The most common issue with pod coffee machines is waste. While the machines themselves last for several years, the single-use coffee pods produce a lot of waste, and despite many brands having recycling services, pods and capsules are hardly the most eco-friendly product on the market.

But Lavazza is set to change that with its latest pod coffee maker – the Lavazza Tablì. As a single-serve capsule free coffee machine, the Lavazza Tablì works the same as other pod models, but using coffee ‘tabs’ that are made of 100% coffee with absolutely no plastic in sight.

I’ve tested plenty of coffee machines during my time as T3’s Home Editor, and I’ve never been more intrigued by a pod coffee machine until this one. I’ve spent the past couple of weeks drinking an insane amount of coffee, and these are my thoughts on the Lavazza Tablì.

Price and availability

Launched in 2026, the Lavazza Tablì is available to buy for £199 / $129 at Lavazza and select retailers, like John Lewis. It comes in walnut brown, sand white and graphite black colours.

There are eight Tablì Tabs options available which start at £5.89, and come with 12 tabs inside.

Unboxing

The Lavazza Tablì arrived in a large cardboard box, with three boxes of coffee tabs. It was extremely easy to set up, as you’d expect from a pod coffee machine, and only required me to remove some plastic and tape before it was ready to go. To actually make the coffee, I simply filled up the water tank at the back and added a pod into the machine.

As mentioned, the Lavazza Tablì came with three coffee options. This included the Tablì Qualità Oro, Tablì Qualità Rossa and Tablì Espresso Intenso, all of which came with 12 tabs per box. Qualità Oro has an intensity rating of 8/13, Qualità Rossa goes up to 10 and Espresso Intenso is the most intense with an 11/13 rating.

Design and features

Measuring 32.7cm in height, 16.5cm in width and 39cm in depth, the Lavazza Tablì is quite slim and compact. It only weighs 4.5kg so it’s easy to move around, and it takes up minimal space on a countertop. It’s roughly the same size as other pod coffee machines, although it has quite a unique shape.

At the top of the Lavazza Tablì is a bean-shaped slider and piston system which slides back and forth for you to add the coffee tab. The top of the slider has the controls, including an on/off button, single shot, double shot and two cup options, and the removable 1.2-litre water tank is located at the back.

Using Lavazza Crema Plus technology, the Lavazza Tablì expertly brews your coffee to bring out the flavours and crema from the tab. It’s an espresso maker, so the Lavazza Tablì makes espresso, double espresso and lungo coffees. It can’t dispense hot water so no americanos, and if you want a latte, you’ll have to add or froth your own milk.

The Lavazza Tablì is specifically designed to use Tablì Tabs, so you won’t be able to use a ‘normal’ plastic capsule with this machine. The tabs are made entirely of coffee without any protective coating or binders, and once the coffee is brewed, the tab can be disposed of in your food waste bin.

For those who love an app, the Lavazza Tablì has Wi-Fi support and can connect to the Tablì app, so you can use it remotely. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Home.

Performance

Pod coffee machines all have quite strange designs, but the Lavazza Tablì definitely takes the cake. I tried the walnut brown version which looked lovely in my kitchen – almost like an oversized coffee bean! – and the slim size of the Lavazza Tablì made it easy to keep out on my countertop.

Once on, the Lavazza Tablì took hardly any time to heat up, and it’s an extremely easy machine to use with little instruction required. I pressed the on/off button and waited for the buttons to stop flashing before adding my tab and selecting the shot option – I’m a double shot girl so that was my favourite.

When adding the coffee tab, the sliding motion of the piston system was very smooth and satisfying. It covered up the tab and immediately got to brewing after I pressed the button. I found that it made a minimal amount of noise although it did produce a lot of steam.

The Lavazza Tablì also made a single, soft-sounding beep when it had finished brewing which I appreciated – there’s nothing I hate more than an appliance incessantly beeping at me! The coffee it made was rich and delicious, and while I’m a milky coffee drinker, I tried a few espressos, and loved the taste.

My first time using the Lavazza Tablì, I noticed some grainy coffee residue at the bottom of my mug. However, on my next try and the ones thereon didn’t produce this, so I imagine it was a first-use ‘error’ – if you can even call it that. The Tablì Tabs are the best coffee capsules I’ve ever tried in terms of espresso strength, flavour and crema, so I’d highly recommend them.

The Lavazza Tablì didn’t have the standard height adjustment I was used to from other pod coffee makers. The main machine can’t be adjusted to accommodate different mug sizes, so instead, you have to remove the drip tray to get a standard-sized mug under it. If you want the drip tray in place, you’re better off using a small mug as you won’t fit a standard one under there.

Now, this isn’t necessarily an issue or deal breaker – although it would be if the Lavazza Tablì dispensed hot water or frothed milk.

Verdict

As a no-waste, espresso-making pod coffee machine, the Lavazza Tablì ticks a lot of boxes. Its coffee bean-inspired design feels whimsical, and the entire coffee-making process is simple, near-silent and delicious.

The Tablì Tabs make delicious coffee – the best pod coffee I’ve ever tried – although there are no milk options yet, so if you like milky coffees, you’ll need your own milk frother.

Alternatives to consider

As a capsule-free pod coffee machine, the Lavazza Tablì is one of the first on the market. Keurig has recently announced its Alta coffee machine with plastic-free pods which is a similar concept, and it comes with a built-in milk frother.

Grind has launched its new advent calendars for Christmas 2026. Catering for pod, grounds and whole bean coffee lovers, Grind’s new coffee advent calendars offer multiple blends in colourful 12-door packages – and you won’t believe the price.

Grind is definitely celebrating Christmas early this year, as the brand has launched its full Christmas collection, including bundles and its flavour of the season – chocolate orange. I’m not a pod coffee drinker, but I have to say that the standout from the range has to be the Grind Coffee Pod Advent Calendar.

Featuring a colourful Christmas store front design, the Grind Coffee Pod Advent Calendar includes 26 home-compostable pods and 17 different blends. The eagle-eyed of you will have noticed that 26 pods would take you to Boxing Day, but there’s actually a ‘bonus’ pod when you open the 25th door.

Perfect for pod coffee machine users – including Nespresso owners as Grind pods are compatible with Nespresso machines – the Grind Coffee Pod Advent Calendar has lots of festive and classic flavours to enjoy. Without listing the entire contents and ruining the surprise, you can expect to find house, light and dark blends, and flavoured pods, like vanilla, pumpkin spice and pistachio.

The Grind Coffee Pod Advent Calendar also features Grind’s Christmas Blend which is a limited edition, festive coffee from Guatemala. This flavour is also available on Grind’s other 2026 advent calendars.

The other Grind advent calendars include options for ground coffee and whole bean coffee. Instead of 25 days, these calendars are only 12 days and include 12 single-origin coffees.

The Ground Coffee Advent Calendar and Whole Bean Coffee Advent Calendar both come with 18g daily sachets of grounds or beans. The coffee is sustainably sourced from places around the world, including Guatemala, Brazil, Kenya, and more, and are roasted in London.

Alternative advent calendars – a.k.a options that aren’t chocolate! – typically tend to be quite expensive, so I was imagining the Grind advent calendars to be pricey. However, all options are available for £29.95, making them incredibly affordable and a nice early Christmas gift for yourself or a fellow coffee lover.

Check out our UK advent calendar round-up for more festive alternatives.

Beko has just launched the newest bean to cup coffee machine to its CaffeExperto range, and it looks like its most impressive one yet. The Beko CaffeExperto CEG8564X offers up to 50 different coffees on its large touchscreen, and comes with everything you need to make espressos, lattes, cappuccinos and even cold brew.

I’ve covered home and kitchen for years on T3, so I feel a little stupid that I didn’t know that Beko made coffee machines! But I have to say I’m incredibly impressed by the Beko CaffeExperto Bean To Cup Coffee Machine CEG8564X, and think it could challenge the likes of De’Longhi and KitchenAid.

As a bean to cup coffee machine, the Beko CaffeExperto CEG8564X has a built-in bean grinder, and a 400g bean hopper at the top. With 13 grind settings to choose from and 19-bar pressure, the Beko CaffeExperto CEG8564X can make up to 50 different coffees, including hot and cold options – and even cold brew.

The Beko CaffeExperto CEG8564X has a 6.8-inch colour touchscreen at the top which allows you to choose your drink of choice, and adjust its settings where needed, like temperature and shots. It also connects to the HomeDirect app which can further personalise your drinks, and make them remotely.

With its 2-litre water tank, the Beko CaffeExperto CEG8564X can make multiple drinks, and can even brew two drinks at once with its dual nozzles. It can also make milk-based drinks using its 0.6-litre milk carafe and integrated frother.

The frother uses Beko’s CreamyPro technology to make velvety frothed milk for lattes, cappuccinos and other milky coffees. I couldn’t tell if the Beko CaffeExperto CEG8564X can be used for both dairy and plant-based milks, but as most coffee machines have this expertise, I imagine the Beko CaffeExperto CEG8564X does too.

The Beko CaffeExperto Bean To Cup Coffee Machine CEG8564X is available to buy for £699.99 at Beko and select retailers, like Amazon and Currys. It’s a little costly, but considering its features and technology, the Beko CaffeExperto CEG8564X is reasonably priced, and cheaper than its competitors.

JURA has just launched its latest bean to cup coffee machine, and it’s introduced a completely new style of coffee brewing. An upgraded version of its C8, the JURA C9 has 17 speciality drinks, and comes with a new Light Extraction Process which makes coffee at a ‘gentler’ temperature.

As a self-confessed caffeine addict, I’m terrible at waiting for my coffee to cool down enough for me to drink it. Oftentimes, I either burn my tongue or I wait too long for it to get cool that I end up drinking lukewarm – or even cold – coffee.

But the new JURA C9 seems to solve this problem. With its new Light Extraction Process, the JURA C9 brews light and milder coffee at 60 degrees, so it’s at the perfect temperature for you to drink straight away – and without burning your tongue, most importantly!

Alongside its new extraction process, the JURA C9 offers 17 speciality drinks, including flat whites, cappuccinos and cortados. The light brew function can be used on all these drinks, although as a fully automatic machine, the JURA C9 can also pick your settings for you.

The integrated Professional Aroma Grinder of the JURA C9 is extremely impressive. It comes with seven grind settings, 10 strength levels and three brewing temperatures, so you can customise every aspect of your grind. This can all be selected via the 2.8-inch colour touchscreen, where you can also choose your drink, milk foam and milk alternatives.

The design of the JURA C9 is similar to its other automatic coffee machines, including wave-shaped patterns on the side and water tank, a cup grill, and a concave front. It comes in a stylish piano black colourway with silver accents.

I’ve always found JURA coffee machines to be a bit chunky, but the JURA C9 has everything packed away inside the compact coffee machine, including the tank at the side and grinder at the top. It’s also compatible with the J.O.E. app so you can personalise recipes and profiles, and make drinks remotely.

The JURA C9 is available to buy for £895 at JURA. At almost £900, it’s definitely not a cheap coffee machine, but with plenty of coffee options available, and a high quality design, the JURA C9 is likely to last for years.

Things were a lot simpler back in 2024, when Ninja had just one coffee machine that was picking up all the top reviews. Fast-forward to 2026, and the range has grown considerably, so having reviewed several models, I've rounded up my favourites to help you choose.

Interestingly, I've found that neither the most expensive Ninja AutoBarista Pro nor the cheapest Ninja Prestige DualBrew System is necessarily the best buy. Instead, it's the models sitting somewhere in the middle of the range that have really impressed me.

Below, I've picked out my top three Ninja coffee machines and explained why I think they're better over the more expensive flagship model. They're also currently on sale, so it's a good time to pick one up if you're in the market for a new coffee machine.

Check out our other affordable coffee machine guides...

• 3 affordable Breville coffee machines I'd buy over an expensive one

• 3 affordable Sage coffee machines I'd buy over an expensive one

• 3 affordable De'Longhi coffee machines I'd buy over an expensive one

Ninja is a well known brand when it comes to the best bean-to-cup coffee machines, but as with any brand, knowing which machine is right for you can be tricky. However, we've actually reviewed most of Ninja's offerings, so we're here to help.

As it's the second and final day of Amazon's Big Deal Days, I've put together the top three deals you need to know about, featuring three of the brand's best machines. Make sure to read each of the reviews for more information, and happy shopping!

There are hundreds of different coffee machines out there, but De'Longhi is a brand you can't really go wrong with. It has a great range of the best bean-to-cup machines, and without sounding too obvious, I have to admit it's one of my own favourites.

With Amazon's Big Deal Days kicking off today, I've been through the offers to round up some of the best De'Longhi deals currently available. As I mentioned in my piece on 3 affordable De'Longhi machines I'd buy over an expensive one, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great brew, and this is a good place to start.

Watch out, Lavazza – Keurig has just launched its new Alta coffee machine, and it might have beaten the Lavazza Tablì at its own game. The Keurig Alta coffee brewer is compatible with K-Cup pods, and its new AltaRounds, plastic-free, plant-based coffee and espresso pods made from pressed premium ground coffee.

Lavazza launched its Tablì coffee machine in summer 2026, and it immediately went viral as its compatible coffee tabs were made from 100% coffee with no capsule, wrapping or coating on them. Now, Keurig’s new Alta machine is a similar concept, but it comes with more coffee options, and a more advanced brewing system.

Starting with the machine, the Keurig Alta is a pod coffee maker with a few tricks up its sleeve. It offers high-pressure brewing to extract the flavour from its coffee pods, and it uses Intelligent Brew Recognition to automatically read the recipe code on its AltaRounds pods, and adjust its brewing temperature, pressure and style for the best results.

Unlike the Lavazza Tablì which only makes black coffee or espresso, the Keurig Alta can also make milky coffees, which is a game changer for its new pod system. The Keurig Alta comes with an integrated milk frother, a feature that most pod coffee machines don’t have. The frother can make both hot and cold frothed milk, and uses a whisk and steam for hot, and whisk only for cold.

Moving on to the pods, the Keurig Alta is compatible with its existing K-Cup pods, but it's the AltaRounds that I’m most excited about. Made from premium pressed and ground coffee, the AltaRounds are plastic-free and protected by a thin plant-based coating.

The surface of the AltaRounds have a recipe code printed on them, which the Alta machine then scans and adjusts its controls to make your coffee. The coating keeps the coffee fresh, and helps it remain intact during brewing and disposal. The AltaRounds are available in five options – medium roast coffee, dark roast coffee, dark roast espresso and caramel flavoured coffee.

The Keurig Alta is really very clever, and is a great way to cut down on single-serve coffee pod waste. Available in three colours, the Keurig Alta is available to pre-order as part of an Early Access Bundle which comes with the machine and six boxes of AltaRounds. As of writing, it’s currently sold out on the Keurig website.

A lot of people consider Breville quite an affordable brand when it comes to the best bean-to-cup coffee machines, and that is true to an extent. However, the brand also has a range of more premium options costing upwards of £500, so there's still plenty of cheaper options to explore.

