup for making cappuccinos and lattes.

It’s available in black, white, and cream (different retailers stock different colors), all of which have a gloss finish and chrome accents. The black machine I tested looked very attractive, but I found that the shiny plastic chassis tended to attract fingerprints easily, and I had to keep a cloth on hand to keep it looking good.

Image 1 of 2

Water tank removed from Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker — The water tank feels solid, and has a sturdy lid to prevent leaks when carrying (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Person inserting coffee pod into Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker — Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are compostable, but only at special facilities (Image credit: Future)

The water tank is robust, and has a well-fitting lid that won’t slide off when the tank is full. That’s particularly helpful because the maximum fill line is only about half an inch from the top. It has a convenient handle, and the whole assembly slides easily onto the back of the machine.

The drip tray is only really large enough to accommodate espresso cups. While you can remove the main platform to fit a larger cup beneath (such as demi-tasse), a standard 300ml coffee mug will hang over the edge.

Used pod bin removed from Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker — Used pods are dispensed into a bin, which you can access by removing a drawer behind the drip tray (Image credit: Future)

Used capsules drop into a container that’s accessed by pulling out a drawer on the front of the machine, and which has an internal drip tray so the pods can dry (although I recommend always emptying used capsules at the end of each day for hygiene, washing out the drawer, and allowing it to air-dry overnight).

Design score: 4/5

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: performance

Very simple to use
Pump is especially quiet
Espresso tastes rounded and well-extracted
No flavored coffee capsules available

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is exceptionally simple to use, even for a capsule espresso machine. The first time you use it, you’re instructed to wash out the water tank, place a cup under the dispenser, and run the "lungo" program with no pod inserted to thoroughly rinse the interior components with hot water. Continue doing this until the tank is empty, and the machine will be ready to use.

Lift up the chrome-colored lid and you’ll find a slot to insert your A Modo Mio capsule. It takes a little effort to push the lid back down afterwards – the machine uses this force to pierce the pod about 22 times – but you can use your whole hand to apply the necessary pressure.

Image 1 of 2

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker dispensing espresso into cup — The A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker can dispense espresso in two sizes: standard and lungo (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Cup placed on Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker drip tray — Although you can remove the drip tray platform to accommodate a larger cup, there's not enough room for a standard sized mug (Image credit: Future)

Capsule coffee machines are rarely loud, but the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is quieter than most. Measured with a decibel meter, it briefly reached a maximum of 70dB during brewing – about the same as a hairdryer – but was only around 50dB throughout the whole brewing process.

Once you’re done, rinse the dispenser again without a capsule to remove residue from the dispenser.

During my tests, the espresso didn’t have as much crema as you might get from a Nespresso Vertuo pod, but the flavor from Lavazza’s capsules was considerably better; it tasted more rounded and balanced. I tested two different arabica capsules of different strengths, and was very impressed by both.

Espresso made using Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker — (Image credit: Future)

Unlike some other coffee pods, A Modo Mio capsules aren’t available in different flavors and with sweeteners – but, personally, I don't think that's a bad thing. Instead, the capsules vary by roast, variety and terroir. This is a capsule machine for people who want good-tasting espresso quickly, and aren’t interested in added fruit, syrup, or spice flavorings. Whether that appeals to you is a matter of personal preference.

Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules are compostable, but you can't toss them in your home food waste. If you're in the UK, you should take them to a public Terracycle drop-off point. If there isn't a drop-off point nearby (they're mostly concentrated around south England and the Midlands), you can register to run one, but you can't have personal collection boxes sent to your home.

Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg?

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	The machine itself is quite pricey, but the capsules are some of the cheapest around (and great quality, too).	4/5
Design	Stylish, compact, and easy to operate, but the gloss finish is prone to gathering fingerprints.	4/5
Performance	Produces excellent espresso quickly and quietly, and is a piece of cake to maintain.	5/5

Buy it if

You want good espresso, fast

If you like your coffee short and fast, this is the machine for you. It does one thing, and does it very well – and Lavazza's coffee pods are excellent.

You plan to keep it for a long time

This coffee maker costs more than your typical capsule espresso machine, but the pods are so affordable that they'll offset the difference over time.

Don't buy it if

You enjoy fun-flavored coffee

There's nothing wrong with preferring a pumpkin spice latte to a straight shot of espresso, but Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are all about the beans, not added flavorings.

You need a cheap coffee maker

Smeg style doesn't come cheap, and this machine is considerably pricier than most capsule coffee makers. However, there are more affordable options in Lavazza's A Modo Mio series, if this one is outside your budget.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is the right coffee maker for you, here are two other options to consider:

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

If you're willing to consider moving from pods to freshly ground coffee, this smart little espresso machine is around the same price as the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, and opens up a whole world of specialty coffee.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo review

Krups Nespresso Pixie

The tiny Pixie has held the top spot in our roundup of the best Nespresso machines for years, thanks to its balance of style and performance. Like the A Modo Mio it's purely an espresso machine, and it uses Nespresso Original pods, which are more affordable than Vertuo capsules.

Read our full Krups Nespresso Pixie review

How I tested the Lavazza A Moda Mio Smeg

I tested the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker for two weeks, making at least two drinks every day using two different types of espresso pods. I followed the setup instructions in the manual, prepared each drink using fresh tap water, and rinsed the dispenser between brews. I emptied and washed out the machine's bin and drip tray at the end of each day, and allowed everything to air-dry overnight. I cleaned the exterior of the machine with a damp microfiber cloth.

