CASO Taste and Style Thermo Review: Is It Worth It?
Hello from our coffee counter, I'm Sam. My coffee shop opened in 2012, and our drip coffee makers have worked every day since.
The CASO Taste and Style Thermo is a German drip coffee maker. It has an insulated stainless steel jug, a timer and three brew strengths. Caso article 1847 brews up to 10 cups from a 1.2 L (40.6 fl oz) tank. The machine has no grinder, and no US price turned up.
Computer Bild rated the machine Gut (1.9), and ETM Testmagazin scored it 94. Owners like the timer, the quiet running and the warm-keeping jug. They complain about a jug that drips, a small fill neck and a fixed water tank. Owner ratings sit near 3.7 of 5.
This review puts the CASO Taste and Style Thermo next to the CASO Duo Thermo on brew strength. No brand paid me. The 220-240 V rating and the Schuko plug matter most to a US buyer. Read on for a clear verdict.
What Is the CASO Thermo Coffee Machine?
The CASO Thermo coffee machine is a drip coffee maker that brews 10 cups into an insulated stainless steel jug. The full name is Caso Coffee Taste and Style Thermo, article 1847.
Drip means hot water runs through ground coffee by gravity. An espresso machine instead forces water through under pressure. The CASO Thermo makes drip coffee only. It takes ground coffee and has no grinder.
The box holds a filter holder with a permanent filter, a coffee spoon and a manual. The permanent filter replaces paper filters. A drip stop keeps the counter clean when the jug leaves the machine.
The machine has touch controls, an LED display, a clock and a timer. A water level indicator shows the fill. The housing mixes black plastic and stainless steel, and the machine sits on a countertop.
What Are the CASO Thermo's Specs?
The CASO Thermo specs list 800 W of power, a 1.2 L (40.6 fl oz) water tank and 10 cups. The machine is rated for 220-240 V at 50-60 Hz. That rating matches European outlets, not 120 V US outlets.
The cable is 75 cm (29.5 in) long and ends in a Schuko plug, the European type. That plug fits the same European outlets the voltage rating points to. The machine also carries GS and CE safety marks.
The body is 170 mm (6.7 in) wide, 270 mm (10.6 in) deep and 330 mm (13 in) tall. The machine weighs 2.3 kg (5.1 lb). Caso calls the footprint about 40% smaller than the CASO Novea C4.
Key Specs:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 800 W |
| Voltage | 220-240 V, 50-60 Hz |
| Water tank | 1.2 L (40.6 fl oz) |
| Capacity | 10 cups |
| Size | 170 x 270 x 330 mm (6.7 x 10.6 x 13 in) |
| Weight | 2.3 kg (5.1 lb) |
Who Makes the CASO Thermo?
CASO GmbH of Arnsberg, Germany makes the CASO Thermo under the Caso brand. Caso is a German small appliance brand. The manual copyright belongs to Braukmann GmbH.
The manual runs 96 pages and carries the title Coffee Taste and Style Thermo, article 1847. The original text is German. The maker states that the German text is binding and that translations are made to the best of its knowledge.
The EAN is 4038437018479. The Caso name also appears on a two-jug Duo Thermo and a glass-jug model. Because of this, article number 1847 confirms the right machine.
How Does the CASO Thermo Brew Coffee?
The CASO Thermo brews coffee by dripping hot water through a 17-hole brewing head onto the grounds. The 17 holes spread the water across the grounds, so they wet evenly. The coffee then runs through a permanent filter into the insulated jug.
The water is hot when it reaches the grounds. The maker states a brew temperature of 92-96 °C (198-205 °F). The range is stated on the Selection C 10 Thermo listing for the same machine family.
Computer Bild lists a slightly long brew time as a weakness. No exact minutes per pot were found.
A fixed water tank holds 1.2 L (40.6 fl oz). Water goes in through a small fill neck. A water level indicator shows how much is inside.
Does the CASO Thermo Adjust Brew Strength?
Yes. The CASO Thermo adjusts brew strength from mild to strong with the Aroma function. The touch panel and the LED display set the strength.
The machine offers three strengths. The setting changes the taste of the brew without changing the amount of water. Owners praise this control.