As I've done with De'Longhi and Sage, I thought it was time to highlight some of Breville's more affordable models, particularly if you're on a budget and want to spend less. You'll find each of them below, including a very new addition.

Check out our other affordable coffee machine guides...

• 3 affordable De'Longhi coffee machines I'd buy over an expensive one

• 3 affordable Sage coffee machines I'd buy over an expensive one

• 3 affordable Ninja coffee machines I'd buy over an expensive one

Breville's new espresso machine is available to buy after launching earlier this year. The Breville Pixl Compact Espresso Coffee Machine is one of the brand's slimmest machines yet, whilst still producing balanced hot or cold espresso with automatic temperature control and gentle pre-infusion.

Whilst the brand is well-known for its bean-to-cup coffee machines, the Pixl Compact is an espresso machine, meaning it requires ground coffee as it doesn't have a built-in grinder. However, the built-in steam wand makes it easy to make milk-based coffes, as well as cold brew coffee, espresso and Americano, so you're still getting plenty of options.

The Breville Pixl Compact is priced at £159.99 (around $211) from Currys, Argos and Amazon, and is available in cream, grey and black. It's not currently available in the US.

Other features include Thermoblock Heating Technology, which Breville says provides 50% faster heat-up time. There's also a 0.6-litre transparent removable water tank, auto shut-off after 19 minutes and dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleaning.

The machine comes with a 350ml stainless steel milk jug, so you don't need to buy one separately, as well as the 52mm portafilter, coffee scoop/tamp and cleaning pin.

In celebration of International Coffee Day, Cuisinart has launched its newest coffee machine that can make cold brew in just five minutes. The Cuisinart CONCENTRA Coffee Concentrate & Cold Brew Maker has an intense extraction process that makes coffee concentrate quickly for use in both hot and cold coffees.

If you like to switch between hot and cold coffees, and want a machine to do that for you, the Cuisinart CONCENTRA Coffee Concentrate & Cold Brew Maker is designed for exactly that. It uses a cold extraction process to make coffee concentrate, a base that you can then mix with water, milk or ice to make your drink of choice.

Cold brew coffee typically takes between 12-24 hours to make, but the Cuisinart CONCENTRA does it in just five minutes. Despite cancelling out the long steeping time which cold brew usually needs, the Cuisinart CONCENTRA makes smooth, rich coffee with low acidity and reduced bitterness.

Once you have your coffee concentrate from the Cuisinart CONCENTRA, you can use it to make hot and milky coffees, iced coffees, and coffee-based cocktails. The machine can dispense your coffee into a mug or takeaway cup, but it also comes with a storage jar so you can take your coffee concentrate on the go and make your drink when you get to the office or during your commute.

When asked about the new Cuisinart CONCENTRA, Caroline Ross David e Silva, Product Marketing Director at Cuisinart, said: “We created CONCENTRA to make great coffee fit around your day, rather than the other way around. You can create a rich coffee concentrate, a smooth cold brew in just five minutes rather than planning it a day ahead and turn it into everything from an iced latte to an espresso martini.”

I love the concept and design of the Cuisinart CONCENTRA. It’s a much more manual coffee maker than other machines on the market, but it gives you more options to make your own coffees, without having to fiddle around with too many controls or functions – and it’s not badly priced, either.

The Cuisinart CONCENTRA Coffee Concentrate & Cold Brew Maker is available to buy for £129.99 / $99.95 at Cuisinart.

AeroPress is celebrating International Coffee Day – which has basically turned into coffee week at this point – in style with its new Premium Walnut Coffee Maker. Reimagining its iconic AeroPress coffee maker, the AeroPress Premium Walnut Coffee Maker has been given a material upgrade that’s made it more stylish than before.

The original AeroPress is known for its 3-in-1 brewing method. As the age old saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, and that’s the case with the new versions of the AeroPress. The new models, including the latest AeroPress Premium Walnut Coffee Maker, have the same features and process as the original, because yes, they’re just that good.

I’ve tried the AeroPress Coffee Maker in Clear and Steel. Despite both coffee makers having the exact same features but just different materials, I definitely noticed a difference between the two devices.

During my testing, the Clear felt more reliable and precise as I could see my coffee brewing and extracting through the clear material. But the Steel version felt more durable and stylish. So, while it might seem silly to get excited about a new material, the AeroPress Coffee Maker in Walnut could offer a completely different experience.

The AeroPress Premium Walnut Coffee Maker is now made from a combination of walnut, glass, stainless steel and aluminium. It still brews by fast immersion, micro-filtration and air pressure, and makes up to two cups of coffee with each extraction.

The main walnut features are the plunger, coffee scoop and stirrer. The colour and pattern of the walnut is unique, and really attractive, so if you have a natural-toned kitchen, the AeroPress Premium Walnut Coffee Maker will definitely fit in nicely.

Other elements of the AeroPress Premium Walnut Coffee Maker include its double-wall borosilicate glass chamber which enhances the coffee maker’s heat retention and thermal shock. Other components include stainless steel and aluminium, alongside the stylish walnut.

AeroPress’ first-ever grinder has had the Walnut treatment too. The Walnut Manual Grinder still has 60 grind settings and 38mm conical burrs that grind your coffee beans, but it now comes with walnut accents on the handle and catch casing.

Sadly, it looks like I’ll have to wait to find out how the Walnut version of the AeroPress measures up. As of writing, the AeroPress Premium Walnut Coffee Maker and Walnut Manual Grinder are not yet available in the UK, but both are priced at $249.95 for US customers.

Lelit has just launched two new coffee machines – and on International Coffee Day, too! The new Elizabeth3 and Victoria3 espresso makers feature Lelit’s patented Pagaia flow control system, giving you more control over the coffee extraction process.

Lelit first debuted the Pagaia flow control system on its MaraX3 coffee maker in April 2026. The new launches mark the first time Lelit’s Pagaia system has been introduced to both its single and dual-boiler machines, with the Victoria3 being the former and the Elizabeth3 being the latter.

How the Pagaia system works is by offering users more customisable control over their coffee’s extraction, including its water shape, flow and pressure. By rotating the newly developed lever on the Elizabeth3 or Victoria3 machines, this provides electronic control to the vibration pump which shapes the curve of the water into the coffee grounds.

The flow and pressure of the water precisely extracts the flavour from your coffee which is monitored live on the machine’s LCC displays. Both the Elizabeth3 and Victoria3 coffee machines come with two pre-set pressure profiles – Lever Shot and Modern Shot – which are designed to get the best results for different roast styles.

Starting with the Elizabeth3, this dual-boiler coffee machine is the more advanced model from the launches, and a great choice for expert baristas – or those who want to become one. Measuring 38cm x 36cm x 41.5cm, the Elizabeth3 has a 200ml coffee boiler and 600ml steam/hot water boiler, with an overall 2.5-litre water tank capacity.

The Lelit Elizabeth3 has two wands – one for steam and one for hot water. The steam wand comes out on the right side, and has a 3-hole nozzle for frothing milk. The fixed hot water wand is on the left, and is best for topping up coffees with hot water or making teas.

In comparison, the Lelit Victoria3 is the single-boiler option, so it’s smaller in size and lighter in weight. It has the same manual controls and Pagaia system as the Elizabeth3, but measures 38 x 27 x 41.5 cm, and only has a 200ml coffee boiler and steam wand.

The designs of the Lelit espresso machines are undeniably stylish, and what caught my eye immediately. The integrated LED lighting illuminates during extraction, and makes the interface look more professional. Wood accents are dotted around the machines, including the feet, tamper and portafilter. The drip trays have also been redesigned to make them easier to empty and clean.

The Lelit Elizabeth3 and Victoria3 come in multiple colours and are available to buy at Lelit. The Elizabeth3 starts at £1,499.95 while the Victoria3 starts at £999.95.

The Ambiano Capsule Coffee Machine has returned to Aldi's Specialbuys as of today, Thursday 1st October. It's also suitable for original Nespresso-compatible capsules, so you've got plenty of choice when it comes to finding pods.

Measuring just 31 x 8 x 21cm and with a 650ml water tank, it's similar in size to the Nespresso Vertuo Up, which recently scored five stars in our review. That said, the Vertuo Up costs just under £180, making it around £144 more expensive than Aldi's offering.

You can pick up the Ambiano Capsule Coffee Machine for just £34.99 in Aldi stores today, although, as usual with Specialbuys, I'd check the stock checker for your local store before heading out just in case.

The listing also mentions a fast heat-up time and, judging by the images, there appears to be a choice between shorter espresso-style coffees and longer coffees, depending on the pod you've chosen.

As mentioned, the machine works with original Nespresso-compatible capsules, meaning there's plenty of affordable pod options, including Aldi's own Barissimo Lungo Coffee Pods for £2.79. However, just make sure you don't buy Nespresso's Vertuo pods, as these aren't compatible with the Ambiano machine.

Loewe, the electronics brand best known for its line-up of TVs and soundbars, has just announced its latest bean to cup coffee machine, and it might be the most stylish model I’ve ever seen.

Loewe launched its first-ever espresso machine back in 2024. The Loewe aura.pure featured an integrated grinder with over 60 settings, and real wood on the base of the machine and tamper handle. It was described as the ‘ultimate luxury espresso machine for coffee connoisseurs’, but Loewe’s latest coffee machine has definitely taken that crown from its predecessor.

The new Loewe aura.matic is a serious advancement on the aura.pure, although it does keep some of its style choices, like the wooden accents. Made from aluminium, the Loewe aura.matic has a 360-degree design that includes a real wood frame, and a glass door which closes over the front of the coffee maker when not in use.

As an automatic coffee machine, the Loewe aura.matic takes care of the entire coffee-making process for you. It has a 7-inch touchscreen where you can select your drinks, and it’s compatible with the Loewe app.

Personally, I’ve never enjoyed using an app with a coffee machine, and I’ve tried many in my time as T3’s Home Editor. But the dedicated Loewe aura.matic app seems promising, as it allows you to make your coffee remotely, and lets you save up to six user profiles with your preferred drinks.

Considering the sleek design and compact size of the Loewe aura.matic, it has a lot under its hood. It features a dual-bean system with two separate bean grinders, so you can switch between regular and decaf coffees, or make your own coffee blends.

The Loewe aura.matic has 18 different drinks to choose from which you can adjust to your tastes, and an integrated milk system for frothy coffees. Its dual thermoblock system offers precise temperature control for both your coffee and milk, and it has a 20g brewing unit that enhances your coffee’s flavour and ensures consistent extraction.

My favourite feature of the Loewe aura.matic is its integrated cup sensor that detects when your cup is positioned on the coffee machine before brewing. It’s a handy function to use if you’re making your morning coffee remotely – although you’ll want to remember to put a mug on the machine before going to bed!

What surprised me most about the Loewe aura.matic is its price. Expected to launch later in the year, the Loewe aura.matic is priced at £5,000 / €5,000. This is a pretty steep price compared to its competitors, and it’s much more expensive than its previous aura.pure machine which costs £1,999.

It may look the part, but will the Loewe aura.matic make delicious coffee and live up to its hefty price tag? We’ll have to wait and try it.

Breville’s latest bean-to-cup coffee machine might have the most drink options I’ve ever seen from an espresso maker. The new Breville Prima Latte AutoLuxe Espresso Maker has over 200 hot and cold drink combinations to choose from, and plenty of customisation options to help you make the perfect coffee every time.

As a fully automatic coffee machine, the Breville Prima Latte AutoLuxe Espresso Maker handles every step of the coffee-making process, from grinding the beans to dispensing your drink. It’s a great model for beginners and experts, as the Breville AutoLuxe also comes with manual controls for you to choose brew strength, milk type, cup size and temperature.

The best part of the Breville AutoLuxe is its many extensive drink options. It has over 200 hot and cold drink combinations to choose from, which is the most I’ve seen compared to other coffee machines.

These drinks include americanos, lattes, and cappuccinos, plus you can brew drinks over ice to make cold brew and other iced coffees. The milk frother can also make hot or cold foam to complement your drinks.

These drinks can be selected and personalised via the touchscreen at the front of the machine. To make your morning coffee routine run smoother, you can create four user profiles and save your preferences. The Breville AutoLuxe will adapt to your preferred programme, and make your drink in a quick touch of a button.

Considering everything it’s got under its hood, the Breville AutoLuxe is surprisingly compact. It’s been given a front-facing design, meaning every part of the coffee machine – including the water tank and integrated grinder – is located at the front, so it can sit flush against your kitchen without taking up too much space.

At the top of the Breville AutoLuxe is EasySwitch Dual Bean Hoppers, which is one of my favourite coffee machine features from recent years. Each bean hopper can hold two choices of coffee beans, and the EasySwitch system will switch between them. It’s great if you and your partner have different tastes, or if you like a regular coffee in the morning and a decaf option in the afternoon.

The Breville Prima Latte AutoLuxe Espresso Maker comes in black and white, and is available to buy at £649 at Breville and select retailers, like Amazon. As of writing, no official US pricing and availability has been announced.

It might feel too early to talk about Christmas, but Nespresso’s latest collaboration has got me excited for the festive season. Nespresso and Swarovski have just teamed up on an exclusive, limited edition festive collection, and it features the most stylish pod coffee machine I’ve ever seen.

There’s a lot to like about the Nespresso x Swarovski festive collection. The main event is the CitiZ Platinum coffee machine that’s been bejewelled with crystal decorations to give it some extra sparkle. The Nespresso CitiZ Platinum machine still comes with its expert brewing skills, but now has a silvery shade, and Swarovski jewels dotted around the border.

To go with the CitiZ coffee machine, Nespresso has announced its latest advent calendar. Within the Nespresso x Swarovski advent calendar are pods for its Original and Vertuo machines, and on some days, you’ll get two capsules instead of one so you can enjoy a coffee with another person.

Speaking of pods, the Nespresso x Swarovski collection comes with three new and exclusive pod flavours, and as a flavoured coffee fan, they sound absolutely delicious. Available as Original and Vertuo pods, the new flavours include Blueberry Cheesecake, Hazelnut Brownie and Crystal Spark Espresso.

The coffee pods are blended from Brazilian and Colombian Arabicas, so they’re rich, warm, and balance out the stronger flavours of the hazelnut from the Hazelnut Brownie, and the blueberries from the Blueberry Cheesecake.

But that’s not all – the Nespresso x Swarovski range also features a Pixie travel cup. It’s crafted from stainless steel and has a bright green colour. It’s decorated in Swarovski’s signature pattern and comes with a matching holder which is studded with 36 green crystals – it’ll be hard to miss, that’s for sure.

Finally, the brands have launched two collectible crystal ornaments for your Christmas tree. Inspired by Nespresso’s Original and Vertuo capsules, the ornaments add a bit of sparkle to your festive decorations – not that Christmas decorations are ever lacking in sparkle, but you know what I mean.

The Nespresso x Swarovski advent calendars and select accessories are available from today, before the full collection launches on 19th October. The festive collection is available to buy in select Nespresso stores and on the Nespresso website and app.

