It is very convenient in the morning, when you are not fully awake yet, not to waste time grinding coffee and preparing it, but to immediately get a cup of the drink of the desired temperature, strength and according to your recipe. Or even two cups. Modern coffee makers make it as easy as pie.
Today we will review the Red Oromia RCM-1580 model. It allows you to make four types of coffee, grinds exactly the amount of beans you need, and also heats up the water and produces boiling water. Find out how easy this coffee maker is to use in our review.
Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Red Solution |
|---|---|
| Model | Oromia RCM-1580 |
| Type | coffee machine |
| Country of origin | China |
| Guarantee | 1 year |
| Service life * | 3 years |
| Type of coffee | grain, ground |
| Heater type | thermal block |
| Power | 1400 W |
| Pressure | 1.9 MPa (19 bar) |
| Water tank capacity | 1.6 l |
| Capacity of the bean container | 370 g |
| Milk container | No |
| Making cappuccino | automatic |
| Adjusting the degree and volume of grinding | There is |
| Programming the amount of water for coffee | There is |
| No water indicator | There is |
| Pre-wetting | There is |
| Built-in coffee grinder | There is |
| Grinding system | millstones |
| Selection and memory of portion size | There is |
| Auto power off | There is |
| Cup warmer | There is |
| Body material | plastic, metal |
| Control | electronic (touch display) |
| Weight | 10.4 kg |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 270×357×412 mm |
| Length of network cable | 1.1 m |
* Contrary to popular belief, this is not a period after which the device will necessarily break down. However, after this period, the manufacturer ceases to bear any responsibility for its functionality and has the right to refuse to repair it, even for a fee.
Equipment
The Red Oromia RCM-1580 coffee machine arrived in a large cardboard box with a bright corporate design and printing containing a lot of information. The front side of the box shows the device, next to which the main characteristics of the model are indicated.
Without opening the package, you can immediately notice that the coffee machine is equipped with touch control and an automatic cappuccino maker. It allows you to adjust the portion size and prepare a drink in two cups at the same time. The device specifications are also indicated: boiler power 1400 W and pump pressure 19 bar.
On the sides of the box there are color photographs demonstrating the use of the device, and explanatory text describes additional functions, such as pre-wetting of coffee, cup heating and adjusting the height of the dispenser. After opening the package, we found:
- the coffee machine itself in assembly
- a metal stand for cups
- two brushes for cleaning the device (flat and cylindrical)
- a plastic dosing spoon for ground coffee
- two tubes for milk
- a set of spare silicone gaskets of different sizes
- a user manual
The device also comes with a set of consumables: four replacement sealing rings for the brewing unit and an additional milk tube.
At first glance
The body of the coffee machine, 27 cm wide, is made of black glossy plastic and looks impressive and elegant. The front panel is decorated with a decorative metal strip, and above the dispenser there is a bright touch control display. When the device is switched off, the indication is not visible. To protect the screen during transportation, it is covered with a film with an image of the main menu.
The front part of the top panel has a heated cup platform. Before using it, you should install the metal plate included in the kit.
Next to the platform is the coffee hopper lid, made of translucent dark plastic, which allows you to see the filling level. The lid is hinged back and closes tightly, effectively preserving the aroma of the beans.
In the center of the hopper is a wheel for adjusting the grind. This model uses a burr grinder, which allows you to select the degree of grinding depending on the type of coffee and the user's preferences. Five levels are available: from one for the finest grind to five for the coarsest. The wheel rotates with noticeable effort.
The coffee machine also supports the use of ground coffee. For this purpose, the hopper has a loading neck located closer to the front and covered with a plastic lid. For filling, use the plastic measuring spoon included in the kit, which holds 12 g of ground coffee. The instructions strictly recommend not to exceed this volume.
The coffee machine also supports the use of ground coffee. For this purpose, the hopper has a loading neck located closer to the front and covered with a plastic lid. For filling, use the plastic measuring spoon included in the kit, which holds 12 g of ground coffee. The instructions strictly recommend not to exceed this volume.
The 1.6L plastic water tank is made of transparent bluish plastic. At the bottom is a spring valve to control the water supply and a float with a magnetic contact that signals a low water level. The mechanism protrudes slightly above the bottom, leaving about 200 ml of water in the tank when the sensor is triggered.
