Today, I’m eager to explore and compare two outstanding entry-level espresso machines: the Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 and the BVCLECMP1 Steam Wand Stainless. Both models boast a range of common features, such as an efficient steam wand, a thermoblock heating system, pre-infusion, and a robust stainless steel framework.
But the Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 is superior in many ways, justifying its higher price tag compared to the Calphalon BVCLECMP1. It has a 30-level burr grinder as well as lets you adjust the length of the pre-infusion period and the brewing temperature. Plus, it has a larger water tank, which means it can hold more water and requires fewer refills.
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp IQ Vs Steam Wand Stainless: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp IQ Vs Steam Wand Stainless: Differences
The BVCLECMPBM1 won 4-2 against the BVCLECMP1. Now, let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two siblings to understand how one gained an edge!
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp IQ
Built-in Grinder
Let’s start with the most significant difference between these two gardgets – the grinder. Of course, unless you use pre-ground coffee and are happy with that for the rest of your life, you need a grinder to go with your espresso machine.
The Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 is designed with a stainless steel built-in burr grinder. I won’t talk any more about the convenience of having an espresso machine and a grinder in a single package, but this one has up to 30 grinder settings! This really blows my mind since even high-end Jura machines typically cap out at around six settings.
The Calphalon BVCLECMP1 has no built-in grinder, so you need a standalone grinder to go with it. Initially, you might think this might be a downside, but let’s think about it. This means you have the freedom to choose any standalone grinder you like, and as long as you pair it with a top-notch grinder, you’re all set for success.
Dosing & Tamping
Both come equipped with what I like to refer to as the “commercial-grade portafilter” – a 58mm portafilter. This size facilitates the more even distribution of coffee grounds, and evenly distributed grounds are key to achieving consistent, high-quality espresso. Sadly, that’s the only thing I’m satisfied with.
First off, I was disappointed that they only included pressurized filter baskets. Don’t get me wrong, pressurized baskets have their place, especially if you’re struggling with achieving a fine enough grind. But, for someone who is using a high-quality grinder and top-notch beans, the absence of non-pressurized baskets is a disappointment.
So, here’s my message to Calphalon: If you want your machines to win the hearts of home baristas, especially the serious ones, consider including non-pressurized filter baskets!
What’s more, the tampers included are made of plastic. I’d definitely recommend buying a stainless steel tamper for more consistent results.
Heating System
Calphalon has equipped these machines with a thermoblock fast-heating system. Let’s face it, nobody enjoys the long wait times to watch an espresso machine sluggishly heat up, right?
With some models, you could be waiting five, ten, or even twenty minutes just for the machine to heat up. That is too long for a chaotic morning! But with a thermoblock system? The machine can go from zero to ready in under a minute!
But the benefits of the thermoblock don’t stop at speed. It also provides a consistent hot water temperature, which is crucial for extracting the perfect espresso shot, and saves energy since it heats only the water you need at the moment. Looking at the big picture, it reduces waste and saves our planet, one espresso at a time!
A key factor in elevating the experience of a good espresso is enjoying it in a warm cup. Using hot water always works, but I’m happy to see a cup warming tray on top of these machines. It’ll make all the difference to your taste buds, trust me!
Brewing System
These machines are more on the entry-level side, so I’m glad they come equipped with all the necessary tools for capturing a good shot, including a PID controller, a short pre-infusion step, and a pressure pump of 15 bars.
The PID temperature controller continuously monitors the machine’s heating system, ensuring that the water temperature for your espresso is consistently precise. As someone who’s talked about espresso a lot, I can’t help but emphasize the importance of the correct water temperature in espresso extraction.
As for pre-infusion, the machine slightly dampens the coffee grounds before applying 15 bars of full pressure to brew espresso, allowing the coffee to bloom and resulting in a more even and aromatic extraction.
The Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 has a slight advantage here with three different pre-infusion settings: gentle, distinct, and constant. And switching between them involves pressing and holding combinations of buttons on the machine – this is where the user manual becomes an essential read.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Tie
Dimensions & User Interface
| Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 | Calphalon BVCLECMP1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16 x 13.3 x 12.7 inches | 12.9 x 9.7 x 12.4 inches |
| Weight | 20.2 lbs | 14.9 lbs |
The BVCLECMP1 is a more compact and lighter option, mainly due to its lack of a built-in grinder. The BVCLECMPBM1, even with its included grinder, isn’t as bulky as I initially expected, and it won’t eat up much space on your counter.
