If you've ever looked at your coffee machine and thought 'it's nice and all, but what I really want is a coffee maker so garish that I'll have to make espresso with my eyes closed?' then today is your lucky day.

Ninja has upgraded its excellent Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso Machine by getting renowned designer and potter Jonathan Adler to give it a makeover, and the results are, um, well... look at the picture and see for yourself.

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso Machine by Jonathan Adler is "the most glamorous espresso machine I've ever seen," Adler says. It's certainly very different from the usual look of even the most expensive and best coffee makers. And you've got to admire Ninja's bravery, because this is likely to be the Marmite of luxe coffee makers. For everyone that sees it and falls in love with its loudness there will be others like me who run away screaming.

I'm ribbing Ninja here, but I'm doing it affectionately: my kitchen contains multiple Ninja appliances, and while I happen to like their black and chrome looks I'm very much in favor of more interesting color and design choices — it's why the same kitchen also includes a brightly colored Smeg kettle, toaster and juicer. And this coffee maker is part of a new design direction for the brand, which means some really great-looking products such as the new Ninja MultiPot XL, which I think looks great in its multiple colors, and the gold detailing of the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Limited Edition by David Beckham, which launched in early 2026.

The loudness of the new version is entirely deliberate, I think: it's a halo product that'll raise awareness of Ninja's new design direction, even if that awareness comes via gently mocking articles like this one. It's not for me, but I think plenty of folks will love it.

But enough about the looks. What about the coffee?

Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso Machine by Jonathan Adler: key features and pricing

Beneath the new look is a very good coffee machine: the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso Machine by Jonathan Adler is the Pro version of the Ninja Luxe Café, which we gave 4.5 out of 5 stars to in our in-depth Ninja Luxe Café review. The Pro version adds a frother, a lever to tamp the coffee and has even more drinks in its menu.

The differences between the Jonathan Adler version and the standard Pro are cosmetic: natural wood accents, Adler's geometric Versailles pattern on the panel and brass accents instead of the usual chrome.

Inevitably, that adds to the sticker price. The Luxe Café launched in the US with a recommended price of $499.99 (about £400 / AU$750). The Pro by Jonathan Adler version is almost twice the price at $899.99.

That's a significant premium over the non-designer Pro, which is currently retailing at $749 / £729, but it's the same price as the limited edition David Beckham model that's still on sale. We don't have international pricing for the Jonathan Adler version yet, but if Ninja prices it like the Beckham one you can expect a UK price tag of around £879 and an Australian one of AU$999.

We'll leave the last word to Adler. "I believe glamour belongs everywhere," he says. "Including your kitchen countertops."

Dyson has updated its lightweight wet floor cleaner with a redesigned floorhead and extra-long battery life, without increasing the price. The second-generation PencilWash takes the best features of the original — its lightweight build, ease of use, and effective wet cleaning — and adds thoughtful features that add up to make it an even better everyday cleaning tool.

The cleaning head’s plush-feeling roller is now sprinkled with stiffer bristles to tackle welded-on stains effectively without scuffing your floor. The upgraded clean water tank is larger and fully detachable, and emptying soiled water is less messy too. After mopping, your floors will be dry and ready to walk on almost immediately.

It’s an excellent package, but before buying, note that Dyson has now cut the price of the original PencilWash to just $199.99 / £179 in the US and UK respectively. That’s great value, and it could be all you need if you want to spruce up a relatively small home.

For me, the only real drawback of the W1 PencilWash was that hair tended to get wrapped around one of the wheels underneath the floor head, rather than sticking to the roller and being scraped off by Dyson’s new metal comb.

Note that the PencilWash isn’t a vacuum cleaner, and has no suction. If you’re looking for a slim and lightweight vacuum, take a look at the Dyson PencilVac instead.

Dyson W1 PencilWash: price and availability

• Went on sale in October 2026
• List price $349.99 / £299.99 in the US and UK
• Not yet available in Australia, but likely to be AU$549

Dyson announced the W1 PencilWash at its Dyson Unveiled event in September 2026, and the product launched globally in October the same year — nine months after the original PencilWash.

It has a list price of $349.99 / £299.99, which is the same as the original PencilWash at launch, though you may also be able to find it cheaper (for example, Dyson is offering a $100 discount in its US store at the time of writing). The W1 PencilWash isn’t yet available in Australia, but I would expect it to be AU$549 when it arrives.

That's relatively expensive for a wet-only floor cleaner, and there are several excellent wet-and-dry vacuums available for about the same price. For comparison, the Bissell Crosswave HydroScrub wet/dry floor cleaner is $369.99 (about £280 / AU$540), while the Shark HydroVac Cordless WD201 / WD210 is $359.99 / £329.99 / AU$399.99.

What you're paying for here is the light weight and compact design, which will be better suited to apartments and other small homes than a bulky wet-dry cleaner.

• Value score: 4/5

Dyson W1 PencilWash: design

• New stiffer bristles in microfiber roller
• Clean water tank is larger and fully removable
• Emptying waste water is less messy

At first glance, the W1 PencilWash looks very similar to its predecessor, with a slender handle (this time colored indigo rather than copper), and one of Dyson’s Submarine floor heads. A tank at the back of the floorhead dispenses water onto a microfiber roller, and a squeegee-like blade squeezes dirty water out, and dispenses it into a separate tank inside.

On closer inspection, however, there are a few significant differences. The most obvious change is the floorhead’s microfiber roller, which is now scattered with stiffer fibers to more effectively scrub away stubborn dirt. There is also a new metal comb designed to detangle and scrape hair off the roller. (Both of these features are borrowed from the bulkier Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene wet cleaner, which launched at the start of 2026.)

The head disassembles into more parts, as you can see below. Most significantly, the clean water tank is now fully removable, making it easier to fill at the sink, and has a significantly larger capacity so you can keep cleaning for longer.

Dyson PencilWash floorhead comparison

Dyson W1 PencilWash

Original Dyson PencilWash

The dirty water collection tank has also been reworked, and is now much less prone to spills during emptying. It’s still wise to hold the whole floorhead over the sink when removing the cassette, but I found the process much less messy than the original PencilWash.

Note that the W1 PencilWash has different docks in the US and UK. The UK model, which I tested here, has a charging stand that holds the PencilWash’s handle, and a separate holder for the floorhead.

The US model has a magnetic charging stand called the Dok, which holds the whole PencilWash with its floorhead attached. This seems slightly more convenient, and will save a few seconds during cleaning.

• Design score: 5/5

Dyson W1 PencilWash: performance

• Excellent cleaning on dried-on spills
• Much easier to fill and empty than previous model
• Battery lasted over two hours in testing
• Hair wrapped around wheel underneath floorhead

In use, the W1 PencilWash feels very much like its predecessor. The handle is light in the hand, and its plush microfiber roller propels it forward so you barely need to apply any force when cleaning.

I tested it with a variety of stains and spills, including dried-on juice, ketchup, dried toothpaste (to simulate spills in a bathroom), flour, and hair.

You can use the PencilWash with plain water, or a cleaning fluid. I tested it with Dyson 02 Probiotic Hard Floor Cleaning Solution (which is specifically recommended for the company’s wet floor cleaners) diluted according to the instructions on the bottle.

The W1 PencilWash fared well in all my cleaning tests, clearing up flour, dried juice, and ketchup on a single pass. Congealed toothpaste proved the toughest challenge, taking about four passes to completely remove, but I was impressed that the roller system removed all the mess and deposited it in the waste tank, leaving no streaks when I continued cleaning the rest of the floor. The new stiffer bristles work well to scrub away dirt that would normally require you to get down on your hands and knees to remove, and I was pleased to note their tougher fibers aren’t rigid enough to damage your flooring.

The floorhead is fully articulated for easy maneuvering, and the handle can be laid almost flat to clean under low items of furniture. I was able to clean right between the legs of my dining chairs, which have a crossbar just a few inches above the ground. The roller cleans very close to furniture and baseboards as well, leaving a gap only half an inch wide.

Ketchup cleaning test

Before cleaning ketchup

After cleaning ketchup

Your floors will dry exceptionally quickly as well; after a pass on the regular cleaning mode, my laminate flooring was dry within 10 seconds.

The new metal comb wasn’t quite such a success. It does catch hair, and the roller needs less hand-cleaning after use, but quite a lot of hair became caught in one of the small wheels on the bottom of the floorhead during my tests. This didn’t seem to affect performance, and I didn’t even realize while maneuvering the cleaner, but it was wrapped tightly around the tiny axel and had to be cut free with scissors.

Toothpaste cleaning test

Before cleaning toothpaste

During cleaning toothpaste

It’s worth noting that the microfiber roller takes quite a long time to air-dry. I placed it near a dehumidifier to speed up the process, but it still took two days before it was dry enough for me to feel comfortable storing it.

The big surprise was the battery life. Dyson’s specifications claim that the W1 PencilWash can run for 45 minutes on a single charge (up from 30 minutes for the original PencilWash), but during my tests it ran for an astonishing two hours and 13 minutes — and that was during active mopping, not just running the roller without resistance. I have contacted Dyson’s press office to ask whether that’s expected performance, but it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t have any problems cleaning even large homes.

Overall, I’m impressed with the W1 PencilWash. Dyson has clearly taken on board feedback from the first model (the detachable clean water tank and scrubbing bristles are highlights) while keeping the fundamentals the same. If you have a large home with lots of hard flooring, or live with pets or children, then this new model would be a great choice. If, on the other hand, your home is relatively small and you want something for everyday maintenance, the original PencilWash might be the smarter choice at its newly reduced price.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Dyson W1 PencilWash?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Dyson W1 PencilWash: also consider

If the Dyson W1 PencilWash isn't the right wet floor cleaner for you, here are two other options to think about.

How I tested the Dyson W1 PencilWash

I tested the Dyson W1 PencilWash on sealed laminate flooring, using Dyson 02 Probiotic Hard Floor Cleaning Solution and tap water. I used it on common household stains including dried juice, dried toothpaste, ketchup, flour, and human hair.

I emptied the floor head cassette, and cleaned the tank, comb, and microfiber roller using plain water.

I fully charged the W1, then used it to clean the floors, moving it backwards and forwards as in normal use, and timed how long it took for the battery to run flat.

First reviewed November 2026

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a material used in some hard plastics, and is classified as an endocrine disruptor (a substance that can affect hormone levels). When it comes into contact with food and drinks, tiny amounts can be transferred and consumed.

The official stance of the US Food and Drink Administration (FDA) is that "BPA is safe at the current levels occurring in foods. Based on FDA’s ongoing safety review of scientific evidence, the available information continues to support the safety of BPA for the currently approved uses in food containers and packaging."

The Food Standards Agency in the UK adopts a similar position, stating that "Where it is allowed to be used, tiny amounts of the chemical may be transferred from some packaging into food and drinks, however the level of BPA detected in food to date in the UK is not currently considered to be harmful."

However, in both countries BPAs are forbidden in items intended to be used by babies and young children, and some coffee fans prefer to pick brewers that are BPA-free to play it safe.

All three coffee makers below are explicitly marked as BPA-free, but there are some other options to consider if you want to avoid contact with plastics. For example, if you want a manual espresso machine, the La Pavoni Europiccola (reviewed by my colleague Josephine Watson) is worth a look. Although it isn't explicitly marketed as non-toxic, the heating element is stainless steel, and its tank is made from brass to limit contact with other materials in the brew path. Meanwhile, pour-over fans can avoid plastic entirely by opting for a Chemex brewer, or a simple glass or ceramic dripper.

Ninja Prestige DualBrew System

The Ninja Prestige DualBrew System — known as the Ninja Espresso and Coffee Maker Barista System in the US — is BPA-free, plus Ninja's product FAQ also states that it's free from PTFE/PFOA, chemicals used to make non-stick coatings. PTFE is chemically inert, and regarded as safe at the temperatures used by coffee machines. However, as with BPAs, some coffee-drinkers prefer to avoid it for peace of mind. PFOA has been phased out in the US and UK, having been classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. You will not find it in any modern coffee makers.

