Bosch TCA6001UC Benvenuto B20 Thermoblock 15-Bar-Pump Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
May 6, 2010 by admin
Filed under Coffee Ressources
- Fully automatic espresso machine with Thermoblock 15-bar pressure system
- Stainless-steel boiler; AROMASWIRL system for maximum flavor extraction
- Adjustable strength and size; brew 1 or 2 cups at a time; auto shut-off
- Bean hopper; conical burr grinder; removable 70-ounce water tank; frother included
- Measures 22-4/5 by 14-1/5 by 16-1/5 inches; 2-year limited warranty
Product Description
At just the touch of a button, the Benvenuto Gourmet coffee maker grinds the beans and brews the coffee within seconds. The unique AROMASWIRL high-pressure brewing system immerses the freshly ground coffee in the ideal water temperature for optimal extraction and maximum flavor release. A frothing attachment for cappuccino, instant hot water for tea or hot chocolate adds to this amazing machine's capabilities. To top it all off, the Benvenuto automatically cleans it... More >>
Bosch TCA6001UC Benvenuto B20 Thermoblock 15-Bar-Pump Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
After years of use, I replaced my Saeco machine with the Bosch B20. I did a lot of research, and I think this is a great machine for the money. It is fast to start up, and it makes great coffee and espresso. The steam rod/hot water dispenser is also top notch. The Germans do a great job engineering a great boiler. Water is super hot and there is no wait. If you make tea, it is a lot faster than waiting for a kettle.
I never had any customer service issues, so I cannot really address the machine from that angle. Finding the cleaning pods was not that hard, IMHO.
The only complain I have is that the water tank is a small, and must be refilled often if you drink a lot of coffee or make a lot when you have guests.
Rating: 5 / 5
I moved in with a friend while stationed in Hawaii for a couple years. He has this coffee maker and we all love it. It has consistently made about 25 cups of coffee every day for 3 years and no let up so far. Still as great as new.
Rating: 5 / 5
I bought the B20 to replace a series of Capresso machines, all of which failed after a year or so of constant use. The B20 has all their capabilities, uses the same filter technology and cleaning tablets, but keeps working. After two years no problems other than finicky trays that demand constant cleaning; a small price to pay. I buy filters from internet supplies and use Jura cleaning tablets, so even those are not so expensive as direct from Bosch.
Rating: 5 / 5
After owning this machine for 3 years, it went TU. As reported by others, the listed customer service number is a joke, but they gave me the number of the only people in the country that know anything about the machine and service it – Turnpike Appliance in Bay Shore, NY 631-665-8311. The service man is Mike and he was very helpful. After over $400 in repairs the machine was returned, at which time I found it was screwed up from day 1. The manual doesn’t even alude to the existence of a removable (and cleanable) Brew Group. In my case it couldn’t be removed because the Drive Unit was broken and jammed the Brew Unit. I had to turn off the power just before the end of the stroke before the Brew Group could be removed. In addition to replacing the Brew Group and Drive Unit, the steam valve and grinder had to be replaced. There is no information on how the machine is supposed to work, so I never knew it wasn’t working correctly from the beginning. The key indicator is that it seldom made more than 1 or 2 cups in a row without the machine faulting for lack of enough ground coffee. The machine after repair now consistently makes coffee, and the ejected grounds now make a firm puck instead of a muddy mess. The grinder makes a completely different sound, much higher pitched than originally. I’ve also been told that the Brew Group wears out after about 2500 cycles and must be replaced at a cost of $90.
Rating: 3 / 5
Aggravating coffee maker to use. Owners manual was obviously written by a non-owner. The service center should be renamed “circus center” because of the bad service. For example:
when I tried to order the cleaning tablets specified in the manual, the rep said “we don’t have those”. I asked why the manual gave a part number and gave a toll-free number to the service center in which to order. He suggested that I “try another manufacturer of espresso machines…that all the cleaning/descaling tablets are the same”.
I wouldn’t buy this machine again at a third the price that I paid.
Rating: 1 / 5