Overview
The Melitta CI Touch combines intuitive touchscreen operation with a comprehensive drink menu that covers everything from ristretto to latte macchiato. The capacitive touch display responds with satisfying immediacy and presents drink options with clear icons that make selection effortless even for first-time users. A standout feature is the My Coffee Memory function, which allows each household member to save their personalized drink preferences under individual profiles — remembering preferred strength, volume, temperature, and milk ratio. The dual-chamber bean hopper accommodates two different roasts, and the machine automatically selects the appropriate one based on your saved recipe. The integrated milk system draws from an insulated milk container that connects directly to the machine and includes automatic steam rinsing after each use. The conical burr grinder offers precise adjustment, and PID temperature control ensures consistent extraction temperatures across drinks. With ten pre-programmed specialty coffee recipes expandable through custom profiles, the CI Touch handles diverse household preferences without compromise. The removable brew group, spacious 1.8-liter water tank, and thoughtful maintenance reminders ensure the machine stays in peak condition with minimal effort. For families and offices where multiple people with different tastes share one machine, the CI Touch personal memory system proves genuinely practical.
The Melitta CI Touch comes equipped with PID temperature control for precise brewing, pre-infusion for even extraction. It features a thermoblock boiler system made of stainless steel. The vibratory pump delivers 15.0 bars of pressure for optimal extraction.
Priced at $950, the Melitta CI Touch is designed for serious home baristas who want café-quality espresso. As a super-automatic machine, it handles everything from grinding to extraction at the touch of a button — perfect for convenience without sacrificing quality.
In terms of build quality, the Melitta CI Touch is a substantial machine, weighing in at 10.5 kg, manufactured in Germany, drawing 1400W of power. With dimensions of 258 x 461 x 361 mm (W×D×H), make sure you have adequate counter space. The built-in water reservoir holds 1800 ml, making it easy to set up anywhere in your kitchen.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- PID temperature control ensures consistent extraction temperature shot after shot
- Pre-infusion gently saturates the coffee puck before full pressure, improving extraction evenness
- Stainless steel boiler is corrosion-resistant and easy to maintain
- Built-in cup warmer keeps your cups at optimal temperature
- Manufactured in Germany, known for quality espresso machine engineering
Cons
- Thermoblock heating may not match the temperature stability of traditional boiler designs
- Vibratory pump can be noisy and may not last as long as rotary alternatives under heavy use
Full Specifications
| Brand | Melitta |
|---|---|
| Model | Melitta CI Touch |
| Category | Super-Auto |
| Status | Current |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Year Introduced | 2018 |
| Boiler Type | Thermoblock |
| Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Pump Type | Vibratory |
| Pump Pressure | 15.0 bar |
| PID Control | Yes |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes |
| Pressure Profiling | No |
| Flow Control | No |
| Group Head | Proprietary |
| Steam Wand | Auto |
| Water Source | Reservoir |
| Reservoir Capacity | 1800 ml |
| Cup Warmer | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 258 x 461 x 361 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg (23.1 lbs) |
| Wattage | 1400 W |
| Voltage | 220V |
| MSRP | $950 |
Our Verdict
The Melitta CI Touch is a solid choice for anyone who values convenience above all. Super-automatic machines trade manual control for one-touch simplicity, and this model delivers on that promise. The mid-range price buys you better build quality and more drink options than budget super-automatics. If you want hands-off espresso with minimal cleanup, this is worth considering. If you enjoy the ritual of manual espresso-making, look at semi-automatic options instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Melitta CI Touch good for beginners?
Yes, the Melitta CI Touch is excellent for beginners. As a super-automatic machine, it handles grinding, tamping, and extraction automatically. You just add beans and press a button. It's one of the easiest ways to get into espresso.
How often does the Melitta CI Touch need maintenance?
Regular maintenance includes daily backflushing (for machines with solenoid valves), weekly cleaning of the group head and portafilter, and descaling every 1-3 months depending on water hardness. Using filtered water significantly reduces scale buildup and extends machine life.
What grinder pairs well with the Melitta CI Touch?
For a machine at this level, consider mid-range to premium grinders: Eureka Mignon Specialita ($400), Niche Zero ($600), or DF64 ($400-$500). These grinders will do justice to the machine's capabilities without being the bottleneck in your setup.
Is the Melitta CI Touch worth $950?
The Melitta CI Touch's value depends on your commitment to espresso. If you drink espresso daily, a quality machine pays for itself vs. cafe purchases within 6-12 months. The Melitta CI Touch offers PID temperature control at its price point, making it a sound investment for regular espresso drinkers.
Recommended Grinder Pairings for the Melitta CI Touch
A good grinder is essential for getting the most out of your espresso machine. Here are some grinders that pair well at this price level: