The Tchibo Cafissimo Pure Plus is a compact capsule coffee machine designed to prepare espresso, caffè crema and regular black coffee. Its straightforward controls make it suitable for anyone who wants a consistent drink without grinding beans, measuring coffee or adjusting complicated settings.
There is no built-in milk system or touchscreen menu. You fill the removable water tank, insert a capsule and press one of three drink buttons. This simplicity is the machine’s main strength, although buyers should be aware that it is designed around the Cafissimo capsule format.
Tchibo Cafissimo Pure Plus Specifications
At approximately 24 × 11.9 × 33.7 cm, the Pure Plus has a narrow body that fits easily on a small kitchen counter. Its removable 800 ml water tank provides enough capacity for several drinks without making the machine unnecessarily bulky.
Feature | Specification |
Machine type | Capsule coffee machine |
Capsule system | Tchibo Cafissimo |
Drinks | Espresso, Caffè Crema and Coffee |
Pump pressure | Up to 15 bar |
Power | 1,250 watts |
Water tank | 800 ml |
Default espresso volume | Approximately 40 ml |
Default Caffè Crema volume | Approximately 125 ml |
Default coffee volume | Approximately 125 ml |
Used-capsule container | Approximately 6 capsules |
Automatic standby | After approximately 9 minutes |
Integrated milk frother | No |
Programmable drink volume | Yes |
The adjustable drip-tray arrangement accommodates small espresso cups as well as larger mugs. For a tall travel mug, the tray can be repositioned or removed.
What Drinks Can It Make?
- Espresso — a concentrated drink of approximately 40 ml.
- Caffè Crema — a longer, smoother coffee of approximately 125 ml.
- Coffee — regular black coffee, also set to approximately 125 ml by default.
Espresso and caffè crema use a short pre-brewing stage. The brief pause near the beginning of the cycle is intentional and does not indicate a malfunction.
Drink volumes can be programmed. Press and hold the appropriate drink button while coffee is dispensed, then release it when the desired amount has reached the cup. The machine stores this volume for future use. If you want a large yet strong drink, two capsules usually produce a better result than extracting excessive water from one capsule.
Which Capsules Fit the Cafissimo Pure Plus?
The machine is officially designed for Tchibo Cafissimo capsules. Depending on availability in your country, the range may include espresso, caffè crema, regular coffee, decaffeinated options, and limited-edition or flavored varieties. Each capsule contains one pre-measured serving.
Can You Use Nespresso or Dolce Gusto Capsules?
No. Nespresso Original, Nespresso Vertuo, Dolce Gusto, Tassimo and Tchibo Qbo capsules use different shapes and brewing systems. They are not suitable for the Cafissimo Pure Plus.
Some third-party products are marketed as compatible with Cafissimo or Caffitaly machines. Compatibility can vary with the exact capsule design. Tchibo specifies original Cafissimo capsules, so use non-original products cautiously: a poorly shaped or deformed capsule may become stuck or prevent the lever from closing. Do not put loose ground coffee, whole beans or an unverified reusable capsule into the opening.
How to Use the Tchibo Cafissimo Pure Plus
First-Time Setup
- Remove all packaging and protective film.
- Wash the water tank and fill it to the MAX mark with fresh, cold drinking water.
- Place a cup beneath the outlet and close the lever without inserting a capsule.
- Switch on the machine by pressing any drink button.
- Press Caffè Crema to fill the internal water circuit.
- Once the machine is ready, run two rinse cycles without a capsule.
The machine should also be rinsed if it has not been used for more than two days.
Making Coffee
- Fill the tank with fresh, cold water.
- Lift the lever fully.
- Insert an undamaged Cafissimo capsule with its lid facing forwards.
- Lower the lever completely and position a cup beneath the outlet.
- Press Espresso, Caffè Crema or Coffee.
- Wait until dispensing stops automatically.
- Lift the lever fully to release pressure and drop the used capsule into the container.
