Along with increasing functionality and ergonomics, manufacturers are striving to optimize the design of household appliances. These tasks are especially relevant in relation to kitchen appliances that operate in conditions of austerity of space. Although coffee machines are not overly dimensional devices, the integration of the body into a wall niche makes them completely invisible. Such models do not lose in terms of performance to devices with a conventional form factor, but they save space for other needs. The popularity of the built-in coffee machine forced manufacturers to form a separate segment for it, the best representatives of which are considered in this review. But first, it is worth understanding the technical and structural features of this equipment.
The nuances of using integrated coffee machines
Before buying a device, you should consider 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 design. Also, do not miss the stylistic characteristics. Most of the body will not be visible at all, butit is desirable to select the design of the front panel for the design solution of the surrounding space. More importantly, it is not necessary to calculate the space strictly above the countertop or cabinet. Some models are guided by 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 platforms of remote modules. This applies to the tank, tray, loading blocks, etc. And with all the advantages of such a design, it must be taken into account that any movement will not only require the dismantling of the case, but will also entail the need to create 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 an automated beverage preparation process and built-in housing. The device has a loading tank up to 2.5 liters, and for cooking it can be used both whole and ground grains. The strengths of the model are concentrated in the intelligent controls. Especially noteworthy is the innovative Senso Flow heating system, which increases the time for preparing aromatic and hot coffee. The unique Brita filter, which thoroughly rinses the tubes of the structure after each brewing, contributes to ensuring the finest flavors 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 installdrink temperature, strength and volume. As for the feedback from the users themselves, they include ergonomics, functionality and stylish design as pluses. The weak point is the high price tag of about 80-90 thousand rubles. However, the quality of the German company's products justifies this amount.
Smeg CMSC451
Quite a powerful machine with 1350 W, pumping pressure at 15 bar. The case uses first-class materials in the form of stainless steel and signature StopSol Supersilver glass, which withstands sudden changes in extreme temperatures. The LCD display with programmable switches for operating modes is responsible for the control capabilities. CMSC451 built-in home coffee machine and mechanical controls are widely provided. In this part, you can name adjustable cup nozzles, removable cappuccino makers, containers and reservoirs.
Users of this development note its ergonomics and reliability. The steel case withstands various mechanical loads without getting any scratches or the slightest dents. Automation of control is also one of the primary advantages of the Smeg coffee machine. However, some functions already familiar to such models, such as an anti-drip system and a 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. Loading volumethe water tank is 1.8 liters, and for coffee there is a block of 300 gr. Features include self-cleaning, an integrated manual milk frother and the ability to serve two cups at the same time. In terms of setting drink parameters, the MCK 103 X/HA built-in coffee machine also has a typical set of regulators, including settings for strength, temperature, servings and grinding degree.
Owners point to this machine's rugged design, extremely compact size, touch interface, and user-friendly control layout. But there are also many weaknesses. For example, the absence of a removable brewing unit, the impossibility of automatic shutdown and the overall limitations of the model in terms of auxiliary functions are emphasized.
Siemens CT636LES1
This manufacturer has considerable experience in the development of modern household appliances, regularly improving the performance of its products. The considered CT636LES1 coffee machine also incorporated a whole set of positive competitive features, 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 built-in Siemens coffee machine is praised for its automatic decalcification, water level indication and grinding degree adjustment. Also, the user can control the parameters of the drink in a wide range of ways.range of characteristics, including using modes with preset characteristics. There are, however, disadvantages of this version, which boil down to the absence of a number of service and protective functions. This primarily concerns the lack of an anti-drip system and self-cleaning.
Neff C77V60N2
It can be said that this is a semi-professional device that can be used both in a coffee shop and at home. The model is in high demand due to a simplified control system with fine settings for preparing a drink, a stylish design and a high resource of materials used in the design. With a low power of 1700 W, the device controls pressure up to 19 bar, quickly servicing a 2.5 liter tank. But this is not all the advantages of the Neff coffee machine. The built-in design of this model is provided with the possibility of grinding with different fractions, has a backlight and supports a number of automatic functions. For example, the user can rely on the preparation of espresso and cappuccino without manual assistance according to the set parameters.
Gorenje + GCC 800
This model also cannot be called purely professional. It has a very modest size and the same power (1350 W). Nevertheless, in terms of operational capabilities, the car from Gorenje is classified as universal. Users note the high-quality operation of the unit in the preparation modes of both ground and grain coffee. Another thing is that by the standards of a modern built-in coffee machine for the kitchen, this version does not have enough automaticfunctions. It is also worth noting 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
A unit of moderate performance, the power filling of which provides 2700 W of power at a pressure of up to 15 bar. At the same time, several servings with a total volume of 2.3 liters can be served. 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, grinding degree adjustment 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 latte and cappuccino better than analogues 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, not even the performance of the coffee machine, but ergonomics plays a paramount role. The execution of the design, the physics of handling functional organs and devices are the primary nuances that are taken into account when choosing this device. And this is especially true of the built-in coffee machine with its layout, dimensions and control system. And save on automation and modern controlslike a touchpad is also not worth it. The same protections ultimately increase the safety of the equipment, and the ergonomic interface will regularly save a few seconds for operations.
Conclusion
Not every homeowner can afford to carry out a whole range of troublesome installation actions for the sake of installing a coffee machine in a wall niche. And the point is not even in the technical possibility, but in the expediency of this decision. In terms of functionality, such devices are slightly inferior to mobile devices, so the question arises: is it worth it in this case to purchase stationary equipment just to save space? For example, the Bosch TCC 78K751 built-in coffee machine is considered one of the largest 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 cases where 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 this approach will not always be appropriate, since the expansion of the design is usually accompanied by the inclusion of additional devices for the coffee machine.