The Prestige DualBrew System was released two years ago, but remains one of my favorite two-in-one coffee and espresso machines for sluggish mornings. Either fill the brew basket with ground coffee before bed, set the timer, and wake to a hot pitcher full of delicious pour-over, or drop in a Nespresso Original pod and enjoy a rich espresso with zero effort.

It's the little features that really make the DualBrew System stand out. For example, the hotplate under the pour-over pitcher offers adjustable time and temperature settings, so you can keep your coffee pleasantly warm without risk of stewing it. Remove the pitcher and you'll find a fold-down drip tray, so you can dispense coffee directly into a cup or travel mug instead.

You can adjust the height of the espresso drip tray to accommodate different-sized cups, too, and around the side of the machine, there's a fold-out milk frother for turning your Nespresso drinks into lattes or cappuccinos. It doesn't heat the milk as a steam wand would, but Ninja's designers have added a "recipe" label that provides guidance on the length of time for which you should microwave and whisk the milk for different drinks.

Read my full Ninja Prestige DualBrew System review

Ninja Luxe Café Premier

The Luxe Café Premier (which was known as the Luxe Café when it launched in 2024) is another Ninja coffee maker explicitly stated to be BPA-free. Ninja also notes that "after the reservoir, the water does not come into contact with any plastic," which is good to know if you're worried about substances leaching into hot water.

It's a brilliant all-in-one coffee maker that takes the trial and error out of making well-extracted coffee, handling the trickiest barista tasks and helping even first-time users produce a consistently well-extracted brew with a fully rounded flavor.

When preparing an espresso, the machine does the hard work of dialing in the grinder for you, suggesting an appropriate grind size and then funneling the prepared coffee neatly into the filter basket. A calibrated tamper helps you create a perfectly even bed of coffee, and once the handle is inserted under the brewing group, the Luxe Café will time your shot to make sure it's not extracting too fast or slow.

You can push the steam wand down into your milk jug to use the automatic frothing system, or lift it a few degrees to use it manually, depending on how confident you feel. We found that the auto system worked equally well with dairy milk and plant-based substitutes such as oat and almond.

"Overall, the Ninja Luxe Café delivered on its promises of uncomplicating espresso," said our tester Danielle Abraham. "It consistently created quality espresso and made things simpler by intuitively dosing and providing the correct grind level for the perfect pull, something you’d be hard-pressed to find on other semi-automatic espresso machines at this price point."

If you have a small kitchen, the Ninja Luxe Café Mini offers almost exactly the same features in a more compact package, brews "absolutely delicious" coffee, and is also BPA-free.

Read our full Ninja Luxe Café Premier review

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker

Fellow's premium coffee makers are a popular choice for coffee roasters and specialty cafés, and the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is no exception. The brand states that "Aiden is built with high-quality, food-grade plastic (BPA-free), stainless steel, and silicone, so that you can brew with peace of mind."

The Aiden offers a choice of brewing modes, so you can pick the appropriate one depending on how much time you have to spare. Auto Brew mode works like any basic drip coffee maker, simply heating water and pumping it over your ground coffee. The pump will run until the water tank is empty.

Guided Brewing mode is where things get interesting. It lets you choose how much to brew, then suggests the optimal dosage, bloom time, and temperature based on the type of beans you've selected. The machine will also tell you whether to use the cone or flat-bottomed brew basket, and can detect which one you've inserted.

The Aiden has a cold-brew mode as well, which uses hot water to bloom the coffee, then switches to cold for the remainder of the process. It's a clever trick that means your drink takes just 1.5-2 hours to prepare compared to the 24 hours for traditional cold brewing. The flavor profile is impressively similar, so hats off to Fellow.

However, the Aiden loses half a point for its carafe, which lets heat escape a little too easily. Fellow claims it will keep your batch of freshly brewed coffee hot for hours, but during my tests, it cooled noticeably within 45 minutes.

In short, the non-toxic Aiden brews exquisite drip coffee, but you'll need to be ready to enjoy it straight away.

Read my full Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker review

Drip coffee is an easy way to perk yourself up and boost your morale in a crisis (just pick up a ChemEx brewer or a simple dripper with some filter papers), but if you're aiming to conserve water then a shot of espresso is a better way to get your caffeine fix, so here I've focused on brewers for preparing shorter drinks.

Consider how you're going to store your emergency coffee supply, too. Whole beans will hold their flavor better than ground, and I recommend keeping them in an opaque, airtight container in a cool place (light, heat, air, and moisture are the enemies of aroma compounds). You'll need a grinder, too — look for one with burrs rather than blades so your coffee isn't chopped up in rough pieces.

If all that sounds like too much hassle in a crisis, opt for foil-sealed coffee pods instead. Both the Nanopresso and Dreame Ecceluxe Go below have adapters for brewing with single-serve capsules.

The Ecceluxe Go heats its own water, but if you pick a more basic brewer then you'll need a different way to get it up to temperature. As the former editor of an outdoor gear website, I recommend a simple gas camping stove like the MSR Pocket Rocket 2, which will get your water up to around 203F / 95C in approximately 3.5 minutes. Now, onto the brewers...

Wacaco NanoPresso

No power? No problem. The Wacaco Nanopresso generates up to 18 bars of pressure using nothing but elbow grease. It's small enough to tuck inside a pocket, and is hand-powered, so all you need is a source of hot water to create properly extracted espresso with thick crema (even if you have to use a flashlight to see what you're doing).

The standard Nanopresso uses ground coffee, which you can tamp down using the scoop (the brewer has a valve to release pressure if you accidentally tamp it too hard), but if you'd rather use pods then the NS adaptor allows you to use Nespresso Original style capsules instead.

It feels robust and solid in the hand, and is packed with thoughtful little features like an insulated water tank and cup to protect your hands from heat, and an easy-clean portafilter that needs minimal maintenance.

Dreame Ecceluxe Go

The Dreame Ecceluxe Go is a battery-powered brewer with a miniature boiler built-in. Just pour room-temperature water into the reservoir on top (measuring lines engraved inside will prevent you overfilling it and wasting precious resources), then pick the right adapter — Nespresso Original, Nestlé Dolce Gusto, ESE (Easy Serve Espresso), or fresh grounds — and you're ready to brew.

Preparing an espresso with room temperature water takes about six minutes from start to finish, and you can prepare two or three drinks before the Ecceluxe Go needs recharging (from a portable battery or solar generator during a power outage). The brew unit itself is smaller than a thermos flask, and comes in a compact carry case that you can tuck away with the rest of your emergency supplies.

The Dreame Ecceluxe Go is due to go on sale in Spain and Portugal very soon, with the US following shortly after. There's no plan for a UK launch yet, but it charges via USB-C, so there's no reason British preppers can't import one.

AeroPress and Manual Coffee Grinder

If you're planning to keep whole coffee beans in your emergency supplies, you need the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder. I've tested a lot of manual grinders in my time, and this is easily the best. It has proper burrs rather than cheap blades so coffee is ground rather than shredded, and they're adjustable so you can optimize the grind size to suit your brewing method.

The default setting is optimized for the AeroPress brewer, which you can use to make a short, strong shot of coffee to keep you awake, or a longer, smoother drink if you have water to spare. I have a plastic AeroPress in my locker at work (you never know what might happen), but if you want something extra tough then take a look at the rugged AeroPress Steel. If you're part of a whole family of coffee-lovers there's also the king-sized AeroPress XL, and if you need something you can also use on the road, the bijou AeroPress Go packs down into a compact travel cup.

De'Longhi has released a new, smaller version of its multi-functional coffee maker, with a 20% smaller footprint and built-in cold-milk frother. The updated De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee & Espresso Machine can make espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew, and is available to buy now in the US for $349.95 (about £260 / AU$500; availability outside the US is TBC) direct from De'Longhi and major retailers.

The new coffee maker offers six drip coffee sizes, from a single 8oz mug to a full 12-cup carafe, and a choice of four brewing styles: classic, bold, cold brew, and over ice.

Like its predecessor, the new All-in-One Combination Coffee & Espresso Machine has an adjustable steam wand, with settings for frothing dairy and plant-based milks, while the addition of a retractable whisk-style frother on the side means you can also prepare cold milk foam for chilled drinks.

Other new additions include an adjustable-height drip tray to accommodate everything from espresso cups to travel mugs, and a new front touchscreen display that lets you tweak brew settings and customize your drinks.

The machine has a 15-bar pump, and a thermoblock heating system with electronic temperature control for fast heating and consistent brewing temperatures.

We'll be testing the new all-in-one coffee maker very soon to see how it compares with De'Longhi's other machines, and close rivals like the Ninja Luxe Café Mini and Ninja Prestige DualBrew System.

The Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus looks like an almost mid-range vacuum. And it largely is. It has an all plastic build, doesn’t come with a bunch of attachments, and really does one thing. But, it does that one thing really well and that is be a wet-dry vac. In fact, when using it to simultaneously vacuum and mop, it picks up anything and everything smaller than a Cheerio. Crumbs of all sorts. Dog hair. Spilled parmesan. Coffee grounds. You get the idea.

Plus, if you compare it to the best wet-dry vacuums, you’ll see that it’s quite affordable, even if it is among the more expensive Bissell models. I do have a few quibbles, such as the fact that there’s an upper limit on the size of the debris it can suck up or the fact that all the debris goes into the same dirty water tank making emptying it a bit of a mess.

Still, for the price, it might be the best vacuum with wet-dry capabilities out there. Just be aware that the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus is the same as the Bissell CrossWave Reach, but comes with a charging base.

Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum: price & availability

• List price: $329.99 (about £250 / AU$470)
• Launched: September 2026
• Available in the US

The Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus comes in at decidedly Bissell level prices. You don’t have to plop down the cash you would for something like the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine and its list price of $949.99 / £599.99 / AU$949. It’s even cheaper than some Chinese models like the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro with its list price of $799.99 / £599.99 / AU$999). Of course, that model does come with a larger capacity and a more impressive display.

Basically, the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus goes for $329.99 (about £250 / AU$470). This price includes the vacuum, the charging tray, two different sample sized bottles of cleaning solution, and a measuring cup for the solution.

It’s a price that I would consider mid-range for a vacuum, though it’s relatively cheap for a wet-dry vacuum. It’s also an expected price point for a higher-end Bissell product (Shark hits similar price points in my opinion). You can get the non-Plus version for $279.99. The only difference is that it comes without the charging tray.

• Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum specs

Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum: design

• Dirty water tank contains solid debris too, for better or worse
• Has a self-cleaning feature
• Can lie flat to get under furniture

The Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus may be an all-plastic build, but it looks durable and cuts a somewhat dashing figure. Not quite a stick vacuum, it’s ever so slightly modular insofar as the handles comes separated from the body. It's also slim at around 4.5 inches across the body.

The power and mode buttons (eco, high, turbo) are on the handles, and are within thumb’s reach during use. The battery indicator, which shows battery life using three LEDs, as well as the indicators showing which mode the vacuum, are all on the body facing you while you clean. There’s also a button here to run the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus’s Clean-Out Cycle — a nice feature for self-cleaning the brushroll after use.

The 600ml dirty water tank clipped into the back of the body is easy to remove for emptying. When removed, the filter on top pulls right out exposing whatever debris is inside. The one downside here is that, unlike the best robot vacuums that vacuum and mop, everything goes into the same tank. Vacuumed up a bunch of rice and sucked up a spill? You’ll have to empty everything out into the same place.

The clean water tank is clipped onto the top of the floorhead. Its 450ml capacity is decent, though will require somewhat regular refilling (of water and a cup of one of the included solutions). I do like the exposed look of it, though.

