Finding The Best illy Coffee Machine For Your Morning Cup

Coffee machines come in all shapes and sizes, and it might not be common knowledge, but you can get the best illy coffee machine for your home. Italian company illy has been specialising in espresso since 1933 and has recently started its coffee machine journey, throwing its hat in the ring with other beloved coffee brands such as Nespresso and Lavazza with their popular appliances.

Judging by their website, every inch of production has been given immense thought. From the plantations to roasting, illy know coffee. It’s sourced from the Arabica shrub – known for its sweet, highly aromatic flavour. They avoid Robusta, as it can be far too bitter. So, their coffee is a unique blend of nine different Arabica handpicked to be roasted. Intent on making strides, illy are the founder of education, research and innovation related to coffee.

Best illy Coffee Machines At A Glance

• Best budget illy coffee machine: Coffee Machine E.S.E - illy Easy – View on illy
• Best small, simple coffee pod machine: Y3.3 Espresso & Coffee Machine – View on illy
• Best for an espresso and beyond: X7.1 Iperespresso - Capsules Coffee Machine – View on illy

With their specialist ESE pods and iperEspresso capsules, the company makes coffee like no other. As described by illy, its specially roasted coffee is a “single blend with an unmistakable taste”. It’s a unique taste that is shared across all of their coffee. Not only are they consistent, but illy has a mission to improve relationships with growers and protect the ecosystem.

Aside from striving to innovate and investing in many ground-breaking projects, illy is now a certified B-corp, demonstrating a high standard of environmental practices. For example, its coffee is sourced from agricultural techniques with low environmental impact. Its E.S.E. pods are certified compostable too, and the packaging is made from recycled cardboard. This makes a coffee subscription from illy even more enticing.

What Does The illy Coffee Machine Range Look Like?

Illy coffee machine range seems to comprise capsule and pod machines. With their tasty, eco-friendly and reliable ESE pods and iperEspresso capsules, you’ll be more than happy with their deluxe, sleek and stylish range.

X7.1 Iperespresso – Capsules Coffee Machine

First, we have the X7.1 range, which takes the Iperespresso capsules.

Beautifully designed, this twist on a classic features advanced technology. Fans of a creamy cappuccino and caffe latte will be pleased, as this model features a Pannarello steam wand. To use, place the capsule in the portafilter – traditionally for ground coffee – and press a button. Easy! In red, white or black, this makes a striking choice.

Y3.3 Espresso & Coffee Machine

Need something smaller and sleek? We like the Y3.3, which takes Iperespresso capsules.

A great addition to any kitchen counter, the Y3.3 offers drip coffee or espresso. Sleek, compact and minimalistic, this small coffee machine won’t look out of place – and won't break the bank, either. It has a programmable cup volume, automatic shut-off and descales automatically. As tasty as ever, this illy coffee machine offers heaven in a cup.

Coffee Machine E.S.E - illy Easy

Second, we have this budget-friendly machine from illy, which takes E.S.E. pods.

Compact, this E.S.E. machine from illy has been primed to meet their quality standards. From pod to cup, the experience is easy and intuitive – with two settings to choose from. Ideal for smaller kitchens with a little less counter space than most, this coffee machine is a simple, easy and energy-saving coffee machine for beginners.

Y5 Iperespresso Espresso & Filter Coffee Maker

Next, enjoy the sleek Y5 Iperespresso, which takes the Iperespresso capsules.

Savour a full-bodied espresso or a rich, aromatic cup of filter coffee at the touch of a button with the Y5 Iperespresso. Using illy's impressive capsule system, this appliance is a filter coffee machine and espresso maker all in one. This illy coffee machine combines a sleek, minimalist design and offers maximum versatility. Simple and quick.

Ground Coffee & E.S.E. Pods Machine – X1 Anniversary inox

Lastly, we have the X1 Anniversary inox, which takes E.S.E. pods and ground coffee.

