Wabilogic's Melitta Aroma Tocco Plus Review: The Coffee Maker That Gets Your Iced Coffee Right

Melitta Aroma Tocco Plus 12-Cup - Best hot and iced drip coffee maker

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The Melitta Aroma Tocco Plus solves a problem most coffee makers ignore: making iced coffee that actually tastes like coffee. At around $126 on sale (regularly $180), this machine brews at a higher concentration specifically designed for pouring over ice, so you get bold, balanced flavor. The 12-cup capacity means you can brew enough for the whole household or prep a batch for the week.

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Who it is for: Anyone who drinks both hot and iced coffee and wants one machine that does both well. Perfect for families, iced coffee enthusiasts, and those who want to cut down on coffee shop runs during summer months.

The full picture

Melitta invented the paper coffee filter back in 1908, and that heritage shows in the Aroma Tocco Plus. This is a company that understands drip coffee at a fundamental level, and they've applied that expertise to solve a genuine problem: making iced coffee at home that doesn't taste like you watered down your morning brew.

The dedicated iced coffee function is the standout feature here. Unlike simply brewing hot coffee and pouring it over ice, the Tocco Plus uses what Melitta calls a "golden ratio" approach. The carafe and water tank both have specific measurement markings for iced coffee, so you know exactly how much water and ice to use. The result is iced coffee with vibrant flavor that holds up without becoming thin or bitter.

The touch control panel is genuinely pleasant to use. The large LCD display is bright and easy to read, and the touch interface responds quickly. When brewing completes, you get three audible beeps so you know your coffee is ready even if you're in another room. Because there are no physical buttons, there are no gaps for coffee grounds or kitchen grime to collect so cleaning the exterior takes seconds.

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Hot coffee performance is equally impressive. The Aroma Control system lets you toggle between regular and bold brew strength. The difference is noticeable as the 1000W heating system gets water to optimal temperature quickly, extracting full flavor without bitterness.

The programmable timer works exactly as you'd expect. Set it the night before, and you wake up to fresh coffee. The clock displays in standard 12-hour AM/PM format, which is more intuitive than some competing models that only offer 24-hour time. The keep warm function also maintains temperature on the hot plate for up to two hours, though it automatically deactivates in iced coffee mode since you want that coffee cold.

Build quality feels solid throughout and the brushed stainless steel accents give it a premium. The thick plastic construction feels durable, and the glass carafe is sturdy. Despite the 12-cup capacity, the footprint stays compact enough for most countertops, and the integrated cable storage keeps things tidy.

One thing worth noting: the water reservoir opening is on the narrow side. Filling directly from the carafe can lead to minor spills if you pour too quickly. This however is a minor inconvenience, not a dealbreaker.

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The machine does require paper filters rather than a reusable option, which some users may find as a downside for environmental or convenience reasons. However, Melitta's #4 cone filters are widely available and inexpensive, and a starter pack of five filters plus a coffee scoop are included to get you started.

Other Melitta coffee makers worth considering

Melitta offers several other options depending on your needs. The Aroma Tocco Thermal 8-Cup model features a double-walled stainless steel carafe that keeps coffee hot without a hot plate, ideal for those who sip slowly. The Aroma Tocco Glass 10-Cup provides a middle ground with standard hot coffee features at a lower price. For the freshest possible coffee, the Aroma Fresh Plus features a built-in conical burr grinder. And if you want a pop of color, the Aroma Tocco 10-Cup is available in white.

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FAQ

How is the iced coffee function different from just brewing hot coffee?

The iced coffee function brews at a higher concentration with a specific water ratio designed for pouring over ice. The carafe and water tank have dedicated measurement markings for ice coffee mode. This prevents the diluted, watery taste you get when cooling regular hot coffee with ice.

What size filters does the Aroma Tocco Plus use?

It uses standard Melitta #4 (also labeled 1x4) cone filters, which are widely available at grocery stores, pharmacies, and online retailers. A starter pack of five filters is included with the machine.

Can I pour a cup while it's still brewing?

Yes. The Pause and Serve function lets you remove the carafe mid-brew to pour a cup. Replace it within 20 seconds to avoid overflow.

How long does the keep warm function last?

The hot plate keeps coffee warm for up to 2 hours before automatically shutting off. Note that the keep warm function is automatically disabled in iced coffee mode.

Is the clock in 12-hour or 24-hour format?

The Aroma Tocco Plus uses a standard 12-hour AM/PM clock format.

Is the carafe dishwasher safe?

Yes, the glass carafe and the removable cone filter basket are both top-rack dishwasher safe.

Can I use a reusable filter instead of paper?

The machine is designed for paper filters and doesn't include a reusable option. Some users have noted this as a minor drawback if they prefer reusable filters for environmental or convenience reasons.

What's included in the box?

The coffee maker, glass carafe, filter basket, a starter pack of 5 Melitta #4 filter papers, and a coffee scoop.