Want to make several flat whites after a family meal with as little effort as possible? Look for a fully automatic machine whose flat white function is confirmed for the exact model. A portafilter machine with a steam wand gives you more control over the milk, but requires more hands-on work. With a capsule machine, you’ll also need to factor in the ongoing cost of capsules. A drink button alone won’t tell you how quickly you can make a whole round of coffees.
You want to make milky coffees for several people after a meal, with as few interruptions as possible. Check how many steps are involved for each cup; a dual coffee spout doesn’t prove that two complete milk-based drinks can be made at once. The Dutch Consumers' Association assesses the preparation and dispensing of milk-based drinks as separate usability points.
You want to control the espresso and milk froth yourself, and are happy to practise with a steam wand. The Dutch Consumers' Association points out that using a steam wand to froth milk takes practice.
You don’t want to spend ages cleaning after making a milk-based drink. So, as well as checking the drink button, look at the parts that come into contact with milk; the Dutch Consumers' Association includes cleaning milk-system parts in its usability assessment.
Best if: you want to do as little as possible for each drink after a meal, and the exact model lists flat white as an option.
Keep in mind: milk-system parts need cleaning; a drink on the menu doesn’t prove that two complete milk-based drinks can be made at once.
Best if: you want to froth the milk yourself and control the proportions of your drink, and are prepared to practise the technique.
Keep in mind: it takes more effort to operate and clean than a machine with an automatic milk-drink button.
Best if: simple coffee preparation matters more to you than choosing your own coffee beans.
Keep in mind: the ongoing cost of capsules and any restrictions on the type of milk supported by the specific model.
If you’re making coffee for several guests after a meal, compare the steps needed for each cup, your preferred milk texture, cleaning requirements and the cost based on how often you expect to use the machine.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Making several flat whites | Check that flat white is listed for the exact model and how many steps are involved in making a round of drinks. Separately check whether it can make two complete milk-based drinks at once. | If you want to serve several guests after a meal without repeatedly leaving the table, focus on the steps involved for each cup. Around 36% of consumers give the time it takes to make a round of drinks top priority. |
| Milk texture and control | Find out how the model froths milk, what settings are available and whether it supports the type of milk you use. | If you want to control how the milk froth and drink come together, you may prefer a more hands-on machine. Around 29% of consumers prioritise milk texture. |
| Cleaning the milk system | Check the manual to see which parts need cleaning or removing after use; an automatic programme doesn’t necessarily take care of all the maintenance. | If you want to keep cleaning to a minimum after serving, check the milk-system cleaning steps. Around 21% of consumers put ease of cleaning at the top of their list. |
| Purchase and running costs | Compare the cost of the machine, capsules or beans, and maintenance products based on how many cups you expect to make. | If you want to consider the cost over the lifetime of the machine, rather than just the purchase price, compare the overall cost of each coffee-making option. Around 14% of consumers prioritise total costs. |
When assessing espresso machines, the Dutch Consumers' Association considers factors including purchase and coffee costs, how easy it is to froth milk, and cleaning milk-system parts. The percentages shown indicate which consideration takes priority in these situations; they don’t predict which machine is faster or how many cups you can make before refilling it.
A listed drink function doesn’t tell you how many steps are needed to make several cups. The Dutch Consumers' Association assesses dispensing coffee into two cups separately from how easy it is to froth milk.
Check the steps involved in making a round of milk-based drinks for the exact model. Don’t confuse two espressos with two complete flat whites.
The Dutch Consumers' Association notes that capsule machines generally cost less to buy, while bean-to-cup machines have lower coffee costs. Which option works out cheaper for you also depends on how many cups you make and which capsules or beans you choose.
Compare the cost of each option for the same expected number of cups.
Milk compatibility can vary by model. Nespresso specifies pasteurised or UHT cow’s milk for the Vertuo Creatista’s milk function.
Before buying, check which types of milk are supported and read the cleaning instructions for the exact machine.
De’Longhi lists a flat white function and automatic LatteCrema milk preparation for the Rivelia EXAM440.55.W.
According to Sage, the Barista Touch Impress SES882BSS4FEU1 is a portafilter machine with guided preparation and adjustable milk texture.
Siemens lists flat white as a milk-based drink on the fully automatic EQ700 TQ727E03.
According to Philips, the Philips 5500 EP5544/50 uses the LatteGo milk system and offers customisable recipes.
The Vertuo Creatista combines capsules with a steam wand; Nespresso lists flat white as a coffee style.
This selection includes espresso machines with manual steam wands and automatic milk preparation. For models that don’t explicitly list a flat white function, check that they support the drink and type of milk you want.
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The manual steam function suits anyone who wants to froth milk themselves; check that this model supports the flat white you want to make.
The product information lists a 1,25 l water tank, espresso extraction and milk frothing for cappuccinos and lattes.
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The product information lists flat whites and a manual steam wand, making it a good fit if you want to control the milk preparation yourself.
Specifications listed: 20 bar pressure and a removable 1,5 l water tank. Milk is frothed manually using the steam wand.
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The Pannarello steam wand suits anyone who wants to froth milk manually; check that the exact model supports flat white as the drink you want to make.
The product information lists a removable brew group and adjustable coffee strength and volume.
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Automatic milk preparation is an option if you want to do less manual frothing; check whether the exact model offers flat white.
The product information lists a cappuccinatore, automatic latte and cappuccino preparation, and a removable, rinseable brew group. Daily cleaning of the milk system is also mentioned.
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The product information lists flat whites and automatic milk frothing; note the stated limit of one cup per brewing cycle when serving several guests.
Specifications listed: two froth settings and a 2 l tank. The description also mentions an automatic steam wand rinse function.
No, don’t assume that. The Dutch Consumers' Association assesses dispensing coffee into two cups separately from preparing milk-based drinks. Check whether the exact model can make two complete milk-based drinks at once.
Follow the cleaning instructions for the exact model and remember to plan for other maintenance, such as descaling. An automatic cleaning function doesn’t necessarily mean that no further cleaning of milk-system parts is needed.
Compare the machine and running costs based on how many cups you expect to make. If a product is faulty, you can hold the seller responsible under your statutory guarantee rights; there is no fixed two-year statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands. A manufacturer’s guarantee is in addition to these rights.
According to the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, CE marking is mandatory for electrical products covered by the applicable rules. This requirement applies when a product is placed on the market; a product page alone doesn’t confirm that an individual item bears the mark or meets all requirements. Check the product marking and safety information for the specific offer.
