Melitta Barista TS SMART F85/0-101 Coffee Maker

This is not the first Melitta Bean to Cup coffee machine I have tried. A family member has the earlier version, the Melitta SOLO & Milk E953-102 , that this new model is the direct successor to. The earlier model has dropped from over £1200 in price to now just £449 on Amazon but is the new £1175 Melitta Barista TS SMART update worth the difference?

This model like the original is stylish and attractive to look at and can produce a range of coffee types either bespoke or from the 21 preset recipes. Both machines can make the coffee either by pressing one of the five front panel touch sensitive buttons linked to basic coffee type - Espresso, Cafe Creme, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato plus buttons for hot milk/froth and water - from the stored preset recipes or by delving into the recipe database using the large front panel LCD screen. Coffee strength, quantity, and other variables can also be altered from the front screen. In appearance and all basic functions, the two machines are the same. Both machines can make superb coffee quickly and easily. Like the old machine, this one has extensive automated self-cleaning procedures that endlessly ask for permission to run. Take note that these are all recorded and stored by the device for use by the Melitta engineers so do not ignore them as it may affect any future warranty repairs.

Aside from a number of minor updates this new machine is quieter in use but the real update is the much vaunted 'Smart' feature.

The Melitta Barista TS SMART uses Bluetooth to connect to the smartphone Melitta Connect app. The app is well designed and easy to use and allows the user not only to select any of the 21 preset coffee types but to make their own custom drinks and save these to the machine for easy access. The machine can also be configured to the User's choice, changing presets and varying default actions for both coffee making and maintenance. It also has walkthrough guides to clean and maintain the machine. The app is excellent,..