Review: Terra Kaffe TK-01 Espresso Machine



By Curated Experts
Michael Stumpfig, Matthew W. and Janelle G.

Terra Kaffe TK-01 Espresso Machine
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The Curated Take
4.1/5
The Terra Kaffe TK-01 Espresso Machine is ideal for those who value aesthetics, convenience, and customizability. Despite its primarily plastic build, it offers quick heat-up time and consistent performance. Users can adjust settings like espresso amount, temperature, and milk frothing to personal taste. While the absence of a steam wand may limit milk temperature, it's perfect for those preferring milder heat. The machine is intuitive and easy to use, though espresso extraction might be underwhelming for some. The TK, with its impressive style and functionality, offers good value and a reasonable price.
Ideal for
- Overall aesthetic
- Drink customization
- Good for those new to espresso
- Ease of use and convenience
- Best for those who primarily drink milk-based beverages
- Fast heat-up time
- Consistent quality for simple espresso-based drinks (espresso, americano, latte, cappuccino)
Not ideal for
- Primarily plastic build
- Low espresso dosage
- Frequent water refilling
- Will not make a cafe-quality specialty drink
- Few preprogrammed drink options
- No user profiles to save different preferences
Value for Price

There are a few machines that the TK competes with---primarily machines produced by Philips. I can actually get more of a drink menu out of the Philips machine than I...Read more
Steam Wand

I previously touched on the frothing ability of the TK, and because there is no actual steam wand, I will take this opportunity to speak about the milk temperature... It's...Read more
Heat Time

To test out how long the heat up actually is, I started a stop watch at the exact moment I activated the machine. It took the TK 1 minute and...Read more
Customization

I was able to make multiple adjustments on four total drinks within the TK settings menu. They include: espresso amount, temperature, dose, hot water amount (americano), low/high crema, and milk...Read more
Milk Frothing

As with many super-automatic machines, in order to froth milk, the machine must externally connect to a container of milk via tube. Many machines either come with or separately sell...Read more
Consistency

This is what super-automatic espresso machines are all about. I can have my preferences about shot extraction, and grinder settings, and all that nitpicky stuff. But at the end of...Read more
Durability

I've only been using the TK for about 40 days. I do slightly worry about the overall longevity of the machine due to its primarily plastic build. It's quite a...Read more
Espresso Extraction

While it's nice the TK gives the option of changing the dose and changing the amount of desired espresso, I was never able to get a cafe quality shot out...Read more
Ease of Use

I mean, hey, this is why we buy super-automatic espresso machines. I want the experience to be as easy as possible. No measuring, no weighing, minimal cleanup. The TK delivers...Read more
Expert Reviews of the Terra Kaffe TK-01 Espresso Machine
Michael Stumpfig I've been testing out the Terra Kaffe TK-01 for the last month, and the overall experience has been quite enjoyable. The primary selling point on this machine, as with most super automatics, is the convenience factor. The TK-01 also provides a fair amount of drink customization. There are four drinks to choose from on the main menu screen: americano, espresso, latte, and cappuccino. On each drink, the user is able to alter setting like grind dosage, desired espresso volume, brew temperature, and milk volume. All of this is packed into a very stylish box that looks like something produced by Apple. This is my first time ever owning/testing a super-auto machine, and the convenience factor has me drinking a few more espressos a day than I normally would.
The TK-01 isn't without its setbacks. The primary one that comes to mind is the overall build of the machine. The housing is primarily plastic and feels less than premium. The machine produces a decent espresso, but I wouldn't drink it by itself. Because of the low dosage the machine offers, espresso comes out tasting a little under extracted. I suggest this machine for those whose primary drink is milk based. One last down side is the milk steaming system. While it produces a good micro-foam, it's not as hot as I would want.
To conclude, the convenience and style of this machine is where it shines. The stand alone espresso quality is where it lacks.
Matthew W. The Terra Kaffe TK-01 Espresso Machine is presented beautifully and without fault. It’s carefully boxed, and the unboxing and startup experience was painless and fun. It’s a home machine for those that want their favorite espresso drinks dialed in within seconds.
There isn’t an extensive menu. It’s simple. Espresso, Americano, latte, and cappuccino, and once I dial in the milk setting, the TK-01 can make several more drinks with a few more taps of the gorgeous, minimalistic touchscreen. The Terra Kaffe also has hot water for tea and steamed milk on tap with no warm-up time. The stainless steel milk carafe connects easily to the brew head, and when not being used, it disconnects and stores nicely inside a refrigerator. A neat sanitary feature that may get overlooked is that milk and coffee only mix in a mug and not in the brew head or hoses one may find in other machines.
The machine’s casing is largely plastic, and many of the components are also plastic. However, in my opinion, Terra Kaffe created a very aesthetically pleasing machine, and the plastics do not look and feel cheap like other machines on the market. No, the TK-01 is not fully metal, and I wish certain aspects of the machine felt sturdier; however, I put it through rigorous testing, and it has proven to work like a champ.
Janelle G. As an experienced barista and espresso lover who is often referred to as a coffee snob (rightfully), I was skeptical of the quality of espresso to expect from an under $1,000 super automatic espresso machine. However, after making only a few espressos to dial in the machine (and changing some options like grind size, amount of grounds dosed, and volume of espresso shot), I was truly impressed by the quality of the espresso from this machine. While demoing the machine, I often found myself choosing to just drink the espresso straight up---something I myself was surprised by.
The TK01 is a great machine for anyone who is not looking to spend a fortune on a home espresso set up, but doesn't want to sacrifice decent espresso quality. The TK01 is intuitive and easy to use for someone with no previous coffee or espresso experience, and is an incredibly quick and efficient way to get a morning caffeine fix. Personally, I was more impressed by the espresso quality than the quality of steamed milk, which was sufficient but not too controllable or customizable. The preprogrammed options were good enough for me, but could be a little more extensive to provide some more options for users.
The TK01 is a great option for anyone wanting a compromise of cost, quality, and convenience in their home espresso set up, but probably not the right choice for anyone wanting lots of programmability or "smart" features.
Product Specs
Housing material | Stainless steel |
Features | Milk frother, Adjustable brewing pressure, Solenoid valve, Water temperature control |
Volts | 110 - 120V |
Watts | 1400 |
Product width (in) | 10.6" |
Product height (in) | 14" |

