The Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe is a high-end, fully automatic espresso machine designed to bring café-quality coffee into your home with minimal effort. This machine is packed with features that promise convenience, customization, and connectivity. In this review, we’ll delve into the specifics to determine if this new offering from Bosch justifies its premium price tag.
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive 5-inch TFT touchscreen for easy drink selection and customization.
- Advanced Brewing: AromaMax System ensures consistent, high-quality espresso.
- Versatile Drink Options: 36 specialty drinks available through CoffeeWorld menu.
- Smart Connectivity: Compatible with Home Connect App, Alexa, and Google Home for remote operation.
- Easy Maintenance: Calc’n Clean feature and removable parts for simple cleaning.
- High Price: $1,999.00 makes it a significant investment.
- Plastic Construction: Primarily plastic body may feel less premium.
- No Manual Milk Frothing: Limits ability to create latte art.
- Redundant Drink Options: Some specialty drinks may be similar.
- Non-Insulated Milk Container: Requires refrigeration between uses.
Sleek and Streamlined Design
The Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe immediately stands out with its modern, tech-inspired design. Unlike traditional lever espresso machines, this model features a boxy shape with a silver-colored plastic body and a prominent 5-inch TFT LCD touchscreen display. The TFT display provides better contrast and imaging than standard LCDs, making it easier to navigate through the machine’s various menu options.
Despite its plastic construction, the machine feels sturdy and durable. It has a compact footprint, measuring 13.9 inches wide, 18.4 inches deep, and 15 inches tall, which makes it suitable for most kitchen countertops. Weighing only 22 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for a super automatic espresso machine, enhancing its portability.
The VeroCafe also features an 81-ounce side-loading water tank and an adjustable coffee spout that can accommodate cups up to 5.5 inches tall. However, it won’t fit taller travel mugs, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users. Additionally, Bosch offers an optional active cup warmer for an extra $100, but this feature may not be worth the additional cost for everyone.
User-Friendly Interface
One of the most impressive aspects of the Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe is its intuitive user interface. The large touchscreen display is divided into three main menu options: Favorites, Classics, and CoffeeWorld.
- Classics: This section includes basic drinks such as coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, hot milk, and tea. These options will satisfy the majority of coffee drinkers.
- CoffeeWorld: This feature offers 36 different specialty drink recipes from around the world, including regional beverages like Café au Lait and Viennese coffee. While the extensive list is exciting, it might be overwhelming for some users.
- Favorites: This customizable section allows you to save your preferred drink recipes, including specific settings like strength, aroma profile, milk ratio, and drink size.
The machine also includes illuminated sensor keys for power, double cup feature, cleaning function, and settings, making it easy to navigate and operate.
Advanced Brewing Technology
At the heart of the Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe is its AromaMax System, which controls the grinding dose, water volume, flow rate, and brew temperature. This system, combined with a 19-bar pump and a built-in ceramic grinder, ensures consistent and high-quality espresso. The grinder, called Ceram Drive, offers six grind settings, although it remains unclear whether these can be manually adjusted by the user.
The machine’s 12.5-ounce bean hopper is large enough to hold most specialty coffee bags, but long-term storage in a coffee canister is recommended to maintain freshness. The AromaMax System also features three different aroma profiles—mild, balanced, and distinctive—allowing users to tailor their coffee’s flavor to their preferences. Additionally, there are four strength options and customizable coffee-to-milk ratios.
Versatile Milk System
The VeroCafe’s integrated milk container and auto-frothing technology make preparing milk-based drinks simple and efficient. The 23.7-ounce milk container is dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy. However, it lacks insulation, so you’ll need to refrigerate it between uses to keep the milk fresh. Switching between different types of milk can be cumbersome since the container needs to be emptied and cleaned before refilling.
An included milk adapter might aid in switching between different milk containers or types, but its exact functionality is not clearly explained in the documentation. This integrated milk system also means there’s no option for manual milk steaming, which could be a downside for users interested in creating latte art.
Specialty Drinks Galore
One of the standout features of the Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe is its ability to prepare 36 different specialty drinks through the CoffeeWorld menu. This feature includes recipes for beverages from around the globe, such as Café au Lait, Viennese coffee, Americanos, and cortados. While this variety is impressive, some recipes might produce similar results, leading to questions about their uniqueness.