ETM Testmagazin, in its 10/2023 issue, praised the large room to adjust the aroma. The magazine scored the machine 94.
Can the CASO Thermo Brew on a Timer?
Yes. The CASO Thermo brews on a timer, so coffee is ready at a time set ahead. The touch panel and a rotary knob set the timer.
The LED display shows the clock. Owners list the timer among the best features of the machine.
The finished coffee goes into the jug, and the jug holds it until someone pours it. The machine has no warming plate.
Does the CASO Thermo Brew Hot Coffee?
Yes. The CASO Thermo brews hot coffee at 92-96 °C (198-205 °F), though some owners find the cup lukewarm.
The brew temperature is high, but owners do not agree on how hot the coffee feels. Some call the coffee good and hot. Others say the coffee is not hot enough.
Tests do not settle the question. Computer Bild rated the filter coffee tasty and gave the machine an overall Gut (1.9). That rating covers the whole machine, though. No measured cup temperature was found, so heat at the cup stays unproven.
A jug with no warming plate holds heat by insulation alone. Coffee from the jug cools at the speed the jug allows.
Does the CASO Thermo Keep Coffee Warm?
Yes. The CASO Thermo keeps coffee warm in its insulated stainless steel jug, with no warming plate.
Two tests back this up. Computer Bild says the thermos jug holds the coffee warm well. ETM Testmagazin lists passive keep-warm through the thermal jug as a strength. Passive means no heater runs after the brew.
Some owners say the jug does not hold heat for long. Their reports conflict with the two test verdicts.
The glass-jug sibling works differently. It uses a warming plate instead, rated for 35 minutes. The Thermo has no such plate.
What Do Owners Say About the CASO Thermo?
Owners say the CASO Thermo is a decent but flawed drip maker. Owner ratings average 3.7 of 5 across 314 ratings. The related Selection C 10 Thermo listing averages 3.4 of 5 across 238 ratings.
Professional tests paint a brighter picture than those owner scores. Computer Bild rated the machine Gut (1.9), with a score of 70. Home and Garden Test rated it Good (2.0) in issue 02/2023. ETM Testmagazin, in its 10/2023 issue, scored it 94. Testers rate the machine higher than owners do.
Owners split on quality. Of 11 mentions of build quality, 4 are positive and 7 negative. Of 11 mentions of brew quality, 5 are positive and 6 negative.
Test and Owner Scores:
| Source | Score |
|---|---|
| Computer Bild | Gut (1.9), score 70 |
| Home and Garden Test, 02/2023 | Good (2.0) |
| ETM Testmagazin, 10/2023 | 94 |
| Owner ratings | 3.7 of 5 across 314 ratings |
| Selection C 10 Thermo listing | 3.4 of 5 across 238 ratings |
What Do Owners Like About the CASO Thermo?
Owners like the CASO Thermo for its timer, permanent filter and warm-keeping jug.
The timer lets the machine brew at a set time, so coffee is ready when the owner wants it. The jug keeps the coffee warm after brewing.
Coffee taste comes up often. The machine offers three brew strengths, and owners praise them. It also keeps the aroma of the coffee. Quiet running and simple controls come up often as well.
ETM Testmagazin notes moderate power use while brewing. It also lists many accessories. Customers like the look of the machine as well.
What Are the CASO Thermo's Common Complaints?
The CASO Thermo's most common complaint is a jug that drips and does not seal well. Of 25 owners who mention the jug, 3 are positive and 22 negative.
The lid gasket twists, and the lid takes force to open and close. The small fill neck makes filling hard, and water spills. The water tank cover is stiff to open.
Complaints:
- Jug drips and does not seal well
- Lid gasket twists and the lid is stiff
- Small fill neck and spills
- Stiff water tank cover
- Fixed water tank that is hard to clean
- Coffee not hot enough for some owners
Computer Bild also lists a fixed water tank that makes cleaning hard. The test adds that the machine has no grinder and a slightly long brew time.
Other owners find the coffee not hot enough.
How Does the CASO Thermo Compare With Its Rivals?
