The Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ espresso machine with steam wand stainless features thermoblock heating and PID temperature control to evenly heat during the espresso extraction, combined with pre-infusion to bloom the espresso grounds for maximum flavor. The Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine uses precision heating technology to evenly heat for great-tasting espresso. A café-sized 58 mm portafilter allows for even water dispersion and robust flavor. Powerful steam wand produces creamy froth and microfoam milk for cappuccinos, lattes, and more. Find details in Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ espresso machine with steam wand stainless reviews.
In the Box
- Stainless steel milk pitcher
- Tamper
- Dual Wall 1 and 2 Cup Filters
- Cleaning pin
Key features – Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ espresso machine with steam wand stainless
- Dial interface for selecting steam, hot water, and pre-programmed single and double shots
- 15-Bar Italian Pump delivers the right amount of pressure for maximum flavor extraction and produces a beautiful layer of crema for your espresso
- Thermoblock Heating Technology and PID Temperature Control delivers even heat for consistently great-tasting espresso, and Pre-Infusion gently blooms the espresso grounds for optimally extracted espresso
- 58mm café-sized portafilter holds more grounds and ensures even water dispersion and extraction for robust flavor
- Removable 2.0L water reservoir with hinged lid for easy filling
- Includes stainless steel milk pitcher, tamper,and cleaning pin
- Cup Warming Tray for espresso-ready cups and Steam Wand froths milk for creating cappuccinos, lattes, and other drinks, just like in coffee shops
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ espresso machine with steam wand stainless reviews
Design and build
I was excited to test this basic version of Calphalon Temp IQ espresso maker that comes with no grinder.
A basic Calphalon Temp IQ is an elegant and stylish espresso maker. We really enjoyed its stainless steel look, with fashionable black accents around it. Furthermore, the simplicity and ease of this espresso machine was apparent. Very simple and intuitive operation to brew delicious espresso and espresso-based beverages.
This espresso machine came in a stainless steel design, with some chrome accents. There was black plastic on the sides. However, this Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) looked absolutely elegant and modern. It fit into my more traditional kitchen space, and I can imagine this machine can look great in many different spaces.
Unit size
The machine is similar in size to some of the Keurig coffee makers. It fits really well on my countertop. With a size of 15.3 x 14 x 11.5 inches, it was quite alright. Albeit, I see that some kitchens may have a difficult time to accommodate it. However, this is a machine to show off, not to hide under a counter, so find a nice, central positioning for it.
Weight
Expectedly, this basic Calphalon Temp IQ espresso maker was a little heavier, weighing about 15 pounds. This is still much lighter than some of the more advanced and robust coffee makers. However, I found a permanent spot for this espresso maker on my countertop.
Warming tray
On the top of the machine, I found what is called a cup warming tray with a dedicated spot for the tamper. The cup warming tray was an excellent to warm espresso cups. The machine also came with a 70oz (2L) removable water reservoir.
Basket size
58 mm. Furthermore, the machine comes with two filters: one for single, and one for double dose. The larger size of the basket allows water to infuse coffee grounds more evenly. Better infused leads to a better extraction, which, consequently, results in tastier and richer coffee.
Pouring spout
The machine was charming in its simplicity. The pouring spout was at the center front of the machine. It accommodated two espresso cups. The frothing wand was to the right of the spout, in the front of the machine. I thought that the design was simple, but very ergonomic.
Easy operation with control panel
On top of the spout, there was the control panel of the machine. The control panel was ridiculously easy and convenient. There were the following options:
- A toggle to turn on/off an espresso machine, and
- A dial button to select different brew sizes (single or double shot), select the steam function for milk frothing, or to dispense hot water.
Voltage: Basic Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine is made for 120V, and can be used in Canada and the US only.
Beverage size: The machine has 1 shot and 2 shots options. I was able to select a desired size by turning the dial until the indicator pointed toward either 1 shot or 2 shots. When selecting 2 shots, I had a choice of placing two cups under the pouring spout to brew two 1-shot espressos.
Milk frother: People who like cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk based coffee drinks will love the fact that this machine also has a milk frother that uses steam power to create foamy, creamy froth.
Pressure / pressure gauge: The Basic Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) came with a 15-bar Italian pressure pump. This BAR amount is what we expect from a very solid espresso machine.
Water reservoir: Basic Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine had no coffee grinder, but came with a 70oz removable water reservoir. The reservoir is on the back of the machine. It came with a hinged lid for easy water refilling.
Additional perks: I was so excited for this Calphalon Temp IQ (no coffee grinder) review. The machine comes with some really great and unparalleled features.
✓ Even deeper, richer and more extracted flavors thanks to the pre-infusion technology. The pre-infusion allows ground coffee to expand for amazing espresso results. Further, a 58m portafilter is larger than a typical 52mm portafilter. This allows more water to come in contact with coffee grounds.
Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) heats water quickly and efficiently, and maintains it at a constant, optimum temperature for coffee brewing. The espresso machine came with technology that ensures proper temperature to brew coffee. Control over brew temperature (PID) and Thermoblock heating technology are best in class.
Brews rich and creamy espresso with its 15-BAR Italian pump.
Comes with additional tools to make brewing easier and simpler. Those tools include a stainless steel milk pitcher to froth milk, a tamper, dual wall 1- and 2-cup filters, and a cleaning pin.
Not just coffee, but also a hot water dispenser. I was able to dispense hot water for tea, Americano, hot chocolate, soups.