I was pretty excited when De’Longhi decided to shrink one of my favourite coffee machines, especially as someone who values their kitchen counter space. The original Rivelia scored five stars in my review back in 2024, so let’s just say my hopes for the new Rivelia Start were high.

A few weeks after launch, it appeared on my doorstep and I’ve been testing it ever since. You’ll find my full thoughts below.

Price and availability

The Rivelia Start is priced at £599 and can be purchased from De’Longhi’s online store, as well as John Lewis, Currys and Amazon. It comes in five colourways – Onyx Black, Sand Beige, Umber Brown, Jade Green and Arctic White.

It’s not yet available in the US, but is expected to arrive at around $799 if it does.

Design and features

As mentioned, the Rivelia Start is a more compact version of the original Rivelia, so a lot of the features are similar. For example, it retains the brand’s Bean Switch System, meaning it comes with two interchangeable 250g hoppers, so you can keep different beans ready to go and switch between them. There’s also a Switch mode that empties the grinder before changing beans, helping to avoid mixing the two varieties together.

On the front, you’ll find a simple touch interface, allowing you to choose from 10 one-touch drinks, including Espresso, Coffee, Filter Coffee, Cappuccino, Flat White and Latte Macchiato, as well as iced options such as Iced Coffee, Iced Espresso and Cold Brew. De’Longhi says its Cold Brew can be prepared in under five minutes, which is considerably quicker than traditional methods.

For milk drinks, the Rivelia Start uses LatteCrema Hot, which automatically creates the milk foam and adds it to your drink, so there’s no need to manually steam or froth the milk. There’s also the option to add De’Longhi’s LatteCrema Cool carafe, which unlocks six additional cold milk drinks if you want to lean further into iced coffees, but this is sold separately to keep costs down.

The machine itself grinds the beans fresh immediately before brewing, and it has a 15-bar pump (compared to the original’s 19 bar). Its 250 x 430 x 390mm footprint keeps it compact, but it still has a 1.4-litre water tank and a 10-serving grounds container, so you shouldn’t need to refill it constantly.

The other main difference to note is that the original has the brand’s Bean Adapt Technology, whereas the Start doesn’t, but we'll get into this more shortly,

Performance

I’ll be honest, when I first saw an image of the Start, I initially thought there wouldn’t be that much difference between the two models. However, when it actually arrived, I was really surprised by just how much De’Longhi had managed to shrink it without making it feel compromised.

You still get a decent-sized bean hopper and water tank, but it makes the machine feel much easier to live with day to day. The drip trays are easier to remove and clean in the dishwasher, and the smaller overall design makes the machine itself much easier to wipe down and keep looking clean.

In terms of performance, there’s really not much missing either. The interchangeable hoppers are still there, which is arguably one of the best things about De’Longhi machines, especially if you enjoy both caffeinated and decaf options, or there are multiple people in your household who enjoy different beans. They’re easy to use as always, and the different coloured lids mean you can keep on top of what’s in which one.

The range of drinks is also impressive, and whilst there are a few missing compared to the original, all the key ones are there. I also like that the extra shot button is there too, as this is a go-to for me.

It’s a shame you need to purchase the LatteCrema Cool carafe separately, but if you’re like me and prefer hot drinks anyway, it’s really not much of an issue. There’s also nothing stopping you from frothing your own iced milk in a separate frother, or just filling a cup with milk and then brewing an espresso over it.

I was also impressed with the speed of the machine, and it’s not too loud either. I’ll pop a TikTok below showing it in action so you can see, although please note it’s been slightly sped up.

As mentioned, the Start doesn’t have De’Longhi’s Bean Adapt Technology, which automatically adjusts the grinding, dose and temperature to match the specific coffee beans you’re using.

The Start instead relies on manual adjustments and standard user profiles rather than automated software calibration when swapping beans, with the adjustments made on the hoppers themselves. This wasn’t a problem for me, and it’s something I’ve been used to whilst testing all kinds of manual machines. It was a very quick process, but if this is something you think you’ll struggle with, it’s important to note.

Verdict

The De’Longhi Rivelia Start is an impressively compact bean-to-cup machine, and after spending several weeks with it, I can see why you’d choose it over the original. It manages to squeeze in most of the features I love about the Rivelia – including the interchangeable bean hoppers and generous drink selection – whilst taking up noticeably less space. There are a few compromises, most notably the lack of Bean Adapt Technology and the separately sold LatteCrema Cool carafe, but neither bothered me during testing. If you’re short on space but don’t want to compromise too much on what your coffee machine can do, the Rivelia Start is an easy one to recommend.

Alternatives to consider

The obvious alternative here is the original Rivelia, especially if you have the space and budget to do so. However, for the core features, the Rivelia Start is a brilliant way to cut down on both of those things.

If you want to start small, another alternative to consider would be the Smeg BCC02. It’s compact, but it’s still able to pack in a 1.4-litre water container, a decent-sized bean hopper and a frothing wand, although there’s no LCD screen and only three drinks to choose from.

When it comes to coffee machines, I’ve tried every type you can think of – bean-to-cup, drip, pods, manual, you name it. But I recently became an AeroPress convert after trying its new Steel coffee maker and Manual Coffee Grinder – here’s why.

For those new to AeroPress, it’s a 3-in-1 coffee maker that combines immersion, micro-filtration and air pressure to brew, extract and dispense your coffee. To use it, you simply boil your kettle and add a paper filter into the AeroPress’ filter cap and attach it to the main chamber. Once your kettle is boiled, you position the AeroPress atop your mug, add coffee grounds to the chamber and pour over boiling water.

From there, you simply stir the grounds before inserting the plunger into the chamber to create a vacuum. Similar to a French press, you then push down the plunger to get the coffee to pass through the filter and into your mug – simple!

This is AeroPress’ tried and tested method of making coffee, so much so that the ‘technology’ and features of every AeroPress is the same. There are multiple versions, like the Original, Go, XL and Clear – which I gave five stars in my AeroPress Clear review – but the main differences between them is the material.

Earlier this year, AeroPress launched a steel version of its popular manual coffee maker, called the AeroPress Steel. As mentioned, it’s the same as its predecessors, but it’s made from stainless steel, including the chamber, plunger, filter cap, scoop and stirrer. It has a larger capacity of 360ml and double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your brew hot inside and the exterior cool outside.

Considering that it works the same as the Clear and Original, I wasn’t originally going to test the AeroPress Steel. However, that was until I got my hands on the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder, and the two matched so perfectly, I had to give them both a try.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, AeroPress came out with its first-ever coffee grinder in late 2025. The AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder is a 3-in-1 coffee press that has 60 adjustable settings to grind coffee beans to go in your AeroPress – or in my case, the AeroPress Steel.

The AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder works by adding coffee beans directly to its main chamber at the top. At the bottom, you can adjust your grind settings before reattaching the cup which catches the grounds. Next, you attach the magnetic Easy-Grind handle and you manually wind it like a hand crank to grind your beans into smooth or coarse grounds.

Using the AeroPress Steel and Manual Coffee Grinder: performance

As mentioned, I’ve used an AeroPress before so using the AeroPress Steel was easy and a method I was already used to. It goes without saying that making coffee with an AeroPress is longer than simply boiling a kettle or even using a coffee machine, but it feels more rewarding, especially when using the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder.

After I’d filled the grinder with beans and adjusted the settings to a medium-fine grind, I got to work – and it was work. Attaching the handle was simple, and its magnetised body was handy to attach and remove. I thought it might slip off easily while I was cranking it, but the handle stayed nicely in place. The circular shape handle felt odd at first but it was easy enough to hold and work with.

The part where it felt like work was grinding the beans. It needs some serious elbow grease, that’s for sure! I’d been to an intense HIIT class the night before using the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder, and wow, did my arms hurt. After a minute or so of grinding, my arm was thoroughly sore, but the grounds came out perfect!

From there, I used the AeroPress Steel scoop to measure the grinds into the coffee maker, and I followed the normal coffee-making process. I actually found the dispensing to work faster with my own pre-ground beans than store bought ones, and the coffee tasted delicious – as expected.

Should you buy the AeroPress Steel?

So, should you buy the AeroPress Steel? I’d have to say yes to this. The one thing I didn’t love about the Clear was its plasticky build and as the Steel is made from stainless steel, it doesn’t have that. It looks and feels a lot more high quality, and it works incredibly well, too.

The double-wall insulation is definitely impressive. It doesn’t get hot at all on the outside, although it does get hot on the bottom. When you go to dispose of the coffee puck, you’ll want to wait for it to cool or use a cloth to screw it off but that’s somewhat expected and not something to write home about.

At £159.99, the AeroPress Steel is more expensive than other AeroPress coffee makers (apart from the Premium). But if you want the looks and a good, reliable coffee maker which is sure to last a while, I’d really recommend the AeroPress Steel.

Should you buy the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder?

On to the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder – should you buy it? I would also say yes to this but with some conditions in place.

The AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder works exceptionally well, produces perfectly ground beans, and gives you a little arm workout in the morning. But personally – and you can call me lazy if you like – I don’t know if I’d want to manually grind my own beans every day. But if you can get over the arm ache, it’s a very fun machine to use.

I could see the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder becoming a big part of coffee-making set-ups for outdoor adventures, especially camping. At £199.99, it will cost you, but I can see the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder lasting a long time, so you really will get your money’s worth.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to get your coffee fix, then you should add a pod coffee machine to your kitchen. Instead of spending an extortionate amount of money on takeaway drinks, making your own coffee is kinder on your bank balance, and if you have the right machine, you can make barista-level coffee from the comfort of your own home.

Pod coffee machines are great for coffee-making beginners and experts. They offer a quick and easy way to make your morning cuppa, and with so many coffee pods on the market, you can make almost any coffee, from espressos and lungos to lattes and cappuccinos.

T3’s Home team – including myself – have tested their fair share of pod coffee machines, including gadgets from the likes of Ninja, Nespresso and Philips. The machines below have all been tried and tested by us, and what’s better is they’re all on sale right now.

Cosori – the kitchen appliance brand best known for its affordable range of air fryers – has just launched its first-ever coffee maker. The Cosori Juni is a pour-over drip-style coffee machine which uses clever temperature controls, pour patterns and vibrations to extract your coffee – and it’s truly hypnotising to watch.

I’ve never been much impressed by drip coffee machines, despite having tested some great models. Due to the advancements in bean-to-cup and pod machines, I just find pour-over coffee makers to be quite old fashioned and I don’t love the taste of the coffee it makes.

However, the Cosori Juni Automatic Pour-Over Machine might have just changed my mind, mainly due to its clever coffee-making process. It looks like a traditional drip coffee maker that you’d find in an office, but it features two brew baskets – one with a cone bottom and the other with a flat bottom – that optimise coffee extraction for single cups or large batches.

Depending on the basket, the Cosori Juni can make up to 600ml of coffee with the cone brew basket, or 1.5 litres with the flat bottom brew basket. But what has most impressed me most with the Cosori Juni is its pour patterns and vibrations.

When you add ground coffee to the basket, the Cosori Juni gently vibrates it during the brewing process to evenly coat the grounds with water and extract the perfect flavour. The machine adds water via its nozzle as the basket spins to ensure coverage.

During brewing, the nozzle of the Cosori Juni moves in spiral, circular or centre pour patterns to replicate the pour-over movement of actual baristas – it’s very fun to look at! Water is also poured in stages to get the maximum amount of flavour and to control extraction while maintaining a precise temperature.

The Cosori Juni comes with a built-in display and controls, but to make the most out of your coffee making, the machine can also be connected to the VeSync app. The app offers personalised recipe suggestions and smart scheduling, and it uses AI to give you recommendations on your brew.

After you make a cup or batch of coffee, the Cosori Juni will ask you to rate your brew in the app. You can give feedback on its sweetness or bitterness, acidity and body. Using AI, the Cosori Juni will then offer improvements you could make for your next coffee, including temperature and pouring phases.

I like the idea of getting suggestions to improve your brewing process, although it’ll be interesting to see how many people will use the AI functionality. I’m sure it’ll be a divisive feature – do coffee machines, especially a pour-over maker, really need AI?! – but being able to understand and make quick changes to your morning coffee will be invaluable to some.

The Cosori Juni Automatic Pour-Over Machine is available to buy for $299.99 at Cosori. As of writing, it’s not yet available in the UK.

After a few months of waiting, Lavazza has finally launched its Tablì coffee machine in the UK. Expanding its line-up of pod coffee machines, the real star of the new Lavazza Tablì coffee system is its coffee ‘tabs’ which, unlike normal pods or capsules, have absolutely no plastic, and are instead made of 100% coffee.

I’ve tested many pod coffee machines in my time as T3’s Home Editor, and have always championed them as being a quick, easy and convenient way to make your morning coffee. My one negative about these types of machines is its pod waste. While most can be recycled, they still generate a lot of plastic and aluminium waste.

Lavazza has clearly thought of this, and ‘invented’ a new type of coffee pod to go with its new Lavazza Tablì single serve, capsule-free coffee machine. Instead of a pod, it uses a coffee tab made entirely of coffee without any protective coating or binders.

The Lavazza Tablì is specifically designed to use this type of coffee tab so you get the full flavour and aroma in each cup. Once brewed, the coffee tab can be disposed of with your food waste instead of ending up in landfill like older types of coffee pods.

The design of the Lavazza Tablì is similar to its other pod coffee machines. Available in white, black or brown, it has a bean-shaped slider and piston system which allows you to easily and quickly insert and remove each coffee tab. It also comes with Wi-Fi support so you can connect it to other compatible devices in your smart home via Alexa or Google Home.

The Lavazza Tablì has an intelligent brewing system which is best at making espresso, double espresso and lungo. The machine uses Lavazza’s Crema Plus technology to expertly brew your coffee to bring out the coffee’s flavours and create a crema on top of your drink.

When asked about the Lavazza Tablì, Emanuele Pellegrino, Regional Director of Lavazza UK & Nordics said “Tablì represents a major breakthrough not only for Lavazza, but for the coffee industry as a whole. By combining a 100% coffee tab with a specially designed machine and unique brewing technology, we are introducing an entirely new product category and a coffee experience that, until now, simply didn’t exist on the market.”

The Lavazza Tablì is available to buy for £199 / $129 at Lavazza. Its coffee tabs start at £5.49 for 12 single doses.

Nespresso has brought back its autumn coffee pod collection for 2026, and this year there’s a brand new flavour joining the lineup. Cinnamon Apple Crisp combines cooked apple and cinnamon flavours with spicy notes, made using 100% Arabica beans from Brazil.

Nespresso recommends enjoying Cinnamon Apple Crisp as a Reverso, which involves adding hot or cold milk to your glass first before brewing the coffee over the top. However, you can also drink it hot or over ice depending on what the increasingly unpredictable autumn weather is doing.

The new flavour is available exclusively for Vertuo machines as a 230ml Mug pod, priced at £8.50 (around $10) for a sleeve of 10.

As mentioned, two familiar autumn favourites are also making a comeback, starting with Pumpkin Spice Cake, which also appeared last year. As you’d expect, it combines sweet pumpkin with warming notes of cinnamon, clove and cardamom, all layered over a lightly roasted South American Arabica coffee base.

