Starting my day with a steaming cup of coffee is a must for me, and although I enjoy the occasional visit to my local coffee shop, the rising prices have led me to explore home coffee solutions that are both cost-effective and delicious.
Having relied on a coffee pod machine for a while, the idea of upgrading to a bean-to-cup espresso machine intrigued me. Wanting to enhance my coffee experience, I decided to test out the Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine – and here’s my candid assessment…
Priced at around £530 initially, the single bean machine is currently on sale for £399.99 at various retailers such as Amazon, Currys, and Philips’ official website. This makes it more affordable than its main competitor, the Sage Barista machine, which usually retails for approximately £530.
Upon first glance, the Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine stands out as an attractive addition to any kitchen, complete with professional accessories like a milk jug, calibrated tamper, portafilter, and four filter baskets. Setting it up is straightforward, although for novices to this type of machine, thorough reading of the instructions and watching instructional videos is advisable.
Featuring espresso and americano settings, a milk frother, and a calibrated tamper, this bean-to-cup coffee machine delivers café-quality beverages effortlessly, with a stylish appearance, easy maintenance, excellent milk frothing capabilities, and the precision of the calibrated tamper being notable advantages.
While the machine can be noisy during grinding and a bit messy, and may require some practice for those new to bean-to-cup machines, the overall experience of using it is rewarding once you have mastered the settings.
The process is simple: fill the water tank, add the beans, select grind size and measure, tamp the coffee, insert the portafilter, and choose your desired coffee type. The machine also allows for making lattes, cappuccinos, and hot milk using the steamer.
Achieving the optimal brewing pressure may require some experimentation with grind sizes and measures, but once mastered, the machine produces exceptional americanos and cappuccinos, rivaling professional coffee shops. It has significantly reduced my spending on take-out coffee, offering substantial long-term savings.
Noteworthy features include the exceptional milk frothing capability of the steamer and the precision of the calibrated tamper. On the downside, the machine’s grinding and brewing processes are noisy, and it can be messy during operation. However, for coffee enthusiasts seeking quality brews, the investment in this machine is worthwhile.
In conclusion, the Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, surpassing my pod machine in terms of quality and cost-effectiveness, promising long-term savings on my coffee indulgence.