For coffee enthusiasts, the quest for the perfect espresso machine can be daunting. With the myriad of options available, each boasting unique features and varying price points, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder is one such machine that promises a seamless blend of convenience and quality. But does it live up to the hype? This comprehensive review explores the ins and outs of the Calphalon Temp iQ to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your at-home barista needs.
- Integrated Burr Grinder: Provides 30 adjustable grind settings for precise control.
- Thermoblock Heating System: Rapid heating ensures the machine is ready to use quickly.
- PID Temperature Control: Consistently maintains the ideal water temperature.
- Generous Water Reservoir: 94-ounce capacity is ideal for frequent use.
- User-Friendly Design: Intuitive control panel and clear user manual make it accessible for beginners.
- Customizable Settings: Allows for adjustments in shot volume, temperature, and pre-infusion.
- Inconsistent Espresso Quality: Struggles to produce consistently great shots.
- Finicky Grinder: Can be challenging to dial in the perfect grind size.
- Poor Steam Wand Performance: Difficult to achieve the desired froth and microfoam consistency.
- Frequent Cleaning Required: The grinder and other components need regular maintenance to prevent issues.
- Pricey: May not offer the best value for its cost, especially considering the competition.
Overview of the Calphalon Temp iQ
The Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder is a mid-range hybrid machine that aims to bring cafe-quality espresso to your kitchen. It combines a stainless steel build, an integrated conical burr grinder with 30 settings, and a plethora of customizable features, making it an attractive option for both novice and experienced coffee makers.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder impresses with its sleek stainless steel housing, giving it a modern and professional look. Despite its substantial 20-pound weight, the machine’s compact design ensures it won’t dominate your kitchen counter. The integrated 8.8-ounce bean hopper, heated cup warming plate, and grinding cradle are thoughtfully placed for ease of use. The control panel, featuring a dial and switches, is straightforward, striking a balance between simplicity and functionality.
Key Features
Integrated Burr Grinder
One of the standout features of the Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder is its built-in stainless steel conical burr grinder, offering 30 adjustable grind settings. This allows users to fine-tune their grind size to achieve the perfect espresso shot. The grinder’s consistency and minimal heat transfer ensure that the coffee grounds maintain their integrity, resulting in a better-tasting espresso. Despite its excellence in design, the grinder can be somewhat finicky, requiring regular cleaning to prevent clumping.
Thermoblock Heating System and PID Temperature Control
The Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder boasts a thermoblock heating system, significantly reducing the time required to heat up the machine. Within a minute, the machine is ready to brew, which is a significant advantage for those busy mornings. Paired with the PID temperature control, which constantly monitors and adjusts the water temperature, the machine ensures a consistent and precise extraction process. This combination is crucial for achieving a balanced and flavorful espresso, as the PID control helps maintain the optimal temperature range for coffee extraction.
Water Reservoir and Steam Wand
The machine features a generous 94-ounce removable water reservoir, which is larger than most in its class. This capacity is especially beneficial for households with multiple coffee drinkers or those who entertain frequently. The reservoir’s hinged lid and removable design make it easy to fill and clean. The manual steam wand, equipped with a silicone sleeve for easy handling, is designed to create creamy froth and microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. However, users may find the wand’s movement somewhat limited, making it a bit challenging to achieve the perfect froth.
Customizability
The Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder allows users to adjust several aspects of the brewing process, including shot volume, water temperature, and pre-infusion settings. These customizable options enable both beginners and experienced users to experiment and refine their coffee-making techniques. The machine offers three pre-infusion modes (gentle, distinct, and constant) and allows for temperature adjustments in 2-degree increments, catering to different coffee beans and personal preferences.
Performance
Espresso Quality
The Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder delivers decent espresso quality, but it may fall short for those seeking true cafe-quality shots. During testing, it was found that the machine struggled to produce consistently great espresso. The shots were often either under-extracted or over-extracted, leading to a lackluster flavor profile. Despite the machine’s pre-infusion feature, which aims to even out the grinds before applying full pressure, the results were mixed. The grinder, while offering excellent adjustability, was noted to be somewhat finicky, making it challenging to achieve the perfect grind size. Additionally, the lightweight portafilter struggled to maintain heat, which can affect the espresso’s overall quality.
Ease of Use
Despite its shortcomings in espresso quality, the Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder scores high in ease of use. The intuitive control panel, along with the clear and detailed user manual, makes the setup and operation straightforward. The machine is designed to be user-friendly, allowing beginners to start making espresso with minimal learning curve. The 30 grind settings are labeled as “faster” and “slower” as well as “coarse” and “fine,” making it more intuitive for beginners to adjust the grind size if their shots are pulling too quickly or slowly.
