Last updated: October 28, 2024

I’d like to think I’m something of a coffee enthusiast and have used home coffee machines for as long as I can remember! Having started with the humble basic Nespresso, my interest in good coffee and how to make it has grown over the years, as have the quality and the capabilities of the machines. My latest model, the Melitta CI Touch has definitely impressed and there’s a number of reasons it stands out from the rest.

Let’s start with how the Melitta CI Touch looks. Its a sleek machine with a modern black exterior and I’d say, more of a statement piece than a kitchen accessory.

Then, there’s the convenience element – without compromising on quality. With just a simple touch, you can enjoy up to 10 different coffee specialities which almost makes you wonder whether you’ll ever need to go out to a coffee shop again! Whether you’re a classic espresso, frothy cappuccino, or smooth latte macchiato fan, the Melitta CI Touch has got you covered. I especially like the super-easy-to-navigate touchscreen which makes selecting your favourite brew a total breeze. As someone who needs that morning coffee to alleviate the grogginess before anything else in the mornings, it’s key that nothing complicated stands between me and my cuppa and this feature is a godsend.

If you’re also the first one awake in your house, then you’ll really appreciate the super quiet grinder on the CI Touch. The last machine I had sounded like a cement mixer but Melitta have really gone the extra mile with this one – a great improvement on previous models.

Another impressive feature worth mentioning (and one I’ve not had on a coffee machine before) is the dual-chamber bean container. This allows you to switch between two different types of coffee beans, which is perfect for me as I’m sensitive to caffeine and have to switch to de-caff in the afternoons which is brilliant! Plus, there’s even an option to use pre-ground coffee, for ultimate flexibility.

For those who appreciate a barista-level experience, you’ll love the machine’s ‘Italian Preparation Process’. It ensures that your coffee is prepared in the traditional way, with each ingredient added in the correct order to enhance its flavour. For example, if you’re going for a latte macchiato, the CI Touch will layer the milk first, then the espresso, just like you’d get in a café in Rome. The taste is authentic, rich, and has been consistently delicious across all the coffee styles I’ve tried.

If you’ve several people in the house and they all like their coffee a certain way, you can actually customise by saving personalised coffee preferences up to four times. Adjust everything from brewing strength to temperature and coffee quantity, so every cup is just how they like it, plus use the double cup function if you’ve a few friends around to visit so there’s no need to wait around for a second round of coffee!

Coffee machine cleaning and maintenance can be a bit of a pain, but the Melitta CI Touch has really thought of everything. There’s an easy cleaning and descaling process plus an ‘easy steam cleaning’ feature ensuring all parts of the milk system are cleaned hygienically after each us, and it’s just a small thing, but being able to store your milk in the fridge and attach the container to the machine when using it, is such a simple but effective feature to limit milk wastage!

Naturally, being eco-conscious the Melitta has an energy-saving mode and an automatic shut-off function, so you won’t be wasting power if you forget to turn it off. It’s also a sustainable machine with a Melitta Mission Eco & Care label so you know you’re doing your bit.

All in all, the Melitta CI Touch is a sophisticated choice and a beautifully sleek machine. At £699.98, it’s not the cheapest, but it’s definitely a worthwhile investment for those who crave barista-quality coffee at home with minimal effort. You might even start looking forward to that 6am alarm…

Check out the Melitta CI Touch here.