Mr. Coffee 2168819 One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker: A Sophisticated Home Barista for Coffee Lovers

For coffee aficionados who want to enjoy barista-quality espresso drinks at home, the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ is an enticing option. This sleek and intuitive coffee machine can deliver creamy cappuccinos, frothy lattes, and rich espresso with just a single touch. But does it live up to its promises? We tested it out to find out.

Espresso, with its rich history and vibrant culture, has become a beloved beverage worldwide. Originating in Italy in the early 20th century, espresso quickly gained popularity for its concentrated flavor and quick brewing time. The invention of the espresso machine revolutionized coffee preparation, using high pressure to extract the essence of finely ground coffee beans, resulting in a bold and aromatic shot. Today, espresso is not just a drink; it’s a lifestyle, with countless variations and a dedicated following of coffee enthusiasts who appreciate its unique qualities.

Overview

Released in April 2022, the Mr. Coffee 2168819 One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for home use. With its compact modern design and glossy grey exterior, it looks like it would fit right in at a hip coffee shop. Beneath the stylish facade lies some serious coffee-brewing capabilities, including a 19-bar Italian pump, built-in grinder, automatic milk frother, and support for single/double shots. It boasts a 900-watt power rating and an ample water reservoir. According to Mr. Coffee, it can produce cafe-quality espresso drinks with minimal effort.

Key Features

The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker boasts several key features that contribute to its appeal:

• One-Touch Control Panel: Simplifies the brewing process for various espresso drinks.
• 19-Bar Italian Pump: Ensures optimal flavor extraction for rich espresso.
• Automatic Milk Frother: Creates light and airy milk foam with adjustable settings.
• Removable Milk Reservoir: Facilitates easy refilling and cleaning.
• Adjustable Cup Tray: Accommodates various cup sizes.
• ESE Pod Compatibility: Offers convenience and flexibility in brewing options.
• Easy Clean Cycle: Streamlines the cleaning process for the milk frother.

Design

With its glossy exterior and slim profile (10.47 x 14.01 x 12.8 inches), the Mr. Coffee 2168819 One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker features an attractive, contemporary design. The intuitive control panel provides backlit buttons for each drink type, and the black accents and stainless steel details give it a sophisticated look. The adjustable spouts can accommodate cups up to 5.5 inches tall. Overall, the design is polished and will look great on any kitchen countertop.

Ease of Use

Operation is designed to be simple for beginners and experienced users alike. Inserting the portafilter, choosing a drink, and customizing the settings only takes a few seconds. The progress bar provides visual feedback as it heats up and brews. The milk frother automatically produces frothed milk without any manual effort. Users mention the machine is very easy to use right out of the box.

Coffee Quality

With its 19 bars of pressure and metal portafilter, the Mr. Coffee 2168819 One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker can extract espresso with a nice crema and full, robust flavor. The aroma and taste rival what you would get from a coffee shop. The 19-bar pressure pump ensures that the water passes through the coffee grounds at the ideal pressure to extract the full flavor, resulting in an espresso that’s as aromatic and flavorful as one made by a professional barista. Users praise the rich espresso shots it pulls once dialed in properly.

Customer Insights

Based on the 2,993 customer ratings, the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker holds a commendable 4.2 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon. Users particularly laud its ease of assembly, rating it a 4.7, and its durability, scoring a 4.4. The espresso maker’s ease of use and the flavor quality of the coffee it produces both receive a solid 4.2 rating. These ratings reflect the machine’s reliability and user-friendly design, making it a favored choice among coffee enthusiasts.

Performance

The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ boasts a 19-bar Italian pump that guarantees optimal flavor extraction, ensuring each espresso shot is rich and robust. The built-in grinder allows for freshly ground coffee, enhancing the flavor of your brew. The one-touch control panel simplifies the brewing process, making it accessible even for beginners. While its automatic milk frother and adjustable cup tray add convenience, some users have noted that the machine’s drink output can vary, with some experiences of receiving less volume than expected.

One-Touch Control Panel

The intuitive control panel is a standout feature of the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+. With pre-programmed buttons for single or double shots, cappuccinos, and lattes, brewing your favorite espresso drink is as simple as a single touch. This user-friendly design eliminates the guesswork and complexity often associated with espresso machines, making it a great choice for beginners and coffee enthusiasts alike.

The one-touch control panel works by activating pre-set brewing parameters for each drink selection. When you press a button, the machine automatically adjusts the water temperature, pressure, and volume to deliver the desired beverage. This simplifies the brewing process and ensures consistent results every time.

