Finding the perfect coffee maker can be a daunting task, especially for true coffee aficionados who crave the rich, nuanced flavors that only freshly ground and properly brewed coffee can deliver. Enter the Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS, a grind-and-brew coffee maker that promises to elevate your coffee experience to new heights. This comprehensive review delves into the features, performance, and user experience of this innovative machine, ensuring you get a clear picture of what it offers.
- Integrated conical burr grinder for fresh coffee grounds
- Programmable settings for convenience
- Adjustable aroma settings for customizable strength
- Dual carafe options (glass and thermal)
- Easy to use and clean
- Gold-tone filter for a cleaner taste
- Grinder can be noisy
- Grinder capacity is small, requiring frequent refills
- Glass carafe can break if dropped
Design and Build
The Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. Its sleek, modern look complements any kitchen decor, while its compact design ensures it doesn’t take up too much counter space. The machine comes with two carafe options: a glass carafe with a heating plate and a thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot naturally. The glass carafe is ideal for those who like to enjoy their coffee over a longer period, thanks to the heating plate that maintains the coffee’s temperature. On the other hand, the thermal carafe is perfect for those who prefer their coffee to stay hot without the risk of overcooking.
Integrated Grinder
One of the standout features of the CoffeeTEAM TS is its built-in conical burr grinder. This grinder ensures that your coffee beans are ground fresh for each brew, preserving the essential oils and flavors that make coffee truly enjoyable. Unlike blade grinders that can heat up and alter the taste of your coffee, the conical burr grinder works slowly and efficiently, producing consistent grind sizes without overheating the beans. The grinder’s location at the back of the machine is a thoughtful design choice, saving counter space and reducing mess.
Programmable Features
The Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS shines in its programmability. You can set the machine to grind and brew at specific times, making it the perfect companion for busy mornings. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, all thanks to the machine’s automatic settings. The machine allows you to program two different settings, catering to different preferences or schedules. Whether you want a single cup or up to ten, the CoffeeTEAM TS can handle it with ease.
Aroma Settings and Coffee Strength
Adjusting the strength of your coffee is simple with the CoffeeTEAM TS. The machine features an aroma setting that controls the amount of coffee grounds used based on the number of cups being brewed. This setting allows you to customize your coffee’s strength to your liking, from mild to strong. For example, setting the aroma to its highest level grinds for a full 45 seconds, producing a robust, full-bodied cup of coffee. This flexibility ensures that you get the perfect cup every time, tailored to your taste.
User Experience
During testing, the CoffeeTEAM TS proved to be user-friendly and efficient. The machine’s interface is intuitive, making it easy to program your desired settings. Adjusting the grind size is straightforward, with a dial that lets you choose from fine to coarse grinds. This flexibility allows you to tailor your coffee to your exact preference.
We tested the machine in various scenarios, including brewing ten cups with the highest aroma setting. Initially, the coffee was slightly weak, but by reducing the water to eight cups while keeping the grind setting the same, the coffee’s strength improved significantly. This highlights the importance of experimenting with different settings to find your perfect cup.
Temperature Performance
Temperature is crucial for extracting the best flavors from coffee, and the CoffeeTEAM TS excels in this area. In our tests, the coffee brewed into the carafe at 162°F and measured 139°F in a ceramic cup, without preheating the carafe or cup. When we preheated both components, the temperature retention improved noticeably, with the carafe reaching 177°F and the cup maintaining a temperature of 164°F. This ensures that your coffee stays hot longer, providing a better drinking experience.
Versatility and Convenience
The CoffeeTEAM TS offers versatility beyond its grind-and-brew capabilities. If you prefer using pre-ground coffee, you can bypass the grinder and use your favorite blend. This feature is particularly useful if you’re in a hurry or if you have a special pre-ground coffee that you enjoy. Additionally, the machine includes a gold-tone filter, which is a better choice than paper filters, providing a cleaner taste and being more environmentally friendly.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining the CoffeeTEAM TS is straightforward. The gold-tone filter is reusable, reducing the need for paper filters and simplifying the cleaning process. The carafes are easy to clean, and the machine’s design minimizes the buildup of coffee grounds in hard-to-reach places. Regular maintenance, such as descaling and cleaning the grinder, will keep your machine in top condition and extend its lifespan.
Performance and Taste
In our taste tests, the CoffeeTEAM TS consistently produced high-quality coffee. The freshly ground beans delivered a rich and flavorful cup, with the aroma setting allowing for a customized strength. Using distilled water, we found the coffee to be smooth and free from any off-flavors, which can sometimes occur with tap water. The machine’s ability to grind and brew in one seamless process ensures that the coffee’s essential oils and flavors are preserved, resulting in a superior cup of coffee.
Final Thoughts
The Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS is a versatile and convenient coffee maker that caters to both casual coffee drinkers and enthusiasts. Its integrated grinder and programmable features make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. While it requires some experimentation to find the perfect settings, the effort is well worth it for the quality of coffee it produces.
Whether you prefer a mild morning brew or a strong, bold cup to kickstart your day, the CoffeeTEAM TS delivers. Its user-friendly design and customizable options ensure that you get the best possible coffee experience every time. If you’re in the market for a new coffee maker, the Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS is definitely worth considering.
In summary, the Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS offers a blend of convenience, quality, and versatility. Its innovative features and thoughtful design make it a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their coffee game. From the fresh grind to the final pour, this machine promises to deliver a delightful coffee experience, every time.
Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS Specifications
Features and Benefits
- Grinder and Brewer Combination: Freshly grinds whole coffee beans directly into the filter, then automatically brews up to 10 cups of coffee.
- Thermal Carafe: 10-cup stainless steel thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for hours without reheating.
- GoldTone Filter: Permanent filter that is easy to use and clean.
- Programmable Clock/Timer: 24-hour clock with an easy-to-read LCD display showing time, grind, and strength settings.
- Large Bean Container: 6-ounce bean container holds enough beans for 20 cups of brewed coffee.
- Adjustable Grinder Settings: Five fineness settings for different bean types.
- Compact Design: Direct-feed technology for space-saving and moisture protection.
- Easy to Clean: Detachable cover for easy checking and cleaning of the grinder channel.
- Optimal Brewing Temperature: Brewing temperature over 200°F; temperature in pot after brewing is 180°F.
- Charcoal Water Filter: Removes up to 82% of chlorine and other impurities.
- Drip Stop: Allows pouring a cup while brewing.
- Automatic Safety Shut-off: Ensures safety and convenience.
How It Works
The CoffeeTEAM TS uses solid steel conical burrs for slow grinding to preserve aroma and achieve a uniform grind. Users can program the amount of coffee they want to grind (2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 cups) and select the strength (mild, regular, or strong). The coffee filter holder remains inside the machine during grinding, preserving more aromas and reducing mechanical movements. The thermal carafe keeps the coffee hot and fresh for hours.
Additional Information
- Price: $239.99 (Special Price)
- Customer Reviews: Rated 4.5 stars with 15 reviews and 10 questions answered.