Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Review

If you’re looking for a coffee machine that combines convenience, style, and premium coffee quality, the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus might just be what you need. This sleek and compact machine promises to deliver barista-style coffee right in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a fan of rich espresso shots or creamy lattes, this machine offers versatility with its easy-to-use interface and integrated milk frother. In this review, we’ll dive into the design, user experience, coffee quality, and more to help you decide if this coffee machine is the right fit for your daily coffee routine.

Overall Design and Size

The Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus has a sleek and modern design that immediately catches your eye Nespresso Vertuo POP+ Deluxe. The black body, accented with a chrome-like finish around the top control panel, gives it a premium feel. It looks compact, yet solid on the countertop. The machine is thoughtfully designed, and it’s clear they wanted to keep it simple but functional

At about 13.6 inches in height, 11.4 inches deep, and 8.7 inches wide, it's not too bulky. It fits nicely even in smaller kitchen spaces without taking up too much room. Despite its size, it doesn't feel cramped, and there’s enough room to easily insert your mug or a larger cup, especially if you like taller drinks like lattes or macchiatos.

The control panel on top is user-friendly, with clearly marked options for different coffee types like espresso, lungo, and cappuccino. I really appreciated how simple it was to navigate. There’s even a steam wand that’s well-integrated into the design for frothing milk, which adds to its versatility.

One of the best aspects of its design is the detachable water tank at the back. With a capacity of around 42 oz, it's large enough to make several cups before needing a refill, but it’s also easy to remove and clean.

Cup Size

The cup placement and size compatibility on the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus are well thought out, making it versatile for different types of drinks. The machine accommodates a variety of cup sizes, from small espresso cups to larger mugs, thanks to the adjustable drip tray like Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM401 . You can easily remove or reposition the tray to fit your preferred cup size without causing any spills or messes.

For espresso shots, the height is perfect, as the smaller cups fit snugly under the spout, ensuring there’s no splashing. If you're brewing a larger coffee or a lungo, the machine easily adapts to taller cups by removing the drip tray as we saw in Keurig k-Slim Single Serve Coffee. I’ve used everything from standard mugs to slightly taller cups for lattes, and the fit has always been comfortable without any issues of space.

One potential limitation is that if you’re using an extra-large mug or thermos, you might find it challenging to fit it without holding the cup at an angle or brewing in smaller portions.

In terms of build quality, the cup platform feels sturdy and stable. It doesn't wobble or feel flimsy, which adds to the overall user experience.

I would rate the cup handling and design a solid 85/100. It accommodates most standard cup sizes easily, but extra-large cups or tall travel mugs might require a bit more effort. For regular household use, though, it’s more than adequate and user-friendly.

Water tank 

The water tank of the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus is another well-designed feature. It’s located at the back of the machine, and I found it very easy to detach and refill like KOTLIE 4 in 1 Espresso Coffee Machine. With a 42 oz (1.2 L) capacity, the tank holds enough water to brew multiple cups before needing a refill, which is convenient if you drink coffee regularly or have guests over. It’s transparent, allowing you to see the water level at a glance, so you don’t have to guess when it’s time to refill.

Cleaning the tank is also a breeze since it's easy to remove and has a wide opening, which allows for thorough rinsing or scrubbing if needed. The only minor downside is that it's positioned at the back, so if the machine is placed in a tight space, accessing it might require moving the machine slightly.

I would rate the water tank 80/100. It’s well-sized, easy to handle, and fits seamlessly into the overall design. However, the positioning at the back might be a slight inconvenience for some users, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Milk Frother

The milk frother on the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus is a standout feature, especially for those who love milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. It’s integrated seamlessly into the machine, making it easy to switch between brewing coffee and frothing milk without needing separate equipment.

In terms of performance, the frother produces rich, creamy foam with a smooth texture. It heats the milk to the perfect temperature without burning it, which helps preserve the milk's natural sweetness and complements the coffee nicely. Whether you prefer thick froth for a cappuccino or a lighter, more velvety foam for a latte, the frother delivers great results consistently.

