Along with improving functionality and ergonomics, manufacturers seek to optimize the design of household appliances. Especially these tasks are relevant in relation to kitchen appliances that work in conditions of austerity of space. Coffee machines, although they are not overly dimensional devices, but the integration of the body into the wall niche makes them completely invisible. Such models do not lose in performance to devices with the usual form factor, but they save space for other needs. The popularity of the embedded coffee machine forced manufacturers to form a separate segment for it, the best representatives of which are considered in this review. But first, you need to deal with the technical and design features of this equipment.
The nuances of using integrated coffee machines
Before buying the device, you should think over and prepare a place for its installation. You will need a special niche in the wall or furniture that matches the parameters of the target structure. Also, do not miss the stylistic characteristics. Most of the case will not be visible at all, but it is advisable to select the design of the front panel for the design solution of the surrounding space. What is more important, it is not necessary to calculate the space strictly above the countertop or pedestal. Some models focus on a suspended method of operation. That is, at any height and regardless of the presence of holding surfaces.
The functional organs of the built-in coffee machine are arranged either on the sides or on the platforms of the remote modules. This applies to the tank, tray, loading blocks, etc. And with all the advantages of such a design, it should be borne in mind that any movement will not only require dismantling the case, but will also necessitate the creation of a new niche for its installation. Now you can consider the most interesting market offers in this segment.
Bosch TCC 78K751
Premium coffee machine with automated beverage preparation process and built-in housing. The device has a loading tank of up to 2.5 l, and for cooking, you can use both whole and ground grains. The strengths of the model are concentrated in the elements of intelligent control. We can especially note the innovative heating system Senso Flow, which increases the time for preparing aromatic and hot coffee. The unique Brita filter, which thoroughly rinses the pipes of the structure after each brewing, contributes to the subtlest taste shades of the drink.
Interaction with the device is carried out through the display on the control panel. The operator of the Bosch TCC 78K751 built-in coffee machine can set the temperature of the drink, strength and volume. As for the feedback of the users themselves, they include ergonomics, functionality and a stylish design as pluses. The weak point is the high price tag of about 80-90 thousand rubles. However, the quality of the products of the German company justifies this amount.
Smeg CMSC451
A fairly powerful device at 1350 W, serving a pump pressure of 15 bar. The case uses first-class materials in the form of stainless steel and StopSol Supersilver signature glass, which withstands sudden changes in extreme temperatures. For control capabilities meets the LCD display with programmable switches operating modes. The CMSC451 built-in coffee machine for home and mechanical controls are widely provided. In this part, you can name adjustable nozzles for cups, removable cappuccinators, containers and tanks.
Users of this development note its ergonomics and reliability. The steel case withstands various mechanical stresses without getting any scratches or dents. Automation control is also one of the paramount advantages of the Smeg coffee machine. However, some functions that are already familiar to such models, like the anti-drip system and pressure gauge, are still missing, which spoils the overall impression.
Hotpoint-Ariston MCK 103 X / HA
Also close to the premium level model, but made according to established standards without any frills. The loading volume of the water tank is 1.8 l, and a block of 300 g is provided for coffee. Among the functions can be noted self-cleaning, an integrated manual cappuccino machine and the ability to simultaneously service two cups. In terms of setting the parameters of the drink, the MCK 103 X / HA built-in coffee machine also has a typical set of controls, including settings for strength, temperature, portions and degree of grinding.
The owners of this machine indicate the strength of the structure, a very compact size, a touch interface and a convenient configuration for the placement of controls. But there are many weaknesses. For example, it emphasizes the absence of a removable block for brewing, the inability to automatically turn off and, in general, the limited model in terms of auxiliary functions.
Siemens CT636LES1
This manufacturer has considerable experience in the development of modern household appliances, regularly improving the characteristics of its products. The considered CT636LES1 coffee machine also incorporates a whole set of positive competitive properties, to which the owners include high-quality assembly, balanced dimensions, wide functionality and an advanced filtration system. In addition, it is one of the most capacious devices in its class - the tank has a volume of 2.4 liters, and the grinding unit holds 500 g.
In terms of functionality, the Siemens built-in coffee machine is praised for having automatic decalcification, an indication of the water level and adjustment of the degree of grinding. Also, the user can control the parameters of the drink for a wide range of characteristics, including using modes with predefined characteristics. There are, however, also disadvantages to this version, which boil down to the lack of a number of maintenance and protective functions. This primarily concerns the lack of a drip system and self-cleaning.
Neff C77V60N2
We can say that this is a semi-professional device that can be used in coffee and at home. The model is in high demand due to the simplified control system with fine-tuned settings for the preparation of the drink, stylish design and high resource used in the design of materials. With a low power of 1700 watts, the device controls the pressure up to 19 bar, quickly serving a capacity of 2.5 liters. But this is not all the advantages of the Neff coffee machine. The built-in design of this model is provided with the ability to perform grinding with a different fraction, has a backlight and supports a number of automatic functions. For example, a user can expect to make espresso and cappuccino without manual support according to the specified parameters.
Gorenje + GCC 800
This model also can not be called purely professional. She has a very modest size and the same power (1350 watts). Nevertheless, according to the operational capabilities, the car from Gorenje is considered universal. Users note the quality operation of the unit in the modes of preparation of both ground and grain coffee. Another thing is that by the standards of the modern built-in coffee machine for the kitchen, this version does not have enough automatic functions. Also worth noting is the lack of a pressure gauge for measuring pressure. On the other hand, for the household class, the ability to adjust the strength and temperature with the grinding fraction is not bad in itself.
Miele CVA 5065
The unit is of moderate performance, the power filling of which provides power at 2700 W at a pressure of up to 15 bar. At the same time, you can serve several servings with a total volume of 2.3 liters. The design of the unit is assembled from a combination of tempered heat-resistant glass and metal - plastic is completely excluded, so during operation you can not worry about the protection and safety of the device. The control complex includes a timer, automatic cooking modes, decalcification, adjustment of the degree of grinding and a typical set of settings for the temperature and strength of the drink. Judging by the reviews, the built-in Miele coffee machine of this version copes with the preparation of late and cappuccino better than the counterparts from Siemens and even Smeg. However, much will depend on the same grinding and other settings.
How to choose the best option?
Practice shows that in the process of operation, the primary role is played not even by the performance of the coffee machine, but by ergonomics. Design performance, the physics of handling functional organs and devices are paramount nuances that are considered when choosing this device. And especially this concerns the built-in coffee machine with its layout, dimensions and control system. Moreover, saving on automation and modern controls like a touch panel is also not worth it. The same security features ultimately increase the safety of equipment, and an ergonomic interface will regularly save several seconds on operations.
Conclusion
Not every homeowner can afford to carry out a whole range of troublesome installation actions for installing a coffee machine in a wall niche. And the point is not even in technical feasibility, but in the advisability of this decision. In terms of functionality, such devices are slightly inferior to mobile devices, so the question arises: is it worth it to purchase stationary equipment just to save space? For example, the Bosch built-in coffee machine modifications TCC 78K751 is considered one of the most dimensional models in its class. However, in the Tassimo line of the same manufacturer there are many compact devices with lower performance. In other words, built-in units are suitable in those cases when it is initially planned to prepare a drink for several people. In other situations, you can get by with devices with a traditional design. But such an approach will not always be appropriate, since the expansion of the design, as a rule, is accompanied by the inclusion of additional devices for the coffee machine.