1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Tchibo Cafissimo Compact coffee capsule machine. Please read these instructions carefully before first use and keep them for future reference.
2. Important Safety Instructions
- Read all instructions before using the appliance.
- Do not immerse the appliance, power cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
- Keep the appliance out of reach of children.
- Always unplug the appliance from the power outlet before cleaning or when not in use.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
- Use only original Tchibo Cafissimo capsules.
- The appliance generates hot water and steam. Exercise caution to avoid burns.
3. Product Overview
The Tchibo Cafissimo Compact is a coffee capsule machine designed for preparing Espresso, Caffè Crema, and filter coffee with a simple button press. It features a programmable beverage quantity and an integrated capsule collector.

Figure 3.1: Front view of the Tchibo Cafissimo Compact machine with a prepared coffee.

Figure 3.2: Side view of the Tchibo Cafissimo Compact machine, highlighting its compact design.

Figure 3.3: View of the Tchibo Cafissimo Compact, illustrating the water tank and capsule insertion area.
Key Components:
- Water Tank: Removable tank for fresh water (1.2 Litre capacity).
- Coffee Outlet: Where the prepared coffee dispenses.
- Capsule Compartment: Area for inserting coffee capsules.
- Capsule Collector: Collects up to 8 used capsules.
- Drip Tray: Collects excess liquid and supports the cup.
- Control Panel: Buttons for Espresso, Caffè Crema, and filter coffee, and indicator lights.
4. Initial Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove the machine from its packaging. Remove all protective films and packaging materials.
- Placement: Place the machine on a stable, level, and heat-resistant surface, away from water sources and direct sunlight.
- Rinsing the Water Tank: Remove the water tank, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water, and fill it with fresh, cold drinking water up to the MAX mark. Reinsert the tank securely.
- First Rinse Cycle:
- Place an empty cup under the coffee outlet.
- Plug the machine into a grounded power outlet. The indicator lights will flash.
- Press any coffee preparation button (e.g., Caffè Crema button). The machine will start a rinsing cycle, dispensing hot water.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times to ensure the internal system is clean.
- The machine is now ready for use.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Preparing Coffee (Espresso, Caffè Crema, Filter Coffee)
- Ensure the water tank is filled with fresh water.
- Open the capsule compartment lever.
- Insert a Tchibo Cafissimo capsule into the compartment. Close the lever firmly.
- Place an appropriate cup under the coffee outlet.
- Press the desired coffee preparation button:
- Small Cup Icon: For Espresso.
- Medium Cup Icon: For Caffè Crema.
- Large Cup Icon: For Filter Coffee.
- The machine will start brewing. The indicator light for the selected beverage will flash during preparation and remain steady when ready.
- After brewing, open the capsule compartment lever to eject the used capsule into the integrated collector. Close the lever.
5.2 Programming Beverage Quantity
You can customize the amount of coffee dispensed for each button:
- Ensure the machine is ready (indicator lights steady).
- Insert a capsule and place a cup.
- Press and hold the button for the beverage you wish to program (e.g., Espresso button).
- Release the button when the desired amount of coffee has been dispensed into the cup. The new quantity is now saved for that button.
5.3 Automatic Shut-off
The Tchibo Cafissimo Compact machine automatically switches off after approximately 15 minutes of inactivity to save energy.
6. Maintenance and Cleaning
6.1 Daily Cleaning
- Drip Tray and Capsule Collector: Empty and rinse the drip tray and capsule collector daily. Clean them with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.
- Water Tank: Rinse the water tank daily and refill with fresh water.
- Machine Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp, soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
6.2 Descaling
The machine has an integrated descaling display. When the descaling indicator light illuminates, it is time to descale the machine. Regular descaling is crucial for maintaining performance and extending the machine's lifespan. Use a suitable descaling agent, such as the free Durgol descaler often included, or another recommended descaler for coffee machines.
- Empty the water tank and the capsule collector.
- Fill the water tank with the descaling solution according to the descaler manufacturer's instructions.
- Place a large container (at least 1.2 liters) under the coffee outlet.
- Follow the specific descaling procedure outlined in your descaler's instructions or the machine's full manual (often involves pressing and holding specific buttons).
- After the descaling cycle, rinse the water tank thoroughly and fill it with fresh water. Run at least two full water tanks through the machine to rinse out any descaling residue.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Machine does not turn on. | No power supply. | Check if the power plug is securely inserted into the outlet. Check the fuse. |
| No coffee is dispensed. | Water tank empty; capsule not inserted correctly; machine clogged. | Fill water tank. Ensure capsule is properly seated. Perform a descaling cycle. |
| Coffee is cold or not hot enough. | Machine not preheated; limescale buildup. | Allow machine to preheat fully. Descale the machine. |
| Water leaks from the machine. | Water tank not seated correctly; internal component issue. | Ensure water tank is properly inserted. If problem persists, contact customer support. |
| Descaling indicator light is on. | Machine requires descaling. | Perform a descaling cycle as described in Section 6.2. |
8. Technical Specifications
- Brand: Tchibo
- Model Name: Cafissimo Compact
- Model Number: 280999
- Color: Cream
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 39 x 41 x 22 cm
- Weight: 6.12 Kilograms
- Water Tank Capacity: 1.2 Litre
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Special Feature: Portable (Note: This refers to its compact size and ease of placement)
- Automatic Shut-off: Yes, after 15 minutes
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Tchibo website. In case of technical issues or questions not covered in this manual, please contact Tchibo customer support.
Tchibo Customer Support: Please visit www.tchibo.com for local contact information and support options.





