Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine with Grinder Review

Peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper, espresso machines and coffee grinders  – these are all things that go together perfectly. You certainly won’t get much out of your espresso machine unless you pair it with a good grinder, which is why you might want to read my Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine and grinder review.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine with grinder, so I’m excited to see what it’s got to offer. Still, can this mid range machine live up to the hype? Let’s dive straight into my Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine and grinder review to find out!

great value hybrid machine

Calphalon Temp IQ with Grinder

A lot of smart features

Integrated burr grinder

Intuitive user interface

Impressive water tank capacity

Stainless steel housing

Adjustable temperature, shot volume and pre infusion

Rather bulky

No grinder dose control

CHECK PRICE

Calphalon Temp IQ Overview

I hadn’t paid much attention to Calphalon espresso machines until quite recently. However, it seems like the manufacturer really knows what it’s doing.

My first impressions of the Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine and grinder are of a sturdy, attractive coffee maker. There’s nothing flashy here, but the stainless steel finish lends the machine a sleek, modern look.

Up top there’s an 8.8 ounce (250 gram) bean hopper that can be turned in either direction to change the grind setting. You’ll also find an actively heated cup warming plate up here, as well as a convenient spot for the included espresso tamper.

I’ll go into detail about the user interface later in this Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine and grinder review. For now, though, I’ll say it looks simple, straightforward and easy to navigate. A feature that immediately stands out to me is the grinding cradle. This is where you dose ground coffee into the portafilter, and its design allows for seamless one-touch grinding.

I also really like the look of the Temp IQ’s manual steam wand. Thanks to its ball joint movement and thoughtful silicone sleeve, manipulating the wand during milk steaming should be a breeze.

Calphalon Temp IQ Features

With a price tag like $679.99, it’s important to know what you’re actually getting with this coffee maker. Let’s continue this Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine and grinder review by looking at the many features you can expect to find.

Compact Design

Once you venture away from small manual espresso machines, you don’t always see a lot of espresso makers described as “compact.” Clocking in at 20 pounds (9 kilograms), the Calphalon Temp IQ espresso maker might be a little heavy to lug around. Still, the actual design of this machine is fairly compact.

Even with the built in grinder sitting on top, this coffee maker isn’t as bulky as you might think. It certainly won’t take up as much room on your kitchen counter as some other mid range espresso machines.

Speaking of design, let’s talk about color. If you’re someone who’s a fan of bright coffee makers, the stainless steel exterior and black plastic on this machine might not seem too exciting. However, if you ask me, you can’t go wrong with stainless steel. It’s durable, easy to clean and has a classic, timeless look that’ll fit in any kitchen.

User Interface

You can never overestimate the importance of a great user interface on an espresso machine. Too simple and you won’t feel like you have adequate control over the brewing process. Too complicated and you’ll feel like you need to go to barista school just to operate the machine.

Fortunately, the Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine does a good job of finding the balance between those two extremes.

The user interface is fairly straightforward for a semi automatic espresso machine. This is also one area where this Calphalon Temp IQ differs from its grinder-less sibling. While the original Temp IQ features a large dial on the front, this machine has a dial to the side and three switches in the middle of the control panel.

That dial on the side includes settings for your steam wand, hot water and there’s an indicator light to let you know when it’s done preheating.

However, when it comes to selecting a single shot, double shot or using manual control, you’ll need to use the switches in the middle. There’s also another switch on the far left that lets you turn the coffee maker on or off.

While I’m on the subject, I don’t want to skip over all the indicator lights on the front of the machine. The version without the grinder only has indicator lights for preheating and steam. However, the Calphalon Temp IQ coffee maker with grinder comes with two more lights  – one for the grinder and one to let you know when it’s time to clean.

That cleaning light is especially useful for those of us that may lose track of when it’s time to descale or do a deep clean.

Water Tank

On a mid-range espresso machine like this, I certainly wouldn’t expect a small water tank  – and the Calphalon Temp IQ coffee machine doesn’t disappoint. 

The removable water tank has a hinged lid, and clocks in at 94 ounces (2.8 liters). Regardless of how you like to fill your water reservoir, you shouldn’t have a hard time with this one.

Thermoblock Heating System

If you’ve read some of my other espresso machine reviews, you’ll know I’m a big fan of thermoblock heating systems. If you’re used to manual espresso machines, you might be unfamiliar with thermoblock heating, but it’s definitely a huge bonus.

Tired of five, ten or fifteen minute waiting times? With thermblock heating, your machine will be  ready to dispense espresso in under a minute. That’s definitely a great feature to have on those mornings when you’re rushing out the door.

PID Temperature Control

The correct water temperature is integral to a good espresso extraction, which is why the PID temperature control on the Calphalon Temp IQ isn’t something to overlook. This feature constantly monitors the thermoblock, meaning your espresso’s water temperature is always consistent.

Speaking of consistency, let’s not forget about the pre infusion feature here. Before applying the full pressure to brew espresso, the machine slightly dampens the coffee grounds. Heck, there are even three pre infusion profiles to choose from. This allows the coffee to bloom, resulting in a more even and aromatic extraction.

Burr Grinder

It’s time to talk about this espresso maker’s crowning jewel  – the burr grinder. A great grinder is just as crucial to making great espresso as the actual machine is. So, does this burr grinder disappoint? The answer is no!

With 30 adjustable grind settings, you might have more control over this grinder than you’ll ever actually need. But hey, I’m not complaining. Plus, thanks to the stainless steel conical burrs, you’ll get a really consistent grind and minimal heat transfer. The end result? A superb amount of control over your espresso extraction.

