The Philips 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is an entry-level model designed for users who want a simple, affordable, and effective way to enjoy fresh, bean-to-cup coffee at home.
As part of Philips’ lineup of automatic machines, the 800 series is crafted to deliver good-quality espresso and coffee with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those who want to dip their toes into the world of home espresso without spending a fortune or dealing with complicated features.
In this detailed review, we’ll cover the design, performance, features, and maintenance of the Philips 800 Series, while also delving into consumer feedback to see if this machine is a good fit for your coffee needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Philips 800 Series has a modest, functional design that prioritizes simplicity and usability. It comes in a matte black plastic body that’s lightweight and easy to move around, though it lacks the premium feel of more expensive machines that include metal accents. However, considering its price point, the design feels solid and durable enough for daily use without feeling flimsy.
Compact Size:
One of the standout features of the Philips 800 is its compact footprint, making it an excellent choice for small kitchens or countertops with limited space. Despite its small size, it includes a 1.8-liter water tank and a 250g bean hopper, both of which are sufficient for brewing multiple cups of coffee without constant refilling.
User Interface:
The control panel is basic but user-friendly, consisting of a set of buttons and icons for the different coffee drinks and features. While the machine doesn’t have a fancy touchscreen like some higher-end models, the button-based interface makes it easy to select your preferred coffee type without any fuss.
It’s simple, intuitive, and perfect for beginners or anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much time learning how to use an espresso machine.
Coffee Customization and Brewing Performance
The Philips 800 is designed to brew several basic coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, coffee, and hot water for tea or other beverages. Using high-quality coffee beans is essential for brewing excellent espresso and other drinks, ensuring rich and robust flavors. While it doesn’t have the extensive menu of drink options found in higher-end models, it covers all the essentials for most coffee drinkers. The simplicity of the machine means it can quickly brew a cup with minimal steps, which is ideal for users looking for convenience.
The Philips 800 features a ceramic flat burr grinder, which is known for maintaining the beans’ flavor by preventing heat buildup during grinding. This grinder type is typically quieter and is a hallmark of higher-end machines, setting budget models like the Philips 3200 LatteGo apart from others in the market.
Ceramic Grinder:
Like other Philips machines, the Philips 800 includes a ceramic flat burr grinder, which offers five adjustable grind settings. This grinder helps ensure that the beans are ground fresh for each cup, preserving the flavor and aroma of the coffee by preventing heat buildup during grinding.
Although it doesn’t offer the wide range of grind settings that more expensive machines have (such as the Philips 3200 or 3300, which offer 12 grind settings), the five available options provide enough flexibility for adjusting coffee strength.
Pre-ground Coffee Option:
For those who occasionally want to brew pre-ground coffee (perhaps for decaf or a special blend), the Philips 800 also includes a chute for pre-ground coffee, adding to its versatility. Additionally, the Philips 800 includes a measuring scoop for accurately measuring pre-ground coffee.
Frothing System: Basic but Functional
The Philips 800 comes with a classic milk frother (Panarello steam wand), which allows users to froth milk manually for cappuccinos and lattes. The quality and characteristics of the milk froth produced by the steam wand can vary, offering a range of textures for different coffee drinks. While this system requires more effort than the fully automatic frothing systems found in higher-end models like the LatteGo (seen in the Philips 3200 and 3300), it offers more control over the frothing process. This is ideal for users who like to experiment with the texture of their milk and create latte art. The milk foam quality produced by the steam wand is generally good, though it may not match the density and consistency of foam created by higher-end models.
Frothing Performance:
The steam wand performs well for an entry-level machine, producing a good quality froth that’s rich enough for cappuccinos and smooth enough for lattes. However, it does require a bit of skill and practice to get the froth exactly how you want it, and it might not be as convenient for those who prefer the “one-touch” milk frothing systems of higher-end machines.
Cleaning the Steam Wand:
Cleaning the steam wand is relatively straightforward, though it does need to be wiped down after each use to remove milk residue. Regular cleaning is essential to keep the wand in good condition and to ensure it continues to froth milk effectively.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
One of the most appealing aspects of the Philips 800 Series is its ease of use. The machine is designed to be simple and straightforward, even for users who are new to automatic espresso machines. Managing used coffee grounds is an essential part of the routine cleaning process, ensuring the machine’s functionality and cleanliness. With its basic control panel and limited settings, there’s no steep learning curve, and most users can start brewing great coffee within minutes of setting it up.
The coffee grounds container is easily accessible, making the removal and disposal of used coffee pucks convenient. This feature, along with the coordination with other components, enhances the overall user experience.
Maintaining the drip tray is also crucial for optimal performance. It requires regular emptying and rinsing, and some models even have sensors to alert users when the drip tray needs attention. This ensures that the machine remains in top condition with minimal effort.
