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A Miele coffee maker starts your morning off right. It lets you skip the line at the coffee shop and use that time to get yourself or your family ready for the day instead. With Miele coffee makers, you can brew a custom cup in the comfort of your own kitchen without having to wait for your name to be called.

These industrial-grade coffee machines blend commercial performance with the freedom to make exactly what you want, whenever you want. They allow you to save your preferences when it comes to temperature and grind level, among other parameters, to ensure your coffee is made just how you like it. Miele coffee makers not only look stunning with their sleek, modern design, but also brew a fantastic cup of coffee each and every time. You can rest assured that Miele's engineering team has thought of every detail to please even the most critical coffee lovers.

Some say Miele coffee makers are an indulgence. However, we believe a good coffee maker helps bring all the stuff we like about great coffee houses—warm atmosphere, the conversation, the coziness—into our homes. It makes a kitchen more welcoming and gives you the satisfaction of being able to serve your guests a high-quality cappuccino or whatever they like.

In this article, we’ll lay out what you need to know about the family of Miele coffee makers. We'll discuss everything from built-in coffee machines to countertop models and all the parts and accessories. By the time you finish, you'll know which is the best coffee maker for your needs.

Check out our exclusive video review of Miele coffee makers.

Types of Miele Coffee Makers

There are two types of Miele coffee makers: built-in and countertop. Miele built-in coffee machines are installed into your cabinets for a seamless finish. You even have the option to pair your built-in coffee maker with a cup warming drawer or stack it on top of a wall oven. Countertop machines, on the other hand, have an equally effective brewing system but are more versatile and fit in any space anytime—you don't have to wait till you're remodeling to enjoy one.

Miele built-in and countertop coffee machines
Miele makes built-in and countertop coffee makers.

Overview of Miele Coffee Machines

Series Features
Built-In (CVA) Makes amazing coffee drinks, saves counter space, and elevates the look of your kitchen. List price starts at $4,299
  • CVA6805 (Best Seller) Water tank or plumbed / M Touch controls
  • CVA6800 Water tank only / M Touch controls
Countertop Great coffee, powerful performance in a small footprint for versatile placement anywhere in your kitchen or office. List price starts at $1,599
  • CM6360 (Best Seller) Milk flask, hot water spout for tea/hot chocolate, cup warmer
  • CM6160 Fully featured, coffee and espresso drinks
  • CM5310 Silence grinder, coffee and espresso drinks, milk froth

We'll focus more on the features of each type of coffee maker in the upcoming sections.

While doing their research, most people ask: "What is the difference between the Miele built-in coffee machines?" To summarize, the Miele built-in coffee makers come in two variations; plumbed (i.e., connected to a water line) and water-tank-only models. Most people choose the plumbed version for convenience.

In addition, newer models have iPhone-like elegant touch controls (aka M Touch). We like the M Touch screens because they're intiutive and user friendly. Although machines with the traditional control panel (like the Miele CVA6401 or CVA6405) cost less, most people find these controls frustrating. Also, if you have other Miele appliances in your home, you might want M Touch controls to be consistent with the rest of your suite.

miele-built-in-coffee-maker-cva6805-live-kitchen
Miele CVA6805 installed in one of our customer's kitchens

As for countertop coffee makers (aka Miele's CM5 and CM6 series), Miele makes three versions. The CM6350 has a hot water spout and comes with a milk flask for one-touch espresso drinks with froth. The CM6150 lacks those upgraded features and has fewer programmable user profiles. The CM5310 doesn't have user profiles, but it makes the regular menu of drinks.

Before we go into the details of each type of coffee maker, let's look at why the Miele coffee makers brew the best coffee/espresso drinks.

Our exclusive review of Miele built in coffee makers.

4 Reasons To Choose a Miele Coffee Maker

1. Easily make coffee shop style beverages at home

Brewing your favorite hot drink at home has never been easier than with the latest built-in coffee systems by Miele. With the touch of a button, you can brew everything from a classic cup of coffee to an espresso or a frothy coffee-shop-style beverage like a latte or cappuccino.

Miele's espresso machines can make many popular specialty drinks with just one touch. There's also a spout that dispenses hot water with a maximum of about 180 degrees F for tea and cocoa.

For drinks requiring milk, you can use Miele's glass container. It easily slides into place, and since it's clear, you'll always know how much milk is left. The glass container is also much easier to clean than the previous stainless steel versions. Since it's removable, you can put the container in your refrigerator when it's not in use.

