General Specifications
Colors:
Black
Size: 14"H x 13"W x 14"D
Essential Info:
The Capresso CoffeeTec is a reliable 10-cup drip coffeemaker that offers, as an added feature, an auto cappuccino system. Made of a matte plastic, it features a stainless steel thermal carafe and an assortment of plastic and rubber attachments for frothing and steaming. The coffee maker can be programmed to brew up to 24 hours in advance and has brewing adjustments for brewing 3-5 cup pots. It also has a 20 second Brew Pause to let you pour a cup before it is finished brewing and a 2-hour auto-shutoff. The patented FrothExpress Cappuccino System is built into the machine to steam and froth milk. It is available in black.
Controls:
Don’t let the control system for the Capresso CoffeeTec throw you. At first glance it may seem a bit complex. There are 5 signal lights to indicate brew status on the control panel, which is located on the upper right side of the machine. It is easy enough to adjust settings for the amount of coffee, however, the clock/timer uses a combination dial and push button unit that’s different from conventional controls. For some settings, you have to depress a button, and then turn the knob on which the button rests. Once you have run through this sequence a few times, it becomes second nature, but the combination of pressing and turning in tandem will be a new experience for most users. The frother system is fairly simple in comparison. To switch from brewing to steaming, you simply turn a single dial. Once assembled, this attachment will allow you to control the proportion of steamed to frothed milk by turning the dial. The key to using the auto frother is understanding how to identify and connect all the components; there are many small plastic parts. It’s helpful to read the instructions carefully, watch the video that is included with the Capresso CoffeeTec, and double-check for tightness and proper position when tightening the connectors, nozzles and tubes.
Performance:
For many, performance of the Capresso CoffeeTec will depend on experience and familiarity with the parts and their functions. The Capresso CoffeeTec brews a full pot in under 8 minutes, and smaller amounts in considerably shorter periods. There is no need to worry that the coffee making abilities of this machine are compromised by the addition of the frothing system.
The performance of the auto-frothing system is a more complex story. The tubes and valves are, by necessity, compact to accommodate home use. Many of the connecting parts and tubes are very small; it takes some time to develop the “touch” to get a feel for when they have snapped into proper position. A slight turn of a knob, or a valve that is not fully inserted will prevent the machine from operating properly. A slight twist one way or the other is the difference between the steam for your milk and the noisy choking sound of a blocked tube. Once properly connected, the auto frother produces a steady flow of steamed or frothed milk. You can easily change the proportion of steamed to frothed milk by turning the valve next to the milk container. Overall, the performance of the Capresso CoffeeTec is above average.
Construction:
The Capresso CoffeeTec is made of a matte finish plastic, with metal plated knobs, and brushed stainless steel accents. Parts for the auto-frothing system are constructed of brushed and translucent plastic. Seeing these parts for the first time may call to mind the experience of assembling children’s toys. No tools are necessary, and the instructions clearly label the parts. But the parts are small, and it is imperative that they fit tightly when connected to each other. The reservoir is very solid, while the milk container and its lid are thinner. Cleaning these parts is imperative, especially the small tubes and connectors through which steamed milk will pass. You can keep these pieces clean by disassembling them and running them under warm water.
Carafe:
The Capresso CoffeeTec’s carafe has some small design touches that make it easier to avoid spills. A dot on the lid indicates whether the lid is open for pouring or closed for brewing. The instructions dictate that the lid must be on the carafe in the closed position in order to activate brewing. When closed, the brushed stainless steel carafe keeps coffee hot for up to 4 hours. The spout of the carafe is wide but sufficiently pointed so that you should be able to pour without drips.
Hot Plate:
There is no warming plate needed for the Capresso CoffeeTec’s stainless steel thermal carafe. The carafe rests on an unheated plastic base that is easy to clean. The cappuccino side has a small circular drip tray as a base on which to place a cup. It is easy to remove and simple to clean.
Reservoir:
The reservoir for the Capresso CoffeeTec is very unique, and its design greatly simplifies the process of making cappuccino and other drinks. The removable reservoir is made of translucent plastic and has a handle for easy carrying. It is located on the back, but is visible on the right side of the machine. This is where the fluid level indicator lines appear. The frothing system pulls water from a recessed portion of the reservoir, so the indicator marks are skewed to reflect this additional space. Having this extra room in the reservoir enables you to begin frothing or steaming almost immediately after brewing and, by only filling this area, also allows you to use this function without brewing.
Water Filtration:
The CoffeeTec does not have a charcoal filter or other water filtration system. Using filtered water is recommended. It will help to keep the inside of the machine clean as well as improving the taste of the coffee.
Coffee Filter:
The filter for the Capresso CoffeeTec has one very unusual feature: a safety button that prevents the filter from swinging out at inopportune moments. Given the infrequency of a filter coming loose, the best aspect of this feature is the simplicity of the release when you go to discard the used grounds. You won’t get your fingers anywhere near a warm or wet surface. The machine comes with a goldtone filter, but you can also use a #4 paper cone filter.
Accessories/Re-order:
The Capresso CoffeeTec comes with an 8-minute instructional video, a measuring scoop, and a goldtone filter.
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