Miele CM5 Silence Automatic Coffee Machine

Miele CM5 Silence Automatic Coffee Machine Review

Brand: Miele
Released: September 13, 2021
Updated: 2 months ago
4.0
Overall review score
104
Review evidence points
24
Scored features
11
Expert reviews

Bottom Line

Choose the Miele CM5 Silence for quiet bean-to-cup espresso, easy automation and strong milk drinks. Skip it if you need large capacity, built-in smart features, included milk accessories or a lower price.

Best for

Best for individuals, couples or smaller households that want quiet one-touch bean-to-cup coffee with customizable espresso and milk drinks. It also suits users who value guided cleaning over manual barista technique.

Not for

Not for heavy coffee-drinking households, small counters, or buyers who expect app control, WiFi, large reservoirs or included premium milk accessories. Price-sensitive shoppers may also find stronger value in named competitors.

Verdict

Reviewers frame the Miele CM5 Silence family as a refined, quiet superautomatic that delivers on core coffee quality rather than flashy tech. The strongest evidence clusters around its near-silent grinder, rich espresso, smooth crema, capable milk frothing and guided cleaning routines. It also earns praise for approachable one-touch operation and enough drink customization for most home users. The tradeoff is practicality: several reviewers call out the small water tank and bean hopper, external or separately purchased milk accessories, missing app/WiFi or profile features, and a premium price. Overall, the machine comes across as polished and dependable for smaller households that value quiet convenience, but less ideal for heavy-volume homes or buyers expecting a modern connected interface.

Feature Scorecards

Summary

24 reviewed features
  • Very positive 4.5-5.0
    6 (25%)
  • Positive 3.5-4.4
    12 (50%)
  • Neutral 2.5-3.4
    4 (17%)
  • Negative 1.5-2.4
    2 (8%)

Pros

  • 4.5
    8 reviews strong consensus
    Brewing performance and consistency: 4.5, 8 reviews, strong consensus
    Brewing performance is a strength, with reviewers praising consistent results, adjustable brewing parameters and café-style coffee from the automatic system.
  • 4.4
    8 reviews strong consensus
    Overall user experience: 4.4, 8 reviews, strong consensus
    Overall experience is praised for being intuitive, foolproof and low-effort, with reviewers seeing it as a strong fit for both beginners and enthusiasts.
  • 4.4
    7 reviews strong consensus
    Milk, steam and frothing: 4.4, 7 reviews, strong consensus
    Milk performance is well liked for easy automatic frothing and tasty cappuccinos, with caveats around the external pipe and limited froth-temperature control.
  • 4.8
    4 reviews strong consensus
    Accuracy of marketing claims: 4.8, 4 reviews, strong consensus
    Reviewers largely confirm the Silence positioning, repeatedly saying the updated grinder is much quieter and unlikely to disturb others.
  • 4.8
    4 reviews strong consensus
    Espresso and beverage quality: 4.8, 4 reviews, strong consensus
    Espresso and drink quality receive some of the strongest praise, including rich crema, smooth aromatic coffee and balanced espresso shots.
  • 4.3
    8 reviews moderate consensus
    Grinder, hopper and dosing system: 4.3, 8 reviews, moderate consensus
    The grinder earns strong praise for quiet operation and consistent grinds, but a few reviewers flag limited grind settings, noise on older models or bean restrictions.

Cons

  • 2.3
    6 reviews strong consensus
    Capacity: 2.3, 6 reviews, strong consensus
    Capacity is the most consistent practical weakness, with reviewers repeatedly criticizing the small water tank, bean hopper or need for frequent refills.
  • 1.8
    2 reviews limited evidence
    Design flaws: 1.8, 2 reviews, limited evidence
    Design-flaw evidence focuses on practical issues such as leaking drip trays and other physical flaws that dampen the otherwise stylish design.
  • 2.8
    4 reviews strong consensus
    Accessories: 2.8, 4 reviews, strong consensus
    Accessory feedback is negative-to-mixed because reviewers repeatedly mention separate milk containers or carafes, though one says essentials are included.
  • 3.0
    3 reviews strong consensus
    App, connectivity and smart control: 3.0, 3 reviews, strong consensus
    Smart-control feedback is mixed: reviewers note disappointment over missing app, WiFi, user profiles or touchscreen, while some value the simpler interface.
  • 3.4
    3 reviews moderate consensus
    Assembly and Setup: 3.4, 3 reviews, moderate consensus
    Setup evidence is mixed: guided displays and quick setup help, but the first unboxing/manual process can feel intimidating.
  • 3.3
    6 reviews moderate consensus
    Cup, tray and carafe handling: 3.3, 6 reviews, moderate consensus
    Cup, tray and carafe handling is mixed: spout clearance and two-cup brewing help, but drip-tray leaks and tight cup spacing appear in some reviews.

