When considering the best coffee pod machines, it's not uncommon to want one that looks as good as it performs. We all take pride in the appearance of our homes, and if it's going to take pride of place on your countertop, you want to feel proud in showing it off.
One brand known for crafting envy-inducing coffee machines is Lavazza. With a wide range of models available, it offers reliable options at an affordable price, and we absolutely love them.
I’ve been reviewing the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Evo, one of the brand’s more budget-friendly machines. Read on to discover my thoughts and find out if this economical option can still brew a high-quality coffee.
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Evo review: price and availability
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Evo has an RRP of £99/$119.99 and can be purchased from the Lavazza site or other selected retailers, including Argos and Amazon. However, I would recommend shopping around if you're interested in purchasing, especially as it's often discounted by up to 50%.
It's available in grey, black and white, offering versatile options to complement a range of kitchen aesthetics.
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Evo review: design and features
In terms of its design and features, the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Evo is a relatively simple machine. The machine offers espresso and lungo options, both controlled by a single button, so you’ll need to keep an eye on it to stop the pour at your preferred volume. This straightforward operation is great if you prefer a quick, manual process, though it may be less convenient if you typically rush around in the mornings.
The drip tray is fixed at one height, but it's easily removable if you want your brew in a standard-sized mug.
I personally love how compact it is, especially as it can easily fit under most cupboards and doesn’t have to be pulled out in order to refill the 600ml water tank. At just 21cm high and 33cm deep, it’s designed to serve one to three people, which is ideal if you’re short on counter space but still want great coffee.
It has a handy energy saving feature which automatically turns the machine off if it hasn't been used in two minutes. If you are one to grab your coffee and quickly move on to the next task, this is particularly handy indeed.
I also like that the machine indicates when its capsule drawer is full. Even the best Nespresso coffee machines don't do this, so it's great to see it on an even more affordable model.
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Evo review: performance
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Evo may be straightforward, but it's impressively reliable for making quality espresso. If we start with the pods, the machine is exclusively compatible with Lavazza A Modo Mio pods. I personally think they're beautifully blended, especially when compared to other brands, but there aren't that many to choose from. This is limiting, especially when compared to Nespresso, but not the end of the world if you're a creature of habit. For the purpose of this review, I've been using the Lavazza A Modo Mio Passionale capsules, which are priced at £5.69 for a pack of 16.
When trying the espresso function, the machine poured a rich, dark shot in about 30 seconds, with a pleasing crema on top. It's obviously hard to get the exact 25ml serving, but the one-touch button didn't delay, so it was pretty spot on. I was also pleasantly surprised at how quiet the machine was too, especially after a good few months testing some of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines.
Next, I tested the lungo option, which took about 90 seconds to pour. Though the pour was still relatively small, the crema was even thicker and the flavour wasn't diluted at all.
If you're a cappuccino or latte fan, this machine isn't ideal as it doesn't come with a milk frother – you’d need to purchase one separately. However, for those who value a great espresso or lungo, it’s a reliable choice that consistently delivers high-quality coffee.
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Evo review: verdict
If you’re looking for a simple, compact machine primarily for espressos or lungos, the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Evo is a solid choice. However, if you want a greater pod variety and a few more advanced features, a different machine might be a better investment.
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Evo review: alternatives to consider
If you're in search of a similar model that offers a wider selection of pods, I highly recommend the Nespresso Vertuo Pop. Priced under £100, it’s incredibly user-friendly, and the extensive range of available pods means your coffee options are virtually limitless. Similar to the Jolie Evo, it may not be the best fit for larger families, but it has quickly become one of our top favourites.
If you want to stick to the Lavazza brand, you can't go wrong with the Lavazza A Modo Mio Desea. It's also a great choice if you prefer an array of different drink size options, and its built-in whisk and steam produce a wonderfully frothy brew. It's a little pricier than the Jolie Evo, but you can see why.