The CASO Thermo compares with two rivals from Caso itself, the two-jug Duo Thermo and a glass-jug model. All three share a 17-hole brewing head, an Aroma function, a drip stop, a permanent filter and a timer. Because the basic features match, the differences come down to the jugs and how each model keeps coffee warm.
The Duo Thermo, article 1845, also draws 800 W. It brews up to 10 cups and comes with two insulated jugs and two filter holders. The CASO Thermo has one insulated jug. The Duo Thermo adds a second jug and a second filter holder to the same 10-cup capacity.
The glass-jug model takes a different path. It holds 1.5 L (50.7 fl oz) for 12 cups, which is more than the other two. A warming plate keeps the coffee warm for 35 minutes. The glass lets the user see the level.
Rival Comparison:
| Model | Jugs | Capacity | Keeps warm by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASO Thermo | One insulated jug | 10 cups | Insulated jug |
| CASO Duo Thermo | Two insulated jugs | Up to 10 cups | Insulated jugs |
| Glass-jug model | One glass jug | 12 cups, 1.5 L (50.7 fl oz) | Warming plate, 35 minutes |
Is the CASO Thermo Better Than the CASO Duo Thermo?
Yes. The CASO Thermo is better than the CASO Duo Thermo on proof, with two professional tests against none.
The Duo Thermo has no professional test yet. Without one, the only evidence about how it performs comes from owners. Owners of the Duo Thermo report leaking jugs, spills when filling and coffee that is not hot after timer brewing.
The Duo Thermo wins on capacity. Two jugs and two filter holders let one machine serve two pots.
How Do You Clean the CASO Thermo?
The CASO Thermo cleans in four parts: the permanent filter, the filter holder, the jug and the fixed water tank.
The filter holder lifts out by a carry handle. The permanent filter is removable, so no paper filters pile up.
The water tank is fixed to the machine. Computer Bild lists this as a weakness because the tank is hard to clean.
How Often Does the CASO Thermo Need Descaling?
The CASO Thermo often needs descaling: about once a month with hard water and once a quarter with soft water.
A liquid descaler labelled for coffee machines is the recommended agent. It clears the limescale from the water path.
A spec sheet lists self-cleaning as a feature of the machine. No step list was found outside the manual.
How Much Does the CASO Thermo Cost?
The CASO Thermo has no US dollar cost to quote, because no US listing turned up.
The machine sells through shops in Germany, Australia and Egypt.
The machine is rated for 220-240 V, but US outlets supply 120 V. This mismatch adds a hidden cost, because a voltage converter is needed to run it. The machine also has a Schuko plug, the round two-pin European type. It does not fit US outlets, so an adapter is needed too.
What Warranty Covers the CASO Thermo?
A 2 year (24 month) warranty covers the CASO Thermo, by the listing for the related Selection C 10 Thermo.
The manual limits the cover. The maker takes no liability for damage from ignoring the manual, improper repairs or technical changes. Modifications fall outside the guarantee.
No US service route turned up in the research.
Is the CASO Thermo Worth It?
No. The CASO Thermo is not worth it for most US kitchens, because of its 220-240 V rating and missing US price.
The machine earns real marks. Computer Bild rated it Gut (1.9), and ETM Testmagazin gave it 94. The timer, three strengths and quiet running work well.
The flaws are practical ones. The jug drips, and the fill neck is small. The water tank is also fixed, so it cannot be lifted out for filling. Owner reports repeat the same points, which shows these are not one-off defects.
The electrical rating is the larger problem. The machine is rated 220-240 V and uses a Schuko plug. Without a US price, a buyer also cannot tell what the machine would cost.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Timer | Jug drips |
| Three brew strengths | Small fill neck |
| Quiet running | Fixed water tank |
| Insulated jug | 220-240 V rating and Schuko plug |
Who Should Buy the CASO Thermo?
A buyer in a 220-240 V region should buy the CASO Thermo for a timer, three strengths and an insulated jug in a compact body.
The compact body is 170 mm (6.7 in) wide. The machine brews one 10 cup pot, which suits a morning pot for a few people.
Buyers who pour quickly or need fast brewing should look elsewhere. The jug drips when poured, and Computer Bild lists a slightly long brew time.
A 120 V buyer needs a drip maker sold with a US plug and a US warranty.
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