As far as the rest of the floorhead, it can swivel and has a hinge for the vacuum to lay up to 180 degrees back — essentially flat — to get under furniture. And it has one large tangle-free brushroll that’s removable for cleaning or replacing and can handle just about any hard surface one would mop. Also worth noting is that it’s rated as having a 10.6 inch cleaning path, though when I measured it, I would say it’s actually 9.6 inches. You lose an inch to the plastic bezels on either side.

Lastly, the charging tray that comes with this vacuum is essentially a molded piece of plastic with charging contacts so that if you put it back in the tray after use, it will start charging automatically.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum: performance

• Great vacuuming except for larger debris
• Flawless mopping
• Can get pretty close to edges

When I first started using the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus, I found myself struggling to find something to dislike about it. After spending some time with it, that’s still mostly the case.

This is a wet-dry vacuum and mop, and it does both duties concurrently; there's no vacuum only mode, and no opportunity to only get the floor wet. Despite that, I’m going to try and separate these two functions just to give you a better idea of what to expect.

I performed a few tests when vacuuming. I threw a bunch of tea leaves on the floor as well as a bunch of rice. For both sizes of debris, the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus sucked them right up in the first go.

Because of the way the floorhead is arranged — there’s just the mop brushroll at the front end with a forward-angled silicon liner behind — it isn’t quite as successful on picking rice and similar sized debris when pulling the vacuum back as it can get caught by that liner. However, when pushing the vacuum forward, everything gets sucked up immediately.

The one caveat to that and a valid reason to still keep a regular vacuum around is the fact since the only moving part helping pick up debris is that brushroll, larger pieces of debris like cereal or popcorn will just get pushed around the front of it like a curling puck.

I found basically nothing to complain about its mopping capabilities, however. It lays down an even layer of water and detergent solution that is enough to fully mop whatever area’s been covered. And I found the floor to be dry within minutes after mopping.

I also tested the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus’s mopping by throwing a bunch of ketchup, mustard, and coffee (separately) on the floor. In each instance, whatever was on the floor was removed in one swipe. However, it takes a few passes to remove odors (and they can still persist for a short while).

Getting to the edges and corners with a vacuum is a concern, especially one without additional accessories for tight spaces. But that’s not too much of a concern here. I found that going up to edges with this vacuum allowed me to get as close as a quarter inch when moving with the right side towards the wall. With the left side of the vacuum facing the wall or edge, the three quarters of an inch closest to the wall is left untouched, while the front of the vacuum won’t touch that last inch closest to the wall. So, I was able to get pretty close to the wall but the vacuum orientation matters.

Generally, maneuvering the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus is easy. It does want to pull forward so pushing the vacuum in the direction I want to go feels effortless. When pulling back in a typical vacuuming fashion, I do feel some resistance since it wants to go in that direction. Turning is just as effortless thanks to the swivelling floorhead, and the fact that it can lie almost flat means it’s a cinch to get under furniture.

Lastly, the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus is not a quiet vacuum, but is in line with other cordless vacuums such as the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder. On eco mode, it reaches around 64dB. In turbo mode, it gets up to 67dB. And it hits about 65dB during its Clean-Out Cycle.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum: battery life

• Four and a half hour recharge time
• Up to 40 minutes of use on a single charge

Let’s get the bad out of the way. When fully drained, the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus is going to take over four and a half hours to recharge. If you are an infrequent charger, then, first, shame on you, and, second, you’ll have to suffer through what amounts to almost half a day of waiting if you have to charge from empty. That said, that’s actually a normal amount of time for a cordless vacuum to recharge, though I wish the battery was removable.

The good news is that the twenty minutes it lasts on turbo, specifically 23 minutes and 21 seconds, or almost forty on eco mode, 39 minutes and 49 seconds, is more than enough battery life for a regular home. These numbers are about in line with some of Bissell’s other offerings, though not quite up to what we see with the best cordless vacuums.

Because of how well it picks up debris (with the earlier size-related caveats), I was able to clean a 800 square foot area in about ten minutes. I ended up wandering in circles with the vacuum in tow waiting for the battery to die. That’s on turbo. The almost forty minutes on eco mode is more than enough for anyone not cleaning an office building.

• Battery life score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum: alternatives to consider

How I tested the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum

To test the Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus, I used it for a couple weeks, testing it on hardwood floors, tile, and marble. I ran it through its various modes as well as using the self cleaning function. For running benchmarks, I ran it from full to empty on both eco mode and turbo mode. And I vacuumed / mopped up tea leaves, rice, coffee, mustard, and ketchup.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

• First reviewed September 2026

The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is one of the Italian manufacturer's more affordable automatic bean-to-cup coffee machines, designed to take much of the effort out of preparing fresh coffee at home. It doesn't offer the extensive drinks menu or customization options of more expensive models, but it benefits from the company's LatteCrema automatic milk frothing system, making it a potentially appealing choice for anyone who enjoys milk-based coffee.

The particular model I have on test here, the ECAM220.61.W, offers just four one-touch functions — namely espresso, coffee, latte macchiato and hot water — meaning only three are actually coffee drinks. Other versions of the Magnifica Start offer different selections, so it's worth double-checking exactly which model you're buying.

Despite its relatively basic specification, this Magnifica Start is a good-looking machine, with a smart white finish and a minimalist control panel. It certainly looks like it should be straightforward to operate but, as I discovered, it takes a little time to master.

The controls aren't quite as intuitive as those on some other machines I've tested, such as the KitchenAid KF2, which offers similar functionality but has clearly labelled buttons that make preparing coffee incredibly straightforward. The Magnifica Start's steeper learning curve isn't necessarily a deal breaker, but it's something to be aware of.

There are plenty of positives, though. Espresso shots are consistently well extracted with an appealing layer of crema, and I was impressed by how quickly the machine could prepare them, taking just 30 seconds from pressing the button to the finished drink. I did, however, find that adjusting the grinder to a slightly coarser setting produced a noticeably more satisfying flavor.

The LatteCrema system also impressed me, producing a generous amount of foam with a pleasing texture using oat milk. While I still prefer the finer control offered by a traditional steam wand, it's still a capable alternative for anyone who wants the convenience of automatic milk frothing. The clearly marked milk carafe also takes thesome guesswork out of preparing drinks, while dishwasher-safe components help make cleaning easier.

Honestly, for just a one- or two-person household, it’s easy to recommend the De'Longhi Magnifica Start, especially since its compact design makes it a good option for smaller kitchens, too. It may require a little patience initially, as the brewing adjustments aren’t as intuitive as I would have liked, but the results are worth spending that little extra time at the start to familiarize yourself with the instructions.

De'Longhi Magnifica Start review: Price and availability

• Different variants of the Magnifica Start are available in different markets
• Model on test available in the UK and Australia; US version comes with an additional preset
• List price: $749.95 / £399.99 / AU$799

The Magnifica Start is the entry-level machine within De’Longhi’s wider selection of automatic coffee makers. Within it, however, there are multiple variants that may look virtually identical, yet offer different features, so it's important to pay attention to the model number.

For example, the exact model number of my review unit is ECAM220.61.W, which is only available in Australia for AU$799, exclusively through De'Longhi's online store. A black variant, with model number ECAM220.63.B, is available at a wider selection of third-party retailers, although it replaces the ‘latte macchiato’ preset on my review model with ‘cappuccino mix’. There’s yet another model that replaces the LatteCrema system with a manual steam wand.

While this particular white model is specific to Australia, similar versions are available internationally. In the US, for example, the comparable ECAM22080B retails for $749.95, but benefits from an additional cappuccino preset, bringing its total number of one-touch functions to five.

In the UK meanwhile, the ECAM220.61.GB is a closely related model finished in dark grey. It offers the same four one-touch functions as the model reviewed and carries a £399.99 recommended retail price.

Given its limited selection of drinks, the Magnifica Start can be compared with the KitchenAid KF2 released earlier in 2026. It, too, has a relatively small selection of presets, although it uses a Pannarello steam wand for milk frothing as opposed to the automatic LatteCrema system on the De'Longhi. The KF2 also adds iced coffee to the mix, although I found the results to be something of a mixed bag.

On price alone, the Magnifica Start is the clear winner of the two. However, I have to mention the Ninja Luxe Café as a viable alternative. It retails for $599.99 / £579.99 / AU$849 (or less as it’s often discounted), and while it might be a more hands-on machine, it offers considerably greater versatility than the De’Longhi, including the ability to prepare cold brew and filter coffee.

There's also the option of moving up, both in price and size, to the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next, which retails for $1,099.95 / £649.96 / AU$1,149. It uses a similar brewing system to the Magnifica Start, but offers a more comprehensive selection of drink presets and a colour display for easier navigation.

• Value score: 4 / 5

De’Longhi Magnifica Start review: specs

De'Longhi Magnifica Start review: Design

• Attractive, compact design with a minimalist control panel
• Only three coffee presets on model reviewed, with no dedicated cappuccino or hot-milk function
• Clearly marked milk carafe and dishwasher-safe components

No matter which model of the De'Longhi Magnifica Start is available in your location, they’re all identical. The only real differences are whether it uses the LatteCrema system or a steam wand, the color of the machine and the number of drink recipes it offers.

It’s an attractive coffee machine, particularly in the glossy white finish of the model sent for this review. The Magnifica Start has a relatively minimalist appearance, with a predominantly plastic construction and a black control panel providing some contrast. I’d argue it doesn't have quite the same premium appeal as the KitchenAid KF2 and KitchenAid KF3 I've reviewed previously, but I think it looks smart enough for most kitchens.

It measures 24 x 44 x 35cm (W x D x H), making it a relatively compact appliance for a fully automatic coffee machine. That said, its 24cm width might be a small footprint, but its 44cm depth is worth considering if you have a particularly narrow countertop.

The machine's compact dimensions should also make it a reasonable option for kitchens with low-hanging cabinets. You will, of course, need some clearance above it to remove the lid and refill the hopper, but I didn't find accessing it to be particularly troublesome.

The bean hopper, located on top of the machine towards the rear, can accommodate up to 250g of beans and is covered by a lid that unfortunately doesn't form a completely airtight seal, meaning the beans will lose freshness if left in the hopper for more than a couple of days.

The Magnifica Start also accepts pre-ground coffee via a separate chute on top of the machine, and a measuring scoop is included in the box. While I'd generally recommend using freshly ground beans wherever possible, it's a useful addition if you occasionally fancy a decaf but don't want to empty the hopper of your regular beans.

Another design feature I appreciate is the positioning of the water reservoir, which slides out from the front-right side of the machine. I praised this same arrangement in my De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next review, and I'm pleased to see it make an appearance on a more entry-level model. It makes refilling the tank incredibly easy, particularly compared with machines that have their reservoirs located at the rear — like those from KitchenAid — and might require you to move the entire machine to gain access.

The reservoir also looks deceptively small, but holds a generous 1.8L of water, matching the capacity of the more expensive Magnifica Evo Next. The drip tray covers the entire depth of the machine and slides out from the front, along with the internal container that collects used coffee grounds. The latter can hold up to 14 coffee pucks before needing to be emptied — far more generous than the KitchenAid KF4 that I use at home, which can only hold six or seven used pucks before it needs emptying.

On the front, you'll find the removable LatteCrema milk carafe, which attaches alongside the height-adjustable coffee dispensing spouts. It slots into place easily and takes care of milk frothing automatically, removing the need for a separate steam wand. The carafe can be swapped out for a water spout if you wish to pour hot water for a tea instead.

The particular model under test here features De'Longhi's LatteCrema Hot system, although more expensive models, such as the Eletta Explore, can also come with a separate LatteCrema Cool carafe for preparing cold milk foam. Its absence here isn't especially surprising given the Magnifica Start's more affordable positioning.

One feature I particularly appreciate here is the measurement markings on the carafe to indicate how much milk you should add for your chosen drink. This helps minimize waste, especially if you're only making coffee for one person. Interestingly, there are markings for ‘cappuccino’ and ‘cappuccino mix’ coffees, neither of which is available as a preset on this particular Magnifica Start, but is a present for the model sold in the US. The carafe also has an automatic cleaning function, while several removable components, including the drip tray and milk carafe, are dishwasher-safe.