For more details, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

The Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly is a super affordable coffee maker, but beware – there’s a catch that means it could cost you in the long run

8:00 pm | December 13, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, Europe, US | Comments: Off

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: one-minute review

The Tassimo Finesse Friendly from Bosch is a compact capsule-based coffee maker that's an affordable alternative to similar machines from Nespresso and Keurig. It works in much the same way as its rivals, accepting proprietary capsules, piercing them, and forcing hot water through to brew your drink.

Unlike some other small coffee makers, it can also brew milky drinks such as lattes if you use separate pods for the milk and the coffee, with impressive results. The downside is that these capsules (known as T-Pods) can be quite expensive, particularly for drinks with two components.

The Finesse Friendly is very simple to use and clean, with a blank disc stored in a slot at the bottom that enables a quick rinsing cycle between drinks. Its water tank is east to remove as well, though its small capacity (just 23.7oz / 700ml) means you'll be making frequent trips to the sink if you're making more than one or two drinks at a time.

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker with top open — (Image credit: Future)

It's a well-built and likeable little coffee maker, but if you enjoy lattes regularly, you might want to consider learning to use a compact espresso machine with a manual steam wand instead. Although the initial cost will be higher, you could save money in the long run by using fresh milk for your regular brews rather than capsules. Take a look at my roundup of the best espresso machines for options at various price points.

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: specifications

Name	Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly
Type	Capsule coffee maker
Dimensions (W x H x D)	6.2 x 10.4 x 14.2 inches / 15.7 x 26.5 x 36cm
Weight	6.2lbs / 2.8kg
Water tank capacity	23.7oz / 700ml

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: price and availability

List price £89.99 (about $120 / AU$180), but often discounted
Widely available in Europe, but not in the US or Australia
T-Pod capsules can be quite expensive, depending on type

The Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly is one of the most affordable capsule coffee makers machines I’ve ever tested. It has a list price of £89.99 (about $120 / AU$180), but is frequently discounted to £49.99 (about $70 / AU$100). That’s even less than the entry-level Nespresso Vertuo Pop. You’ll find all today’s best prices below.

The downside is that although it’s widely available in the UK and continental Europe, it’s not currently sold in the US or Australia.

Although the Finesse Friendly is cheap, Tassimo capsules (known as T-Pods) can be quite pricey particularly if you prefer drinks with milk, which require two pods each. They are widely available online and from supermarkets, and include varieties from brands including Cadbury’s, Costa, Kenco, Jacobs, and L’OR.

Coffee and milk capsules for Bosch Tassimo coffee makers — (Image credit: Future)

Prices vary widely depending on your chosen drink. For example, a pack of Costa Caramel Latte T-Pods, for example, contains enough capsules to make just eight drinks, and has a list price of £7.25 (about $10 / AU$15). Pods containing just coffee are much more affordable. At the time of writing, a bundle containing 80 Kenco Pure Colombian capsules is £21.38 (about $30 / AU$40).

Value score: 3.5/5

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: design

Compact and lightweight
Easy to clean and maintain
Water tank holds only 23.7oz / 700ml

The Tassimo Finesse Friendly is an exceptionally light and compact coffee maker, which is ideal for small kitchens and easy to tuck away in a cupboard when not in use. Its body is made using 60% recycled plastic, and is available in four colors: black, white, cream, and red. The black version I tested had a tendency to accumulate fingerprints, particularly on the matt-finish sides, but they were easily cleaned off with a damp cloth.

Its drip tray is removable for cleaning, and can be repositioned closer to the dispenser to accommodate espresso cups without splashing.

Image 1 of 2

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker with drip tray raised ready to dispense espresso — (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Woman pressing start button on Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker — (Image credit: Future)

It has a single control button, which uses colors and blinks to indicate the machine’s current status. A red light means the machine needs attention, and usually signals that the water tank is running low.

The tank is attached to the back of the machine, and is easy to remove; just angle it slightly and pull upwards. It has a maximum capacity of just 700ml / 23.7oz, so you’ll need to refill it after making two full-size drinks.

Water tank removed from Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker — (Image credit: Future)

Cleaning the Finesse Friendly is straightforward. Just remove the orange maintenance disc from the slot at the bottom of the machine, place it in the capsule holder with the barcode facing down, close the lid, and hit the brew button just as you would when preparing a drink.

The machine will rinse itself with a cupful of hot water, leaving it clean and ready to use next time. It’s also worth wiping the outside of the dispenser clean if you’ve made a drink with milk, as this has a tendency to splutter.

Image 1 of 2

Removing maintenance disc from slot on Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker — (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Cleaning disc inserted in Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker — (Image credit: Future)

The Finesse Friendly has no water filter, but is easy to de-scale when indicated by the red status light. Just fill the water tank to the line marked ‘calc’, add two descaling tablets (not provided with the machine but available online), insert the cleaning disc, place a cup under the dispenser and hold the start button for about five seconds.

Design score: 4/5

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: performance

The Tassimo Finesse Friendly is extremely simple to use. Just fill the water tank to the maximum line, pull the top of the machine upwards to open it, and place your drink capsule in the opening face-down. Push the lid closed and the light on the control button will light up orange, indicating that the Finesse Friendly is ready to start brewing.

