Melitta Caffeo Solo Silver Stripes

We've had this Melitta Caffeo Solo for a week now; Of course I can't say much about the long term, but bought this coffee machine to replace our Bosch Espresso machine, which was now 7 1/2 years old and got cures, flooding, a lot of junk in the machine. Really time for a replacement. I was looking for a replacement without all the fuss anyway, so no milk frother, or hot water tap for tea, you can put that with a kettle. This Caffeo Solo can indeed only make coffee. And very simply, one button for one cup, the other button for two cups at the same time, that's all. To be fair, two cups at a time take just as long as brewing one cup twice, only if you choose two cups they are ready at the same time. The first time, choose the amount of water and the strength (1, 2 or 3 beans), set how long the device stays on after use and you don't have to worry about it. This is the solution for people who only want good coffee, and who don't have to put a full pot every time, but every cup fresh. As mentioned, we've only had the machine for a week, so I can't say anything about maintenance, cleaning and descaling yet. I know, if I pay attention to the experience I have with the Bosch, which is now cozy in the shed, and looking out the window idly, do not underestimate the maintenance, it will certainly save you a number of years of enjoyment from your Melitta Caffeo (Solo). In short and in conclusion: For the coffee lover who just wants a Dutch “cup of coffee”, this is a great investment. Of course I will adjust this review over time with regard to cleaning and maintaining the device.

Melitta Caffeo Solo is a beautiful, compact and easy to operate and maintain appliance. Very suitable for small kitchens and cooking corners and for small households where coffee is not normally drunk in large quantities. The use of prescribed cleaning agents is recommended. With careful maintenance (have the brew group checked by an expert with some regularity! ), the device will last for years, our first copy almost 10 years. That's why I bought the successor without hesitation

After some deliberation, bought this as a second chance. I was looking for a compact device where design and taste were very important, maintenance and ease of use a little less. The appearance is subjective but well cared for. Good workmanship, everything feels solid. I find the design useful: the device is quite deep but very narrow. The depth is fine because in practice you can never make anything for a coffee machine. The width is practical because it limits the amount of space it takes up on the counter.

The bean and water reservoir are quite small. Makes sense for a compact device, but I've seen better for a machine of this size. As I am the only one using the device this is not a problem for me.

The cleaning is classified as 'a lot of work' but is almost identical to the Philips Saeco machines I've had. Rinse the drip tray, remove the brew group and rinse. Descale every now and then, of course, and clean everything with a cleaning tablet.

The only downside is that the drip tray fills up quickly. I always put an empty cup down when switching on, but a minimal amount of water gets in there. The largest part seems to go directly from the brew group into the drip tray when rinsing. The emptying is then again a bit inconvenient. The drip tray is quite deep, but between the front and back there is a kind of 'dam', so you can't easily tilt it forwards or backwards without water gushing over it left and right via the dam. Not a problem if you have a large sink. Mine is small so that's a minor point of irritation. Ah yes, first world problems...

The coffee then: very good. On standard settings immediately a really good tank. Easy operation: you can brew 1 or 2 cups (with a push button) and then there is a rotary knob to set the amount of water per cup. You don't need more... right?