There's also Maple Pecan, which combines the sweetness of maple with nutty pecan notes. Nespresso says it works particularly well as a creamy cappuccino or served over ice, so there's a little more flexibility if you're not quite ready to embrace hot drinks again.

Unlike Cinnamon Apple Crisp, both returning flavours are available for Vertuo and Original machines. Vertuo sleeves cost £8.50 ($10) for 10 pods, whilst Original sleeves are priced at £5.50 (around $7.50) for 10.

If you own a compatible Vertuo machine, you can also use its Coffee Creations mode with the seasonal pods. This shortens the extraction to produce a smaller, more concentrated coffee, which should help bring out more of those autumnal flavours.

The Cinnamon Apple Crisp, Pumpkin Spice Cake and Maple Pecan pods are available now for a limited time from Nespresso boutiques and via Nespresso's website, whilst stocks last.

Compared to old timers such as Sage and De'Longhi, who've been churning out espresso machines for years, Ninja is relatively new to the world of barista-style coffee makers.

After launching its first barista style espresso machine – the original Luxe Café – back in 2024, it’s safe to say Ninja has made waves in this space and in a surprisingly short space of time (probably thanks to the consumer trust the brand has on the back of its successful line of air fryers). The "Pro" version followed in 2025, adding an integrated tamper, independent hot water dispenser and an upgraded milk frother to an already impressive package.

Now, the brand's latest release comes in the form of a limited edition David Beckham collaboration, which hit the market earlier this year. The result of a six-month creative process between Ninja and the former England captain, it takes the existing Pro and wraps it in a new matte black stainless steel finish with shiny gold accents and black chestnut wood grain detailing on the portafilter and milk jug handles.

Everything under the surface is functionally the same as the standard Luxe Café Pro, so this review is about two things: is the Pro still worth the money, and does the Beckham edition add enough to justify the extra cost? I've been using it as my daily coffee machine for the past few weeks to find out.

Ninja Luxe Café Pro review: price and availability

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro David Beckham Edition is available now direct from Ninja and big retailers such as Amazon.

When researching prices, I found (rather oddly) that RRP varies dramatically across different regions. In the UK, you’ll find it for £879.99, but in the US you can pick it up for just $749, which converts to around £550. Down under gets an even better deal, with an RRP of AU$999.99, which is around £520. And you can save even more if you decide to drop the David Beckham design.

The standard Luxe Café Pro is the exact same machine, just with a different look, available in Stainless Steel, Oat Milk or Onyx colourways. It’s listed on Ninja’s webstore for £729.99 in the UK - a difference of £150 - and has the same $749.99 (about £550) price tag in the US, although the standard model isn’t available in Australia.

Interestingly, while there’s essentially no Beckham premium across the pond, you’re paying an extra £150 in the UK just for the limited-edition design.

In terms of competition, there’s no shortage of coffee machines of this calibre in the market. The five-star Sage Barista Touch Impress is arguably the Ninja's closest rival when it comes to feature set and target audience, but it does have a slightly higher price tag of around £1,049 / $999.95, AU$1,900 making the Ninja notably cheaper.

Then there’s the T3 Platinum Award-winning De'Longhi La Specialista Opera, which is another strong competitor since it offers the same functionality and arguably better build quality. This sits at around £799 / $749.95 / AU$1,199 mark, so the Beckham Edition slots in just above it price-wise.

Whether the Beckham tax is worth it depends entirely on whether the design really floats your boat or not. The machine itself is functionally identical to the standard Pro model, so you're only really paying for the colourway, the wood accents and (let's be honest) the name. If none of that matters to you, the standard Pro in its regular finishes is a smarter buy as it will save you a good £150!

Ninja Luxe Café Pro review: set up

Getting the Luxe Café Pro up and running is refreshingly quick. After slipping it out of its box, you slot in the drip tray, fill the water tank, pop some beans in the hopper, and you're brewing within about ten minutes.

The machine comes with single, double and even quadruple baskets (more on that later), a portafilter, an XL milk jug, cleaning tablets, descaling powder, a cleaning brush, cleaning disc and even a hard water testing kit, most of which slot neatly into a nifty accessory drawer that opens on the right-hand side of the unit.

Once it’s plugged in, the Barista Assist technology walks you through your first brew, suggesting a grind size based on the drink you've selected, and the integrated scale weighs your dose automatically. It's about as close to plug-and-play as a machine like this can get, and if you've never used a semi-automatic espresso machine before, it does a good job of making the whole process feel less intimidating than ever.

Ninja Luxe Café Pro review: design and build

On paper, the Beckham Edition of this coffee machine sounds like the bees knees: a matte black stainless steel body with gold accents and black chestnut wood grain on the handles. In reality, I can’t help but think it’s not what it’s cracked up to be. The gold and black finish, for example, just looks a bit naff: think regional luxury à la Cheshire beauty salon or Dubai influencer apartment.

If the gold had been a deeper tone, or even bronze and in a matte or brushed finish, it would feel a lot more premium. As it stands, the gold has a sheen to it that looks a bit cheap, and doesn't quite match Ninja’s very own "refined meets rebellious" marketing. The brand was clearly going for a luxurious, aspirational look here, but instead it comes across a bit try-hard and wannabe “bougie”.

Don’t get me wrong, the wood grain handles on the portafilter and milk jug are a nice touch, and they do add some sophistication and warmth to the overall look. But as with any design choice, I guess it’s subjective, and I can certainly see how it will grab attention.

My bigger concern is the build quality. At nearly 900 quid, I was expecting something that felt substantial and solid. Instead, much of the construction is plastic, and in places it feels a little flimsy. The removable drip tray, in particular, can literally be flexed and bent in your hand, which doesn't exactly inspire confidence.

Coming from a Sage, which has a noticeably more robust, metal-heavy build, it feels like Ninja has cut some corners on materials here, maybe to hit its price point? Still, it's perfectly functional and nothing feels like it's going to break, but the weight and feel of it just doesn't match the price tag.

That said, the machine is surprisingly compact for everything it does. You get three brewing methods (espresso, filter coffee and cold brew), plus an integrated grinder, tamper, scale and milk frother, all in a footprint that doesn't dominate the worktop. It looks the part sitting in the kitchen, even if the gold and black won't be to everyone's taste.

Ninja Luxe Café Pro review: performance and features

Whatever reservations I have about the Luxe Café Pro’s design, they all feel a bit trivial once I start making coffee. This machine produces excellent espresso. The 19-bar pump delivers proper pressure, the conical burr grinder offers 25 settings for dialling in your preferred grind, and the integrated tamper applies consistent pressure every time via a simple lever press. Tamps are therefore flat and compact, making for way less mess.

As for the Barista Assist technology, this suggests a grind setting based on your chosen drink, which is useful as a starting point. I did find, though, that following its suggestion sometimes produced a slightly runny espresso. Dropping the grind level a notch or two below the recommendation gave me a thicker, richer shot with a lovely crema on top. But this is the kind of thing you’ll figure out after a few days of use, and once you've found your sweet spot, the results are consistently good.

Weight-based dosing is another standout feature. The built-in scale automatically weighs the coffee as it's ground into the portafilter, stopping when it hits the target dose. It removes one of the biggest variables in home espresso and means you get consistent results every morning without faffing around with a separate scale.

When it comes to milk frothing, Ninja’s system isn’t the kind you’d normally find on a conventional semi-automatic barista machine. Rather than a standard steam wand, it uses a jug with a spinning whisk inside (akin to what’s inside the Nespresso “Aeroccino“ milk frother gadgets) that heats and froths the milk simultaneously.

While it’s a different approach to the norm, it actually produces better microfoam than I expected, with a smooth, velvety texture that works well for lattes and flat whites.

The trade-off, however, is speed. Compared to my Sage, the Ninja's frothing system takes noticeably longer to heat and froth the milk. It's not a huge wait, maybe an extra 30 seconds or so, but it's enough to notice during your morning routine. The other slight frustration is that you can only adjust the froth level (across five settings), not the actual milk temperature. My Sage Oracle Jet lets me dial in temperature by the degree, but then again, that machine costs almost double, so I shouldn’t really compare.

As for other modes, such as filter coffee making, this produces a well-balanced, smooth cup, and the cold brew function is a nice bonus, delivering a concentrated cold brew in around 20 minutes rather than the overnight steeping most methods require. Having all three brewing methods in a single machine, plus a dedicated hot water dispenser for tea and americanos, makes the Luxe Café Pro one of the most versatile coffee machines I've used - especially for the price!

Ninja Luxe Café Pro review: verdict

With or without the Beckham design and the divisive gold trim, the Ninja Luxe Café Pro is one of the most capable and user-friendly all-in-one coffee machines on the market. The espresso is top notch, the Barista Assist technology makes it easy to use from the get-go, and having espresso, filter and cold brew in a single compact unit is hard to beat at this price.

Rather ironically, it’s the design which is supposed to be the headline feature of this limited edition machine that will split opinion. The gold finish doesn't look as premium as I think Ninja intended, and the plastic-heavy construction feels a little cheap for an £880 unit, especially when compared to rivals like Sage. But these are only cosmetic and material concerns, and when it comes to performance, the Luxe Café Pro delivers every time.

If you love the Beckham colourway, then I say go for it. But if you're less bothered about the aesthetics and just want the same brilliant machine for £150 less, the standard Luxe Café Pro in one of its other finishes is definitely a smarter buy. Either way, Ninja is offering something here that’s certainly giving the competition a run for its money.

As T3’s Home Editor, I’ve tried my fair share of bean to cup coffee machines, and I have to say that the KitchenAid KF4 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is the easiest and cleanest model I’ve ever tried.

KitchenAid is best known for its collection of stand mixers, but it has since become known for its coffee makers. Its first coffee brewer was launched back in 2014, but 2024 was a big year for KitchenAid with the brand launching a full range of fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machines.

One of KitchenAid’s newest models, the KitchenAid KF4 joined the line-up in 2026 as a mid-range option. I’ve spent the past month testing the KitchenAid KF4, and it’s made my morning coffees exceptionally more tasty, although it does have some quirks under its hood.

KitchenAid KF4 review: price and availability

The KitchenAid KF4 is available to buy for £899 / $1,299 at KitchenAid and select retailers like John Lewis. It comes in matte black or porcelain white, as well as a two year guarantee and 10 year reparability.

KitchenAid KF4 review: unboxing and set up

The KitchenAid KF4 arrived in a large cardboard box which contained the main espresso machine, 1.8-litre water tank, milk container with hose and lid, water filter, cleaning tablets and a coffee spoon. It came assembled so it didn’t require much set up other than removing packaging and stickers.

To use the KitchenAid KF4, I simply added the water filter into the water tank before filling it up. After turning it on via the on/off button on the side, the KitchenAid KF4’s screen takes you through the entire machine and explains all the controls, making it extremely beginner friendly.

Before its first use, the KitchenAid KF4 runs through the water filter and cleans it out, before pulling four shots of espresso. The screen will then prompt you to empty the drip tray and puck box, but then you’re ready to go.

KitchenAid KF4 review: design and features

Measuring 36cm in height, 19.5cm in width and 47cm in depth, and weighing 9kg, the KitchenAid KF4 isn’t a small machine by any means, but it doesn’t take up a huge amount of space. It’s more long than it is bulky, so take this into account if you have shallow countertops.

As a fully automatic espresso machine, the KitchenAid KF4 makes pre-programmed coffees. It has over 20 hot and over-ice recipes available, including lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, americanos, and iced coffees. When you select your drink, the KitchenAid KF4 offers recommended settings, but you can also personalise them by strength, temperature and volume, which you can then save as a pre-set.

At the back of the KitchenAid KF4 is its large water tank. At the top is a conical burr grinder where you can store and grind your own coffee beans, and a small container next to it for pre-ground coffee. Using its Intelligrind system, the KitchenAid KF4 detects beans and automatically adjusts its settings to bean type, roast and dose. It also has Quiet Grinding technology so it’s not too loud.

The KitchenAid KF4 has a 8.8cm colour touchscreen at the front. It’s easy to use, intuitive and displays drink options, user profiles, cleaning cycles and settings. The screen talks you through every aspect of the brewing process, and pops up with reminders to clean your machine, add more beans, refill the tank and so on.

The drip tray and puck box slots in at the bottom of the machine. It’s spacious, although due to the rigorous cleaning that the KitchenAid KF4 goes through, the drip tray can fill up quite quickly.

Speaking of cleaning, the KitchenAid KF4 goes through a lengthy cleaning process every time you use it. When you turn it on, it has a quick rinse before making your drink. If you make milky coffees, the KitchenAid KF4 will prompt you to clean the milk system which it does by flushing out the tubes in the drip tray, although you’ll have to manually clean the container. When you turn the KitchenAid KF4 off, the machine has another rinse and cools itself down.

As an automatic machine, the KitchenAid KF4 froths your milk for you, so latte art isn’t really an option with this model. It uses AutoMilk technology to adjust to your milk’s texture and volume. The container connects to the machine via its milk hose in the container lid, and the side of the coffee dispenser.

KitchenAid KF4 review: performance

KitchenAid never misses when it comes to design, and the KitchenAid KF4 is a perfect example of that. I tried the black version and I loved the look of it, with its black and silver detailings. Everything was packed away neatly, including the tank, built-in grinder and drip tray, although the separate milk container felt like a bit of an afterthought.

The touchscreen controls were great to use, and extremely easy. Beginners and experts will definitely be able to use the KitchenAid KF4, as its controls are extremely intuitive and self-explanatory. Setting user profiles was quick and simple – although you can only set four – and there was a good amountof drink options.

As a latte lover, I enjoyed the latte macchiato setting on the KitchenAid KF4. The machine had automatic settings for the drink, but I customised its strength, temperature and amount of milk, and received tasty results. Its flat white setting was also impressive, as was its iced espresso which the KitchenAid KF4 brews at a lower temperature to avoid over-extraction and dilution.

The built-in grinder was quick and surprisingly quiet. I found it ground coffee beans exceptionally well, and I had consistent espresso flavour and strength every time. I also tried the KitchenAid KF4 with pre-ground coffee and enjoyed the results, too, although I’d recommend using the grinder as it performs the best.

One quirk I found with the KitchenAid KF4 was if you pick a double shot drink, it grinds and dispenses them one at a time. This isn’t something I’d experienced before with a coffee machine, and I couldn’t – and still can’t – decide if I liked that method. The plus is that you get consistently pulled double shots which are strong and rich in flavour, but the negative is that it takes more time to make your drink.

The KitchenAid KF4 heated up very quickly and produced a lot of steam. I found it to heat milk well but it doesn’t froth as expertly as I’d like for lattes. While it doesn’t have an option to change milk type, its AutoMilk system worked very well with both dairy and plant-based milks.

What I was most impressed by was the KitchenAid KF4’s cleaning processes. Easily the most hygienic coffee machine I’ve ever used, the KitchenAid KF4 cleans itself regularly and even takes time to cool itself down. It does all the cleaning for you, and explains everything along the way, too.

