Overview
The Lavazza Tabli system introduces an innovative approach to single-serve coffee, utilizing compressed coffee tablets instead of traditional plastic or metal capsules. This system, which debuted months before similar concepts, has proven to be excellent.
A primary advantage of Tabli's compressed coffee pucks, known as tabs, is their minimal packaging. Unlike metal or plastic pods that require recycling or end up in landfills, these tabs significantly reduce waste. While using ground coffee or whole beans is even less wasteful, it demands more time and technical involvement, which may not appeal to all users.
Each Lavazza tab contains the precise amount of coffee for a single serving, eliminating the need for weighing and preventing messy loose grounds. The entire brewing process is as clean and straightforward as using coffee capsules, but without the subsequent disposal of empty pods. This simple yet effective idea yields impressive results.
The Tabli system consistently produces a better-tasting brew than any coffee capsule the source reviewer has tried. Its app compatibility is a convenient feature, but the system's ease of use and superior flavor are its most compelling attributes.
Pricing and Availability
The Tabli machine is listed at $129 / £199.
Bundles are available that include a milk frother and coffee tabs.
Tabs are competitively priced and more affordable than Nespresso capsules.
The Tabli coffee machine is priced at $129 / £199. While the system is not yet available in Australia, this price translates to approximately AU$190 to AU$380. Bundles that include the Lavazza MilkEasy frother and several boxes of tabs are also offered, providing better value than purchasing components separately.
Although not the least expensive single-serve coffee maker, the Tabli system offers long-term savings on coffee tabs, unlike some rivals that feature low machine prices but costly pods.
In the UK, a box of 12 tabs costs £5.89, equating to about 49p per drink. A multipack of eight boxes is available for £40, reducing the cost per drink to 42p.
US pricing is slightly higher, with a four-pack of boxes costing $48, which means each drink is $1. This remains very reasonable, especially when compared to Nespresso Vertuo capsules, which typically cost between $1.40 and $1.60 each.
Design and Build
The machine features a sleek, modern aesthetic.
It is equipped with minimalist controls.
The Tabli is available in three distinct colors.
The Lavazza Tabli is a sleek, single-serve coffee maker offered in graphite black, sand white, and walnut brown. Its top panel features four buttons—power, single shot, double shot, and lungo—and slides back smoothly to reveal a small chamber for the compressed coffee tab.
Warning lights alert users if the used tab collection bin needs attention, if the water tank requires refilling or is improperly inserted, or if the machine needs descaling.
A flashing blue light on the top panel's rear indicates the Tabli machine is ready for Bluetooth connection via a smartphone. Once connected, the light remains steady.
Unlike some other Lavazza models, the Tabli does not include an integrated milk frothing system. However, a standalone frother is available as part of a bundle for those who enjoy lattes and cappuccinos.
The Tabli features a compact drip tray, perfectly sized for an espresso cup, which can be slid out to accommodate larger cups or mugs. Behind the tray, a bin collects used coffee tabs, which remain intact, minimizing mess and preventing them from sitting in water.
The Tabli dispenses dirty water from its rinsing cycle directly into this bin, rather than the drip tray, a tidier solution that helps keep the machine's front clean.
While the Tabli’s removable components are not dishwasher-safe, they are easy to hand-wash. With no integrated milk frother, maintenance is minimal, primarily involving keeping the bin and drip tray clean and following periodic descaling instructions.
Performance and Coffee Quality
The machine is very simple to operate.
It produces coffee of a significantly higher quality than most single-serve machines.
The dedicated app functions effectively, though Google Home connectivity proved unreliable.
Operating the Tabli is as straightforward as any standard capsule coffee maker: simply place a tab in the designated recess, close the lid, and select the desired drink. The beverage is ready within a minute.
Coffee tabs are rated on a strength scale of 1-13. While only six varieties are currently available, there is potential for Lavazza to expand its range if the system gains popularity.
Unlike Nespresso or Tassimo pods, Tabli tabs are made exclusively from compressed coffee, without additives. The source reviewer considers this a positive aspect.
During testing, three Tabli varieties were sampled. Qualità Rossa and Qualità Oro delivered a smooth, easy-drinking espresso, while Espresso Ristretto offered a punchier, yet never bitter, flavor.
The coffee produced lacked the astringent taste often associated with many coffee capsules, instead resembling a drink made from freshly ground beans. The espresso also featured a robust layer of crema, surpassing expectations for single-serve machines.
The Lavazza Tabli features a smartphone app for remote operation and custom drink creation. Connecting the app to the machine is a quick and easy process, with the app locating the Tabli via Bluetooth without requiring QR codes. An initial prompt for calling history and contacts was noted by the source reviewer but appeared to be a temporary bug resolved by an app update.
The app's design is user-friendly, with brewing options prominently displayed. Users can select from the machine's three default brewing options or create and save custom drinks, adjusting volume and temperature. Since the machine uses prepared coffee tablets, changing the taste further requires selecting a different tab variety.
The app also facilitates ordering more tabs and other Lavazza products, with the store section discreetly placed rather than being prominently featured.
The source reviewer encountered an issue with the coffee maker’s smart home connectivity. Although the Tabli's packaging advertises compatibility with Google Home and Alexa, attempts to use it with Google Home during testing were unsuccessful. While Gemini could power on the machine, it could not initiate brewing or select drinks via voice commands, contrary to the Tabli’s manual.
It remains uncertain whether this issue stems from the Tabli's software or from Google Home and Gemini's known reliability challenges. The Tabli app functions as intended, but users should not rely on smart speaker voice commands for brewing drinks.
Score breakdown
Scored out of 10Price & Release Date
Lavazza Tabli Automatic Tab Coffee Machine