After your drink has finished dispensing, wait until the light stops blinking orange before removing the used capsule.

Image 1 of 3

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker dispensing steamed milk — (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 3

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker with steam after dispensing milk — (Image credit: Future)

Image 3 of 3

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker dispensing coffee into caffe latte — (Image credit: Future)

I tested the Finesse Friendly with a couple of different capsules: Tassimo Cinnamon Roll Latte (which Bosch provided with the review machine), and Jacobs Latte Macchiato (which I bought myself). Each variety came with two boxes of pods: one containing the coffee, and the other filled with long-life milk.

Although a latte macchiato is usually my coffee of choice, the cinnamon roll pods were the clear winner. Although it was definitely sweet, the drink had a more mellow flavor than many other coffee pods I’ve tried. In fact, it was so good I ended up buying a second pack.

The tiny Finesse Friendly did a particularly good job of steaming milk, producing a long-lasting layer of creamy foam. During my tests the machine had a tendency to sputter a little, and emitted quite a lot of steam once it had finished dispensing, but this had dissipated by the time the orange light stopped blinking.

In the UK, you can recycle used T-Pod capsules through Podback (a scheme that also accepts used Nespresso, L'OR and Dolce Gusto pods). You'll receive a Podback bag when you receive an order of T-Pods, and you can order more through the Podback website.

You can drop off your Podback bags in most big supermarkets, or take loose capsules to a recycling center with a Podback bin. Find your nearest drop-off point.

Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	The machine itself is very affordable, but pods for milk-based drinks can be expensive.	3.5/5
Design	Compact and light, made using 60% recycled plastic, but water tank is very small.	4/5
Performance	Heats quickly, foams milk well, and dispenses consistently tasty coffee. Easy to clean and maintain.	5/5

Buy it if

You want a coffee maker that's easy to use

Brewing coffee doesn't get much easier than this. Just add water and a pod, wait a minute, and you'll have a perfectly brewed drink every time.

You want more than just coffee

The Finesse Friendly also makes excellent hot chocolate, and there are plenty of T-Pod capsules available from brands including Cadbury's.

Don't buy it if

You drink several lattes daily

T-Pods for milky drinks can be quite expensive. They're delicious, but you'll go through a pack of capsules very quickly unless you keep them as a special treat.

You want to make drinks for a crowd

The Tassimo Finesse Friendly's small water tank will need refilling after every couple of drinks unless you're brewing short drinks like espresso.

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: also consider

If the Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly isn't the right coffee maker for you, here are two alternatives to consider.

Nespresso Vertuo Pop

This is another compact pod-based coffee maker with an affordable price tag. The upgraded Pop+ has an extra large water tank, which will be useful if you want to brew drinks for a larger group, and even premium Vertuo pods work out a little cheaper than the most expensive T-Pods.

Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Pop review

Nespresso Pixie

This capsule coffee maker accepts Nespresso Original capsules. Nestlé no longer owns the patent to these, so they're widely available from a huge range of coffee producers, from big chains to small independent roasters.

Read our full Nespresso Pixie review

How I tested the Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly

I used the Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly in my own kitchen for three weeks, making an average of two coffees per day. I used tap water, and used the maintenance disc with the rinse program the clean the machine between each drink.

I used Tassimo Cinnamon Roll Latte and Jacobs Latte Macchiato capsules, and used the milk capsule for each drink first before dispensing the coffee through the foam. I compared the results to those from my own Nespresso Vertuo Pop machine.

For more details, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.

The Lavazza Assoluta is a quirky coffee machine that adjusts its own settings to suit your beans – provided you buy the right ones

4:00 pm | November 16, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Europe, US | Comments: Off

Lavazza Assoluta: two-minute review

The Lavazza Assoluta is a fully automatic espresso machine with an interesting selling point: when you scan the barcode on a pack of Lavazza beans using the smartphone app, the machine automatically optimizes its own brew settings to deliver optimally extracted, well-balanced coffee.

I was somewhat skeptical about how well this would work, particularly since the Assoluta only has two grind sizes (most machines have 15 or more. In practice, however, it does seem to work well. I tested two very different types of Lavazza coffee, and both times the machine extracted a shot of espresso in 30 seconds, which is pretty much ideal.

The downside is that brewing coffee using your own beans will be hit-and-miss (as Lavazza itself warns), so this isn't a machine for anyone who wants to delve into the world of speciality coffee from independent roasters.

Lavazza Assoluta espresso machine making milky drink — (Image credit: Future)

The Assoluta also has an unusual milk-frothing system, consisting of a large glass cup with a lid containing a steam wand and motorized whisk. Fill the mug with milk to the appropriate measuring line, push it under the coffee dispenser, choose a drink, and two minutes later you'll have a latte or cappuccino topped with rich, creamy foam. It works very well, but the lid can't be used with your regular cups. If there's more than one coffee-drinker at home, you might want to pick up another Lavazza cup so you can both enjoy a drink at the same time.

The Assoluta is advertised for £699.95 (about $920 / AU$1,400), but that price drops to £349.95 (about $460 / AU$700) when you also subscribe to Lavazza's coffee delivery service. Since the machine is specifically designed to work with Lavazza's branded coffee, this is a good option for regular coffee-drinkers.

