Winner
The Philips Barista Brew Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic coffee maker designed for those who want to enjoy coffee shop-style espresso at home. It uses a 58mm portafilter with different filter baskets, which gives you control over your brew and helps achieve richer flavours. The dual bean container holds 280g of beans with an aroma seal to keep them fresh, allowing you to use two different coffee types. The 450ml stainless steel milk jug and powerful steam wand make frothing milk easier, which is great if you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos.
In terms of ease of use, it offers intuitive guidance and a calibrated tamper system, helping even beginners make a good espresso without much guesswork. The machine also has convenient features like an Americano button and a hot water outlet for more coffee options. The brewing time is relatively standard for semi-automatic machines, so you won’t have to wait long for your cup. Cleaning and maintenance might require some attention since semi-automatic machines need regular care of the portafilter, steam wand, and milk jug. The size and weight (about 8.6 kg and fairly large footprint) mean it will take up a fair bit of kitchen space, which is worth considering if you have a smaller countertop.
The coffee quality is strong given the manual controls and fresh bean storage, making this a good fit for enthusiasts who want to experiment with their espresso making but don’t want a fully manual barista machine. It is less suitable if you want a fully automatic, push-button experience with minimal effort. This machine balances quality and control effectively, appealing to those serious about coffee while still valuing some user-friendly features.
The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next ECAM312.80.TB is a user-friendly automatic espresso machine designed for home use, especially for those who enjoy fresh coffee drinks made from whole beans. It features a built-in grinder and an automatic milk frother with De'Longhi’s LatteCrema Hot technology, which produces creamy, dense milk foam at the right temperature—great for cappuccinos and lattes. The 2.4-inch color touch display makes selecting from 13 beverages and customizing strength, size, and temperature quite simple, even for beginners. It also supports up to 3 user profiles, so multiple household members can save their preferred settings.
The 280ml milk jug and other removable parts are dishwasher safe, making cleaning easier, though some regular maintenance is necessary to keep the machine running smoothly. With dimensions around 49 x 30 x 40.5 cm and a weight of 12.4 kg, it’s a fairly large but stable machine that fits well on most kitchen counters. Brewing time is reasonably quick for an automatic bean-to-cup, delivering fresh coffee with rich aroma and flavor each time.
Its size may not suit very small kitchens, and the price point might be higher compared to simpler machines without the milk frother or touchscreen. This espresso machine is a solid choice for coffee lovers seeking convenience, variety, and quality in one device, especially if they appreciate milk-based drinks made with fresh foam.
The Philips 5500 Series Bean to Cup Coffee Machine is a fully automatic espresso maker designed for home use, especially suited for those who enjoy a variety of coffee styles. It offers 20 different hot and iced drinks, ranging from espresso and cappuccino to iced coffee, making it versatile for different tastes. The machine features a LatteGo milk frother that produces smooth milk foam quickly and is very easy to clean thanks to its simple two-part design without tubes, which takes just around 10 seconds to rinse.
Thanks to SilentBrew technology, it operates 40% quieter than previous models, which is beneficial for avoiding loud noise during brewing. The QuickStart function allows you to get your coffee faster since the machine heats up based on the recipe you select. This model is fairly compact but weighs about 8 kg, so it’s best kept in a dedicated spot on your kitchen counter. Users praise its consistent coffee quality due to the ceramic grinder and automatic brewing system. Maintenance is straightforward with its easy-to-clean milk system and overall design, although regular cleaning is necessary to keep it performing well.
This machine excels in convenience and drink variety, though those looking for super large capacity or a very compact size might find it a bit bulky. It is well suited for coffee lovers who want a café-style experience at home with minimal fuss and noise.