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ espresso machine with steam wand stainless Performance reviews
Temperature: Digital temperature control (PID) delivered water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction. Digital temperature control (PID) technology detected and minimizeed any fluctuation during extraction, ensuring the temperature is kept at its optimum range, every time. Also, the Thermoblock technology heats up the water fast and efficiently.
Brewing time: The time to heat water is very short. Ot tales about 30 seconds to brew a double shot espresso. The machine is very effective and impressive in that regard.
Noise levels: This machine makes a buzzing sound while brewing, but manages to keep noise within acceptable limits. There’s also a typical steam-release hissing sound, when frothing milk.
Flavor: I brewed multiple cups of coffee for this Basic Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) review. I brewed several espressos, which were rich, deep and strong. However, I let my creative get the best of me. With the milk frothing wand, I was able to froth some milk. That allowed me to prepare perfect cappuccinos, lattes and some other milk-based coffee drinks.
Cleaning: As with most espresso machines, we strongly recommend a proper maintenance of this Basic Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine. Information about cleaning this espresso maker can be found in the manual that comes with the machine.
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ espresso machine with steam wand stainless customer reviews
The Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine is a nice basic model espresso machine for making a variety of espresso drinks. The cup warmer works well even with the warming plate being plastic. I find it best to place the cup upside down when warming. The machine does not come with a coffee spoon to measure out ground coffee for the one and two cup filter baskets.
It does take a little fiddling to get the right amount of coffee in each cup so the the tamp seats firmly in the proper position according to the instructions. The portafilter seats firmly which requires two hands to completely eat in the locked position. The rubber feet on the machine are not sufficiently large to hold the unit in place while seating the portafilter. The feet are half spheres and do not have enough contact with the counter top to provide enough friction for the unit to stay in place while turning the handle to the lock position.
You have to hold the unit in place with on hand while locking the portafilter with the other. Once in place, the timed brew works perfectly and the indicator light helps to know when the brewing cycle is complete. While the two cup filter basket could be used to make two cups of espresso, it is not good for making two cups of espresso drinks simultaneously as the mile pitcher is only large enough to make a single cup, therefore you’d have two cups of espresso in a single brew, but would have to froth two cups of milk sequentially to get enough frothed milk for two espresso drinks. If you like double shot espresso drinks, then the mile pitcher size is just fine for a single espresso drink.
The drip tray hides the storage area for the second filter basket and the cleaning pin, which is really convenient to keep all the parts together in one place. The filter basket is somewhat difficult to clear when finished brewing. A good swift bump as per the instructions still doesn’t completely clear the basket. It works better if you leave the basket in place until after you have finished frothing milk and making the drink. It still will not release the entire puck due to a lot of moisture still in the basket, but it does release more than if you tried to empty it right after brewing. The accompanying instruction make this recommendation as well. Overall, the machine was simple to setup and operate, and it makes really good espresso drinks with great crema. (Yes, hubby forgot to wipe the steam and water wand right away in the video.. LOL).
Alternate of Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ espresso machine with steam wand stainless
1. Breville Duo Temp Pro
Another Breville option but this one is a slightly low cost espresso machine. Don’t worry, this model doesn’t disappoints in any case, and for the price tag of below $400, it is a great choice.
It comes only in stainless steel and also includes the steam wand for cappuccinos and most of the features from the previous option. The size is only a little bit smaller and has a little less capacity of water storage and output. Few of the control options for the extraction are more limited, but you have the basic or all the essentials required.
However, this little Breville machine is still of the highest quality and will surely not disappoint. A perfect choice for someone looking to spend around $400.
- Precise extraction
- High dosage for a full flavor
- Steam wand for perfect cappuccinos
- Intuitive and simple controls
2. Nespresso by De’Longhi EN560S Lattissima Touch
This gorgeous machine by DeLonghi uses the famous Nespresso pod system to bring amazing espresso shots without any hassle. For a price around $300 on sale (which is almost always), is it an excellent choice when looking for an espresso maker.
It also includes the milk reservoir on the side to automatically foam and serves the milk inside the cup. Nespresso is one of the kings of convenience and if you value this aspect, then this could be a perfect choice.
This particular model is extremely classy, with some white creamy touches on top of a brushed aluminum finish.
In the end, you cannot go wrong with Nespresso and DeLonghi, making this a great contender for that sub $300 mark. And if you are worrying about the recurring costs of Nespresso pods, you can save much by using some other brand compatible capsules or the reusable ones.
- Nespresso pod system
- Automatic milk frother
- Easy to use and convenient
- Easy to clean
3. Gaggia Classic Pro
The Classic Pro from Gaggia is one of the “expensive” options within our list, reaching the price around $449, it doesn’t leave too much room in the budget. However, this machine will be more than your regular coffee maker.
The steam wand included will also allow you to froth without issues and with a professional touch. The brushed stainless steel finish is classy and it really turns this machine into a shower.
We would say this machine is great for home but it can be a bit overkill for some, it could be even enough for small cafes.
The controls are easy to use and fairly straight-forward, while the rest of this machine is just made to last and to manage huge workloads.
- Commercial level
- ESE pods or ground coffee system
- Dual mouth for two cups at a time
- Steam wand
Editor’s recommendations
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- De’Longhi Autentica Plus ETAM 29.620.SB review – get barista coffee
- Best Nespresso pod coffee machines UK prices and reviews