Calphalon temp IQ espresso machine (no grinder) review: simplicity and ease at home

Why choose a Basic Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) espresso machine over others?

The basic version of Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine (no grinder) comes with everything to brew a great shot of espresso at a more affordable price. When compared with more expensive Breville BES870XL or DeLonghi Magnifica, Calphalon Temp IQ brews nearly the same quality coffee, but is much more affordable.

Calphalon kept things simple in this espresso maker, thus reducing the costs to a consumer. All overly sophisticated, yet rarely used features were taken out from this espresso machine.

However, the manufacturer used the right technology to help a consumer brew delicious espresso and espresso-based beverages effortlessly, conveniently and quickly. In fact, all one needs in order to be able to use the Basic Calphalon Temp IQ without a grinder is the basic knowledge on how to use an espresso machine.

Who is a Basic Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) perfect for?

In this Basic Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine (no grinder) review, I would like to emphasize that this machine can be great for many people who love espresso and espresso based drinks, but who do not have an extensive experience or familiarity with coffee brewing. This machine is very simple to use, and can be a huge asset to those who want to enjoy great coffee quickly and effortlessly.

In my opinion, Basic Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) espresso machine can be an excellent choice for the following:

✓ Users without much experience or knowledge on brewing espresso

✓ Consumers who would like to buy an advanced espresso machine that brews excellent coffee at a more affordable price

✓ A brand new release with modern, chic design

✓ Easy, convenient and fast to brew

Who is Basic Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) NOT perfect for?

I would love to remain honest in this Basic Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) review. I think that there are a couple of examples where where this machine not be a perfect choice:

✗ Consumers with a low budget

✗ A super-automatic espresso machine

✗ A more advanced machine with functionalities and features that will customize brewing

✗ Ownership and flexibility in a coffee brewing process

Basic Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) Review and Evaluation 🕵️

→ Appearance

I was excited to test this basic version of Calphalon Temp IQ espresso maker that comes with no grinder.

This espresso machine came in a stainless steel design, with some chrome accents. There was black plastic on the sides. However, this Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) looked absolutely elegant and modern. It fit into my more traditional kitchen space, and I can imagine this machine can look great in many different spaces.

The machine was charming in its simplicity. The pouring spout was at the center front of the machine. It accommodated two espresso cups. The frothing wand was to the right of the spout, in the front of the machine. I thought that the design was simple, but very ergonomic.

On top of the spout, there was the control panel of the machine. The control panel was ridiculously easy and convenient. There were the following options:

• a toggle to turn on/off an espresso machine, and
• a dial button to select different brew sizes (single or double shot), select the steam function for milk frothing, or to dispense hot water.

On the top of the machine, I found what is called a cup warming tray with a dedicated spot for the tamper. The cup warming tray was an excellent to warm espresso cups.

The machine also came with a 70oz (2L) removable water reservoir.

→ Features and technical specs

Voltage: Basic Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine is made for 120V, and can be used in Canada and the US only.

Basket size: 58 mm. Furthermore, the machine comes with two filters: one for single, and one for double dose. The larger size of the basket allows water to infuse coffee grounds more evenly. Better infused leads to a better extraction, which, consequently, results in tastier and richer coffee.

Beverage size: The machine has 1 shot and 2 shots options. I was able to select a desired size by turning the dial until the indicator pointed toward either 1 shot or 2 shots. When selecting 2 shots, I had a choice of placing two cups under the pouring spout to brew two 1-shot espressos.

Weight: Expectedly, this basic Calphalon Temp IQ espresso maker was a little heavier, weighing about 15 pounds. This is still much lighter than some of the more advanced and robust coffee makers. However, I found a permanent spot for this espresso maker on my countertop.

Unit size: The machine is similar in size to some of the Keurig coffee makers. It fits really well on my countertop. With a size of 15.3 x 14 x 11.5 inches, it was quite alright. Albeit, I see that some kitchens may have a difficult time to accommodate it. However, this is a machine to show off, not to hide under a counter, so find a nice, central positioning for it.

Milk frother: People who like cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk based coffee drinks will love the fact that this machine also has a milk frother that uses steam power to create foamy, creamy froth.

Pressure / pressure gauge: The Basic Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) came with a 15-bar Italian pressure pump. This BAR amount is what we expect from a very solid espresso machine.

Water reservoir: Basic Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine had no coffee grinder, but came with a 70oz removable water reservoir. The reservoir is on the back of the machine. It came with a hinged lid for easy water refilling.

Additional perks: I was so excited for this Calphalon Temp IQ (no coffee grinder) review. The machine comes with some really great and unparalleled features.

