I made another espresso – a double this time – and steamed some milk using the wand on the side. I am no pro, but have this functionality on my current De'Longhi Scultura so get the basics. It delivered a silky hot milk that elevated my coffee to a nice long drink. I used oat, but have also used cow's milk for my other half on subsquent coffees. Full disclosure, I am still not entirely sure at what point a latte becomes a cappuccino and vice versa, but I know a latte has more hot milk and less foam, and the cappuccino the other way round. Either way, it was time to make a milky coffee of some description. Which one would depend on how adept I was at using the steam wand. We decided to start by making a straightforward espresso with some ready-ground coffee. The machine has just four buttons – on, one cup, two cup and grind – as well as settings for the steam wand/water dispenser and grinding level. So, we expected it to be fairly simple to use.

I haven't used other espresso machines with integrated grinders so asked our coffee expert Millie Fender how it compared spec-wise to the market leaders. There are lots of products out there that are virtually the same, but some have added dials to allow greater adjustment, while others go down a techy route with touch screens and automated programmes. For not much more than my current machine (the De'Longhi Scultura) that has no integrated grinder and doesn't get on with finer grounds, I would be happy to swap to this machine – even if each cup does take a bit longer. The removable water tank and drip tray make it convenient to refill water and clean the machine after use. With the auto power off feature, users can rest assured that the machine will automatically turn off when not in use, promoting energy-saving functionality. From coffee beans to your favourite espresso in a few moments. Choose your favourite blend and enjoy the coffee you have always wanted in your own home.Ariete’s Moderna range has been designed to enhance an elegant kitchen with everything you need for breakfast: electric kettle, espresso coffee-maker and toaster. All that’s left is to use the built-in grinder to grind the coffee beans to your preferred size and put the filter holder in place before turning on the espresso function. This does mean you have a set pressure automated by the machine, so being adept with your jug and milk miniscus (probably not the technical barista term) is important. The steam light on the front of the machine flashes when steam is coming out.

If the machine needs descaling, all of the lights on it will turn red. This hasn't happened to us yet, but from watching videos, descaling looks similar to the standard clean, but you add a descaling agent to the tank first. Then follow up with a rinse through of clean water. If you know how to clean a coffee machine already, the process will be familiar. How does it compare to similar models? I have used dedicated electric coffee grinders and bean-to-cups where the process is all automated within, but never one where you grind straight into the filter.To clean the steam pipe, you can remove the external tubing and hand wash, using a small bottle brush for anything stubborn. Letting steam and/or hot water run through after each use will also keep it clean and milk free. Measuring 305 mm in width, 305 mm in height, and 300 mm in depth, this espresso machine has a compact design that can easily fit on countertops without occupying too much space. Weighing 6120 g, it is relatively lightweight for ease of use and transportation.

However, this is where I want to caveat that everything you are about to read is from someone who has not used this type of machine before. I consider myself an at-home coffee novice, having graduated from the school of pod machines, to using a fairly intuitive coffee maker that requires some measuring and tamping, but no further involvement beyond pressing the button to dispense water, or activate the steam wand. Cleaning the Ariete 1313 is super easy. If you don't use the machine for a few days, you need to run a tank of water through the filter and water dispenser as you do before the very first use. Everything else just needs a wipe down from time to time and the removable parts can be washed in warm soapy water. The jug is dishwasher friendly as is the spoon and tamper, but the rest should really be hand washed. I read the instructions again and realised that my best chance of making the perfect cup was by grinding my own beans for a slightly finer powder and starting again. With the removable water tank, refills are easy – just unclip the tank and fill it straight from your tapThe integrated bean grinder with 8 settings means you can enjoy the taste and aroma of freshly ground coffee every morning Equipped with a built-in grinder, the Ariete Moderna Espresso 1318 enables users to freshly grind their coffee beans, enhancing the flavor and aroma of each cup. It supports coffee making, cappuccino making, and espresso making, ensuring versatility and catering to different preferences. Those who want to know how to make a cappuccino like a pro can spend far more time honing their milk steaming and frothing technique, but in my case, I just want some hot frothy milk to take the edge of my espresso. No problems here on that front. At a glance, it is a lot cheaper than some of the best coffee machines of this type we have tested, so I was understandably a little suspicious about how it would compare. And this is no plug-and-go single serve machine either. A range of integrated features such as a built-in grinder and steam wand, plus something to show whether the pressure is optimal for creating great espresso, take this beyond the basic at-home single-serve or push-button coffee makers – this machine needs you to embrace your inner barista.