Ariete 1318R Moderna Espresso Machine, 15 Bar Pressure Pump, Barista Style Coffee Maker with Built in Grinder & Milk Frother, Ideal for Cappuccinos & Lattes, 800 cubic centimeters, Red

Product Information

Equipped with a built-in grinder, the Ariete Moderna Espresso 1318 enables users to freshly grind their coffee beans, enhancing the flavor and aroma of each cup. It supports coffee making, cappuccino making, and espresso making, ensuring versatility and catering to different preferences. Full disclosure, I am still not entirely sure at what point a latte becomes a cappuccino and vice versa, but I know a latte has more hot milk and less foam, and the cappuccino the other way round. Either way, it was time to make a milky coffee of some description. Which one would depend on how adept I was at using the steam wand. All that’s left is to use the built-in grinder to grind the coffee beans to your preferred size and put the filter holder in place before turning on the espresso function. The Ariete Moderna Espresso 1318 is a countertop espresso machine that offers a range of features to enhance the coffee-making experience. With a power of 1080 W and a maximum operating pressure of 15 bar, this espresso machine is designed to deliver efficient performance and quality beverages. From coffee beans to your favourite espresso in a few moments. Choose your favourite blend and enjoy the coffee you have always wanted in your own home.

To make great coffee, you have to get four things right (aside from choosing the best beans of course). Firstly, your ground coffee needs to be the right level of courseness. Then you have to get the right amount in the filter. Next, you must tamp it down just enough – over pressed and you risk a bitter cup, under pressed and it may not extract under enough pressure to get a strong enough taste. And finally, you need to press the cup button for the right length of time to distribute the right amount of hot water for your drink. We decided to start by making a straightforward espresso with some ready-ground coffee. The machine has just four buttons – on, one cup, two cup and grind – as well as settings for the steam wand/water dispenser and grinding level. So, we expected it to be fairly simple to use. Measuring 305 mm in width, 305 mm in height, and 300 mm in depth, this espresso machine has a compact design that can easily fit on countertops without occupying too much space. Weighing 6120 g, it is relatively lightweight for ease of use and transportation. However, this is where I want to caveat that everything you are about to read is from someone who has not used this type of machine before. I consider myself an at-home coffee novice, having graduated from the school of pod machines, to using a fairly intuitive coffee maker that requires some measuring and tamping, but no further involvement beyond pressing the button to dispense water, or activate the steam wand. I have used dedicated electric coffee grinders and bean-to-cups where the process is all automated within, but never one where you grind straight into the filter.To clean the steam pipe, you can remove the external tubing and hand wash, using a small bottle brush for anything stubborn. Letting steam and/or hot water run through after each use will also keep it clean and milk free. For not much more than my current machine (the De'Longhi Scultura) that has no integrated grinder and doesn't get on with finer grounds, I would be happy to swap to this machine – even if each cup does take a bit longer. I made another espresso – a double this time – and steamed some milk using the wand on the side. I am no pro, but have this functionality on my current De'Longhi Scultura so get the basics. It delivered a silky hot milk that elevated my coffee to a nice long drink. I used oat, but have also used cow's milk for my other half on subsquent coffees.

I would definitely recommend this machine to those who are really looking to up their at-home espresso game, but don't have the budget for the very well known products in the bean-to-cup market from Sage, Breville and De'Longhi. As it happens, the brand is now owned by the same company as De'Longhi and you can feel that same Italian coffee heritage in its design. I read the instructions again and realised that my best chance of making the perfect cup was by grinding my own beans for a slightly finer powder and starting again.This does mean you have a set pressure automated by the machine, so being adept with your jug and milk miniscus (probably not the technical barista term) is important. The steam light on the front of the machine flashes when steam is coming out. For over twice the price of the Ariete you can get the Sage Barista Express which is for those who are more serious about making top quality espresso at home. As well as some nice accessories thrown in like a temperature indicator on the milk jug and a razor dose trimming too to perfectly tamp your grounds, it also has settings you can adjust and preset to programme in your perfect espresso. There is digital temperature control but brew temperature can also be adjusted. The pre-infusion can be changed too. The tamper is built in which is a small thing but keeps it neat. This machine is consistantly applauded for making great coffee and leaving little to be desired in the way of added features, so without having tried for myself, it again comes down to whether you are willing to spend much more for that little bit more predicability. There is also the prestige of the Sage brand that adds to the price. We also gave it 4.5 stars. Should you buy the Ariete 1313 Espresso Machine?