size matters

Looking at these machines front-on, there’s not a great deal to separate them size-wise. But from the side is a different matter. The Smarter Coffee Machine is tall but 12cm shallower than the PrimaDonna. De’Longhi’s machine felt like it wanted to take over our test kitchen. Even if you have the money to burn, you don’t want your snazzy new coffee machine looking out of place in your kitchen.

And there’s still the top to consider. Do you have overhanging cupboards? Then you won’t want a super-tall machine like the Smarter, as you have to bung your beans in the top. The Gaggia hits the sweet spot.