Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

Solac CE4480 Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£90Type:Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:1.250 LPump Pressure:19 barBuilt-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:no

Solac CE4480 Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 7 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

95%

6.0

Technical score

5%

8.5

Review score ( 2 · 5)

Review score 5% · 8.5 · based on 7 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
â–¼Worse than 66% of coffee-machines
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

6.0

Performance

25%

4.9

Coffee Preparation

25%

6.8

Features

15%

6.4

Design

â–¼Worse than 67% of coffee-machines
8.5

Review score

Review score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (7)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Video reviews 1
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 80% of coffee-machines
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Technical Specifications of coffee machine Solac CE4480

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

35%

6.0

Performance

25%

4.9

Coffee Preparation

25%

6.8

Features

15%

6.4

Design

6.0
Review score
Review score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (7)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Video reviews 1
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.5
Popularity
Popularity
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Solac CE4480 has a popularity of 8.2 points, which is higher than 59.2% of coffee machines.
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

6.1

Overall score

40%

9.7

Price

7.2
Power
850 W
Power
850 W
This coffee machine provides 850 W of heating power, which is lower than the power of 93.2% of coffee machines and equal to that of 3.5% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
1.25 L
Water Container Capacity
1.25 L
This coffee machine holds up to 1.25 L in its water tank, which is smaller than 55.1% of coffee machines and equal to that of 1.5% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
19 bar
Pump Pressure
19 bar
This coffee machine delivers 19 bar of pump pressure, which is higher than the pump pressure of 70.8% of coffee machines and equal to that of 19.4% of coffee machines.
The listed pump pressure is not necessarily the same as extraction pressure.
Heating Time
?
Heating System
Boiler
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What reviewers say
Type
Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
no
Works with Beans
no
This coffee machine does not accept whole coffee beans. 38.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
yes
Works with ESE Pods
yes
This coffee machine accepts ESE pods. 76% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
yes
Water Level Indicator
yes
This coffee machine has a water level indicator. 39.8% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
no
Water Filter
no
This coffee machine does not have a water filter. 35.9% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
no
Descaling Program
no
This coffee machine does not have a descaling programme. 66.8% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
no
Cleaning Alert
no
This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed. 60% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
This coffee machine does not clean its milk circuit automatically. 21.7% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
What reviewers say
Built-in Installation
no
Color
Stainless Steel
Vintage Look
no
Vintage Look
no
This coffee machine does not have vintage styling. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Drip Tray Material
Stainless Steel
Show more
What reviewers say

