Miele CM 5310 Review

The Miele CM 5310 Silence is a high-quality, quiet, and user-friendly super automatic espresso machine, perfect for coffee enthusiasts seeking customization and reliability.

Coffee aficionados often find themselves on a quest for the perfect brew. Amidst the popular choices like DeLonghi and Jura, Miele’s offerings sometimes go unnoticed. However, the Miele CM 5310 Silence aims to change that narrative by combining quality with quiet operation. This review delves deep into the features, functionality, and overall performance of this super automatic espresso machine.

The soundproofed grinder ensures minimal noise, making it ideal for quiet environments.
Built with durable materials, ensuring longevity and reliability.
Simple text display and sensor buttons make it easy to navigate and operate.
Consistently delivers high-quality espresso and milk-based drinks.
Allows users to adjust coffee strength, milk volume, and temperature for personalized drinks.

The 44 oz (1.3 l) water tank requires frequent refilling, which can be inconvenient.
Lacks a modern touchscreen interface, which may be a drawback for users who prefer advanced technology.
Only five grind adjustment levels may not provide enough precision for some coffee enthusiasts.
At approximately $1,600, it is more expensive compared to some other super automatic espresso machines.

Overview of the Miele CM 5310

Released in mid-2021, the Miele CM 5310 Silence is an upgrade from its predecessor, the CM 5300. While both machines share similar features, the CM 5310 is notably quieter, thanks to improvements in soundproofing the grinder. Priced at $1,598.99 on Amazon, this compact machine boasts an elegant and understated design typical of Miele products. It promises high-quality espresso and milk foam with minimal noise, making it a worthy consideration for any coffee lover’s kitchen.

Key Features and Design

Aesthetic and Build Quality

The Miele CM 5310 is available in two color options: Obsidian Black and Tayberry Red. Its compact size and classic boxy shape make it an unobtrusive addition to any kitchen. Despite its understated appearance, the machine is built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and reliability.

User Interface

One of the notable aspects of the CM 5310 is its user-friendly interface. The machine features a simple text display and sensor buttons, making navigation intuitive even without fancy icons or a touchscreen. This straightforward approach may appeal to users who prefer functionality over form.

Grinder and Coffee Bypass

The machine is equipped with a stainless steel conical burr grinder, which operates quietly and efficiently. The grinder settings, found behind a service door, offer five levels of adjustment, allowing for precise control over the grind size. Additionally, the ground coffee bypass chute provides the flexibility to use pre-ground coffee, ideal for those moments when a decaf option is needed.

Milk Frothing System

The automatic milk frother, though not integrated, is easy to use and clean. The milk pipe can be connected to a milk container, and Miele offers a dedicated milk container as an accessory. The frother produces excellent milk foam, enhancing the experience of specialty drinks like cappuccinos and latte macchiatos.

Specialty Drinks and Customization

Variety of Drinks

The Miele CM 5310 can prepare eight different specialty drinks, including ristretto, espresso, cappuccino, and latte macchiato. This variety ensures that users can enjoy a range of beverages suited to their taste preferences.

Customization Options

Users can adjust several parameters such as milk volume, coffee temperature, and coffee strength, allowing for personalized beverage creations. The machine also features a memory function that saves setting changes for future use, though it does not support individual user profiles. This level of customization ensures that each cup of coffee can be tailored to the user’s specific preferences.

Practical Considerations

Brew Group and Cup Height

The removable brew unit is central to the machine’s operation, responsible for tamping and brewing the coffee. Regular cleaning of the brew unit is essential for maintaining the machine’s performance. The adjustable coffee dispensing spout accommodates various cup sizes, with a minimum height of 3.1 inches and a maximum of 5.3 inches. This adjustability ensures that users can use a variety of cup sizes, from small espresso cups to larger travel mugs.

Pot Function and Safety

The pot function allows users to brew larger quantities of coffee, though this may be seen as a means to sell additional accessories like the $119.00 insulated coffee pot. On a more practical note, the child safety lock is a thoughtful addition, preventing accidental operation and ensuring safety in households with children. This feature is particularly useful in preventing young children from using the machine unsupervised.

Warranty and Maintenance

The CM 5310 comes with a two-year warranty, providing peace of mind in case of defects or malfunctions. Daily cleaning tasks are simplified by the machine’s self-cleaning function, which rinses the dispensing spout and milk pipework after each use. Periodic maintenance tasks, such as descaling, are prompted by the machine to ensure longevity and optimal performance. This proactive maintenance reminder helps users keep the machine in top working condition without having to remember to perform these tasks themselves.

Comparative Analysis

Miele CM 5310 vs. CM 5510

The CM 5510 offers additional features like a programmable hot water function and multiple user profiles, justifying its higher price of $1,899.00. For households with multiple coffee enthusiasts, the CM 5510 may be a better investment, reducing the need for manual setting adjustments. The additional user profiles allow each person to have their preferred settings saved, making it more convenient for shared use.

Miele CM 5310 vs. Gaggia Cadorna Prestige

The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, priced at $799.00, presents a compelling alternative with its ceramic burr grinder, integrated milk carafe, and user-friendly color display. Its lower price and comprehensive features might attract those looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. The integrated milk carafe simplifies the frothing process, and the color display enhances the user experience with easy-to-navigate menus.

Miele CM 5310 vs. DeLonghi Dinamica Plus

The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus, priced at $1,345.00, is another strong competitor. Known for its excellent espresso and milk foam, the Dinamica Plus also features the True Brew Over Ice function, catering to iced coffee lovers. Its slightly lower price and additional functionalities make it a formidable rival to the CM 5310. The True Brew Over Ice function is a unique feature that sets it apart, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy iced coffee beverages.

Verdict

The Miele CM 5310 Silence is a testament to Miele’s commitment to quality and quiet operation. While it faces stiff competition from other brands, the CM 5310 stands out with its intuitive interface, excellent espresso quality, and thoughtful design features. The machine’s small water tank and bean hopper may be minor inconveniences, but they are outweighed by the overall performance and ease of use.

For coffee enthusiasts seeking a reliable, quiet, and high-quality super automatic espresso machine, the Miele CM 5310 Silence is a worthy contender. Its blend of simplicity and sophistication makes it suitable for both novice users and seasoned coffee aficionados. The machine’s ability to deliver consistently excellent coffee with minimal noise disturbance makes it an excellent addition to any kitchen.