I understand what you want, but not once do you mention the taste of the coffee or espresso. I hope your machine works out for you and that you will report back on how you like it. Frankly, it sounds like you would like a K-cup machine (Keurig) or something similar. I'm not knocking them, I own one.

We are in the process of selecting appliances for our kitchen remodel and the Miele coffee system is on our list. We went to a product demonstration at the Miele showroom in Princeton and were able to use the machine and sample different beverages. I made a mocciato and a cappucino and enjoyed them both. Good luck with your coffee system and please update when you've installed it.

What super automatics have you used and which would you recommend? I didn't want to build in the espresso maker in my kitchen for lots of reasons. I'm looking to replace my manual espresso maker with a super automatic. The daily routine is getting old after 7 years and we're looking for something easier. Thanks.

I used a first generation Miele built in from april 2001 till september 2008; we sold our home with the machine included, our cabinetry had been built around it. The Miele has always been bashed on this forum by coffee experts; I was always the one chiming in with my positive experience.
A truly competent barrista might produce a shot worthy of high praise,
I only have found one coffee shop in Montreal which makes me walk blocks for their shots.

I've had espresso shots at different friends' homes , made from assorted superautos, a Jura come to mind, also a Gaggia. Those shots tasted the same as my shots from my Miele. I think beans might be a factor in espresso taste; I always used Arcaffe beans in my miele.

I've always maintained my machine very well, and the new owners of my ex-house are apparently quite enchanted with it.

The Miele system has the sleek built-in look that you are paying for, I admit it's a high price to pay for espresso shots. I currently am using an italian all metal Avanti pod only machine, (700$ cdn) we moved to a condo and I could not justify designating so much of my limited cabinet space for another Miele.
I'm getting decent shots out of my new machine, I'm experimenting with all sorts of italian pods I can buy in a shop in our little italy sector; Illy pods are more readily available, their more robust version is excellent.

Enjoy your machine ; thanks for taking the time to explain your research, it was a fun read.

mjack, our superautomatic is a Delonghi Magnifica digital. I got a super deal on it from Starbucks and overall I am quite happy with it. It has been reliable and the quality of the brew is great. Fresh coffee at the push of a button. The Delonghi does a two stage pull (pumps for a couple of seconds to saturate the grind, stops briefly, then pumps the shot). You end up with plenty of crema on the surface. I use a light to medium roast Columbian that I buy at Costco (Jose's) in the machine because I like the price and the flavor. Most prefer a darker roast for espresso but I usually make an Americano in the mornings.

We have had the Delonghi for almost 4 years of uninterrupted good service.

The Delonghi has a removable brew group that is both removable and fairly easy to clean. I do that whenever I descale the machine or when things start to get messy looking in the interior of the unit. I generally use my vacuum and a crevice tool to get all the odd stray grounds out of the inside when I have the brew group out for cleaning.

My experience with the Delonghi is what sold me on the Meile, btw. Every one of the supply containers on the inside is removable as is the brew group. Easy to clean and maintain is key.

My neighbor has the Miele and loves it. He says its the best thing he bought for the redo of his kitchen.

Scott, thank you for your review/research. Just wonder if you ever considered Fagor coffee system. How is CVA4066 after 6 months run?

I just bought a new Miele built in model 4062. I like the ability to select different modes at the touch of a button, but my query is for my husband. He is a regular joe who likes his joe regular. Can anyone instruct me on how to achieve this with my system. I don't ever drink black coffee so I can't tell the difference really. I had bought a bag of arabica beans, perhaps they are too strong. I tried adjusting the temperature, amount of water per cup and ground of bean and nothing yet to chill his angst of spending so much without satisfying his craving for a plain ole cup of joe. Please help! I'm one for simple solutions, but I desperately want to get rid of the old bunn and free up my counterspace.

There is a door / lid inside that bypasses the grind chamber.

Get some good ol' Folgers or whatever and put a scoop into this tray and then select make coffee from the menu.

This is detailed in the owner's manual, and with a bit of trial and error he should be able to arrive at a satisfactory cup.

The Fagor never made it onto my radar screen, but it looks like it might be the same as the Ariston, the one I wasn't able to see in person. Honestly, at the prices we are talking about, I cannot see spending so much money for a manual steamer wand machine when for a little more you can get the Miele with the automatic foam and hot milk system. But since you asked, after 6 months I am getting a little annoyed with the Miele. Though we love the beverages and the convenience, I am getting a nagging S2 fault intermittently that requires me to get up and cycle the front door interlock to get it to shut up. I called Miele and they will only send someone out to fix it on my dime. No warranty at all. Why? Because I bought the machine on ebay. The seller was a Miele dealer in New York, but Miele won't honor the new machine warranty. Personally, I think Miele, as a corporation, sucks. I will buy a set of service documents on the black market and fix it myself I guess.

To answer mhjohnson, I don't think the problem is Arabica beans, but it may be the roast. A lot of these coffees are over roasted today, particularly from the influence of Starbucks, which really roasts with a heavy hand. I would look for a medium roast bean, set the coarseness of the grind to no more than halfway, and then start making experimental coffees, dialing up the water and down the amount of coffee until you hit his happy spot. One other trick is get a cup, dial up ONE shot of espresso, then use the hot water button and fill the cup with hot water. Stir it up and see if he likes it. Then adjust the coffee up and water down until you hit the right mixture. Once you get done with this, set up 2 profiles so that he can dial coffee his way and you the right way.

As far as ebay purchases, could you call the retailer and get a store receipt? I have heard of that problem with Miele before and have been told to insist on an actual store receipt when you buy a Miele on ebay. It sounds like since the vendor is authorized to sell Miele this might solve the problem.

Below the coffee maker is a coffee cup warming drawer. Don’t knock it til you try it.