The latest Nespresso coffee machine to enter the Delonghi catalog, the Lattissima One is a compact and easy-to-use capsule coffee maker that plays the versatility card. For this, it embeds a milk system to make a cappuccino or a latte macchiato.
Presentation
When Delonghi and Nespresso join forces, this results in high-end machines that are, to say the least, successful, if we stick to the notes observed in our comparison of coffee makers. After the Lattissima+, and Pro, here is now the Lattissima One. Launched at €250, this capsule coffee maker – with a pressure of 19 bars – is equipped with a milk reservoir allowing its user to prepare cappuccinos or latte macchiatos, as desired.
Ease of use
This Nespresso Lattissima One displays very clean lines, both elegant and refined. If the Lattissima Pro is covered with stainless steel, this version is adorned with a shiny plastic available in two colors (white or brown). Some might find this material a bit sparse, but on this device, that's not the case. The assembly is of high quality, the finishes are polished and the whole inspires confidence.
Due to its compactness, it optimizes space. Countertops won't be too impacted by the overall size of this device. The cleverness of the design manifests itself here by recessing the water tank at the back and not on the side, as is the case on some Nespresso machines. To extract it, the operation is not the most convenient and consists on the one hand of removing the cover and then of lifting the tank – open therefore – with both hands. We would have preferred a small handle for easy access. Its capacity of 1 liter is quite limited but this goes hand in hand with the compact dimensions of the machine.
To insert the capsule, simply lift the lever.
Ditto for the milk carafe, not insulated, which is capable of accommodating 120 ml of milk. The latter is easily attached to the machine. To do this, simply open the small plastic hatch and insert the carafe. This system is familiar to us since it resembles the one installed on the automatic machines with Delonghi grinder. However, this carafe is not topped with a "Latte Crema" dial - dear to the manufacturer -, which allows you to define the intensity of the foam according to two levels. To start the preparation of a milk drink, the user must fill the milk carafe according to the drink he wishes to make: cappuccino or latte macchiato. Two indicators on the milk tank indicate the dose required for the preparation of one of these two drinks. After inserting a capsule and filling the milk tank, just press the appropriate button to prepare a milk drink. The machine froths the milk directly into the cup and then dispenses the coffee.
This coffee maker does not have a digital display, which is particularly the case on the Lattissima Pro, for example. Only three physical keys occupy the upper part of the machine: the first for a short coffee (40 ml), the second for a long coffee (110 ml) and the last to launch a milk drink. To program the length of the coffee in a cup, the operation is common to all Nespresso machines: simply press and hold the short coffee or long coffee button for 3 seconds (preparation begins and the buttons flash quickly) and release the button. button when the desired length is reached. We should also add that two small LEDs indicate the appropriate time to start cleaning or descaling.
From bottom to top: the keys for a short coffee, a long one or to launch a milky drink.
The cup rest tray is all plastic and is not, on this machine, raised by a steel grid. On the other hand, an additional cup rest allows you to bring an espresso cup closer to the spout.
Easy maintenance
All the removable elements of this machine (water tank, drip tray and used capsule collector) are easily dislodged, which makes cleaning easier.
The different elements of the machine.
The outer shell of the machine can also be cleaned quite easily with a damp cloth. But where the shoe pinches - and it's an understatement - is in the systematic leaks from the pouring spout after each preparation. Indeed, at the end of each cycle, many drops end up miserably on the drip tray. The latter is not removable, it will always be necessary to bring a sponge to clean it.
This Lattissima One is a real slut.
Worse still, the milk carafe spout tends to squirt hot milk out of the cup for a short time during preparation. It is very dangerous on the one hand if the user is nearby (because he risks burning himself), but also if a smartphone or an electronic device is nearby - which was precisely our case during the tests in the lab. The ace !
Finally, to carry out descaling or cleaning, the user must scrupulously follow the steps indicated in the instructions for use of the machine. The operation is quite simple to perform.
Fast
Nespresso machines have the particularity of being very fast and the Lattissima One is no exception to the rule since it only takes 21 seconds to preheat. It's very comfortable, especially if we compare it to the Krups Dolce Gusto Mini Me which takes 44 s to complete this step.
The coffee extraction is also rather swift: 21 s for an espresso and 43 s for a long coffee. And the little extra that does not spoil anything, this machine does not preheat between two preparations. Thus, whether short or long, the second coffee will be prepared in 21 s or 43 s respectively. We still remember the Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 which takes about forty seconds to extract the first coffee in the morning.
Power Consumption
The Nespresso Lattissima One has an energy saving mode in which it switches automatically after 9 min or 30 min of inactivity. This duration can be defined by the user by carrying out a combination of keys specified in the instructions for use.
Whether on standby or off, the machine consumes 0,3 W. If this data is not huge, it is however to be taken into account.
During preheating – the most energy-intensive stage in the preparation of a coffee – the Lattissima One consumes 1 W, which is still quite moderate.
Noise
The Lattissima One is very discreet. We noted a noise level of only 56 dB(A) during the extraction. The absence of a metal grid, which tends to vibrate during flow, is surely one of the causes of this discretion. Indeed, the sound level emitted by the Pixie Clip – equipped with a metal grille – rises for its part to 60 dB (A).
Availability of capsules
For many lovers of "little blacks", the availability of Nespresso capsules can be a great deterrent before the act of purchase. Indeed, the original capsules can only be found via the website or in Nespresso boutiques; moreover, their price is quite high.
The compatible ones, for their part, are found in supermarkets and are less expensive. But in use, these capsules are less resistant to pressure and sometimes get stuck in the machine.
Readers' taste
On TechnologiesTips, we entrust our readers with evaluating the taste of coffee through a vote. And as always, you are a large majority to appreciate the taste of Nespresso capsules: 38% of you give them a rating of 5 stars.
Highlights
Compactness and polished finishes.
Ease of use.
Milk carafe.
Very fast.
Silent.
Programming the quantities of coffee and milk.
Weak points
Recurring spout leaks.
Milk nozzle that can spray hot milk.
Prices and availability of capsules.
Conclusion
Note globale
Unsurprisingly, the Delonghi Nespresso Lattissima One has many convincing arguments. The compactness of this coffee maker can convince coffee lovers in need of space, when its speed can satisfy people in a hurry in the morning. Finally, its integrated milk carafe will appeal to the greatest number. Still, this machine suffers from a dripping spout that can push even the most manic to throw in the towel.
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