✓ Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) heats water quickly and efficiently, and maintains it at a constant, optimum temperature for coffee brewing. The espresso machine came with technology that ensures proper temperature to brew coffee. Control over brew temperature (PID) and Thermoblock heating technology are best in class.

✓ Even deeper, richer and more extracted flavors thanks to the pre-infusion technology. The pre-infusion allows ground coffee to expand for amazing espresso results. Further, a 58m portafilter is larger than a typical 52mm portafilter. This allows more water to come in contact with coffee grounds.

✓ Brews rich and creamy espresso with its 15-BAR Italian pump.

✓ Comes with additional tools to make brewing easier and simpler. Those tools include a stainless steel milk pitcher to froth milk, a tamper, dual wall 1- and 2-cup filters, and a cleaning pin.

✓ Not just coffee, but also a hot water dispenser. I was able to dispense hot water for tea, Americano, hot chocolate, soups.

→ Performance

Brewing time: The time to heat water is very short. Ot tales about 30 seconds to brew a double shot espresso. The machine is very effective and impressive in that regard.

Flavor: I brewed multiple cups of coffee for this Basic Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) review. I brewed several espressos, which were rich, deep and strong. However, I let my creative get the best of me. With the milk frothing wand, I was able to froth some milk. That allowed me to prepare perfect cappuccinos, lattes and some other milk-based coffee drinks.

Temperature: Digital temperature control (PID) delivered water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction. Digital temperature control (PID) technology detected and minimizeed any fluctuation during extraction, ensuring the temperature is kept at its optimum range, every time. Also, the Thermoblock technology heats up the water fast and efficiently.

Noise levels: This machine makes a buzzing sound while brewing, but manages to keep noise within acceptable limits. There’s also a typical steam-release hissing sound, when frothing milk.

Cleaning: As with most espresso machines, we strongly recommend a proper maintenance of this Basic Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine. Information about cleaning this espresso maker can be found in the manual that comes with the machine.

Customer-reported technical issues

This Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine (no grinder) review comes only after a couple of weeks of testing this product. I have personally not encountered any challenges or problems with the unit. Overall, it seems that Calphalon Temp IQ is a highly rated and loved product.

There are a couple of user complaints about this product. Those complaints have to do with the design.

• Portafilter may need some force to fit in place (machine may perk up as a result, as it is not super heavy). We advise attaching a portafilter, while holding the machine down with another hand.
• Pouring spout seems a bit low, disabling larger cups to fit in. The drip tray may need to be removed, but that can create some mess.

→ Health and safety

The Calphalon Temp IQ has a stainless steel body. However, many parts of the interior are made with plastic. Calphalon claims that the machine is BPA-free and that all the parts that come into contact with coffee and water are BPA-free.

On the other hand, just like most other coffee makers we have reviewed, this Calphalon espresso maker is made mostly with plastic. Whether it is BPA-free or not, this plastic comes into direct contact with scorching hot water. As you may know by now, I am personally very concerned about using products in which boiling water touches plastic.

The BPA-free status is helpful to know, but it typically does not guarantee that there are no other potentially dangerous substitutes used in the production process.

→ Price to value: is Basic Calphalon Temp IQ espresso maker worth the money?

This basic Calphalon Temp IQ coffee machine sells in the lower $$$$$ price range. We believe this machine to be of an extraordinary price-to-value ratio. It comes with advanced features and technology, which allow to brew delicious coffee easily, quickly and conveniently. It is significantly less expensive than more robust Breville Barista BES870XL or DeLonghi ESAM3300 Super Automatic espresso makers. Calphalon Temp IQ is typically 2X expensive as Nespresso machines (e.g. Breville Nespresso Vertuo review or DeLonghi Nespresso Vertuo Plus review), but it provides more flexibility in coffee brewing (plus, no need to use capsules).

Calphalon Temp IQ is more affordable than other high-end coffee makers, but its features are very competitive. As a result of the technology and functions, this espresso maker can brew really delicious espresso and espresso-based beverages.

Calphalon Temp IQ seems to be the reliable, solid choice for anyone looking for a good espresso maker.

Should I buy Basic Calphalon Temp IQ (no grinder) espresso maker? Owly’s verdict! 🔨

When I pay about $300 for an espresso machine, I expect it to be durable, work efficiently, and produce quality results. So far, I have seen this Calphalon Temp IQ (with no grinder) perform really well. I was impressed with its technology that makes coffee brewing not just easy but delicious.

Calphalon Temp IQ appears to be among very few reliable espresso machines at this price. And, we really hope that this machine will not disappoint in the long run).

Will you get a basic Calphalon Temp IQ with no grinder? What do you think of a more advanced Calphalon Temp IQ with grinder and milk frothing wand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, under this basic Calphalon Temp IQ review!