I cannot get through the day without at least two cups of coffee. But not just any old coffee. It has to be made from an espresso base, none of that instant stuff. I could go out to make my purchases from one of the many coffee shops nearby, but they’re so expensive nowadays.

Although my stove top coffee maker produces a decent espresso, it still involves a bit of messing around with measuring coffee and cleaning it out after each cup. However, I've discovered the perfect solution. I can now make my coffee in two minutes exactly – and that includes making frothy milk for a cappuccino.

I’ve owned several coffee makers and espresso machines in the past, and give up using them in the end because they take too long to make. But Saeco have developed a fantastic coffee machine for Lavazza called the A Modo Mio. It’s definitely my best gadget investment for a long time.

Specifications

The dimensions are 12” (305mm) height x 9.25” (235mm) width x 13” (330mm) depth. It has a 47” (1.2m) power cord along with a removable water tank, stainless steel boiler and a thermal fuse. The total weight of the machine is 11lbs (5kg). It has a 15-bar pressure pump, essential for a decent cup of espresso.

Ordering and Delivery

You can order it online from places such as Amazon or direct from Lavazza. Larger department stores also sell them. At the present time, they’re not available in the US. My coffee machine came with four boxes of coffee pods, one of each of four flavours. This is very useful as it gives you a chance to see which coffees you like best for future ordering.

Where to Buy the Coffee Pods

The A Modo Mio only uses Lavazza coffee pods so you’re restricted in that way. However, if you like Lavazza coffee, as I do, this shouldn’t be a problem. There are several different coffees to choose from and they’ve added new flavours over the past year. You can order them online direct from Lavazza but they’re also available in some Waitrose supermarkets. Each box contains 16 coffee pods, so 16 cups of espresso, and costs around £3.59.

Making the Coffee

There is a clear instruction manual and it doesn’t take long to understand how to use the coffee machine. At the back is a water tank which you fill with enough water to last you for the day. On top is a lever and a small compartment into which you pop your coffee pod. Also on top are three buttons: brew button, power light and steam button. When switched on, the power light turns green and remains green until you switch it off. After around 60 seconds, the brew button turns red. This means the machine is ready for making your coffee. Then you pull the lever forward and your coffee is ready to dispense.


Before that, you need to put your cup or shot glass onto the drip tray underneath. The drip tray can be adjusted to accommodate a taller cup/glass or instead you can hold your cup underneath the dispensing spout on an angle. Then you press the brew button, the machine begins humming then starts dispensing your coffee within around 5 seconds. You must press the brew button again when you have as much coffee as you want and it stops. The Premium model allows you to predetermine how much coffee comes out. You then push the loading lever back and the coffee pod drops into the container inside the machine. You do need to empty this from time to time when it fills up.

Heating and Frothing Milk

There is a steaming nozzle on the side for frothing milk and it also dispenses boiling water for other drinks. However, it’s doesn’t produce a really thick foam for cappuccinos and I use a separate frothing jug. You can buy an attachment which fits the nozzle which apparently produces better froth but I haven’t invested in this.

Cleaning

The drip tray and dreg drawer are all easily removed for cleaning. You slide out the tray and pull off the drip tray. Underneath is the dreg drawer with all your empty pods ready to throw away. It doesn’t specify that parts can’t go in a dishwasher, but it’s easy enough just rinsing it under a hot tap and sliding it back in place again. The steam nozzle should be wiped immediately after use with a soft cloth.

Verdict

The coffee smells gorgeous, looks rich and it leaves a lovely thick crema on top. It also comes out very hot. And best of all, the taste is everything you’d expect from Lavazza. This coffee machine has made perfect coffee making so easy, I’m drinking around four cups a day. The fact that it’s so simple and quick to brew a perfect coffee means I’d never go back to the old style coffee maker again.

The only negative aspect is that you are tied to buying the Lavazza pods and no other pods fit into it. So if you’re not a huge Lavazza fan, it may not be the best machine for you. And the lack of places to buy the pods is slightly annoying. However, whenever I’ve ordered online, the new pods turn up no later than one to two days later.

A brilliant buy and it’s working well a year later having been in constant use nearly every day.

You can buy the A Modo Mio coffee machine here:



And the coffee pods here: