Krups EA810870 Essential Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Black

• Pump pressure: 15 bar
• Water tank: 1.7 L, removable
• Bean container: 260 g
• Grinder: Conical metal burrs, 3 fineness levels
• Heating: Thermoblock
• Milk system: Steam nozzle for frothing
• Power: 1450 W
• Colour: Black

The Krups Essential does what its name says. It grinds beans, brews espresso or a longer coffee, and lets you froth milk with its steam nozzle, all without a complicated menu. It is a sensible first bean to cup machine for a home that is tired of instant coffee but does not need a screen full of options.

A Thermoblock heating system gets the machine ready quickly, so you are not waiting long before work. The conical metal burr grinder has three fineness levels, and the 260 g bean container and removable 1.7 litre water tank mean less topping up during the week. Coffee temperature can be set to one of three levels. The machine alerts you when cleaning or descaling is due, and runs those programmes for you, which helps the grinder and pipes last longer. Drip tray parts come out for washing, making daily clean up quick.