Solac CE4480 vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • 4 bar higher pump pressure
    Pump Pressure
    19 bar
    This coffee machine delivers higher pump pressure than the average coffee machine (19 bar vs 15 bar).
    The listed pump pressure is not necessarily the same as extraction pressure.
    19 bar vs 15 bar
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 41.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A cup warmer helps preheat cups before brewing.
  • 70 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    260.00 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (260 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    260.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 37.8% lighter body
    Weight
    2.800 kg
    This coffee machine is lighter and easier to move than the average coffee machine (2.8 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    2.800 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 77.8% cheaper
    Solac CE4480 is cheaper than the average coffee machine (£90 vs £160).
    £90 vs £160
  • 77.8% cheaper
    Solac CE4480 is cheaper than the average coffee machine (£90 vs £160).
    £90 vs £160
  • 8.1% more popular
    Solac CE4480 is more popular than the average coffee machine (8.23 vs 7.6).
    8.23 vs 7.62
  • 4 bar higher pump pressure
    Pump Pressure
    19 bar
    This coffee machine delivers higher pump pressure than the average coffee machine (19 bar vs 15 bar).
    The listed pump pressure is not necessarily the same as extraction pressure.
    19 bar vs 15 bar
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 41.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A cup warmer helps preheat cups before brewing.
  • 70 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    260.00 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (260 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    260.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 37.8% lighter body
    Weight
    2.800 kg
    This coffee machine is lighter and easier to move than the average coffee machine (2.8 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    2.800 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 5 mm shorter body
    Height
    320.00 mm
    This coffee machine has a lower profile under overhead cabinets than the average coffee machine (320 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    320.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 2.3% more compact volume
    Volume
    21,632 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up less overall space than the average coffee machine (21632 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    21,632 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³
  • 550 W lower power
    Power
    850 W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (850 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    850 W vs 1,400 W
  • No descaling programme
    Descaling Program
    no
    This coffee machine does not have a descaling programme, while the average coffee machine does. 66.6% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
    A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
  • No cleaning alerts
    Cleaning Alert
    no
    This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed, while the average coffee machine does. 59.8% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
    A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 1 fewer drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    2
    This coffee machine offers fewer preset drink options than the average coffee machine (2 vs 3).
    More specialty-drink options provide a wider choice of preset beverages.
    2 vs 3
  • 36 mm wider body
    Width
    260.00 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (260 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    260.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 0.15 L smaller water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.250 L
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1.3 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.250 L vs 1.400 L
  • 0.5% worse value for money
    Solac CE4480 has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (7.19 vs 7.2).
    7.19 vs 7.22
  • 0.5% worse value for money
    Solac CE4480 has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (7.19 vs 7.2).
    7.19 vs 7.22
  • 550 W lower power
    Power
    850 W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (850 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    850 W vs 1,400 W
  • 0.15 L smaller water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.250 L
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1.3 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.250 L vs 1.400 L
  • 1 fewer drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    2
    This coffee machine offers fewer preset drink options than the average coffee machine (2 vs 3).
    More specialty-drink options provide a wider choice of preset beverages.
    2 vs 3
  • No descaling programme
    Descaling Program
    no
    This coffee machine does not have a descaling programme, while the average coffee machine does. 66.6% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
    A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
  • No cleaning alerts
    Cleaning Alert
    no
    This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed, while the average coffee machine does. 59.8% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
    A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 36 mm wider body
    Width
    260.00 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (260 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    260.00 mm vs 224.00 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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What reviewers agree on

Based on 6 · 5

Reviewers love the coffee and milk frothing, but many find it noisy and a chore to clean.
Praised
Criticised
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Third-party reviews

What we like about Solac CE4480

  • High 19-bar pressure extracts a rich flavor with a long-lasting, compact crema
  • Heats up quickly for fast beverage preparation
  • Strong and effective steam wand for frothing milk and making cappuccinos
  • Great value for money and highly affordable compared to capsule machines
  • Includes a functional stainless steel cup-warming plate
  • Generous 1.25-litre removable water tank capacity for its compact size
  • Equipped with dual-outlet filters to brew two cups simultaneously

What we don't like about Solac CE4480

  • The filter holder and its micro-holes are prone to blocking if not meticulously cleaned
  • The portafilter handle has a tendency to become loose over time
  • Does not feature an automatic flow-stop, meaning users must manually stop the espresso shot
  • The build relies on lightweight plastic components alongside the stainless steel finish
  • Inconsistent shot volumes if the ground coffee is not perfectly leveled or compacted

Verdict

The Solac CE4480 is a semi-automatic espresso machine featuring an 850W heating element, a high-pressure 19-bar pump designed for continuous extraction, and a 1.25-litre removable water tank. Wrapped in a durable, easy-to-clean stainless steel body, its main characteristics include an adjustable stainless steel steam wand for frothing milk, dual-cup dispensing ports, an integrated cup warmer tray, and an energy-saving automatic shut-off feature. The machine's chief pros are its capability to handle both ground coffee and single-dose ESE pods, alongside its ability to deliver a thick, rich crema and fast heat-up times at a highly affordable price point. However, notable cons include its lightweight construction which can compromise stability when unlocking the portafilter, and reports of the filter holder components feeling somewhat fragile over prolonged use.

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