List of Miele coffee maker drinks
Drinks you can make with Miele coffee maker

Make Barista-Quality Coffee Drinks with One Touch

The one-touch system really shines with complicated drinks like the latte macchiato, which requires three separate steps to make. First, the brew unit automatically lowers to the height of your cup. Next, the system dispenses hot milk. Then, the machine freshly grinds coffee beans to make a strong espresso. Since the brew unit has lowered to your cup, there's minimal temperature loss from exposure to air as the espresso's dispensed.

Finally, a milk froth is dispensed and sits on top of the beverage. The lowered brew unit is the ideal distance to ensure the froth sits perfectly on top. The result is an extremely impressive at-home beverage that'll make you want to pursue a new career as a barista (...maybe).

miele-built-in-coffee-maker-cva6805-in-customer-kitchen

The picture above is from one of our customers in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, who opted for a built-in Miele coffee maker. She realized that skipping the Starbucks line would give her more time to get her kids ready for school in the morning. Her husband prefers regular coffee, but she enjoys lattes, and they had never found a convenient way to make both drinks at home. Their new built-in Miele coffee maker gives them the freedom to brew their favorite beverages at home.


2. Brew the best coffee you've ever tasted

Making a perfect cup of coffee comes down to the amount of beans you use, the brewing temperature, and the pre-brewing time. Miele achieves coffee perfection with its Aromatic System, which is made up of five components:

  • Bean selection: Miele’s built-in coffee makers can process all types of beans. This means you can choose any bean on the market, including ground coffee or decaf.
  • Coarseness of grind: Having more surface area for extraction (the process of water draining through the grind) means that a finer grind brings a bolder and more flavorful brew. Miele’s ceramic conical grinder is very effective since you can easily adjust the coarseness with a small lever.
  • Brewing temperature: Miele provides you with the option of using either the default or custom settings, which range from minimum, low, medium, high, and maximum. Since each bean type has a different ideal temperature, you're able to set temperatures for each drink. This comes in handy when you're experimenting with different bean types.
  • Pre-brewing time: The pre-brewing setting determines the amount of time that the water sits in the chamber before dispensing.
  • Portion size: You can use the size system defaults or adjust the settings for each drink on your user profile. You can choose the amount of water and milk that you need and save all settings, or have the machine learn your favorites without having to study a complicated menu.
Miele coffee maker built-in installation
We installed this built-in Miele coffee maker under a steam oven

3. Great for your morning coffee or an entire party

Miele Coffee Maker 2 Cups of Coffee
Miele built in coffee makers let you make two drinks at the same time.

The Miele coffee system is all about convenience. The company has introduced the ability to create custom drink profiles so everyone in the house can easily set and save their preferences. You can even brew two beverages at the same time, which is perfect for busy, on-the-go couples or roommates.

But can I make a whole pot of coffee? I have guests coming over!

Yes, you can! Miele’s coffee pot feature demonstrates the effectiveness of the pump system (which is otherwise lacking in other manufacturer’s models). It enables you to make either eight consecutive cups at a time or dispense this amount into a coffee pot so that you can have it ready when your guests arrive. Miele has also introduced a stylish, one-liter coffee pot so that you can easily serve coffee to your guests while relaxing in your home or garden.


4. Durable for decades to come

Miele coffee makers definitely live up to their German heritage. Whether built-in or countertop, these machines are known for their automatic self-cleaning regimens.

I once asked the manager in charge of the product line why I couldn't override the Miele coffee descale and clean program. He wasn't amused by my question and responded that he can't leave things up to chance when his customers expect a 20-year operational longevity from their coffee machines.

Miele Descaling Tablets 2 pak

Miele patented its easy-to-open comfort door design to provide user access to the internal components. Inside, you'll find a removable drip tray that comes in handy if you overfill your cup. The drip tray also serves as a major component of the automatic cleaning system and will collect water as the system automatically rinses the coffee and milk systems. You'll also find waste containers for used coffee grinds. For optimal convenience, the system will automatically notify you if either the grinds or drip tray need to be emptied.

To keep your Miele coffee maker working at peak performance, do regular cleaning and maintenance. The more consistently you look after your machine, the longer you'll be able to use it. To make things easier for you, Miele has included pre-programmed features to remind you when it's time for different cleaning tasks.

miele-built-in-coffee-maker-review-4

When do I need to clean my coffee machine?