For example, the menu includes both a “Café Cortado” and a “Cortado,” which are essentially the same drink. This redundancy could make the feature seem more like a marketing gimmick than a practical benefit. Nonetheless, the sheer number of options allows users to explore a wide range of coffee styles and flavors.
Smart Connectivity
In today’s smart home era, the Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe keeps pace with WiFi connectivity and compatibility with the Home Connect App, Alexa, and Google Home. These smart controls allow you to customize and brew drinks remotely, even creating personalized coffee playlists. However, you’ll still need to prep the machine manually by filling the water tank, bean hopper, and milk container.
The Home Connect App is particularly useful for programming the machine to brew your favorite drinks at a specific time. This means you can wake up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee without leaving your bed. However, because the milk container is not insulated, it’s advisable to use this feature primarily for coffee-only beverages to avoid leaving milk out for too long.
Easy Maintenance
Maintaining the Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe is straightforward thanks to its built-in Calc’n Clean feature, which guides you through the cleaning and descaling process. The machine comes with a Mavea water filter, a water filter insertion aid, a microfiber cloth, cleaning tablets, and a descaling tablet. Additionally, the milk container, drip tray, and most of the brew unit are removable for easy rinsing.
The machine’s pre-rinse and post-rinse settings automatically activate when the machine turns on and off, helping to keep the internal components clean. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of the machine, and Bosch has made this process as simple as possible.
Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe vs. Bosch 300 Series VeroCafe
Key Features
| Feature | Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe | Bosch 300 Series VeroCafe |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,599 | $799.00 |
| Material | Plastic with some stainless steel | Primarily plastic |
| Design | Sleek with a 5-inch TFT touchscreen | Compact with LCD and sensor keys |
| Grinder | Ceramic flat burr with 6 grind settings | Ceramic flat burr with 3 grind settings |
| Milk System | Integrated carafe with auto-frothing | Steam wand frother |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 81 fl oz (2.4 L) | 47.3 fl oz (1.4 L) |
| Specialty Drinks | 36 specialty drinks | 5 specialty drinks |
| Connectivity | Home Connect App, Alexa, Google Home | None |
| Adjustable Parameters | Coffee/milk temperature, aroma, milk foam, coffee strength | Coffee/milk temperature, strength |
| Maintenance | Calc’n Clean system, auto-rinse | Calc’n Clean system, auto-rinse |
Pros and Cons
| Aspect | Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe | Bosch 300 Series VeroCafe |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | High-tech features, large variety of drinks, smart controls | Compact design, ease of use, affordable for category |
| Cons | Expensive, plastic construction, some redundant options | Limited grinder settings, fewer customization options |
Summary: Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe vs. Bosch 300 Series VeroCafe
Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe
The Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe is a premium super-automatic espresso machine designed for users who value technology, customization, and variety. It features an intuitive 5-inch TFT touchscreen, which allows for easy navigation through its 36 specialty drink options. This extensive variety includes global recipes, such as Café au Lait and Viennese coffee, appealing to adventurous coffee lovers. The AromaMax System ensures consistent espresso quality with customizable aroma profiles and strength levels, and the integrated milk carafe simplifies the preparation of milk-based drinks.
The machine’s smart connectivity stands out: it integrates with the Home Connect App, Alexa, and Google Home, enabling remote brewing and customization. However, its plastic construction may feel less premium for a machine priced at $1,599. Maintenance is straightforward thanks to its Calc’n Clean system, but the non-insulated milk container requires refrigeration between uses. Despite its impressive features, the high price and potentially redundant drink options may deter users who seek a simpler solution.
Best For: Tech-savvy coffee enthusiasts who want maximum convenience, variety, and the ability to control their machine remotely.
Drawbacks: High cost, plastic build, and a lack of manual milk frothing for latte art.
Bosch 300 Series VeroCafe
The Bosch 300 Series VeroCafe is positioned as a simpler, more affordable alternative to the 800 Series. With a price tag of $799.00, it offers a compact design suitable for small kitchens, a basic LCD interface with sensor keys, and five customizable strength levels for a more tailored coffee experience. The machine’s stainless steel steam wand provides an effective and durable frothing solution for milk-based drinks, though it requires manual operation.
The limited grinder settings (three levels) and smaller water reservoir (47.3 fl oz) may restrict its appeal to coffee aficionados who prefer greater control and convenience. Additionally, the range of specialty drinks is modest, covering only espresso, coffee, cappuccino, and latte macchiato. While the AromaMax System is included, its benefits are not well-documented, making it feel more like a marketing term than a practical feature.