The control panel is similarly minimalist, with four prominent drink icons and separate buttons for adjusting coffee strength and accessing other settings and functions, such as cleaning modes. On the surface, it looks incredibly straightforward, which is exactly what I'd expect from a machine offering such a limited selection of drinks.

However, I didn't find it quite as intuitive as I'd hoped. The layout initially led me to believe I should select my desired drink before adjusting its strength, whereas the machine actually requires you to select the strength first. It's something that becomes easier with familiarity, but I do think the controls could have been better explained.

The Magnifica Start lacks dedicated user profiles, something that I’ve come to appreciate on other automatic espresso machines I’ve reviewed. While you can customize individual drink quantities and adjust coffee strength, there’s only one saved volume setting per recipe.

This means that if two people prefer different-sized coffees, they’ll have to keep adjusting the programmed volumes to suit their tastes. Combined with its limited selection of drinks, I think this makes the Magnifica Start best suited to a single person or couple, particularly if both enjoy similar coffees. Larger households with different preferences would likely benefit from a machine with user profiles and a more extensive drink menu.

• Design score: 4 / 5

De'Longhi Magnifica Start review: Performance

• Consistent espresso extraction with a good layer of crema
• LatteCrema produces impressive milk texture, although a manual steam wand offers greater control
• Quick coffee preparation, but some functions take time to master

As with any bean-to-cup coffee machine, the most important consideration is how well the De'Longhi Magnifica Start actually makes the drink. Ease of use is a close second, especially for a machine designed to simplify the process of preparing your favourite drinks at home.

My first experience with the Magnifica Start was something of a mixed bag.

Setting it up was relatively straightforward, but I soon discovered that getting it to produce the exact drink I wanted would require some experimentation. My first latte macchiato, for example, dispensed considerably more liquid than I had anticipated, almost causing my cup to overflow.

Part of the problem is that there's no clear indication of precisely how much coffee or milk each preset will dispense, at least not without referring to the full user manual on De'Longhi's website.

While coffee strength can be adjusted before preparing each drink, there's only one saved volume setting per recipe. To adjust the volume of any drink, press and hold its dedicated button for a few seconds until the light blinks rapidly. The built-in grinder will have already kicked into action, which is normal. Once the coffee (or milk if you’re customizing the latte macchiato) reaches your desired level, press the same drink button again and the settings will be saved.

Once I'd figured out the process, I was able to customize the volume of my latte macchiato successfully, and the Magnifica Start remembered my settings for subsequent drinks. However, restoring the original quantity isn't quite as convenient. While it's possible to reset drink volumes to their factory defaults, doing so also resets all other settings and customized recipes. This seems unnecessarily cumbersome if you simply want to undo a change to one drink.

While I appreciate that all automatic coffee machines require some familiarization, I found myself returning to the user manual more often than I'd expected from a machine with such a limited selection of drinks.

There's also an amusing inconsistency in the setup guidance, which recommends preparing several cappuccinos before expecting the machine to deliver its best results. That's perfectly reasonable advice for a machine with a cappuccino preset, but this particular version of the Magnifica Start doesn't have one. It's a minor detail, admittedly, but it adds to the impression that the instructions aren't tailored as carefully as they could be to the individual machine.

Fortunately, when it comes to actually making coffee, the Magnifica Start has proved to be a reliable performer. After preparing several espressos, I found extraction quality to be consistently good, with each shot producing an appealing layer of golden-caramel crema. The results were remarkably similar from one coffee to the next, suggesting the machine has little trouble delivering a repeatable extraction.

I wasn't initially sold on the flavor, however, particularly as I've used the same beans in other machines, including KitchenAid's semi-automatic and fully automatic models, with more satisfying results. Fortunately, adjusting the grinder to produce a slightly coarser grind had a noticeably positive effect, resulting in a more enjoyable espresso. It goes to show that while the Magnifica Start is capable of producing good coffee, some experimentation may be required to get the best results.

The De’Longhi Magnifica Start doesn’t feature any kind of intelligent grind adjustment — De’Longhi does have its own BeanAdapt technology to do just that, but it’s reserved for its higher-end models — so you’ll need to adjust the grind yourself if you’re not totally satisfied with the results.

By default, the grinder is set to position four of seven, which De’Longhi claims “has been factory set to ensure that coffee is prepared correctly”. If coffee is being dispensed particularly slowly, the grind may be too fine, in which case De'Longhi recommends adjusting the dial towards a higher number. You’ll need to turn the grind dial, found inside the bean hopper, towards a higher number. Conversely, if you want a fuller bodied or creamier coffee, then you’ll need to turn the dial towards position one. In either case, the grind dial should only be adjusted when the grinder is in motion, and it takes at least two poured coffees for results to take effect.

I was pleased with the temperature of the finished coffee, which I found to be comfortably hot without being unpleasant to drink. If you prefer your coffee a little hotter or cooler, the brewing temperature can be adjusted through the machine's settings.

What surprised me most, however, was just how quickly the Magnifica Start could prepare an espresso. I timed it at just 30 seconds from pressing the espresso button to the finished drink, which is impressively brisk for a machine that grinds fresh beans for each cup.

It's also relatively quiet in operation. I recorded an average noise level of approximately 69dB using decibelX app in my iPhone in a quiet room and standing right in front of the machine, rising to around 74dB during grinding before dropping to 65dB while brewing. While the grinder is clearly audible, I never found the noise particularly intrusive, especially given how quickly the machine completes the process.

Milk-based drinks take a little longer to brew, as the LatteCrema system needs time to heat up before it can start dispensing milk. Even so, the overall process remains convenient, particularly as there's no need to manually froth milk or transfer it between containers.

Speaking of which, I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the LatteCrema milk frothing system. I've used it on other De'Longhi coffee machines in the past and haven't always been completely convinced by its ability to produce the milk texture I prefer, particularly when using plant-based alternatives.

This time, however, the results have been noticeably better. Using oat milk, the Magnifica Start produced a generous amount of foam with a satisfyingly smooth texture, making for a more convincing latte macchiato than I had anticipated. I achieved similar results with dairy milk too.

That being said, it's worth mentioning that the type of milk used can have a significant impact on frothing performance. If you’re using non-dairy varieties, it’s always recommended to use barista-style versions, as these are generally formulated to produce a more stable foam.

I still prefer the results I can achieve with a traditional steam wand and, while I haven't had the chance to use it myself, a version of the De’Longhi Magnifica Start is available with one. A manual wand gives me far greater control over how much air I introduce into the milk, allowing me to create the finer, silkier microfoam I typically prefer for a flat white.

But manual frothing also requires more skill and effort, and that's where the LatteCrema system makes a strong case for itself. For anyone who values convenience over having complete control of their milk texture, it's a capable set-and-forget solution that produces pleasing results with minimal input.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the De'Longhi Magnifica Start?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

De'Longhi Magnifica Start review: Also consider

How I tested the De'Longhi Magnifica Start

I tested the De'Longhi Magnifica Start in the TechRadar Australia office kitchen, using it to prepare coffee with Campos Superior beans, a medium-dark blend that’s roasted locally in Sydney, Australia, where I’m based.

I prepared multiple espresso and milk-based drinks to assess extraction consistency, flavour and milk texture, using both dairy milk and barista-style oat milk. I also experimented with the grinder settings to determine their effect on espresso flavour.

I evaluated how straightforward the machine was to set up and use, paying particular attention to its control panel and customization options. I used a measuring cup to check that customized drink volumes were remembered correctly, and recorded the time taken to prepare an espresso, along with noise levels during grinding and brewing.

Read more about how we test

First tested October 2026

It's also been a really difficult year in tech, though, due to the component crisis and rising prices across nearly all products. In the middle of that tension, it only makes sense for us to find out which companies navigated the challenges best by asking the community of tech lovers out there — and so here are the first TechRadar Readers' Choice Awards.

The results are in, so below we've listed the TechRadar Readers' Choice Awards 2026 winners winners in every category, all 100% voted by you!

Phones & tablets

Phone of the Year

Phone Brand of the Year

Phones Innovation of the Year

Best Value Phone

Best Mid-Range Phone

Best Folding Phone

Best Flip Phone

Best Camera Phone

Best Gaming Phone

Best AI Phone

Best Phone Accessory

Best Tablet

Best eReader

Cameras & drones

Camera of the Year

Camera Brand of the Year

Camera Innovation of the Year

Best Beginner Camera

Best Mid-range camera

Best Professional Camera

Best Compact and Instant Camera

Best Action and Vlogging Camera

Best Camera Lens

Best camera accessory

Best drone

Computing

Computing Brand of the Year

Best Computing Innovation

Best Value Laptop

Best AI Laptop

Best Gaming Laptop

Best PC Gaming Handheld

Best Gaming Keyboard

Best Gaming Monitor

Best Gaming Mouse

Gaming

Gaming Device of the Year

Gaming Brand of the Year

Gaming Innovation of the Year

Best Console Accessory

Best Gaming Service

Best Gaming Controller

Best Gaming Headset

Best Gaming Chair

TV & home theater

TV of the year

Home Entertainment Brand of the Year

Home Entertainment Innovation of the Year

Best Gaming TV

Best TV for Sound

Best OLED TV

Best mini-LED TV

Best Value TV

Best Projector

Best Soundbar

Best Wireless Home Theater Speakers

Streaming

Streaming Service of the Year

Best Streaming Service for Movies

Best Streaming Service for Documentaries

Best Streaming Service for TV Series

Best Free Streaming Service of the Year

Audio

Headphones of the Year

Audio Brand of the Year

Audio Innovation of the Year

Best Wireless Headphones

Best Wireless Earbuds

Best Open Earbuds

Best Value Headphones

Best Value Earbuds

Best Value Open Earbuds

Best Wired Headphones

Best Wired Earbuds

Best Bluetooth Speaker

Best Wireless Speaker

Best Portable Audio Player

Best Turntable

Best DAC

Best Stereo Speakers

Health & Fitness tech

Health and Fitness Device of the Year

Health & Fitness Brand of the Year

Health and Fitness Innovation of the Year

Best Smartwatch

Best Running Watch

Best Fitness Tracker

Best Smart Ring

Best Electric Toothbrush

Best Connected Fitness Tech

Home tech

Home Device of the Year

Home Tech Brand of the Year

Home Tech Innovation of the Year

Best Home Light Tech

Best Home Security Device

Best Robot Vacuum

Best Vacuum

Best Air Fryer

Best Coffee Machine

Best Value Coffee Machine

Best Fan

As my millennial colleagues often say: "you don’t wanna see me before my morning coffee". And there's truth to that: having a cappuccino on first waking has become something of a ritual for me; it's more effective than an alarm clock for getting me up and doing anything useful, at least. And since getting my hands on the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus, making a quick drink every day has never been so easy.

As the name suggests, the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus is an incredibly simple to use, and it’s ideal for anyone who wants to whip up a cold or hot caffeinated beverage at home. It comes with four settings: hot milk, foamed milk, hot cappuccino, and cold cappuccino. I’ve tried all of these out over a month-long period of testing, using both dairy and plant-based milks. Should you get one for yourself? Here’s my verdict.

Straight off the bat, something I love about the MilkEasy Plus are its controls. A single backlit button enables you to cycle through the four different modes. Just select your preferred option, wait a few seconds, and the frothing will begin. This makes it an accessible option for anyone — no matter their level of technical or coffee know-how.

Elsewhere, the included instructions are clear and concise, and after an initial clean cycle, all you have to do is plug the machine’s dock into a power outlet, place the MilkEasy Plus on top, and you’re good to go.

