Filter coffee machines
General information
Electrical appliances do not belong in domestic waste. Therefore, please dispose of the appliance in an environmentally friendly way via suitable collection systems. Appliances marked with this symbol are subject to the European Directive for WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). The aim of this EU directive is to avoid, reduce and environmentally dispose of the increasing quantity of electronic waste. You can obtain information on collection points for electronic devices from your city and regional administration.
The "Mission eco & care" label offers a complete sustainability assessment for each Melitta® appliance. This includes the manufacturing and usage phase as well as recycling at the end of the product life. The value system, according to which a product can be awarded a maximum of five stars, provides consumers with a direct aid to choose an appliance that ensures responsible enjoyment. You will find detailed information about the "Mission eco & care" label here.
Being a coffee expert, Melitta® offers you a wide range of different roasted coffees. You will find an overview of the variety of our range here.
Since coffee is made 98 percent from water, the water quality has a major influence on the flavour of the coffee. Therefore, the water should be neither too hard nor too soft. The water hardness varies considerably from region to region. While very soft water increases the acidity of the coffee, very hard water reduces the acidity of the coffee.
As a coffee expert, Melitta® not only offers you a variety of filter coffee machines, but also a wide range of filters. Depending on the required number of cups and the machine you are using, you will need a specific coffee filter size to ensure optimum development of your filter coffee. Our range of filters includes the Original, Gourmet and Natura product ranges. For a very special taste experience, our Melitta Gourmet® filters feature the innovative AromaporPLUS® system that improves the flow of the fine coffee oils that carry over 800 coffee aromas. Sustainability is in the foreground for Melitta® Natura filters because 60% fast-growing bamboo is used in their production. Natura and Original filters are characterized by the aroma zones that ensure optimum coffee enjoyment. You will find an overview of the filter range and detailed information here.
You can obtain information on where to buy accessories and spare parts for your filter coffeemaker from your local Melitta® customer service or here.
You will find the contact data here.
Keeping your coffee warm on the hotplate for too long can cause the coffee to taste bitter and lose its flavour. We therefore recommend enjoying the freshly brewed coffee immediately after it is prepared.
Roasted coffee is a sensitive natural product that can quickly lose its aroma if not stored properly. We therefore recommend that you do not store the opened package together with other strong-smelling foods. Also protect your coffee from sunlight, heat and moisture, as these factors can also have a negative effect on the flavour. The storage location should be cool, dry and odour-free. We also recommend that you do not fill the coffee into a different container, but keep it in its original packaging.
Therm appliances
Stainless steel jugs consist of a double-wall stainless steel body and are therefore shock- and break-proof. Plastic jugs, however, contain a glass flask. To avoid damaging the glass flask, please do not use any hard or sharp-edged objects (e.g. cutlery, dishwashing brushes or similar) for stirring or cleaning and do not fill with ice cubes or carbonated liquids. Do not expose the glass flask to any high temperature fluctuations.
To improve the warm-keeping of your insulated jug, we recommend filling the insulated jug with hot water just before using it and warming the inside of the jug in this way. Empty the jug shortly before starting the brewing process and brew your coffee as usual directly into the insulated jug.
In this case, we recommend the Melitta® Perfect Clean Accessories cleaner. Its easy to dissolve formula with active oxygen cleans unpleasant coffee and tea stains from conventional insulated, stainless steel and glass jugs. Please note that insulated jugs are not dishwasher-safe and may not be fully submerged in water when cleaned. To avoid damaging the glass flask, please do not use any hard or sharp-edged objects (e.g. cutlery, dishwashing brushes or similar) for cleaning.
Please note that insulated jugs for our filter coffeemakers are not dishwasher-safe and may not be fully submerged in water when cleaned. Rinse out the insulated jug with hot water each time before you use it. Clean the outer housing of the insulated jug with a soft, moist cloth. To remove stubborn dirt, we recommend the Melitta® Perfect Clean Accessories cleaner. To avoid damaging the glass flask in our plastic insulated jugs, please do not use any hard or sharp-edged objects (e.g. cutlery, dishwashing brushes or similar) for cleaning.
Functions
The AromaSelector® from Melitta® allows you to set the flavour of your coffee individually with just one flick of the wrist – from mild indulgence to strong and intense. In this way, you always enjoy your favourite coffee how you want it – for example, as a strong wake-up in the morning and as a mild pleasant coffee in the afternoon. The AromaSelector® always guarantees optimum taste results, very easily without changing the usual water or coffee quantity.