Daily: Both built-in and countertop CM6 models run a quick rinse program. This lasts less than 10 seconds and helps to keep the internal pipes and nozzles clean after each drink. Otherwise, on a daily basis, there's not much to do other than basic sanitation. At the end of each day, you should clean the milk flask and empty the waste unit and drip tray, if prompted.

Weekly: Once a week (or more if you're a heavy user), we recommend that you clean the front of the machine, main dispenser, sensor cover, interior, inside drip tray, and brew unit. You should also clean the milk valve with a cleaning brush.

Monthly: The coffee bean container should be cleaned once a month. It’s also suggested that you lubricate the cap on the main dispenser connector.

Miele Cleaning Tablets

When prompted: As mentioned, a Miele coffee maker tells you when the waste needs cleaning along with the milk pipework and brew unit (which you degrease with cleaning tablets). You’ll also be notified when the machine needs to be descaled.

While most of the machine's parts are dishwasher safe, it’s important to only hand wash the main dispenser cover, brew unit, coffee bean container, and service cover.

Since calcium deposits stemming from the hard water are harmful, you'll find a water hardness test strip in your package. Based on the results of this test, you can further tune the descaling routine of your coffee machine.

cleaning the miele coffee maker
Cleaning a Miele coffee machine is easy since the process is mostly menu-driven; your machine will tell you what you need to do, step by step.

You have everything you need to get started

Miele really thought of everything when it comes to its built-in coffee makers, including everything you need to take care of your machine. Here's the list of accessories that come with your Miele espresso maker:

For coffee and machine preparation:

  • Measuring scoop for ground coffee
  • Milk flask with lid
  • Water hardness test strips

For cleaning and maintenance:

  • Cleaning agent for the milk system
  • Two cleaning containers
  • Descaling and cleaning tablets
  • Silicone grease for lubricating the main dispenser connector seal
  • Cleaning brush
  • Spare parts: main dispenser connector cap and milk pipework elbow

As you need to replenish your cleaning supplies, you can use the following links to order your Miele accessories:

Miele Cleaning Tablets
  • Descaling Tablets 10178330: As water streams through the built-in coffee maker, it naturally leaves a calcium deposit behind. Therefore, it's recommended that you clean the coffee maker after 500 to 1,000 uses, depending on your local water hardness. Your Miele will even prompt you with a countdown alert when it’s time to perform this task.
  • Cleaning Tablets 05626080: These help to clean the brew unit, which is the heart of your Miele espresso machine.

  • Milk System Pipe Cleaner 07189940: This helps to remove any old milk residue.


Which Miele Coffee Maker Should I Buy? Our Top 3 Picks:

All Miele coffee machines (countertop or built-in) are capable of brewing a great cup of coffee and making espresso drinks with or without milk. There are only subtle differences among the different models. Below we'll talk about our top three picks and why they stand out from the pack.

1. Best Built-in Coffee Machine: Miele CVA6805

Miele Built-in Coffee Machine

Direct Sensor Controls vs. M Touch (Recommended)

When it comes to the two available control styles, we tend to prefer the M Touch controls. The large touchscreen is similar to that of a modern phone or tablet. You can easily swipe and navigate to the available beverage options and settings. We're surprised to still see the direct sensor controls in this day and age. However, if you're price sensitive, you'll notice a savings of approximately $400, which may make your struggle with the menu worthwhile.

Plumbed (Recommended) vs. Non-Plumbed

The Miele coffee system can be ordered as either plumbed or non-plumbed. The plumbed version allows you to directly connect a water supply line to the system—a major convenience. It also means you won't have to constantly refill a water tank. The non-plumbed version has a water tank that needs to be refilled with water periodically. If you're on the fence about which machine to buy, the plumbed version also has a water tank. So if you don't currently have a water line but want to have the flexibility to add one in the future, we recommend going with the plumbed version.


2. Best Overall Countertop Coffee Maker: CM6 Series Miele CM6360

Miele Countertop Coffee Machine

Unless you're renovating or already have an older, built-in machine, odds are you'll have a hard time working a built-in coffee machine into your kitchen design. Luckily, you can still get all of the same great features of the built-in models with the Miele CM6360 countertop model.

The Miele CM6 countertop models come in 3 colors: black, black with pearl accents, and white. Known as the "pocket Hercules," this loyal personal barista is there for you to grind fresh beans, apply perfect 15 bar pressure, administer precise amounts of heat and water, and froth your milk for a perfect cup. Best of all, your personal barista self-cleans after each session, all with the touch of a button. Consistently. Every time.