The operation is simple—you just press the milk frothing button, and the machine takes care of the rest like DeLonghi Eletta Explore. It’s a convenient addition, especially if you enjoy experimenting with different coffee styles at home. Cleaning the frother is relatively easy as it detaches for rinsing, though it does need to be cleaned after each use to prevent buildup.

The frother works well with different types of milk, including dairy, almond, and oat milk, giving you flexibility if you prefer alternative milk options.

I would rate the milk frother a solid 90/100. It creates excellent foam, is easy to use, and adds a lot of versatility to your coffee-making routine. The only minor drawback is the need for regular cleaning, but that's expected with any frother to ensure hygiene and performance.

User Interface

The user interface of the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. At the top, you’ll find a sleek touch control panel that’s very responsive. It has clearly labeled buttons for different coffee types such as espresso, lungo, macchiato, cappuccino, and more. What I loved is how easy it is to navigate — each option is marked with an icon, so you can instantly know what you’re selecting without having to figure out complicated settings.

The panel is surrounded by LED indicators that guide you through the process. These lights will either flash or stay solid, depending on the machine’s status. It's a great way to quickly check if your coffee is brewing, if it’s ready, or if there’s something you need to do, like refill water.

One of the best parts of this interface is how it incorporates the milk frothing feature. If you’re making a macchiato or cappuccino, you don’t have to deal with multiple buttons or modes. The system allows you to easily switch to milk frothing, making the process seamless.

There are also helpful maintenance alerts. The interface notifies you when it's time to descale the machine, which is a useful feature to keep it running at its best without needing to remember when to do it yourself.

For those who want a bit more control, you can adjust the coffee strength and shot volume easily through the interface. If you prefer your coffee a bit stronger or weaker, the machine lets you customize it, and it even remembers your settings for next time.

Coffee Pods

The coffee pod system of the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus is convenient and user-friendly, making it easy to brew a fresh cup of coffee in just a few seconds. The machine is compatible with Lavazza’s own range of coffee pods, which means you get to enjoy their premium blends with each use. These pods are sealed well, ensuring the freshness and aroma of the coffee are preserved until the moment they’re brewed.

In terms of variety, Lavazza offers a great selection of pod options, including espresso, lungo, and decaffeinated choices. This gives you flexibility depending on your mood or preference for the day. The machine reads the pods perfectly, ensuring that each brew is tailored to the specific type of coffee, whether you're looking for a short, intense shot of espresso or a longer, milder coffee.

The pod insertion and removal process is smooth. You simply lift the lever, place the pod, and lower the lever to start brewing. Once the coffee is brewed, the used pod is ejected into the internal waste container, which can hold several pods before needing to be emptied. This keeps the process clean and minimizes mess.

One thing to note is that the machine is exclusive to Lavazza pods, which may limit you if you prefer to use third-party or reusable pods. However, Lavazza’s range of pods is extensive enough to cater to most tastes.

I would rate the coffee pod system an 85/100. The machine handles the pods efficiently, delivering excellent coffee with minimal effort. The only downside is the reliance on Lavazza-branded pods, but the quality and variety available still make it a strong feature.

Coffee Taste 

The coffee taste from the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus is truly impressive. It delivers a rich and aromatic brew, and you can taste the quality with every sip. The machine uses Lavazza coffee pods, which are known for their bold flavors, and this machine extracts those flavors perfectly. Whether it’s an espresso, lungo, or cappuccino, the coffee consistently has a deep, well-rounded taste that’s not too bitter or watery.

One thing I particularly noticed is the crema on top of the espresso shots. It’s thick and velvety, giving the coffee that authentic barista-quality feel. If you’re a fan of lattes or macchiatos, the milk frother does an excellent job of creating creamy, smooth foam that blends well with the coffee for a balanced taste. You can also adjust the strength to your liking, which is a nice touch if you prefer your coffee stronger or milder.

