Nespresso. What else? (Delonghi EN660 Lattissima)

Member Name: PhilM101

Product:	Delonghi EN660 Lattissima
Date:	05/06/09 (145 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Looks Stunning. Produces perfect Espresso and authentic Cappuccino consistently with ease!

Disadvantages: A little noisy. Inconvenient having to hold 'clean' button for 12 seconds between milk based drinks.

I have gone through a fair number of automatic coffee machines in the last few years. Flavia, Tassimo, Senseo, plus a couple of bean to cup offerings. In fairness all of them can make an Ok drink, the Flavia and Tassimo even offer tea and hot chocolate in addition to coffee, but frankly Nespresso just blows them all out of the kitchen! For a consistent, exceptional quality, rich espresso or larger 'lungo' cup of coffee you can not go wrong with Nespresso.

The Lattissima adds another dimension, as it can also make a cappuccino to rival some of the best cafes in Italy, at the push of a button! The foam is made by steaming fresh milk under pressure, just like a professional machine, and the result is a perfect, lingering, velvety froth. Into this goes a shot of espresso, at whatever strength you prefer (there are 9 strengths across 16 varieties), and it produces an incredible cappuccino every time.

The machine comes with the milk container which you store in the fridge when not in use, and it can go in the dishwasher when required. It also comes with an espresso cup & saucer, a recipe glass, and a selection of the Grand Cru capsules.

The Lattissima is very easy to use. You just choose a capsule, place it in the top of the machine, pull the lever down, (plug in the milk container if required) and press the appropriate button. If your cups are larger than the pre-programmed volumes, the machine can be simply programmed to deliver a full cup every time. Just press and hold the button until your cup is full, it will remember your preference and fill to that level automatically next time!

The creamy white or red front of the EN660 makes it a stylish accessory for any kitchen, absolutely deserving of its place on the worktop. Even the shiny, recyclable aluminium capsules look amazing. A different colour for each flavour, they really do look stunning and complement the style and character of Nespresso.

A small complaint would be that between every milk based drink you have to press and hold a, 'cleaning' button on the milk container. This triggers a process which removes excess water from the pipes, an important step in ensuring you get consistently good froth every time. I find the button a nuisance to hold for 12 seconds. It would be fine if you pressed it once and it just did it, but having to hold it is a bit of an inconvenience. The machine can also seem a tad loud as the water is pumped under 19bar of pressure through the coffee.

If you enjoy an excellent coffee, that looks, smells and tastes consistently perfect, and appreciate the option to choose a strength and taste to suit your mood, buy a Nespresso machine, and you will not be disappointed. For simplicity, consistency and outstading quality I have not found anything to match the results of this machine for the home.

Summary: If you enjoy excellent coffee, the Delonghi Lattissima EN660 Nespresso machine will not disappoint!

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