RATED: Melitta E953-101 Caffeo Solo

With a number of products, the Melitta E953-101 Caffeo Solo sits in the more budget-friendly category but that does not mean it does not boast some nifty features as well as not looking completely out of place in any small hotel or household.

This smart bean to cup machine could be the smart addition you are looking for with plenty of features to keep even the most ardent coffee connoisseur smiling…….

And here’s why.

So, what makes the Melitta E953-101 Caffeo Solo so good?

Price

Sitting in the budget sector means you still get plenty of bang for your buck with the E953 despite not being quite so sophisticated as its bigger brother, but for value for money, there are few machines on the market that can match it.

The E953-101 comes in two versions as well but the only difference is that one comes with a milk frothing arm and the other does not, at the end of the day it comes down to preference with the version with the arm slightly more expensive (but only just).

Easy to Use

If you are new to bean to cup coffee machines but are eager to join the fray, then the Melitta E953-101 Caffeo Solo is the perfect place to start largely because the machine is so easy to use.

Despite coming with instructions that appear to make the machine look much more complex than it really is, the 101 is straightforward and easy to understand without the manual.

The speed at which you can create a piping hot cup of coffee is one of the main attributes of this machine but do not assume that because of its simplicity, it lacks the ability to make a cracking cup of coffee because it certainly does.

There is an adjustable height spout ensuring that a brew can be made of practically any size as well as boasting a duel spout which plenty of other machines in its price bracket fail to include.

That means you can make more than one cup at a time meaning it is the perfect social bean to cup coffee machine when having guests around.

Speed

The ability to make coffee quickly also helps make this machine a winner in our eyes.

There is nothing worse than waiting an eternity to get your perfect brew (even if the drink is something special when it does eventually arrive) and one thing this Melitta focuses on is delivering a top-notch drink rapidly.

This aided by its cleaning functions such as a clear and simple to remove water tank as well as coming with a bottle of de-scale upon purchase.

There is no part of the Caffeo Solo that is not easily accessible making it quick and easy to maintain.

Along with a detailed instruction book for those looking for additional hints and tips in order to keep the machine constantly clean and producing high-quality flavour with every brew.

Alongside this, when you bring the E953-101 home for the first time, you will notice the addition of a water testing strip, so you always know the level of quality of the water entering your brew.

Smart, Compact Detailing

Melitta knows a thing or two about giving customers what they want, and this machine is no exception despite being on the lower scale of the price bracket.

The design is stylish with its square features and is compact enough to fit into almost any space in your kitchen whilst being a smart easy to use addition.

The black gloss finish looks sleek and the silver features only add to its affectionate look. However, arguably the best thing about the machine’s appearance is its weight.

At just 9kg and a small 20cm in width, the E953-101 is almost portable and easily transferable around a room which is something that cannot be said of some its more esteemed bigger brothers.

Temperatures

In this day and age, it is safe to say we demand choice.

Fortunately, the range of coffee’s the E953-101 can make will keep everyone happy.

No matter how you like your brew, a strong espresso, a creamy latte or a frothy cappuccino, then fear not, this Melitta has versatility in abundance for such a budget-friendly machine.

This is aided by the three temperatures choices which is a feature that is lacking in some of the premium coffee machines available on the market.

This enables the ability to get the perfect temperature and along the milk frothing nozzle, really helps create a professional looking mug of piping hot coffee.

What’s Wrong with it?

Not a lot to be honest but if we really had to be picky then the milk steamer perhaps lacks a little power.

However, this is to be expected and despite not quite packing the punch its bigger brother the Melitta Caffeo Bistro, it is also nowhere near the same price making it a better budget buy.

Conclusion

Value for money means a lot when it comes to any purchase and the Melitta E953-101 Caffeo Solo has a fair argument for being the best budget machine on the market.

Perfect for newcomers who want to experience a taste sensation with their coffee, the machine is lightweight making it easy to move around, boasts a sleek design to fit almost any kitchen style and is simple to use.

However, for the more sophisticated coffee connoisseur, the milk frothing arm, three temperature selections and the variations in controls make the Melitta a real winner.

Adding into that is the speed of which a brew can be made which is far superior to plenty of more experienced models and the ease of access of all parts when it comes to maintenance makes this machine easily one of the best buys you can make.

Those with a slightly bigger budget may want to check out the Caffeo Bistro, but for perfect brewing at home quickly and easily, then the Melitta Caffeo Solo is hard to beat and we recommend you do not bother trying.