Melitta Cafina XT8

350 mm wide, 765 mm high, 580 mm deep: with a footprint smaller than an A1 sheet, the Cafina XT8 falls into the compact countertop machine category. The standing weight of 70 kg requires a stable, level work surface. Standard stainless-steel gastro counters support this weight; for retrofit tables or shelving, load capacity must be verified in advance.

The frame is stainless steel; the front section is matte black. Wipe disinfection with commercial surface disinfectants is permitted (operating manual DE 2022-01, p. 5). Gaps or raised edges where cleaning agents could accumulate are not identified as problem areas in the documentation.

The 10.4-inch touchdisplay sits behind 3 mm thermally tempered glass. Whether it is capacitive or resistive is not evident from the published documentation. Gloved operation should be clarified directly with the manufacturer before ordering. As a contactless alternative, the optional telemetry module enables operation via QR code in a smartphone browser without app installation (manufacturer specification, Melitta Professional Hygiene, 2026-08-10).

The electric beverage dispenser accommodates cup heights from 70 to 185 mm. This covers espresso cups (approx. 70 mm) to to-go cups (approx. 120 mm). Vessels over 185 mm do not fit under the dispenser.

Space planning: at least 50 mm clearance at the rear for cable routing and water connection, at least 200 mm above. With optional enlarged bean and instant containers, height increases from 765 to 910 mm (datasheet EN 08/2022). In buffet environments with hanging cabinets, this must be verified against ceiling height before ordering.

Variable Pressure System (VPS) and Automatic Coffee System (ACS) control the brewing system together. VPS regulates piston pressure according to product specifications. ACS monitors grind settings and corrects them in real-time. Practical consequence: manual grind adjustment is not required during normal operation, which is a significant advantage for non-coffee-trained staff in hotels and canteens.

The stainless-steel brew group processes up to 20 g of ground coffee per shot (manufacturer specification, product page DE). Brew temperature and pressure are not specified with concrete values in the published documentation; Melitta states it adjusts these parameters per product.

For the milk system, Melitta distinguishes two variants. TopFoam is the standard solution: hot milk, cold milk, hot and cold milk foam are produced via an integrated frothing system. Professional Milk uses separate tubing for up to two milk types. Which variant is included in which configuration must be specified by the dealer in the quote.

Clean in Place (CIP) automatically cleans the brewing and milk systems inside the machine without disassembly. This eliminates the most common operating error with fully automatic machines with external milk systems: incorrect removal and reinsertion of tubing. The cleaning program is triggered via the touchdisplay. Approved cleaning agents are exclusively Melitta proprietary products (Multi TF-Tabs, AMC Milk System Cleaner).

Remote Coffee requires the telemetry module and enables beverage selection via QR code in a smartphone browser. This is relevant for hygiene-sensitive areas such as hospitals or employee cafeterias. Melitta INSIGHTS is the accompanying web-based dashboard for machine status, production data, consumption analysis and reporting. Both functions are not included as standard and must be specified at order time; licensing costs are not publicly disclosed.

370 cups per day is the indicative daily output per Melitta, dependent on configuration, water connection, cup size and quality settings (manufacturer specification, product page DE). At 250 operating days per year, this yields a theoretical annual output of 92,500 cups. The 45,000-cup service interval is reached twice annually at this throughput.

The following hourly outputs are documented per DIN 18873-2: espresso single shot 200 cups/h, double shot 312 cups/h; café crème single shot 152/h, double shot 204/h; cappuccino single shot 200/h, double shot 300/h; latte macchiato single shot 171/h, double shot 256/h; hot water 40 liters/h. These values are measured under laboratory conditions. In actual operation with alternating products and cleaning breaks, actual output is lower.

For a canteen with 200 lunch guests in 45 minutes of peak time: 45 minutes × (312 espresso double shots / 60 minutes) = 234 possible double shots. This also enables full cappuccino supply (300/h double shot) during this peak period.

Product range: espresso, espresso doppio, cappuccino, latte macchiato, café crème and hot water are standard products. With the optional instant module (included in the Intergastro configuration for EUR 18,915 net), hot chocolate, chocolate and instant soup beverages are added. Cold beverages and snacks are not part of the system; a separate machine is required for a combined hot-cold offering.

Bean hoppers: two at approx. 1,000 g. At 9 g dose per shot and 370 cups daily, approx. 3,330 g of beans are consumed; refill at least once daily. For operations with high cappuccino volume (approx. 7 g dose), a once-daily refill interval is sufficient.

