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The Calphalon espresso machine makes great coffee. It’s easy to use and competitively priced. Read the review for more details.
Review of a home espresso machine
I recently purchased this Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine. I’ve been drinking coffee every day for a couple of months now.
So I thought it would be helpful if I wrote a review about it. Especially with the holidays coming up, I hope you enjoy this post.
If you have been thinking about buying an espresso machine, I highly recommend the Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine.
I recommend this Calphalon espresso machine
First of all, this espresso machine makes delicious coffee. For an espresso machine, this means:
- The water is heated to a good temperature.
- There are enough pressure bars to fully extract the coffee.
- The steam wand is strong enough to make a perfect micro foam.
In addition to these necessary quality measures, this machine is also:
- it is easy to use,
- it is easy to clean and
- it sits well on the kitchen counter.
This home espresso machine is simple to use
This Calphalon espresso machine is very easy to use. No complicated buttons or settings.
On the front of the machine, there is an on/off switch. On the side, there’s a big button that controls everything.
There are four settings on the button:
- one shot
- double shot
- vapor
- hot water
The pom is located in a great place. It’s easy to turn to start brewing espresso.
It’s also in an easy-to-reach place when using the steam wand. No awkward angles or anything to worry about.
Can a beginner use this espresso machine?
Yes, I think so. This espresso machine would be good for a beginner.
Considering I once worked in a coffee shop making hundreds of espresso drinks every day, it’s a bit unfair for me to answer this question.
However, my partner had never used an espresso machine before. So it was the perfect helper!
This espresso machine is easy enough for you to learn how to use. It also made a delicious cup of coffee after a few tries.
The manual that came with this espresso machine is very detailed. It’s a great start if you’re new to making espresso at home.
Machine configuration
The home espresso machine automatically shuts off after one or two shots, depending on what you’re using.
This is a very useful feature because I often start the espresso and immediately start preparing my breakfast. You don’t have to look at the coffee to see when the extraction stops.
It comes factory set at 1oz for single shot and 2oz for double shot.
I haven’t tried setting up my own program, but it’s possible. You can adjust the pour volume to suit how you like your coffee.
Steam wand
One of my main concerns when choosing a home espresso machine was whether the steam wand would be strong enough.
I am happy to say that this steam wand is powerful enough to make a great micro foam. It steams the milk well enough that I can pour a decent latte into my espresso.
The espresso machine comes with a standard milk frother. The size is just right for making a latte.
I have not tested the steam wand with a larger milk frother. So I can’t say if it would be strong enough to steam enough milk for two coffees at once.
Two different versions: with and without built-in grinder
The Calphalon Temp IQ comes in two different versions. One with and one without a built-in grinder.
I bought it without the grinder for a few reasons.
No shredder required
First, the espresso machine fits on my counter under the upper cabinets. If you have overhead cabinets, the extra inches the grinder adds can be a problem.
Second, without a grinder, it’s also narrower and takes up less counter space.
Third, the most important reason. I don’t think it’s necessary.
Personally, I prefer to buy coffee from my local coffee shop and ask the coffee shop to grind the coffee.
This is because if you go to a good coffee shop, they will probably have better grinders than any built-in home espresso machine would have. If the coffee shop grinds it for you, you will have more uniform coffee grounds for better extraction.
While the built-in grinders are nice because you can grind your coffee fresh every day, if you drink coffee regularly I don’t think it will be noticeable.
A good roasted coffee should stay fresh long enough for you to finish the bag. That’s even if you ask the coffee shop to grind an entire bag when you buy.
Just make sure to store your coffee in an airtight container. At home I use one of these, it’s nothing fancy.
Cleaning up
This espresso machine is easy to clean and maintain. Be sure to follow the simple cleaning steps after making each coffee.
Filter holder and basket
The filter holder and filter basket are easy to clean. After each use, I hand wash it. The filter holder is not dishwasher safe.
The espresso machine comes with a sharp tool in case the filter basket gets clogged with coffee grounds and you need to unclog the filter baskets. This has not happened to me yet.
Drip tray
The drip tray is very easy to clean. You just slide it out and there are some parts that come apart.
It is not dishwasher safe. So I just hand wash it as needed.
Steam wand
After each use, it is important to clean the steam wand with a damp cloth. Then purge the steam wand. This means you only need to turn it back to the hot water setting for a few seconds.
I haven’t had any problems with the steam wand getting stuck. However, if needed, you can use the sharp tool provided to unlock it.
The Calphalon espresso machine makes great coffee
I am very happy with the quality of coffee this Calphalon espresso machine makes.
Tips for making the best espresso at home
Buy fresh coffee
The most important thing is the quality of the coffee. I always buy my coffee freshly brewed from a local coffee shop and ask them to grind it. That way, I know the coffee has been freshly roasted and I can get it in a perfect grind size.
Grind coffee for a home espresso machine
When you ask your local coffee shop to grind it, ask them to grind it for espresso machine at home.
It may take a couple of tries before you discover the perfect grind from your local coffee shop. I usually order it a little thicker than what they use in the store.
This is because professional espresso machines should be able to handle a finer grind than any home espresso machine.
Clean the machine as recommended
Be sure to clean the espresso machine after each use. Cleaning it removes any old brown, bitter coffee. This means, purge and clean the group head after each shot.
Also be sure to clean and purge the steam wand after each shot while the machine is hot.
Where to buy the Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine
I bought my Calphalon espresso machine from Amazon. It arrived quickly and there was free shipping.
Amazon also tends to carry this machine in their warehouse deals section. So you might be able to find it a bit cheaper too.
Does it come with everything to make instant coffee?
The Calphalon Temp IQ comes with the coffee maker, espresso tamper and milk jug. That’s enough to get you started.
However, you’ll also want these extra items if you make coffee regularly. This will save you a lot of hassle. But most importantly, they will help you make better coffee.
- Kitchen scale: to help measure the correct amount of espresso grounds. The one I use is small and measures to within 1g.
- Tamp Mat – This gives you a solid place to put the filter holder. Anyone will do.
- Knock Box – To dispose of all your coffee grounds. This is the one I use and I like it because it is small. And, the bar is inserted into the box instead of resting on top.
Other coffee preparations
Not ready to buy an espresso machine yet? Here are some other brewing guides on The Worktop that you might find helpful. These do not require espresso machines.
Show me some recipes that use espresso
Still thinking about buying a home espresso machine? If so, let these tasty coffee recipes inspire you.