illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine vs Melitta Caffeo Solo Bean-to-Cup Machine (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine
19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.
Full Review
Melitta Caffeo Solo Bean-to-Cup Machine
Slim 20cm, conical grinder, 3 strengths, energy-saving, espresso + lungo. The compact bean-to-cup.
Full ReviewAt a Glance
| illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine | Melitta Caffeo Solo Bean-to-Cup Machine | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.4★ (4,800) | 4.4★ (6,800) |
| Verdict | Great | Great |
| Brand | illy (Michelin restaurants) | Melitta German |
Quick Verdict
This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine: 19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand. Melitta Caffeo Solo Bean-to-Cup Machine: Slim 20cm, conical grinder, 3 strengths, energy-saving, espresso + lungo. The compact bean-to-cup. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →
Pros & Cons Side by Side
illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine
- illy is the coffee brand of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide — the quality benchmark
- iPerEspresso two-stage capsule extraction produces espresso with genuine professional crema
- 19-bar pressure matches professional espresso machine extraction standards
- Italian design that sits as a kitchen statement piece
- illy's 90-year commitment to espresso quality in the most convenient format
- Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range
- Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee
- Less variety than Nespresso's 30+ Original pod range
Melitta Caffeo Solo Bean-to-Cup Machine
- Just 20cm wide — one of the slimmest bean-to-cup machines for narrow kitchens
- Conical steel grinder grinds fresh beans for each cup quietly
- 3 strength settings and adjustable volume for personalised black coffee
- Auto energy-saving and rinse cycles maintain the machine with minimal effort
- Melitta's German coffee heritage in an affordable compact format
- No milk system — black coffee only, milk frother needed separately
- Slim design limits bean hopper and water tank capacity
- Fewer drink options than larger bean-to-cup machines
FAQ
Which is better, illy X1 iPerEspresso or Melitta Caffeo Solo?
This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine: 19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand. Melitta Caffeo Solo Bean-to-Cup Machine: Slim 20cm, conical grinder, 3 strengths, energy-saving, espresso + lungo. The compact bean-to-cup. Choose based on your specific needs.
Is the illy X1 iPerEspresso worth the extra cost?
The Melitta Caffeo Solo Bean-to-Cup Machine matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.
Who is the illy X1 iPerEspresso best suited to?
19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.
Who is the Melitta Caffeo Solo best suited to?
Slim 20cm, conical grinder, 3 strengths, energy-saving, espresso + lungo. The compact bean-to-cup.
What are the main downsides of each?
illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine: Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range; Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee. Melitta Caffeo Solo Bean-to-Cup Machine: No milk system — black coffee only, milk frother needed separately; Slim design limits bean hopper and water tank capacity.
Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?
Largely, yes — illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine sits at 4.4★ from 4,800 verified Amazon owners, and Melitta Caffeo Solo Bean-to-Cup Machine at 4.4★ from 6,800.
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