Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus coffee machine review
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus is a boon for espresso aficionados with small kitchens
Tasty coffees from an easy-to-use machine that won’t clutter up your worktop.
-
+
All espresso fans need
-
+
Fuss-free operation
-
+
Convenience of capsules
-
-
Not a huge choice of brews
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
If the convenience of creating your own espressos with the cute Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus coffee machine is tempting you, but you’re not sure if it is the machine for you, wonder no more. We have all you need to know. I tested a wide selection of the best coffee machines to see how much of your worktop they’ll take up, how easy they are to use, how quickly they’ll deliver your drink, which coffees they’ll make, and – crucially – what the brews taste like. If you are in the market for a small coffee maker for a smaller space, then we've reviewed plenty of those.
For more on how this coffee machine fared in review, keep scrolling.
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus coffee machine specifications:
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
- Type: Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules
- Pressure: 10 bar
- Capacity: 0.6 ltr water tank
- Dimensions: H21 x W12.4 x D33cm
Who will the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus suit?
Singles, couples and small households who are after great espressos and don’t want to spend out on unnecessary features, or take up space with a big machine.
What is the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus like to use?
You’ll find your way around this neat machine in no time: it’s simple to set up, and easy to brew with, and clean.
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus is a winner if espresso is your drink of choice, and you prefer the convenience of capsules to buying packets of coffee or grinding beans for each brew. What’s more, it won’t demand loads of room on your worktop while doing its job very nicely, thank you.
Coffee options and taste
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus gives you two choices: long or short espresso. While that might sound a bit limiting, if those are the coffees you’re after, why pay out for options you’re never going to use? Ready time is around 35 seconds: in my book, that’s pretty well instant, making getting a coffee down before shooting out the door no trouble.
The coffee itself both looks and tastes the part with the traditional espresso crema and authentic taste. I found the longer version of the espresso a good alternative once I’d done my first-thing coffee injection.
Brewing up
I found removing and filling the tank of this machine a no-fuss procedure, then all that was required was to switch it on. Cup pre-heating is recommended to make the best espresso, and this was simple to do before insertion of a capsule. The machine’s lever has to be lifted to slot the pod in, then lowered – easy.
Choosing between the short and long espresso was just a matter of pressing one button or the other with automatic stop. However, you can also alter the length of a coffee with the buttons, which proved handy when I was after a longer drink than the pre-set options provide.
You can remove the drip tray if you want to use a mug rather than a heatproof glass or cup for your drink, and I found the design of the machine made this quick to do.
Cleaning and maintenance
Although this machine isn’t designed to produce a huge volume of coffees, I found the used capsule drawer adequately spacious with room for five pods before it needed to be emptied.
Removing the drip tray and grill, as well as the used capsule drawer, wasn’t a struggle: they separated from the machine smoothly and were as straightforward to put back in place. All removable components of this machine can be put in the dishwasher, which proved convenient.
What else does this machine require from you to keep making consistently good espressos? A weekly brewing process without a capsule is advised, plus descaling every three to four months or if the water flow becomes reduced. You’ll need descaling solution for the latter.
What to watch for
Kitchen colour enthusiasts, this machine comes in a contemporary metallic grey.
If your kitchen is small, this machine should definitely be on your shortlist, as it delivers all you need from its appealingly small footprint of H21 x W12.4 x D33cm. If you’re a renter or otherwise on the move frequently, you’ll appreciate the fact that it’s light, too, at just 2.6kg.
The machine requires Lavazza’s A Modo Mio capsules to operate: you can buy online or in supermarkets. Go for Lavazza A Modo Mio Eco Caps and they’re 100% industrially compostable, which means they could go into your food waste bin, if local rules allow (check with your council).
Want to make lattes, cappuccinos and so on? You’ll need the version with integrated cappuccino frother – our review machine is for black coffee lovers.
How does it rate online?
From the shoppers at Amazon, it’s a satisfied 4.1 out of five for this machine. Applauded are the crema and temperature of its coffees, the speed with which it produces them, and the fact that the capsules can be bought in the supermarket. Negatives include the size of the water tank and capsule container.
Those who bought their machine at John Lewis awarded 4.4 out of five as an overall score. Customers praised its simplicity and excellent results, compact size, and value for money.
About our review – and our reviewer
Sarah Warwick has specialised in homes and interiors for over 20 years. She was Executive Editor of Ideal Home magazine, and has written for nationals, magazines and websites including Real Homes, Homebuilding & Renovating, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, Houzz, The Guardian, House Beautiful and Country Homes & Interiors. She put the coffee machines to the test on a variety of drinks, as well as checking out how easy they were to set up, and to clean.
More coffee related reading: