In the ever-evolving world of home appliances, Miele has carved a niche for itself as a brand synonymous with quality and innovation. Their venture into the coffee machine market with the Miele CM 6160 continues this legacy. This in-depth review will explore the machine’s design, features, usability, performance, and how it stacks up against its competitors.
- Exceptional Coffee Quality: Delivers rich, flavorful espresso with adjustable settings.
- Sleek, Durable Design: Modern minimalist design with robust build quality.
- Versatile Specialty Drinks: 18 pre-programmed options including espressos, lattes, and teas.
- Multiple User Profiles: Supports up to four personalized user profiles.
- Innovative Milk System: High-quality milk froth and self-cleaning milk system.
- Quiet Operation: Features a stainless steel conical burr grinder that operates quietly.
- High Price: Over $2,000, making it a significant investment.
- Separate Milk Container Purchase: Requires an additional purchase of a glass milk container.
- Large Footprint: Depth requires ample counter space, not ideal for smaller kitchens.
- No Water Filter Compatibility: Regular descaling is necessary.
- Slow Brew Time: Some drinks, like Americanos, take longer to brew.
Design and Build Quality
Miele is known for its sleek, minimalist designs, and the CM 6160 is no exception. The coffee machine boasts a boxy yet elegant design that would complement any modern kitchen. Available in Obsidian Black and Lotus White, it offers a choice to match your kitchen aesthetics. The machine is compact yet substantial, with dimensions of 14.1” H x 9.9” W x 16.8” D and a weight of 21.8 lbs, making it a significant addition to your countertop.
The integrated components, such as the water reservoir, milk tubes, and bean hopper, are neatly tucked away, contributing to its streamlined appearance. However, it’s worth noting that this machine is quite deep, making it better suited for kitchens with ample counter space.
User Interface and App Connectivity
One area where the Miele CM 6160 might appear dated is its user interface. It features an LCD screen with touch sensor buttons rather than a modern touchscreen. While this might be a step back for those accustomed to touch screens, the interface remains intuitive and easy to navigate. The machine also includes WiFiConn@ct, allowing users to control the machine remotely via the Miele app. However, this feature feels more like an afterthought, as the machine doesn’t heavily rely on app functionality.
Performance and Coffee Quality
When it comes to performance, the Miele CM 6160 truly shines. Equipped with a stainless steel conical burr grinder, the machine ensures a consistent grind quality while operating quietly. The grinder settings are adjustable, allowing for a customized coffee experience.
Espresso: The machine produces rich, chocolatey espresso with a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. The adjustable settings for temperature, pre-infusion, and strength mean you can fine-tune your espresso to your exact preferences. The DoubleShot feature is particularly impressive, delivering a double dose of coffee with less water for an intensely flavorful shot.
Americano: The CM 6160 excels at extracting flavors, resulting in a sweet, nutty Americano. While the default temperature may be too hot, adjustments can be made to achieve the perfect brew. The brew time is slightly longer, but the quality of the coffee makes the wait worthwhile.
Cappuccino: Miele’s innovative milk frothing system is a standout feature. Instead of a traditional steam wand, the machine uses flexible pipes that can be inserted directly into a milk carton. This design saves space and simplifies the frothing process. The milk foam quality is excellent, although the texture can sometimes be slightly bubbly. The system handles both dairy and non-dairy milk well, with minor adjustments needed for optimal results.
Specialty Drinks and Customization
The CM 6160 comes pre-programmed with a variety of specialty drinks, including lattes, macchiatos, and flat whites. Tea drinkers will also appreciate the machine’s ability to prepare different types of tea, adjusting water temperature and steep time accordingly. The four user profiles allow multiple users to save their customized settings, ensuring that everyone in the household can enjoy their preferred coffee drink with ease.
Maintenance and Cleaning
One of the highlights of the Miele CM 6160 is its ease of maintenance. The machine’s self-rinsing milk system and labeled dishwasher-safe parts simplify the cleaning process. The removable brew group can be easily rinsed and dried, which is crucial for maintaining the machine’s performance and hygiene. Regular descaling is necessary to keep the machine in top condition, and Miele’s descaling tablets are recommended for this purpose.
Value for Money
At a price point of over $2,000, the Miele CM 6160 is a significant investment. While the machine offers exceptional quality and performance, its value for money may be questioned, especially when compared to other high-end models. For instance, the Jura E8, priced similarly, offers advanced brewing technology and a superior milk frothing system. Meanwhile, the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus, which is more affordable, provides excellent performance with additional features like the TrueBrew Over Ice function.
Miele CM 6160 vs Other Super Automatics
When evaluating high-end super automatic coffee machines, it’s essential to compare the Miele CM 6160 with its peers to understand its strengths and weaknesses. This comparison will focus on three notable competitors: the Miele CM 6360, Jura E8, and DeLonghi Dinamica Plus. We’ll explore various aspects such as design, features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Miele CM 6160 vs Miele CM 6360
Design and Build Quality Both the Miele CM 6160 and CM 6360 share a similar minimalist design aesthetic, characterized by their boxy shapes and sleek finishes. However, the CM 6360 offers a few enhancements, such as an actively heated cup warmer, which the CM 6160 lacks. Both machines are available in stylish Obsidian Black and Lotus White, ensuring they fit well into modern kitchens.
User Interface The CM 6360 includes a more advanced user interface with a touchscreen display, whereas the CM 6160 relies on a more traditional LCD screen with touch sensor buttons. This difference might appeal to users who prefer the modern convenience of a touchscreen.
Features and Customization While both machines come equipped with customizable drink settings, the CM 6360 offers eight user profiles compared to the CM 6160’s four. This feature makes the CM 6360 more suitable for larger households or office environments where multiple users have different coffee preferences.
Milk Frothing System Both models feature Miele’s innovative milk system, providing excellent milk froth quality. The CM 6360 includes the glass milk container as part of the package, whereas it must be purchased separately for the CM 6160.
Price and Value The CM 6360 is priced higher than the CM 6160, reflecting its additional features and enhancements. If budget allows, the CM 6360 offers better value for those seeking more advanced functionalities and a more user-friendly interface.
Miele CM 6160 vs Jura E8
Design and Build Quality The Jura E8 is another premium super automatic coffee machine known for its sleek and modern design. It features a more compact form factor compared to the Miele CM 6160, making it a better fit for kitchens with limited counter space. The Jura E8 is also available in a variety of colors, offering more customization options for aesthetics.
User Interface The Jura E8 features a TFT color display with a rotary selection dial, which is highly intuitive and easy to navigate. In comparison, the CM 6160’s LCD screen with touch buttons may feel less modern but is still straightforward to use.
Features and Customization The Jura E8 excels with its Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) brewing technology, which optimizes extraction time to deliver exceptionally rich espresso. It also offers fine foam technology for superior milk froth. The Jura E8 allows for extensive customization of drinks, similar to the CM 6160, but with a slightly more user-friendly interface.
Milk Frothing System Jura’s fine foam technology is known for producing consistent, high-quality microfoam. While the CM 6160 also delivers excellent milk froth, some users may prefer Jura’s system for its consistency and ease of use.
Price and Value The Jura E8 is priced higher than the CM 6160, reflecting its advanced brewing technology and superior milk frothing system. If espresso quality and milk froth consistency are top priorities, the Jura E8 might be worth the extra investment.
Miele CM 6160 vs DeLonghi Dinamica Plus
Design and Build Quality The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is praised for its slim and stylish design, making it a great choice for smaller kitchens. It features a modern aesthetic with a touchscreen interface, offering a more contemporary feel compared to the CM 6160’s traditional design.
User Interface The touchscreen interface of the Dinamica Plus is user-friendly and visually appealing, making it easy to navigate through various settings and drink options. In contrast, the CM 6160’s LCD screen with touch buttons may feel slightly dated.
Features and Customization The Dinamica Plus offers a wide range of specialty drinks, including the TrueBrew Over Ice function for iced coffee lovers, which is not available in the CM 6160. While both machines allow for drink customization, the Dinamica Plus provides a broader selection of coffee options.
Milk Frothing System DeLonghi’s LatteCrema system is highly effective, delivering rich and creamy milk foam. The CM 6160’s milk system is also excellent, but the Dinamica Plus may have a slight edge in terms of frothing performance and ease of use.
Price and Value The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is more affordable than the CM 6160, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-quality super automatic coffee machine without breaking the bank. It offers excellent value for money with its extensive features and modern interface.
Final Verdict
The Miele CM 6160 is a high-quality, reliable coffee machine that delivers excellent coffee and a superior user experience. Its minimalist design, intuitive interface, and customizable settings make it a great addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen. However, its high price and somewhat dated screen interface might be a deterrent for some.
For those who prioritize quality and are willing to invest in a top-of-the-line coffee machine, the Miele CM 6160 is a fantastic choice. However, if budget is a concern or if you prefer a more modern interface, it might be worth exploring other options in the same price range.
In conclusion, the Miele CM 6160 is a testament to Miele’s commitment to quality and innovation, offering a blend of style, performance, and convenience that will appeal to discerning coffee enthusiasts. Whether it’s worth the hefty price tag ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences in a coffee machine.
Miele CM 6160 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Miele |
| Model Number | CM 6160 |
| Product Category | Super Automatic Espresso Machine |
| Color Options | Lotus White, Obsidian Black |
| Housing Material | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 14.1” H x 9.9” W x 16.8” D (35.8 x 25.1 x 42.7 cm) |
| Weight | 21.8 lbs (9.9 kg) |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 61 oz (1.8 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 10.6 oz (300 grams) |
| Grinder | Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder |
| Grind Adjustment Levels | 5 |
| Bypass Chute for Pre-Ground Coffee | Yes |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
| Number of Boilers | 1 |
| Maximum Cup Height | 5.5 inches (14 cm) |
| Minimum Cup Height | 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) |
| User Interface | LCD Screen with Touch Sensor Buttons |
| App Connectivity | WiFiConn@ct |
| User Profiles | 4 |
| Specialty Drinks | 18 pre-programmed options |
| Milk Frother | Cappuccinatore (requires separate purchase of glass milk container) |
| Pre-Infusion | Adjustable |
| Adjustable Coffee Temperature | Yes |
| Adjustable Milk Foam Temperature | Yes |
| Adjustable Milk Temperature | Yes |
| 2-Cup Function | Yes |
| Hot Water Function | Yes |
| Hot Milk Function | Yes |
| Milk Foam Only Option | Yes |
| Power Consumption | 1450 W |
| Water Filter | Not compatible |
| Included Accessories | Stainless steel milk rod, cleaning tablets and brush, descaling tablets, user manual |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Pot Function | Can brew a pot of coffee (requires separate purchase of a Miele coffee pot) |
| LED Lighting | ClearView Lighting for drink illumination |
| Child Safety Lock | Yes |
| Self-Cleaning Milk System | Yes |
| Removable Brew Group | Yes |
| Price | Approximately $1,811.51 (subject to change) |
