Bosch TKA3A031 Filter Coffee Machine - Review 🏆

The Bosch TKA3A031 is a simple to use drip coffee maker that delivers quality filtered coffee with minimal fuss. Part of Bosch's entry level kitchen appliance range, it offers a no-nonsense brewing experience in a compact and unfussy package.

With its 10-cup capacity and 650-watt heating element, the TKA3A031 can quickly brew up to 1.25 liters of coffee. It uses a removable filter basket compatible with both cone and flat bottom paper filters, giving you flexibility on the brewing process. The keep warm plate will maintain your pot of coffee at the ideal drinking temperature for up to 40 minutes after brewing completes.

Overall, the Bosch TKA3A031 is a solid choice for anyone wanting an affordable and easy-to-use filter coffee machine for their kitchen counter. It lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricier models but delivers where it counts - making a good pot of drip coffee.

Design & Appearance

The Bosch TKA3A031 has a sleek and modern design with a black plastic housing and stainless steel accents. It has a compact footprint, measuring just 9.5 x 7.5 x 11.5 inches, making it a good option for small kitchens or workspaces.

The coffee maker features a simple and intuitive control panel on the front with backlit buttons, adding to its sophisticated look. There are no color options available - it only comes in black. While the plastic housing feels durable, some may prefer a metal construction for a more premium quality.

Overall, the Bosch coffee maker has an attractive contemporary style that would look nice on most countertops without taking up too much space. The combination of black plastic and stainless steel gives it a classy look. While not the most eye-catching or ornate coffee maker on the market, its minimalist aesthetic will appeal to many modern kitchens.

Features & Functionality

The Bosch TKA3A031 filter coffee machine offers a good range of features and customization options for brewing coffee.

• Capacity: It has a 1.2 liter water tank which can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at a time. The glass carafe has a 1.4 liter capacity.

• Brew types: This machine can brew a full carafe or a single cup with the flip of a switch. The single cup mode uses a slide-out tray.

• Temperature control: There is no temperature control option on this model. It brews at the standard coffee temperature.

• Timer: Unfortunately there is no programmable timer for scheduled brewing. You have to manually turn it on when needed.

• Strength settings: It has an aroma selector knob to choose mild, medium or strong coffee strength. This adjusts the brew time.

• Other features: Other handy features include an anti-drip valve, removable filter holder, keep warm plate, water level indicator and dishwasher safe parts. The filter basket flips open for easy access.

Ease of Use

The Bosch Filter Coffee Machine is very easy to use and operate on a daily basis. The controls consist of a simple on/off switch and dial to select the number of cups. There is no digital display or complex programming options, making it straightforward for anyone to brew coffee.

Setting up the machine is quick and simple. The water tank lifts out from the back to fill up, and the filter holder slides out from the top. Inserting a #4 cone filter and adding ground coffee is all it takes to get started. There are no complicated steps or settings to worry about.

Cleaning is also hassle-free, with removable parts that can be washed by hand or placed in the dishwasher. The carafe lifts off for easy cleaning, and the filter holder and water tank are simple to rinse out after use. There is no built-up residue or hard to reach areas inside the machine, so maintaining it is effortless.

Overall, the Bosch filter coffee maker achieves simplicity and ease of use for basic daily coffee brewing. With its straightforward manual controls, hassle-free set up, and easy cleaning, it's designed to be user-friendly for any level of coffee drinker.

Coffee Quality

The Bosch TKA3A031 brews coffee at an ideal temperature between 195-205°F, which allows the natural flavors and aromas of the coffee beans to be properly extracted. The machine produces a rich, full-bodied coffee with a smooth mouthfeel and pleasant aftertaste.

The filter coffee it brews has a well-balanced flavor profile, with subtle notes of chocolate and toasted nuts coming through. The aroma while brewing and drinking is robust and enticing. The Bosch extracts the coffee oils during brewing which enhances the aroma.

The filter coffee has a nice tan crema on top when brewed properly. The crema lasts a few minutes after brewing and indicates the coffee is freshly brewed. The oils extracted during brewing contribute to the crema formation. Overall, the Bosch makes a high quality filter coffee with great aroma, flavor, and crema.

