1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Tchibo Cafissimo Compact coffee capsule machine. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your appliance. Please read these instructions carefully before first use and keep them for future reference.
2. Safety Instructions
Always observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury or damage to the appliance:
- Read all instructions before operating the machine.
- Do not immerse the machine, power cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
- Ensure the voltage indicated on the machine corresponds to your local mains voltage.
- Keep the appliance out of reach of children.
- Unplug the machine from the power outlet when not in use, before cleaning, and during maintenance.
- Do not operate the machine with a damaged cord or plug, or if the machine malfunctions or has been damaged in any way.
- Use only original Tchibo Cafissimo capsules with this machine.
- Hot water and steam can cause burns. Exercise caution when operating.
3. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the components of your Tchibo Cafissimo Compact machine:

Image 3.1: Overview of the Tchibo Cafissimo Compact machine with key components labeled. This includes the integrated capsule collector, selection buttons for Espresso, Caffè Crema, and Filter Coffee, the removable 1.2-liter water tank, and the removable drip tray.
- Water Tank: Removable, 1.2-liter capacity.
- Brewing Buttons: Dedicated buttons for Espresso, Caffè Crema, and Filter Coffee.
- Capsule Insertion Lever: For opening and closing the capsule compartment.
- Capsule Collector: Integrated container for used capsules, holds up to 8 capsules.
- Drip Tray: Removable for easy cleaning.
- Cup Stand: Adjustable or removable for different cup sizes.
4. Initial Setup
4.1 Unpacking
- Remove all packaging materials from the machine.
- Place the machine on a stable, level, and heat-resistant surface.
4.2 First Cleaning and Priming
- Remove the water tank and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water.
- Fill the water tank with fresh, cold drinking water up to the MAX mark and place it back on the machine.
- Place an empty cup under the coffee outlet.
- Plug the machine into a grounded power outlet. The brewing buttons will flash.
- Press any brewing button. The machine will start pumping water to prime the system. This process may take a few moments.
- Once water flows into the cup, the priming is complete. Empty the cup.
5. Operation
5.1 Preparing a Beverage
- Ensure the water tank is filled with fresh water.
- Lift the capsule insertion lever and insert a Tchibo Cafissimo capsule into the compartment. Close the lever firmly.
- Place a suitable cup under the coffee outlet.
- Select your desired beverage by pressing the corresponding button:
- Top Button: Espresso
- Middle Button: Caffè Crema
- Bottom Button: Filter Coffee
- The machine will begin brewing. The selected button will illuminate steadily during the brewing process.
- Once brewing is complete, the machine will stop automatically. Remove your cup.

Image 5.1: The Tchibo Cafissimo Compact machine in operation, brewing a fresh cup of coffee.
5.2 Programming Beverage Quantity
You can customize the volume of your beverages:
- Place a cup under the coffee outlet.
- Insert a capsule.
- Press and hold the desired brewing button (Espresso, Caffè Crema, or Filter Coffee).
- Release the button when the desired amount of coffee has been dispensed into the cup. The machine will save this setting for future brews of that type.
5.3 Automatic Shutdown
For energy saving, the Tchibo Cafissimo Compact will automatically switch off after 15 minutes of inactivity.
6. Maintenance
Regular cleaning and descaling ensure optimal performance and longevity of your machine.
6.1 Daily Cleaning
- Empty Capsule Collector: After brewing, lift the lever to drop the used capsule into the collector. Empty the collector regularly (it holds up to 8 capsules) and rinse it with water.
- Clean Drip Tray: Remove and empty the drip tray. Rinse it with warm water and mild detergent, then dry thoroughly.
- Wipe Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp, soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
- Rinse Water Tank: Rinse the water tank with fresh water daily.
6.2 Descaling
The machine features an integrated descaling display. When the descaling indicator illuminates, it is time to descale your machine. Regular descaling is crucial for maintaining coffee quality and machine performance. The product includes a free Durgol descaler for this purpose.
- Ensure the capsule collector and drip tray are empty and clean.
- Fill the water tank with the recommended amount of Durgol descaling solution and water, as per the descaler's instructions.
- Place a large container (at least 1.2 liters) under the coffee outlet.
- Follow the specific descaling procedure outlined in the Durgol descaler instructions or the machine's full manual (usually involves pressing and holding specific buttons).
- After the descaling cycle, rinse the water tank thoroughly and fill it with fresh water. Run two full water tanks through the machine to rinse it completely.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your machine, refer to the table below for common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No coffee dispensed. | Water tank empty; machine not primed; capsule not inserted correctly. | Fill water tank; prime the machine (Section 4.2); ensure capsule is correctly seated and lever is closed. |
| Coffee is cold. | Machine not preheated; cold cup. | Allow machine to preheat (buttons stop flashing); preheat cup with hot water. |
| Descaling indicator light is on. | Machine requires descaling. | Perform descaling procedure (Section 6.2). |
| Machine leaks. | Water tank not seated correctly; drip tray full. | Ensure water tank is properly inserted; empty and clean drip tray. |
| Buttons flashing continuously. | Machine needs priming or is in an error state. | Perform priming (Section 4.2). If issue persists, unplug and replug the machine. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tchibo |
| Model Name | Cafissimo Compact |
| Model Number | 280997 |
| Color | Red |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 39 x 41 x 22 cm |
| Weight | 6.12 Kilograms |
| Water Tank Capacity | 1.2 Liters |
| Material | Plastic |
| Compatible Capsules | Tchibo Cafissimo Capsules |
| Special Features | Portable, Integrated Descaling Display, Automatic Shut-off (15 min) |
| Brewing Pressure | Up to 15 bar (3 individual levels) |
9. Warranty and Customer Support
Your Tchibo Cafissimo Compact machine comes with a 40-month warranty from the date of purchase. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For technical assistance, warranty claims, or further inquiries, please contact Tchibo customer support. Contact details can typically be found on the official Tchibo website or on the product packaging.





