Philips Krups XP384EM0 Manual Espresso Machine with Steam Wand

Our review

The Krups XP384EM0 is a manual espresso machine built around a boiler heating system and a steam wand, with settings for brewing one or two cups at a time. It suits someone who wants to learn espresso properly rather than press a single button, since manual machines reward attention to grind, dose and timing. Before buying, think about your grinder: a manual machine is only as good as the coffee going into it, and a consistent fine grind matters more here than on a pod system. The steam wand also means you can texture milk for cappuccino or latte, though it takes practice. Compare it with pump-driven machines if you want faster back-to-back shots, and with automatic models if convenience outweighs control. Available on Sokonia.