Compared With Category Average

Compared with other Coffee Machines, this product is above average in Accuracy of marketing claims, Grinder, hopper and dosing system, Mess-free used-puck disposal, near average in Brewing performance and consistency, Pot function, below average in Capacity, Accessories, Popularity.

Comparison summary

24 compared features
  • Above average 0.4+ pts higher
    8 (33%)
  • Same as average within 0.3 pts
    9 (38%)
  • Below average 0.4+ pts lower
    7 (29%)

Largest category differences

Attribute This product Category average Difference
Capacity 2.3 3.9 -1.6
Accuracy of marketing claims 4.8 3.2 +1.5
Accessories 2.8 3.7 -0.9
Popularity 3.5 4.4 -0.9
Assembly and Setup 3.4 4.2 -0.8
Design flaws 1.8 2.5 -0.8
Grinder, hopper and dosing system 4.3 3.7 +0.6
Mess-free used-puck disposal 4.5 3.8 +0.7

Consider This Instead

Compared in Reviews

Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.

Gaggia Cadorna Prestige

  • Compared: automation and user profiles The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige is compared as another automated machine with more saved-profile customization.
  • Cheaper: budget-friendly alternative The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige is framed as a lower-priced alternative with comprehensive features.
  • Cheaper: price and interface The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige is presented as a tempting lower-priced alternative with a friendlier display.

Dinamica Plus

  • Better: iced coffee and app control The Dinamica Plus is credited with extras the Miele lacks, including iced coffee and smartphone control.
  • Better: value and drink features The Dinamica Plus is described as more budget friendly and feature-rich, making it a strong rival to the Miele.

CM 5510

  • Better: programmable hot water and user profiles The CM 5510 is said to justify its higher price with programmable hot water and user profiles.

FAQ

Is the Miele CM5 Silence actually quiet?

Yes. Multiple reviewers say the Silence grinder is much quieter than older models, close to silent, or unlikely to wake anyone nearby.

How good is the espresso?

Reviewers describe the espresso as rich, balanced, smooth and supported by strong crema. Several reviews treat beverage quality as one of the machine’s biggest strengths.

Is the water tank big enough?

Capacity is a repeated drawback. Reviewers mention frequent refilling, a small water tank and a small bean hopper, especially for busier households.

Does it work well for milk drinks?

Yes, reviewers praise the frother for tasty cappuccinos, latte macchiatos and easy automatic operation. The main caveat is the external milk pipe and, in some cases, a separately purchased milk container.

Is it easy to clean?

Mostly yes. Reviewers like the self-cleaning, guided rinsing and strong milk-pipe cleaning, though some still call the weekly cleaning and descaling routine high-maintenance.

Does it have app or WiFi control?

Reviewer evidence points to missing app, WiFi, user profiles or touchscreen features on lower CM5 models. Some see that as disappointing at the price; others appreciate the simpler interface.

Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed

These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.

Video Reviews

Article Reviews

Top Coffee Machines to Consider

#1 OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker
4.4

Choose the OXO Brew 8-Cup if you want fast, consistent drip coffee in small or full batches. Skip it if you need programming, app controls, a larger pot, or the...

Pros: Brewing performance and consistency, Build quality and durability

Cons: Design flaws, Capsules

#2 KitchenAid KF6 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
4.4

Choose the KitchenAid KF6 for rich espresso, quiet operation, easy cleaning, and strong value in a super-automatic. Skip it if dense cappuccino foam, plant-milk presets, touchscreen controls, or an included...

Pros: Automation and sensors, Grinder

Cons: Accuracy of marketing claims, Design flaws

#3 Philips Café Aromis 8000
4.4

Best for effortless, highly personalized hot and cold coffee in a busy multi-drinker home. Skip it if counter space is tight, you demand silky adjustable microfoam, or the premium price...

Pros: Pump pressure consistency, Capsules

Cons: Portability and travel-friendliness, Design flaws

#4 Technivorm Moccamaster KBT Coffee Brewer
4.4

Choose the Moccamaster KBT for fast, excellent drip coffee, durable build, and a thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot. Skip it if you need programmability, a compact footprint, or a...

Pros: Heating-element power, Espresso and beverage quality

Cons: Design flaws, Automation and sensors