The automatic cappuccino maker's regulator is installed above the reservoir niche. Next to it there is a sticker with brief instructions: turning the handle clockwise reduces the volume of foam, and turning it in the opposite direction increases foaming.
This model does not have a built-in milk container, so it will have to be supplied from the outside: from a bag, cup or jug.
The hatch on the right side of the coffee machine provides access to the brewing unit and the container for used coffee. Above it you can see the ventilation holes.
To remove both devices, you need to open the door completely, and this requires at least 30 cm of free space.
The brewing unit requires regular maintenance. To remove it, press the latch and pull the unit out, and to install it back, just press lightly until it clicks.
The RCM-1500 coffee machine uses a common brewing unit design: we have seen a similar solution with minor differences in Philips/Saeco devices.
The container for used coffee tablets holds just over a dozen.
This model allows you to prepare two portions of the drink at the same time. The dispenser has three holes for each cup: for coffee, milk and water.
The height of the dispenser can be adjusted from 11 to 14 cm depending on the size of the dish. The nozzle with a silicone tube can be installed on either side of the dispenser, depending on the location of the milk container.
The drip tray takes up the entire width of the front panel. It is covered at the top by a polished metal plate, above which a red signal float protrudes when the water is full.
To remove the tray, simply pull it towards you.
The device rests on four legs equipped with rubber anti-slip pads.
Instructions
The user manual is a 38-page A6 brochure.
The document is presented in two languages: Russian and Kazakh. The first six pages contain illustrations explaining the design of the coffee machine, its use and maintenance. The second part — text — supplements the pictures with explanations. The manual briefly and clearly describes the capabilities of the device, control and settings.
The last pages are intended for the notes of the seller and service center, since the manual also serves as a warranty document.
Control
After the coffee machine has started and warmed up, a drink selection menu appears on the color touch screen.
The machine offers the user a choice between Americano, espresso, cappuccino and latte. It can also pour a portion of milk or hot water. At the bottom of the screen are icons for calling up the menu, turning off the device and switching between grain and ground coffee.
In the «Menu» section, the coffee machine provides various options for customization:
- The «Settings» button opens a menu for configuring a standard portion of a drink.
- The «Descaling» option starts the self-cleaning process of the device.
- Automatic shutdown is configured via the «Timer» button, allowing you to set a timeout from half an hour to 24 hours.
- The «Sound» button allows you to turn off the sound signal when the drink is ready.
- The screen brightness is adjusted by the «Display» button, offering three backlight levels: minimum, medium and maximum.
- The «Language» sensor allows you to switch the interface between Russian and English.
- The «Counter» option displays the device usage statistics.
- The «Calibration» button opens the service menu for customization.
The Red Oromia RCM-1580 coffee machine offers extensive settings for each of the four coffee recipes. For espresso and americano, you can adjust the portion size of ground coffee, water temperature, and volume of the finished drink. For americano, you can also adjust the volume of hot water added to the coffee, and for espresso, you can switch the pump pressure between “high” and “low” modes.
| Program | Volume of coffee | Temperature | Amount of coffee | Volume of water | Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Americano | 20-250 ml, step 5 ml | 75—95 °C, step 5 °C | 7-12 g, step 1 g | 0-200 ml, step 10 ml | — |
| Espresso | 20-250 ml, step 5 ml | 75—95 °C, step 5 °C | 7-12 g, step 1 g | — | High (HP)/ Low (LP) |
For drinks with added frothed milk, you can also set the operating time of the cappuccino maker.
| Program | Volume of coffee | Temperature | Amount of coffee | Foaming time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cappuccino | 20-250 ml, step 5 ml | 75—95 °C, step 5 °C | 7-12 g, step 1 g | 15-60 seconds, step 1 sec |
| Latte | 20-250 ml, step 5 ml | 75—95 °C, step 5 °C | 7-12 g, step 1 g | 15-60 seconds, step 1 sec |
The portions of milk and water dispensed by the machine are not adjustable: the liquid supply runs continuously until the “Stop” button is pressed.
The coffee machine interface can be changed from Russian to English and back.
The Statistics section displays the number of espresso, americano, latte and cappuccino portions prepared since the machine was first used. This information is read-only and cannot be reset.
The «Calibration» button opens the service menu with a virtual numeric keypad for entering codes that control the device settings. The manual specifies some codes:
- 00 — reset all settings to factory defaults.
- 11 — machine information, including serial number.
- 55 — setting the number of tablets, upon reaching which a warning about emptying the waste container will be issued.
It is not recommended to enter other combinations of numbers without consulting technical support, as this may change the factory calibrations. In case of accidental entry of such codes, the manual advises to reset the device using the code «00».
Operation
Before using the machine, the manufacturer recommends that you completely unpack the device, remove the packaging materials and advertising stickers, and completely unwind the power cord. Removable parts should be washed with warm water, thoroughly dried and installed in place.
Only soft filtered or bottled water should be used to make coffee. Do not pour untreated tap water, regardless of its quality, or hot or warm water into the tank.
Before the first start, you must fill the machine with grain or ground coffee. The coffee grinder hopper holds about 370 g of beans. Ground coffee should be prepared immediately before making the drink, and the portion size poured into the appropriate container should not exceed 12 g.
When using ground coffee, it is important to consider the grind: too coarse is not suitable for the machine, and too fine can clog the filter and disable the device. In the event of such a malfunction, there is no warranty case.
After switching on, the coffee machine starts a rinsing and preparation cycle: first, a small portion of cold water (about 30 ml) passes through the dispenser, then the boiler heats up and cleans the system with boiling water.
The coffee machine takes about three quarters of a minute to warm up, and the display shows a progress indicator in percent. Once the warm-up is complete, the device notifies you that it is ready, and the main menu appears on the screen.
If you plan to make a cappuccino or latte, you need to prepare the milk: place it in a container, be it a bag, a cup or a jug, and place it next to the device. Insert the cappuccino tube into the container with milk, and connect the other end to the corresponding hole on the dispenser.
Using the coffee machine is very simple and convenient: to get a cup of coffee, you only need to press a button once and wait a few dozen seconds. The device will do the rest automatically.
During preparation, an animated cup is displayed on the screen, filling with the selected drink. You can stop the process at any time by pressing the sensor with the image of a palm.
By default, the coffee machine operates in constant readiness mode, maintaining the boiler and cup platform heating. If necessary, you can set an automatic shutdown timer: after a specified period of inactivity, the device will go into standby mode, and a splash screen with the model name will appear on the screen. To return to making coffee, just one touch of the touch panel is enough — the machine will start the rinsing and heating cycle again, and in less than a minute it will be ready for use.
In case of problems, the coffee machine displays clear messages on the screen. It will warn you about a lack of water or coffee beans, the need to empty the waste container, or an incorrectly installed module or tank. The only thing the user needs to monitor is the drip tray. When it is full, an indicator float appears, signaling the need to clean it.
Care
After each use of the cappuccino maker, it is necessary to clean the milk tube. Place the tube in a cup of water and place another container under the dispenser. Press the «Milk» button to start the rinsing cycle, then pour out the dirty liquid. Repeat the procedure if necessary until completely clean.
Regularly empty the drip tray, which is recommended after making 5-10 cups.
The coffee module should be cleaned of powder residue. To do this, remove the unit, rinse it with warm water and put it back in place until it clicks.
To remove scale, carry out a deep cleaning cycle using a special agent. Pour it into the water tank, place a suitable container under the dispenser and select the self-cleaning option in the menu. The hot liquid will be run through the system, removing deposits and dirt. After the process is complete, pour the solution out of the tank, replace it with clean water and rinse the system again.
The body of the device should be wiped with a damp soft cloth. Do not immerse the appliance in water, wash it under running water or clean it in the dishwasher.
Our measurements
When testing drip and horn coffee makers, we evaluate many parameters, such as pouring time and water temperature, which affect the quality of the drink.
An automatic coffee machine, like the Red Oromia RCM-1580, hides its processes inside, so it is impossible to measure parameters, as in drip or horn models. We can only evaluate the finished drink by taste.
However, we managed to collect some data. The maximum recorded power consumption of the coffee machine was 1257 W, in standby mode — 1.9 W.