Lavazza Assoluta: specifications

Name	Lavazza Assoluta
Type	Fully automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine
Dimensions (W x H x D)	8.7 x 14 x 17.1 inches / 22 x 35.8 x 43.5cm
Weight	22lbs / 10kg
Water reservoir capacity	1.6 quarts / 1.5 liters
Milk frother	Yes (in cup lid)
Bars of pressure	Not stated
User profiles	n/a

Lavazza Assoluta: price and availability

Available now in Europe
Australian release expected in early 2026
Not expected to launch in the US
Half price with a Lavazza coffee subscription plan

The Lavazza Assoluta is only available in Europe at the time of writing (November 2025), but is expected to arrive in Australia in early 2026. Lavazza currently has no plan to release the machine in the US.

The Assoluta has a list price of £699.95 (about $920 / AU$1,400) when bought alone, or £349.95 (about $460 / AU$700) when you also sign up to Lavazza’s coffee subscription service.

The subscription price is very reasonable, and cheaper than anything in my roundup of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines, but Lavazza’s website doesn’t actually seem to let you buy the machine alone at full price. I’ve enquired about this with Lavazza, and will update this review when I have more information.

Value score: 4.5/5

Lavazza Assoluta: design

Attractive and solidly made
Easy to clean and maintain
Fold-out tray for espresso cups
Glass cup has milk frother in lid

The Lavazza Assoluta is a large, but good-looking automatic espresso machine with a bronze-colored plastic case and bright LED control panel.

When the Lavazza Assoluta is switched on, a light on top illuminates to show its current status (ready to brew, brewing, connecting to Wi-Fi, or requiring attention). Turning the top of the bean hopper left or right will adjust the "aroma", changing the dosage of coffee for a stronger or milder drink.

Using dial to adjust aroma on Lavazza Assoluta espresso machine — Turn the dial on top of the machine a few degrees to adjust the "aroma" (or dosage) (Image credit: Future)

The bean hopper has a control for adjusting the grind size, but there are only two settings: fine and coarse. The finer you grind your beans, the longer it takes for water to pass through. Most espresso machines offer at least 15 settings so you can get exactly the right extraction time for your particular beans, so the fact that this machine offers only two is surprising.

The water tank is solidly made with a sturdy handle, but it’s worth bearing in mind that it lifts out of the back vertically, so you’ll need plenty of space above the machine. If you place the Assoluta under a cabinet, be prepared to slide it out whenever it’s time for a refill.

The left-hand side of the machine has a large panel that provides easy access to the Assoluta’s brewing group for cleaning, and the drip tray pulls out to reveal the dump box for used coffee grounds. The machine won’t warn you when this needs emptying; personally, I recommend doing this at the end of each day, cleaning the box and drip tray, and leaving them out overnight so everything has a chance to dry out.

Lavazza Assoluta espresso machine dispensing espresso — The Assoluta has a small flip-down drip tray for espresso cups (Image credit: Future)

The Assoluta has a small fold-out tray to hold an espresso cup, but if you want to make a milky drink then you’ll need to use the large Lavazza Trasparenza Collection mug supplied in the box.

Unlike most automatic espresso machines, which dispense foamed milk from a carafe, the Assoluta requires you to fill your mug with milk, then place a special lid on top. This lid contains a steam wand and electric whisk, which foam the milk for your lattes and cappuccinos before the Assoluta pours a shot of espresso on top.

Milky drink with thick foam prepared using Lavazza Assoluta — The milk-frothing system works well, but can only be used with Lavazza's own large glass coffee cup (Image credit: Future)

I’ve never seen a system quite like it before, and although it works (read on for more details), it means you can’t use your favorite mugs with the machine, and all your milky drinks will end up being quite large. The cup has minimum and maximum fill lines to indicate how much milk to add.

The fact that the machine only comes with a single mug also means that you’ll be drinking your lattes alone unless you purchase a second Trasparenza cup for $22.70 / £15 (about AU$30).

Design score: 3.5/5

Lavazza Assoluta: performance

Before using the Assoluta for the first time, you’ll need to install the Piacere Lavazza app on your phone, and connect it via Bluetooth. Many of the best espresso machines I’ve tested have their own apps, but these are usually pretty limited. They might allow you to update your machine’s firmware and view its instruction manual, but that’s usually it.

The Piacere Lavazza app is different. Once set up, give it permission to access your phone’s camera, scan the barcode on your bag of Lavazza espresso beans, and it will transmit the optimal brew settings to the Assoluta. The machine will then configure itself accordingly, selecting the ideal dosage and brew temperature. The only thing it can’t adjust itself is grind size, so you’ll need to do that by turning the dial inside the bean hopper as instructed.

Setting up Lavazza Assoluta machine in Lavazza app — Scan the barcode on your coffee with the Piacere Lavazza app to configure the machine (Image credit: Future)

As mentioned above, the Assoluta has just two grind sizes, so I was a bit skeptical about how well it would be able to cope with different bean types. After all, dialling in a coffee grinder is often one of the trickiest parts of making a well-extracted espresso, with even small adjustments making a big difference. However, when I tried it out with different Lavazza beans, I was pleasantly surprised.

The machine I tested came with a pack of Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema coffee beans, and I bought an extra pack of Lavazza Espresso Italiano Classico to see how well it coped with both types. The Barista Gran Crema is made using a blend of light roasted arabica and robusta beans, while the Italiano Classico is 100% arabica and more similar to the coffee I usually choose at home.

