If you’re looking for an affordable espresso machine that’s easy to use, the Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe is a new option to consider from the budget-friendly brand.
The best espresso machines allow you to recreate your favorite coffee shop drinks—like lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and more—from the comfort of your own home. And this one takes all the hassle out of making a delicious shot, latte, or cappuccino. All you have to do is pack its portafilter with your favorite espresso, and with a single touch, it will make a delicious hot beverage thanks to its automatic milk frother. Even beginners will get the hang of this machine quickly, and the reasonable price point is just the icing on the cake.
I tested out the Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe for several weeks, using it to make daily espresso drinks. Here's everything that I loved about this new model, and why I think it’s perfect for beginners.
Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe: key specifications
Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe: price & availability
The Mr. Coffee Prima Coffee Luxe is priced at $399.99, which is quite affordable for a semi-automatic espresso machine. It's currently only available to buy from Amazon.
Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe: first impressions
The Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe arrived in an average-sized box, and it was packed with cardboard inserts. The machine was wrapped in a layer of styrofoam-like material to prevent scratching, and there were just a few components that had to be assembled, such as the frothing spout and knob. The machine also had a variety of stickers on it that had to be removed before use.
In addition to the machine itself, the package included several accessories. There’s a plastic double-sided scoop for espresso—one side is for single shots and one side is for double shots—as well as portafilters for each drink size. The machine also comes with a plastic tamp to press down espresso grounds, as well as an extra straw for the milk jug.
One thing I noticed while setting up and initially using the machine is its instructions are sparse in some areas. For instance, the height of the mug tray needs to be adjusted based on the size cup you’re using, but the manual doesn’t provide any instructions on how to actually change the height. The metal plate on top of the drip tray can be inserted into the slots on the front of the machine, but it took me around five minutes to figure out that you have to slide it in at an angle—otherwise, it won’t fit into the slot.
There were a few other times when I had a question about the machine but couldn’t find any answers in the manual. Because it’s a more expensive and fairly complicated appliance, I expected more thorough documentation of its features and operation.
Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe: design
Compared to other semi-automatic espresso machines, the Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe doesn’t look very high-end. While many of these expensive appliances have sleek stainless steel finishes, the Mr. Coffee version has a gray plastic exterior. It’s not unattractive, per se, but the finish definitely gives it a cheaper overall appearance.
The control panel on the machine has two rows of buttons—one row for automatic drinks and a second row with buttons for manual espresso shots or milk frothing, as well as the self-cleaning cycle. Each of the light-up drink buttons has the numbers “1” and “2” above it, allowing you to select a single- or double-sized beverage, and there’s also a row of indicator lights at the bottom of the control panel that show you its progress as the machine heats up before use.
The good news is that all the components of this coffee maker feel quite substantial, even if they’re not the most attractive. The water reservoirs are made from thick, sturdy plastic, and the portafilter feels durable and well-made. The only design feature that I didn’t love is the knob on the front of the milk frother. During setup, the knob is simply pushed into place, and it would occasionally come loose during operation and need to be pushed back on.
Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe: performance
I didn’t get off to the best start with the Prima Latte Luxe. The first time I tried to use the machine, it simply didn’t work—no espresso was dispensed, nor did it froth any milk. I was concerned that the unit was defective and tried again, only to have the same thing happen. Thankfully, my third attempt finally worked—partially. The machine dispensed a shot of espresso, but no milk froth, leaving me to manually add milk to my drink. The good news is that the machine worked perfectly the next day. My guess is that it just needed to be primed, but if that was the case, it definitely should have been mentioned in the instructions.
After its initial hiccup, the Prima Latte Luxe worked as expected, and I quickly got the hang of making espresso drinks with it. The double-sided espresso scoop and tamp make it easy to pack the portafilter with just the right amount of grounds for either one or two shots, and I also found ESE pods—which stands for “Easy Serve Espresso”—at my grocery store that made the process even faster. All I had to do was drop one of the prepackaged pods into the portafilter, and it was ready to go. It’s a handy option if, like me, you want to make espresso drinks quickly with minimal fuss.
I found that it’s easiest to let the machine heat up while I got the portafilter and milk container ready. Once it’s ready to use, the buttons on the control panel light up, allowing you to select your desired drink and serving size. I found that a single serving latte or cappuccino fits well in an 8-ounce mug, while a double serving is best suited for a 12- or 14-ounce mug. The machine dispenses the frothed milk first, then espresso on top, and the whole process generally takes less than a minute.
After making a drink, I typically run the machine’s self-cleaning cycle, which flushes out the milk frother. You need to have an empty cup for this, as it spits out quite a bit of water in the process. However, it’s extremely convenient that this step is automated, and I also love that the milk container comes with a lid, so you can simply put it in the fridge if there’s still milk left in it.
Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe: taste test
I’ve tested several other espresso machines before, and the Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe consistently made some of the best-tasting drinks. (Not to mention that it’s also one of the easiest to operate.) When I brewed an espresso shot using the machine, it was hot and rich with a decent layer of crema on top. I used pre-ground espresso for my testing, but I imagine you’d get even better results if you freshly ground beans.
I was also incredibly impressed by the machine’s milk frothing abilities. When I made a latte or cappuccino, the unit dispensed a super thick layer of milk foam that didn’t dissolve into the drink—a problem I’ve experienced with other frothers. I typically added a spoonful of sugar to my drink to boost the sweetness, and the final result tasted just like a latte I’d get at a local coffee shop.
Should I buy the Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if..
How does the Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe compare?
The Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe is a beginner-friendly option for making espresso drinks at home, but if you’re particular about your brew, you might want a more advanced espresso machine like the De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro. This high-end machine is better suited for espresso enthusiasts, as it has a built-in bean grinder and wide range of settings. You’ll be able to customize your shots to your exact liking, and there’s also a built-in frothing wand for lattes and other drinks. The Maestro also has a high-end appearance, but it costs significantly more than the Mr. Coffee model, retailing for $1,399.95.
If you prefer the ease of pod-style coffee makers, the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista can brew both espresso and regular coffee. It has a built-in frothing wand for specialty drinks, and its sleek stainless steel exterior will look stylish on your kitchen counter. However, it’s another expensive option, with a price tag of $749.95.
How I tested the Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe
- Made an espresso, latte, or cappuccino every day for two weeks
- Tried both loose espresso grounds and ESE pods
- Tested both single and double-sized beverages
I tested the Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe over the course of two weeks. My partner and I used the espresso machine to make ourselves drinks daily—generally as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up—alternating between lattes and cappuccinos. Over the course of testing, we used both ground espresso and ESE pods in the machine to see if there was any difference between the flavor and ease of use, and we used all its different features, including different drink sizes and the manual settings.
Read more about how we test