Review Ratings
Value for Price
4/5
Michael Stumpfig gave 4 of 5 stars. There are a few machines that the TK competes with---primarily machines produced by Philips. I can actually get more of a drink menu out of the Philips machine than I can from the TK at around the same price. What I gather from this is that I believe the folks at TK are really pushing the aesthetic of the machine.
Steam Wand
3/5
Michael Stumpfig gave 3 of 5 stars. I previously touched on the frothing ability of the TK, and because there is no actual steam wand, I will take this opportunity to speak about the milk temperature... It's not the greatest. There are many folks out there who want their coffee to be lava. This is not the machine for that. I'm perfectly happy with the temperature of the milk produced by the TK. But for those "extra hot" people out there, maybe take a look at a Miele.
Heat Time
4/5
Michael Stumpfig gave 4 of 5 stars. To test out how long the heat up actually is, I started a stop watch at the exact moment I activated the machine. It took the TK 1 minute and 40 seconds to get up to temperature. When not using the TK, I have a manual lever machine that takes around 3 to 4 minutes to get up to temp. It's important to note that it takes most Breville machines about 3 seconds to get up to temp. Personally, I've never been frustrated by the time it takes to make my morning espresso with the TK.
Customization
5/5
Michael Stumpfig gave 5 of 5 stars. I was able to make multiple adjustments on four total drinks within the TK settings menu. They include: espresso amount, temperature, dose, hot water amount (americano), low/high crema, and milk frothing timer. The settings that really stood out to me as an espresso enthusiast were the dose and temperature controls. These are among the most important factors in brewing espresso, and to have many options on each setting was very nice.
Milk Frothing
4/5
Michael Stumpfig gave 4 of 5 stars. As with many super-automatic machines, in order to froth milk, the machine must externally connect to a container of milk via tube. Many machines either come with or separately sell milk containers that are compatible with the espresso machine. However, one can also simply place the connecting tube into any container of milk, and the machine will froth it exactly the same. There is a dial within the machine I can turn to get my desired frothiness out of the milk.
Consistency
5/5
Michael Stumpfig gave 5 of 5 stars. This is what super-automatic espresso machines are all about. I can have my preferences about shot extraction, and grinder settings, and all that nitpicky stuff. But at the end of the day, every cortado I have made for myself with the TK has been just as delicious as the one before. The TK is a super consistent super-auto.
Durability
4/5
Michael Stumpfig gave 4 of 5 stars. I've only been using the TK for about 40 days. I do slightly worry about the overall longevity of the machine due to its primarily plastic build. It's quite a luxury in the espresso world to have a machine that is made mostly of steel. Stainless steel machines are generally far more expensive, and for good reason. The materials are more expensive to source, and they are far more durable than plastic. I haven't owned the TK long enough to notice any wear and tear, but I do have reservations about its longevity.
Espresso Extraction
3/5
Michael Stumpfig gave 3 of 5 stars. While it's nice the TK gives the option of changing the dose and changing the amount of desired espresso, I was never able to get a cafe quality shot out of the machine. I'm not picking on the TK. Many super-autos out there do not give the option for a dose above 12g of ground coffee. Because of this, a straight espresso drinker will find the shot to be rather sour and under extracted. However, this is not as important to those who are looking to make milk based drinks with the TK. Milk will generally mellow out all the good and bad flavors of a less than perfect shot of espresso.
Ease of Use
5/5
Michael Stumpfig gave 5 of 5 stars. I mean, hey, this is why we buy super-automatic espresso machines. I want the experience to be as easy as possible. No measuring, no weighing, minimal cleanup. The TK delivers on all fronts. Pick out your favorite coffee beans and fill the hopper. Fill the water reservoir and it's ready to brew. Milk based drinks are also very easy because of the convenient milk carafe that is stored in the fridge and attaches to the machine.
FAQs
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Michael Stumpfig Unboxing and setting up the TK-01 was actually a very enjoyable experience. The folks at TK put a lot of effort into their boxing. It was a very "Apple" experience getting to open up this machine.
Another thing I love about the TK is just how much people love looking at it and watching it work. I often have my friends/coworkers over, and when they see the TK and watch it in action, they are very charmed by it.
Why did you choose this product?
Michael Stumpfig I had the opportunity to test this product. Although I had seen many reviews and even seen it work in person, when offered the opportunity to test out the machine for two months, I immediately jumped on the opportunity.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Michael Stumpfig The TK-01 sits right around the budget range of a few other super-automatic espresso machines in a non-premium territory. That's not to say the TK-01 can't produce good espresso drinks: it's only that it compromises on a few features that keeps it competing with machines like Philips, as opposed to Juras.
The Tk-01 sits in a slightly higher budget range for machines in its category. A Philips machine in the same price range will give a larger drink menu. However, that's about it.
What do you love about this product?
Michael Stumpfig I love the TK-01 for its simplicity, convenience, and style. There are four drink options which satisfy all my needs. Brewing espresso and steaming milk is quick and easy. And the overall aesthetic of the machine looks like something produced by Apple. Overall there is a lot to love about the TK-01.
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Michael Stumpfig
Coffee ExpertMatthew W.
Coffee ExpertJanelle G.
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