When you own a Miele coffee machine, you’ll never have to worry about running out of filter paper. Moreover, you'll have the right to put your friends to shame for feeding the plastic mountain that Keurig and its competitors are building.

With the CM6, you can conveniently whip up the following drinks (and their popular variations): espresso, coffee, cappuccino, long coffee, ristretto, latte macchiato, caffè latte, hot milk, and milk froth.

The CM6 family of coffee machines come under two model series: the CM6150 and CM6360. Both models share the same great conical burr grinder, which ensures uniformly ground beans. Users can also select the quantity and grade of coarseness. This high-quality grinder won't overheat your beans and will have them ready for the press. The Miele CM6 coffee makers can also accept ground coffee including the "outliers" of the coffee universe (you know...your buddy who only drinks decaf or coffee with exotic flavors.)

When making your drink, you can program the quantity and temperature of the water as well as the amount of milk and froth. This coffee maker comes with a large water tank (1.8L), and the sealed bean container can hold 300 grams (10.6 oz) of coffee beans.

What’s different between the CM 6360 and CM 6150?
After looking at both models, you may wonder why the CM6360 costs about $400 more than the CM6150. The simple answer is that the CM6360 offers additional features, including:

  • A built-in hot water spout, which can be used to instantly heat water for tea or cocoa.
  • Additional pre-programmed coffee drinks, such as ristretto, lungo coffee, caffe latte, hot milk, and milk froth.
  • A cup warmer on its top surface for convenience.
  • A stainless steel milk flask comes standard with the CM 6360. You can purchase the milk flask separately on the CM 6150.
  • An elegant stainless steel backsplash on the CM 6360

Attention to detail has always been important for Miele, and the CM6 series of countertop models is no exception. For example, the plastic tube that comes out of the froth spout connects to the drip tray to facilitate cleaning. There’s even a compartment to store the plastic tubing to prevent clutter and chaos in your kitchen. These are just a few examples of the thought process that went into creating these products.


3. Best Entry-Level Countertop Coffee Maker: Miele CM5 Series CM5310

Miele Best Entry-Level Countertop Coffee Machine

The main difference between the more expensive CM6 and CM5 series? These less expensive machines don't let you create user profiles. But if you're happy to just punch a button and get a perfect cappuccino every time, that might be all you need—especially for about $1,000 less than a CM6 machine.

These CM5 series machines can make all the basic drinks at the touch of a button, with or without froth. You can turn them out one or two at a time or make an entire pot, just like with the CM6 series machines.

We like the extra-quiet grinder and stylish red colorway available on this series too.


The Bottom Line

All in all, if you are in pursuit of the best at-home coffee experience, you will love Miele's family of built-in and countertop coffee machines. Why? Because with these machines, you get...

1- The convenience and instant gratification to make the perfect cup of coffee or espresso.

2- A heavy-duty machine that you can even use in your office. (Cup after cup, the pump will always perform consistently!)

3- Amazing cleaning ability that ensures great-tasting coffee with maintenance-free longevity.

4- Commitment to Quality - If you happen to receive this product and notice ground coffee residue don't panic. Miele tests each and every unit before shipping it out to a customer.


FAQs

My brand new Miele coffee maker has coffee grinds in the unit.

We get this call once or twice a week from customers who worry that they may have gotten an old coffee maker. Miele is one of the handful of companies that test every product that they make. In terms of the coffee maker, the final quality assurance test involves testing the burr grinder with actual coffee beans. This is the reason why you run across remant ground coffee.

I have a plumbed coffee machine. Can I disconnect it from the waterline and use the water tank?

Yes. You can always use the water tank independently. You don't even need to disconnect the plumbing line.

What does "plumbed" mean?
If you're an architect or a civil engineer, you might use the word "plumbed" to describe level surfaces and objects. As far as the Miele coffee maker is concerned, the word "plumbed" means that your machine is connected to the waterline of your house.

Do Miele coffee makers have wifi?
No. The CVA and CM6 models do not have built-in wifi capabilities. This is a huge miss for the company in 2023. However, we understand that the next generation of G 7000 Miele coffee makers will have wifi (expected release in q2 2023)

I drink decaf coffee while other family members drink regular. How can we manage this with the Miele coffee maker?
Miele recognizes that family members may have different tastes among them. You may also want to try a cup or two of a new coffee flavor. In all Miele coffee makers, you will find a large container for coffee beans, which serves as the main feed. There is also an auxiliary chute for ground coffee that you can use for decaf or your trial batches.