Espresso brewed using Lavazza Assoluta espresso machine — Brewing a double-shot of espresso took 30 seconds with both Lavazza blends I tested (Image credit: Future)

I timed how long it took the Assoluta to extract a shot of espresso, and in both cases it took exactly 30 seconds from the moment the pump started, which is pretty much ideal. Although it was lightly roasted, I found that the robusta beans in the Barista Gran Crema gave the coffee a slightly more bitter, traditionally Italian flavor, while the Italiano Classico (which required the finer grind size) was fruitier and sweeter.

I’d have liked to try Lavazza’s whole range with the Assoluta if my budget allowed, but I was impressed at how well the machine dealt with these two very different coffees. The downside is that results with your own coffee are likely to be hit-and-miss. You might find that one of the two grind sizes works reasonably well, but if not, you’re going to be left with a disappointing shot of espresso - and Lavazza does warn you that this might happen. You can’t use your own grinder either, because unlike some bean-to-cup coffee makers, the Assoluta doesn’t have a chute for pre-ground coffee.

Lavazza Assoluta machine pouring espresso into foamed milk — The milk-foaming system works particularly well with full-fat dairy milk (Image credit: Future)

During my tests, the Assoluta’s unusual milk-frothing system worked best with full-fat dairy milk, and I attained the best results using the thick foam setting. You're instructed to place the lid on the cup so that its steam spout is opposite the handle. The lid never looks like it’s sitting completely flush with the rim of the cup, but in practice this doesn’t seem to matter; I never had any trouble with milk splashing out, even when using the maximum recommended quantity.

It will take about two minutes to foam your milk, after which the machine will pour your coffee through the top and bleep to let you know your drink is ready. Removing the whisk and steam pipe from the cup disturbs the foam and makes the top of your drink look a little untidy, but that’s a very minor quibble. Despite the long steaming time, the milk isn’t overheated, and the Assoluta creates consistently creamy, sweet-tasting foam.

Image 1 of 2

Creating custom drink using Lavazza app — Creating custom drinks in the Lavazza app is much easier than using a tiny touchscreen (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Hot drink recipes in Lavazza app — You'll find various hot drink recipes in the Lavazza app, which will help you make them using the Assoluta (Image credit: Future)

Steaming and whisking the milk directly in the cup is unusual, but it means that you’re not limited to making coffee with the Assoluta – you can also use it to prepare hot chocolate following the instructions provided in the app, which is packed with recipes. They’re well worth perusing, and work in a similar way to the Cookidoo app for the Thermomix all-in-one cooker, taking you through preparation of your preferred drink step-by-step.

You can also use the app to create custom drink recipes from scratch, adjusting the coffee volume, temperature, aroma (coffee dosage), and milk thickness. The machine itself offers quite a small menu of presets, but the app makes it easy to tinker with brewing options, walking you through the process one step at a time.

Checking coffee consumption stats using Lavazza app — Worried you might be overdoing the caffeine? The Lavazza app keeps track of how much you're drinking (Image credit: Future)

If you're concerned that you might be drinking too much caffeine, the app even keeps track of your consumption over the past day, week, month, and year, with a breakdown of the type of coffee you tend to drink most often. It's a nice extra feature (and potentially eye-opening).

Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Lavazza Assoluta?

Lavazza Assoluta score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Very affordable if you also subscribe to Lavazza's coffee subscription service, but not available in the US.	4.5/5
Design	Good-looking and easy to clean, but milk can only be frothed using Lavazza's large lidded mug, plus the grinder has just two settings.	3.5/4
Performance	Brews consistently good coffee with Lavazza's own beans, and customizing drinks using the app is a breeze. You may not be able to achieve good results with other beans. Foamed milk is thick and creamy.	4/5

Buy it if

You like long, milky drinks

You can only prepare lattes and cappuccinos using the Trasparenza Collection Lavazza Mug, which is pretty huge. Great if you want to be able to wrap your hands around a big, warm drink for cozy nights in.

You want simplicity, but don't like pods

If you like the idea of using fresh coffee beans, but don't want the hassle of setting up a coffee machine perfectly to use them, the Assoluta does the calculations for you.

You want to make more than coffee

The Lavazza Assoluta's unusual milk-frothing system is ideal for making hot chocolate drinks, or making milky drinks infused with syrup.

Don't buy it if

You love experimenting with speciality coffees

The Assoluta is designed to be used with Lavazza's own espresso beans, and although you can use your own, the machine only has two grind sizes, so you have very little control when dialling it in.

You're attached to your own coffee cups

The Lavazza Assoluta's milk-frothing system only works with the large glass mug supplied with the machine.

Lavazza Assoluta: also consider

If you're not completely sold on the Lavazza Assoluta, here are two other espresso machines to think about:

Ninja Prestige DualBrew System

This machine gives you both, with a full-size filter coffee maker, a Nespresso machine, and a pull-out milk frother. It's extremely convenient, and particularly handy if you're bleary-eyed and sluggish in the morning.

Read our full Ninja Prestige DualBrew System reviewView Deal

Philips LatteGo 5500 Series

An excellent little bean-to-cup espresso machine for small households, and particularly easy to keep clean and fresh. It brews hot and cold, and offers an impressive menu of 20 different coffee drinks.