Portafilter

Just like the other version of the Calphalon Temp IQ, this one comes with a cafe sized portafilter. At 58 millimeters, you’re getting a commercial size portafilter that’s going to let you distribute coffee grounds more easily. Evenly distributed grounds mean more consistent espresso, and that’s never a bad thing.

Milk Foam

What’s good espresso without great milk foam to go with it? The Calphalon’s steam wand is capable of creating creamy froth and micro foam. Plus, the inclusion of a milk pitcher means you can start whipping up cappuccinos and latte macchiatos lickety split. Best of all, the addition of that silicone sleeve means you won’t burn your fingers in the process!

Cup Height

There’s plenty of wiggle room when it comes to cup height, but if you’re using travel mugs, you can always remove the drip tray for extra space. Speaking of that removable drip tray, it’s hiding the extra storage area for the second filter basket and cleaning pin. Talk about convenience!

Cup Warmer

It’s pretty standard practice to warm your espresso cups up before you pull a shot. However, not all espresso machines have the capabilities to take care of that. Fortunately, the Calphalon Temp IQ does. There’s a cup warmer on top of the machine, and it only takes a few seconds to bring your demitasse to the right temperature.

Warranty

With a 3 year limited warranty, you’ll have plenty of time to return this machine if there’s a manufacturer defect. Keep in mind that this warranty doesn’t include wear and tear that the machine gets from not being properly maintained. Not that you’d ever treat this machine badly, right?

How to Use the Calphalon Temp IQ

Using the Calphalon Temp IQ can be a piece of cake, even if you’re unfamiliar with mid range espresso machines. Here’s a quick step by step guide:

Of course, that’s just the basics. There’s so much more you can do with this machine! I already mentioned the customizable pre infusion function, but you can also adjust the water temperature to your preference. Not only that, the Calphalon Temp IQ allows you to fully customize your shot volumes. I won’t go into all the details here, suffice to say you’ll have an impressive amount of control over your espresso extraction.

Calphalon Temp IQ Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning and descaling the Calphalon Temp IQ, you’ll want to steer clear of the dishwasher. Nothing here is truly dishwasher safe, which might feel like a letdown. However, if you want to keep your espresso machine in good working condition, you should stick to good old hand washing.

Parts like the portafilter and filter baskets should be washed with warm water after every use. If they’re really dirty, you can use a mild detergent, but I’d avoid the heavy duty stuff. Make sure to keep a damp towel handy for cleaning the steam wand of any milk residue. Every so often, soak the steam wand in a dairy cleaner solution to get rid of stubborn buildup.

You probably won’t need to empty the drip tray every time, but the machine does include a buoy to let you know when it’s full. When it comes to cleaning out the water reservoir or the bean hopper, both are removable. I’d recommend giving them a quick wash whenever they’re empty.

Every few weeks I’d recommend removing the grinder’s top burr and giving it a good brushing. While you’re at it, feel free to brush out the grinder chamber and grind outlet.

As far as descaling and deep cleaning goes, the Calphalon Temp IQ does include an indicator light for cleaning. Don’t ignore the machine when it asks for attention! For more detailed instructions about the descaling process, I’ll direct you to the user manual.

Calphalon Temp IQ Specifications

Calphalon Temp IQ vs Other Espresso Machines

Want to see how the Calphalon Temp IQ compares to a few other espresso machines? My Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine and grinder review has you covered!

Calphalon Temp IQ With Grinder vs Temp IQ with Steam Wand

There are a lot of similarities between the Calphalon Temp IQ with grinder and the Calphalon Temp IQ with steam wand, but one major difference is the price.

Costing $299.99, the latter model lacks the burr grinder and has a smaller water tank. Plus you don’t have the option to program shot volumes. That said, the Calphalon Temp IQ with steam wand is still a solid espresso machine for beginners.

See Also: Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine Review 2024

Calphalon Temp IQ and Grinder vs Breville Barista Express

At $695.50, the Breville Barista Express offers several of the same features, but its user interface is a little more intuitive.

Not only that, the Breville includes even more options for dose control grinding settings. One of my favorite things about the Barista Express is its awesome water tank, which allows you to install a water filter. That’s something that manufacturers often overlook.

See Also: Breville Barista Express Hands-On Review 2024

Calphalon Temp IQ and Grinder vs DeLonghi La Specialista

For $479.00, the DeLonghi La Specialista certainly has a higher price tag, so what are you getting for the extra cash?

The DeLonghi includes sensor grinding technology, a separate spout for hot water, two heating systems and even a one second quick start. Overall, the DeLonghi La Specialista is a more sophisticated machine that’ll allow you to really develop your barista skills.

See Also: DeLonghi La Specialista Hands-On Review 2024

Calphalon Temp IQ vs Others Comparison Chart

Verdict: Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine and Grinder Review

great value hybrid machine

Calphalon Temp IQ with Grinder

A lot of smart features

Integrated burr grinder

Intuitive user interface

Impressive water tank capacity

Stainless steel housing

Adjustable temperature, shot volume and pre infusion

Rather bulky

No grinder dose control

CHECK PRICE

We’ve reached the end of my Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine and grinder review, so what’s the verdict? As far as mid range espresso machines go, the most impressive part of the Calphalon Temp IQ is its integrated burr grinder.

A great grinder is a crucial part of making fresh, consistent espresso and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint. However, if you’ve already got a good grinder as part of your setup, buying this machine might seem like overkill.

Still, that’s not to say there aren’t tons of other features that make this machine stand out. I was really impressed by the multiple pre infusion settings and the ability to adjust temperature and volume settings. Overall, this is a pretty awesome espresso machine that’s well worth the investment.

Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine and grinder Review FAQ