At Cafelista, we believe that coffee machine testing should reflect real user experience. Our approach combines methodical rigor and daily practical experience to give you a complete and honest view of each machine.
We don’t do marketing blah-blah – we tell you exactly what you’ll get on a daily basis, with its strengths and weaknesses.
Our 5-step test protocol
1. Real-life testing: the kitchen, then the lab
Each machine is installed in our kitchen for a minimum of 1 to 4 weeks. We don’t test the machines in a showroom or under ideal conditions – we live with them as you would:
- Preparation of morning coffees (espresso, lungo)
- Weekend milk drinks
- Use by different team members (novice and experienced)
- Small adjustments to settings as a motivated but non-barista user would do
- Normal daily maintenance (rinsing, cleaning at the end of the day)
This extended period allows us to assess what other sites don’t see: the ease of daily use, the little frictions hidden in the menus, the ergonomic flaws, the screen’s responsiveness, or the noise at 6:30 when everyone else is still asleep.
2. Objective measurements: data, not just impressions
For each machine, we go beyond simple feedback by integrating systematic measurements:
🔊 Noise level (dB)
Noise levels are measured during crushing and extraction, using a sound level meter positioned at 50 cm (representative of a standard work surface). This enables us to classify the machines into 3 categories:
- Quiet (≤65 dB)
- Moderate (65-70 dB)
- High noise level (>70 dB)
Some machines, like the Melitta Latticia or Philips 5500, stand out for their muffled sound, while others are surprisingly loud.
🌡️ Cup temperature
A lukewarm espresso is never acceptable. We use a digital thermometer (with a fine probe) to measure:
- Immediate cup temperature, on preheated cup
- Temperature after two heating extractions
- Temperature consistency between several extractions
⏱️ Heating time
We time it:
- The time between pressing the ON button and being able to make your first coffee
- The time between two consecutive coffees
- Auto sleep time
Some machines start up in under 30 seconds, while others take over 1 min 30 (which can be frustrating in the morning).
⚡ Energy consumption
We measure:
- Consumption in Watts during extraction
- Standby power consumption
- Energy used for automatic cleaning cycles
💧 Extraction regularity
We check:
- Consistent flow
- Repeatability of results over 10+ extractions
- Stable performance after several days’ use
3. In-depth sensory analysis: taste first
Our approach combines visual analysis and rigorous tasting:
👁️ Visual analysis
We analyze:
- Regularity of flow (too fast? drip?)
- Crema (thickness, texture, color, persistence)
- Milk foam (structure, bubbles, density, durability)
For some machines, we use a thermal camera to visualize heating on the coffee group, spout or milk carafe elements. This provides valuable insights into heat loss or extraction inconsistency.
☕ Taste analysis
We test each machine with at least two different types of coffee:
- Consumer roasting accessible to all
- A fresher, lighter roast (specialty type)
We meticulously evaluate each coffee:
- Taste balance (acidity/bitterness)
- Texture and body in the mouth
- Aromatic complexity
- Long-lasting flavours
- The ability to reveal characteristic coffee notes
- Consistent results over several extractions
We also test all the beverages offered by the machine (espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte, etc.) to assess its real versatility.
🔬 Extraction & real quality: TDS and ratio (for advanced machines)
For certain machines, particularly those with an espresso orientation, we go a step further with a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) analysis using a refractometer.
This allows us to:
- Check actual coffee concentration
- Estimate extraction rate (via the formula TDS × cup weight ÷ grind weight)
- Compare results with the “ideal” extraction zone (18-22% for an espresso)
We measure systematically:
- The amount of coffee used (ground or crushed)
- Final cup weight
- The ratio (e.g. 18g in / 36g out)
This work makes it possible to objectify extraction quality, regardless of the price or look of the machine.
4. Ergonomics and maintenance assessment: everyday life counts
A good espresso isn’t enough if the machine is hell to operate and maintain. We document meticulously:
🖐️ Everyday ergonomics
- Intuitive controls and menus
- Interface quality and responsiveness
- Tank access (water, grain)
- Height available for different cup sizes
- Quality materials and apparent sturdiness
- Operating noise and vibration
🧹 Easy maintenance
- Coffee group accessibility (removable or not)
- Easy emptying of marc and drip trays
- Presence or absence of automated rinse cycles
- Clear maintenance alerts
- Complexity of milk circuit cleaning (carafe, hose, automatic rinsing, etc.)
- Frequency of interviews required
Some models shine for their frictionless maintenance (washable carafe, automatic rinse), while others require more rigor and time.
5. Comparative analysis: placing the machine in context
Each machine is systematically compared with:
- Other models in the same price range
- Established references in its category
- Its predecessor (for new models)
- Entry-level and top-of-the-range machines to determine the best value for money
This comparative approach enables you to understand not only whether the machine is good in absolute terms, but also whether it represents a good investment in relation to what’s available on the market.
Our commitment to independence: 100% transparency
Cafelista is a 100% independent website. Our credibility is our only capital – we guard it jealously:
- No sponsored testing: We never receive payment for testing or recommending a machine.
- Total transparency: If a machine is loaned to us, we make this clear.
- No external influence: Our conclusions are never subject to brand approval
- Constructive criticism: We point out faults as well as qualities
- No pre-written content: We write our own tests, without using marketing sheets.
We buy some machines, while others are temporarily loaned to us without remuneration or influence on our judgment.
When you click on a purchase link, we may earn a small affiliate commission if you place an order – but the price remains the same for you, and we never favor any brand or model for this reason.
Our continuous improvement process: ever more precise
We are constantly improving our methodology:
- User feedback: We take on board the questions and concerns of our community
- New measures: We regularly add new evaluation criteria
- Long-term follow-up: We update our tests after several months of use.
- Comparative methods: We standardize our protocols to enable objective comparisons.
In 2023, we have added TDS analyses and tests with specialty coffee to better assess the real potential of the machines.
What drives us: democratizing good coffee
At Cafelista, we believe that good coffee should be accessible to everyone. Our mission is to help you:
- Find the right machine for your real needs
- Don’t spend more than you need to
- Understand the differences that justify (or not) price differentials
- Get the most out of your machine, whatever your budget
Our expertise is based on:
- Over 60 machines thoroughly tested
- Thousands of extractions analyzed
- A consistent, transparent methodology
- No conflicts of interest with manufacturers
In a nutshell: why put your trust in us
Our tests combine:
- Objective measurements (temperature, noise, TDS, timing)
- Sensory analysis (taste, texture, visual)
- Real user experience (menus, maintenance, speed, versatility)
- Benchmarking (market positioning)
This protocol evolves over time – but one thing remains constant: we test for you, not for the brands.
Drinking good coffee starts with making the right choice, and it’s our mission to help you do that with honesty and expertise.
