Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Review
Our Rating: 3.5/5
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
FEATURES:
- Semi-automatic espresso machine
- Automatic milk frother
- Pre-programmed for simple operation
- Removable water and milk reservoirs
- Optimal 15-bar pressure for coffee extraction
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 3.5/5
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
FEATURES:
- Semi-automatic espresso machine
- Automatic milk frother
- Pre-programmed for simple operation
- Removable water and milk reservoirs
- Optimal 15-bar pressure for coffee extraction
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Review Summary
The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is an affordable entry-level espresso machine that creates three different types of coffee: espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. It can also be used to make four milk-based drinks.
If you’re a bean addict, you’ll know the price of daily cafe coffees can really add up. So this model will probably pay for itself in a couple of months. Mr. Coffee’s espresso maker comes at an attractive price point — and it costs less than some machines that produce a single type of coffee only.
You don’t need to be a barista extraordinaire to operate this machine. Eminently user-friendly, it was designed with novices in mind. The control pad offers six program options to create a delicious drink in just a few minutes.
This model includes an automatic milk frother, there’s no need to steam and froth milk with a milk wand. The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista espresso machine also dispenses the proper amount of milk for the programmed drink.
Relatively compact, especially considering it’s a combination machine, the unit weighs around 10 pounds. It takes up less counter space than many other coffee makers, good news for people with smaller kitchens.
Mr. Coffee is a trademark of Newell Brands. The brand has been producing coffee makers and other coffee machines for fifty years. Mr. Coffee’s headquarters are in the United States.
Pros
- Less expensive than many espresso machines
- Fast preparation time
- Froths milk automatically and dispenses the proper amount
- Three-in-one machine
- Small footprint
Cons
- Some issues with inconsistent espresso temperature and strength
- Time-consuming to clean
Features and Benefits of the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista
Environmentally Friendly
The Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000-RB offers some environmental perks over other coffee makers. It relies on coffee grounds, rather than pods or K-cups. Additionally, there’s no plastic or filter paper to dispose of after making your coffee.
Brewing your own latte at home instead of going to a coffee shop also helps the environment as you won’t use disposable coffee cups or single-use plastic lids. Granted, most of us endeavor to remember our reusable takeaway cups but it’s easy to forget these.
Automatic Milk Frother
There’s no need to steam and froth milk yourself as the Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker does it for you. A control knob lets you adjust the amount desired and milk automatically dispenses into your waiting cup — pre-steamed and pre-frothed for taste and convenience. Any extra milk can be kept in the unit’s milk reservoir in your refrigerator to reduce food waste.
Automatic frothers usually create thicker, more consistent frothing than handheld devices. Not to mention the milk will be warmed evenly and to the perfect temperature.
Not only does the option to adjust water hardness give you tastier coffee, it could protect your machine in the long run as well.
Additionally, you can choose between three cup sizes: 0.84, 1.35, and 3.72 ounces. Combined with the programmable milk frother settings, it’s extremely difficult to make a cup of coffee you hate using this machine.
Its digital LED color screen is easy to navigate, so the machine is user-friendly too.
15-Bar Pump System
The optimal amount of pressure is essential to good espresso shots. Not enough pressure and the result is a weak espresso shot. Too much pressure, on the other hand, means the shot is over-extracted and the espresso may taste bitter.
At least eight bars of pressure is needed to make espresso, with most coffee machines boasting a minimum of nine bar. Debates rage among coffee aficionados over whether 9 or 15 bar is the optimum pressure for quality espresso. I fall on the 15-bar side of the fence, so Mr. Coffee’s pump system is ideal to my mind.
Removable Water and Milk Reservoir Tanks
There’s no awkward maneuvering to fill the water and milk reservoir tanks with the Mr. Coffee Barista Espresso Machine. Simply remove the tanks, fill them as needed, and lock them back into place on the machine.
As mentioned earlier, the milk reservoir can be stored in the refrigerator to save wastage.
One-Touch Control Pad
You don’t need a lot of coffee know-how to make drinks with the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista. The machine has six pre-set programs: Two for espresso (in two different sizes) and four for milk-based drinks.
And if you’re a dab hand at coffee and know how to brew your drop, you can bypass the programs. Just use the control pad to manually customize your drink. Detailed instructions are included with the Mr. Coffee pump espresso maker.
What Do Users Say About the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker?
In my opinion, this coffee machine is a good entry-level unit at a reasonable price point. Plus, you’ll save money at the coffee shop and still have the convenience of a quick brew.
However, in the interest of an unbiased review, I’ve researched other peoples’ views of the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista. What do buyers who use this machine regularly think of it?
Plenty of people out there love this machine and most reviews are positive. Users praised its lattes and cappuccinos, in particular. They especially love the frother and the fact that it froths all types of milk, including plant-based varieties, great news for vegans and health nuts.
Reviewers also loved saving money by avoiding the coffee shops and how easy it was to use Mr. Coffee, even if you’ve never made cafe coffee before.
That all said, there are two main complaints about the Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker. Espresso shots can prove tricky in terms of flavor and strength. Users report that it’s best to use dark roasts to get better flavor. Additionally, users found that fine grounds resulted in clogs.
Users also suggest that cleaning the machine can be difficult. It’s important to read the instruction manual and follow the directions carefully. A clean machine results in better tasting brews.
Alternatives To The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Removable 60-ounce water reservoir tank, larger than the Mr. Coffee reservoir
Slightly lower price point than the Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000-RB
Can brew regular coffee, unlike the Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker
Not as environmentally friendly
The unit also handles lighter roasts better than the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista, although finely ground coffee may still result in clogs.
More expensive than the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso Machine
Smaller profile takes up less counter space
Better consistency and temperature control for espresso
This is a budget combination machine. Like the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista, it can make espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes.
It has a thermal block heating system for even temperatures and a manual milk frother. It’s similar in size to the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker.
Removable 40-ounce water reservoir tank
Has more wattage (1250) than the Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000-RB
Has a manual milk frother
Conclusion
The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is a solid entry-level coffee machine that makes a range of specialty drinks. It’s designed for the casual coffee drinker rather than hardcore espresso aficionados.
It offers a convenient, affordable, and fast way to make cafe-style coffees at home. Additionally, it’s easy to use, even for someone who has limited knowledge of coffee. The program buttons can do it all for you, even the milk frothing.
However, for a person who loves a great-tasting espresso shot, the Mr. Coffee model does not deliver as consistently as other, more expensive models. The temperature is inconsistent, and the quality of the espresso can suffer as a result.
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker FAQs
Can This Machine Be Used to Make Regular Coffee?
We don’t recommend the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista for brewing regular coffee. It’s designed for cafe-style drinks such as espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes.
How Many Cups Will This Brew At Once?
The Mr. Coffee Barista espresso makers can brew a single cup each time.
Can This Machine Be Used with Plant-Based Milks?
Yes. The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker works well with both dairy and plant-based milks.
Does This Machine Grind Beans?
No, the coffee beans must be ground before use in the Mr. Coffee machine.
Can It Steam/Froth Milk Without Adding Espresso?
Yes, you can steam and froth milk by itself for hot chocolates and other milk-based drinks.
How Long Does It Take to Make a Cappuccino or Latte?
Including prep and heating time, it takes the Mr. Coffee about 5 minutes to produce a drink.
Is the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Compatible with 220v?
No. This coffee machine is approved for 110 to 120 volts.