Best For: Budget-conscious users seeking a straightforward espresso machine for basic coffee drinks with decent milk frothing capabilities.
Drawbacks: Limited grinder options, fewer drink customizations, and smaller capacity compared to competitors.
Which One to Choose?
- Choose the Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe if you are an advanced user looking for a cutting-edge machine with extensive drink options, smart connectivity, and a modern touchscreen interface.
- Opt for the Bosch 300 Series VeroCafe if you prioritize affordability, simplicity, and compactness, and are willing to forego advanced features for a solid, entry-level super-automatic espresso experience.
Verdict
The Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe is a sleek, high-tech super automatic espresso machine that offers convenience, versatility, and smart connectivity. Its modern design, user-friendly interface, and advanced brewing technology make it a compelling choice for coffee enthusiasts who value convenience and customization.
However, the machine’s steep price tag and some potentially gimmicky features, like the 36 specialty drink options, might make it less appealing to some users. If you’re looking for a high-quality espresso machine that offers a blend of automatic and manual features, you might want to consider alternatives like the Gaggia Accademia or Jura E8, which provide similar functionality at a lower cost.
Overall, the Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe is an impressive machine that promises to elevate your home coffee experience. Whether you’re intrigued by its specialty drink options or skeptical about its value, this machine is sure to spark a conversation among coffee lovers.
Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bosch |
| Model Number | TQU60307 |
| Product Category | Super Automatic Espresso Machine |
| Housing Material | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color Options | Silver |
| Milk Frother | Integrated carafe |
| User Interface | Touchscreen, App |
| User Profiles | 1 |
| Water Reservoir | Removable |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 81.2 fl oz / 2.4 L |
| Number of Boilers | 1 |
| Pump Pressure | 19 bar |
| Maximum Cup Height | 5.5 in / 14.0 cm |
| Minimum Cup Height | 3.0 in / 7.6 cm |
| Grinder | Ceramic flat burr grinder |
| Grind Adjustment Levels | 6 |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 12.5 oz / 320 g |
| Pre-Ground Coffee Bypass | No |
| Grounds Discard Container Capacity | 5 servings |
| Specialty Drinks | 36 |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes |
| Adjustable Coffee Temperature | Yes |
| Adjustable Milk Foam Temperature | Yes |
| Adjustable Milk Temperature | Yes |
| Double-Cup Function | Yes |
| Pot Function | No |
| Hot Water Function | Yes |
| Hot Milk Function | Yes |
| Milk Foam Only Option | Yes |
| Water Filter | Mavea |
| Power Consumption | 1500 W |
| Weight | 22.1 lb / 10.0 kg |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 13.9 x 15.0 x 18.4 in / 35.3 x 38.1 x 46.7 cm |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Price | $1,599.00 |
| Included Accessories | – Mavea Water Filter |
| – Mavea Water Filter Insertion Aid | |
| – Microfiber Cloth | |
| – 2 Cleaning Tablets | |
| – 1 Descaling Tablet | |
| – Water Hardness Test Strip | |
| – User Manual |
Frequently Asked Questions about Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe
What is the price of the Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe?
The machine is priced at around $2,199–$2,300, depending on the retailer and features.
What are the drink options?
It offers about 30–36 drink options, ranging from classic espressos to global specialty coffees like cortados and café au lait.
Can the machine brew two cups at once?
Yes, the Double Cup function allows brewing two cups simultaneously.
How does the machine handle maintenance?
It includes pre-rinse and post-rinse cleaning cycles and a Calc’n Clean system. The milk container and drip tray are removable for easy cleaning.
How reliable is the grinder?
The machine features a ceramic grinder with six adjustable settings for varying grind sizes. However, it lacks an option for pre-ground coffee.
What are the key drawbacks?
The machine comes at a premium price, has an uninsulated milk container, occasional power button glitches, and no notification when beans run out.
Who is this machine ideal for?
It is best suited for coffee enthusiasts seeking convenience and a wide variety of drink options but is less suitable for those who value deep espresso complexity.
Does the app add significant functionality?
The Home Connect app allows remote brewing, drink customization, and creation of a coffee playlist. However, users must still prepare the machine manually.
What is the water tank capacity?
The 2.4-liter (81-ounce) water tank reduces the frequency of refilling, capable of about 40 espresso shots per fill.
What are alternatives to this machine?
Options like the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus or Gaggia Accademia offer comparable features at potentially lower price points.
