First, measure the available width, depth and height, and leave enough room to use a milk jug and operate the machine. A slim portafilter machine lets you steam the milk yourself; an automatic steam wand takes some of the work off your hands, while a capsule machine simplifies making espresso but commits you to a capsule system. Manufacturer specifications describe features and dimensions, not how machines compare when making flat whites.
You want to make a flat white while leaving enough room to move a milk jug and operate the machine. De’Longhi Netherlands lists the Dedica Style EC685.M EX:4 as 15 cm wide; that doesn’t include the total space you’ll need to use it.
You want to control the milk texture yourself, or prefer to use an automatic steam wand. Sage lists adjustable milk temperature and texture for the Bambino Plus; the Consumers’ Association notes that steaming milk manually takes practice.
You want to make espresso and prepare milk with minimal effort, and are open to automation or capsules. Philips describes the Baristina Latte as automatically grinding, tamping and brewing; Nespresso has a flat white recipe for the Creatista Plus, which uses the Original capsule system.
Best for: a narrow worktop and learning to texture milk yourself. De’Longhi lists the Dedica Style EC685.M EX:4 as 15 cm wide.
Trade-off: you’ll need to froth the milk yourself. Remember to measure the space for your jug, portafilter and any grinder, too.
Best for: making your own espresso with less hands-on work when frothing milk. Sage lists adjustable milk temperature and texture for the Bambino Plus.
Trade-off: Sage gives the Bambino Plus dimensions of 30,3 × 18,8 × 36,2 cm (W × D × H). Check that it will fit, along with your plans for grinding coffee.
Best for: using beans and leaving the machine to handle most of the steps, such as grinding, tamping and brewing espresso. Philips describes these features for the Baristina Latte BAR400/60.
Trade-off: check the dimensions before buying, and make sure the features suit the flat white you want to make.
Best for: prioritising a specific flat white recipe and automatic milk preparation over beans or ground coffee. Nespresso lists this recipe for the Creatista Plus.
Trade-off: the Creatista Plus uses Nespresso Original capsules and, according to Nespresso, measures 17 × 30,8 × 39,3 cm (W × D × H), so check the depth and height as well.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Total space needed | Measure the width, depth and height, and check that you can still access the water tank, portafilter and steam wand. | If my worktop is narrow, I also want to leave room for the milk jug and to operate the machine. Around 33% of consumers say total set-up and working space is their top priority. |
| Milk texture and control | Compare manual and automatic frothing, as well as the settings available on the exact model. | If you want to control the fine texture yourself, focus on how the machine prepares milk. Around 27% of consumers say milk texture and control are their top priority. |
| Preparation steps | See which steps the machine takes care of and what you still need to do to make espresso and prepare milk. | If I want to keep things simple on busy days, I look at how the machine streamlines the process. Around 20% of consumers put a quick preparation routine first. |
| Supplies and maintenance | Check the coffee system, which supplies you’ll need to replenish, how milk parts should be cleaned and how to descale the machine. | If you want to factor in ongoing purchases and maintenance, compare capsules or other supplies, as well as the cleaning steps. Around 20% of consumers say running costs and maintenance are their top priority. |
The stated width of a machine doesn’t automatically account for the space you need to froth milk or handle a portafilter.
Measure the full space available and check that you can operate the machine with the milk jug and other supplies in place.
Manual steaming, automatic systems and separate frothers differ in how they work and what you can adjust. A recipe name doesn’t guarantee a particular texture.
Compare the milk system and settings on the exact model. The Consumers’ Association notes that manual steaming takes practice.
The coffee system determines which supplies you’ll need to replenish; milk parts and the machine also need regular maintenance.
Compare the supplies required and follow the cleaning and descaling instructions for your chosen model.
Worth considering if the machine’s width is a key factor and you want to prepare the milk yourself.
The Bambino models are worth considering if you’re looking for a compact portafilter machine; the Bambino Plus has an automatic steam wand.
The Baristina Latte BAR400/60 is worth considering if you want to use beans and automate several preparation steps.
The Creatista Plus is worth considering if capsule brewing, automatic milk preparation and a specific flat white recipe suit your needs.
These Joybuy products offer different ways to prepare espresso and milk. For each model, check the worktop space required, how it operates and what supplies you’ll need.
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Ideal if you’re looking for a portafilter machine and want to adjust the temperature yourself.
The product name lists a pressure gauge, adjustable temperature, adjustable cup size, a 58 mm stainless steel portafilter and a stainless steel body.
Please note: the group head, steam wand and hot water outlet can get hot. Do not touch them during use.
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Ideal if you’re looking for a compact espresso machine with a steam wand; check its dimensions against the space available.
The product name lists a pressure gauge, steam wand, cup warmer and removable 1,1 L water tank.
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Ideal if you want to make espresso and prepare milk with one machine; measure the space needed for the machine and frothing.
The product name lists a milk frother, a 50 Oz water tank and a cup warmer.
Please note: the steam wand, group head and filter holder can get hot. Use the handles provided and don’t remove the filter holder while the appliance is under pressure.
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Ideal if you’re looking for a manual espresso machine and want to froth the milk yourself; remember to measure the space needed for the jug and to operate the machine.
The product name identifies this model as a red manual espresso machine.
Please note: the steam wand, filter holder and liquids poured from the machine can be hot. Don’t touch metal parts or remove the filter holder while brewing.
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Ideal if you’re looking for an espresso machine with a grinder and milk frother; the product name lists two frothing settings.
Check that its size and controls suit your worktop and daily routine.
No. Check the depth and height too, and allow room to operate the machine, refill it and prepare milk. Nespresso lists the Creatista Plus as 17 cm wide and 39,3 cm high.
Not necessarily: some machines have an automatic steam wand. The Consumers’ Association notes that manual steaming takes practice; check which milk textures and settings are available on the exact model.
Clean any parts that come into contact with milk according to the model’s instructions. The Consumers’ Association recommends cleaning the steam wand straight after use; follow the recommended steps for descaling.
Factor in the capsules for your chosen system as an ongoing supply. Nespresso says the Creatista Plus works with Original capsules; also compare its dimensions with your worktop and cupboard space.