Read our full Philips LatteGo 5500 Series reviewView Deal

How I tested the Lavazza Assoluta

I tested the Assoluta with the Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema beans that came packaged with it, as well as Lavazza Espresso Italiano Classico beans, which I bought myself. I made sure that all the beans in the hopper were finished before changing beans, to prevent mixing.

I installed the Piacere Lavazza app on my phone, and used it to choose the correct brewing profile for each type of coffee, then timed how long it took the Assoluta to brew a shot of espresso with each one.

Two bags of Lavazza coffee beans — (Image credit: Future)

I tested the milk frother with both plant-based and dairy milk, and used both regular and thick milk texture settings. I also tried different drink recipes from the Piacere Lavazza app, and used it to make custom beverages.

First reviewed November 2025.

Tired of espresso machines you have to micromanage for great results? I tested one that satisfies coffee snobs with minimal effort

6:30 pm | November 8, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro: one-minute review

The Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro is a manual espresso machine that allows you to channel your inner barista. Naturally won’t get automatic bean grinding or one-touch drinks brewing; this is a machine designed for those who like to get hands-on when crafting their coffee.

As espresso machines go, the E24 Evo Pro is a bit of a beast. This isn’t going to slip discreetly among your kitchen appliances; it'll dominate your worktop and, honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of its boxy, industrial design. On the flipside though, this bulky frame makes room for one of most capacious water tanks we’ve ever tested, at a whopping 2.2qt / 2.1 litres.

One element of its design I’m less forgiving of though is Gaggia’s stinginess when it comes to providing accessories. Packaged with the E24 Evo Pro you’ll get three filter baskets – a single-shot filter, a double shot filter, and a dual-walled filter – a steam wand with no elbow joint, and a pretty flimsy plastic tamp. That’s it: there’s no milk jug, no cleaning kit – none of the extras you might expect from an espresso machine that costs this much.

Given these design gripes, why have I rated the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro so highly? Because it makes it possible to consistently pour quality shots of coffee like many of the best espresso machines without needing to fuss too much over the details. Once I’d finely ground some beans and tamped the puck with medium pressure, the Gaggia expressed a beautiful double espresso for me without having to endlessly tweak the variables to achieve the right pressure. And it wasn’t just beginner's luck: lightning struck twice with my second shot, which was just as rich and smooth as the first.

I also found the steam wand easy enough to use, although it perhaps isn’t quite as forgiving as the rest of the machine. Finding the right angle was harder than it tends to be with an elbow joint, but once I’d got the optimum orientation and depth, I was able to foam up a beautiful dairy cloud to add to my coffee. Watch your fingers though: the steam wand doesn’t have a cold-touch design, so it gets seriously hot during operation.

While the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro isn’t exactly a budget banger – its list price of $549 / £549 / AU$999 puts it firmly in the mid-market category – its performance definitely makes it good value for money. Even without professional barista skills, I was able to pull shot after shot of consistently great coffee, and didn’t need to endlessly tweak variables to get the perfect espresso. Yes, I feel that at this price, Gaggia could afford to be less stingy with its accessories but, all in all you’ll get a very reliable coffee companion with the E24 Evo Pro.

A closeup of the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro's On, Espresso and Steam buttons. — (Image credit: Future)

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro review: price and availability

List price: $549 / £549 / AU$999

The Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro is available now and it has a list price of $549 / £549 / AU$999. For your spend, you get a wide variety of choice: the E24 Evo Pro comes in a wide range of colorways, whether it’s Polar White, Cherry Red or Sunshine Yellow. Unfortunately, what you don’t get is a lot of accessories: it’s missing a milk jug, backflush disc or any kind of cleaning kit, which all feels a bit stingy.

Still though, when it comes to value, the above pricing puts the Gaggia somewhere in the middle of the pack. It’s neither a budget brewer like the surprisingly capable De'Longhi Dedica Duo nor is it as ludicrously luxe as something like the Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine. But for what you’re paying, it’s a pretty sound investment, despite the dearth of accessories – I found it easy to create consistently delectable coffee in a way even many of its mid-market rivals struggle to manage.

Value score: 4 / 5

A closeup of the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro's empty water tank, with two lenghts of plastic hosing clearly visible — (Image credit: Future)

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro review: specs

Name	Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro
Type	Manual espresso machine
Dimensions (H x W x D)	9 x 15 x 9.4 inches / 230 x 380 x 240mm
Weight	17.6lbs / 8kg
Water tank capacity	2.2qt / 2.1 liters
Steam wand	Yes, manual
Max pressure	15 bar

A closeup of the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro's steam wand. — (Image credit: Future)

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro review: design

Large-capacity water tank
Froths milk effectively
Missing some key accessories

The design of the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro is a little brutalist for my taste. At 9 x 15 x 9.4 inches (230 x 380 x 240mm) it’s not the smallest machine, and I’d say I prefer the sleeker shape of Breville or De’Longhi machines personally. But I appreciate that for some people the solidity and presence of the Gaggia will be part of its charm, and at least it comes in a wide variety of colorways, from Lobster Red to Jungle Green.

