X7.1

Despite a few warm coffee memories from early mornings at Cavallo Point or the Monot hotel in Beirut, I have always been sceptical of pod machines, seeing them as expensive, unsustainable monstrosities compared to my beloved Bialetti Moka Express. However, during our recent Airbnb stay in Rome, I made peace with the Illy X7.1, realising that it was actually rather neat, complete with a milk steamer and everything. Retailing at around €300 in Italy, I initially put the idea aside – until I suddenly spotted one in a Black Friday sale for less than half that price here in Sweden. So, after trudging home through the snow from ICA Sävar this morning, carrying a gigantic box, our kitchen has officially been upgraded.