KitchenAid KF4 review: verdict

I don’t have many negative things to say about the KitchenAid KF4, because I thoroughly enjoyed using it. Its touchscreen and overall design is stylish, tidy and intuitive, plus the fact that it’s a fully automatic machine means it leaves no room for error.

I’m used to semi-automatic machines where I have to be more involved in the grind and milk settings, so using the KitchenAid KF4 felt like I was having a break! It took care of absolutely everything, and made consistently delicious coffees every time. Its shot pulling, while odd at first, just proves how precise the KitchenAid KF4 is.

At £899 / $1,299, the KitchenAid KF4 isn’t cheap, but it could be the only coffee machine you could ever need.

KitchenAid KF4 review: alternatives to consider

Another automatic bean to cup coffee machine – and another from KitchenAid – is the KitchenAid KF8. A step up from the KitchenAid KF4 (or I suppose, four steps up), the KF8 looks beautiful, and has a lot of coffee options and settings to play with. The JURA E8 makes tasty and reliable coffee, and it has a much slimmer and more compact style than the KitchenAid KF4.

Global supermarket chain Lidl has just updated its middle aisle with a new colourful range of Silvercrest kitchen appliances. Following the Pastel Kitchen range’s success, Lidl has brought it back to its stores this week with prices starting from just £4.99.

Despite still being in the height of the summer holidays, many people are thinking about starting or returning to university. Aside from the standard university dorm essentials like stationary and cutlery, you’d be surprised how quickly things start to add up, especially if you’re living in self-catered accommodation.

With this in mind, Lidl’s Pastel Kitchen range is an affordable and colourful collection that’s perfect for students who want to deck out their university kitchen on a budget. The line-up of Silvercrest appliances now comes in mint or pink colours to add a pop of colour to your kitchen – and it helps determine what is yours when that annoying housemate tries to use your things without asking!

As someone who graduated university almost 10 years ago, there’s plenty of appliances I’d recommend taking with you. For starters, a good air fryer like the Silvercrest 4.7L Air Fryer (£29.99) offers speedy cooking, and is a great choice for beginner cooks.

Your university kitchen will likely have a kettle and toaster set but there’s no harm in having a kettle for your room to get you through late-night study sessions. The Silvercrest Kettle (£16.99) has a 1.7-litre capacity, 360-degree swivel base and quick boiling so you can get your caffeine fix quickly.

I don’t think I would have gotten through university without my pod coffee machine, but had it been around back then, I’d have picked up Silvercrest’s Espresso Machine (£59.99). This coffee machine has 15-bar pump pressure and a 2-in-1 steam nozzle for hot water and milk frothing. It’s easy to use, looks pretty in its pink or mint colourway, and it comes with a 2-in-1 coffee scoop and tamper for quick espresso shots.

To match your coffee machine, Lidl is also selling a Milk Frother (£14.99) and Electric Coffee Grinder (£9.99) to complete the set. A full coffee machine set-up is usually much more expensive than this but at Lidl, this will cost you around £85 which is significantly cheaper.

Other products to watch out for include a stand mixer, toaster, jug and hand blenders, microwave and pots and pans. With prices starting as little as £4.99, Lidl has just made it much easier to stock your university kitchen.

Melitta just added a new accessory for its line-up of coffee machines, and it might be its most impressive yet. The new Melitta Linea coffee grinder is a great addition to your at-home coffee set-up, especially for those who love espresso, filter and French Press coffee.

I’ve tested many coffee machines for T3, and have become somewhat of a coffee snob. If budget wasn’t an issue, I’d have a full café-level coffee station in my house, complete with an individual coffee grinder, main coffee machine, tampers, milk frothers and more.

Grinding your own beans is an easy way to level up your coffee-making process, and the Melitta Linea coffee grinder is a new model that’s designed to make freshly ground coffee in an easy and cleaner way. It doesn’t look like your traditional grinder, but it has a more modern design, including a hopper to hold the beans and a container to store the grounds.

At the top of the Melitta Linea is an LCD touch display where you can adjust the 13 grind settings to different fineness and strength levels. To keep everything as fresh as possible, the Melitta Linea has an AromaSafe lid that ensures freshness and scents of your beans and grounds.

As a stainless steel conical grinder, the Melitta Linea uses Ionizer technology to grind your beans while preventing static charging from causing your grinds to fly around when in action. This ensures the grinding process is clean and tidy, so you have minimal clean-up to worry about.

To achieve the perfect grind, the Melitta Linea draws coffee beans from above and grinds them between an inner conical burr and outer burred wall. Once ground, the coffee container holds the power and has a precise dosing spout for adding to your coffee machine or cafetiere. It can also be used to make between 1-10 cups of filter coffee which you can select on the grinder.

The Melitta Linea grinder is available to buy for £74.99 at Melitta. Having covered coffee machines and accessories for a while now, I was surprised to see this price from a luxury brand like Melitta.

Is £75 a bit pricey for a coffee grinder? For some, yes, but this is actually one of the more affordable models you’ll find on the market – and for espresso lovers, it’s a no-brainer.

If you’re looking to take your latte art skills to the next level, the Flair eWizard Milk Steamer could be the product to help you do just that. As an electric standalone milk steaming wand, the Flair eWizard Milk Steamer is a great addition to your coffee machine set-up, especially if yours doesn’t have a milk frother attachment – but it’ll set you back £250.

Flair is known for its manual espresso machine which uses a lever to extract and ‘pull’ rich shots of coffee. The brand also has a range of milk steamers, including its Wizard Stovetop Milk Steamer that heats milk using dry steam while sitting on your gas, induction or coil stoves.

But its latest Flair eWizard Milk Steamer removes this stovetop action as it uses a 110V electric power to froth your milk instead. Featuring a cool-touch wand, two nozzles and an electric base, tank and lid with gauge, the Flair eWizard Milk Steamer quickly and expertly heats up your milk to make expert-level microfoam.

The design of the Flair eWizard Milk Steamer is quite unusual, but that’s what Flair is best known for. When I first saw it, I thought it looked like a miniature Tardis from Doctor Who! But while it might look a little complicated, Flair states that it’s the perfect milk frothing accessory for both beginners and baristas.

To use the Flair eWizard Milk Steamer, you simply turn it on via its power cord, and it heats up in roughly five minutes. Using dry steam via its steam wand which gets up to 270°, its pressure management system keeps it at the right temperature to create froth for cappuccinos, lattes and more.

The Flair eWizard Milk Steamer comes with two nozzles – a one hole and a three hole. Beginners are encouraged to use the one hole nozzle as it gives easier control over the steam. Once you get the hang of it, the three hole nozzle is for more manual and customisable steaming that makes you feel like you’re a barista in a café.

The Flair eWizard Milk Steamer is available to buy for £248 at Flair Espresso. It doesn’t come with a milk jug which you’ll need to use the steamer, but you can buy the Flair Milk Steaming Pitcher separately for £23.

Is the Flair eWizard Milk Steamer the cheapest option on the market? No, and you’ll likely want a coffee machine that comes with a milk frothing wand integrated into the design to save money and space on your countertop.

But I can see the Flair eWizard Milk Steamer being something baristas and coffee enthusiasts will want to incorporate into their coffee set-up to take their skills to the next level.

I think I just found my new favourite coffee machine. The Terra Kaffe TK Demi, which launched in late 2025, is the brand’s most intuitive, fully automatic espresso machine that will surely turn you into a barista-level espresso expert – if you have $800 spare, that is.

For homes with small kitchens, the Terra Kaffe TK Demi is described as ‘mini but mighty’ by the brand. Weighing just 17 pounds and measuring 12.8 inches in height, 7.5 inches in width and 15.7 inches in diameter, the Terra Kaffe TK Demi takes up minimal room yet its design is so eye-catching that you wouldn’t mind if it did.

The Terra Kaffe TK Demi is available in four earth-inspired colours, including slate, forest, dune and cloud. It has a bean hopper at the top so the machine grinds beans fresh, and a stainless steel analog dial on the side which allows you to adjust temperature, strength and volume of your drinks.

As an espresso machine, the Terra Kaffe TK Demi makes espresso-based drinks, including Americanos, lungos and drip coffee. My favourite part of the machine is when you select your drink, the name of it flashes up in pixel-like dots at the front, making the minimalist design look smarter and more premium.

While it might look a little intimidating at first, the Terra Kaffe TK Demi is completely automatic, so while you can customise your drink, the machine takes care of everything for you. The stainless steel spout handle of the Terra Kaffe TK Demi can also be adjusted to fit different mug sizes, and the waste bin and drip tray is easy to clean and empty.

There are many things to like about the Terra Kaffe TK Demi, although I do wish it came with a milk frothing attachment. As someone who loves lattes and cappuccinos, this is a feature I think the Terra Kaffe TK Demi is missing out on, although Terra Kaffe does offer the TK-02 which comes with a milk carafe.

The Terra Kaffe TK Demi is available to buy for $795 at Terra Kaffe. I’ll be honest, when I saw the price, I was incredibly surprised, despite most bean to cup coffee makers coming with this sort of expensive price tag.

Having said that, the TK Demi’s design and automatic features make it one of the most stylish and advanced models I’ve ever seen. I like that the TK Demi can be used by both beginners and baristas (although the price does take it out of many people’s budgets) but if you’re an espresso fan, it's definitely something you’ll want to save up for – myself included.

It was back in June that Ninja launched a smaller version of its bestselling coffee machine, the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus. Despite being 30% more compact than the original, it still includes many of the same features, including a built-in grinder, precision scale, assisted tamper and steam wand.

Naturally, that raises the question of what has actually changed apart from the size and the £50 price difference. More importantly, are the extra features on the original worth paying for, or is the Mini Plus the smarter buy?

To find out, I compared the Ninja Luxe Café Premier and the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus. These are the two middle models in Ninja's Luxe Café lineup, sitting between the entry-level Luxe Café Mini and the flagship Luxe Café Pro, making them the closest rivals in terms of features and price

1. Drinks choice

When it comes to drink options, it's probably no surprise that the Luxe Café Premier is the more versatile of the two. It offers 19 drink presets, including Espresso, Americano, Cold Pressed Espresso, Classic Coffee, Rich Coffee, Over Ice Coffee and Cold Brew.

The Mini Plus drops the Cold Brew and Cold Pressed Espresso functions, instead focusing on Espresso, Classic Coffee, Rich Coffee and Over Ice Coffee. If you're someone who regularly enjoys cold brew or chilled espresso drinks, the Premier is the clear winner.

2. Milk frothing

The same applies to milk frothing. Thankfully, both machines include Ninja's excellent assisted milk frothing system, but the Mini Plus comes with fewer presets. The Premier offers Steamed Milk, Thin Froth, Thick Froth and Cold Froth, whereas the Mini Plus misses out on the Cold Froth setting.

It's not a huge omission, but it does make the Premier more versatile if you prefer iced coffees.

3. Brewing capacity

Another difference is brewing capacity, as the Mini Plus is aimed more at solo coffee drinkers, brewing single and double espressos alongside smaller coffee servings.

The Premier can also brew larger filter coffees and travel mug-sized drinks, making it a better fit for busy households or anyone who gets through several coffees a day.

What are the similarities?

That said, the similarities between the two machines are what really stand out. Both machines include a built-in conical burr grinder, Barista Assist Technology, automatic grind recommendations, an assisted tamper and an integrated precision scale. They also both use the same 1650W heating system, so the core coffee-making performance should be very similar.

Which one should you choose?

Personally, I'd still lean towards the Luxe Café Premier, especially if you have the space on your worktop. The extra £50 feels like money well spent for the additional drink presets, larger serving sizes and extra milk frothing options, particularly if you enjoy cold coffee.

However, if you're tight on space and don't think you'll miss cold brew or cold foam, the Mini Plus remains an excellent alternative.

Nespresso has launched a deal that gives customers 50 free coffee pods and a travel mug when buying a qualifying machine. The offer applies to a selection of Vertuo models, including the recently launched Vertuo Up.

Nespresso is known for running generous promotions, but this is certainly one of the better offers I've seen from the brand in a while. It's also available directly via Nespresso, so you'll have access to the usual benefits of buying from the brand, including its membership portal, warranty support and other services.

The offer is valid until 1st September, so there's still around four weeks to take advantage of it.

The free pods include a choice of Mild or Intense coffee assortments, with the available options shown below. All you need to do is select your qualifying machine on the Nespresso website, add it to your basket and choose which pod assortment you'd like.

You'll also receive the usual 12 Vertuo Pod Discovery Box at checkout, meaning you're actually getting 62 pods for free in total. Depending on the selection, that's potentially around £40 worth of coffee in total.

The only part of the offer you don't get to choose is the travel mug, as the model and colour will vary depending on availability and stock levels. It also won't necessarily appear during checkout, so don't worry if you don't see it listed alongside your other freebies. Nespresso says the mug will be shipped with your order, subject to availability.

An essential part of the coffee-making process which is often overlooked is a good coffee grinder. Whether you have one built into your bean to cup coffee machine or you prefer to buy pre-ground coffee, not many people think they need a coffee grinder – but I’m here to tell you why that’s wrong.

Grinding your own coffee enhances the flavour as whole beans tend to hold onto their natural aroma and oils for longer than pre-ground. As you’re grinding them fresh, these grounds will tend to last longer, and you also have more control over the grind size so you can customise each cup of joe that you make.

But which coffee grinder should you buy? I’ve listed five of our favourite coffee grinders that should be part of your set-up to turn you from a beginner to a barista.

Best coffee grinder overall

1. Smeg Coffee Grinder

Starting off strong, the Smeg Coffee Grinder has 15 grind levels and three precision settings to choose from, to cater to all types of coffees. Using conical burrs crafted from stainless steel, the Smeg Coffee Grinder delivers a consistent grind size throughout the entire process.

While it can be used to grind any coffee bean you like, the Smeg Coffee Grinder is best suited for espresso and even cold brew. At £199.95, it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, but it’s from a good quality, reliable brand so you know you’re getting something good. Plus, the Smeg Coffee Grinder comes in multiple retro-inspired colours to suit any kitchen style.

Best premium coffee grinder

2. Baratza Encore ESP Pro

Baratza’s Encore collection is full of premium at-home coffee grinders, and the newest Baratza Encore ESP Pro offers its most precise grind yet. Using Baratza’s M2 precision steel burrs, the Baratza Encore ESP Pro comes with a stepless grind adjustment mechanism which gives you more consistent control over your grind style.

The Baratza Encore ESP Pro looks the part and has a hopper at the top so you can store beans before you grind them. It has a dial and display on the front which shows your grind’s fine or coarseness, setting, time and dose method. It’s our premium pick so unsurprisingly, it’s not cheap at £249.95 / $299.95.

Best budget coffee grinder

3. Bosch Coffee Grinder

Coffee grinders don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and the Bosch Coffee Grinder proves that. At just £29.99, the Bosch Coffee Grinder doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it does a great job and it’s exceedingly easy to use.