At 2.2qt / 2.1 litres, the Gaggia’s water tank is substantial, offering a capacity that even outstrips many of the candidates on our list of the best espresso machines. Its drip tray is also pretty capacious, allowing it to catch quite a lot of spilled coffee, but its depth does cause some issues. It’s tall enough that it was genuinely difficult for me to squeeze even relatively squat mugs under the portafilter, and there’s no way to adjust its height, meaning a lot of the time you’re going to want to extract straight into espresso cups.

The range of accessories supplied with Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro is pretty weak, with a few items conspicuous by their absence. Three filter baskets cater to most eventualities, with single-shot and double shot filters, while the ‘perfect crema’ filter makes it easy to pull easy shots even with coffee pods or coarser grinds. There’s also a tamper included, but no milk jug, so this is something to factor into your budget.

A closeup of the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro's accessories, including a plastic tamp, a scoop and removeable drain pipe. — (Image credit: Future)

Frankly, the tamper that comes with the Gaggia is pretty flimsy and plasticky. Personally, I want a tamper with some substance and heft behind it to make it easier to get an even tamp on your grounds. While it’s possible to get the job done with the tamper that comes in the box, I think you’ll likely want to upgrade to a better-quality option pretty soon after purchase.

The steam wand is a little better built, and its dual-steam-outlet design frothed the milk pretty effectively. It did take me a little while to find the right angle, as the arm merely swivels rather than using a ball-joint system, but once I did I was able to whip up a frothy cloud of foam fairly easily. One thing to watch out for though is that there’s no cool-touch design here. If you’re careless – which I am – it’s easy to catch your bare skin on the hot wand, which I did.

As an espresso machine, the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro naturally doesn’t come with quite as many features as some of its bean-to-cup rivals. It’s focused on pulling spot-on shots and foaming consistently frothy milk, not automated drinks dispensing and custom profiles, so you won’t be getting those kinds of innovative capabilities here. Aimed squarely at caffeine addicts who like to tinker with their grind and tamping to achieve the perfect extraction, it also doesn’t offer an integrated grinder, so be prepared to pick one up if you don’t already have one to hand.

Design score: 3.5 / 5

placeholder image — (Image credit: Future)

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro review: performance

Easy to pour really consistent coffee
Pretty quiet running
Drips a little after pump switches off

I’d been forewarned about the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro's leisurely warm up cycle, which is almost zen-like in its unhurriedness. But it’s not quite as long as some people make out. It took around 60 seconds to hit its target temperature when I first started using it – admittedly that’s slower than many machines, including my home machine, the Breville Bambino Plus, but not quite as bad as the five or 10 minutes I’d heard bandied around. And it takes less than 10 seconds on subsequent shots, which really isn’t that bad.

Once the Gaggia was up to temperature, I blitzed some beans to a fine espresso ground, tamped it with a medium firmness and stuck the filled portafilter in the machine. I honestly wondered if there might be some trial and error required to get used to the machine’s pressure and temperature. But right out the gate it expressed pretty evenly, with the espresso neither rushing out incontinently nor dribbling out in fits and starts.

I also tested how load its pump was using a sound level meter, clocking it at 66dB, which is seriously quiet. By way of context, the Smeg BCC13 is Quiet Mark certified and tops out at 67dB max. Admittedly our testing environment might not be quite as rigorous Smeg’s, but still the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro is quieter when running than many competing espresso machines.

The espresso itself was spot-on. It came out with a sturdy, persistent crema that was the perfect buff tone with the odd hint of caramel running through it. And the taste was genuinely pretty impressive: even on that first pull, I was able to produce something rich and refined, with just the right balance of bitterness and acidity, while there was none of the astringency you’d get from an over-expressed shot.

Wanting to be sure that I hadn’t just lucked out on my first cup, I ran it again, using the same fineness of grind and trying to tamp and run the machine at the same temperature as I had the first time. The second espresso was identical to the first, meaning you should be able to achieve fairly consistent results with this machine.

This time I did notice there was a little dribbling from the machine after the pump clicked off. It wasn’t immediately clear if it was just dripping from a slightly overtamped, waterlogged puck, so I ran the Gaggia again without the portafilter in place and it still seemed to drool when switched off. This only lasted for a few seconds, so it isn't a huge issue, but it does imply the Gaggia doesn’t have perfect control over its pump.

Scrubbing down the machine after use was more straightforward than I was expecting. Cleaning the steam wand requires you to give it a firm wipe down with a cloth and unscrew the tip before washing it under running water. Meanwhile, to clean the mesh screen, all I had to do was run the machine without a portafilter then wipe it down. Once you’ve switched off the machine, you can then wash out the water tank and wipe down the rest of the machine. All in all, while it sounds like a lot of steps, getting the machine spotless doesn’t take much of an investment.

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

The top of the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro with a spotty blue and white mug on it. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro?

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	While it’s not exactly budget priced, having tasted the coffee it produces I’m surprised it doesn’t cost a fair bit more.	4/5
Design	It has a slightly utilitarian design and few automated features, but its steam wand works reasonably well and it has some useful accessories, although also it's missing a few.	3.5/5
Performance	Takes a while to warm up but once it does, you can pull consistently excellent shots without much tinkering required.	4.5/5

Buy it if…

You want rich, refined coffee every time
Rather than having to tweak pressure, grind and tamping endlessly, it’s really easy to pull quality, consistent decent shots with the Gaggia without too much fuss.

