Melitta SOLO & Milk: 20 cm wide with milk froth

Grinder and brewing choices

The integrated steel grinder has three settings, which Melitta calls intelligent. There are three brew temperatures and three coffee strengths, in any quantity. Espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte macchiato and lattes are listed as uses, though the milk element is made separately with the steamer.

The height adjustable spout and the two cup option mean two espressos can be made at once.

Three grinder settings is a narrow range, so this machine works best with a consistent blend rather than a rotating choice of single origins.

Milk froth

The listing describes creamy milk froth from a milk steamer. It does not say whether this is a pannarello or a plain wand, so expect a manual process where you hold the jug. For occasional milk drinks, that keeps the machine simple.

For a household that makes a cappuccino at the weekend and black coffee on weekdays, a simple steamer avoids the cost and cleaning of a carafe system that would otherwise sit unused most days.

Hygiene and energy

Push-button cleaning and easy-clean components and surfaces are listed. Melitta also mentions energy-efficient LED lights and shut-down and stand-by modes. None of its parts are listed as dishwasher safe, so cleaning is by hand.

Size and capacity

The machine is 45.5 cm deep, 20 cm wide and 33 cm high and weighs 8.1 kg. The removable water tank holds 1.2 litres, so frequent use will mean daily refills. Power is 1500 watts. A cup warmer on top keeps espresso cups ready.

Melitta describes it as easy to move, which helps when cleaning the worktop beneath it.

Against the SOLO and Rivelia

The Melitta SOLO shares the 20 cm width, double spout and cup warmer but has no milk steamer. The De'Longhi Rivelia is wider at 24.5 cm, with 16 drinks, LatteCrema Hot and Bean Adapt. The SOLO & Milk is the narrowest machine here with a milk option.