The "Aroma Premium Technology" from Melitta® allows you to enjoy excellent, top-class filter coffee. For this special quality, the Melitta® AromaElegance® DeLuxe, the AromaSignature® appliance series and the Excellent (Therm) Steel were awarded the ECBC's "Golden Bean" – an award that is only given to coffee machines that meet the highest European quality standards in coffee preparation. This is made possible by special, above-average performance heating and brewing technology, which guarantees optimum extraction of the filter coffee and also shortens the preparation time. This heater heats the water very quickly to the optimum brewing temperature and is able to keep this temperature constant throughout the brewing process. This not only shortens the preparation time – it also creates the conditions for optimum coffee extraction (optimum contact time with the coffee powder, brewing temperature of 92 to 96°C).
At just one press of the "Aroma Control" button, your Melitta® filter coffeemaker ensures full flavour and the best taste even with smaller quantities of coffee. This is because the "Aroma Control" function adapts the brewing process to the smaller quantity of coffee. The coffee then has enough time to develop its flavours optimally. You will find an overview of all appliances with "Aroma Control" function here.
Some Melitta® filter coffeemakers are equipped with a timer function. The timer function with LED display offers seductive coffee enjoyment at a previously defined time. Program when your coffee machine should start brewing and wake up to the smell of fresh coffee in the morning, for instance. The appliance switches itself on automatically at the time you have programmed. You will find an overview of all appliances with integrated timer function here.
Thanks to this special hot brewing system from Melitta®, the hot water does not dampen the coffee powder until it reaches the optimum brewing temperature. Only then can the valuable aromatics of the coffee powder be optimally extracted – the coffee develops its full aroma and is at the perfect drinking temperature. Included in our Melitta® Single 5 models.
We want you to enjoy your machine for a long time. Therefore, many of our filter coffeemakers are equipped with 3-in-1 limescale protection. This includes configuring your machine for the local water hardness and therefore being able to adjust the descaling cycles optimally to the local water quality. If a high level of limescale has been deposited in your machine, an LED will light up to indicate that your filter coffee machine needs descaling. The practical descaling program makes care of your machine easy and is programmed so that Melitta® Anti Calc for filter coffeemakers can work efficiently and remove limescale from your machine.
Upon introduction of a new EU regulation on 1 January 2015, all filter coffee machines must be equipped with an automatic switch-off function. All Melitta® filter coffeemakers fulfil this requirement and switch off automatically after a pre-programmed time. With some of our models, we also offer you the option of selecting the warm-keeping time yourself and setting it to 20, 40 or 60 minutes according to your individual requirements.
Our glass and insulated jugs are not microwave-safe.
All Melitta coffee machines meet the requirements of the European Ecodesign Directive, which sets the limits for power consumption in standby mode. The upper limit of power consumption is 0.5 W for appliances without display and 1 W for appliances with display. All Melitta coffee machines operate well below these values. This also applies when display illumination is switched on. The physically defined active power given in the unit watt [W] is important for the end consumer. It directly influences electricity consumption and therefore the energy that is measured and displayed on the household meter. Relatively inexpensive, so-called energy cost measuring devices are commercially available for measuring standby power. These devices often display not only the active power, but also the apparent power with the unit volt-ampere [VA] and the reactive power with the unit volt*ampère*reactif [var]. The apparent power is made up of reactive and active power. Only the active power is relevant for the assessment of the legally regulated maximum power consumption.
Rectifying problems yourself
Increased noise during the brewing process can be a sign of limescale deposits in your machine. As limescale layers on the heating element prevent optimum heat transfer to the water, the temperature in the heater increases and the water evaporates instead of just being heated. This results in vapour surges with greater noise development. This can be rectified and prevented with regular descaling. A list of all symptoms that can occur due to limescale can be found in the FAQ section on descaling.
A long brewing time is a sign of limescale deposits in your machine. With time, limescale is deposited in the system and prevents a proper flow. As a result, less water can be delivered and the brewing time is longer. This can be rectified and prevented with regular descaling. A list of all symptoms that can occur due to limescale can be found in the FAQ section on descaling.
Heavy limescale deposits prevent the water from coming into direct contact with the heater. This leads to a lower temperature and therefore to poorer extraction of the coffee powder. Furthermore, limescale particles can get into the coffee and significantly distort the coffee result. You should therefore clean and descale your coffee machine regularly so that you can continue to enjoy your coffee in the quality you are used to. We recommend Melitta® Anti Calc for this purpose and strongly advise against using household vinegar. Find out why products containing vinegar should not be used to descale a coffee machine in the descaling FAQ section.
Limescale has probably built up in your appliance. This can slow the flow of water. As a result, the flow capacity is reduced which can then lead to problems with heating and ultimately to blockages in the water flow. The quantity of water output will then gradually be reduced. Please clean and descale your coffee machine at regular intervals to prevent this from happening.
Cleaning and care
Before using for the first time, we recommend rinsing the appliance twice with the maximum quantity of water without a filter or coffee powder. To do so, use the jug to fill fresh water into the water tank. You then avoid overfilling the tank. You can wipe off the filter coffeemaker housing and the cold keep-warm plate with a soft, moist cloth. For easy and convenient cleaning, the glass jugs, glass jug lids and filter inserts of Melitta® filter coffeemakers are dishwasher-safe (detailed information on the respective model can be found in the enclosed operating instructions).
In this case, we recommend the Melitta® Perfect Clean Accessories cleaner. Its easy to dissolve formula with active oxygen cleans unpleasant coffee and tea stains from conventional insulated, stainless steel and glass jugs. Please note that insulated jugs are not dishwasher-safe and may not be fully submerged in water when cleaned. To avoid damaging the glass flask, please do not use any hard or sharp-edged objects (e.g. cutlery, dishwashing brushes or similar) for cleaning.
All glass jugs, glass jug lids and filter inserts of Melitta® filter coffeemakers are generally dishwasher-safe (detailed information on the respective model can be found in the enclosed operating instructions).
Please note that insulated jugs for our filter coffeemakers are not dishwasher-safe and may not be fully submerged in water when cleaned. Clean the outer housing of the insulated jug with a soft, moist cloth. To remove stubborn dirt, we recommend the Melitta® Perfect Clean Accessories cleaner. When cleaning a plastic insulated jug with glass flask, please also note that you may not use any hard or sharp-edged objects (e.g. cutlery, dishwashing brushes or similar) for cleaning to avoid damage to the glass flask.
You should generally not use household vinegar for descaling coffee machines as limescale and grease deposits are frequently not sufficiently removed. In addition, descaling produces a strong and unpleasant vinegar odour, which is sometimes transferred to the coffee you subsequently prepare, making it undrinkable. Repeated use of products containing vinegar to descale coffee machines can even attack seals and make them brittle. Mineral acid-based descaling agents can damage the pipes and hoses of your machine and are therefore also not suitable. For gentle and thorough cleaning, we recommend descaling agents based on lactic or citric acid. In addition, regular descaling extends the service life of your coffee machine. We recommend Melitta® Anti Calc for descaling. Some of our models have 3-in-1 limescale protection with programmable water hardness, display of limescale level and a practical descaling program. This not only reminds you to descale your filter coffeemaker, but also supports you optimally in the process. As a result, perfect function of your filter coffeemaker is guaranteed. Please note that the repair of limescale damage is not covered by the warranty.
Depending on the local water hardness, limescale will build up in your coffee machine over time. The layer of limescale on the heating element prevents optimum heat transfer to the water, resulting in increased vapour development and noise during the brewing process. Very heavy limescale build-up can block the pipes of your coffee machine and significantly reduce the service life of your appliance. Regular cleaning and descaling prevents this and therefore extends the service life of your coffee machine.
Descaling display
Depending on the local water hardness, the limescale deposited in your coffee machine may increase over time. The layer of limescale on the heater element prevents optimum heat transfer to the water which will make the brewing time longer. If larger limescale deposits have already formed, the limescale can be dissolved with a suitable descaling agent, but residues often block the coffee machine's flow system and cause damage. Melitta® therefore recommends that you descale your coffee machine on a regular basis. Please note that the repair of limescale damage is not covered by the warranty.
- Longer brewing time
- Increased steam development and noise during the brewing process
- Change in taste
If any of these symptoms occur with your coffee machine, we recommend that you descale the machine immediately. Otherwise, your machine may become blocked by limescale deposits and fail. If the deposits are very heavy, the above-mentioned symptoms may persist after the first descaling cycle. We then recommend another cycle with a suitable descaler.
You should generally not use household vinegar for descaling coffee machines as limescale and grease deposits are frequently not sufficiently removed. In addition, descaling produces a strong and unpleasant vinegar odour, which is sometimes transferred to the coffee you subsequently prepare, making it undrinkable. Repeated use of products containing vinegar to descale coffee machines can even attack seals and make them brittle. Mineral acid-based descaling agents can damage the pipes and hoses of your machine and are therefore also not suitable.
For gentle and thorough cleaning, we recommend descaling agents based on lactic or citric acid. In addition, regular descaling extends the service life of your coffee machine.
Some of our models have 3-in-1 limescale protection with programmable water hardness, display of limescale level and a practical descaling program. This not only reminds you to descale your filter coffeemaker, but also supports you optimally in the process. This ensures that your filter coffee machine functions perfectly.
Please note that the repair of limescale damage is not covered by the warranty.
Prepare the descaler liquid according to the manufacturer's instructions and pour it into the water tank. We recommend using Melitta® Anti Calc. Switch on the appliance and follow the descaler manufacturer's instructions. If you are using an appliance without a descaling program, switch off the appliance when the descaling liquid has completely run through the appliance.
After descaling, the appliance needs to be rinsed twice with clean water. To do this, fill the appliance with the maximum quantity of water after a short cooling time (approx. two minutes). Switch on the appliance and allow the water to run through completely. Then switch off the appliance immediately and repeat the rinsing process.
Some of our models have 3-in-1 limescale protection with programmable water hardness, display of limescale level and a practical descaling program. This provides you with optimum support for descaling and ensures that your filter coffeemaker functions perfectly.
We want you to enjoy your machine for a long time. Therefore, many of our filter coffeemakers are equipped with 3-in-1 limescale protection. This includes configuring your machine for the local water hardness and therefore being able to adjust the descaling intervals optimally to the local water quality. If your machine has limescale deposits, an LED will light up to indicate that your filter coffee machine needs descaling. The practical descaling program makes care of your machine easy and is programmed so that Melitta® Anti Calc can work efficiently and remove limescale completely from your machine.
We also offer a wide range of suitable descaling agents that are optimised for your intended use.
It is generally normal to descale hot water appliances. Descaling is one of the necessary care measures to ensure that the appliance functions optimally. The frequency of descaling processes depends on your local water hardness level. To ensure perfect function, Melitta® recommends descaling regularly after 40 brewing cycles.
Please do not use any agents containing acetic, hydrochloric or sulphuric acid for descaling. You should generally not use household vinegar for descaling coffee machines as limescale and grease deposits are frequently not sufficiently removed. In addition, descaling produces a strong and unpleasant vinegar odour, which is sometimes transferred to the coffee you subsequently prepare, making it undrinkable. Repeated use of products containing vinegar to descale coffee machines can even attack seals and make them brittle. Mineral acid-based descaling agents can damage the pipes and hoses of your machine and are therefore also not suitable.
For gentle and thorough cleaning, we recommend descaling agents based on lactic or citric acid. In addition, regular descaling extends the service life of your coffee machine. We recommend Melitta® Anti Calc for descaling.
The Optima Timer, Look® Selection, Look® DeLuxe, Look® Timer, Aroma Signature, Aroma Signature DeLuxe, AromaElegance® and AromaElegance® DeLuxe models have a limescale indicator as part of their 3-in-1 limescale protection. When the CALC button (Look® series, Optima Timer) or the DECALC button (Aroma Signature and AromaElegance® series) is continuously illuminated red. This indicates that you need to descale the appliance. Based on the water hardness you have preset, descaling should be carried out shortly after the CALC or DECALC button lights up. The button only goes out once the descaling process has been completed. You will find detailed instructions on descaling and maintaining your filter coffee machine in the enclosed operating instructions.
Starting situation:
The "CALC" button lighting up indicates that your appliance needs to be descaled. The appliance is switched off and the "CALC" button lights up.
Please descale your filter coffeemaker as follows:
Dose the descaler liquid according to the manufacturer's instructions and pour it into the water tank.
Simply press the "CALC" button briefly to start the descaling process.
- The "CALC" button now flashes during the entire descaling process.
The descaling process takes 25 minutes. The descaling solution needs this time to remove even stubborn limescale residue.
- Do not switch off the appliance before the "CALC" button light switches off!
Even if there is no more liquid in the water tank, the descaling program requires 25 minutes to complete the descaling process.
- Only when the descaling process is complete does the "CALC" button light go out and the appliance switches off automatically.
The "CALC" button light has gone out.
- Please run fresh water through the appliance 1 to 2 more times in a normal brewing process.