You want a machine that’s nice and quiet
Not every coffee machine has to sound like a diving compressor. If you want caffeine on the QT, the relatively quiet 66dB Gaggia has got your back.

Don’t buy it if..

You want loads of automatic features
As this isn’t a bean-to-cup machine, you won’t get loads of fancy automatic drinks settings and customizable profiles. Instead it’s designed to help you craft your own coffee like a pro.

You want your caffeine hit quick
Given it takes 60 seconds to heat up and you’ll need to grind your beans yourself, the Gaggia might not be the best choice if you don’t want your latte to be late.

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro review: also consider

	Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro	Breville Bambino Plus	Smeg BCC13
Type	Manual espresso machine	Manual espresso machine	Automatic espresso machine
Dimensions (H x W x D)	9 x 15 x 9.4 inches / 230 x 380 x 240mm	7.6 x 14.3 x 12 inches / 194 x 362 x 304mm	336 x 180 x 433mm
Weight	17.6lbs / 8kg	10.8lbs ‎/ 4.9kg	19.8lbs / 9kg
Water tank capacity	2.2qt / 2.1 liters	2qt / 1.9 liters	1.5qt / 1.4 liters
Steam wand	Yes, manual	Yes, hands free	No, automatic
Max pressure	15 bar	15 bar	19 bar

Breville Bambino Plus
If you want an espresso machine that’s more economical in terms of both space and cash, yet offers just as sophisticated shot-pulling, Breville’s diminutive machine is a worthy alternative. Despite costing just $499.95 / £399.95 / AU$649, it makes great espresso while offering plenty of customization options with different milk temperature and textures. Read our full Breville Bambino Plus review.

Smeg BCC13
Should grinding beans, tamping grounds and frothing cow squeezings all feel like a little too much hassle, this bean-to-cup machine brews wonderfully consistent coffee and foams deliciously thick milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It’s not quite as adept at steaming non-dairy milks, and it does cost a fair bit more at $1,200 / £799.95 / AU$1,199. But as our full Smeg BCC13 review explains, it offers "perfectly brewed coffee and sweet, creamy foamed milk" every time.

How I tested the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro

I spent several days testing it
I poured multiple coffees in a row to see how consistent it was
I used the steam wand to foam multiple batches of milk

I used the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro regularly over a period of several days. To test the quality and consistency of its coffee, I poured multiple double espressos in succession, so I could assess how well the machine maintained its quality from drink to drink. I also used the steam wand to foam milk on several occasions, to test how well the boiler maintained its heat and how effectively the steam wand worked.

I also made sure I timed how long it took the Gaggia’s boiler to heat up initially and on subsequent runs, as well as using a sound-level meter to check how much noise it generated. Once I was done with testing, I also ran through the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro’s daily and long-term cleaning routines, to see how easy it was to clean and maintain.

When it comes to my own personal experience, not only have I spent years testing and writing about gadgets, I’ve been making and drinking coffee from espresso machines daily for more than two decades. I'm really only a fan of drinking coffee made of freshly ground beans – I'm not a pod person.

For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.
First reviewed: October 2025

Tired of espresso machines you have to micromanage for great results? I tested one that satisfies coffee snobs with minimal effort

6:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro: one-minute review

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro review: price and availability

List price: $549 / £549 / AU$999

Value score: 4 / 5

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro review: specs

Name	Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro
Type	Manual espresso machine
Dimensions (H x W x D)	9 x 15 x 9.4 inches / 230 x 380 x 240mm
Weight	17.6lbs / 8kg
Water tank capacity	2.2qt / 2.1 liters
Steam wand	Yes, manual
Max pressure	15 bar

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro review: design

Large-capacity water tank
Froths milk effectively
Missing some key accessories

Design score: 3.5 / 5

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro review: performance

Easy to pour really consistent coffee
Pretty quiet running
Drips a little after pump switches off

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro?

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	While it’s not exactly budget priced, having tasted the coffee it produces I’m surprised it doesn’t cost a fair bit more.	4/5
Design	It has a slightly utilitarian design and few automated features, but its steam wand works reasonably well and it has some useful accessories, although also it's missing a few.	3.5/5
Performance	Takes a while to warm up but once it does, you can pull consistently excellent shots without much tinkering required.	4.5/5

Buy it if…

You want a machine that’s nice and quiet
Not every coffee machine has to sound like a diving compressor. If you want caffeine on the QT, the relatively quiet 66dB Gaggia has got your back.

Don’t buy it if..

Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro review: also consider

	Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro	Breville Bambino Plus	Smeg BCC13
Type	Manual espresso machine	Manual espresso machine	Automatic espresso machine
Dimensions (H x W x D)	9 x 15 x 9.4 inches / 230 x 380 x 240mm	7.6 x 14.3 x 12 inches / 194 x 362 x 304mm	336 x 180 x 433mm
Weight	17.6lbs / 8kg	10.8lbs ‎/ 4.9kg	19.8lbs / 9kg
Water tank capacity	2.2qt / 2.1 liters	2qt / 1.9 liters	1.5qt / 1.4 liters
Steam wand	Yes, manual	Yes, hands free	No, automatic
Max pressure	15 bar	15 bar	19 bar

How I tested the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro

I spent several days testing it
I poured multiple coffees in a row to see how consistent it was
I used the steam wand to foam multiple batches of milk

For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.
First reviewed: October 2025