Brew Group:
The Philips 800, like other Philips models, features a removable brew group, which is one of the most user-friendly aspects of the machine.
The brew group can be easily removed and rinsed under running water, ensuring that the most important part of the machine stays clean and free of coffee residue. This helps maintain the flavor of your coffee and extends the lifespan of the machine.
Cleaning and Descaling:
The machine performs automatic rinsing cycles when it’s turned on and off, helping to keep the internal components clean. The Philips 800 will also notify you when it’s time to descale, which is an important maintenance task to prevent mineral buildup from hard water. Using Philips’ AquaClean filter can reduce the frequency of descaling, though the 800 series doesn’t come with this filter by default—you would need to purchase it separately.
For users who prioritize ease of maintenance, the Philips 800 is a solid choice. Its automatic cleaning functions and the removable brew group make it much easier to maintain compared to manual espresso machines, and it requires less upkeep than more complex machines.
Coffee Quality and Brewing Experience
When it comes to brewing coffee, the Philips 800 delivers a consistent and satisfying cup. The 15-bar pressure pump ensures that the espresso is extracted with the right amount of pressure, resulting in a rich, flavorful shot with a good crema on top. Compared to drip coffee, which is known for its convenience but often lacks the depth of flavor found in espresso, the Philips 800 excels in producing a more robust and aromatic cup. While it may not match the quality of higher-end machines or professional espresso makers, it produces a cup that is more than adequate for most home users. As a super automatic espresso machine, the Philips 800 offers convenience and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for those seeking simplicity in their daily coffee routine.
Customizable Coffee Strength and Volume:
The Philips 800 allows you to customize both the strength and volume of your coffee, though the range of options is more limited than on other Philips machines. You can adjust the coffee strength by choosing a finer or coarser grind, and you can select the cup size for larger or smaller drinks. While the lack of extensive customization options might be a downside for more serious coffee enthusiasts, it’s perfectly sufficient for the average user who wants a good, strong cup of coffee.
Consistency:
One of the most praised aspects of the Philips 800 is its consistency. Users have noted that the machine reliably produces high-quality coffee without the need for constant tweaking or adjustment. This makes it an ideal choice for users who want a hassle-free coffee experience without worrying about complex settings or calibration.
Price and Value for Money
The Philips 800 Series is positioned at the lower end of Philips’ automatic espresso machine lineup, with a typical price range of $400 to $500. This makes it one of the more affordable options for users looking for a fully automatic espresso machine that offers both bean-to-cup brewing and milk frothing capabilities.milk-frothing
For the price, the Philips 800 offers excellent value. It includes many of the features you’d expect from a fully automatic machine—such as a built-in grinder, customizable coffee settings, and automatic cleaning functions—without the premium price tag of higher-end models like the Philips 3300 or 5400.
While it lacks some of the more advanced features of those machines (such as a LatteGo frothing system or touchscreen display), it’s still a solid option for users who want a reliable, easy-to-use machine at an affordable price.
Customer Feedback: What Are Users Saying?
Positive Reviews:
Most users who have purchased the Philips 800 Series are happy with their decision, particularly praising its ease of use and reliable coffee quality. Many customers note that the machine is ideal for beginners or casual coffee drinkers who want to enjoy fresh espresso without the hassle of manual machines. The compact size and simple control panel are also frequently mentioned as positives, making the machine a good fit for small kitchens and those looking for a fuss-free coffee maker.
Criticisms:
On the downside, some users have pointed out that the limited grind settings and lack of advanced customization options might be disappointing for more experienced coffee enthusiasts. Additionally, while the manual steam wand is appreciated by some users for the control it provides, others have found it to be less convenient than fully automatic frothing systems. The Philips 800 also includes a water hardness test strip to help users manage water hardness and maintain the machine’s performance.
Pros
Affordable Price: The Philips 800 is one of the most budget-friendly fully automatic espresso machines available, typically priced between $400 to $500, offering excellent value for those seeking good coffee without premium prices.
Compact Size: With its compact footprint, the Philips 800 fits well in smaller kitchens or on crowded countertops, without sacrificing a decent water tank (1.8 liters) or bean hopper (250g).
: The button-based control panel is simple and intuitive, making it ideal for beginners who want to start brewing coffee without a steep learning curve.
Removable Brew Group: The easily removable brew group simplifies cleaning and maintenance, ensuring the internal components stay in good condition and the coffee remains fresh.
Manual Steam Wand: While manual, the Panarello steam wand gives users more control over frothing milk, perfect for creating customized milk textures for cappuccinos and lattes.
Consistent Coffee Quality: The 15-bar pressure pump delivers consistently good espresso with a rich crema, and the machine’s performance remains reliable even after long-term use.
