Description
After extensive testing in our workshop, we’ve concluded this machine is primarily designed for casual coffee drinkers who want a straightforward brewing experience.
If you’re passionate about speciality coffee or starting your home barista journey, you might want to look elsewhere.
While it’s not technically a one-touch machine, it comes with a significant advantage: the price tag sits well below traditional bean-to-cup machines, and it produces notably hotter milk drinks than most competitors.
For coffee lovers seeking an affordable cappuccino/latte maker who prefer their drinks piping hot, this machine offers excellent value compared to the typical £600-£700 price tag of fully automatic alternatives.
Key Specifications
- 1.4 L Water Tank
- Auto Frothing Milk Carafe
- Maximum Cup Height 10cm
- 22cm Wide 27cm Deep and 32cm Tall
Let’s address the “One Touch” designation straight away.
In our assessment, the “one touch” label likely stems from the automatic milk frothing carafe – similar to those found in genuine one-touch machines.
However, true one-touch machines feature integrated grinders, internal brewing units, and interfaces that let you select your drink with a single button press.
This machine operates quite differently. It’s essentially a budget-friendly pump espresso machine with a portafilter, enhanced by a milk carafe typically found on more expensive bean-to-cup systems.
The workflow requires several steps: dosing pre-ground coffee into the portafilter basket (or grinding your own), applying a light tamp, securing it in the group head, and pressing multiple buttons for drinks like large lattes.
Regarding milk texture, our testing revealed standard results typical of automatic milk carafes. While not exceptional, it meets the expectations of most regular coffee drinkers.
One notable characteristic is the milk temperature – if you’re among the many British coffee drinkers who prefer exceptionally hot milk drinks, you’ll likely appreciate this machine.
As coffee professionals, we found the milk temperature concerning. Our measurements showed consistent readings around 75C, which in our experience is 10-15C above optimal temperature for preserving milk’s natural sweetness and flavour complexity.
However, if you typically request “extra hot” drinks at cafes or plan to add sugar or syrup, this higher temperature won’t be an issue.
For those seeking an affordable option (while not cheap, it costs roughly a quarter of entry-level one-touch machines), offering straightforward operation and consistently hot cappuccinos and lattes, this machine deserves consideration.
For more affordable espresso machine options, check out our comprehensive guide:
The Best Cheap Espresso Machines
Reviews
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