The Bosch Coffee Grinder uses a powerful motor and stainless steel chopping blades to blend fine and coarse coffee beans. It’s best used for espresso or filter coffee, and it has a one-touch operation so you can’t really go wrong with it.

Best smart coffee grinder

4. Sage Smart Grinder Pro

Smart technology has been added to almost anything in the kitchen, so why not a coffee grinder?! The Sage Smart Grinder Pro has 60 settings to choose from and has an LCD display which lets you choose different cup and shot sizes for espresso, filter, french press and more.

What makes the Sage Smart Grinder Pro smart is its Dosing IQ technology which automatically adjusts the grind time when you change your cup or grind size amount in 0.2 second increments. This gives you total control over your coffee, while also giving you some additional help so there’s no guesswork involved.

Best travel coffee grinder

5. AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder

If you’re off on a trip and want to make coffee on the go, you can now get a travel coffee grinder in the form of the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder. Designed to go with its AeroPress portable coffee makers, the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder is a 3-in-1 coffee press with 60 adjustable settings and a portable, lightweight design.

The AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder has an Easy-Grind magnetic handle with dual bearings that turn the internal conic burrs to grind your coffee beans. It acts like a hand crank and comes with a Power Drill Adapter for quicker grinding times. It comes with a medium-fine grind pre-set for your first use, and is best for drip, pour-over, French Press and cold brew coffees.

I’ve tested many coffee machines in my time as T3’s Home Editor, but I’ve never seen an espresso maker like this before. The Flair Classic was originally launched in 2016, but as of late 2025, Flair has updated it with a pressure gauge, a stainless brew cylinder, and two portafilters.

Dubbed the first lever espresso maker, the Flair Classic works in a similar way to an Aeropress but on a larger scale. Unlike the Aeropress which has a small, cylindrical design, the Flair Classic looks like something out of a DT classroom, with a simple yet innovative lever system that requires a little bit of elbow grease.

Made from cast aluminium and stainless steel, the Flair Classic espresso machine makes barista-style espresso using a manual lever system – no electronics required. To ‘pull’ a shot of espresso, you simply add ground coffee to a portafilter before adding it to the brew base. Next, you add the brew cylinder on top and pour in boiling water.

Now for my favourite part – and the reason why I’m desperate to try the Flair Classic – you insert the piston and pressure gauge before pushing down the lever to extract your coffee. This should make a 40ml shot of espresso with crema. All the parts are removable from the main brewing head or base, so it’s easy to use and clean afterwards.

One of the main updates to the upgraded Flair Classic is its portafilters. It now comes with a bottomless 2-in-1 portafilter and a flow control portafilter to offer users more control over their coffee. The former comes in black and is designed for advanced baristas, and the latter is red and is for use with pre-ground coffee, making it better suited for beginners.

As I said before, I’ve tested my fair share of coffee machines, including bean-to-cup, pod, drip and more, and the Flair Classic is the most intriguing espresso maker I’ve ever seen. While it might look a bit too high tech at first, the Flair Classic is easy to get on with, and is a fun change from all the automatic and semi-automatic machines on the market.

The upgraded Flair Classic is available to buy for £169 / $159 at Flair.

De'Longhi has launched a new bean-to-cup coffee machine, combining three dedicated brewing methods – espresso, drip coffee and cold brew – with a menu of 20 different recipes.

The Magnifica Duo arrives just a few days after the Rivelia Start, a more compact and affordable version of De'Longhi's original Rivelia, which first launched in 2024. It seems the brand is contributing to a growing demand for coffee machines that are easier to fit into smaller kitchens, whilst also coming in at a slightly more accessible price.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Duo is available to buy now from the brand's website, priced at £699.99 in the UK and $999.95 in the US.

The Magnifica Duo uses different brewing methods depending on the type of coffee you're making. For espresso, high-pressure brewing with pre-infusion is designed to create a bold and intense flavour. For drip coffee, lower pressure and no pre-infusion allow the coffee grounds to bloom. The cold brew setting takes a different approach again, using ambient-temperature water and very low pressure to steep the grounds for longer, resulting in what De'Longhi describes as a smooth, sweet and refreshing flavour.

It also features De'Longhi's popular dishwasher-safe LatteCrema Hot and LatteCrema Cool technologies, giving you the option to create both hot and cold milk-based drinks with adjustable foam levels.

For households with multiple coffee drinkers, the Magnifica Duo offers three dedicated user profiles, allowing everyone to customise and save their favourite drink settings. Through the intuitive 2.4-inch digital display, you can choose from five drink sizes, four intensity levels and three temperature settings, making it easy to adjust your coffee exactly how you like it.

Expanding its E line-up, JURA has just launched a new version of its E10 bean to cup coffee machine. This upgraded model comes with 36 drink options, as well as hot, cold and light brew and sweet foam functions – but as a luxury brand, the JURA E10 will set you back.

The original E10 debuted back in 2004, but 22 years later, the new and improved JURA E10 is finally here, and it combines four coffee modes in one premium appliance. JURA is one of the main coffee machine brands that have jumped on the cold brew bandwagon, and the JURA E10 is no exception.

As a 4-in-1 coffee machine, the JURA E10 can make hot brew, cold brew, light brew and sweet foam drinks at the touch of a button. It uses JURA’s Cold Extraction process which it’s introduced to many of its other coffee makers, including the Z10 which we gave five stars in our JURA Z10 review.

Using freshly ground coffee beans, the JURA E10 makes rich cold brews by pulsing cold water at a high pressure to extract the right flavours without any dilution. Its light brew is a new addition to JURA’s coffee machines, which brews drinks at a 60°C temperature for smoother and lighter coffees that are ready to drink straight away.

Sweet Foam is for milk-based drinks which – you guessed it – froths milk foam and gives it a subtly sweet taste. This, as well as its hot, cold and light brew functions, can be used on all its 36 drink options, which include latte, cappuccino, cortado, espresso and flat white to name a few.

Another new and impressive feature of the JURA E10 is its Coffee Timer, which allows you to schedule your coffee ahead of time. Available via the touchscreen, you can select what coffee you want and when you want it made, and the JURA E10 will have it ready for you when you want it – an incredibly handy feature for busy mornings.

The JURA E10 is almost identical to its other E coffee machines, although it only measures 27cm wide so it's much slimmer. Available in an onyx black colour, the JURA E10 has a 3-5-inch colour touchscreen display with side buttons for easy controls.

While it might look intimidating at first, the JURA E10 is an automatic bean to cup coffee machine, making it ideal for beginners as the machine does all the work for you. The JURA E10 is available to buy now for £1,425 at JURA.

When you're looking for one of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines, it's easy to get carried away by the premium models. The most expensive machines often promise more features, smarter technology and a longer list of drinks, but do you really need to spend that much to get a great cup of coffee at home? Not necessarily.

As a result, I've been looking at some of the more affordable options from big-name brands and found that you can get an impressive coffee experience without paying top prices. I've already covered the three affordable De'Longhi coffee machines I'd buy, and now it's time to look at Sage.

Check out our other affordable coffee machine guides...

• 3 affordable Breville coffee machines I'd buy over an expensive one

• 3 affordable Ninja coffee machines I'd buy over an expensive one

• 3 affordable De'Longhi coffee machines I'd buy over an expensive one

When you spend good money on one of the best kettles or best coffee machines, you want every cup to taste as good as possible. That means staying on top of cleaning and descaling, but it also means storing your coffee beans properly when they're not in the machine – something many of us are getting wrong without even realising.

According to Luke Dalton, coffee expert at Contact Coffee Co, one of the biggest mistakes coffee drinkers make is storing their beans next to the kettle, toaster or even the coffee machine itself.

It might seem like the most convenient place, but the heat and steam from these appliances can cause your coffee to lose its freshness much more quickly.

Luke explains: "The space beside the kettle is probably one of the most convenient places to keep coffee, but it can also be one of the worst. Every time the kettle boils, or the toaster heats up, the coffee may be exposed to changes in temperature and moisture. Over time, that can affect the oils and aromatic compounds responsible for much of its flavour."

As a result, even a premium bag of speciality coffee can start tasting flat, stale or unexpectedly bitter long before you've finished it.

Instead, Luke recommends storing your coffee in a cool, dry and dark cupboard that's away from appliances that regularly produce heat. Avoid cupboards directly above the oven, hob or dishwasher too, as these areas are also exposed to changing temperatures and humidity.

"The goal isn't to make the coffee cold," Luke adds. "It's to protect it from repeated changes in heat, light and moisture."

It's also worth paying attention to how you store the bag itself. If your coffee comes in a resealable bag with a one-way valve, keep using it. Before sealing it back up, gently press out any excess air without crushing the beans, then make sure the seal is fully closed. These small steps can make a surprising difference to how long your coffee stays fresh.

De'Longhi has expanded its popular Rivelia range with the launch of the new Rivelia Start. Arriving as a smaller and more affordable alternative to the original Rivelia, which launched in 2024, the new model keeps many of the popular features whilst reducing both its size and price.

Despite the lower price tag, the Rivelia Start still offers an impressive menu of 10 one-touch hot and cold drinks, including Cappuccino and Flat White. It also retains De'Longhi's Cold Brew function, allowing you to enjoy in as little as five minutes.

The De'Longhi Rivelia Start is available now from De'Longhi's online store for £599.99, compared to the original Rivelia's £749.99 launch price. It's available in Brown and Jade Green, with the latter proving especially popular on the original model.

Having reviewed the original Rivelia when it first launched, it's been interesting to see what De'Longhi has changed this time around. One of the biggest differences is that the LatteCrema Cool carafe is now optional rather than included in the box. If you enjoy iced milk drinks, you'll need to purchase it separately for £99.99, so it's worth factoring that into the overall cost.

That said, I was pleased to see the return of the Bean Switch System, which lets you swap between two different coffee beans without emptying the hopper. There are two interchangeable 250g bean hoppers included, making it easy to switch between different blends.

The Rivelia Start is also designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Instead of relying on a touchscreen, it uses a clear control panel with buttons that's easy to navigate, making it a great option for anyone new to the best bean-to-cup coffee machines.

We'll be getting the De'Longhi Rivelia Start in for review soon, so stay tuned for our full verdict.

De'Longhi is responsible for some of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines on the market, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune to enjoy great coffee at home. Whilst its high-end models are packed with impressive features, including the recently reviewed Eletta Ultra, many of the brand's more affordable machines deliver a similar experience for hundreds of pounds less.

Whether you're looking for a manual espresso machine or a fully automatic bean-to-cup model, there's guaranteed to be a budget-friendly De'Longhi to suit you. Take a look below and see if it's included in this list...

Why don't you always need to buy the most expensive coffee machine?

It's easy to assume that the most expensive model in a brand's lineup is automatically the best choice, but that's not always the case. Premium machines often come with extra features, larger displays or more drink options that many people simply won't use every day. If all you're after is consistently great coffee, you'll often find that a mid-range or entry-level model delivers a similar result for less money.

Manufacturers like De'Longhi tend to use the same brewing technology, grinders and core coffee systems across multiple models, with the biggest differences coming down to convenience features and design.

It's recommend to do your own research of course, but by choosing a model that suits your needs rather than one with a long feature list, you can save hundreds of pounds.

Watch out, AeroPress! Following its success in the US, the OXO Brew has finally landed in the UK. With a similar look and functionality to the iconic AeroPress, the OXO Rapid Brewer makes both hot and cold coffees in as little as five minutes.

For fans of drip coffee, the OXO Rapid Brewer immerses, brews and dispenses your coffee directly into your cup. Measuring just 26.67cm in height, 7.62cm in width and diameter, the OXO Rapid Brewer features a water chamber and carafe, and a stainless steel filter.

Within its construction – which also happens to be made from 50% recycled materials, the OXO Rapid Brewer has a built-in tamper and Rainmaker showerhead. The showerhead spreads water evenly through the coffee grounds to extract flavour in a more even way.

Typically with these types of coffee makers, they’re used to make hot coffee. But the OXO Rapid Brewer can make hot coffee in two minutes and cold brew in five minutes, the latter of which can be diluted to your tastes. It also makes up to three servings at a time.

Thanks to its compact size, the OXO Rapid Brewer is lightweight and travel-friendly. You can take it with you to the office and even on your next camping trip. Unlike traditional filter coffee machines, the filter in the OXO Rapid Brewer is reusable so it’s easy to clean and less wasteful.

I’m a big fan of the AeroPress and gave the Clear version five stars. As an AeroPress dupe – although it’s only £10 cheaper – the OXO Rapid Brewer is a more versatile coffee maker, and its cold brew functionality makes it ideal for summer iced coffees.

The OXO Rapid Brewer is available to buy for £45 / $44.99 at OXO Brew and select retailers, like Amazon and Lakeland.

Founded in 2015, Dreame has really hit its stride in recent years. It’s become a go-to brand name for vacuums, air fryers, and other kitchen appliances – and it’s even reportedly working on a rocket-powered EV car! It’s safe to say that Dreame has quite extensive expertise, but its coffee machines are what you should be most excited about.

For example, if you’ve been putting off buying a bean to cup coffee machine because you have minimal room in your kitchen, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim Fully Automatic Espresso Machine could be the solution. With a width of just 18cm, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim is incredibly compact and with its cream colourway and touchscreen display, it looks the part, too.

But looks aside, how does the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim perform? I spent a few weeks using it to find out.

Dreame Ecceluxe Slim review: price and availability

The Dreame Ecceluxe Slim Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is available to buy for £499 / $799 at Dreame. It comes with a 2-year warranty, and in a cream colourway. Compared to other bean to cup coffee machines, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim is on the lower end of the price spectrum.

Dreame Ecceluxe Slim review: unboxing and setup

The Dreame Ecceluxe Slim arrived in a cardboard box with the main espresso machine unit, water tank, milk reservoir and base, milk tube, a power cord and cleaning tools. Most of it was wrapped in plastic but some items like the milk reservoir base were hidden inside the machine, so make sure to check that before you start using it.

Setting up the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim took no time at all. Once I’d taken it out of its box, all I had to do was remove the plastic wrapping and tape. From there, I added coffee beans to the bean hopper, filled the water tank and plugged the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim into an outlet.

The Dreame Ecceluxe Slim self-cleans automatically when you turn it on and shut it down. It also comes with descaling and deep clean modes.

Dreame Ecceluxe Slim review: design and features

Starting with the design, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim lives up to its ‘slim’ name as it measures 18cm in width, 40.25cm in length and 31.5cm in height. It only weighs 8kg and coupled with its dimensions, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim is easy to move around and slot into small spaces in your kitchen.

The Dreame Ecceluxe Slim has a 1.5-litre water tank which is located at the back of the machine. It’s easy to remove and refill via its handle that folds away within the lid. At the top of the machine is a 150g bean hopper and grinder which has nine grind levels to choose from to suit multiple bean types.

At the front of the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim is its touchscreen control panel. The display is relatively simple as it shows your five drink options. It’s worth noting that because the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim is fully automatic, you can’t change or customise your drink other than adjusting the bean grind within the hopper. The drinks available – which are shown via colour icons – are espresso, lungo, flat white, cappuccino and latte macchiato.

