How to Make Quick Capsule Coffee with Tchibo Cafissimo Classic

If you’ve ever wanted a fresh cup of espresso or a creamy cappuccino without the hassle of grinding beans, dosing, or tamping, a capsule coffee machine might be your solution. But not all machines deliver real crema, consistent pressure, or true coffee-shop flavor at home. Can a simple capsule system really produce barista-quality drinks?

Yes—the Tchibo Cafissimo Classic makes a full-flavored espresso or milk-based drink in just 56 seconds with one touch. It uses five color-coded capsules and a 15Bar pump to adjust pressure for each brew type, ensuring optimal extraction and crema.

What Is the Tchibo Cafissimo Classic?

The Tchibo Cafissimo Classic is a German-made, fully automatic capsule coffee machine designed for home users who want quick, consistent coffee drinks without complicated setup. Manufactured by Tchibo, a major German retail and coffee company with $4.6 billion in annual sales, the machine blends features of both traditional espresso makers and capsule systems.

It works with proprietary coffee capsules that are pre-sealed for freshness and color-coded (blue for filter coffee, yellow for specialty drinks, black for espresso) to match its color-coded buttons. The machine uses a 3-level pressure system (up to 15Bar) that adjusts automatically based on the coffee type selected. It also includes a built-in milk frother for creating microfoam for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

How Does the Capsule System Work?

The Cafissimo Classic relies on Tchibo’s unique capsule system. Each single-serve capsule is nitrogen-flushed for freshness and sealed to preserve aroma. The machine pierces the capsule from both top and bottom—hot water is forced through the coffee grounds under controlled pressure depending on the button you press.

• Black button (espresso): High pressure (15Bar) for a strong, crema-rich shot.
• Yellow button (specialty drinks): Medium pressure for drinks like macchiato or flavored espresso.
• Blue button (filter coffee): Low pressure for American-style drip-style coffee.

Each capsule corresponds to a button color, making it easy to select the right brew mode. The system ensures that the extraction pressure matches the coffee type for optimal flavor. A single capsule makes one standard cup, and the coffee is available in eight flavors, all made with high-quality Arabica beans. Capsules cost around 5 RMB (approximately $0.70 USD) each—far less than a typical café drink.

Design & Features

The tested model comes in a bold purple finish, complemented by a sleek metal faceplate and a durable metal capsule latch. The coffee outlet is a single stainless-steel spout designed to serve one cup at a time, with an adjustable fold-out cup tray to accommodate different cup heights and prevent splashing. The steam wand is located on the side for manual milk frothing, while the drip tray has a grated base for easy cleaning.

The water tank, located on the back, has clear minimum and maximum fill lines, and the machine will stop brewing if water levels are too low. A fold-down cup stand raises the spout height for taller cups. Other details include six rubberized feet for stability, a rear cooling vent, and an auto-shutdown function that powers off the machine seven minutes after use to save energy.

The control panel is straightforward: power button, coffee type selector (color-matched to the capsule buttons), steam trigger, and a combined milk frother/hot water toggle. The machine arrives with two sample packs of capsules, multilingual manuals, and a certificate of compliance.

Making Specialty Coffee Drinks: Real-World Test

We tested the Cafissimo Classic using a yellow specialty capsule—ideal for drinks like macchiatos or flavored espresso. The process was simple: insert the capsule, lock it in place by pulling down the metal lever, and press the matching yellow button. Total brew time from power-on to pouring was just 56 seconds.

The resulting drink had a visible layer of light brown crema—rich in proteins, oils, and CO₂—which is typically only achieved with proper pressure and freshly ground beans. Our testers noted a strong, bold flavor with no bitterness, and no additives were needed. The crema contributed to a fuller mouthfeel and aroma typically associated with quality espresso.

The milk frother produced decent microfoam suitable for basic latte art, although it’s manually operated. The entire system is optimized for speed and convenience while still delivering a satisfying extraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of coffee can the Tchibo Cafissimo Classic make?

It can brew espresso (black capsule/button), specialty coffee drinks like macchiato (yellow capsule/button), and filter-style coffee (blue capsule/button). It also has a manual steam wand for frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos.

How many pressure levels does the machine have?

It features a 3-stage pressure system with a maximum pump pressure of 15Bar. Pressure adjusts automatically based on the coffee type selected via the color-coded buttons.

Are the coffee capsules reusable or refillable?

No, the capsules are single-use and sealed for freshness. They are not designed to be refilled or reused, but they are affordable at around 5 RMB (approx. $0.70 USD) each.

How long does it take to make a cup of coffee?

From pressing the button to pouring the coffee, it takes just 56 seconds in our test using a specialty yellow capsule.

Does the machine have a milk frother?

Yes, it includes a manual steam wand for frothing milk. There is no automatic milk system, but the wand is effective for basic foam.

Is the Tchibo Cafissimo Classic easy to clean?

Yes, the drip tray is detachable and grated, the cup stand is foldable, and the machine has an auto shut-off feature to conserve energy. Regular rinsing of the water tank and drip tray is recommended.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Capsule Lovers

If you enjoy the convenience of capsule coffee but want to explore higher-quality beans, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for a smooth, well-rounded espresso with rich crema—perfect for mimicking the bold profile of Tchibo’s black capsules. For something sweeter and more dessert-like, their Black Cocoa Blend offers chocolatey depth akin to flavored specialty drinks. Both blends are designed for espresso brewing and deliver professional-level results. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.