The switch-on process, including heating and rinsing, takes 1 minute and consumes about 0.009 kWh of electricity. Making espresso and Americano requires about 0.007-0.009 kWh, and latte and cappuccino — from 0.013 to 0.017 kWh. A single espresso is prepared in 37 seconds, an Americano in 43 seconds, and a cappuccino and latte in about 1 minute 35 seconds. In general, any standard drink can be prepared no more than 2.5 minutes after turning on the coffee machine.
We also measured the noise level that the coffee machine produces during operation. With a background of 33 dB, the noise level reached 58 dB when pouring water and up to 75 dB when the coffee grinder was operating, when the microphone of the sound meter was at a distance of 1 meter.
Practice tests
During the testing, we prepared various drinks from the built-in programs of the coffee machine. We rated all the drinks as “excellent”: the coffee machine coped with the task at the highest level, even with the factory settings, without changing the grind or selecting a special type of milk. Therefore, in the “testing” section, we will focus on the features of the built-in recipes, and not on the quality of the drinks.
Espresso
Classic espresso is excellent: on standard settings, the machine first wets the coffee for 1 second, after which it produces 34 ml of the drink.
Let us remember that pre-wetting is required so that the coffee is slightly “prepared” before the water starts pouring in and its flavor is revealed to the fullest.
The drink turns out rich and tasty, with a beautiful, dense foam.
In this recipe, the coffee machine allows you to adjust the volume of the drink, the amount of ground coffee, the water temperature and the pressure (high or low). However, there is no pre-wetting control.
Result: excellent
Americano
Pre-wetting is also included when preparing Americano.
As the classic recipe requires, the coffee machine first prepares espresso and then pours the required amount of hot water into the cup.
The result is as expected: an aromatic drink with a pronounced foam.
In this recipe, you can adjust the portion size of ground coffee, the volume of the drink, and the amount of water in the second step to taste.
Result: excellent
Cappuccino
When the cappuccino maker is in operation, a noticeable amount of splashing may occur — this should be taken into account when choosing the dishes. It is also advisable to set the dispenser height correctly.
In a cappuccino recipe, the machine first pours a set amount of milk foam into the cup and then adds a shot of espresso.
The user can adjust the amount of ground coffee, brewing temperature, volume of water for espresso and duration of the cappuccino maker. The intensity of the foam is adjusted by a mechanical regulator in the compartment with the water reservoir.
The result is excellent, but the drink does not correspond to the classic cappuccino: in the classic recipe, foamed milk is added to espresso, and not vice versa, as in this model.
The result: excellent, but the order of adding espresso and milk is reversed.
Latte
The dosing sequence is also mixed up in the latte recipe: here the machine pours the coffee first....
...and then adds frothed milk to it.
This recipe corresponds to a classic cappuccino, while the previous one is more reminiscent of a latte macchiato. The manufacturer can easily rename the drinks on the control panel without changing the design, algorithm and recipe settings.
As in the previous recipe, here you can adjust the amount of ground coffee, the temperature and volume of water for espresso, and the duration of milk frothing.
Result: excellent, but the drink turns out to be a cappuccino, not a latte.
Conclusions
The Red Oromia RCM-1580 automatic coffee machine has a built-in burr grinder with convenient grinding adjustment. Using the color touch screen, you can make espresso, americano, latte or cappuccino with one touch, as well as pour a portion of foamed milk or add hot water. The user can adjust all recipe parameters within a wide range to suit their preferences and the characteristics of the coffee used.
The dimensions of the coffee machine are quite large, so it is better suited for a medium or large kitchen. Use in a limited space may be difficult due to the need to access both side walls.
The coffee machine impressed us with its ease of operation, wide customization options, the presence of an automatic cappuccino maker and ease of maintenance. The only drawback is a slight confusion in the recipes: the algorithms for making cappuccino and latte in this model are clearly mixed up, but this is not a serious problem.
Pros:
- simple, convenient control
- wide opportunities for experimenting with recipes
- easy maintenance
- automatic cappuccino maker
- built-in burr coffee grinder
Cons:
- rather large dimensions
- recipes for cappuccino and latte are mixed up