Combining sustainability with style, the X1 espresso machine comes decked out with new technology for your morning cup. The innovative Trio extraction unit allows you to select the espresso you wish – long, normal or ristretto – with an intuitive rotation of the filter holder. Reliable and attractive, this one is a favourite of ours.

Add-Ons

Aside from coffee machines and subscriptions, illy has a range of coffee-making extras to turn your morning cup into a barista-style experience. We've put together a small list of our favourite extras that you need to add to your kitchen cupboards – from milk frothers to travel mugs for coffee lovers on the go. Plus, some beautiful-looking cups...

VERDICT: Which illy Coffee Machine Is Best?

We have to pick the X1 Anniversary as the best illy coffee machine.

Though it's the priciest on our list, this X1 Anniversary combines modern technology and sustainability whilst keeping a classic, retro feel. Not only that, but it takes compostable E.S.E. pods and ground coffee. Whether you desire an espresso normal, long or ristretto, this coffee machine is capable, not to mention attractive and innovative.

FAQs: Best illy Coffee Machine

Which illy coffee beans and pods are best?

Illy’s website offers a subscription service for their consistently high-quality coffee – or you can buy them individually. They have a wide range of pods, ground coffee, beans, and instant. Plus, to ensure their products are recycled, illy has partnered with Podback to provide us with an easy way to recycle their used pods and capsules. Here, you can find out how you can recycle your coffee pods.

A Modern Kitchen has handpicked illy’s best coffee that you can snag from their site.

How do I clean an illy coffee machine?

Coffee machines are bound to get a little dirty after many mornings of use – and you’ll need to be on top of limescale, the coffee capsule tray and more. Luckily, illy has laid out some easy cleaning instructions to keep on top of your new coffee machine. You shouldn’t be using the dishwasher.

Instructions

After turning off the machine, remove the used capsule holder – as per your machine's instructions. Typically, a used capsule container can hold around seven empty pods, so make sure you’re checking this regularly to avoid any issues. For example, the capsules can get stuck.

Empty the used capsule tray, rinse it under warm water and clean it with a sponge. This should be the same process for the drip tray or cup holder, also. If your coffee machine has any residue, wipe carefully with a gentle sponge. Once cleaned, dry all removable compartments and reattach them.

How to descale an illy coffee machine

Limescale normally builds up with the use of the machine. Unfortunately, this will be more prevalent if you live in an area with hard water. The illy coffee machines claim to be equipped with an automatic program allowing you to optimise cleaning and remove limescale from the inside.

illy recommends that the “descaling procedure should be done at least every 2 months,” as failure to do so may cause malfunctions, and this may not be covered by the two-year warranty. Not only that, but illy suggests only using descaling products for coffee machines. Avoid vinegar, lye, salt or formic acid, as they may damage the machine. Here’s a guide on how to descale your illy coffee machine.

Instructions

After turning off the machine, remove the tank and empty out the remaining water. Now, refill the tank with fresh water up to the maximum level and let the descaling solution dissolve. Then, attach the tank containing the descaling solution back onto the coffee machine.

Now, close the lever and do not enter any pod or capsule. Under the dispensing spout, place a receptacle of at least 750ml for the programme. It’s now time to turn on the machine. You can start the descaling cycle with your button control panel, but this process may differ from model to model. At this point, the machine will start dispensing water.

When the cycle ends, empty the receptacle from the cup stand and wash the tank thoroughly through. Fill the tank again and attach it back to the appliance. Run the same process again – but with no descaling cycle or tablet. Instead, activate the Rinse cycle if possible. Make sure the receptacle is on the drip tray to catch the water.

When complete, the machine is ready for use.

Can illy coffee machines take other pods?

Unfortunately, you can't use their coffee pods with third-party coffee machines.

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Gardens and Wellness Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in cookware. When she’s not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, Piper is re-watching a TV show or listening to a podcast.