Also at the front of the machine is the dispenser where the coffee and milk comes out. This can be adjusted to suit different mug heights. A drip tray sits at the bottom, and you can open the lower half of the machine to find a container which catches your used coffee grounds.

For milk-based drinks, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim attaches to a 240ml milk reservoir via a milk tube. Promising ‘golden silky smooth extraction’, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim has 19 bar pressure which when combined with precise water temperatures and micro-pressure technology, makes delicious coffees with a smooth texture.

Dreame Ecceluxe Slim review: performance

I loved the look of the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim, and felt it made my kitchen look more stylish and professional. Its cream colour might be basic for some, but the sleek lines on the main body and colour touchscreen controls look great in any kitchen aesthetic.

Dreame boasts about its 18cm width, and rightfully so. The Dreame Ecceluxe Slim took up hardly any room on my countertop, and while it’s mainly made of plastic, it felt high quality, especially the control panel, water tank, bean hopper and grinder. What felt a bit lacking was the milk reservoir, as it felt like more of an afterthought. It’s not built-in but instead connects on the side which I wasn’t a huge fan of.

As a fully automatic coffee machine, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim was very easy to use. I found it made rich espresso but was surprised to find it made quite small amounts of coffee. It made single and double shots well, but it felt more like a trickle of coffee than full shots, compared to other coffee machines I've tested. I tended to have half a mug of coffee when making a latte or cappuccino rather than a full one.

The Dreame Ecceluxe Slim frothed and heated milk first before dispensing coffee which was something I wasn’t used to. I’ve tested many coffee machines, and the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim is the first machine I’ve tried that makes coffee this way round.

Due to this, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim didn’t make a huge amount of foam for my cappuccino or latte macchiato drinks, so if you like your latte art, you won’t get it with this machine. However, the coffee tasted amazing, and I found the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim to heat both dairy and plant-based milk exceptionally well.

Everything was well packed away and designed with the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim. The drip tray and coffee puck container is built-in to keep everything tidy, and I enjoyed how you could raise the coffee dispenser up and down to suit different mug sizes. I was also surprised by how quiet the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim was, even when grinding beans.

Dreame Ecceluxe Slim review: verdict

For those with smaller kitchens who don’t want to faff around customising their own coffees, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim is a brilliant choice. It’s compact, stylish and fits in any space, plus everything is packed away tidily to save even more space and minimise kitchen clutter.

In terms of performance, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim made delicious tasting coffee, but at very small amounts. I’d say it works best for espresso, and despite its cheap-feeling milk reservoir, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim can also heat both dairy and plant-based milks to perfection – you just won’t get a huge coffee, nor very foamy milk.

At £499, the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim is in the mid-range of bean to cup coffee machines. I’d recommend it to espresso lovers and small kitchen owners, as well as those who want something easy to use and quick coffees from a single touch.

Dreame Ecceluxe Slim review: alternatives to consider

One of our favourite automatic coffee machines is the KitchenAid KF8. It’s exceedingly more expensive than the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim at £1,899, but it has an easy touchscreen interface, and a wide variety of espresso options. It’s also the most hygienic coffee machine we’ve ever used as it’s always constantly self-cleaning!

For something more versatile, the Ninja Luxe Cafe makes espresso, filter coffee and cold brew. It has an attractive black and stainless steel design, and simple touch, button and dial controls. It’s not as simple to set up as the Dreame Ecceluxe Slim, but it’s great value for money once you get started.

Ninja is no stranger to the world of coffee machines, having launched several models over the past few years. However, what's been particularly interesting is how the brand has approached coffee from multiple angles. We've seen traditional coffee makers, bean-to-cup machines and hybrid systems that attempt to do a bit of everything. Now, Ninja is taking another step forward with the new AutoBarista Pro, a machine that puts a much bigger emphasis on automation than ever before.

Like some of its predecessors, the Ninja AutoBarista Pro combines multiple brewing methods into a single appliance. This time, however, it's bringing together bean-to-cup espresso, filter coffee and rapid cold brew functionality, creating what is arguably Ninja's most ambitious coffee machine to date.

I'm a big fan of both Ninja as a brand and the coffee machines it's released so far, so I couldn't wait to put the AutoBarista Pro to the test.

Price and availability

The Ninja AutoBarista Pro is priced at £899.99 in the UK, making it the brand's most premium coffee machine yet. It's available directly from SharkNinja, as well as retailers including Currys, John Lewis and Argos. In the US, it retails for $949.99.

At launch, the machine is available in a stainless steel finish, although Ninja's website also lists several alternative colours currently marked as sold out, including Midnight Blue, Oat Milk, Mocha and Vista Green. That suggests a wider range of finishes could become available in the near future.

Unboxing and set up

As with most Ninja machines, but somewhat surprisingly compared to other bean-to-cup coffee machines, the AutoBarista Pro is incredibly easy to set up. The whole process mainly involves removing the seemingly endless amount of packaging stickers (something Ninja is very thorough with), attaching the cup rack, and filling both the bean hopper and water tank.

You're also prompted to install the included water filter, which I'd highly recommend if you live in a hard water area like I do. The process is straightforward, and requires soaking the filter for a few minutes, inserting it into the holder, and setting the reminder dial to the month you installed it. Once that's done, it clips into the bottom of the water tank and stays securely in place. After everything is filled and ready to go, you can switch the machine on and start getting familiar with the controls.

At this stage, I did find it slightly disappointing that the water tank isn't accessible from the front, requiring you to pull the machine forward to remove and refill it. Plenty of manufacturers have started addressing this issue on newer models, so it feels like a missed opportunity here.

GrindIQ

Now, the main step to focus on between physically setting the machine up and pouring your first shot is the GrindIQ process. You'll want to run this before you start brewing and again whenever you switch to a different bag of beans. During the sequence, the machine pulls 2-3 shots whilst automatically calibrating the grinder.

GrindIQ works by pulling a shot and monitoring the flow rate and pressure. If either is off, it'll tweak the grind for the next shot, repeating the process until it's happy. That said, if you prefer your espresso a little finer (or coarser), you can still manually offset the grinder by up to two steps either way.

When I ran the calibration, it used around 200g of beans, which felt like quite a lot for the process. It's definitely worth doing to get the best results, but it's something to bear in mind. Personally, it'd make me think twice about using an expensive specialty coffee for calibration, and I'd probably reach for a more affordable bean that I still enjoy instead.

Design and features

Despite featuring 3-in-1 functionality, the AutoBarista Pro is an incredible looking machine. The integrated grinder, central control panel and automatic milk frothing system are all neatly incorporated into the unit, and it all feels very premium indeed. However, there's no getting around the fact that it's a fairly substantial appliance that will demand a decent amount of countertop space.

At the front, you'll find an intuitive control interface that provides access to 13 one-touch drinks, including Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Cold Brew and filter coffee. The machine features the brand's new AutoBarista Technology, which removes much of the trial and error traditionally associated with home espresso machines.

It automatically adjusts key brewing variables depending on the drink selected, including Grind iQ Technology, which calibrates the grind size to suit the beans being used, helping to maximise flavour extraction without requiring manual adjustment. Alongside this sits Calibrated Brewing Technology, which optimises water temperature and pressure to ensure each drink is brewed consistently.

The AutoBarista Pro also allows users to create and save up to two custom profiles, storing preferences such as drink strength, size, temperature and froth style. For households with multiple coffee drinkers, this means favourite drinks can be recreated with a single tap rather than having to manually adjust settings each time.

Milk-based drinks are handled by Ninja's FrothPerfect Technology, and it's a significant step up from the simpler frothing system found on the Ninja Prestige DualBrew System. The automatic wand works with both dairy and plant-based milk and offers five froth settings – steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth, extra-thick froth and cold foam.

Ninja has also included two interchangeable 340g bean hoppers, making it easy to switch between different coffee beans without emptying the grinder. This is particularly useful if you like to alternate between regular and decaf coffee or experiment with different roasts.

A dual-shot brewing function is also included, allowing two espresso shots to be prepared simultaneously for faster drink preparation.

Performance

Once I'd finished admiring the AutoBarista Pro, it was time to see how it actually performed. If you've read my reviews before, you'll know that a cappuccino is always my starting point, so that's exactly where I began.

The first thing that caught me off guard was that this isn't the quickest automatic bean-to-cup machine I've tested. After selecting my drink, there was around two to three minutes of grinding, whirring and preparation before anything actually started pouring. That's not necessarily a problem if you're not in a rush, but compared to many rivals, it does feel a little slow.

You're also prompted to pour milk into the jug before the drink starts. Like the Ninja Luxe Café, the jug features clear measuring markers so you know exactly how much milk to add. I particularly liked its larger size, which seemed to help heat the milk more evenly during the frothing process.

Once the brewing process began, the milk was frothed first. Initially, I was concerned that it might cool down before the espresso was ready, but that wasn't an issue and the temperature remained excellent throughout.

I also loved the small lights positioned above both the milk and coffee dispensing areas. It's such a minor detail, but it's something I haven't seen on many machines before. When the milk starts frothing, one light illuminates, and when the espresso begins pouring, another switches on above the coffee outlet. It makes the machine feel more premium and I can imagine it being particularly useful on dark winter mornings.

That said, my first cappuccino was a little disappointing. Despite running the GrindIQ sequence in advance, the espresso shot felt quite watery and lacked the rich crema I'd been expecting. Given it was the machine's first brew, I was willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. On the plus side, the milk texture was excellent and produced a silky finish.

The next day, I decided to try some different beans to see if the results changed. I therefore ran the GrindIQ sequence and brewed a straight espresso, which definitely helped. There was more crema this time and the shot seemed thicker, so I'd strongly recommend changing coffee beans and running the sequence again if your experience is similar to mine.

Performance then seemed to improve slightly after several drinks, and the machine became quicker once it had settled in. That said, it's still not the fastest bean-to-cup machine I've tested. I'll pop a TikTok below, but please be aware I've cut it down for timing purposes and it features the first cappuccino I made before switching beans.

Where the AutoBarista Pro really shines is customisation. The large display is excellent, making it easy to adjust drink strength, add an extra shot, alter milk texture and tweak brewing temperatures. Everything is clearly laid out and straightforward to navigate.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the dual bean hopper system, which is something you typically see more often on manual bean-to-cup machines than fully automatic models. Whilst I probably won't switch between hoppers every day, I love the fact that they're removable for cleaning.

I've lost count of the number of times I've had to tip a machine upside down to remove leftover coffee beans before returning it to a brand, so being able to lift the hopper off entirely will make maintenance far easier.

Verdict

The Ninja AutoBarista Pro is an incredibly user-friendly automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine. Setup is simple, the interface is intuitive, and the sheer amount of drink customisation on offer makes it easy to tailor drinks to your exact preferences. Features such as the dual bean hoppers, automatic milk frothing system and user profiles also help justify its premium positioning.

That said, it isn't perfect. Brewing can feel slower than some rivals, and a high espresso quality can involve multiple GrindIQ sequences, which uses up a lot of beans. However, if convenience, versatility and ease of use are your priorities, the AutoBarista Pro is a highly capable all-in-one coffee machine that you will immensely enjoy.

Alternatives to consider

If you'd prefer to stay with Ninja but don't necessarily need the AutoBarista Pro's fully automatic approach, the Ninja Luxe Café remains an excellent alternative. It's a little more hands-on and requires more user input, but it rewards that effort with fantastic coffee and remains one of the brand's strongest machines.

Another impressive alternative is the De'Longhi Eletta Ultra. It's one of the newest premium bean-to-cup machines on the market and offers an enormous drinks menu alongside excellent personalisation features. It is more expensive than the AutoBarista Pro, however, so you'll need to decide whether those extra features justify the additional outlay.

It’s day two of the Amazon Prime Day sale, and while many people are frantically trying to find cheap offers on fans – spoiler alert, there aren’t many! – the deals you should really be looking for are on coffee machines.

Pod coffee machines have been getting huge price cuts for Prime Day, including this deal I just found on the Nespresso Vertuo Next. Right now at Amazon, you can get Nespresso’s “best pod coffee machine for most people” for 60% off its retail price.

Buy the Nespresso Vertuo Next deal

Shop the full Prime Day sale

Originally priced at £198.99, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is now available for just £79 in this cheap Prime Day deal. Not only do you get this premium pod coffee machine for less, but this deal also includes a starter kit of coffee pods – what more could you ask for, really!

Nespresso is one of our favourite pod coffee maker brands due to its reliability and high quality construction. Our reviewer gave this machine five stars in his Nespresso Vertuo Next review and commented that he loved how quick and easy it was to use, its quirky styling and extensive drink selection.

The Nespresso Vertuo Next heats up in just 30 seconds so you can get your coffee fix almost instantly. It exclusively works with Nespresso Vertuo pods which come in 30 different blends and with barcodes on them. When you add your pod into the Nespresso Vertuo Next, the machine reads the barcode and adjusts its brewing settings so you get the right amount of water, heat and coffee for the best flavour.

The design of the Nespresso Vertuo Next is compact yet stylish so while it won’t take up room in your kitchen, you probably won’t mind as it looks so great. It can make seven different cup sizes from ristretto to carafes, and you can even connect the Nespresso Vertuo Next to the Nespresso app for software updates, alerts and coffee-making advice.

To get you started with your new Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee machine, this deal also includes a starter kit of 12 pods.

The Amazon Prime Day sale is in full swing, and I’ve just found an amazing deal on the De’Longhi Eletta Explore, the “bean to cup coffee machine I can no longer live without.”

Right now at Amazon, the De’Longhi Eletta Explore has been given a generous £445 price cut, taking it down to its cheapest ever price. It’s arguably one of the best bean to cup coffee machines we’ve ever tried at T3, as it makes an incredible array of both hot and cold drinks, has simple controls, and is a stunning addition to your kitchen.

Buy the De'Longhi Eletta Explore deal

Shop the Prime Day sale

Originally priced at £969.99, the De’Longhi Eletta Explore is now £524.99, saving you £445 on this luxury coffee machine. Is this espresso maker still expensive? Yes, but it’s rare to get this big of a discount on a De’Longhi coffee machine so if you want it, this is the deal I’d recommend buying.

Our Home Writer, Lizzie Wilmot gave this coffee machine five stars in her De'Longhi Eletta Explore review. Lizzie and I have both tested hundreds of products for T3, but the De’Longhi Eletta Explore is honestly the one I hear her rave about the most – here’s why.

The De’Longhi Eletta Explore has a stunning colour touchscreen which is so easy to use, barista experts and coffee beginners can both enjoy it. It has drink options, a settings menu, and profile selection, as well as quick shortcuts for your favourite hot or cold beverages.

Speaking of hot and cold, the De’Longhi Eletta Explore can make hot and cold brew coffees. It has two LatteCrema milk carafes which can be used to froth the perfect milk for both hot and cold coffees, as well as dairy and plant-based milks. It truly is a top-tier choice for coffee lovers, and as Lizzie said, “there's no secret that it comes with a higher price tag, but its features, design and menu variation explains it all.”

