Mr. Coffee Café Barista BVMCECMP1000RB: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-09

Summary

This semi-automatic espresso, cappuccino and latte maker automates dosing and milk frothing at a budget price, but two independent tests found weak, sometimes burnt-tasting espresso with brew temperatures swinging from 198°F to 207°F. The automatic frother is the defining feature and the main liability: a specialist estimates it may fail within 6-12 months, and it needs a cleaning cycle after every milk use. It only makes sense at used or open-box prices under $100.

Common problems and fixes

Weak, inconsistent, burnt-tasting espresso — CNET measured TDS between 6.8% and 10.1% against a roughly 14% target, and TechGearLab scored it 4.1/10, last in its field, calling the shot weak and burnt tasting. Use a separate burr grinder and a coarser grind; the machine has no pressure gauge to help dial in. [1][2]
Frother clogging and curdled milk — skipping the cleaning cycle after milk use lets curdled milk build up that is nearly impossible to remove. Fill the reservoir with water, set the froth knob to Clean and hold the Latte button after every milk drink. [6]
Portafilter clogging — very fine grounds completely clog the portafilter, and light roasts came out overwhelmingly sour. Grind coarser than you would for a manual machine. [1]
All LEDs blinking error — iFixit attributes this to broken water flow sensor wires, repairable with soldering. [8]
Auto-stop failure — one owner reported the machine deprogramming after two months so the automatic stop no longer worked and it had to be watched to avoid overflow. Monitor it until you confirm the shut-off works. [6]

Parts and consumables

Third-party seller Seneca River Trading lists exact-model parts at low cost [7]:

Milk frothing tube — $1.50 [7]
Silicone tube — $1.59 [7]
Double-shot filter — $4.55 [7]
Portafilter — $12.56 [7]

Routine consumables are descaling vinegar and the coffee itself; a separate burr grinder is a major practical extra cost. [2][6]

Yearly running cost

There is no capsule lock-in. Recurring costs are the coffee itself, descaling vinegar and milk, and a separate burr grinder is a major practical extra. No source gives a yearly total, so the actual spend is not enough data. [2][6]

When it is a good buy

Under $100 (used or open box) — potentially worth it for one-touch milk drinks if you accept the espresso limits and the frother risk; eBay used and open-box listings have run from $49.98 to $178.63. [10][6]
$101-150 — fair for the automation, but a simple pump machine with a standalone frother gives better espresso and durability; Reddit owners point to the De’Longhi EC155 and ECP series. [13][6]
$151-200 — weak: at the original $200 list price CNET noted the De’Longhi Dedica at $300 was a clearly better espresso machine. [1]
Above $200 — poor value; the line is discontinued and newer Mr. Coffee models with 19-bar pumps exist. [6][11]
Newegg listed it at $190.42 in December 2020 and later at $239.99; Best Buy listed $239.99 but no longer stocks it new. [9][12][15]