What really captivates me about these machines is their sleek stainless steel front. It’s not only durable and easy to clean but it also exudes a classic, timeless elegance. The addition of black plastic on the top and sides of the machines doesn’t take away from the machine’s aesthetic at all. Rather, it contributes to an overall attractive and sophisticated look.
If you’re accustomed to the often puzzling symbols on manual espresso machines, you’ll love the straightforward panel on these coffee machines. I promise!
The BVCLECMP1 boasts a large dial that allows you to easily choose between single or double shots, hot water, and steam. Additionally, there’s a conveniently located on/off switch right on the front. There’s absolutely no confusion involved in operating this espresso machine.
Regarding the BVCLECMPBM1, it features a dial on the side for adjusting the steam wand and hot water settings. To select a single shot, double shot, or opt for manual control, you’ll need to use the switches in the middle. Moreover, there’s an additional switch on the far left for powering the machine on or off.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 | Calphalon BVCLECMP1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 4 Inches | 4 Inches |
These machines provide enough space to accommodate espresso cups comfortably, and if you’re using travel mugs, you can simply remove the drip tray to create extra space for them. Their drip trays incorporate a “floating” indicator, which is a practical and innovative way to alert you when the tray is full.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 | Calphalon BVCLECMP1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 2.8 liter | 2 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.25 kilogram | N/A |
As for such mid-range espresso machines, I always have high expectations when it comes to the size of the water tank, and I’m glad to say that these machines don’t let me down. The BVCLECMP1 impresses with a generous 2-liter water tank, which is quite spacious for a machine of its class, and the one on the BVCLECMPBM1 is even larger. I am also particularly pleased with the durability of these water tanks.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Tie
These machines share the same commercial-grade manual steam wand. If you are a beginner, there’s definitely a learning curve to climb before you can master the art of creating coffee-quality steamed milk. But just be patient because the journey is as rewarding as the destination.
Then, once you have been through the learning process, you will see that Calphalon’s wand can create not just creamy froth but also the much-coveted microfoam. Now, if you’re dreaming of pouring a perfect rosetta or tulip on top of your drinks at home, the Temp IQ steam wand is your new best friend.
The design of the wand itself is user-friendly. It comes on a ballpoint joint, making it exceptionally easy to rotate, which is crucial for positioning your stainless steel milk pitcher just right for proper stretching and aeration of the milk.
And speaking of the pitcher, I absolutely love that these machines come with a stainless steel pitcher included. It might not seem like a big deal at first glance, but having the right pitcher is essential for milk-based coffee drinks. It’s all about the details, right?
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1
Drink Options
| Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 | Calphalon BVCLECMP1 |
|---|---|
| Espresso Hot Water | Espresso Hot Water |
Their wands can double as hot water outlets. Considering they can boil water very quickly, this is a game changer for tea lovers. You know what I mean, right? Unless your current kettle can heat water in under a minute – which, let’s be honest, is pretty much a pipe dream – these machines are ready to take its place.
Programmability
| Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 | Calphalon BVCLECMP1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | No | No |
| Coffee Temperature | Yes | No |
| Milk Foam Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Texture | No | No |
Both allow you to choose between one or double shots, but the BVCLECMPBM1 enables you to do more than that! I’ve already touched on the customizable pre-infusion function, but you also have the ability to adjust the brewing temperature and the shot volume with BVCLECMPBM1.
Quick Rundown Of Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use.Filter type:Reusable
- 15-Bar Italian pump delivers the right amount of pressure for maximum flavor extraction and produces a beautiful layer of crema for your Espresso
- Freshly grind your beans to your preference With the integrated conical burr mill Grinder with 30 adjustable grind settings
- Pre-programmed settings for single and double shots, and dial interface for selecting steam, or hot water
- Includes single- and double-shot single wall filter Baskets
Last update on 2024-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Calphalon BVCLECMP1
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- 15-Bar Italian pump delivers the right amount of pressure for maximum flavor extraction and produces a beautiful layer of crema for your Espresso
- Dial interface for selecting steam, hot water, and pre-programmed single and double shots
- 58mm café-sized porta filter holds more grounds and ensures even water dispersion and extraction for robust flavor
- 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
Last update on 2024-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Videos
References
- Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1: chrome-extension://mhnlakgilnojmhinhkckjpncpbhabphi/pages/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=http%3A%2F%2Fcalphalon.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fcontent%2FCalphalon%2FCalphalonEspresso_IB_MECH_HR.pdf
- Calphalon BVCLECMP1: chrome-extension://mhnlakgilnojmhinhkckjpncpbhabphi/pages/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=http%3A%2F%2Fcalphalon.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fcontent%2FCalphalon%2FCalphalon_MiniEspresso_MECH_R3_HR.pdf
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.