19-Bar Italian Pump

The heart of any espresso machine is its pump, and the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ doesn’t disappoint. Its 19-bar Italian pump is a professional-grade component that delivers the ideal pressure for extracting the full flavor and aroma from your coffee grounds. This high pressure ensures that the water is forced through the coffee at the optimal rate, resulting in a rich, flavorful espresso with a beautiful crema.

ESE Pod Compatibility

For those who value convenience, the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ offers compatibility with Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods. These pre-portioned pods eliminate the need for measuring and tamping coffee grounds, making brewing a breeze. It’s a great option for busy mornings or when you want a quick and mess-free espresso fix.

Automatic Milk Frother

For cappuccino and latte lovers, the automatic milk frother is a game-changer. With adjustable settings, you can customize the froth density to your liking, whether you prefer a light and airy foam or a denser, creamier texture. The frother takes the effort out of creating perfectly frothed milk, allowing you to enjoy barista-quality drinks at home.

Removable Milk Reservoir

The convenience of a removable milk reservoir cannot be overstated. This 18-ounce container holds enough milk for multiple drinks and can be easily detached for refilling and cleaning. It also allows you to store leftover milk in the refrigerator, minimizing waste and ensuring that your milk stays fresh.

Adjustable Cup Tray

The adjustable cup tray is a thoughtful addition that caters to various cup sizes. Whether you’re using a small espresso cup or a tall travel mug, you can adjust the tray height to fit your drinkware. This feature prevents messy spills and ensures that your coffee is dispensed directly into your cup.

Progress Bar

The progress bar is a visual indicator that keeps you informed about the brewing status of your espresso drink. It illuminates during the heating process and shows the progress of your drink as it’s being brewed. This feature eliminates the guesswork and lets you know exactly when your coffee is ready to enjoy.

Height-Adjustable Cup Tray

The adjustable cup tray is a practical feature that allows you to use a variety of cup sizes. Whether you prefer a small espresso cup or a larger mug for your latte, you can easily adjust the tray height to prevent spills and ensure a perfect fit. This versatility makes the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ suitable for various preferences and occasions.

Premium Interface & Accessories

The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ boasts a premium interface and accessories that enhance the overall user experience. The sleek, modern design with its intuitive touch controls adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen countertop. The included accessories, such as single and double shot filters, a measuring scoop, and a tamper, provide everything you need to start brewing barista-quality espresso drinks right away.

Easy Clean Cycle

Maintaining the cleanliness of your espresso machine is essential for optimal performance and longevity. The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ simplifies this task with its Easy Clean cycle. This automatic cycle uses steam to clean the milk frother, saving you time and effort. Regular cleaning ensures that your machine continues to produce delicious, fresh-tasting espresso drinks.

Noise

With its high-powered pump and steaming wands, the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker produces a reasonable amount of noise when brewing. However, reviewers do not find the noise excessive or distracting. It’s comparable to other pump espresso machines.

Power

The Mr. Coffee 2168819 One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker runs on a 120V electrical system and uses a 900 watt power rating during operation. There is no battery option.

User Feedback Analysis

An in-depth look at customer reviews reveals plenty of insightful commentary from real-world users of the Mr. Coffee 2168819 One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker. While a majority of owners are highly enthusiastic about the machine, there is also constructive criticism that exposes a few limitations.

Numerous reviewers sincerely praise the Mr. Coffee 2168819 One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker for allowing them to craft café-caliber drinks from the comfort of home. They exclaim that the espresso shots have a rich, full-bodied taste with a velvety crema that looks professionally pulled. Latte and cappuccino drinkers rave about the featherlight, creamy foam produced by the automatic milk frother, which mimics the texture of drinks from their favorite barista. Many share that they now prefer their home-brewed lattes to the ones they used to buy.

Not all feedback is glowing, however. A common complaint crops up regarding the smaller drink volumes produced compared to previous Mr. Coffee models. Where some users could previously fill a large 16 oz mug, the Mr. Coffee 2168819 One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker maxes out around 12 oz. This leaves some customers disappointed and wishing it could accommodate larger travel mugs.

Several owners also note an inconvenience around cleaning the milk reservoir, which requires rinsing after every use to prevent residue buildup. They wish it was easier to thoroughly clean the frother system to maintain that fresh taste. Some have also documented quality control issues, with parts like the water reservoir cracking after minimal use.