This model comes with a magnetic whisk that easily slots inside the MilkEasy Plus — no awkward installation required. The fact that it's magnetic means that it’s also easy to remove and clean. I was able to scrub the entire device in mere seconds, and while some pesky milk residue can stick to the sides of the MilkEasy Plus, it’s really easy to get off. The whisk and lid are also dishwasher-safe, although the main chamber needs to be hand-washed.

So yes, the MilkEasy Plus is a joy to use, but how does it perform? Well, I was really happy with the results every single time. With dairy milk in cappuccino mode, it whisked up a delightfully thick, creamy foam, which delivered a rich, satisfying flavor.

With foamed milk, I was impressed once more, both with dairy and plant-based milks. All those plant-based baristas will be pleased to learn that this this model is "approved by Alpro", and when using oat milk, this machine really shines. The smooth, velvety texture of the foamed milk was impressive given the modest price of this model, although it did take a good three minutes to prepare.

This wasn’t a big issue for me, as I set the foaming cycle in motion before drawing an espresso shot from my Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg machine, meaning I wasn’t left waiting. But if you want the speediest performance possible, this might not be the best option for you.

Not surprisingly, the hot milk and cold cappuccino modes produced similarly effective results with dairy and plant-based milk. And I was struck by how quiet the MilkEasy Plus is in use — you won't have to worry about disturbing any friends or family members if you’re making a late-night decaf coffee.

While I had an overwhelmingly positive experience with the MilkEasy Plus, I do have a couple of minor quibbles that are worth a mention.

Like a lot of rivals, the markings for quantity on the inside of the cup are a little difficult to read, and I found myself having to angle the machine to see the maximum fill line when adding milk. My other critique is that the MilkEasy Plus doesn't have a handle, so it can be slightly awkward to handle while pouring. This isn’t a major problem, and it’s still easy enough to grip, but a handle would have taken things up a notch.

Still, this model's build quality is impressive, especially given its relatively low £79 / AU$119 (about $100) list price. The quality of the MilkEasy Plus’ results, its user-friendly controls, and easy cleaning all combine to make it a top-tier option. And while a steam wand will always be superior for latte art, this model is tough to beat for casual coffee drinkers like me.

Lavazza MilkEasy Plus review: price & release date

• Priced at £79 / AU$119 (about $100)
• Released in July 2026

The Lavazza MilkEasy Plus was released in July 2026, and is available in the UK, a number of European markets, and Australia. It isn't available directly in the US, but could conceivably be imported.

This is a relatively budget-friendly model, coming in at £79 / AU$119 (about $100), making it cheaper than some of our favorite picks such as the Smeg Mini Milk Frother (£99.95, about $140 / AU$210) and the Dreo Baristamaker ($99 / £119.99, about AU$150).

Lavazza MilkEasy Plus review: specs

Should I buy the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Lavazza MilkEasy Plus review: also consider

How I tested the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus

I spent one month testing the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus, using it as a key part of my coffee-making setup almost every day. I tried all four of the frothing modes, and made sure to use whole and semi-skimmed milk, as well as oat milk to assess consistency across different types. I used the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus alongside my Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg capsule coffee machine for this review.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing gadgets here at TechRadar, where I serve as a Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve tested everything from home products such as the Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S to Dolby Atmos soundbars, like the Marshall Heston 120.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: October 2026

Coffee pods are out, and tablets are in. Recently, Keurig announced that it was killing off the K-Cup in favor of compressed coffee tablets, but it wasn't the first to the punch. Italian coffee company Lavazza had debuted its own coffee tablets and brewer — the Tabli system — months before, and it's excellent.

The main appeal of Tabli's compressed coffee pucks (called tabs) is their minimal packaging — there's no metal or plastic pod that needs to be recycled after each brew or worse, end up in landfill. Using ground coffee or whole beans is a much less wasteful way to prepare an espresso, but it takes longer, and while it's a fun hobby for some of us, not everyone is interested in getting into the technicalities of brewing a balanced shot.

Each of Lavazza's tabs provides exactly the right amount of coffee for a single serving, so there's no weighing required, and no loose grounds to make a mess of your counter. The whole process is just as clean and simple as using coffee capsules, but without the empty capsules to dispose of at the end. It seems like such a simple idea that it's surprising it hasn't hit the mainstream before — and the results are very impressive.

I've become quite picky during my years reviewing coffee machines, and the Tabli system produces a better-tasting brew than any coffee capsule I've tried. Its app compatibility is a nice touch too, but the ease of use and flavor are what really count — and they're both truly impressive.

Lavazza Tabli: price and availability

• List price $129 / £199 for the machine alone
• Available as a bundle that includes a milk frother and coffee tabs
• Tabs are competitively priced and cheaper than Nespresso

The Tabli coffee machine has a list price of $129 / £199. That's between AU$190 and AU$380, though the Tabli system isn't available in Australia yet. There are also bundles available that include the Lavazza MilkEasy frother and several boxes of Tabs for much less than all the components would cost separately.

Although it's not the cheapest single-serve coffee maker around, bear in mind that unlike some of its rivals, the Tabli system won't sting you with the price of coffee in the longer term. Bosch Tassimo machines, for example, are very cheap, but the pods are some of the priciest around.

A box of 12 Tabs costs £5.89 in the UK, which is about 49p per drink. You can also pick up a multipack of eight boxes for £40, which brings the cost per drink down to 42p.

Things are slightly more expensive in the US, where you can buy a four-pack of boxes for $48, meaning each drink costs $1. That's still very reasonable, though. For comparison, Nespresso Vertuo capsules cost between $1.40 and $1.60 each.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Lavazza Tabli: specifications

Lavazza Tabli: design

• Sleek, modern aesthetic
• Minimalist controls
• Available in three colors

The Lavazza Tabli is a sleek-looking single-serve coffee maker that comes in three colors: graphite black (shown here), sand white, and walnut brown. The top panel has four buttons — power, single shot, double shot, and lungo — and slides back with a smooth motion to reveal the small chamber resembling the bottom of a manual espresso machine’s filter basket, where you’ll place the compressed coffee pod.

There are also warning lights that will alert you if the used tab collection bin has been removed or needs emptying, if the water tank needs filling or hasn’t been properly inserted, and if the machine needs descaling.

At the very back of the top panel, you’ll notice a flashing blue light, which indicates that the Tabli machine is ready to connect to your phone via Bluetooth. Once it’s connected, the blue light will remain steady — but more on that later.

Unlike some other Lavazza coffee machines, such as the Assoluta, the Tabli doesn’t have its own milk frothing system. However, if you’re a fan of lattes and cappuccinos, the Tabli is available bundled with a standalone frother that works extremely well. My colleague Josh Russell has just finished testing it and will be publishing his review very soon.

The Tabli has a small drip tray that’s just the right height for an espresso cup. If you want to brew into a larger cup or mug, just slide the tray out to make room. Behind the tray, you’ll find the bin into which the Tabli machine drops used coffee tabs. The tabs don’t break apart, keeping mess to a minimum, and are caught in a basket so they’re not left sitting in water.

Unlike most other coffee makers I’ve tested, the Tabli dispenses dirty water into this bin after rinsing itself rather than expelling it into the drip tray — a tidier solution that keeps the front of the machine clean.

The Tabli’s removable components aren’t dishwasher-safe, but they’re easy to hand-wash, and since this machine doesn’t have an integrated milk frother, there’s minimal maintenance necessary. Just keep the bin and drip tray clean, and follow the descaling instructions periodically.

• Design score: 5/5

Lavazza Tabli: performance

• Very simple to use
• Much better coffee than most single-serve machines
• App works well, but Google Home connectivity does not

Using the Tabli is just as simple as any ordinary capsule coffee maker: place your chosen tab in the recess under the lid, slide it closed, and pick the type of drink you want. A minute later, your drink will be ready to enjoy.

Coffee tabs are given a strength score on a scale of 1-13, and although there are currently only six types available, if the system proves successful, I'm hopeful Lavazza will increase its range.

There aren't any of the elaborate flavors you get with Nespresso or Tassimo pods; all Tabli tabs are made using nothing but compressed coffee, with no additives, and in my opinion that's no bad thing.

I've tried three Tabli varieties during testing. Qualità Rossa and Qualità Oro both produced a smooth-tasting, easy-drinking espresso, while the Espresso Ristretto was a little punchier — but not at all bitter.

None of them had the astringent taste I associate with most coffee capsules, and their taste is much more like a drink made with freshly ground coffee beans. The espresso also has a good layer of crema that beats what I've come to expect from single-serve machines.

The Lavazza Tabli has a smartphone app, which you can use to operate the machine remotely and create custom drinks. After installing the Tabli app, you’ll be prompted to create an account and then connect your coffee maker. This was quick and easy; the app will request permission to search for nearby devices, then locate the Tabli machine without the need to scan any QR codes. The first time I connected to the machine, I was prompted to grant access to my calling history and contacts, but it seems this was a temporary bug. Following an app update, I disconnected from the Tabli machine, then restarted the process, and the prompt did not appear.

The app is nicely designed, and the brewing options are presented front and center. You can choose from the machine's three brewing options or create your own, give it a name, and save it for quick access in the future. You can adjust the volume and temperature of the drink, which is particularly useful if you enjoy an Americano in the morning. Because the machine uses prepared coffee tablets rather than ground beans, if you want to change the taste any more, you’ll need to pick a different type of coffee tab,

Naturally, the app allows you to order more tabs (as well as other Lavazza products), but you have to scroll down to find the store — it’s not thrust in your face, which is refreshing.

The only issue I encountered involved the coffee maker’s smart home connectivity. The Tabli’s box advertises compatibility with Google Home and Alexa, but during my tests it sadly didn’t work. I was able to connect the Tabli machine to Google Home easily enough, but although Gemini could turn it on, it couldn’t start brewing. Nor could I use voice commands to choose different drinks, as described in the Tabli’s manual.

However, I’m not certain whether this is an issue with the Tabli or with Google Home and Gemini, which aren’t known for their flawless reliability. The Tabli app works exactly as intended, but don't count on being able to brew drinks using voice commands through a smart speaker.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Lavazza Tabli?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

How I tested the Lavazza Tabli

I tested the Lavazza Tabli for three weeks, using it instead of my usual manual espresso machine. I used filtered water in its tank and used three different Tabli tab varieties. I experimented with brewing coffee remotely and creating custom drinks using the apps. I connected the coffee maker to Google Home and attempted to operate it using typed and spoken commands. I cleaned the coffee maker at the end of each day following Lavazza's instructions.

First reviewed October 2026

Of course, there's no shortage of travel-friendly coffee makers available, from the classic AeroPress to the hand-pumped Wacaco Nanopresso. The problem is, they all need to have hot water on hand, which isn't always feasible. Who wants to set up a camping stove and kettle for one drink — and who has the patience?

The Ecceluxe Go eliminates that problem by heating the water itself. It's a smart idea: a single shot of espresso only needs a tiny amount of water, so a portable Li-ion battery and compact heating elements are sufficient to bring it to temperature.

The device comes in a classy carry case that holds the machine itself (about the size of a small thermos) and a collection of adapters for brewing three different types of coffee pods or grounds. Whether you prefer Nespresso Classic, Dolce Gusto, ESE (Easy Serve Espresso), or freshly ground beans, the Ecceluxe Go has you covered.

Each adapter twists onto the bottom of the brewer, and a flexible cap lifts off the top to reveal a small water reservoir with fill lines to help you add the correct amount. All done? Open the little legs on the bottom of the adapter, place the whole assembly on top of the clear coffee cup supplied in the box, and you're ready to begin.

The only control on the Ecceluxe Go is a small touch-sensitive LED display. Hold your finger against this for three seconds to power it on, then select one of its two programs. P1 is for brewing with cold or ambient-temperature water, and P2 is for brewing with water that has already been heated. Once you've made your selection, wait three seconds and coffee-making will commence.

