Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa: One-Minute Review
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is a compact capsule coffee maker that offers optional milk frothing for cappuccinos and macchiatos, along with hot and cold milk foam. It excels in delivering quality espresso, thanks to Lavazza's affordable and high-quality coffee pods, which do not include flavored or sweetened options.
This machine is user-friendly and notably quiet, reaching a maximum noise level of just 50dB during brewing, making it the quietest model I've tested so far.
It features the same milk frothing system as the Lavazza Assoluta, utilizing a large glass cup with a lid that houses a rotating electric whisk and a steam pipe. While it performs well with full-fat dairy milk, it struggles to create foam with oat milk, likely due to the smaller size of the Deséa, which may not generate sufficient steam pressure.
Overall, this espresso machine is a charming choice for small kitchens, especially for solo coffee drinkers. The cost of its capsules is reasonable, even for those who enjoy multiple cups daily.
Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa: Specifications
Name | Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg |
Type | Capsule coffee maker |
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm |
Weight | 9.9lbs / 4.5kg |
Water tank capacity | 37oz / 1.1 liters |
Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa: Price and Availability
- Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk frothing
- Available in Europe and Australia, but not currently sold in the US
- A Modo Mio coffee pods are much cheaper than alternatives
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa has a list price of £249 / AU$349 (approximately $330), but discounts are often available. For instance, it was found on sale for £199 in the UK and $261.75 in Australia at the time of writing. This model is not available in the US.
This price is standard for a capsule coffee maker with a built-in milk frother. For comparison, the De'Longhi Lattissima One is priced at $429.99 / £259.99 / AU$519.
What distinguishes the Deséa from its competitors is the affordability of its capsules. A pack of 16 Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules retails for £6.45 / AU$15 (around $9), and the cost per drink decreases significantly with bulk purchases. This makes A Modo Mio capsules some of the most economical options available, especially compared to Nespresso Vertuo or Tassimo alternatives.
A Modo Mio pods provide a variety of coffee blends, roasts, and terroirs, but do not include hot chocolate or flavored coffee options. Your choices are primarily espresso, espresso, and more espresso. During testing, I found the freshly ground and vacuum-sealed beans to be excellent, but if you're looking for pumpkin spice, you won't find it here.
- Value score: 4.5/5
Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa: Design
- Compact and stylish
- Includes a milk frothing system
- Milk frother only compatible with the supplied mug
- Dishwasher-safe components
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is available in black, white, cream, and deep burgundy, with different retailers stocking various colors. It features a sturdy, glossy case with the company logo embossed on the side. While it may not be as sleek as the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, it certainly holds its own in terms of aesthetics. Glossy finishes can attract fingerprints, but this was not an issue with the cream-colored model I tested.
Its compact size (11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm) makes it easy to fit into small kitchens, and it can be stored in a cupboard when not in use, provided it is cleaned and dried properly. Despite its small footprint, it boasts a larger water tank than most pod coffee machines, holding 37oz / 1.1 liters. This is because it not only serves as an espresso machine but also froths milk for lattes and cappuccinos using high-pressure steam.
The Deséa utilizes a unique milk frothing system that employs a special glass mug with a lid containing a steam tube and whisk. Although it doesn't perform as effectively as a traditional steam wand, it works reasonably well with the right type of milk.
However, note that milk-based drinks can only be made in the glass mug; the lid does not fit other cups. Unless you purchase an additional mug (priced at $22.70 / £15), you and your partner won't be able to enjoy lattes simultaneously.
- Design score: 4/5
Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa: Performance
- Produces excellent espresso
- Extensive drink menu
- Milk system doesn't perform as well as a steam wand
- Better results with dairy than plant-based milk
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa features a cleverly designed control panel that displays different menu options based on the cup size. When an ordinary cup is placed under the dispenser, options for brewing espresso, long espresso (lungo), and long coffee appear. Insert the milk frothing cup, and options for milk-based drinks will illuminate. The full menu includes:
- Espresso
- Long espresso (lungo)
- Long coffee (Americano)
- Cappuccino (regular or large)
- Latte macchiato
- Hot milk foam
- Cold milk foam
You can adjust the volume of your coffee pour, a nice feature not commonly found in capsule coffee machines. All drink size options are customizable; simply hold the appropriate button on the control panel for three seconds to begin dispensing, then press it again once the desired volume is reached. Two beeps indicate that the new setting has been saved for future use.
