Miele CM 6160 MilkPerfection Automatic Countertop Coffee Machine - Bean-to-Cup Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte with AromaticSystem Fresh, OneTouch, Obsidian Black

Product Overview

The CM 6160 is designed for home use, with a compact footprint of 16.8 by 9.9 by 14.1 inches and a weight of 21.8 pounds. It accepts whole coffee beans only, thanks to its built-in grinder with a reusable filter. The water tank holds 1.8 liters, sufficient for several drinks before refilling. Included components are the machine itself, a milk frother, descaling tablets, and cleaning tablets. The interface uses buttons for operation, and the machine is smart-home compatible via WiFiConn@ct. A notable feature is the Coffee Pot function, which brews up to eight cups at once (sold separately). In daily use, owners note that the water tank requires sliding the machine out if placed under upper cabinets—a minor inconvenience. Cleaning involves periodic descaling and daily rinsing of the milk system, which the machine can self-clean via a dedicated program. The milk intake straw comes in two parts for thorough cleaning. Despite its premium build, some users report software glitches, like the descaling loop issue, and difficulty with the brew unit reseating, which can require service.

Build & Materials

The Miele CM 6160 is built with a sturdy plastic and metal housing in Obsidian Black, measuring about 17 by 10 by 14 inches. The internal grinder uses wear-resistant steel burrs, designed to last for years. The water tank is removable for refilling, and the drip tray holds used grounds and waste water. The milk system features a two-part straw: a stainless steel section and a plastic tubing connector, both easy to rinse. The control panel uses buttons—not a touchscreen—with a clear display for navigating settings. Many reviewers appreciate the solid feel but note that the brew unit can be finicky to reseat after cleaning.

One design consideration is the placement of the water tank at the back; if the machine sits under cabinets, it must be pulled forward to fill. The machine also requires regular descaling and cleaning, with the milk system self-cleaning program simplifying daily upkeep. However, some users report that the software can be buggy, leading to error messages that are hard to clear without a service call. Overall, the build quality is high for a consumer-grade machine, though not entirely immune to reliability issues.

Shot Quality

When functioning correctly, the CM 6160 produces espresso with rich crema and balanced flavor, thanks to its dynamic brewing system. The grinder is quiet and consistent, allowing adjustments in grind size for different beans. Milk frothing is a highlight: the system creates dense, velvety microfoam that integrates well into lattes and cappuccinos. Users report that the coffee compares favorably to drinks from specialty coffee shops. The OneTouch for Two feature works seamlessly, delivering two identical drinks without significant delay.

However, performance issues surface with reliability. Several reviews describe the machine entering an endless descaling loop, failing to complete the process, or displaying stubborn error codes like 'close the door.' In such cases, the machine becomes unusable. Customer service is criticized for being unhelpful, with diagnosis and repair costs around $300. These problems seem to affect a subset of units, but they are serious enough to lower the overall performance trust score. When it works, the performance is outstanding; but the risk of failure is a real concern.