Daily, after shutdown or when prompted by the machine, the CIP cleaning of milk and brewing systems must be performed. Procedure: hang milk tubing in cleaning solution, start the milk system cleaning program and wait for it to complete; then initiate brew system cleaning with one Multi TF-Tab. Total time approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on configuration (operating manual DE 2022-01). This time block must be scheduled in the shift plan.

Two cleanings daily are required when exceeding 20 liters of milk or 150 coffee products per day. For a canteen with 370 cups daily, estimated 55% milk beverages (approx. 200 cups × 0.1 l = 20 l milk), the two-cleanings rule is standard practice. Operating staff must be allocated for this additional workload.

After a cleaning deadline is missed, the machine first reduces output and eventually locks it until cleaning is complete. This HACCP safety feature is appropriate. Those missing the deadline face a locked machine during lunch rush. Digital shift handover logs or telemetry alerts via Melitta INSIGHTS (if subscribed) are effective countermeasures.

Service interval: 45,000 cups or 12 operating months, whichever comes first. At 370 cups daily and 365 operating days, the cup threshold is reached in approximately 122 days. High-throughput operations must expect up to three service visits per year. Service costs are not publicly disclosed and must be agreed contractually with the service partner.

Water filter: must be replaced every 12 months at the latest. In areas with high water hardness above 15 °dH, a shorter interval may be required. Local water analysis should be documented in the commissioning report.

8.7 kW connection rating at 400 V 3N~ (three-phase, 50–60 Hz) is the most critical installation parameter of the Cafina XT8. In many existing office and restaurant kitchens, only a 230 V outlet is available at the counter. Retrofit installation of a three-phase line with 3 × 16 A protection costs EUR 500 to 2,000 depending on building structure and routing, plus electrician labor. This item must be included in the investment plan and must be clarified with an electrician before ordering.

The supplied connection cable is 1.8 m long (datasheet EN 08/2022). Anyone requiring greater distance from the supply must plan for a professionally installed extension. Standard extension cables are not rated for 8.7 kW.

8.7 kW is the peak value during heat-up and simultaneous draws with steam generation. During normal operation, actual power consumption is lower. A specific standby value is not provided in the published documentation. Estimate for annual planning: 4 kW average operating power × 10 operating hours × 250 working days = 10,000 kWh. At a commercial electricity rate of EUR 0.25/kWh: EUR 2,500 in annual energy costs. The actual value depends on the duty cycle and product mix distribution; on-site measurement after commissioning is recommended.

Noise level: below 70 dB(A) according to the operating manual. For reference: 70 dB(A) is roughly equivalent to loud conversation at 1 meter distance. Grinding cycles create brief peaks; in open-plan offices with high requirements for quiet work environment, this may be perceived as disruptive. A test run before purchase is recommended at such locations.

EUR 14,084 net is the verified entry-level price for the dual-grinder configuration from Gastlando (gross: EUR 14,084.00 × 1.19 = EUR 16,759.96; dealer price verified 2026-08-10). Intergastro lists an expanded configuration with second grinder, instant module and hot water dispenser for EUR 18,915.00 net (gross: EUR 18,915.00 × 1.19 = EUR 22,508.85; verified 2026-08-10). The difference of EUR 4,831.00 is explained by the additional modules.

Cleaning operating costs: Melitta Multi TF-Tabs (150 tablets) cost EUR 56.41 gross (market price from idealo, 2026-08-10). Cost per tablet: EUR 56.41 / 150 = EUR 0.376. Three tablets are required for daily cleaning (two for milk system, one for brew system): 3 × EUR 0.376 = EUR 1.13 gross daily. Annual cost at one cleaning daily: EUR 1.13 × 365 = EUR 412 gross. At two cleanings daily (more than 150 coffee products or 20 liters of milk): EUR 824 gross annually.

AMC Milk System Cleaner (50 × 50 g sachets) costs EUR 158.52 net from Melitta Professional Shop. Cost per sachet: EUR 158.52 / 50 = EUR 3.17 net. Weekly application: 52 sachets per year = 52 × EUR 3.17 = EUR 164.84 net annually.

Total Cost of Ownership estimate over 5 years at 250 cups daily and 250 operating days (documented items; energy and service costs not publicly disclosed):

- Acquisition, dual-grinder base: EUR 14,084 net

- Cleaning tablets (1x daily, 5 years): 5 × EUR 412 = EUR 2,060 gross

- AMC cleaner (weekly, 5 years): 5 × EUR 165 = EUR 825 net

- Documented subtotal: approx. EUR 16,969 net

- Per cup (250 cups × 250 days × 5 years = 312,500 cups): EUR 16,969 / 312,500 = EUR 0.054 per cup excluding energy and service costs