For users concerned about the smaller drink volumes, experimenting with different milk and coffee ratios can help find a satisfying balance. Regular maintenance and cleaning, particularly of the milk frothing system, can significantly enhance the longevity and performance of the machine.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- One-touch simple operation
- Excellent espresso and milk frothing performance
- Removable milk reservoir for convenience
- Height-adjustable spouts
- Sleek modern aesthetics

Cons:
- Lower drink volume capacity
- Milk reservoir needs frequent cleaning
- Durability issues reported for some parts
- Cannot brew regular coffee

Value

With a retail price of $349, the Mr. Coffee 2168819 One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker is very competitively priced compared to similar semi-automatic espresso/cappuccino makers, many of which cost $500 and up. Given its range of features, solid performance, and quality drinks it can produce, it delivers excellent value for money.

Final Thoughts

The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker stands out as a user-friendly, versatile, and efficient machine that caters well to the home barista

Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 10.47 x 14.01 x 12.8 inches
• Item Weight: 13.57 pounds
• Wattage: 900 watts
• Water Reservoir Capacity: unknown
• Milk Reservoir Capacity: 18 oz
• Pump Pressure: 19 bar
• Frother: automatic with adjustable foam thickness
• Brewer Type: semi-automatic pump espresso machine
• Drink Types: espresso, cappuccino, latte
• Color: grey
• Housing Material: plastic

Box Contents

The Mr. Coffee 2168819 One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker box includes:

• Main espresso/cappuccino machine
• Single shot filter
• Double shot filter
• Measuring scoop
• Tamper
• Instruction manual

Mr. Coffee® One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ User Manual

Important Safeguards

1. Read all instructions carefully before use.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
3. To protect against electric shock, never immerse the appliance, cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
4. This appliance is not intended for use by children or individuals with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities. Keep the appliance and its cord out of reach of children.
5. Unplug from the outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
6. Do not operate the appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after any malfunction. Return it to an authorized service center for examination and repair.
7. Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter or touch hot surfaces.
8. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated oven.
9. Do not use the appliance for other than its intended use.

Getting Started

1. Unboxing: Carefully unpack your Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ and remove all packaging materials.
2. Cleaning: Wash the water reservoir, milk reservoir, portafilter, filters, scoop, and tamper with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
3. Priming:
   • Fill the water reservoir to the MAX line.
   • Fill the milk reservoir with water to the MAX line.
   • Insert the portafilter with a filter (single or double shot) and place a cup underneath.
   • Plug in the appliance and turn it on.
   • Press the Manual Espresso button to run a water-only cycle.
   • Press the Manual Froth button to run a steam cycle.
   • Discard the water and your machine is primed!

Operation

1. Filling the Water Reservoir: Fill the water reservoir with cold, fresh water up to the MAX line.
2. Filling the Milk Reservoir (Optional): If making a cappuccino or latte, fill the milk reservoir with cold milk up to the MAX line.
3. Grinding Coffee (Optional): If using whole beans, grind them to a fine consistency (like table salt).
4. Preparing Espresso:
   • Choose the desired filter (single or double shot).
   • Fill the filter with ground coffee or insert an ESE pod.
   • Tamp the coffee grounds (if using ground coffee).
   • Insert the portafilter into the brew head and lock it in place.
   • Place a cup under the spout(s).
   • Press the Espresso button (single or double) or the Manual Espresso button.
5. Preparing Cappuccino or Latte:
   • Adjust the froth level using the Froth Control Knob.
   • Press the Cappuccino or Latte button (small or large).
   • The machine will brew espresso and froth milk automatically.

Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Empty and rinse: Empty and rinse the drip tray and milk reservoir after each use.
2. Clean the portafilter and filters: Rinse the portafilter and filters under running water.
3. Clean the milk frother: Use the Easy Clean cycle to steam clean the milk frother.
4. Wipe down the exterior: Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
5. Descale regularly: Descale the machine every 3-6 months to remove mineral buildup (refer to the descaling instructions in the full manual).

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Use fresh, cold milk for optimal frothing.
• Experiment with different types of coffee beans and grind sizes to find your perfect flavor.
• If the machine is not brewing, check if the water reservoir is empty or not properly inserted.
• If the milk is not frothing, ensure the milk reservoir is filled and properly inserted.
• Refer to the full manual for detailed troubleshooting steps and additional tips.

Enjoy your barista-quality espresso drinks at home with the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso Maker!