There are scores of bean-to-cup coffee makers on the market right now, making it somewhat difficult to determine which ones really offer the best value for your money. On one end, you have the somewhat simplistic machines that are easy enough to use, but they leave much to be desired in terms of producing quality coffee; on the other end, you have coffee makers that are so convoluted, it seems like you would need a degree in engineering just to operate them.
So if you’re a home coffee brewing enthusiast with intermediate level skills, what type of machine would make the most sense for you?
I’m going to put my recommendation forward for your consideration: You should really check out the Melitta Caffeo Bistro. What really sets this machine apart is that it offers remarkable ease of use in light of its robust features, and it’s surprisingly inexpensive in relation to its impressive capabilities.
Melitta Caffeo Bistro review
What I like
- Frothing attachment easy to use
- Intuitive control panel
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Makes very good coffee
What I don’t like
- A bit noisy when grinding
- Tends to flush quite a bit
What are you buying?
The Melitta MEL6613822 Caffeo Bistro offers several key features that are worth highlighting right off the bat.
For starters, it has a double-chambered bean container that allows you to load up the machine with two different types of coffee beans, and then you can select your preference for specific drinks using its Bean Select functionality.
The Caffeo Bistro also enables you to create espresso or cappuccino drinks with varying strengths, and it features a two-cup option for those of us who like to kill two birds with one stone.
In addition, the Caffeo Bistro features a commercial-quality steam nozzle and frothing whisk attached to the side of the machine, so that you can whip up your desired amount of milk directly into the cup with no hassle.
Take it from me – you will definitely be impressed with the thick and creamy froth this machine produces, as it can provide the perfect base for a variety of milk-infused concoctions.
If you’re like me and you prefer to use a larger sized coffee mug, you’ll really appreciate the Caffeo Bistro’s stepless height-adjustable spout, which allows for cup heights of up to 130mm. No more trying to wedge that tall latte macchiato glass under the spout, and no more messes to clean up when it doesn’t work!
Another key feature that I really appreciate is its super-hygienic automated cleaning and descaling programme, which you can enact with the push of a button. The brewing unit is easy to remove and clean as well; simply rinse it under running water to get rid of any coffee deposits.
The surfaces of the machine are also easy to clean, which is a real plus in my book. I can’t stand coffee makers that are difficult to clean without damaging the surface of the unit; thankfully, the Caffeo Bistro doesn’t fall into that category.
As with any other machine, there will be those days when you need to do some manual cleaning, but the majority of the time, the automated cleaning programme takes care of the day-to-day cleaning duties for you.
How easy is it to use?
As I mentioned earlier, one of the main highlights of this machine is its spring whisk, which makes creating milk froth an easy (and even pleasant) task.
Just place the cup that contains the milk to the side of the machine, and then swing the whisk over and lower it into the cup. You won’t even need to hold the cup, which is a real plus!
Now press the steam button to begin pumping steam through while also activating the whisk. This ultra-convenient feature gives you plenty of control over the temperature and consistency of your milk, so that you can elevate those cappuccino drinks to a place of perfection.
I have highlighted the spring whisk for its ease of use, but truth be told, the entire control panel is a highly intuitive interface, offering very straightforward and refreshingly simple operation.
Melitta Caffeo Bistro key features
Pros
- Frothing attachment is super-easy to use
- Intuitive and straightforward control panel
- Super-easy to clean
- Makes great coffee!
Cons
- A bit noisy when grinding (what bean-to-cup machine isn’t?)
- Tends to flush quite a bit on start-up and shut down, so keep a cup under the spout
Anything else you should know?
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Caffeo Bistro features a generously sized water tank (1800ml) that’s easy to remove as well. In addition, the MEL6613822 is equipped with an automated shut-off function along with energy-efficient LED lights, making this machine eco-friendly and safe to use.
Conclusion
All in all, the Melitta Caffeo Bistro is a brilliant piece of kit that offers premium-level features for a very reasonable price. Is sleek and elegant design will look great on your kitchen worktop, and its simple and intuitive functionality make it a perfect fit for the home brewer that wants great coffee with hassle-free operation.
If you’re looking for a reliable coffee maker that offers exceptional ease of use without compromising coffee quality, the Melitta Caffeo Bistro should be at the top of your list.
Where to buy?
- Amazon UK: Click to check today’s price
Melitta Caffeo Bistro Review
Summary
If you’re looking for a reliable coffee machine that offers exceptional ease of use without compromising coffee quality, Melitta Caffeo Bistro should be at the top of your list.