If you love espresso but don’t want to spend a fortune on a professional machine, you might be interested in the Café Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine. This sleek and modern appliance promises to make espresso as easy as pushing a button, with a built-in grinder and a WiFi control option. But how does it perform in terms of quality and consistency? We tested it out and here’s what we found.
What is the Café Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine?
The Café Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine is a product of GE’s Café line of appliances, which aims to create a coffee shop experience at home. It’s a high-end device with a steel silver finish and brass trim, and includes all of the features expected at this price point[1][1].
The machine has a 6.5-ounce bean hopper that feeds into a conical burr grinder with five settings for coarseness. The ground coffee is then automatically tamped and brewed with 20 bars of pressure, resulting in a rich and full-bodied shot of espresso. You can choose between single or double shots, or program your own preferred volume.
If you want to make cappuccinos or lattes, you can also get the machine with a built-in steam wand and milk pitcher for frothing milk. The steam wand is removable for easy cleaning, but it has a limited range of motion that makes steaming the milk a bit awkward.
The machine also has a WiFi control feature that allows you to connect it to the SmartHQ app on your smartphone or tablet. With the app, you can customize your drinks, schedule brewing times, monitor water levels, and get maintenance alerts.
How easy is it to use the Café Affetto?
One of the main selling points of the Café Affetto is its simplicity. You don’t need any special skills or equipment to make espresso with this machine. All you need to do is fill the water tank, load the beans, press a button, and enjoy your coffee.
The machine has a clear LCD display that shows the settings and status of the brewing process. The buttons are intuitive and responsive, and the machine beeps when it’s ready or when it needs attention. The machine also has an auto-shutoff feature that turns it off after 30 minutes of inactivity.
The WiFi control feature adds another level of convenience to the machine. You can use the app to remotely start or stop the brewing, adjust the settings, or check the water level. You can also set up schedules for different times of the day or week, so you can wake up to freshly brewed espresso every morning.
The machine is also easy to clean and maintain. The drip tray, brew head, and steam wand are removable and washable. The machine has a self-cleaning cycle that runs every time you turn it on or off, and it also reminds you when it needs descaling or filter replacement.
How good is the espresso from the Café Affetto?
The Café Affetto works as advertised — it makes espresso as easy as pushing a button. But does it make good espresso? That depends on your expectations and preferences.
For beginners or casual drinkers who want a hassle-free way to make espresso at home, the Café Affetto might be a good choice. The machine produces consistent shots that are rich in flavor and crema. The built-in grinder ensures that the coffee is always fresh and evenly ground.
However, for more experienced or discerning espresso lovers who want more control and customization over their drinks, the Café Affetto might not be satisfying enough. The machine doesn’t allow you to adjust the temperature, pressure, or extraction time of the espresso. The grinder also has only five settings for coarseness, which might not be fine enough for some beans or tastes.
Additionally, we noticed some inconsistency in the quality and quantity of the espresso from the machine. Sometimes the shots were too watery or too bitter, and sometimes they were unevenly distributed between the two spouts. We also found that the machine tended to overheat after making several drinks in a row, which affected the taste of the espresso.
Is the Café Affetto worth buying?
However, if you value simplicity and style over performance and precision, the Café Affetto might be a good option for you. It’s a sleek and modern appliance that looks great on any countertop, and it makes espresso as easy as pushing a button. It also has a WiFi control feature that adds convenience and fun to your coffee-making experience.
The Café Affetto is not for everyone, but it might be for you if you’re looking for a simple and stylish espresso machine for beginners.