The brewer's miniature water tank contains a temperature sensor, and as it heats, you'll see the temperature displayed on its little screen (in centigrade) start to climb. This will take a couple of minutes (it's using a very small heating element), but once the water's good and hot, it will be forced through your coffee preparation of choice, and you'll have a delicious shot of espresso to enjoy, wherever your adventures have taken you.

I'm testing the Ecceluxe Go with all four coffee types for my full review, which will be published in a couple of weeks, and so far I'm impressed. The flavor is milder than usual, but still tasty and well-suited to drinking as a plain shot.

Dreame doesn't currently have a release schedule for the Ecceluxe Go in the UK, but it's scheduled to arrive in the US, Portugal, and Spain by the end of the year.

The Braun OptiBrew Pro does even more than you might expect from a drip coffee maker. It makes five different coffee styles: Regular, Bold, Over Ice, Cold Brew, and Coffee Shot. There are seven different brew sizes: 8 ounces, 10 ounces, 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces, a six-cup half-carafe, and a 12-cup full carafe. The Coffee Shot setting is not technically espresso but has a similar strength. This setting yields about three ounces of highly concentrated brew, perfect for making lattes and cappuccinos. A built-in milk frother tucks away when not in use.

The machine comes with a reusable filter, though you can use a cone-shaped #4 paper filter if you prefer. It also comes with a double-sided coffee scoop, so you can measure out the precise amount of coffee you need for each brew size and style.

The large, easy-to-read touch screen lets you set up your brew. You can adjust for high altitude and/or hard water if needed. Set up auto-brew for a specific time and you'll have freshly brewed coffee waiting for you when you wake up in the morning. The keep warm feature can keep your coffee warm for up to four hours at the temperature of your choice. You can also reheat cold coffee that way.

Cleanup is easy, and most of the parts are dishwasher-safe. The Braun OptiBrew Pro is easy to use, and it produces excellent coffee in a variety of styles.

Braun OptiBrew Pro: price and availability

• Available for purchase on Braun's website, Target, and Williams-Sonoma
• Retails for $199.95 (roughly £151.10 GBP, $287 AUD)
• Only one colorway: black and silver

The Braun OptiBrew Pro is available on Braun's website as well as other retailers such as Target and Williams-Sonoma. It comes in just the one colorway which is black with silver accents. The retail price is $199.95 (roughly £151.10 GBP, $287 AUD).

Braun OptiBrew Pro: specs

Braun OptiBrew Pro: design

• Many features in compact machine
• Comes with everything you need
• Easy to use and clean

The Braun OptiBrew Pro is well-designed and has a lot of features for a compact drip brewer. The large and easy-to-read touch screen lets you set up whatever sort of brew you'd like. It comes with a reusable filter, but you can also use a #4 paper cone filter if you prefer.

The Braun OptiBrew Pro has a large capacity water tank on the back, which you can remove for easier filling if you like. The tank is marked with brew sizes so you can always be sure you have enough water in the tank for the size coffee you're making.

The milk frother tucks neatly away on the left side; simply swing it out to use it. Pressing the top of it turns it on, let go to turn it off. Twist it to the unlock symbol to remove the frother for cleaning. It's the only part that's not dishwasher-safe, but it's easy enough to wash up in the sink.

When you're making a single serving of coffee rather than a carafe, you can pull out a built-in platform that puts your mug close to the filter. This helps avoid any splattering and minimizes your coffee's contact with air. It's just the right height for a regular-to-large mug or a small-to-medium travel mug.

The included coffee scoop is two-sided, with one side being larger than the other. The user guide has a chart that tells you how many larger or small scoops to use for each brew style. This chart is a good guideline to start with, of course you can use more or less coffee to your personal tastes. The handle of the coffee scoop can be used as a coffee bag clip.

Other features include a keep-warm plate, which you can set for up to four hours, that you can also use to rewarm cold coffee. The OptiBrew has an auto-on feature so you can set up your coffee the night before.

If you wish to pause the brewing mid-carafe to grab a cup, you can easily do that by switching the lever in front from "coffee" to "stop."

Additionally, you can adjust for high altitude and water hardness if you need to. You can even adjust the beep tone if you like.

• Design score: 5/5

Braun OptiBrew Pro: performance

• Straightforward and simple to use
• Feature-rich
• Makes delicious coffee

I tested out lots of different brew styles, all of which made some delicious coffee. There's something on the menu for everyone.

Regular coffee

I started by making a half carafe of just regular drip coffee. I made it "bold" style, which is how I like it. I also used the maximum amount of recommended coffee, which was four big scoops. This came out great, nice and strong. Some carafes spill as they pour, but this one is well-designed and doesn't do that. I tested the brew pause feature by switching the lever from "coffee" to "stop" during brewing, poured myself a cup, and then switched the lever back to "coffee." Very little coffee dripped out while I was pouring a cup (maybe a drop or two) and when I switched the lever back, brewing continued as expected.

Regular coffee: single serving

I tried out some different single sizes of regular coffee, using the coffee dosage chart in the user guide. Each time I chose the maximum coffee dosage and selected the "bold" setting. I made a 12oz mug and a 16oz travel mug using the built-in platform. Both came out great.

Regular coffee: auto-on and keep-warm

If you want to have your coffee hot and ready for you when you wake up in the morning, use the auto-on feature. I tested this out and it worked perfectly. You can set the keep-warm feature to your desired time, up to four hours, so it will still be warm when you go for a second or third cup later. All of this worked exactly as expected. You can even set how warm you want your coffee to stay. I used the medium setting and found the coffee to be plenty hot even hours later. Hot enough that I had to blow on it before drinking. The red indicator light under the warming plate lets you know it's hot.

Cold brew

The Cold Brew setting takes a bit longer and brews the coffee at a lower temperature. It took about 12 minutes to brew 8oz of coffee. I found the brew to be quite smooth and tasty. I tasted it before adding ice and noticed that it was definitely lukewarm rather than hot. This minimizes ice melt. This feature was a real highlight for me, and rather unexpected for a drip coffee maker.

Brew Over Ice

If you don't have the time to wait for Cold Brew, the Brew Over Ice setting gets you to iced coffee in about 1/3 the time. It took about four minutes to brew an 8oz cup. However, I found it a little bitter, so for me the extra time for the Cold Brew setting is worthwhile.

Coffee shot and milk frother

To make a true espresso, you need an espresso machine, which uses pressure. This is a drip machine, so you can't make a real espresso. However, the Braun OptiBrew Pro does make an ultra-concentrated brew they call a Coffee Shot.

Frankly, I found it too strong to drink on its own, but it makes a great base for latte or cappuccino-style beverage. I used the milk frother and made myself a sort of cappuccino. Now, the frother only froths, it doesn't heat the milk, so the user guide suggests microwaving your milk first if you want hot foam. I did that and it worked out fine. I used 2% dairy milk and the foam was copious and quite sturdy. It even stood up to vigorous stirring. My drink was delicious! And the frother was easy to detach and wash afterwards.

• Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Braun OptiBrew Pro?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Braun OptiBrew Pro: also consider

How I tested the Braun OptiBrew Pro

I made and drank lots of coffee! I brewed a half carafe and a full carafe. I made single serve brews, both the 12oz and 16oz sizes. I made iced coffee two different ways: Cold Brew and Brew Over Ice. I made a Coffee Shot and added it to 2% milk that I had microwaved and then frothed with the built-in milk frother. I made both regular coffee and decaf. I utilized the auto on, keep warm, and pause during brewing functions. I cleaned the filter, filter holder, and milk frother after every use.

First reviewed October 2026

The Ninja Crispi Microwave combines the power of an air fryer with the speed of a microwave. It sounds like an almost impossible feat, yet Ninja has seemingly done the impossible with one of the most versatile kitchen appliances around.

Things get off to a good start out of the box. One of the common frustrations with microwaves are their controls, and how it feels like you need an engineering degree to understand how it all works. Not with the Crispi Microwave. A brief flick through the instructions, and you’ll be off, with easy to use buttons and modes to help you cook the food you want.

The included glassware dish with removable crisper tray, and the rails its slides onto in the microwave, are great additions for air frying and FusionCrisp cooking. And when microwaving you don’t need to worry about any rotating turnable. You get the whole surface of the microwave cavity to place your food, allowing you to cook more at once.

Then there’s the actual cooking. Whether I was air frying, grilling or baking, or using one of the many microwave presets, the Crispi Microwave delivered great food every time. And to really unlock the power of this appliance, FusionCrisp uses the best of both cooking technologies, for wonderful moist in the middle, crispy on the outside cooks.

If you’ve got the space on your counter, and are looking to consolidate the number of appliances in your kitchen, the Ninja Crispi Microwave is an excellent all-rounder.

Ninja Crispi Microwave: price and availability

• Ninja Crispi Microwave price: $449.99 / £359.99 (about AU$650)
• Available in the US and UK, in multiple colors

The Ninja Crispi Microwave price is $449.99 / £359.99, which compared to a traditional countertop microwave is exceedingly expensive. However, this isn’t just a microwave. It also has a built-in air fryer, and with Ninja’s FusionCrisp Technology you can cook food with both systems in the same process.

There are a few other air fryer microwaves on the market, and comparing the costs here sees the Ninja competitively priced against its competition. The Samsung Combi Smart Microwave is a touch cheaper, Smeg’s is considerably more, while IKEA offers a budget-friendly option.

You can buy the Ninja Crispi Microwave directly from Ninja, and via third party retailers in the US and UK. It’s not available in Australia.

I’ve seen the Crispi Microwave discounted in the US by around $50, but at time of writing I’m yet to see any discounts in the UK. It’s always worth shopping around though.

Interestingly, in the US you get the choice of four colors; black, silver, Cyperspace (blue) and Stone Gold. In the UK, Stone Gold isn’t available, leaving you with three options.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Ninja Crispi Microwave: specifications

Ninja Crispi Microwave: design

• Premium, modern design, with cookbook in the box
• Slightly bigger than a standard microwave, but needs more clearance
• Internal light is dim, front is a dust and fingerprint magnet

The Ninja Crispi Microwave is a smart looking appliance, with a modern aesthetic, clean lines, and chunky dials and buttons.

Considering the additional air fryer tech squeezed inside the Ninja Crispi Microwave, it’s not hugely oversized. At 44.6 (D) x 51.6 (W) x 35.8cm (H) it’s bigger than my current unit, but it’s not aggressively massive.

While that’ll be good news for those hoping it will fit where their current microwave resides, you need to take airflow into consideration. As this product also has an air fryer built into it, you need to allow for a minimum of 12 inches (30.5 cm) of clearance above the unit for adequate airflow and safe operation.

That meant I couldn’t place the Crispi where my current microwave was, as the wall mounted cupboard above it didn’t allow for enough space for air to flow safely. I’m fortunate to have open countertop space in my kitchen, allowing me to place the Crispi - but if you have a smaller kitchen, or limited countertop space this is something you need to consider before purchasing.

If you do have a suitable space for the Crispi to reside, you’ll find it comes with various warnings when you open the packaging and look through the paperwork.

One of the main warnings is to not operate it when empty, as this can apparently damage the unit.

Unlike a traditional microwave, there’s no rotating platform inside. Instead there’s a glass service that you place dishes on, and you need to be careful when cooking is finished as this surface can be very hot.

What that does mean is you get a bigger cooking surface area compared to a turntable (up to 20% more, according to Ninja), with the ability to place dishes across the entire base of the microwave.

The quick start guide and recipe book included in the box will get you up and running quickly though, and these offers are better than some manufacturers - I’m looking at you, Philips.

The smart, modern design looks good on the counter top, but the glossy door and instrument panel are an absolute dust and fingerprint magnet. You’ll need to keep a microfibre cloth handy if you want to maintain a clean look.

Press the large door release button, and it swings open nice and wide, going beyond 90 degrees to give you plenty of space to move things in and out. It’s especially welcome when sliding the hot glassware tray out.

