If you want to make espresso and milk with one slim appliance, a portafilter machine with a steam wand is a good choice if you want to froth the milk yourself. A bean-to-cup machine with an automatic milk system involves fewer steps. A compact capsule machine can take up very little space, but you’ll need a separate solution for frothed milk. Remember to measure the space you need for preparing milk, refilling and cleaning. Add the honey to the glass separately, as in a De’Longhi recipe.
You want to make espresso and warm milk without taking up too much of your limited worktop space. Measure not only the machine, but also the room you need to froth milk and access the parts. De’Longhi lists the dimensions of the De’Longhi Dedica Style.
You often make a latte and are weighing up fewer steps against the space needed for a larger appliance and the cleaning of its milk components. The Consumentenbond describes different ways to prepare milk, from an automatic system to a steam wand.
You want control over your espresso and milk froth, and don’t mind practising your frothing technique or cleaning a steam wand. The Consumentenbond recommends briefly purging the steam wand and wiping it down after use.
Choose this option: if you want to make espresso and milk with one appliance and froth the milk yourself. According to De’Longhi, the De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK is 149 mm wide.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to practise frothing and clean the steam wand after use.
Choose this option: if you often make milk-based coffee and want fewer steps. Philips describes the EP2333/40 as having an automatic LatteGo system.
Bear in mind: parts that come into contact with milk still need cleaning. Also check the dimensions and access to the parts of the model you choose.
Choose this option: if a very slim machine and simple espresso are your priorities. Nespresso lists the Essenza Mini as 8.4 cm wide.
Bear in mind: a separate frother needs extra worktop space and must be cleaned separately.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Space when in use | Measure the width and depth, and leave room for a milk jug, the water reservoir and removing parts. According to De’Longhi, the De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK is 149 mm wide; according to Nespresso, the Essenza Mini is 8.4 cm wide. These are the machine dimensions, not the measurements of the complete setup. | If you have limited worktop space, you’ll want to be able to reach everything while making coffee and refilling the machine. Around 36% of consumers give available worktop space the highest priority. |
| Milk preparation | Check whether the model has a steam wand or an automatic milk system, or allow space for a separate frother. Add the honey to the glass separately; this is also the order used in a De’Longhi recipe. | If you make lattes, choose the milk-preparation method that suits how much you want to do yourself. Around 29% of consumers prioritise their choice of milk-preparation method. |
| Operation and cleaning | Check how to clean the steam wand or milk components on the exact model. The Consumentenbond recommends briefly purging a steam wand and wiping it down after use. | If you make milk-based coffee every day, simple daily steps may matter more than controlling the texture of the milk yourself. Around 21% of consumers focus mainly on convenience and maintenance. |
| Ongoing supplies | Compare what you’ll need for the model you choose, such as capsules or coffee, filters and cleaning products. Include a separate milk frother if the machine doesn’t have one. | If you want to factor in the cost of regular use, compare the supplies needed for the options you’re considering. Around 14% of consumers put ongoing running costs first. |
The machine’s width doesn’t tell you how much space you need to make coffee, refill it and clean it. A milk jug or separate frother can take up space too.
Measure the whole setup on your worktop and check that you can reach the reservoir and other parts.
Remember to leave room to move a milk jug and, if you use one, to place a separate coffee grinder.
Automatic milk systems also have parts that come into contact with milk and need cleaning.
Check the cleaning steps for the exact model and follow the instructions for its milk components.
If you use your machine regularly, you’ll also need to consider the supplies required for coffee and maintenance. Include a separate milk frother in your comparison if you need one for your latte.
Compare the options based on the same expected frequency of use, and include the supplies needed for coffee, filters and cleaning.
The Dedica Style EC685.BK is a manual espresso machine for anyone looking to combine one appliance with manual milk preparation.
The fully automatic EP2333/40 is worth comparing if you want to prepare milk automatically.
The Essenza Mini is a slim Original capsule machine for espresso; you’ll need to prepare the milk froth separately.
The Bambino BES450 is a manual option for anyone who wants to make espresso and prepare milk themselves.
The Barista Perfetta Plus is a manual espresso option to consider if you want to prepare espresso and milk froth yourself.
This selection includes portafilter machines with manual milk preparation and bean-to-cup machines with an automatic milk system. Compare how each option suits the space you have and how much work you want to do yourself.
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A portafilter machine with an adjustable steam wand for anyone who wants to froth milk themselves.
The product description lists a pressure gauge, cup warmer and removable 1.1 L water reservoir.
The stated dimensions are 11.2 inches wide and 5.1 inches deep; also measure the space you’ll need when using the machine.
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A manual espresso machine with a steam wand for anyone who wants to make espresso and milk with one appliance.
The stated width is 14,90 cm. The product description also lists a removable water reservoir and cup warmer.
Milk is frothed manually, so leave room to use the steam wand and a milk jug.
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A bean-to-cup machine with LatteGo for anyone who wants to make milk-based drinks without using a steam wand themselves.
The product description lists one-touch preparation of milk-based coffee drinks and a LatteGo system that can be rinsed under the tap or cleaned in the dishwasher.
Before buying, check the dimensions and whether you can easily reach the parts in your kitchen.
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A manual portafilter machine for anyone who wants to make espresso and milk froth themselves.
The product description lists ground or pre-ground coffee, a built-in steam wand and an adjustable cup stand.
The steam wand needs cleaning after use, so check that the whole setup will fit on your worktop.
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A bean-to-cup machine with an automatic milk frother for anyone who wants to make milk-based drinks without frothing the milk manually.
The product description lists one-touch preparation of espresso, cappuccino and latte macchiato, and a removable 1.70 L water reservoir.
Measure the machine and check that you can reach the reservoir and milk components in the space available.
No, you don’t need a special honey programme to make a honey latte. In a De’Longhi recipe, the honey goes into the glass first, followed by the espresso. Choose your machine based on the espresso, milk-preparation method you want and the space available.
Clean the parts that come into contact with milk according to the instructions for the exact model. The Consumentenbond recommends briefly purging and wiping down a steam wand immediately after use.
Compare the supplies needed for the models you’re considering, such as capsules or coffee, filters and cleaning products. If your capsule machine doesn’t have a built-in milk frother, include a separate one in your comparison.
No, according to the Rijksoverheid, the Netherlands doesn’t have a fixed statutory guarantee period. You’re entitled to a product that works properly for as long as you can reasonably expect; if something goes wrong, contact the seller. A manufacturer’s guarantee may be offered in addition.
According to Milieu Centraal, you can hand in an old, similar appliance free of charge when you buy a new one, including with an online purchase. You can also pass on an appliance that still works for reuse.
