Favola Plus coffee machine review

We’re in the final 20mins of play for the Lavazza – Wimbledon #newtradition competition. This post is my final serve so I decided it was time to share my thoughts on my Wimbledon Limited Edition Favola Plus coffee machine.

When I think about Lavazza as a brand, I remember some of their steamy ad campaigns . They’re luxurious, classy and just down right sexy. Yes, we’re still talking about a coffee brand and my coffee machine ticks all those boxes too. It’s the business. 

The design is so cleverly thought out, every little detail is just perfect. It’s much more compact than most coffee machines yet offers more functionality than others I’ve tested. Theres nothing on it that needn’t be there. I feel like it’s had the Steve Jobs treatment.

Let me walk you through a shot of espresso (not literally of course, that would be a bit hot).

First you pick your nifty little pod. Strong roast? Something smooth? The range is pretty conclusive, so there’s something for everyone. Matt was a red man, “Appassionatamente“- a dark, intense roast and I found myself reaching for the delicate, lilac “Delicati Soavemente” pod.

When you turn the machine on the cup is illuminated, and the buttons pulse. In less than a minute the light behind the buttons is steady, indicating that it’s ready for use. I’m impressed with that time, quicker than boiling a kettle and also silent.

Now it’s time to put the modo mio capsule in. Lift that lovely shiny lever.

Oh look, it disappears inside.

As you push the lever back down there’s a real satisfying click (as the pod is pierced) and we’re ready to go.

The Favola plus has two espresso buttons, both can be programmed to give you the perfect pour for your cup. The first on our machine is set to the ideal 24 espresso. Perfect for enjoying alone or adding to a latte. The second, we’ve changed to a much longer drink.

Choose your weapon of choice and press the button. Watch in awe as the perfect espresso is crafted.

Ahh the finished product. Beautifully pulled espresso with the perfect amount of crema on top. And the capsule? That drops in to a cleverly hidden away bin that slides out with the drip tray.

Now you can sip away until your inner coffee monster is satisfied. That’s what Matt would do. I however turn to the milk steamer to make mine a latte.

I press the steam button and again we go through the short pulsing button stage as we wait for it to heat up. Silent, only a few seconds and we’re good to go. My milk jug goes under the steam wand and I turn this:

A dash of vanilla syrup (homemade of course) and I have my favourite drink.

I feel like I could write so much more about our Favola Plus. I haven’t even got started on how clever the water tank is. It just clips off the back and you can take it to the sink to fill up. A clever little valve keeps the water contained whilst it’s away from the machine. I know I’ve already said it but this machine is SO well designed.

I best round this up as I’m cracking on a little. What I’m trying to say is it’s just a wonderful, wonderful coffee machine. If you’re in the market for one, this baby (Limited Edition of course) is now reduced to £129 in Lavazza’s online store. I promise you wouldn’t regret it. This is coffee shop standard.

Remember, there’s still chance for you to win your own Favola plus here. You can also follow Lavazza on twitter to find out what happens to the 15 of us taking part in this competition. Wish me luck!