That glass tray is included in the box (along with a removable, metal crisper tray), and at a capacity of 5.5 quarts / 5.2 liters Ninja says it can hold an 8lb chicken, or four slices of pizza

And the runners that hold the glassware near the top of the cavity when in air fry or FusionCrisp mode have a nice party trick. Slide the glassware most of the way out, and it’ll drop into a small groove on the runners.

This angles the tray slightly towards you, allowing you to mix, stir or turn your food without the glassware sliding all over the place or needing to remove it completely. Your oven racks might well have a similar feature, and I was pleased to see the inclusion here.

Plus, Ninja has included a childlock feature on the door release button, preventing curious little hands from reaching up and simply popping the door open when cooking. To enable child lock, grab a Philips-head screwdriver and turn the switch on the side of the door release button. You will then have to press this side switch and the main door release together to open.

Another thing I like are the buttons, which have great tactility and feel premium under finger. They’re clearly labelled and are relatively intuitive - though you will need to refer to the manual initially while the process of getting the right settings becomes engrained.

As an example of how good the controls are, I was able to change the clock time on the microwave with ease, something that can’t be said for many microwaves I’ve used in the past.

Something that hasn't shone so bright is the light inside the microwave. It’s a little dim, even when you have the door open. When it’s closed, it’s not easy to see your food due to the heavy tint on the door as well as the under powered light.

The Ninja Crispi Microwave offers an array of cooking modes. There’s the traditional microwave option, allowing you to quickly reheat food, cook microwave meals, and pop some popcorn. Press the microwave button, set the time and hit go.

But there’s more here than first meets the eye. Hit the microwave button twice and you’ll get an illuminated selection of additional sub modes; defrost, beverage, popcorn, potato, soup, soften butter, frozen vegetable, and porridge. This makes for quicker and easier cooking for some of the core things you use a microwave for.

Then there’s the air fryer mode, which itself also has a few sub-options to choose from. If you’re familiar with Ninja’s air fryers these will be familiar; air fry, max crisp, air roast, air bake, air grill.

Then there’s a third mode, FusionCrisp. Ninja claims FusionCrisp takes the best part of microwaving and air frying, and combines them, giving you food that retains moisture, cooks quickly, but doesn’t go soggy.

• Design score: 4/5

Ninja Crispi Microwave: performance

• Brilliantly versatile as an air fryer and a microwave
• FusionCrisp mode combines the best of both
• Good enough to replace multiple appliances in your kitchen

The performance of the Ninja Crispi Microwave is impressive. Whether you’re air frying, microwaving, reheating, baking, grilling or softening butter (yes, it really has its own dedicated setting), this appliance delivers.

I used a combination of FusionCrisp and Air Fry to make a family-sized portion of mac and cheese. I added macaroni, water, milk and oil to the glassware and cooked it on the FusionCrisp mode for 25 minutes. I then added cheese and finished it with eight minutes in air fry mode for a lovely golden top.

The pasta was cooked well to an al dente bite, while the cheese oozed throughout the dish and provided some exceptional cheese pull highlights.

I dipped into the supplied cook book again when it came to sorting out a sweet treat, and I baked a moist, spongy chocolate cake using the FusionCrisp feature. I mixed the batter and poured it into the glassware, selected FusionCrisp for 15 minutes, then air fry for five minutes, and hit start.

The Crispi Microwave then got to baking, doing the quarter of an hour FusionCrisp cook first and then seamlessly switching to air fry for five minutes to finish the cake off. And thanks to the size of the glassware, the cake was large enough to last us a whole week.

And for a quick lunch fix I utilized the FusionCrisp mode once again to cook myself a baked potato. 14 minutes microwave, followed by a 10 minute air fry and I had a soft fluffy centered potato with a crispy skin in under half an hour. For those of you who enjoy an extra crispy skin on your potato, I'd recommend air frying for an additional 10 minutes.

I always enjoy air fryer chicken wings, and the Ninja Crispi Microwave didn’t disappoint. Lightly tossed in oil, salt and pepper, my wings cooked for 35 minutes at 200C on the air fryer mode. The result? Wonderfully crispy skin and succulent meat. It was so good, I immediately cooked a second batch.

Another air fryer classic is homemade fries, which I cooked at 200C for 20 minutes. Although the power of the Ninja Crispi Microwave meant I stopped after 16 minutes as outside was looking well cooked.

It turned out they needed a couple more minutes to make them extra crispy, and they were well cooked and nice and fluffy on the side. Depending on how thick you cut your fries, you’ll want to keep an eye on how they’re cooking before the time is up.

Digging into the freezer I wanted to see if the Crispi Microwave could deliver when it comes to frozen fries, and I selected the Max Crisp setting on the Air Fryer mode. The recipe book that comes with the unit has numerous tables with settings and cook time for lots of different foods, and it suggested I cooked the frozen fries for 15 minutes.

However, I found they needed an additional five minutes to get to a good level of crisp. Once done though, I was treated to crunchy fries with fluffy centers — just bear in mind you might need to cook them for longer.

As a big pizza fan, I love using an air fryer to reheat leftover slices, and the Ninja Crispi Microwave is a great option. Unlike a traditional microwave where your reheated slice is left limp, Ninja suggests heating the slices as you would in a traditional microwave first, then switching to air fry mode for five minutes to finish them off.

I dutifully followed these instructions, laying the slices on the crisper tray in the glassware, and sliding it into its elevated position. The results were slices which looked, felt and tasted almost as good as they did when they arrived fresh in the box the night before.

You’ll be pleased to learn that despite not having a rotating platform, the microwave mode functions exactly how you’d expect. Reheating left over mac and cheese and warming up pasta sauce worked well.

The soup sub-mode allowed me to select the quantity of soup I was heating (in liters) and the Crispi Microwave adjusted the cook time to suit.

I melted butter using the soften butter sub-mode with no burning, while the popcorn sub-mode did a good job of popping the kernels in my sweet and salty bag in the two minute duration it set itself to.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Ninja Crispi Microwave?

Buy it if

Don’t buy it if

Ninja Crispi Microwave: also consider

How I tested the Ninja Crispi Microwave

• I used the Ninja Crispi Microwave for several weeks
• I cooked a variety of food, including fries, cake, popcorn, chicken and potatoes
• I tested the various cooking modes, and the cleaning process

I used the Ninja Crispi Microwave for a number of weeks at home during my review testing period, cooking a wide variety of food and testing out the various functions and modes that this appliance offers.

I baked a cake, air fried fries and chicken wings, reheated pizza and pasta, popped popcorn, warmed up soup, baked crispy potatoes, and even tested the “soften butter” setting.

I hand-washed the glassware and crisper tray, and put them through a dishwasher, while running a damp cloth around the interior of the microwave to ensure cleaning and maintenance was easy.

First reviewed September/October 2026

When I caught up with Jake Dyson — son of founder, James, and Dyson's chief engineer — at the brand's Unveiled event, I wanted to know what prompted such a move. And, more broadly, how a brand might end up with such a twisty, turny product roadmap.

(For clarity, throughout this article I'll be using "Dyson" to mean the brand, and "Jake" to mean the person.)

So, if a toothbrush can become a Dyson gadget, is there anything that couldn't be? "No, it doesn't," Jake declares. "It has to be radically different."

He expands: "The first product has to be radically different, and have performance claims, and a difference against a competitor by a magnitude; otherwise, we wouldn't consider it."

In short, the brand isn't interested in having a go at anything; it wants to make a splash in markets that have grown stagnant. The launch of the first Dyson Supersonic hair dryer in 2016 is a great example — it blew new life into a market that had barely seen change in decades.

And the CameraJet is far from your average toothbrush. It's kitted out with a camera that will stream a live view of the inside of your mouth back to you, and is trained to recognize gaps in your teeth and shoot water/mouthwash at them, to take care of flossing. Whether or not it enjoys the success of the Supersonic remains to be seen, but it certainly checks that "radically different" box.

Striving for perfection

The potential to shake things up is essential, but before a new-category product is launched, other criteria must be met. "It's got to work properly," asserts Jake. "I mean, we probably could have launched [the CameraJet] two years ago, but it wouldn't have hit every gap perfectly, and that's not acceptable."

It's unfortunate then that shortly after our conversation, reports of CameraJet faults began rolling in from early adopters. Dyson has blamed this on an isolated production issue that's now under control, so I'll give the company the benefit of the doubt in this instance.

Barring any further hiccups, you should expect more unusual oral care products to also be hitting the market before too long; Jake's third golden rule is that you never launch with just one product. "If we're going to go into a new area, then we'll do that knowing we've got more products behind it," he tells me.

When pushed if he means further iterations, he clarifies the brand aims for "expansion in that category, quite quickly", and confirms it will start with a roadmap of multiple products.

Doubling up

Breaking new markets is an expensive business, but Jake is savvy about not wasting effort. "I think you try not to do things twice that take an awful long time and a lot of investment," he says. "You try to use it again in another product."

He talks about innovations that the brand wants to "platform". A great example is the shrunk-down mechanics and battery system that Dyson developed for its Airwrap, and which also appears in its Supersonic r hair dryer. A version of it is used in the brand's new hot brush, and it also features in the PencilVac and now the PencilMop.

As for exactly how the innovations make their way across team lines, it isn't a defined process. "It happens naturally. You cross-pollinate, you join the dots. 'If we put that with that, we could do this.'," says Jake. "And as a company, we're getting much better at predicting that before we do it."

He explains that this cross-pollination will also sometimes highlight the gaps that Dyson needs to fill. "It makes us realize there are other technologies we need to develop ourselves — which we are, behind the scenes — to enable us to go into those new areas and do something better than anyone else."

What "radically different" products might be on the horizon at Dyson? I'll be watching with interest.

Dyson product tour

Here's a quick rundown of some of Dyson's newest releases — hit the View Details button to read more about each one.

Your smart TV might not be the only smart device that's leaking your data: your coffee machine might be doing it too. A US man has gone viral after spotting his parents' Keurig coffee machine transmitting a terabyte of data in just 10 days, and here at TechRadar we've just had a Lavazza coffee machine ask for access to our contacts and call logs.

What's going on? Should I be worried about my dishwasher's Wi-Fi too?

In the case of the Keurig, the massive data transfer appears to have been because of a bug. Posting on X, IT expert Nomad said he disconnected the device because "It’s not worth keeping an IOT [Internet of Things] device connected that has the capability of bugging out and causing saturation like this did."

As for our Lavazza, we've asked the company its app wants those specific permissions — and why its smart features don't seem to work even after it's connected. Starting a brew using the machine's own app proved impossible, and when we asked it to brew us an espresso via Google Home as instructed in the manual, we were informed that the coffee maker "doesn't support selecting specific drink types like espresso through smart home commands".

As the song goes, we ain't seen nothing yet. With ChatGPT, Gemini and other AI rolling out across all kinds of tech, there's potential for real privacy problems. We have contacted both companies for comment and will keep you updated when we have more details.

When smart devices are too smart

In the US, Consumer Reports has been cautioning users about smart appliances for some time. Earlier this year it warned: "Increasingly, home appliances that rely on mobile apps for key functions and that collect data on you — whether you like it or not — are becoming the standard. That means that when you buy a new product, in whatever category you choose, internet features and companion apps needed to operate them are much harder to avoid."

I've experienced this myself: my home heating boiler has an app, as does my dishwasher. Both were awfully keen to gather data that had nothing to do with heating my home or washing my pots and pans. And that's just the data the apps were openly asking about. Consumer Reports' Steve Blair said he found a dryer that was sending the equivalent of 135,000 text messages per week to its manufacturer. "What does a dryer have to say at that volume?" he asked.

There are benefits to connected devices, of course. I like my smart home stuff. I had an Instant Pot whose app could download slow cooking instructions for specific dishes, and I like being able to remotely pre-heat my hybrid car when it's cold outside.

But there are downsides too, and I think the biggest one isn't sinister surveillance: it's accidentally opening doors for bad actors. As a rule, appliance firms aren't famed for their software expertise or website security and that means there's a risk of data ending up where it shouldn't, or of exploits that can target your device or other devices on your network. That means the less access a device has, the better.

