A built-in coffee machine is a rather exotic word when it comes to making coffee at home. Not every home can afford a freestanding automatic coffee machine, and built-in options usually cost three to four times more. On the other hand, the growth of prosperity in some segments of society could not but affect the popularity of such devices. Moreover, the class of built-in coffee making devices is considered premium, has the highest quality and is less prone to breakdowns.
Service
There is an opinion that coffee machines are difficult to maintain, but this is not true for modern models. Maintenance essentially consists of flushing the brewing system every 3-6 months.
The main thing is to follow the instructions , and the coffee machine will serve the owner for a very long time.
Guarantee
The standard manufacturer's warranty is 1 year. Leading companies provide an extended warranty of 2 years, confirming the quality. Additionally, 1 year of service is offered. Subscription service is possible.
Ease of use
Appliances that can be built into furniture, although they are large in size, become part of the furniture, masquerading as cabinets, and easily fit into the interior of a modern kitchen, even the smallest one. This placement does not overload the room with unnecessary details. We also note that the “built-in” equipment for making coffee does not cause any difficulties in servicing. It just needs to be kept in good condition. Almost all models are equipped with a removable tray, allowing you to remove waste materials without much difficulty. The latest models have an automatic cleaning system for removing coffee bean residues, scale and oil deposits. There are machines that allow you to brew different coffee masterpieces. For example: cappuccino, espresso, latte, etc.
Just think, built into the interior of your kitchen, the design contains a microcomputer and a coffee grinder, with the help of which it is possible to program the functions of the device, for example, the degree of filling of the cup, the time to turn it off and on. The equipment will inform you when to add beans and add water, clean the tubes and remove spent coffee grounds. Just one press of a button is enough for the coffee to be ready in forty seconds. A drink from such a coffee maker completely retains the caffeine and essential oils contained in the freshly ground product. The parameters for re-brewing the drink are stored in the electronic memory. To cook a new portion, the device uses only fresh water, removing stagnant water through the supply tubes.
Many models are designed to regulate the number of cups that need to be prepared and their strength, have settings for the cooking mode depending on the hardness of the water, rinsing the supply tube, as well as automatic shutdown.
Devices of this type are classified as automatic equipment. Today, there are even devices on the coffee machine market that allow you to access the Internet. More than once, you can come across the best reviews about such a new product in the development of such devices.
Dimensions
Built-in machine for making coffee is not small in size. Its standard height is about forty-five centimeters, its width is fifty-six, and its depth reaches fifty-five centimeters. However, if desired, it is easy to choose a model with other parameters. Return to content
Siemens CT636LES1/CT636LEW1: functionality and individual approach to your preferences
The German company Siemens is one of the largest manufacturers of household appliances in the world (the company is also involved in mechanical engineering and other manufacturing industries).
The Siemens CT636LES1/CT636LEW1 coffee machine has a fairly stylish design and is made in a modern style.
The functionality of the machine allows you to prepare several different types of coffee. The build quality of the device is quite high. The materials used in the manufacture of the machine are metal and glass (plastic is not used).
Options
Technical parameters of the coffee machine:
- width – 60 cm;
- height – 46 cm;
- depth – 38 cm;
- water tank volume – 2.4 l;
- coffee grinder capacity – 500 g.
Functions
Coffee maker functions:
- water level indication;
- built-in cappuccino maker;
- automatic decalcification;
- milk foaming system;
- simultaneous preparation of two cups;
- hot water supply;
- adjustment of grinding degree and portion of hot water;
- adjustment of coffee strength and temperature;
- “My Coffee” system;
- child lock;
- water filtration.
Peculiarities
The coffee machine is equipped with a locking system to prevent accidental brewing by children. The function is not basic, but quite useful for home use.
Advantages
The advantages of the coffee machine include:
- durable metal case;
- functionality;
- availability of a coffee individualization system;
- developed security system;
- high level of autonomy.
Flaws
Disadvantages of the device:
- lack of pressure gauge and timer;
- lack of indication of coffee and waste level;
- impossibility of auto-shutdown;
- lack of an anti-drip system;
- impossibility of self-cleaning;
- inability to heat/illuminate cups;
- lack of energy saving mode;
- inability to adjust water hardness;
- lack of “fast steam” function.