Fellow's one of those brands that has really only just made a name for itself in the last few years. It's a brand based out of the US that's designing some of the most cutting-edge coffee tech we've seen in the industry to date, and the Espresso Series 1, is its first debut on a fully fledged coffee bar, and I'll tell you right now, for the price, it is outstandingly good.

The Fellow Espresso Series 1 coffee machine has been designed in part with ex-barista champions and all manner of technical experts and delivers extraordinary espresso, through and through. It's a difficult product to review because there are so few negatives to be said about it. That's not to say it's perfect; there is the odd hiccup here and there, but overall, what you're getting for the price, it's well worth living with and it's easily one of the best espresso machines money can buy.

Fellow Espresso Series 1 review: Price and availability

As of June 2026, you can pick up an Espresso Series 1 in the US for around $1,499 from Fellow directly. Alternatively, you can also grab one on pre-order in the UK for about the same price from Origin as well. Although availability is still limited at this time.

There's all manner of different finishes as well. You can pick up the Cherry Red & Walnut version we have here, but Fellow will also sell you a black version, along with malted chocolate & maple, a woodland green and walnut, sesame white and maple, a marine blue and walnut.

Fellow Espresso Series 1 review: Design and build

I'm going to sound like a broken record for much of this, but the overall build is exemplary. The unboxing experience isn't anything too special, but once you get the Series 1 out of its packaging, that's when you really get to appreciate it. The chrome-plated group head, the walnut handle, the bold fellow logo lovingly etched into everything. Even the steam wand looks good. The finish, too, with that gloss metal body, is just lush.

The group handle itself is a hefty wooden unit, with a naked bottomless portafilter, meaning your espresso prep needs to be on point to avoid any mess (perhaps my only gripe is that they don't include a full metal dual-spout portafilter as well). The basket is the industry standard 58mm design, but the group handle itself is bespoke to the Series 1, so if you want to swap it out, you'll need to get one that's compatible with the group head design.

Fellow also included a full water hardness kit, used during the first setup (the machine asks you to test your water before proceeding to fill it so it can set its own descaling cycle, with a handy digital indicator and PH test stick). Alongside that, there's also a small milk pitcher included, as well as a wooden tamp as well. The tamp is a little light, but that's mostly an aesthetic grievance (as realistically you're going to be using your body weight, not the tamp, to compact your coffee puck).

Other things to point out. Steam wand? Fully articulating, with a built-in temperature probe. It's got a 2L water reservoir on the right side that's fully removable, and a fairly sizable drip tray too. Oh, and of course, you get a full circular display and control dial, plus three simple buttons on top for quick use as well. Although more on that in a bit.

Fellow Espresso Series 1 review: Performance

It's the display of the Fellow Espresso Series 1 that's half the fun here as well. Once you've finished your setup and you've got the tank full (don't worry, it'll let you know if it's running short, because of course it does), you can then run through all the settings, including the insane amount of espresso logic that's built in here.

You get a whole plethora of different shot profiles as standard, modern-arc, classic, turbo shots, and tonnes more, all fully customizable. You can control pre-infusion times, shot duration, water ratio, temperature to within 0.1 of a degree (thanks to a digital PID), ramp curves, the lot. It's properly deep, and there's even more nerdy settings (in a menu literally called settings for nerds).

Shot analysis too is top tier, with a very simple display that shows you pressure, shot completion percentage, and total time all in a handy little circular panel. It's perfect for dialling in quick too. Switch to steaming milk after you've pulled that perfect shot, and that too is all visible on the display, where you can set what temperature you want, hit go, and then it'll auto-shut off once it reaches that point.

There's just so much going on here, it's radical. It's commercial-grade tech in a machine that costs half as much as it probably should. Combined with a pump that's honestly as silent as the grave. Compared to Gaggia's Classic UP (itself a more than capable machine) I could barely hear it at all, when it was pulling a double.

Fellow Espresso Series 1 review: Verdict

I can't express enough just how impressed I've been with my time with the Espresso Series 1. I've been using it for about two weeks now at the roastery, and it's by far my favourite bar to use in place.

Is it perfect? Well, there's a few things that frustrate me a little. But they're very minor. It's still not quite as heavy as I'd like. That's particularly annoying when you're trying to lock the group handle into position with a fresh puck prepped in it, and the steam wand is very low to the drip tray as well. Which is great if you're ghosting milk (the act of just leaving the steam wand in the jug while it steams and not controlling the pitcher), but less useful if you want to actually control your texturing.

The pucks, too, are a little on the wet side. From my research, this seems to be a result of the solenoid design in the Series 1. But again, it's mostly cosmetic and doesn't impact flavour at all, just the clean-up.

And yet still, if someone came to me, looking to build the ultimate home espresso setup, without breaking the bank, I'd recommend this over practically every other machine out there. Particularly if you've got the budget. Pair it with something like a Niche Zero single-shot zero-retention grinder, and you'll never need to visit a coffee shop ever again.

Fellow Espresso Series 1 review: Alternatives to consider

At this point, there's no use denying just how phenomenal the Espresso Series 1 is, but if you're not keen on all the manual faff involved with pulling your own shots and steaming your milk, but are still looking for a solid alternative, I'd highly recommend you check out Sage's Oracle Dual Boiler. It's a brilliant automatic machine, ideal for those too tired to worry about what the pressure profile is on their latest batch of Ethiopian Gesha.

Alternatively (and to be honest, it's quite a bit cheaper) the Gaggia Classic UP is a redesigned icon that refuses to go down without a fight. At £800, the UP refresh finally brings dual PID to the legendary line-up, and the handy display gives you a good chance of getting the perfect shot dialled in. Is the steam wand as good as the Series 1? No, but it's pretty close, particularly at near half the cost.

Lavazza has just announced its new Tablì pod coffee machine and tabs in the US. The most revolutionary part of the new system is the tabs which are completely free of plastic and made entirely of 100% coffee.

Many people love pod coffee machines as they’re quick and easy to use, and they come with a wide variety of pod options to choose from, including espressos, lattes and even flavoured coffees. But as most pods are single-serve and made from plastic, they can be extremely wasteful.

Lavazza is addressing this problem with the US debut of its Tablì pod coffee maker and its accompanying coffee tabs. Instead of using plastic or other outer packaging, the Tablì tabs are made from 100% coffee, so there’s no capsule, wrapping or coating on them at all.

To make its Tablì ‘pods’, Lavazza compresses precisely ground and tamped coffee into a solid tab. The tabs are circular, and have a concave shape to let the coffee expand as it brews to get that full flavour and smooth crema. Not only do the Tablì tabs look cool, but they have completely removed any and all plastic to cut down on waste.

The Tablì tabs are compatible with the Tablì pod coffee maker, and act the same as traditional pods. Designed in Italy, the Lavazza Tablì machine is the first espresso machine to use these types of pods, and it comes with a simple bean-shaped sliding mechanism at the top where you can add your tabs.

The top of the Tablì houses the controls, including on/off, and single and double espresso options. The Tablì machine also comes with an adjustable coffee spout, and removable base and drip tray to cater to different cup sizes. It’s available in Sand White, Walnut Brown and Graphite Black colours.

The new Tablì tabs will launch with five blends available – Espresso, Double Espresso, Lungo, Super Crema and Decaf. The Lavazza Tablì bundle is available to pre-order now, which gives you a 60 variety collection of tabs, the Tablì machine, Tab Tweezer and a milk frother for $99.99.

It’s expected to officially launch in the US later this year, but no pricing or availability has been announced for the UK just yet.

While it might not look or feel like summer right now – the joys of UK weather – Grind is gearing up for the sunny season by launching its new summer coffee pod flavours. Perfect for your pod coffee machine, the limited edition collection features Honey Nut and Sweet Miso flavours that are specifically designed for your iced coffee fix.

The new summer coffee pods from Grind are inspired by seasonal flavours, and its customers’ favourite drinks served in Grind cafes. For example, you can now make Grind’s popular Honey Nut Shaken Latte from its cafes in the comfort of your home with its new Honey Nut pods.

The Honey Nut pods might be my favourite from the range, as I love a sweet syrup in my morning latte. While the taste is definitely sweeter than standard coffees, the Honey Nut flavour combines rich coffee with golden honey and toasted nuts for a smooth, balanced flavour.

For those who prefer sweet and savoury tastes, the Sweet Miso pods is what you’ll want from Grind’s new summer range. It blends Grind’s specialty-grade coffee with caramelised and umami notes, so you should get a combination of sweetness and saltiness in each sip.

The new Grind summer pods can be used to make both hot and cold drinks, but the flavours really shine when served as iced coffees. As is the case with all Grind pods, the Honey Nut and Sweet Miso pods are Nespresso-compatible so you can use them with any Nespresso pod machine, including Grind’s very own Grind One machine.

What’s even better about Grind coffee pods is that they’re home-compostable, and made from plants to make them more ethically and easy to dispose of. The coffee they use is also ethically sourced, and you can create your own blends.

Grind’s new summer coffee pods are available to buy in 30, 60 or 100 pods. Prices start at £15.75 for a one-time purchase of 30 pods, or you can sign up for Grind pod subscription which is £13.95. For first-time delivery, you can get 25% off.

Ninja just shrunk its popular Luxe Café coffee machine, and I think I like it better than the original. Designed with smaller kitchens in mind, the Ninja Luxe Café MINI Plus makes espresso and drip coffee, grinds its own beans and expertly froths milk, all in a much smaller size.

Never one to do things by half, Ninja first entered the coffee machine in 2015, but it really made its mark within the space when it launched the original Ninja Luxe Café in 2024.

Since then, it’s launched Pro and Premier versions with more coffee and froth presets, and debuted even more machines, including the Prestige DualBrew System and the AutoBarista Pro.

Ninja’s coffee machine line-up has definitely taken a ‘bigger is better’ approach – until now, that is. Ninja’s newest espresso machine, the Ninja Luxe Café MINI Plus has gone in the opposite direction, and has been downsized to be 30% smaller than the Luxe Café Pro.

With a 1.3-litre water tank and 250g bean hopper, the Ninja Luxe Café MINI Plus measures 26.01cm in length, 30.91cm in width and 34.11cm in height. It takes up minimal space in your kitchen, but still looks the part with its luxurious black and silver colourway.

As a 2-in-1 coffee maker, the Ninja Luxe Café MINI Plus makes single and double espressos, and drip coffee. Its built-in grinder offers 60 grind sizes, and uses Barista Assist technology to automatically recommend specific grinds for your drink. It also monitors and adjusts brewing temperatures and pressures, so you get the best flavour and texture from your coffee.

The control panel is easy to use, and gives you a lot of freedom to personalise your drinks. Users can choose from single and double shots, three brewing strengths, three hot water settings, and three froth presets for dairy and plant-based milks. The panel also has a progress bar to guide you through the coffee-making process.

The Ninja Luxe Café MINI Plus comes with a precision scale, tamper, steam wand and milk jug. Ninja has really thought of everything, and it packs a lot of features into the smaller, compact design. We’ve tested a few Ninja coffee machines at T3, and have always been impressed, so I expect great things from the Ninja Luxe Café MINI Plus.

The Ninja Luxe Café MINI Plus Espresso Machine is available to buy now for £499.99 / $449.99 at SharkNinja.

Summer is fast approaching which can mean only one thing – it’s iced coffee season! To celebrate, Nespresso has launched its new iced coffee range, featuring limited edition pods in unusual flavours, and the return of its popular travel tumblers.

Nespresso’s iced coffee collection for summer 2026 is all about the pods. Compatible with Nespresso Vertuo pod coffee machines, the standout from the new range is the Vanilla Yuzu flavour and fans of sweet coffees are sure to love it.

Vanilla Yuzu is a combination of sweet vanilla, bright citrus and pastries, alongside a light-roast Arabica blend. A zesty coffee does sound slightly strange to me, but as it’s meant to be served over ice or with a tonic, Vanilla Yuzu definitely sounds like a refreshing option for when the weather heats up.

While Vanilla Yuzu is the new launch for this iced coffee collection, Nespresso has also brought back some fan favourites. Coconut Vanilla is back, featuring a blend of – you guessed it – coconut and vanilla – and you can also find White Chocolate & Strawberry making a reappearance.

Another returning product is the Oatly Barista Edition pod. This collaboration between Nespresso and Oatly came out in 2025 and oat milk fans loved it, as the coffee perfectly compliments oat milk, and produces smooth, sweet drinks.

One of the hits from Nespresso’s spring pastel collection from last year was its colourful travel tumblers. They quickly went viral due to their stunning pink and yellow colours, with the Travel Tumbler in particular winning fans over with its straw and cap accessories.

Now for summer 2026, the Travel Tumbler is back in Bubblegum Pink, and I think I like it more than before. The Small Travel Mug is also returning in a bold Yuzu Yellow colour.

Prices on the Nespresso iced coffee collection start at 63p per pod or £6.30 a sleeve which comes with 10 pods. The tumblers start at £19. An affordable way to get your iced coffee fix? Sign me up!

If you’re looking for a new pod coffee machine, why not make it one from Ducati?! You read that right – Ducati, the Italian motorcycle brand, has collaborated with Swiss company Cuisine Barista on its very own (and very expensive) pod coffee machine.

The Barista M3 by Ducati is in celebration of Ducati’s 100 year anniversary of Italian engineering. While the coffee maker is definitely a fitting tribute to the Italian brand, it struck me as funny that it used a Swiss coffee manufacturer to make the machine but never mind about that – what’s the actual machine like, I hear you ask.

Firstly, the Barista M3 by Ducati is a pod coffee machine and uses Nespresso Original pods as Cuisine Barista is known to specialise in Nespresso machines. The design is undeniably attractive with carbon fibre panelling throughout the styling, and Ducati badges dotted around it. Made from stainless steel, it’s available in black, white or red with the latter being my favourite.

Speaking of carbon fibre, the Barista M3 by Ducati has been dubbed as the “only true carbon-fibre capsule coffee machine in the world.” While it’s a pod coffee machine and more suited for espressos, the Barista M3 by Ducati has a “world’s first in-cup milk frother” so you can make lattes, cappuccinos and other milk-based drinks.

The milk frother on the Barista M3 by Ducati is extremely clever. Users simply add their milk of choice in the steel cup, and put it in the cupholder for frothing. Using heat induction, the Barista M3 by Ducati froths milk expertly to your preferred temperature, and you can use it to make hot and cold foam.

The Barista M3 by Ducati is definitely advanced for a pod coffee machine, and gives you more control over your coffee making. It has a PID controller that maintains the right heat, which you can also adjust to your tastes. Users can select brewing temperature and flavour profile, too and the machine is quick to heat up in just seven seconds.

As you might expect, the Barista M3 by Ducati will cost you quite a bit. It’s on the higher end of the pod coffee machine budget, and will set you back 1,599 Swiss Francs which converts to around £1,500 / $2,000.

The Barista M3 by Ducati is available to pre-order now with an expected shipping date of October. It’s limited to just 1,926 machines as in keeping with Ducati’s 1926 origins.