If you are familiar with drip coffee machines, you know that the best models are not always the most aesthetic. However, the Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker bucks this trend.
Of all the best drip coffee machines we have tested, the Café Specialty drip coffee machine is the most lovely. It looks great and is extremely functional, providing precise temperatures and a wide range of brewing options.
I tested it in all different settings. I already knew it was SCA Gold Cup certified, but it’s much more than that. Here’s everything you need to know.
Technical data
(Image source: Cafe)
| Dimensions | 14” H x 7.3” W x 12.5” D |
| Libra | 10 pounds |
| Water tank capacity | 45 oz |
| Filter basket | Cone |
| Programmable | Yes |
Unpacking
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I was immediately impressed by the presentation of the Café Specialty Drip coffee machine. Unwrapping it was like opening a Christmas present. The coffee machine arrived in a established brown shipping box. However, when you open the coffee machine box, there are handles that make transportation much easier.
After setting the box on the counter, I was met with another surprise. Typically, unpacking a real coffee machine is a dainty balancing act of getting it out of the impossibly tight box without dropping it. However, after breaking the seal on both sides of this box, I was pleased to notice that the front half of the Café Specialty drip coffee maker folds down slightly, making it easier to remove the machine.
After removing the unit and placing it on the counter, I noticed that the coffee maker came with a measuring cup, a charcoal filter, an instruction booklet, and 10 coffee filters. I have a model with a thermal carafe, but it is also available with a glass carafe.
Who would this suit?
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The coffee maker itself is stunningly lovely stainless steel (full disclosure: stainless steel is my favorite finish). However, if that’s not your cup of tea, the espresso machine is also available in matt black and matt white – and all three espresso machines have the same rose gold finishes.
The Café Specialty drip coffee maker is perfect for kitchens that put style first. It is not only the finish, but also a long cable that allows you to change the position of the device on the countertop.
This is also a great solution if you have a larger household. Both capacity and range of settings mean you’ll be able to cater for a range of different brewing preferences without having to invest in multiple coffee machines.
What is it like to utilize?
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The Café Specialty drip coffee maker is straightforward to utilize. At the bottom there is a immense button, i.e. the Brew/Select knob. Here you set the clock, choose the power, temperature and automatic brewing functions.
The top button is the Strength button, which lets you choose between Lithe, Medium, Bold, or Golden (it also functions as the Descaling button). Below that is the Temperature button, and the coffee maker’s temperature can be adjusted from 185 to 205 degrees F. (You can also switch from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Please note that if you have selected the Gold setting, the temperature cannot be changed.)
The automatic brewing function is used to program the coffee machine to start brewing at a set time. It is also possible to pair the coffee machine with a smartphone and utilize the Intelligent HQ application for remote control and monitoring.
(Image source: Future)
The brewing process is elementary and uncomplicated. After filling the tank with the desired amount of water and selecting the power and temperature, all I had to do was press the Brew/Select knob. Thanks to the fact that this model has a thermal jug, the coffee stays heated for a long time and the carafe is frigid to the touch.
The Café Specialty drip coffee machine will brew coffee in less than five minutes, which is the average for drip coffee machines. What was most impressive, however, were the flavors. They were lightweight, dainty, balanced and absolutely lovely. I can’t blame them. The coffee also stayed heated (and delicious) for a good few hours.
Cleaning
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Cleaning your Café Specialty drip coffee maker is straightforward. The body can be cleaned with a cushiony cloth moistened with water, but do not utilize cloths or cleaning agents. The brewing basket, mesh filter and carafe can be washed under running water or cleaned with heated soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. However, they should not be washed in the dishwasher.
When it is time to descale the coffee machine, a descaling message will be displayed (below the time display). (Descaling removes mineral deposits caused by difficult water. If your coffee machine is not descaled, it may affect the brewing temperature, brewing flow and even the taste of the coffee.)
Some companies prefer to utilize their own brand of descaling agent, but fortunately there are no such requirements with the Café Specialty drip coffee machine. The company suggests pouring a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar into the coffee machine, filled to the MAX line. Then run the brew cycle on the 10-cup setting. Then brew 3 cycles with tidy water to rinse out the descaling solution.
How does it rate online?
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If you check the prices of Café Specialty Drip coffee machines online, you will see an overwhelming number of positive reviews. People always comment on the design of the coffee shop, what is expected of it. There is also a lot of talk about the customizable features and sharp home integration. Although it is a bit of a hassle to utilize at first, customers agree that it is worth the perseverance to fully utilize all of these features.
The Café Specialty Drip coffee maker does have some drawbacks, though. I found a few customers who, in addition to finding the controls a bit fiddly, didn’t like the non-removable reservoir. It’s also quite exorbitant, so you’ll have to happily spend a little more money for the luxury of an attractive drip coffee maker.
How does it compare?
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Although the Café Specialty drip coffee machine is one of the most lovely models on the market, it is not the only one on offer. Zwilling Enfinigy is another lovely option. Zwilling does not offer the same color range, but it is definitely more versatile. You can adjust the temperature and water settings, which is very useful if you are more sensitive to the taste of coffee.
When it comes to other options, OXO Brew 8-Cup is at the very top of the market. It’s cheaper and probably makes better coffee. However, it is not that lovely. This is a really fundamental difference between them. I would probably choose OXO and just store it out of sight.
Should you buy it?
(Image source: Cafe)
If you are looking for a budget-friendly coffee machine to make a decent cup of coffee, this is not the machine for you. If you prefer SCA Gold Cup certified coffee machines, as well as the ability to customize your coffee to your taste, you are more likely to appreciate this machine.
I liked all these functions, apart from the ability to control the coffee machine from a smartphone. And just as importantly, I appreciate design that combines form and function in one lovely package.
How we test
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Before we review or recommend any product to you, we have personally tested it as if it were an everyday product. We have a specialized testing process for coffee machines. I am a barista by profession and a qualified coffee customer advisor. This means that I have gone through many processes to become an expert in everything related to coffee.
Before testing, we thoroughly research the brand’s claims about their product so we know what we’re looking for. We will also look at and test the competition so that we can bring any product we test to market.
I took this Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker and tested it with machines, espresso machines, and other coffee machines. I used it in my everyday kitchen and made sure to test every feature. I took careful notes and observations at every step of the process, from unpacking to clean-up.
