Test of Melitta Caffeo Solo automatic coffee machine&Milk

Compactness, logical and clear control, the availability of energy-saving programs, affordability.

No automatic cappuccinator. For this model, it can not be purchased even for some money.

OPPORTUNITIES

Espresso – strength: mild/medium strength/strong

Beverage volume: from 30 ml to 220 ml.

The cup volume can be changed while you brew the beverage.

Cappuccino – manual mode.

Heating of milk – in manual mode.

Getting hot water.

Temperature – low/medium/high.

Makes 2 cups.

Factory settings – strength normal /cooking temperature medium /water very hard /switch to energy-saving mode 5 minutes .

Impressions

This is the most compact coffee machine of those presented in the test, which can really

fits in any kitchen. Moreover, this appliance has simple and logical controls. Designed for espresso lovers, this model gives you a cup of thick and tasty brew in just a few seconds.

But as this model has no automatic cappuccinator, you have to use a steam pipe to make the milk foam, just like in conventional coffee makers.

A perfect espresso is delivered with a creamy, dense crema. Regarding the amount in the cup, it is very difficult to adjust the 40 ml – classic volume, because there is no digital setting for the intermediate values. Only three positions are known, so fans of precision will have to measure the coffee volume with a measuring cup or be satisfied with 30 ml.

Brewing speed 30 ml – 33.9 sec.

Temperature of ready beverage varied from 63 to 70 °C, the average value is 65 °C.

Cappuccino. Milk foam is produced in manual mode. To switch over, press the steam button, then wait until the valve operating indicator lights up, place a container with milk under the steam pipe so that the end of the pipe is immersed in the milk we held the container with milk in our hands , and turn the steam switch. The manufacturer recommends to move the milk container up and down.

We got milk foam the first time. But beware, when making coffee by hand the result can vary depending on the type of milk, its fat content, temperature, etc. .

Preparation of two cups is started by double clicking on the selector switch. It’s made in this way: grinder turns on, then half amount is poured into cups simultaneously, short pause, grinder turns on again and second half amount is poured.

CONTROL

Graphic display indicating readiness of the device, the coffee strength selection weak – one bean/medium strength – two beans/strong – three beans , readiness for steam delivery. Also on the display are indicators to clean the tray, descale, change the water filter, clean the machine, no water in the tank or coffee beans in the grinder.

Besides, on the front panel there are buttons – coffee on/off, coffee delivery, coffee strength, steam, coffee volume regulator and valve switch.

Impressions

Once again, it’s simple and straightforward. The espresso machine tells you practically by itself where to press, because there are only four buttons. Their purpose

accentuated by a brightly colored graphic depiction. But there are some inconveniences.

One thing we’ve already written about: it’s hard to accurately set the amount of coffee at the intermediate positions of the volume knob. It’s also hard to figure out how to change the beverage temperature or auto shut off time without a manual.

There is no special indication for these settings, you have to use different combinations of buttons and to set the values with the strength button.

Note from Melitta: In our opinion, these are not options that consumers change often, if at all, and that is why there are no separate buttons for these functions, so as not to overload the coffee machine.

COMFORT

Automatic switch-off function – after 1 hour factory setting the display goes out, the machine de-energises. Energy-saving ready mode – turns on by default 5 minutes after the last coffee preparation.

This function can be deactivated or the time can be set to 15/30 minutes if desired. The machine exits this mode when the strength selection button is pressed.

Impressions

Curiously, this coffee machine has a plastic pad for heating cups, which is practically unheated.

SERVICE

The coffee duct rinse program is automatically activated after every coffee machine is turned on and before every coffee machine is turned off. Test strip for determining the water hardness. We recommend cleaning the steam pipe after every milk foam preparation. Can be washed manually or in the dishwasher.

Once a week it is recommended to clean the cooker by removing it and rinsing under running water.

Every two months after 200 cups of coffee we recommend to activate the automatic cleaning program. This requires the use of Melitta special cleaning tablets. The program takes 15 minutes. Although the program is called automatic, you have to actively participate in the procedure: take out and rinse the brew device, press the steam button, clean the drip tray, etc. .

The descaling program takes about 30 minutes and also requires a number of manipulations with the machine.

Impressions

Almost half of the manual is devoted to recommendations for caring for the machine. If you do all this as required by the instructions, it’s easy to become a slave to the coffee machine. We think that most of the owners of this machine have no idea how thoroughly it needs to be looked after, being satisfied with the automatic flushing that the machine performs at every switching on off and a small amount of limescale cleaning.

FEATURES

Water tank.

Melitta Claris 2-month water filter. You can also operate the machine without filtered water, in which case the water hardness level must be checked and set.

Melitta Note: If you fill the machine with filtered water, you do not need to set the water hardness.

Dispenser height from 9 to 13 cm.

Impressions

Although the minimum serving size is 30 ml, the dispenser is set for quite tall dishes. This coffee machine does not keep statistics for the number of cups.

COFFEEMAKER

Three adjustments for fine/medium/coarse grind. Do not use ground coffee.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

DIMENSIONS HxDHL : 32x20x45 cm.

WEIGHT: 8.1 kg without packing, 10 kg with packing.

WARRANTY: 2 years + free service for the lifetime of the machine .

COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURER: Portugal.

26,999 Dollars.