Do not open the lever or remove the front drawer while brewing. To stop a drink early, press the flashing drink button again. Preheating the cup with hot water helps a small espresso stay warmer.
Making Cappuccino or Latte
The Pure Plus does not have an integrated milk frother, so it cannot make a complete cappuccino or latte automatically. Heat and froth milk separately, prepare an espresso, then add the milk and foam. The advantage is that milk never enters the coffee machine, so there are no internal milk tubes to clean after every drink.
Daily Cleaning and Maintenance
- Replace the water in the tank every day.
- Empty the used-capsule container daily or whenever full.
- Empty and rinse the drip tray.
- Wash the front drawer and capsule container.
- Wipe the housing with a soft, damp cloth.
- Occasionally run a rinse cycle without a capsule.
The container holds around six used capsules. Overfilling may interfere with the lever mechanism. Wash the water tank by hand with mild dishwashing liquid; according to the manual, it is not dishwasher-safe. The drip tray, drip grid, front drawer and capsule container can be cleaned in a dishwasher. Avoid abrasive sponges, scouring powders and aggressive chemicals.
How to Descale the Cafissimo Pure Plus
A steady yellow indicator means descaling is required. Tchibo recommends descaling after approximately 50 litres of water have passed through the machine. Use a liquid descaler intended for coffee and espresso machines; products based on formic acid are not recommended.
- Switch off the machine by briefly pressing Espresso and Caffè Crema together.
- Add liquid descaler to the empty tank according to its instructions, then add cold water to MAX.
- Place a container of at least 800 ml under the outlet.
- Hold Espresso and Coffee together for approximately five seconds.
- When the indicator flashes red and yellow, press Caffè Crema.
- Allow the descaling stage to finish.
- Wash the removable parts and refill the tank with clean water.
- Press Caffè Crema to begin the rinsing stage.
The full procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Follow the instructions supplied with your machine and descaling product.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem | Solution |
Indicator flashes red: | The water tank is usually empty. Refill it, push it firmly into place and press a drink button so the pump can refill the circuit. |
Indicator stays yellow: | The machine needs descaling. Delaying it may reduce water flow and drink temperature. |
Lever will not close: | Empty the capsule container and check for a stuck, damaged, incorrectly positioned or incompatible capsule. Never force the lever. |
Coffee is not hot enough: | Preheat the cup, rinse the machine and descale it regularly. Cold milk also lowers the final temperature. |
Coffee grounds appear in the cup: | A small amount of fine sediment can occur. A sudden increase may indicate a damaged capsule. |
Water drips from the outlet: | A few drops during heating or after brewing are normal. Persistent leaking calls for cleaning and checking the tank and removable parts. |
Coffee is too weak or strong: | Reprogram the drink volume. Stop earlier for more intensity; add hot water separately if the drink is too concentrated. |
Pump sounds loud: | This is common during setup or after the tank runs dry. Loud operation with slow flow may indicate scale buildup. |
Advantages and Disadvantages
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Who Is the Cafissimo Pure Plus Best For?
The machine is a good match for people who prepare one or several cups per day, mainly drink espresso, caffè crema or black coffee, do not want to grind or measure coffee, need a narrow machine, value predictable results, and can conveniently buy Cafissimo capsules. It also suits users who rarely drink milk-based coffee or already own a separate frother.
It is less suitable for a busy office or a large household with heavy coffee consumption. It may also feel restrictive to anyone who enjoys changing beans, experimenting with grind size and controlling extraction, or wants one-touch cappuccino.
Final Verdict
The Tchibo Cafissimo Pure Plus focuses on convenience rather than extensive customization. It takes up little counter space, prepares three core coffee styles and stores a preferred serving size. Its 800 ml tank is adequate for several drinks, while automatic standby simplifies everyday use.
Its main limitations are the Cafissimo capsule requirement and the absence of an integrated milk frother. If neither is a concern, the Pure Plus is a practical option for a home kitchen, compact apartment or personal workspace.