Noise Level

The Bosch TKA3A031 Filter Coffee Machine operates at a reasonable noise level that should not disturb most kitchen environments. During the brewing process, there is some noise from the water being heated and pumped through the machine, as well as a light hum from the motorized parts. However, it is not excessively loud compared to similar drip coffee makers.

The boiling and brewing noises are relatively subtle, without any major gurgling or loud dripping sounds. The main noise comes from the pump pushing the water through, which has a steady, even hum. It is comparable in volume to running an electric kettle or blender on low speed. The noise does not continue after brewing is complete.

Overall, the Bosch coffee machine noise level is average and unobtrusive for a drip coffee maker. It can brew a full carafe of coffee without being disruptively loud or annoying early in the morning. The noise is contained within the machine and does not vibrate or rattle nearby items. This makes it well-suited for most home kitchens, offices, and other environments where a quieter operation is appreciated.

Accessories

The Bosch TKA3A031 filter coffee maker comes with some useful accessories to help you brew coffee.

It includes a glass carafe with a capacity of 1.2 liters, which is perfect for making multiple cups of coffee at once for a small group. The carafe has an ergonomic handle and drip-free pouring spout to easily dispense coffee without making a mess.

For filtering the coffee, it comes with a #4 paper cone filter that fits perfectly in the filter basket. Paper filters are recommended over permanent filters as they allow for better extraction and flavor while filtering out oils. The cone shape allows total interaction between water and coffee grounds.

Also included is a measuring scoop that measures one tablespoon, which is useful to get the right coffee to water ratio. One scoop per cup is generally recommended.

It doesn't come with a thermal carafe or additional filters, so you'd need to purchase those separately if desired. But the included glass carafe, filter, and scoop provide the essential accessories to get started brewing.

Pros & Cons

The Bosch TKA3A031 filter coffee machine has several pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Produces a good, strong coffee with a rich aroma and full flavor
• Simple to operate with one-touch brewing
• Keeps coffee hot for hours with the insulated jug
• Easy to clean with removable parts that are dishwasher safe
• Compact size takes up minimal counter space
• Quiet operation compared to some models

Cons

• Plastic parts feel a bit flimsy and cheap
• Water tank capacity is small at 1.2 liters
• No programmable timer for scheduled brewing
• Can't adjust coffee strength or temperature
• Doesn't have a pause function to grab a cup mid-brew
• No automatic shutoff feature

Price & Value

The Bosch TKA3A031 currently retails for around £40-50 on Amazon UK. This puts it in the budget to mid-range category for drip coffee makers.

At this price point, the Bosch offers very good value for money. It has a solid set of features like the keep warm plate, removable filter holder, and dishwasher safe parts. The build quality and durability also seem good based on reviews.

While it lacks some of the extra functions and customizability of more expensive models, it delivers where it matters - making a good cup of filter coffee. Its simple operation and cleaning make it ideal for those looking for an affordable, no-frills coffee maker for daily use.

The Bosch TKA3A031 punches above its weight given its competitive pricing. It's a great choice for someone wanting a basic but reliable filter coffee machine that doesn't cost a lot but still makes great coffee.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Bosch TKA3A031 filter coffee machine is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use drip coffee maker. Its simple and functional design makes brewing coffee effortless, while still producing a high-quality cup of joe. The machine is compact enough to fit nicely on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space.

The TKA3A031 model offers all the essential features you need in a basic coffee maker, including a programmable timer, anti-drip system, keep warm plate, and removable parts for easy cleaning. It consistently brews a hot, flavorful pot of coffee and the brew speed is quite fast. The water tank is also generously sized for multiple cups.

The coffee maker is very straightforward to operate, with intuitive controls and settings. It's an ideal choice for beginners who want an unfussy machine, as well as experienced coffee drinkers looking for an affordable but capable drip coffee brewer.

In terms of downsides, the plastic parts feel a bit flimsy and cheap. The machine is also louder than some higher-end models when brewing. However, for the very reasonable price, these are minor complaints.

Overall, the Bosch TKA3A031 filter coffee machine punches above its weight class. For budget-conscious coffee lovers who want a simple but well-performing drip coffee maker, it's easy to recommend this model. The combination of useful features, solid brewing, and an affordable price make this a great choice for personal use or even as a gift.