I test coffee makers for a living, and Lavazza’s new single-serve machine solves a huge problem

I love espresso as much as anyone, but I don’t always have the wherewithal in the morning to fiddle with a fancy brewer. I’m much more likely to turn to my single-serve coffee maker, but it has always bothered me how much waste those disposable pods create — and I especially don’t like the idea of microplastics entering my brew. Enter the Lavazza Tablì, an innovative single-serve espresso machine that uses pucks made only of compressed coffee grounds. No plastic, no aluminum — and the machine is pretty affordable, to boot.

Having tested close to 40 coffee makers, more than half of which are single-serve brewers, I was excited to try the Tablì. For a month, I worked my way through every variety of Lavazza’s “tabs,” the brand’s name for its coffee pods. The machine’s low-waste design wowed me, enough that I’m keeping it on my counter for good.

Jessica Dodell-Feder/Yahoo

Machine dimensions: 15.3″D x 6.5″W x 12.8″H | Water tank capacity: 1.2L | Brew options: Espresso, double espresso, lungo| Connectivity (WiFi): No | Tab price per serving: about $1 per tab

My verdict: The Lavazza Tablì is so easy to use, you can be half-asleep while brewing your coffee. What really sets it apart, though, is its waste-reducing design, which relies on 100% coffee tabs rather than plastic or aluminum capsules. That means, however, that you’re locked into Lavazza’s proprietary tabs, and they’re limited (just five options currently).

Pros

• Extremely easy to use
• Uses plastic-free pods, creating minimal waste
• Brews flavorful espresso
• Fuss-free cleanup — removable parts are dishwasher-safe
• Well-priced for this type of machine

Cons

• Limited to proprietary pods (and espresso only, no coffee)
• Machine itself is plasticky and somewhat bulky

What you need to know

Manufactured by the iconic Italian brand Lavazza, the Tablì is a unique single-serve machine that brews espresso, double espresso and lungo shots. Instead of using plastic pods like Keurig or aluminum capsules like Nespresso that must be recycled — or get inadvertently trashed — the Tablì relies on tabs made solely from compressed ground coffee. The tabs look like small pucks and are deposited into a waste bin built into the machine, which you empty occasionally (the brand recommends doing so every eight tabs, but I found it could hold 10).

A control panel at the top of the machine displays everything you need to know, including cup sizes and indicators for when the bin needs emptying or the water tank needs refilling. It slides back to accommodate a “tab,” then you push it back into place and select the drink you want to make. Lavazza provides plastic tweezers to grab the tabs without damaging them, but I used my hands for the most part and it turned out fine. The machine heats up within 35 seconds, and it brews each drink in a minute or less.

Keep in mind that although the Tablì eliminates waste from disposable pods, it’s not a plastic-free brewer. The machine itself is made mostly of plastic, with a stainless steel cup rest.

• Best for: Espresso fans who want a quick and easy brewer and are looking for nontoxic alternatives to plastic coffee pods. Because of its low-waste design, this machine will also appeal to anyone looking to reduce single-use plastic in their kitchens.

• Not for you if: You’re picky about your espresso or want a single-serve machine that also makes regular coffee.

What I liked

I’m thrilled to ditch standard coffee pods

I have long been bothered by the amount of waste created by most pod machines. In theory, the capsules are recyclable, but not everywhere, and I suspect a lot of people just throw them in the trash. Lavazza’s plastic- and metal-free coffee capsules feel genuinely innovative. According to the brand, they’re made purely from coffee grounds — there’s not even a binder or coating to hold them together.

The Tablì feels like one of those inventions someone should have thought of sooner! Unsurprisingly, other brands are getting in on the action: Keurig recently launched the Alta, a $500 single-serve machine that works with compressed coffee tablets. (Keep in mind the Tablì costs a fraction of that, at $130 when not on sale.) I plan to review it soon.

Solid espresso in a minute or less

In testing, the Tablì brewed a single shot in 36 seconds and a double in exactly 1 minute, a big win if you’re looking to get your caffeine fix fast. The machine is exceedingly easy to use — all you have to do is fill the water tank, hit the power button, insert your “tab” of choice, and press the button for the appropriate cup size. I really enjoyed the light and medium roast options, and the Super Crema single espresso “tab” made an excellent iced latte.

Save time on cleaning

Maintenance for this machine takes just about as much time as it does to brew a shot — which is to say, very little! The tabs automatically fall into a built-in collection container after use and remain mostly intact, making them easy to drop in the trash or your compost bin. Occasionally, you should wash the removable parts, which include the aforementioned collection container, plus the water tank, drip tray and cup rest, but they’re all dishwasher safe. The only other task is to use a soft brush or cloth to wipe away any residue left in the “tab” holder, which takes approximately 3 seconds.

What could be improved

Your coffee options are limited

Because the machine uses proprietary pods, you can’t just run to your local grocery store if you run out of coffee. Currently, Lavazza makes five varieties of tabs, including a decaf option. But you’re limited in roast options (for example, the double espresso pucks only come in a dark roast), and I found that the darker roasts tasted a bit bitter. I far preferred the taste of the single espresso pucks, which are a light roast, and it’s disappointing that I can’t get them as a double.

Prepare to give up some counter space

Though it’s not especially large, the Tablì looks bulky to me because of its curved lines. The front flares out, which gives the impression that it takes up a lot of space. As someone with limited counter square footage, I’d prefer something sleeker and more streamlined. That said, the design feels very Italian.

Tab storage is less than ideal

Tablì tabs come sealed in plastic trays, six at a time, that are placed inside paper boxes. It’s very difficult to peel back just enough plastic to reveal one coffee puck, so you should ideally find better airtight storage. According to the brand, the pucks stay good for two weeks at room temperature and 45 days when refrigerated.

How I tested

I tried the Lavazza Tablì the same way I test all single-serve coffee makers. I made cup after cup of coffee, rating the machine on setup, ease of use, cleanup and coffee quality. Because taste is subjective, I didn’t focus too much on flavor (though I noted anything that I thought tasted exceptionally good or bad) and instead tracked coffee temperature and the brew’s strength and smoothness. I also timed the machine repeatedly to gauge how long it took to brew each cup size.

Final verdict: Should you buy the Lavazza Tablì?

If you’re trying to limit single-use plastic and unnecessary waste in your kitchen, this machine is a winner. At $130, it’s well-priced for an espresso machine, and its design is genuinely exciting. Just keep in mind its limitations, including the fact that it can’t make coffee like Keurig and many Nespresso machines.

Jessica Dodell-Feder/Yahoo

Bottom line: The Tablì is the coolest (hottest?) coffee maker I’ve tried this year, and considering I’ve tested almost 40 machines, that’s saying a lot!