I'm in agreement with Consumer Reports here: it recommends thinking about data security before purchasing any connected product. "Does your fridge need to be connected to Wi-Fi? Ask those questions." It recommends setting up a separate network on your router purely for smart devices; that way, if they are compromised, the attackers aren't on the same network as your laptop or your phone.

As for Nomad, he's regretting going public about his parents' chaotic Keurig. "I always dreamed that I would be remembered for the weird printers I designed and the cool stuff I've worked on at Prusa," he says. "I wanted a legacy of creativity and chaos. I am now most known for a rogue coffee machine. I don't even like coffee 🫠"

Midea makes a wide range of home products, ranging from fans, coffee machines, dehumidifiers and even a two-in-one washing machine and robot vacuum cleaner. It also offers a wide range of kitchen appliances, including the 5L Induction Rice Cooker reviewed here, which the brand looks to position as an affordable alternative to specialist rice cookers from Japanese brand Zojirushi, Taiwanese brand Tiger and South Korea’s Cuckoo, whose top-tier offerings can cost as much as AU$1,248 / SG$1,419. This model is only available in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and a handful of other Southeast Asian countries for a fraction of that price.

While a rice cooker won’t replace a multicooker outright in most households, models like this one from Midea are multifunctional, allowing you to steam, make soup (or at least prep for some kinds of soups) and even bake cakes.

That said, the specialty of Midea's Induction Rice Cooker is in its name: cooking rice. For this, it offers presets for three firmness levels, adjusting for mixed rice grains and for making what the brand calls ‘claypot rice’ (rice with other ingredients like proteins and vegetables to make a complete meal).

It looks sleek and premium and is arguably much better-looking than most multicookers, although it’s large enough to take up the same amount of counter space. The 5L capacity can accommodate up to 10 cups of rice, and the included steaming basket allows you to cook an entire meal for 2 people easily enough. For instance, I cooked a salmon fillet and some frozen vegetables in the basket while I had rice cooking underneath, and everything came out perfect, although I should note that the cook time is relatively longer when it's multitasking like this.

I also used the steam function to ‘boil’ eggs and I consistently got the results I wanted, whether that was a soft boil, jammy or a proper hard boil without overcooking. I could also do some light sautéing to create a simple meat sauce for gnocchi, creating enough heat for the onions, garlic and minced beef to cook through, and then switched to ‘Quick Cook’ for the rest of the way with the pasta.

During testing, the Midea cooked soft, regular and firm rice well with noticeable differences, while the soup and congee settings produced delicious results. I had mixed results with the cake function — my attempt at banana bread got a slightly burnt crust (but the interior was moist), while pancakes were cooked perfectly (although Midea’s suggested timings in its online recipe were a bit off). Admittedly, that result has more to do with my lack of baking experience than with the rice cooker itself, but it still wouldn’t be my first choice for baking a cake or making bread.

The Keep Warm button is useful for keeping leftovers fresh, though it tends to dry out food when it’s kept in the pot for too long.

I wouldn't call Midea's 5L Induction Rice Cooker perfect for all its advertised features, but it’s a nice upgrade from the basic heating plate-based rice cookers with just a single function or, alternatively, an inexpensive way to get a specialty option. On the other hand, you’re better off with a proper multicooker if you don’t cook rice a lot, especially if you need pressure cooking.

Midea 5L Induction Rice Cooker review: price and availability

• List price: AU$199 / NZ$199 / SG$199
• Available from select retailers in limited Asia-Pacific markets

The Midea 5L Induction Rice Cooker is available from Amazon in Australia and various retailers in Singapore. It often gets discounted to AU$149 / NZ$169 / SG$149, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for discounts, especially during major sale events like Black Friday.

That's a heck of a lot cheaper than spending upwards of AU$700 / NZ$1,000 /SG$600 on specialty rice cookers from Japan, Taiwan and Korea, although you do get what you pay for — the more expensive models give you better control over the cooking process. However, the Midea alternative is still a worthwhile consideration for anyone on a budget as long as you don't need a multicooker.

• Value: 4/5

Midea 5L Induction Rice Cooker review: specifications

Midea 5L Induction Rice Cooker review: design and features

• Induction cooking for evenness
• Lid-mounted controls
• Dishwasher-safe inner pot and accessories

The Midea Induction Rice Cooker is a well-designed kitchen appliance that looks sleeker than most multicookers, with touch buttons are on the lid that manage to both blend into the design while also standing out for good visibility. All the buttons are lit to which cooking mode is active as you toggle through the options. For rice, you can choose from soft, regular and hard, as well as dedicated settings for quick cooking, Jasmine rice, mixed grain rice, and ‘claypot rice’, or rice with other ingredients (like vegetables and proteins) to make a complete dish.

The lack of a pressure-cooking function means the lid is completely flat with a small valve at the top that Midea claims is “anti-spill”. The lid opens up with the touch of a button in front of the unit, with the non-stick inner pot sitting inside. The pot has multiple markings for guidance on water level for different rice options and steaming.

Midea says the non-stick coating is infused with Binchotan, or Japanese white charcoal powder, which is commonly found in specialised rice cookers and kitchenware, aimed at radiating far-infrared heat to improve thermal efficiency and neutralising unpleasant odours or tastes. The included steam basket sits on top of the inner pot, though it’s relatively small at just 5.5mm deep and just enough to cook for maybe 3-4 servings of vegetables or 2-3 servings of meat (about 2 servings only if combining meat and veg).

Unlike a multicooker, you can’t adjust cook times (except for soup, congee and steaming), but the rice cooker uses temperature sensors to ensure balanced and even cooking. The Keep Warm feature can run for up to 24 hours — though I wouldn’t recommend leaving food in there for too long — and there’s also a reheat button that runs for 20 to 30 minutes. The Delay Start button can schedule your cooking for later, like preparing everything before you leave the house, then timing it to finish as you come back.

Other accessories include a rice paddle with a handle designed to stand up vertically, a small soup ladle, and a measuring cup for 180ml or 180g. All the accessories are dishwasher-safe.

• Design and features score: 4/5

Midea 5L Induction Rice Cooker review: performance

• Rice programs are long, especially brown rice
• Rice firmness settings are accurate
• Steam and cake functions are surprisingly versatile

Rice is my main staple for most dishes, having grown up in an Asian household, so I would regularly cook 1-2 cups of jasmine rice in the Midea at least a few times a week. I used all three settings — soft, regular and hard — with each result depending on the dish I’m pairing the carb with. In two months of testing, every setting has been accurate with the results.

I would occasionally mix in some quinoa and pearl barley with the jasmine rice to make it healthier and to add a different texture, and the Midea’s ‘Mixed Rice’ setting worked like a charm — every grain was cooked through with the texture and consistency I wanted. I used the same setting for brown rice and had the same results. Admittedly, my old multicooker produced softer and fluffier brown rice thanks to pressure cooking, which is missing here, but the results were still delicious.

To test the ‘Claypot Rice’ function, I made a quick and simplified version of Hainanese chicken rice, where I swapped the water for chicken stock, sprinkled some spring onions and ginger slices, then placed two chicken thighs on top. It was set to one hour by default, so there was plenty of time to ensure the chicken was cooked through, though I was concerned it could be too long and might dry the meat out.

The chicken was cooked through, although the internal temperature went over 90ºC, a bit higher than I’d like. It wasn’t completely dry, thankfully, and was still tasty along with the rice. The rice itself was well-cooked, and it even had a crispy, charred crust around the edges, just like the traditional dish made in actual clay pots.

The included steaming basket is deep enough to fit whole pieces of chicken breast, chicken thighs or a salmon fillet, or up to 3-4 servings of vegetables. There’s a measuring line in the inner pot to indicate the minimum level of water you need for the steam function.

Steaming defaults to 15 minutes, but can be adjusted with the Timing button. Pushing the functionality further, I also cooked eggs in the rice cooker by following the usual cooking times (5-6 min for runny yolks, 7-8 for jammy yolks and 11 minutes for hard-boiled eggs) and, with a bowl of ice water nearby to stop cooking, I achieved precise results each time.

The steaming basket’s shallow height meant there was plenty of room to cook some rice at the same time instead of just using water for steam generation only. This way, I cooked an entire meal using my usual jasmine rice setting — this included two cups of the rice in the inner pot, with a salmon fillet and a single serving of frozen broccoli in the basket on top. On the 50-minute setting for regular rice firmness, the salmon was perfectly cooked and not dried out as I feared, while the broccoli was cooked through but not overly soft. The rice was also well-cooked.

Making soup is straightforward, as you can dump all the ingredients in the inner pot and set your desired cook time. As this function is essentially a simmer, you can open the rice cooker to check in occasionally without affecting the soup’s quality.

I made a chicken stock-based chickpea soup where I boiled canned chickpeas in chicken stock for 30 minutes using the Soup function — just enough to soften the chickpeas for blending before I mixed it back in. The result was a rich, creamy soup just like how I would cook it on a stove.

While it’s great for some soups, I’ll be sticking to a regular stock pot when ingredients need to be blended — it's quicker on prep time and cleaning up to stick a hand blender into the stock pot directly, and you won't need to worry about damaging the non-stick coating of the rice cooker.

I tested the Congee mode by making porridge, swapping out the rice for steel-cut oats and using a mix of water and chicken stock, plus seasoning. I followed the suggested liquid level for congee marked in the inner pot’s guide and set it for the default 1-hour cook time. It was enough time to achieve the consistency I wanted, which is relatively thick, with the steel-cut oats cooked all the way through.

To test the ‘Cake’ function, I tried a shortcut banana bread recipe using a packaged pancake mix to make a denser version. My initial attempt was unsuccessful as I kept opening and closing the lid (a big no-no, it turns out), and I may have put in more milk than I should have. My second try was better, where I redid the same 50-minute cook time setting and sprinkled in some oats in the centre to help it absorb some liquid and add some texture.

The banana bread turned out well, albeit with a crust that was a little too dark brown (i.e. slightly burnt) but a moist centre. Well, a baker I am not and I'm still uncertain about the Midea rice cooker's bake functionality.

On the other hand, I had better success with pancakes when using the Cake setting. I scooped in a thin layer of batter at a time into the inner pot and cooked each side for 2-3 minutes each, according to a social media post from Midea ANZ. It turns out that was not nearly enough, and I kept the cooking going for a few more minutes before flipping to the other side.

The pancakes were cooked through after about 6 minutes for each side, though getting them out of the pot was tricky due to the depth of the pot. The results were OK, but the effort of taking the pancakes out of the pot makes me want to stick to using a pan on the stovetop instead.

Midea’s marketing materials also showed that light sautéing is possible even if there isn’t a specific ‘Sauté’ function, so I tried making a quick meat sauce to pair with gnocchi. I tried the ‘Steam’ function (as the time can be adjusted) to start off with the minced beef, and then put the gnocchi in after the meat was cooked and set it for ‘Quick Cook’. Again, the meal was OK, though the meat didn’t have the kind of caramelisation I wanted.

• Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Midea 5L Induction Rice Cooker?

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if...

How I tested the Midea 5L Induction Rice Cooker

• I cooked in it over a period of two months
• I used six different cooking functions
• I noted how easy it was to clean

Having previously maintained the Australian version of the best Instant Pots, I tested this rice cooker as if it were a multi-cooker, albeit without a pressure-cooking function. I primarily cooked various types of rice, but also made eggs, steamed fish and broccoli, chickpea soup, and porridge. Instead of testing the pressure-cooking, I used the 'Cake' setting to make banana bread and pancakes.

During these tests, I was evaluating how straightforward the cooker is to use, and how easy it was to adjust the settings. I also cleaned it by hand to see how easy it is to clean. I also noted any other quirks or frustrations along the way.

Read more about how we test.

[First reviewed October 2026]