An Honest Review Of Cafe Bueno: Brew Barista-Quality Coffee At Home

Who here loves the idea of making barista-quality coffee from their own kitchen? It’s the ultimate dream; you never have to overpay for coffee ever again and can make whatever drinks you like. Loads of coffee brands exist to give you this experience, but there’s one you might not have heard of: Cafe Bueno. 

 

The company isn’t new by any means, but it’s quickly and quietly emerging from the shadows to compete with the likes of DeLonghi, Ninja, and Breville. Could it be your new partner for at-home coffee and espressos? Here’s everything we learned about the company during our research. 

What Does Cafe Bueno Do?

Cafe Bueno makes and sells incredible coffee machines for home and business usage. On the website, it claims its mission is to enhance your daily coffee moments, inspired by Lithuania’s vibrant coffee culture. The actual founder visited Lithuania once and loved how coffee machines were part of the family home. He said they become the “heart of the home” – and that sentiment is reflected in the products Cafe Bueno designs. 

 

Currently, you can buy four different coffee machines from this brand: 

• CB-2000: An automatic coffee machine under $400. The CB-2000 can be your first real espresso machine, delivering amazing bean-to-cup coffee that rivals some of the most expensive brands out there. 

• CB-3000: A super-automatic coffee machine that will make anything from a single espresso shot to a flat white, all at the press of a button. It’s an all-in-one prosumer upgrade dubbed the home barista’s dream machine. Currently retailing for just over $700, this is a serious piece of kit that enhances any morning or coffee break. 

• CB-4000: A more commercial-focused, super-automatic coffee machine that does virtually everything. Connect it to your main water line to turn your office into a coffee shop. Perfect for businesses of all types to give both guests and employees something nice to sip on. 

• CB-PRO: The newest machine in Cafe Bueno’s roster, this one takes on a more manual look and feel. While the other machines are automatic in their approach, this is the only one with a portafilter and tamper. It’s designed to mimic the machines you see in quirky cafes and bars, delivering total control over every cup. 

Key Features – What Stands Out About Cafe Bueno

Regardless of what machine you buy, all Cafe Bueno products come with some impressive features that stand out. The general vibe is that this brand has thought about what makes the ultimate coffee machine and has tried to include as many of those elements in each product. 

 

As such, there’s a lot to like: 

• Space-Saving Designs: All of the at-home coffee machines are perfect for any kitchen, thanks to compact designs. When you look at the size of some coffee machines (they sometimes take up an entire countertop), the compactness is a really big plus. 

• Fresh Coffee Every Time: Having a bean compartment in every machine means you automatically grind your coffee as you need it. Coffee always tastes better when ground straight from the beans, so you get an even better brew with each press of the button. This is amplified with the unique pre-infusion technology built into each device. Effectively, this gives your espresso some added smoothness and a more even extraction for a creamier finish. 

• Self-Cleaning: Cut maintenance by up to 90% with Cafe Bueno’s self-cleaning cycle feature. It reminds you when cleaning is due and will automatically rinse itself out, ensuring the water tank remains as fresh as possible. Available on all machines apart from the new CB-Pro, which includes Smart Alerts to tell you when to descale or replace the water tank instead. 

• Choose Different Drink Options: The CB-3000 and CB-4000 both let you choose almost any hot coffee drink you can think of. Even better, as super-automatic machines, they do all the work for you and combine your coffee with steamed milk or hot water. The CB-2000 and CB-Pro don’t have these capabilities, though both let you choose different espresso sizes and give you the option of a steam wand to texture and heat up your own milk. 

• Great Prices: Cafe Bueno has done an exceptional job of creating great coffee machines at reasonable prices. It’s the main selling point for us: you get affordable coffee at home, whenever you want. Compare the prices with similar brands, and they’re either more affordable or on par. Compare the cost of each cup of coffee with your local coffee shop, and you’re saving a fortune! 

Are There Any Concerns About Cafe Bueno Products?

To tell you the truth, there really aren’t many things that jump out, other than this: 

• No Iced Coffee Or Cold Brew Feature: If you’re an avid iced coffee fan or enjoy a cold brew in the summer, then none of the machines make cold drinks. As far as we can tell you need to make an espresso and then pour it over ice manually. 

 

Is this the biggest dealbreaker in the world? No, but it’s something that could be improved in the future. Or – if you mainly make iced drinks – then perhaps it is enough to move you towards a brand that caters to this feature. 

 

On the whole, Cafe Bueno has way more positives than negatives and we know it’s a trustworthy brand. That’s really the main thing that matters, especially if you only care about hot coffee drinks. 

Cafe Bueno Verdict

There are lots of things to like about this brand, and we’re particularly fond of the different coffee machine choices. You will find a machine that suits your brewing habits and skill level with ease. We also think the fact that you don’t have loads of products to choose from makes life easier. It’s normally really hard browsing through a company’s website and seeing dozens of coffee machines – how do you know which one to pick?! 

 

Cafe Beuno simplifies proceedings and lets you make quality coffee from the comfort of your kitchen. On that note, if you’re looking for an introductory espresso machine, the CB-2000 is a brilliant choice. Those of you looking to upgrade to a more serious product will love the customization in the CB-3000. For proper baristas or people who love the feel of a portafilter, the CB-Pro will be the best choice. And of course, if you need a commercial coffee machine, look no further than the CB-4000.