So that I can cover grinding in more detail, let's fast forward about 10 minutes and on a second attempt and I was gifted with a much smoother and more rounded cup of espresso. This time, I paid attention to the manometer and by skill or fluke I had managed to get the tamping, amount of coffee and water button time pressing just right, as shown by the gauge sitting in the 'optimal cafe' region. Full disclosure, I am still not entirely sure at what point a latte becomes a cappuccino and vice versa, but I know a latte has more hot milk and less foam, and the cappuccino the other way round. Either way, it was time to make a milky coffee of some description. Which one would depend on how adept I was at using the steam wand. Ariete’s Moderna range has been designed to enhance an elegant kitchen with everything you need for breakfast: electric kettle, espresso coffee-maker and toaster.

I would definitely recommend this machine to those who are really looking to up their at-home espresso game, but don't have the budget for the very well known products in the bean-to-cup market from Sage, Breville and De'Longhi. As it happens, the brand is now owned by the same company as De'Longhi and you can feel that same Italian coffee heritage in its design. From coffee beans to your favourite espresso in a few moments. Choose your favourite blend and enjoy the coffee you have always wanted in your own home.

Here we are considering a couple of machines we have had our hands on which fundamentally do the same thing. The integrated bean grinder with 8 settings means you can enjoy the taste and aroma of freshly ground coffee every morning

Measuring 305 mm in width, 305 mm in height, and 300 mm in depth, this espresso machine has a compact design that can easily fit on countertops without occupying too much space. Weighing 6120 g, it is relatively lightweight for ease of use and transportation. For over twice the price of the Ariete you can get the Sage Barista Express which is for those who are more serious about making top quality espresso at home. As well as some nice accessories thrown in like a temperature indicator on the milk jug and a razor dose trimming too to perfectly tamp your grounds, it also has settings you can adjust and preset to programme in your perfect espresso. There is digital temperature control but brew temperature can also be adjusted. The pre-infusion can be changed too. The tamper is built in which is a small thing but keeps it neat. This machine is consistantly applauded for making great coffee and leaving little to be desired in the way of added features, so without having tried for myself, it again comes down to whether you are willing to spend much more for that little bit more predicability. There is also the prestige of the Sage brand that adds to the price. We also gave it 4.5 stars. Should you buy the Ariete 1313 Espresso Machine?Equipped with a built-in grinder, the Ariete Moderna Espresso 1318 enables users to freshly grind their coffee beans, enhancing the flavor and aroma of each cup. It supports coffee making, cappuccino making, and espresso making, ensuring versatility and catering to different preferences. All that’s left is to use the built-in grinder to grind the coffee beans to your preferred size and put the filter holder in place before turning on the espresso function. The machine comes with a milk jug for this very purpose, which is a nice extra you expect on premium brands and saves a bit of money and time buying your own. I followed the instructions and heated the machine by running one cup through without any coffee in the filter. Next I filled the portafilter for one, and fitted to the machine. I was a bit confused about pressing the button for water. There are one cup and two cup options but you have to press for a certain length of time to get the required amount of water. The instruction manual was not completely clear but it does have a handy table showing water distribution times and here it says you need 13–18 seconds for one cup. As I wasn't sure, I pressed the one cup button for about 13 seconds. I made another espresso – a double this time – and steamed some milk using the wand on the side. I am no pro, but have this functionality on my current De'Longhi Scultura so get the basics. It delivered a silky hot milk that elevated my coffee to a nice long drink. I used oat, but have also used cow's milk for my other half on subsquent coffees.