Refilling the bean hopper and the massive water tank is a breeze, and the machine’s pre-infusion feature helps to compensate for slight imperfections in grind size or tamping technique. This makes the Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder a good choice for those who are new to espresso making but want a machine that allows for growth and experimentation.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder is relatively easy compared to other espresso machines. The machine features a cleaning indicator light and a buoy in the drip tray to signal when it’s time to empty it. While none of the parts are dishwasher safe, most components, such as the portafilter and filter baskets, can be quickly rinsed with warm water. Regular cleaning of the grinder is necessary to prevent clumping and maintain performance. The drip tray and water reservoir can be removed for easy cleaning, and the machine includes accessories such as a cleaning disc, pin, and brush to help with maintenance.
Detailed Usage Instructions
Initial Setup
To begin using the Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder, first ensure that the water reservoir and bean hopper are filled. The water reservoir can be easily removed and filled at the sink, while the bean hopper can be topped up by opening its lid. Once filled, press the power button to start the heating process, which takes about a minute thanks to the thermoblock heating system.
Preparing Your Espresso
Start by placing your espresso cup upside down on the machine’s warming tray to heat it up while you prepare the rest of your espresso. Alternatively, you can use the steam wand to jet some hot water into your cup. Next, prepare the portafilter by inserting the appropriate filter basket, running hot water over it to warm it, and then drying it.
For grinding, place the portafilter into the grinding cradle and gently press down to start the grinding process. Once you have the desired amount of grounds, use the included tamper to compact the coffee evenly. Wipe off any excess grounds and insert the portafilter into the group head, ensuring it’s locked in place.
Place your cup under the group head and select either the one-shot or two-shot button to begin extraction. The machine will automatically stop once the correct amount of espresso is dispensed. If desired, you can use the manual control to customize the shot volume further.
Frothing Milk
If you want to make a latte or cappuccino, use the steam wand to froth your milk. Ensure the steam wand is properly positioned and submerged in the milk pitcher. Turn the dial to the steam setting and wait for the wand to reach the right temperature. Move the milk pitcher to create a whirlpool effect, which helps to achieve a creamy microfoam. Once the milk is frothed to your liking, combine it with your espresso to create your desired drink.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Despite its many features, users may encounter some common issues with the Temp iQ. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Inconsistent Espresso Shots: If your shots are inconsistent, try adjusting the grind size and ensuring that the coffee is evenly tamped. Regularly clean the grinder to prevent clumping, which can affect extraction.
- Weak Froth: If the steam wand isn’t producing the desired froth, check that it’s properly cleaned and positioned. Experiment with different milk types and temperatures to find what works best.
- Cleaning Indicator Light: When the cleaning light illuminates, follow the machine’s cleaning instructions to descale and maintain it. Use the included cleaning accessories to ensure all components are properly cleaned.
Conclusion
The Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder is a solid mid-range option for those looking to experiment with home espresso making. It offers a good blend of features, build quality, and user-friendliness. However, its inconsistent espresso quality and the need for frequent cleaning may deter some users. While it excels in certain areas, there are other machines in the same price range that may offer better performance and value.
If you are a beginner or an intermediate user looking for a customizable and easy-to-use espresso machine, the Temp iQ is worth considering. However, for those seeking the ultimate espresso experience, exploring other options may be more rewarding.
Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder Specifications
- Manufacturer: Calphalon
- Model Number: BVCLECMPBM1
- Product Category: Hybrid espresso machine
- Housing Material: Plastic with stainless steel parts
- Color Options: Stainless Steel
- Milk Frother: Steam wand
- User Interface: Buttons and dials
- Portafilter Size: 58 mm
- Tamping: Manual
- Removable Water Reservoir: Yes
- Water Reservoir Capacity: 94.7 fl oz / 2.8 liters
- Number of Boilers: 1
- Pump Pressure: 15 bar
- Maximum Cup Height: 4.0 inches / 10.2 cm
- Grinder: Stainless steel conical burr grinder
- Grind Adjustment Levels: 30
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 8.8 oz / 250 grams
- Specialty Drinks: Espresso
- Pre-Infusion: Adjustable
- Coffee Temperature Adjustment: Yes
- Milk Foam Temperature Adjustment: Yes
- 2-Cup Function: Yes
- Hot Water Function: Yes
- Hot Milk Function: Yes
- Milk Foam Only Option: Yes
- Water Filter: Not included
- Power Consumption: 1450 watts
- Weight: 21.7 lbs / 9.8 kg
- Dimensions: 16.0 x 13.6 x 12.6 inches / 40.6 x 34.5 x 32.0 cm
- Warranty: 3 years limited
- Included Accessories: Instruction booklet, stainless steel milk jug, tamper, cleaning disc, cleaning pin
- Current Price on Amazon: $741.12
