While both espresso machines are the Calphalon’s pride and joy, the Calphalon Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp IQ vs Steam Wand Stainless does not have all features in common. The former does not have a grinder and the latter does. Also, the former features only double-wall filter baskets and the latter features a single and double wall.
So the decision rests on choosing the better Temp iQ espresso maker with or without a grinder and single wall filter baskets. And if you want to buy the Calphalon with more features, you have to pay twice as much.
For brewing regular cups of espresso, you can invest in a low-priced competitor. You simply have to buy coffee that is pre-ground or use ESE pods. The rest the machine will take care of.
But for brewing a more nuanced flavour of espresso, just like a barista, invest in the Caphalon BVCLECMPBM1 Temp iQ – it has a strong burr grinder with 30 grind settings and a 1 and 2 cup single and double-wall filter basket for better control over the strength of espresso.
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp IQ vs Steam Wand Stainless: Comparision Chart
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp IQ vs Steam Wand Stainless: Differences
Between both Calphalon espresso makers, one is more affordable and the other is twice its cost. So the Calphalon with the built-in grinder has a sturdy and premium design. It has a few extra accessories for brewing just like a barista machine. This is why it wins (3 – 0) against the cheaper Calphalon with no built-in grinder.
1. Espresso Taste
The Winner: Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1
Though both espresso machines feature the same temp IQ technology with a Thermoblock, PID, and pre-infusion feature, the Calphalon that is more expensive comes with a built-in grinder with 30 grind settings.
This grinder is a conical mill burr grinder. So it’s fast, sharp, and quiet. You can use pre-ground coffee and ESE pods in both machines. The included grinder increases your chances of experiencing a more nuanced flavour of coffee in every cup. You can adjust the fineness level easily, as both machines feature a café-standard 58mm portafilter.
The dual wall filter baskets with a single and double shot size work perfectly well. Moving on, both machines also feature auto-shot volumetric control.
So I will say that on account of using coffee beans in the higher-priced Calphalon, the runner-up can be a little messier to use. Considering that you need to fill the portafilter with pre-ground coffee every time before pulling an espresso shot. In the former, you can store up to 1.24 cups of beans and get consistently delicious and freshly-extracted espresso on demand.
2. Dose Control
The Winner: Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1
Though both machines have a single and double shot auto-shot volumetric control, this Calphalon comes with 1 and 2 cup single-wall filters and 1 and 2 cup double wall filters. The Calphalon features a dual-wall filter basket, not a single wall.
The difference is that between a pressurized and non-pressurized basket. Double-wall baskets are known as pressurized baskets. They, as their name suggests, consists of two walls. A single wall basket has just the mesh wall that allows the grounds to extract espresso.
Most entry-level machines have pressurized baskets. For commercial-grade use, however, double-wall baskets are not commonly used. That’s the job of a single wall basket.
The function of a double wall basket is that it produces a stronger pressure for espresso extraction. This pulls a more intense shot for home brewers without the need for dialling in anything. The dual walls make sure that all the grounds are covered in hot water. And that nothing gets left behind even if the grind is not very precise.
A single, or non-pressurized basket, brews espresso exactly right. The taste of espresso depends as much on the pressure built inside the basket as on the pressure you apply while tamping.
Coffee enthusiasts and experts will love this feature because it allows more flexibility over how strong you want your espresso to taste.
Considering that the higher-priced Calphalon has its own built-in grinder and 30 grind settings, using a single wall basket will yield more intense espresso results. Make sure your dose is finer to achieve the best results from a non-pressurized (single) wall portafilter basket.
3. Cleaning & Maintenance
The Winner: Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1
Cleaning Tools
Again, the higher-priced Calphalon comes with more cleaning tools than the Calphalon without the built-in grinder. It also comes with a clean-me indicator to let you know exactly when to clean the machine.
It includes a cleaning disc, a cleaning pin, and a cleaning brush. Both machines come with a tamper and a stainless steel pitcher. But the lower-priced Calphalon has only a cleaning pin, no disc or brush included.
The build quality and all the controls and functionalities of both machines are similar. The dial interface on both machines lets you select precisely the dose you want. This includes 1 shot, 2 shot, and steam, and hot water function.
Reservoir Tank
Both the Calphalon machines have a removable water tank with a 2 and 2.8-litre capacity. The Calphalon with the grinder has a larger water tank capacity. But it’s ironic because it is slightly more compact than the other with regards to depth. It features a bean hopper too which sits on top of the machine. So you will need some top clearance to fit this Calphalon in.
Both machines feature a stainless steel surface which is easy to clean and does not scratch or dent very easily.
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp IQ vs Steam Wand Stainless: Similarities
The top benefit and similarity of brewing espresso from both machines are that, over time, you will master the art of brewing espresso exactly like local coffee shops.
Both machines feature the same Thermoblock heating system which is faster, more efficient, and precise. The PID digital control ensures that the machine doesn’t lose temperature, even between pulling an espresso shot and getting the machine heated up for steaming.
Speaking of which, the stainless steel steam wands on both machines are sturdy and easy to use. They rotate out for you to place it inside the stainless steel milk jug. The stainless steel milk jug is included in both machines.
The speed and consistency with which the steam wand froths milk are accurate. The overall performance of both espresso machines has led many customers and coffee lovers to believe that they are the most premium-grade and durable choices for home brewers.
And the fact that both machines are within the “entry-level” budget, with stainless steel housing, chrome accents, and a polished exterior, they look far more advanced and “luxurious” to buy.
The 58mm portafilter is has a grip-focused handle that snaps easily into place. And it’s easy to clean afterwards. You can use the hot water dispenser to rinse the portafilter to get rid of residue grounds from the basket. I would also recommend pre-heating the portafilter and wiping the excess hot water for a better, richer espresso shot.
Quick Rundown Of Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 Temp iQ Steam Wand Stainless
- 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
- 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 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ
- 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
- 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 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Videos
References
- Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 Temp iQ Steam Wand Stainless from Calphalon https://www.calphalon.com/kitchen-appliances/coffee-makers/calphalon-temp-iq-espresso-machine-with-grinder-and-steam-wand-stainless/SAP_2096351.html
- Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp IQ from Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ip/Calphalon-BVCLECMP1-Temp-iQ-Espresso-Machine-with-Steam-Wand-Stainless/866215701
I am a passionate coffee drinker. Since I left my job as a barista a few years back in 2012, I’ve been sharing my expertise on coffee and buying the best coffee equipment online. That’s how Wild Boar Coffee came to life.
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