Customer Reviews

Bosch : TCA6301UC Benvenuto B30 Gourmet Coffee/Espresso Machine - Anthracite

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Bosch Benvenuto B30 is an exceptional coffee maker. We used to have a fully automatic Saeco model for the past 9 years, but it recently started leaking and so we decided to get a new machine.

Before buying the Benvenuto B30, we researched quite a few machines: The Saeco models we saw on store display didn't strike us as too well-made. Our old one was largely metal but we found the new models to be made of relatively flimsy-feeling plastic. We then looked at the Jura machines but ultimately decided against them due to their high prices, reviews we read that the coffee isn't made hot enough, and also because Jura machines only allow for three different coffee strength settings - weak, medium, and strong. We wanted more choices.

Having had experience with these types of machines for almost 10 years, we knew what we wanted: a height-adjustable spout, the possibility to use both beans and ground coffee, a relatively quiet operation, and an intelligent design which would tell us when to refill water, beans, when to clean, descale, etc. The B30 does all that and more. Moreover, it offers stylish design and is very well made.

The machine does not take long to reach its required operating temperature and the electronic display informs you when it is ready. The coffee strength can be adjusted from mild to extra-strong. Furthermore, the amount of water can be adjusted to accomodate small Espresso cups, XXL coffee mugs and pretty much everything in-between.

Undoubtedly the best feature is the height-adjustable spout, or rather spouts (the B30 has 2) which let you brew 2 cups of coffee simultaneously - a huge time-saver in the morning! We found that although the height can only be adjusted by little over 4 inches, there is no problem to use cups higher than that. This is due to the clever design that gives ample and easy access to the spouts from the side as well as from the front - we just move the cups under the spouts holding them at a slight angle. With our old Saeco machine, we always had to remove the grille and tray to be able to accomodate larger mugs.

Another very nice feature is that the water temperature can be adjusted. At the Maximum setting, the coffee is piping hot - very useful when adding cold frothed milk to it because with other machines, this makes the coffee too cold to be enjoyable. The B30 even has a heated top grille for pre-heating your coffee mugs!

And if all of that weren't enough, the machine even has an automatic timer function to automatically turn itself on at a pre-set time, and turn itself off again after a set number of hours.

In summary, this machine is incredibly easy to operate, fast and makes excellent coffee in all kinds of strengths and sizes. An integrated steamer to froth milk, etc. is of course standard.

The only other thing I would like to mention is that if you are a larger family of coffee lovers, you may find the water tank to be a bit on the small side. In our house we're just two people and find that we have to refill the tank every day after just 2 - 3 cups of XXL-size coffee. Then again: This also ensures that the water is always fresh and not stale from sitting in the tank for too long. So you be the judge whether this is a negative or not.

I whole-heartedly recommend this machine which in my opinion offers a lot more than the overpriced Jura machines, especially when it comes to flexibility!

I like the machine overall. I would buy it again. Some of the shortfalls is the coffee is not very hot and has to be heated in the microwave if you add cream. The XL cup is like a medium size cup. I usually make two cups and pour into one cup. The cleaning tablets and filters are expensive. The water filter cost $14 and needs to be changed every two months (with two coffee drinkers in my house /7 cups per day). I enjoy the variety of coffee beans I choose and like the convenience.

For several weeks, I researched written & video reviews all over the internet to find the best value in the highest quality coffee/espresso machines. The Benvenuto B30 was consistently compared to much higher priced brands -- and consistently was given rave rewiews. So I've had mine for exactly a year now, and I just love it.

I often joke about how if there were ever a fire in the house, I'd grab this first.....and then my family photos. Kidding of course! (kind of)

I bought one of these machines five months ago and it's a real prima donna.

It stops operating when it thinks it needs cleaning.. and won't work until you comply. That's a 20 minute process which you MUST monitor all the time!
It has a filter in it AND I use filtered water-- but it's descaling program kicks in regularly (base on time not condition) and it won't work until you descale it. Another monitored LONG process!
Cleaning and descaling supplies are hard to find and EXPENSIVE-- I spent over $50 on a few cleaning and four descaling tablets!

The coffee is not really hot.
I always have to top up my coffee and reheat it because I can't get a large cup out of it.

I registered my guarantee when I bought it new.
It has now stopped working completely and BOSCH is giving me the HUGEST run-around in my efforts to try to get it repaired. They won't let you take it to a registered dealer if it's under warranty. But they won't take it back unless you supply them with a paper receipt showing you bought it-- registering your guarantee is not enough. Dp they think I could build my own machine in my garage. HOW RIDICULOUS!

I've spoken to THREE different people at BOSCH who have all told me different stories-- not until my third phone call was I told about paper receipt copies.

THis is the most rubbish customer service I've ever experienced and I'm at expert at it!

Just buy something else-- this product will cost you dearly one way or another in the end.