Brewing the Perfect Cup: A Guide to the Best Coffee Makers of 2025
Written by Alice
Reading time 7 minIf you’re looking for your first bean-to-cup coffee machine, or simply want a compact model that delivers excellent espresso without complicated settings, the Kottea Oslo might be exactly what you need. We took the time to test the Kottea Oslo to find out what it’s really worth: its strengths, limitations, who it’s made for, and whether it stands out amongst other entry-level automatic coffee machines. Let’s see what it has to offer.
For a compact machine, the Kottea Oslo offers container sizes perfectly suited to daily use for one or two people:
For the UK market, the Kottea Oslo comes in a sleek and modern Silver finish, a versatile colour that suits most kitchen styles.
The Kottea Oslo is positioned as an affordable entry-level espresso grinder machine, offering great value for money compared to its closest competitors.
You can check the current price here on MaxiCoffee.NThe Kottea Esprèssima Oslo is currently priced at £ 299.00
This price point makes it particularly attractive for anyone who wants to move away from pods and start enjoying freshly ground coffee at home without a large investment.
Despite its compact size, the Kottea Oslo offers a surprising level of control over your coffee. It stands out in the entry-level segment thanks to features usually found on more expensive bean-to-cup machines.Below is a breakdown of what makes the Kottea Oslo particularly interesting for everyday coffee lovers.
The Kottea Oslo is equipped with an 8-position adjustable grinder, giving you the flexibility to adapt your grind size to your preferred brewing strength and coffee bean type. Whether you enjoy a powerful, concentrated espresso or a smoother, more balanced lungo, the Oslo helps you get the extraction just right.
A real advantage for a machine in this range: you can also clean the grinder—a rare feature on beginner-level automatic machines. This deep cleaning option helps preserve your aromas and prevents rancid coffee oils from altering the taste of your cup over time.
The Oslo offers a surprising array of customisation options for an entry-level machine. You can choose from 3 intensity levels to match your preferred coffee strength, select from 4 different temperature settings to achieve your ideal brewing temperature, and fully adjust the drink length during extraction for complete control over your cup size. This level of personalisation allows you to fine-tune every aspect of your coffee experience, ensuring each cup is tailored exactly to your taste preferences.
This makes the Kottea Oslo suitable for those who want to experiment and perfect their coffee routine over time, without being overwhelmed by complicated menus.
At only 18 cm wide, the Oslo was made to fit any kitchen, even small worktops that cannot accommodate larger bean-to-cup machines. If space is a priority, this compact size is a major selling point.
The machine makes one coffee at a time, which is perfect for:
✔ People living alone
✔ Couples
✔ Anyone who wants a coffee machine for personal use rather than large family service
It does not include a milk carafe or steam wand, so it is primarily designed for espresso, lungo and Americano drinkers rather than fans of cappuccinos and lattes.
The Kottea Oslo offers three expertly crafted coffee drinks to suit different preferences throughout the day:
This detail may seem small, but many machines incorrectly prepare Americano by adding water at the end, diluting the crema. The Oslo does it like a barista would.
The Kottea Oslo is designed for coffee lovers who want the pleasure of fresh bean-to-cup coffee without the cost or complexity of higher-end models. It strikes a balance between ease of use, customization, and compact design, making it a suitable option for many homes.
The Oslo is an excellent entry-level machine if you’re coming from capsule-based coffee or purchasing your first bean-to-cup appliance. It is very simple to operate and allows you to personalise your drinks without navigating complicated menus.
Adjustable options include:
This level of control helps beginners learn their preferred taste profile over time.
With its compact width of around 18 cm, the Kottea Oslo fits easily into small kitchens, studios, or office spaces. It is designed to prepare one drink at a time, which makes it particularly suitable for individuals or couples rather than large households.
Container sizes are proportionate to the machine’s footprint:
Users who prepare multiple coffees per day may need to refill or empty these containers slightly more often, but this is consistent with the machine’s compact design.
The Oslo is designed primarily for espresso-based drinks without milk. It excels with:
However, it does not include a milk system or steam wand. This means it is not intended for frequent preparation of cappuccinos, lattes, or other milk-based beverages. Those who enjoy these drinks daily may wish to pair it with a separate electric milk frother or consider a machine with integrated milk functionality.
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Like all bean-to-cup machines, the Oslo performs best with regular maintenance. Proper care not only preserves flavour but also prevents technical issues.
We recommend the following routine:
Use a suitable descaling solution to remove limescale buildup. This is essential to protect the internal heating system and water flow. The machine will alert you when descaling is required.
The extraction chamber should be rinsed weekly under warm water, dried, and then reinserted. This prevents residue build-up that can alter flavour.
A water filter is highly recommended to minimise limescale and improve water taste. Replace it approximately every two months
Can hold up to 10 coffee pucks. If you brew daily, empty it when the machine alerts you; otherwise, clean it every three days.
Unlike other entry-level automatic machines, the Oslo allows access to clean the grinder more thoroughly. This helps remove old coffee oils and ensures better extraction over time. Taking a few minutes each week to maintain the machine will keep your extractions delicious and consistent.
If you’re looking to get your hands on some cleaning products that are suitable for the Kottea Oslo, we’d recommend the Arfize range. They offer all the must-have products!
With its compact size, customizable settings, and excellent value for money, the Kottea Oslo stands out as a smart and accessible entry into the world of bean-to-cup coffee machines. Now all that’s left is for you to try it and enjoy your perfect espresso at home.