Update 5/7/2011: After about 4000 brewed cups we started noticing that the well behind brew unit was filling up with water [which is normal], but there were grinds everywhere. To fix it, you should make sure you run the descale process and the rising cycle. The rising cycle is key to remove any oils that have built up in the brew unit. Additionally, replace the boiler valve o-rings per your owners manual. Additionally, I had to replace the brew unit o-ring [called #4]. I ordered it from Miele for about 15 bucks and it’s part number: 5049900 I also found the service manual online so posting it here as well: Miele Service Manual [6mb]
Just noticed the Miele CVA 4075 model which can have a plumbed-in water connection. Don’t you hate it when they improve products?
Our system is still working great and we have had zero problems. We’re up to 518 cups. The only issue I have had is that someone, who shall rename anonymous, was not emptying the grinds when the water was refilled and there was a slight overflow problem.
We recently redesigned our kitchen and thought a coffee center would be a cool addition. There really isn’t a lot of choice in wall mount units so it was either the Miele system that used coffee beans or pods. I didn’t like the idea of pods since they are more expensive and would have to keep ordering them. The CVA 615 system uses regular coffee beans.
For all images, click for larger image
We had our Miele installed in the middle of the wall by our pantry. We also had a custom draw built to go under the unit to hold coffee cups, tea bags, sugar, etc. The idea was a coffee station. We still have to go over to fridge for milk though.
To be honest, I’m not a coffee aficionado. I probably couldn’t taste the difference between a hot cup of fresh coffee from 7-11 vs. Starbucks. Ironically, I mainly like to drink tea that I steep myself. A lot of the tea I use recommends steeping at 212 degrees F. From doing a test, it looks like the max temperature the hot water is about 160 degrees F.
The water definitely comes out hot, but not boiling. I made tea quite a few times and really didn’t notice the lower temperature so it works fine for me. If I had to, I guess I could microwave it for another 30 seconds, but that kind of defeats the purpose. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a way to adjust how hot the water comes out.
For coffee, there are a few temperature adjustments. To be specific, there are 5. At the “medium” setting, the coffee comes out at around 175 degrees F. I couldn’t imagine any hotter than that, but coffee gurus would know more than I as it affects the crema.
As you can see, the coffee comes up with a nice froth or crema on top. I think it tastes great and that seems to be the consensus of everyone else that tried it. Of course, once you see it working, it’s hard to believe the coffee wouldn’t taste great. I’m really happy with the unit so far and hope it gives me many years of trouble free coffee.
I don’t know of any other reviews of this unit on the web so if you have specific questions, leave a comment and Ill try to answer.