Like the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker I tested recently, the Deséa brews consistently excellent espresso in just a few seconds and does so extremely quietly. Using a decibel meter, I measured an average volume of 50dB during coffee extraction, comparable to the murmur of a quiet office (although Lavazza claims the volume does not exceed 43dB).
After brewing, lift the lid, and within a second or two, you'll hear the used pod drop into the collection bin.
The milk system is slightly louder when injecting steam, reaching a maximum of 70dB for a brief period, but it is quieter than the noise produced by a manual steam wand, and the whisk operates silently.
When using the milk system, pay attention to the fill lines on the side of the glass cup, which indicate how much milk to add for different drink sizes. Adding too much milk risks splashing; too little will not foam properly.
During tests, the Deséa struggled with oat milk, which was a stark contrast to my experience with the Lavazza Assoluta. While the Assoluta produced rich, creamy oat foam, the Deséa heated the milk (a bit too much at 70ºC, while the ideal temperature for coffee is around 60-65ºC) but failed to create any froth, even with the "extra foam" option selected.
The Deséa can also prepare cold milk foam. To do this, add your cup of milk, drop in a coffee pod if needed, hold the temperature +/- button until the foam and latte lights turn blue, then press the desired option. However, this worked better with dairy milk. Keep in mind that the Deséa can only brew hot coffee, so if you want a cold latte, you'll need to add a shot of hot espresso once the milk is ready, which will increase the temperature. Adding ice cubes after the drink is made is advisable (but not before, as they could damage the whisk).
Finally, regarding waste, Lavazza’s A Modo Mio capsules are compostable, but they cannot be disposed of in household waste or compost piles. They must be processed in an industrial facility; currently, Terracycle is the only service offering this in the UK. There is no home collection or postage system available as with plastic and foil coffee pods, so you'll need to gather your used capsules and take them to a drop-off point. If there isn't one nearby, you can apply to create one.
- Performance score: 3.5/5
Should You Buy the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa?
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk frother, but the pods are much cheaper. | 4.5/5 |
| Design | Compact and stylish, though milk system only works with supplied mug. | 4/5 |
| Performance | Doesn't foam milk as well as a steam wand, but espresso is consistently excellent and the whole machine is very quiet in use. | 3.5/5 |
Buy It If
You have a compact kitchen
There are few coffee machines this small with a milk frothing system, and the Deséa is light enough to move around easily and store in a cupboard when not in use.
You're a frequent coffee drinker
Other capsule coffee makers may have a lower purchase price, but their pods can be quite expensive, especially for daily drinkers. Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are affordable and deliver high-quality coffee.
Don't Buy It If
You prefer plant-based milk
The Deséa's milk system performs best with full-fat dairy, which is common among many automatic coffee makers. If you prefer oat or soy milk, consider the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie, which comes with a standalone milk frother.
You want to make multiple coffees at once
The milk system only works with Lavazza's own mug; the lid does not fit your favorite cup. A more basic Lavazza A Modo Mio machine paired with a separate milk frother would be a better choice.
Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: Also Consider
If you're unsure whether the Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is the best coffee maker for you, here are two alternatives to consider:
De'Longhi Lattissima One
This smart coffee maker uses Nespresso Original pods and features a milk system that produces foam similar to a traditional steam wand. You can use any cup, and the froth is thick; however, the capsules are more expensive than A Modo Mio ones.
De'Longhi Dedica Duo
If you're ready to move beyond capsules, this compact manual espresso machine costs about the same as the Deséa and is a great introduction to fresh specialty coffee, featuring an excellent steam wand.
How I Tested the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa
I used the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa for two weeks, making at least two drinks daily and exploring all available options, including hot and cold milk foam. I tested it with both dairy and oat milk, ensuring they were freshly purchased and chilled. I utilized two different types of Lavazza A Modo Mio coffee capsules with varying intensities.
I measured the temperature of the prepared milk with a food thermometer and used a decibel meter app to assess the machine's noise levels.
For more details, see how we test, rate, and review.