Video review
An example of making cappuccino, kindly provided by one of our users, see the video:
Results
Siemens CT636LES1/CT636LEW1 is suitable for home use by lovers of unpretentious but reliable functionality.
How to choose for your home kitchen
The coffee machine must fit perfectly into the furniture, so an important parameter when choosing is the dimensions. If you want to purchase a good device, you should take into account the features and size of the kitchen, the popularity of the brand, and personal preferences.
The main parameters when purchasing are the size of electrical equipment, price and functionality
If finances allow, then the best model is 100% automated with 2 heating boilers. It’s easy to prepare a drink using a coffee machine. Just press 2-3 buttons. When choosing the ideal appliance for your home, you should take into account the brand, parameters (power, type of heater, peculiarities of loading raw materials). It is better if the machine is equipped with an automatic cappuccino maker, dispenser adjustment, cup heating timer, and pre-wetting function.
Today, built-in coffee machines are installed everywhere in hotels and offices. The devices are expensive, unlike coffee makers, but they look stylish and attractive, are easy to operate, and have a high degree of automation and safety.
Bosch CTL636ES1/CTL636EB1: durable, high quality machine
Bosch is known for the high build quality of all its equipment and its durability. The Bosch CTL636ES1/CTL636EB1 coffee machine is well assembled, and the metal body protects it from minor damage.
The manufacturer's guarantee on the device speaks about its durability - the user is guaranteed to be able to prepare 15,000 cups of coffee on a working machine.
The manufacturer has equipped the machine with many additional systems designed to simplify the user’s life and minimize his participation in making coffee.
The noise-canceling system and self-cleaning system will be a pleasant surprise for those who prefer autonomous technology that does not attract attention.
Options
Technical parameters of the device:
- width – 59 cm;
- height – 45.5 cm;
- depth – 37.5 cm;
- water tank volume – 2.4 l;
- coffee grinder capacity – 500 g.
Functions
Coffee maker functions:
- cappuccino maker;
- water filtration;
- water and coffee level indication;
- automatic decalcification;
- auto shutdown;
- frothing milk;
- simultaneous preparation of two cups;
- hot water supply;
- adjusting the portion of hot water;
- adjustment of coffee strength and temperature;
- noise reduction system;
- automatic brewing protection system;
- remembering the names of drinks.
Peculiarities
Ceramic millstones not only grind beans efficiently, but are also able to adapt to different types of beans and change the intensity and speed of grinding thanks to the CoffeeSensor Pro system. Regarding the same mills, there is a noise-reducing system SilentCeram Drive , which makes the grinding process almost imperceptible to the ear.
The AromaPro Concept brewing system provides the ideal pressure for a particular type of coffee and, as a result, its good taste.
The AromaDouble Shot coffee brewing system allows you to achieve the perfect taste of strong coffee without any extra bitterness.
Advantages
The advantages of the coffee maker include:
- high build quality of the device;
- durable metal case;
- Availability of individual drink settings;
- noise reduction system;
- developed security system;
- high level of autonomy;
- functionality.
Flaws
The disadvantages of the coffee machine include:
- lack of pressure gauge;
- lack of a removable brewing unit;
- inability to heat cups/reservoir;
- lack of waste level indication;
- lack of an anti-drip system;
- inability to adjust water hardness;
- lack of “fast steam” function.
Video review
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the method of caring for this device presented in the video below:
Results
Bosch CTL636ES1/CTL636EB1 machine is suitable for use by true coffee connoisseurs in any outdoor environment - from the office to the home kitchen.
Device selection criteria
Design is one of the main criteria when choosing. If your kitchen is furnished in a minimalist style and all appliances are built-in, then it would be more logical to purchase a machine with the same installation method.
Compactness, unfortunately, is not one of the characteristics of this device, as it takes up a lot of space in the niche. Coffee machines that are placed separately on the surface are predominantly small in size, about 30 cm. Therefore, it is necessary to understand that the room must be large in order to find a place for installation. At the same time, the built-in method allows you to hide the device from view.
Price criteria are also very important. Such devices are quite expensive and cost from 100 thousand and above. Separate machines can be bought for 30 thousand, and the set of functions will be approximately the same.
A coffee grinder is a function that creates a real drink, aromatic and tasty. It is better to choose a device with this option.
