Melitta Cafina XT4

The Melitta Cafina XT4 is part of the XT series from Melitta Professional and is manufactured in Germany. As a countertop fully automatic coffee machine with Bean-to-Cup technology, it processes fresh beans directly into a broad range of coffee and milk-based specialities. The recommended daily throughput is 180 cups, positioning the machine for venues with low to medium beverage demand. Melitta positions the XT4 as a compact solution for professional use in offices, hotels, educational institutions and comparable environments. Optionally, the machine can be expanded with dual grinders, various milk system configurations or an instant module for cocoa and toppings. This allows it to offer a flexible beverage menu despite its compact footprint, adaptable to diverse operator requirements. With market prices starting at €13,325 net, the machine clearly positions itself in the premium segment of professional hot beverage machines.

The Melitta Cafina XT4 presents itself with dimensions of 300 × 580 × 715 mm (W×D×H) as a comparatively compact representative of its machine class. Despite weighing 43–57 kg, the cabinet presents a clean, professional appearance. Manufacturing in Germany underscores the quality standard Melitta places on its Professional line. Particularly noteworthy are the removable, dishwasher-safe bean hoppers, which consistently meet hygiene requirements in commercial continuous operation. The grounds drawer can be removed without tools, enabling rapid disposal during operation. Those seeking to expand the system can utilize optional undercounter milk coolers and cup warmers that integrate seamlessly with the overall installation. Overall, the build quality conveys a durable, robust impression befitting a machine of this price segment. The clean design aesthetic, free of unnecessary embellishment, integrates well into professional counter environments.

Operation of the XT4 is via an ergonomically angled 7" touch display that enables intuitive beverage selection. Operators can freely programme a comprehensive selection of beverage specialities and choose between self-service and attendant modes. The display angle facilitates operation whether standing or seated and reduces glare across varying light conditions. Operators have extensive configuration options to individually set beverage parameters such as grind size, water volume and milk foam consistency. The menu structure is logically organized and allows untrained staff quick entry into beverage preparation. Thanks to clear visual guidance on the display, selection is swift and error-free even with extensive beverage variety. For integration with billing systems, the machine is compatible with standard MDB-based payment interfaces according to the manufacturer, allowing diverse payment terminals to be integrated project-by-project.

The XT4 employs Bean-to-Cup technology, grinding fresh beans immediately before each brew cycle. Two grinders are standard, allowing parallel offering of different bean varieties and expanding the beverage menu. The milk system with pump enables precise temperature control for warm or cold milk foam. Alternatively, a milk foam lance or classic steam lance are available as options. For instant products such as cocoa or toppings, Melitta offers an optional dual-instant module that supplements the beverage selection with powder-based specialities. Power supply: 200 V / 2.175 kW. Fresh water supply requires a fixed water connection as standard, though Melitta also optionally offers a water-container solution for venues without permanent water access. A key hygiene feature is the fully automatic cleaning of the brewing and milk system built into the machine, which runs automated cleaning cycles without requiring manual disassembly of components. This CIP system significantly reduces daily maintenance burden and ensures consistent hygiene quality, an important factor especially in sensitive environments such as healthcare and food service. Hot water output: 20 l/h.

The recommended daily throughput of the XT4 is 180 cups according to the manufacturer and is based on a factory configuration per DIN standard. This makes the machine particularly suited for venues with low to medium beverage demand, such as office floors, smaller hotel lobbies or seminar rooms. The bean hoppers together provide sufficient capacity for extended operation before refilling is needed. The grounds drawer signals its fill level in good time and can be removed without tools, minimizing disruption to operation. Thanks to the integrated CIP cleaning system, daily maintenance burden is pleasantly low. The dishwasher-safe bean hoppers further ease thorough interim cleaning and contribute to long-term flavour quality. For the waste water connection, a fixed drain is recommended; alternatively, container operation is also possible here. Operators should ensure the required minimum water pressure for the fresh water supply, as the brewing unit depends on constant water flow.

With market prices starting at €13,325 net, the Melitta Cafina XT4 clearly positions itself in the premium segment of professional fully automatic coffee machines. For this investment, operators receive a German-manufactured machine with robust build quality, fully automatic cleaning of the brewing and milk system built into the machine, and extensive modular expansion options. Total operating costs depend significantly on chosen equipment options, consumables and individual maintenance intervals. Used machines are traded on the market at considerably lower prices, though availability and condition naturally vary widely. Measured against the recommended daily volume of 180 cups, acquisition costs are amortized over the service life at well-frequented venues. Operators should also factor in site-specific installation costs for the fixed water connection and electrical connection in their calculations. Overall, the XT4 offers a coherent total package for operators who wish to invest deliberately in quality, hygiene and longevity, though the entry barrier compared to simpler vending machine models is noticeably higher.