Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini Single Serve Espresso Coffee Machine LB 300, 5.3" x 13" x 10.2" 2 Coffee selections: simple touch controls, 1 programmable free dose and 1 pre-set

I haven't seen any reviews comparing this to other machines, and I have a couple on hand, so I wanted to put some information out there! Specifically, I want to compare it to the LB910 (the other Lavazza Blue machine available in the states), and a Nespresso Pixie. As a reminder, this machine uses Lavazza Blue capsules, not Nespresso capsules.As compared to the LB910, the Classy Mini is smaller, and simplified in ways that should make it much more reliable. The 910 has two highly common points of failure: A motorized capsule piston that compresses the Blue capsules, and the sensor for the spent capsule tray. Both of these are removed from the Classy Mini - instead, the machine tracks how many times you've brewed, and after every 5, the lights begin flashing to indicate you should check the water tank and capsule drawer. The motorized piston is replaced by a lever, much like Nespresso machines, that compresses the capsules when you pull it down. These may sound like downgrades, but in reality the adjustments seem like a direct response to complaints with the previous machine. Many 910 owners are familiar with a stuck capsule piston or a tray sensor that won't detect it's been replaced. In addition, this machine can brew without a capsule inside, so descaling it is as simple as filling the water tank with solution and running the lungo shots until empty - no need for a separate purchase of a descaling kit.In terms of brew and quality against the LB910, they're fairly comparable. Taking some measurements, both wake up from sleep in about 30 seconds, and then take roughly 26 seconds to brew an espresso shot from button press to end of stream, producing coffee that hits the cup at 160F or so. This makes the brew time and temperature fairly ideal. I don't taste an immediate difference between either of them, though the LB910 seems to consistently produce a bit more crema - which could be caused by any number of incredibly minute factors, so I don't see it as an issue. I had been worried from reviews that the Classy Mini would use a shorter brew time or hotter water, but that isn't the case. They're nearly identical, and I see no real reason to go for the more-unreliable and more-expensive LB910. The only real downside is that the Classy Mini drips more after finishing a brew.As compared to the Nespresso Pixie (and thus most Nespresso machines), the difference is more interesting. The Pixie takes about 15 seconds to wake from sleep, and then brews an espresso shot in 18 seconds - the ideal for espresso is between 20 and 30. Coffee hits the cup at about 155F, which is lower than it should be. Realistically, neither the Blue machines nor the Nespresso machines are going to be entirely comparable to espresso machines that are multiple hundreds of dollars more expensive, which is fine. This does mean the Nespresso machine produces coffee in roughly half the time (bearing in mind that the difference here is roughly 30 versus roughly 60 seconds), which is more convenient.Comparing the Nespresso and Blue shots side by side, the Nespresso pods produce thinner coffee, with foamier/lighter crema. The Blue capsules visually more closely resemble 'real' espresso, with denser crema and more layering of the coffee in the cup.Taste-wise, which is pretty much the most important part, the Blue capsules are universally much more bold, and closer to coffee shop espresso. The Nespresso capsules tend to be weaker, with higher amounts of acidity and a bit of sour tang in a lot of cases, whereas the Blue capsules often have much more pronounced body and character. I've also found that the Blue pods tend to have leave a much better lingering taste, and have more depth to them - you can find more flavors on repeat sips than the Nespresso pods. Some people may prefer the more subdued flavor of Nespresso, but I find the Blue capsules FAR nicer.In the end, the Nespresso machines do have some upsides of their own - they brew faster, their pods can be easily recycled in large quantities (with the Blue capsules you're stuck removing the foil, dumping the coffee puck, then recycling the individual plastic/foil), there are many more first and third party varieties available, and you can actually find the pods in stores! But the Blue machines produce coffee that more closely resembles espresso, and for that reason I'm happy to stick with the Classy Mini.

Makes a nice cup. A bit noisy, but it is worth it.

Bought one from Amazon the minute we got back home from a hotel that had one of these in the room. Started with Crema pods and then because of a shortage, switched to TopClass pods which we found to be robusto. Either way, we thoroughly enjoy the output of this machine in the last year which has brewed over 500-600 pods with no issue. If people are having problems it’s possible they are accidentally starting the machine with an empty water tank. It has a high bar rating so you will get that creamy head every time without fail. The taste is the real deal and consistent. The pods are more than adequate that we normally do one lungo and one espresso per pod so that you end up with a nice strong cup. We have also traveled with the machine carrying it in a diaper bag packed with ice and half and half milk. It withstood a pretty busy hotel itinerary so we know it’s a well built road warrior. At this price point there’s nothing on the market that beats it. I can’t tell you how much money and time this has saved on the road! Don’t hesitate to get one, definitely a quality of life booster. No more French press or pour over. My only regret is that I bought a really nice bean grinder just before I bought this machine. Haven’t been tempted to use it for French press or pour over.

Buenísima, más nunca he usado otra cafetera

The media could not be loaded. This is unfortunately the third time I bought this machine in the matter of six weeks the first machine I put the pods in and they fall right through the second machine comes. I put the pods in and they fall right through now I received third machine yesterday when I put the pod in to make a cup of coffee, it falls right through. It must be me. I’m totally confused. I’m returning this one.

I own a nespresso vertuo but when i saw this item on a flash sale i decided to try it. very good for making simple espresso or lungo but limited selection of pods (classico being the tastiest and most widely available IMHO). I am taking away one major star as the drip tray and pod receptacle falls off CONSTANTLY and Leaks so be mindful when cleaning or tossing away the pods. you have to do this frequently as the receptacle only holds about 4-5 pods and then an annoying blinking light will tell you to check and remove the pods.

My former espresso maker needed to be replaced after 10 years. We’re just returned from a trip to Germany and Switzerland and I saw this machine in one of my hotel rooms, Airbnbs, and the Lavazza name all over. I loved the price. My only warning to others is you’re locked in (from what I can tell) to only using Lavazza Blue capsules. But I know they are also quality so I don’t mind.Better tasting results than my previous maker.

I got this during a holiday event, not sure if it was thanksgiving or something along the lines of an Amazon shopping days. However, this has been my go-to kitchen appliance for my coffee. The doing the "lungo" twice makes a decent cup of coffee while still having that nice foam on top. The coffee temperature is spot on. If I want mine to be on the warm side, I'll just put cold milk or creamer to it and if I want a hotter one, I'll just put powdered creamer instead. I discovered this brand when I went back from a business trip from Les Diablerets in Switzerland. I fell in love with it and I had to find it online and lo and behold, it's on Amazon! Tiny and powerful machine, does not require much room and with its sleek design, it's like staying in a five star hotel with fancy coffee maker!