The built-in thermos makes it possible to drink the prepared coffee hot for a long time. This is an excellent feature of an embedded machine.
Indicators that notify you about the operation process allow you to know exactly when coffee is being prepared, this is very convenient.
Automatic machine cleaning saves time and money.
If you purchase a device with capsule service, you can get quick and tasty coffee, but due to the high cost of the main components, such machines have not achieved much demand.
Energy saving is especially important in today's high prices for housing and communal services. Standard devices have a system that disables operation in idle mode.
Clean water for the drink is the main criterion. To purify water, a filtration system is used, which is installed in the water supply during installation of the device.
Smeg CMSC451: the best model according to the editors
The Smeg CMSC451 built-in coffee machine is a new product in the Linea-aesthetic series. It is presented in automatic mode with more functionality than previous coffee machines.
The device's power of 1350 W and pump pressure of 15 bar is enough for home use at high speed , reducing the time for preparing breakfast.
The body of the device is made of stainless steel and equipped with unique StopSol Supersilver glass, which can withstand sudden temperature changes. It has a multilingual, including Russian, LCD display and switches illuminated with a beautiful blue light.
Functions
Coffee maker functions:
- Stainless steel and Stopsol glass
- Illuminated rotary switches
- Multilingual LCD display
- Coffee function: regular or double (1 or 2 cups at a time)
- Hot water function for preparing other hot drinks
- Rinse function
- Water quantity (3 levels): espresso, normal, full cup
- Programmable circuit breaker
- Automatic flushing of the system (every time you turn it on/off)
- Automatic descaling
- Standby mode to save energy (Stand-by)
- Container for coffee beans
- Separate container for ground coffee
- Removable water tank
- Removable container for coffee grounds
- Removable cappuccino maker
- Height-adjustable nozzle for two cups
- Removable water tray
- 2 backlights
- Removable milk tank
Peculiarities
The presented model will have a long service life, as it has high technical characteristics.
A 2-year warranty and Italian assembly allows you to have no doubt about the quality of this model.
The steel body is highly durable , and the special glass will withstand any temperature changes.
Advantages
Aesthetics and management:
- Stopsol silver glass, stainless steel body
- Illuminated rotary switches
- Multilingual LCD display (including Russian).
Functional:
- Possibility of supplying hot water for brewing tea
- Automatic cappuccino preparation
- Automatic steam supply for cappuccino preparation
- Automatic switching on by time
- Automatic rinsing
- Automatic descaling mode
- Nozzle for two cups, height adjustable
Design:
- Container for ground coffee
- Removable coffee grounds container, dishwasher safe
- Container for milk, allowing storage in the refrigerator.
Flaws
Not everyone can afford to buy such a device for their home. However, apart from the price, the model does not have any particular disadvantages that affect the quality of the prepared drinks or ease of use.
Minor disadvantages include the lack of functions such as:
- Pressure gauge
- Anti-drip system
- Connection to water supply.
Video review
For a short overview and process of making coffee in a machine of this series, watch the video from our user:
Results
The Gaggenau CM 450-100 coffee machine has a fairly high level of autonomy. Due to the ability to prepare coffee drinks by pressing one button, this machine can be suitable not only for advanced users, but also for beginners.
Despite the large number of functions, the design and control system are quite ergonomic.
Coffee drink memory programs can be used to set the best ratio of ingredients and create the perfect drink for customers.
Grinding details and prices
Don't assume that all built-in models are equally expensive. The range spread is more than 2 times. For the most budget-friendly of the worthy models you will have to pay a little less than 100 thousand. But for just the name Miele - already much more.
Professionals in terms of functionality (infusers, coffee grinders, electronic components) are divided into analogues of Delonghi and Bosch, only different brands. The differences are seen only in the design and a number of options and features of the marketing policy.
Almost all models involve pushing forward and laying the necessary ingredients on top - a position that is too high may not be very convenient for use. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the volume of containers for water and grain. For the last component it ranges from 300 to 500 g.
There are no fine adjustments to adjust the taste for special connoisseurs, for example, there is no way to adjust the height of the coffee foam or make a special latte.
Bosch
The ability to adjust the grind level is a nice addition. Some machines provide for the use of already ground coffee. You should not rely on steel or ceramics for the grain grinding process. The prejudice that steel produces a bitter taste is justified only on an industrial scale (office use). But a dropped pebble can immediately ruin ceramic knives.
