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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.
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Solis 98003 Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£330Type:Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:1.700 LPump Pressure:?Built-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:no

Solis 98003 Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 1 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components

95%

6.6

Technical score

5%

7.5

Review score ( 0 · 1)

Review score 5% · 7.5 · based on 1 video
1 video counts as 0.5 of the 2 needed; the rest counts as 7/10. Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. A video or a short review counts less than a full test.
▲Better than 57% of coffee-machines
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components

35%

7.6

Performance

25%

4.5

Coffee Preparation

25%

7.4

Features

15%

6.2

Design

▲Better than 57% of coffee-machines
7.5

Review score

Review score
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 77% of models
Grades by review (1)
1 video review, 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

25%

9.0

coffeeness

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 77% of coffee-machines
  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £330

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of coffee machine Solis 98003

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components:

35%

7.6

Performance

25%

4.5

Coffee Preparation

25%

7.4

Features

15%

6.2

Design

6.6
Review score
Review score
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 77% of models
Grades by review (1)
1 video review, 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

25%

9.0

coffeeness

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.5
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Solis 98003 has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 88.3% of coffee machines.
1.0
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

8.5

Price

7.2
Power
1,450 W
Power
1,450 W
▲ Better than 52% of models
Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
This coffee machine provides 1,450 W of heating power, which is higher than the power of 51.5% of coffee machines and equal to that of 23.6% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
1.7 L
Water Container Capacity
1.7 L
▲ Better than 64% of models
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 1.7 L in its water tank, which is larger than 63.6% of coffee machines and equal to that of 7.3% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
?
Heating Time
40 s
Heating Time
40 s
▼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <20 s – >60 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 40 s, which is faster than 36.3% of coffee machines and equal to that of 15.8% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
Thermoblock
Show more
Type
Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
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
▼ Worse than 38% of models
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
no
Works with ESE Pods
no
▼ Worse than 24% of models
This coffee machine does not accept ESE pods. 24.3% 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
▼ Worse than 29% of models
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
Water Level Indicator
yes
Water Level Indicator
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
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
▼ Worse than 36% of models
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
▼ Worse than 67% of models
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
yes
Cleaning Alert
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine alerts you when cleaning is needed. 40.3% 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
▼ Worse than 22% of models
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
Built-in Installation
no
Color
Silver
Vintage Look
no
Vintage Look
no
▼ Worse than 13% of models
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

