An trustworthy evaluate of Melitta’s newest brewing gadget.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Featured photograph courtesy of Melitta
If you happen to’re in search of a espresso maker that treats brewing as each a craft and a visible expertise,the Melitta Imaginative and prescient 12-Cup Luxe Drip Espresso Maker definitely makes its case. With its glowing water stage, twin heating system, and a glance that might simply move for a contemporary artwork set up, it guarantees each kind and performance. However does it ship extra than simply attractiveness?
After a number of weeks of tinkering with its options, brewing in several eventualities, and noting each delights and quirks, right here’s what I discovered.
Design & Construct High quality
From the second you unbox it, the Melitta Imaginative and prescient makes an announcement. It’s constructed round a two-tower design: one aspect for the glass water reservoir, the opposite for the filter basket and borosilicate glass carafe. A pretend-wood bridge joins the 2, and the spiralized metallic accents elevate it from “equipment” to “countertop centerpiece.”
The carafe itself is all glass—no plastic deal with—which is undeniably minimalist and stylish. The lid has a petal-like spiral design that mirrors the filter basket lid. The absence of plastic would possibly make some customers nervous, however the borosilicate materials feels reassuringly stable.
The true social gathering trick? The movable management panel that slides across the base. Whether or not your kitchen setup is cramped or open, you’ll be able to place it entrance, aspect, or again for simple entry. Out there in black or white—with tasteful wooden or copper accents—it’s clear it is a espresso maker designed for many who care about aesthetics as a lot as brewing efficiency. It’s additionally award-winning, having earned the Good Design Award (2021), Purple Dot Design Award (2022), and IDEA Award (2022).
Specs + Options
Dimensions
The Melitta Imaginative and prescient is bigger than the common drip brewer, measuring about 16″ L x 6.9″ W x 15″ H and weighing 7 lbs. It runs on 120V energy, with a 64 oz. water capability (about 12 cups).
Specs:
- 180° swivel dashboard for versatile placement.
- Twin heating system—one for brewing, one for warming.
- Adjustable warming plate timer (30–120 min.).
- Contact controls with programmable timer & LCD display screen.
- Cone-shaped filter basket with pause & serve perform.
- Adjustable brew energy (common or daring).
- Detachable, dishwasher-safe filter basket.
- Borosilicate glass carafe with plastic lid.
- Descaling indicator.
- Comes with #4 paper filters and scoop.
Brewing Expertise
Brewing with the Melitta Imaginative and prescient begins merely sufficient—fill the water tank, insert a paper filter, add your grounds, choose brew energy, and hit begin. When you do, the orange glow of the water riser kicks in, giving the method a theatrical, nearly siphon-like really feel.
A full pot averaged just below 10 minutes in my exams, and my thermometer constantly learn brew temperatures within the 172–176°F (77–80°C) vary on the carafe. The pause & serve system labored flawlessly. I pulled the carafe mid-brew at numerous phases—early, mid, and late cycle—and the machine stopped immediately, resuming with out seen drips or noticeable taste influence. That is helpful for impatient drinkers or those that insist on a pre-taste whereas the remainder is brewing.
Exploring Brew Modes & Warmth Retention
I used to be wanting to attempt the Melitta Imaginative and prescient’s ”Daring” mode, which primarily works by lowering the water content material barely, boosting the coffee-to-water focus and intensifying the flavour profile. With Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, this setting introduced out sharper citrus and floral notes, whereas the “Common” mode softened them right into a gentler, tea-like profile. With Sumatra Mandheling, Daring mode produced a denser, chocolate-heavy cup, although you threat slight bitterness in the event you grind too fantastic. In distinction, Common mode felt extra forgiving for relaxed, all-day sipping.
Programming was refreshingly intuitive—no guide wanted. I examined the auto-start function a number of occasions, each by setting it up proper earlier than mattress and throughout the day. The one disadvantage? In a single day-prepped grounds, unsurprisingly, misplaced a few of their freshness—however that’s not on the machine, and a few won’t even discover.
Warmth retention is first rate. The warming plate caps at 120 minutes, with a maintain temperature averaging round 175°F (~79°C). That’s fantastic for protecting espresso piping sizzling, however extended publicity at that temp can mute delicate origin notes—particularly in lighter roasts. I’d like to see adjustable warming plate temperatures to permit gentler holding (~150°F) for nuanced coffees.
Cleansing & Upkeep
Cleansing was blissfully low effort. The carafe and filter basket are each dishwasher-safe, although I discovered handwashing preserved the carafe’s readability higher. The remainder of the unit simply wants a wipe-down with a humid material. A built-in descaling indicator takes the guesswork out of when to deep clear.
Who It’s For
The Melitta Imaginative and prescient 12-Cup Luxe is finest suited to espresso drinkers who see brewing as a ritual value savoring, not only a caffeine supply system. If you happen to respect design as a lot as cup high quality, this machine gives each in spades—with its award-winning aesthetics, glowing brew chamber, and adaptable management panel placement.
It’s particularly interesting for many who brew a number of cups without delay, get pleasure from experimenting with completely different origins and roast profiles, and like the choice to fine-tune energy with out diving into overly advanced settings.
It’s additionally a powerful match for households the place counter house is a consideration, due to the swiveling dashboard that adapts to your structure. The programmable begin time will win over early risers who need espresso prepared as they stroll into the kitchen.
At $259.99, the Melitta Imaginative and prescient clearly sits within the premium drip espresso maker class. You’re paying not just for stable brewing efficiency but additionally for award-winning design and supplies that elevate it past utilitarian kitchen gear. Whereas budget-conscious patrons could balk, for many who worth each the cup and the craft—and need a machine that appears like an announcement piece—the funding makes extra sense.
For extra particulars and buying choices, go to the official web site.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal and a contract copywriter and editor with a major give attention to the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate folks about baristas and their work.
Subscribe and Extra!
As at all times, you’ll be able to learn Barista Journal in paper by subscribing or ordering a problem.
Learn the August + September 2025 Situation at no cost with our digital version.
At no cost entry to greater than 5 years’ value of points, go to our digital version archives right here.