Pleasant bonuses of smart devices:
- automatic timer;
- energy saving;
- preparing water for tea;
Even professional baristas do not undertake to assert the superiority of one model over another, because too many selection criteria are imposed on a built-in coffee machine, ranging from practicality to aesthetics. Each model has its own drawback - price or speed, but which one are you willing to put up with?
Hotpoint-Ariston MCK 103 X/HA: excellent functionality and design
Under the Hotpoint-Ariston brand, equipment is produced by one of the largest manufacturers of such products - Indesit.
Country of origin: Italy.
The build quality of the car is excellent . No squeaks, gaps or other similar troubles. The Hotpoint-Ariston MCK 103 X/HA model is one of the top models from the manufacturer, and its sales around the world are very high.
Options
Technical parameters of the device:
- width – 60 cm;
- height – 46 cm;
- depth – 36 cm;
- water tank volume – 1.8 l;
- coffee grinder capacity – 300 g.
Functions
Coffee maker functions:
- built-in cappuccino maker (manual type);
- self-cleaning;
- simultaneous preparation of two cups;
- hot water supply;
- pre-wetting coffee;
- water hardness adjustment;
- setting the grinding degree;
- adjusting the portion of hot water;
- adjustment of coffee strength and temperature.
Functionally, the machine has all the parameters necessary to prepare high-quality coffee.
For novice users, only the manual cappuccino maker option may raise questions , which involves the direct participation of the consumer in the process of frothing milk foam.
Peculiarities
A special feature of the device is the function of manually whipping foam for cappuccino and other dairy drinks. This does not mean that the foam will be whipped by hand by the user himself.
Advantages
The advantages of the coffee maker include:
- durable metal case, resistant to damage;
- fairly compact dimensions;
- presence of self-cleaning function;
- possibility of preparing two cups at the same time;
- touch control;
- Availability of auto shutdown and standby mode;
- intuitive clarity of all functions;
- ergonomic location of control keys.
Flaws
The disadvantages of the coffee machine include:
- lack of pressure gauge;
- lack of a removable brewing unit;
- lack of a water filter;
- no timer;
- impossibility of auto-shutdown;
- lack of automatic decalcification;
- lack of indication of water, coffee and waste levels;
- inability to heat cups and reservoir;
- inability to illuminate the cups;
- lack of energy saving mode.
Some functions in any coffee machine are just a nice addition and do not affect the quality of the coffee in any way . These include cup illumination, a measuring spoon included, etc. The lack of other functions can be considered a serious disadvantage.
Hotpoint-Ariston MCK 103 X/HA does not have such basic functions as auto shutdown or energy saving mode.
This does not affect the taste of the coffee, but it can cause significant inconvenience in use.
Video review
Video review of this line of coffee machines and advice from a professional barista in the video below:
Results
The Hotpoint-Ariston MCK 103 X/HA coffee machine is ideal for a small coffee shop or home. Inconvenient for office use.
Plans will not forgive deception or how to prepare a place for a built-in coffee machine
You will have to think about purchasing it already at the stage of preparing the design project to ensure the correct placement of the unit. What to consider?
Niche size
You will need a niche with dimensions of 450 by 600 cm. The dimensions of the device itself may be slightly smaller, but it is usually standardized and will fit perfectly into the designated recess.
Location
The location is important, first of all, in relation to the water supply. Most built-in automatic coffee makers are permanently connected to the water supply. This is convenient and eliminates the hassle of refilling the tank. The point of insertion into the water supply should be at a distance of up to 100 cm from the machine. Please note that you will have to install a filter in addition to the machine so that already purified water enters the tank. Many manufacturers have a built-in filter included.
Height
The installation height is important for ease of use of the unit. Some built-in coffee machines are mounted on skids. The device extends so that you can put beans into it. Coffee machines of this type are quite weighty, about 18-20 kg, so it is better to install them at chest level and below.
There are units that are built in rigidly; the containers for coffee or milk are removable. Simply put, they are a “cabinet” in which the necessary components are installed. These can be mounted at eye level or slightly higher, since you will still be removing the required container. The main thing is that you can reach the removable parts.
Now that the initial planning is complete, you can take a breath and think, why does a person need a built-in coffee machine at all?
