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Lavazza has just launched a coffee machine that’s changed the way you’ll be making single-serve coffee in the future. Instead of using capsules made of plastic or aluminium, the Lavazza Tablì uses compressed coffee tabs made with 100% coffee.
As a the senior homes and lifestyle writer at the Good Housekeeping Institute, I’ve been reviewing coffee and espresso machines for three years. I’ve tried my fair share of the best pod coffee machines, including many Nespresso machines, so I was curious to see how this unique coffee machine compared with others that have been trialled at the Institute.
What is the Lavazza Tablì and how does it work?
The Tablì is a single-serve coffee maker that can brew three drinks: espresso, lungo and double espresso. Rather than using a traditional capsule, it brews from a compressed coffee puck (more on that later).
When I first tried the machine, I found it incredibly straightforward to use. Just fill the water tank, slide the compartment open, insert a coffee tab and press a button to select your drink.
After brewing, the puck automatically drops into a compartment, so you don’t have to remove it each time. A warning light will alert you to when the compartment needs emptying, too. If you’ve used a pod coffee machine before, there’s virtually no learning curve.
What I thought of the Lavazza Tablì
Out of all the coffee and espresso machines I’ve reviewed, this one really stands out for its compressed coffee tabs. Unlike plastic capsules, the tabs have no plastic casing, so the machine brews directly through the coffee. Not only does this ensure you get the best taste (you don’t get different levels of extraction as the machine doesn’t force water through a pierced hole in the capsule) but it also cuts down on single-use plastic, which is a huge plus. You get the speed and portioned convenience of a coffee pod machine without brewing from a plastic capsule.
You can choose from several espresso tab options, including classic espresso, intense espresso, Qualità Oro, which has floral and fruity notes, or Qualità Rossa, which has richer hints of chocolate. There’s a decaf option, too, and a variety pack if you fancy switching things up each time.
Each box contains 12 tabs and costs £5.89, working out at about 49p per cup.
At first, I was concerned. Coffee is all about the freshness of the grounds and I couldn't see how these pucks could keep the flavours locked in long enough. But having tried them, I can confirm there’s no issue. The coffee tasted great – perhaps slightly darker than the roast initially suggested – but still full-bodied and bold.
Each box lasts around two weeks after you’ve opened the seal and you can extend their shelf life by popping them in the fridge.
The Good Housekeeping Institute’s verdict
Pros
- Quick and intuitive to set up
- Can pour two espressos at the same time when using the double coffee tabs
- Can brew another cup immediately without waiting for it to reheat
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No milk frother included
- Can't dispense hot water on its own
Key specifications
| Water tank capacity | 1.2L |
|---|---|
| Milk frother | None |
| Pod type | Lavazza Tablì |
| Programmes | Single shot, double shot, lungo |
Taking just 16 seconds to preheat, this innovative capsule coffee machine scored 87/100 in our testing. It has a clear control panel that ensures the coffee-making process is smooth from start to finish, and our espressos were impressively consistent, scoring full marks for reaching the correct volume as well as the ideal temperature. Each espresso took slightly longer than expected to pour (which can affect the overall taste), but the shots did have good layers of crema that were full of flavour.
Those who prefer an extra-hot coffee will appreciate the temperature customisation feature that can be adjusted in the Lavazza app. However, we did find it took a couple of attempts to connect the machine in the first place, so you may need some patience. Once connected, though, it was easy to use and offered plenty of ways to personalise your coffee.
The bottom line: Is the Lavazza Tablì worth it?
The Lavazza Tablì is incredibly easy to operate, and its compressed tabs offer a great alternative to traditional plastic coffee pods. If cutting back on traditional plastic capsules is a top priority, this is a great machine to invest in.
It’s a smart choice for families, too, thanks to the large water tank and ability to brew one shot immediately after the last with no reheating needed in between.
Those who prefer milky drinks will need to invest in one of the best milk frothers alongside, but if espressos and americanos are your go-to, this is a sleek, innovative machine that is definitely worth buying.
More for coffee lovers
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- Best espresso machines
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- Best bean to cup coffee machines
- Best budget coffee machines
- Best coffee grinders
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Reshma is the Junior Commercial Testing Manager at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the commercial testing team, working with partners across a wide range of categories, including household cleaning products, home appliances, sports apparel, skincare, and travel experiences. With a master’s degree in chemistry from UCL, Reshma has a sharp eye for detail and product research, ensuring her market knowledge remains up to date.
Reshma has also appeared on the BBC’s ‘Inside the Factory’ feature representing the Good Housekeeping Institute on their Carpet Stain Removal Segment. While she enjoys dealing with numbers and the more technical aspects of testing, Reshma is also an enthusiastic foodie – and loves to explore London’s newest hot spot cafes and restaurants. She is also a whiz in the kitchen, keeping her team’s collective sweet tooth consistently at bay!
