Yet
another coffee machine review here on the ol' Test Pit, which means
yet another pumped-up journalist filled with waaaaaay too much
caffeine. Coffee. Coffee, coffee. Who doesn't like it? You? We'll
fight you! Sorry, we really are all full of coffee at the moment,
because this latest machine allowed us to make so many different
kinds, that we all kept coming back for more. And then more. COFFEE!
Anyway, let's take a gander at the Lavazza A Modo Mio Fantasia.
What
we have here is a medium-sized coffee machine that takes pods, rather
than ground. Pod machines are sacrilege to some coffee purists, but
there is no denying their convenience, especially when it comes to
time and lack of mess. That was certainly a consideration of
Lavazza's when they designed that front-side milk steamer and
frother, as the Lavazza A Modo Mio Fantasia produces some of the best
milk we have ever had the pleasure of pouring coffee into and
drinking.
This
is definitely a cappuccino-lover's machine. Yes, the espresso
function of the machine produces great coffee with a lovely head of
crema, but the process is nothing much to write home about and
nothing that we haven't reviewed many times before. It's great that
the pod easily slides in the top, is then cranked into place with the
satisfying metal arm on top, before the user has the option to select
a single shot of espresso or longer 'tall' drink, but the highlight
has to be milk.
Lavazza calls it the Steam & Motion system which is an apt name. The milk, once poured into the slot-in reservoir, is both frothed and steamed simultaneously, making the process very quick and interesting to watch. The result is foamy, velvety milk every time that is neither too hot nor clearly watered-down. Steam up a portion of milk, pour it out into your cup, place under the espresso spout, and just two or three minutes after first switching on the Lavazza A Modo Mio Fantasia, your cappuccino will be ready. Furthermore, the system can also froth your milk cold, making it perfect for making milkshakes and frappuccinos.
The
Lavazza A Modo Mio Fantasia fits nicely on a kitchen counter, has
all the touch control buttons (including the oft-neglected power
button) on the front console, and comes in three colours; red, white
and black. Many espresso machines these days will feature a milk
steamer as standard, but given the chance we'd opt for the Steam &
Motion system every time. It's like there's a miniature, yet
highly-trained, barista in there, checking the quality of the milk.
This is a brilliant and versatile machine.
£143