Overall, I would rate the coffee taste a solid 90/100. The machine consistently delivers rich, flavorful coffee with a great crema, and the milk frothing enhances the taste for milk-based drinks. It's almost like having a café-quality experience at home. The only reason it’s not a 10 is that the taste is somewhat dependent on the pods you use, but with Lavazza’s wide range of flavors, there’s something for everyone.

Temperature

The temperature of the coffee produced by the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus is impressive and consistent. Whether you're brewing espresso, lungo, or a milk-based drink like cappuccino, the coffee comes out hot, but not scalding, which allows you to enjoy it immediately. The machine heats up quickly, ensuring that you get your coffee at the optimal temperature without much wait time.

For milk-based drinks, the milk frother also performs well in terms of heating. The milk is steamed to a perfect, warm temperature that complements the coffee without overpowering it. It’s not too hot, so it doesn’t burn the milk, which is a crucial factor in getting that creamy texture and balanced taste.

In my experience, the coffee stays warm for a reasonable amount of time after brewing, so even if you don’t drink it right away, it won’t cool down too quickly. This is especially useful if you’re making multiple cups or sipping slowly.

I would rate the temperature control a 90/100. The machine consistently delivers coffee at the right temperature, both for straight shots and milk-based beverages. The only reason it doesn’t get a perfect score is that for some users, the highest setting might not be as hot as they prefer, but for most people, it’s just right for immediate consumption.

How to Clean 

The cleaning process for the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus is fairly straightforward, making maintenance simple. The machine is designed with ease of cleaning in mind, which is a huge plus if you want to keep your coffee maker in top shape without much hassle.

Starting with the water tank, it’s easy to detach and rinse out thanks to its wide opening. The drip tray and pod container are also removable, which makes cleaning them quick and convenient. Both can be easily rinsed under the sink or wiped down with a cloth. I found that the drip tray catches most spills, so you don’t have to worry about coffee stains building up.

The milk frother requires a bit more attention, as it needs to be cleaned after every use to prevent milk residue from building up. Fortunately, it detaches easily, and a quick rinse or wipe down is usually enough to keep it clean. Some parts are dishwasher safe, which is a bonus for those who want an even easier cleaning routine.

One of the standout features is the descaling alert. The machine notifies you when it’s time to descale, which is important for maintaining the internal components and ensuring your coffee keeps tasting great. The descaling process itself is easy to follow, and Lavazza provides clear instructions for it.

Overall, I would rate the cleaning process an 85/100. It’s relatively easy to maintain with removable parts and dishwasher-safe components. However, the milk frother does require consistent cleaning, which can be a bit of a hassle for some users. Still, for a machine with this level of functionality, it’s quite manageable.

Final Verdict 

The Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus is an impressive machine that delivers both convenience and quality, making it a great choice for coffee lovers who want café-quality drinks at home. Its sleek design fits well into any kitchen, and the compact size ensures it doesn't take up too much counter space. The user interface is intuitive, allowing you to easily select and customize your coffee preferences, while the LED indicators make the brewing process straightforward.

The coffee taste is rich, aromatic, and consistently enjoyable, whether you're pulling a simple espresso shot or making a creamy cappuccino. The milk frother is a fantastic addition, producing smooth, velvety foam with ease, and it handles different milk types well. Its variety of coffee pods ensures you have a range of flavors to choose from, though you are limited to Lavazza-branded pods.

In terms of maintenance, the machine is easy to clean with detachable components, and the descaling alert helps keep it in top condition. The water tank is a decent size, though its placement at the back might be a slight inconvenience for some. Cup compatibility is flexible, accommodating most sizes except for very tall mugs or thermoses. Overall, I would rate the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus an 85.7/100. It’s a well-rounded coffee machine that excels in both coffee quality and ease of use, making it a worthy addition to any coffee enthusiast’s kitchen. Whether you prefer espresso or milk-based drinks, this machine delivers an excellent experience with minimal effort.