The Café Affetto C7CEBBS2RS3 is an automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine built around a narrow body. Café lists it at 7.09 inches wide and gives it a built-in conical burr grinder, a 20 bar pump, a steam wand and WiFi that connects it to the SmartHQ app. This page covers what Café and the owner's manual state, how it compares with two other bean-to-cup machines listed on this site, and who should consider it.
What is the Café Affetto C7CEBBS2RS3?
Café, the GE Appliances brand, sells the Affetto as an automatic espresso machine with a frother. With one press of a button and in less than 90 seconds, Café says it dispenses Espresso, Americano, My Cup or Hot Water. There is also a Steam key for the wand, which Café calls an integrated steam frother.
My Cup is set to ristretto by default, roughly 15 mL of espresso from 8 to 12 grams of coffee according to the manual, and it can be changed to a favorite espresso recipe only through the SmartHQ app. Other drinks can be adjusted for volume and, through the app, for strength. The manual lists the default espresso at about 30 mL and the Americano at about 50 mL of espresso plus about 100 mL of hot water.
Café Affetto C7CEBBS2RS3 specs
| Spec | As published |
|---|---|
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr, 5 settings |
| Pump pressure | 20 bar |
| Heating | Thermoblock |
| Bean hopper | 184 g (6.5 oz) |
| Water tank | 1.2 L (40.5 oz), removable |
| Max cup height | 3.75 in |
| Width x height x depth | 7.09 x 12.48 x 16.10 in |
| Net weight | 18.8 lb |
| Power | 120 V, 1470 W |
| Warranty | Limited 1 year, parts |
It comes in Steel Silver and ships with a cleaning brush, a cleaning pin, a 3-pack of descale solution and water hardness test strips.
How the Café Affetto grinder, brewer and steam wand work
Press a drink key and the machine grinds fresh beans, then brews. Grind size is changed with a knob on top of the grinder while it is grinding, and the manual says to start at the medium setting and move one step at a time. The smaller the grind, the stronger the coffee. Café says the beans are pre-infused at low pressure and then raised to 20 bars.
The Americano brews an espresso, drops the used grounds, then adds hot water through the same spout. The spout height adjusts, and the steam wand rotates away from it. For milk you press Steam, wait for the wand to preheat, and froth by hand in a pitcher. The manual says to brew espresso before steaming, because steam needs higher temperatures. The machine rinses automatically each time it is switched on from cold, and the brewer comes out by pinching two orange tabs so it can be washed in the sink.
Café Affetto C7CEBBS2RS3 vs Philips 3300 Series LatteGo
The Philips 3300 Series LatteGo EP3347/90 is the closest alternative on this site at $899.99. It makes 6 one-touch drinks, including cappuccino and latte macchiato, and froths milk automatically with its LatteGo system. It also has a 275 g hopper, a 1.8 L tank and 12 ceramic grind settings with a 15 bar pump.
The Café has no automatic milk and offers 4 one-touch drinks, but it has a stainless steel burr set, a 20 bar pump, app control and a steam wand for textured milk. Pick the Philips for hands-off milk drinks. Pick the Café for a narrower machine and manual steaming.
Café Affetto C7CEBBS2RS3 vs De'Longhi Magnifica Evo
The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM29084SB costs $899.95 and has a 13-setting conical grinder, a 15 bar pump, a 250 g hopper and a 1.8 L tank. It makes 7 one-touch drinks and De'Longhi claims automatic milk through LatteCrema.
The Café is the smaller machine, with a smaller tank and hopper, and gives you a steam wand rather than automatic milk. The De'Longhi has the larger capacities and more drinks, and also lists a pre-ground coffee option, which Café does not state. For the full field see the bean-to-cup machine category.
Is the Café Affetto C7CEBBS2RS3 worth it?
Café's US page shows a store finder rather than a price, so the cost depends on where you buy it. What the specs do show is a machine that spends its budget on size, a 20 bar pump, a stainless burr grinder and app control, not on automatic milk or large capacity. The 1-year parts warranty is shorter than the 2 years Philips lists for its 3300 Series.
It is worth a look if counter width is your limit and you like to steam milk yourself. If you want one-touch lattes, a bigger tank or a longer warranty, the two machines above give you more of those.
Who should buy the Café Affetto C7CEBBS2RS3 (and who should not)
It suits a small kitchen, someone who mostly drinks espresso, Americano or a ristretto-style shot, and someone who wants to adjust drinks from an app or a voice assistant. It also suits anyone who is happy to froth milk with a wand.
It does not suit a household that makes many milk drinks in a row, anyone who wants a fully automatic cappuccino, or a family that needs a large tank and hopper. Café advises against oily beans, which are common in dark roasts, because they can stick in the grinder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Café Affetto froth milk automatically?
No. It has a steam wand, so you froth milk by hand in a pitcher. The Steam key starts the wand after it preheats.
What drinks does the Café Affetto make?
The one-touch keys are Espresso, Americano, My Cup and Hot Water, plus Steam for milk. My Cup defaults to a ristretto and is changed in the SmartHQ app.
How wide is the Café Affetto?
Café publishes an overall width of 7.09 inches, with a height of 12.48 inches and a depth of 16.10 inches.
Does it have WiFi?
Yes. Built-in WiFi connects it to the SmartHQ app, and Café lists Amazon Alexa and Google Home among its connected capabilities.
Can I put parts in the dishwasher?
No. The manual says not to place any part of the machine in the dishwasher and to hand wash only.
How long is the warranty?
Café lists a limited 1-year parts warranty on the entire appliance and no labor warranty.