Cons
Limited Coffee Customization: The Philips 800 offers fewer grind settings and customization options compared to higher-end models, which may be a downside for serious coffee enthusiasts looking for more control.
No Fully Automatic Milk System: Unlike models with Philips’ LatteGo system, the Philips 800 requires manual frothing, which might not be as convenient for users who prefer one-touch cappuccinos or lattes.
Basic Control Panel: While the button-based interface is simple to use, it lacks the modern appeal and advanced features of a touchscreen display, which is found in more premium models.
Some Noise During Grinding: The ceramic grinder, while efficient, can be noisy during operation. While this is typical for machines in this category, it’s something to be aware of if you’re sensitive to noise.Who Should Buy the Philips 800?
Beginners: If you’re new to fully automatic espresso machines and want something simple to operate, the Philips 800 is perfect.
Budget-conscious users: If you’re looking for a bean-to-cup machine without the high price tag, the Philips 800 offers great value for money.
Small kitchens: Its compact size makes it ideal for users with limited countertop space.
FAQ: Philips 800 Coffee Machine Review: A Look at the 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
What Makes the Philips 800 Series a Super Automatic Espresso Machine?
The Philips 800 Series is a super automatic espresso machine designed for convenience and quality. It grinds coffee beans, brews espresso, and froths milk automatically, making it perfect for those seeking a seamless coffee experience. With features like the Aquaclean filter and milk system, it ensures a clean and efficient brewing process.
How Does the Philips 800 Series Handle Milk Frothing?
This Philips espresso machine features a LatteGo system, which creates smooth milk froth for drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. The milk container is detachable, making it easy to clean and store. You can also customize your steamed milk preferences for various drinks.
Can the Philips 800 Series Make More Than Just Espresso?
Yes, the Philips 800 Series excels at making a variety of drinks, including:
Espresso (single or double shot)
Cappuccino
Latte macchiato
Hot milk or hot water for tea
The intuitive touch buttons make selecting your favorite drink effortless.
How Does the Grinder in the Philips 800 Series Perform?
The built-in grinder in this machine features 12 adjustable settings, allowing you to tailor the grind size for your favorite beans. Whether you prefer a fine grind for espresso or a coarser grind for other drinks, the grinder delivers consistent results every time.
Is the Philips 800 Series Easy to Clean?
Yes, this coffee machine is designed for easy maintenance. It includes:
A milk container that’s dishwasher-safe.
A grease tube to ensure smooth operation of internal parts.
An Aquaclean filter that reduces the need for descaling.
A water hardness test strip for optimizing water quality.
The instruction manual provides clear guidance for maintaining your machine, making it a worthwhile purchase.
What Is the LatteGo System, and How Does It Work?
The LatteGo system is an innovative feature of the Philips 800 Series. It froths milk quickly and consistently to create a creamy texture for drinks like latte macchiatos and cappuccinos. It’s a game-changer for coffee lovers who want high-quality milk foam without the mess.
Can I Use the Philips 800 Series for Hot Drinks Besides Coffee?
Absolutely! In addition to espresso-based drinks, the machine dispenses hot water for tea and other beverages. The hot water function ensures versatility, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
How Does the Philips 800 Series Compare to Other Machines?
The Philips 800 Series stands out among super automatic espresso machines due to its:
Efficient LatteGo attachment for effortless frothing.
Intuitive design with touch buttons for ease of use.
Adjustable grinder for customizing the taste of your coffee.
Its sleek glossy black finish also makes it a stylish addition to your countertop.
How Does the Philips 3200 Compare to the 800 Series?
When reading a Philips 3200 coffee machine review, you’ll notice similarities like the Aquaclean filter and LatteGo system. However, the 800 Series offers enhanced features such as more customizable settings, making it a more advanced choice for coffee enthusiasts.
Does the Philips 800 Series Make a Perfect Cup of Coffee?
Yes, the Philips 800 Series delivers a perfect cup every time by combining precise brewing technology, adjustable settings, and a reliable milk system. It’s designed for coffee lovers who value both convenience and quality in their daily cup of coffee.
Is the Philips 800 Series a Worthwhile Investment?
For coffee enthusiasts who want a high-performing, low-maintenance machine, the Philips 800 Series is a worthwhile investment. Its ease of use, range of features, and ability to deliver café-quality drinks make it a top choice in the world of super automatic espresso machines.
Final Thoughts: Why Are Coffee Drinkers Big Fans of the Philips 800 Series?
Many users are big fans of the Philips 800 Series for its ability to deliver barista-quality drinks at home. Whether you’re enjoying a simple espresso or a creamy latte, this machine ensures every sip is satisfying.