Solis 98003 vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • 17 more grind settings
    Number of Grinding Settings
    25
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <3 – >13
    This coffee machine provides finer control over grind size than the average coffee machine (25 vs 8).
    More grind settings allow finer adjustment of the coffee grind.
    25 vs 8
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    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 tray full indicator
    Drip Tray Full Indicator
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 43.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A full drip-tray indicator signals when the tray needs emptying.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    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.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    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.
  • 3 mm wider portafilter
    Portafilter Size
    54.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <51 mm – >58 mm
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (54 mm vs 51 mm).
    A larger portafilter diameter is associated with a wider filter basket, but compatibility depends on the machine group head.
    54.00 mm vs 51 mm
  • 0.3 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.700 L
    ▲ Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1.7 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.700 L vs 1.400 L
  • 50 W higher power
    Power
    1,450 W
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (1450 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,450 W vs 1,400 W
  • 17 more grind settings
    Number of Grinding Settings
    25
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <3 – >13
    This coffee machine provides finer control over grind size than the average coffee machine (25 vs 8).
    More grind settings allow finer adjustment of the coffee grind.
    25 vs 8
  • 0.3 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.700 L
    ▲ Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1.7 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.700 L vs 1.400 L
  • 50 W higher power
    Power
    1,450 W
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (1450 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,450 W vs 1,400 W
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    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
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    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.
  • Has a tray full indicator
    Drip Tray Full Indicator
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 43.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A full drip-tray indicator signals when the tray needs emptying.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    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.
  • 3 mm wider portafilter
    Portafilter Size
    54.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <51 mm – >58 mm
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (54 mm vs 51 mm).
    A larger portafilter diameter is associated with a wider filter basket, but compatibility depends on the machine group head.
    54.00 mm vs 51 mm
  • 50 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    280.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (280 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    280.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • No descaling programme
    Descaling Program
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    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.
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    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.
  • No hot water dispenser
    Hot Water Dispenser
    no
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a hot water dispenser, while the average coffee machine does. 57.6% of coffee machines have a hot water dispenser.
    A hot water dispenser supplies hot water for tea, coffee, or other drinks.
  • 25 cm shorter power cord
    Cable Length
    75 cm
    ▼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <78 cm – >120 cm
    This coffee machine has a shorter electrical reach than the average coffee machine (75 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    75 cm vs 100 cm
  • 1 fewer drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    2
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >21
    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
  • 7.62x less popular
    Solis 98003 is less popular than the average coffee machine (1 vs 7.6).
    1 vs 7.62
  • 26 mm wider body
    Width
    250.00 mm
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (250 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    250.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 2.06x more expensive
    Solis 98003 is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£330 vs £160).
    £330 vs £160
  • 7.62x less popular
    Solis 98003 is less popular than the average coffee machine (1 vs 7.6).
    1 vs 7.62
  • 2.06x more expensive
    Solis 98003 is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£330 vs £160).
    £330 vs £160
  • 0.6% worse value for money
    Solis 98003 has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (7.18 vs 7.2).
    7.18 vs 7.22
  • No hot water dispenser
    Hot Water Dispenser
    no
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a hot water dispenser, while the average coffee machine does. 57.6% of coffee machines have a hot water dispenser.
    A hot water dispenser supplies hot water for tea, coffee, or other drinks.
  • 1 fewer drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    2
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >21
    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
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    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.
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    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.
  • 25 cm shorter power cord
    Cable Length
    75 cm
    ▼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <78 cm – >120 cm
    This coffee machine has a shorter electrical reach than the average coffee machine (75 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    75 cm vs 100 cm
  • 26 mm wider body
    Width
    250.00 mm
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (250 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    250.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 26.7% heavier body
    Weight
    5.700 kg
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (5.7 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    5.700 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 5 mm taller body
    Height
    330.00 mm
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (330 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    330.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 4.3% bulkier volume
    Volume
    23,100 cm³
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <0.7 cm³ – >2 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up more overall space than the average coffee machine (23100 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    23,100 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³

Video reviews

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

9.0
coffeeness
≈ estimated
02/01/2020
Hands-on test · brewing, milk frothing and heat-up
Verdict
Solis 98003 is great value for a beginner portafilter machine, with minor quirks like heat-up waits and a confusing brew button.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

Third-party reviews

What we like about Solis 98003

  • Extremely fast heat-up time (approx. 40-45 seconds)
  • Compact, space-saving design (approx. 18.7 cm wide)
  • Professional-style 360-degree steam wand produces good microfoam
  • Includes both pressurized and non-pressurized baskets, suitable for beginners and advanced users
  • High-quality stainless steel construction and sturdy included tamper
  • Good, adjustable temperature control for better extraction

What we don't like about Solis 98003

  • Steam wand takes time to switch between brewing and steaming (wet steam)
  • The pressure gauge can be inaccurate or read high (14-bar) compared to industry standards
  • Some users report durability issues with the manometer (pressure gauge)
  • The machine may occasionally struggle with light roasts
  • Steaming milk requires practice due to the power of the wand

Verdict

The Solis 98003 (Barista Gran Gusto) is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine constructed from premium stainless steel, featuring a powerful 15-bar pump, a 1,450-watt thermoblock heating system, and a 1.7-litre removable water tank. It stands out with a professional-grade 58mm portafilter, an integrated manometer for extraction pressure monitoring, a 360-degree steam/hot water wand, and an adaptive PID controller for precise temperature stability alongside low-pressure pre-infusion. Main advantages include a lightning-fast 20-to-25-second heat-up time, user-programmable cup sizes, and a high-quality included stainless steel tamper, which provide exceptional barista-style extraction at an accessible price point. However, notable drawbacks include its lack of an integrated bean grinder, requiring a separate purchase, and a learning curve for beginners adjusting to manual extraction and texturing milk without an automated panarello wand.

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