Philips Coffee Machine Beans: Fully Automatic Espresso Machines

Fully automatic espresso machines

The Philips fully automatic espresso machine does it all: grinding, dosing, tamping and brewing. Fill the bean hopper, choose your coffee and press a button. Models range from simple two-button units to machines with a touchscreen and dozens of recipes.

Semi-automatic espresso machines

Philips also sells semi-automatic machines where you fill the portafilter yourself and pull the espresso manually. These give you more control over the brew, but they do require more experience. For everyday convenience most people choose a fully automatic.

• Fully automatic: grinds, doses and brews in one step
• Semi-automatic: more control, more steps
• Compact sizes for small kitchens
• Larger models with advanced milk functions

Compare Philips Series: 2200, 3300, 5400 and 5500

Philips groups its bean-to-cup machines by series. Each series has its own mix of features, capacity and controls. That way you choose a Philips coffee machine that fits your habits and wishes.

Philips 2200 Series

The Philips 2200 is the entry-level model. It makes espresso and lungo via two buttons. The bean hopper holds 250 g and the water tank 1.8 litres. Ideal if you want straightforward black coffee without extra options.

Philips 3300 LatteGo

The Philips 3300 LatteGo adds a milk system to the core features. With LatteGo you make cappuccino and latte macchiato at the touch of a button. The milk container is easy to clean because it has just two parts.

Philips 5400 and 5500 Series

The Philips 5400 and the Philips 5500 Series are the more advanced models. They feature a touchscreen, more recipes and a larger bean hopper. The 5500 offers up to twelve coffee varieties and has an integrated milk container with automatic cleaning. Both series are great for households that make several coffee styles each day.

• 2200: espresso and lungo, two buttons, compact
• 3300: LatteGo milk system, cappuccino and latte macchiato
• 5400: touchscreen, more recipes, larger hopper
• 5500: advanced milk system, automatic cleaning, twelve recipes

Milk systems: LatteGo, steam wand and integrated containers

If you want more than black coffee, the milk system is an important criterion when choosing a Philips bean-to-cup machine. Philips uses three systems, each with its own pros and cons.

Philips LatteGo system

The Philips LatteGo system has a separate milk container that clicks straight onto the machine. It textures milk and adds it to your coffee automatically. Cleaning is quick: the container has two parts you can rinse under the tap or put in the dishwasher.

Steam wand

Some Philips models have a manual steam wand. You steam milk yourself in a jug. It takes a little practice, but you get full control over foam quality. A steam wand also works well with plant-based milk.

Integrated milk container

The Philips 5500 Series has an integrated milk container. After use the machine cleans the milk system automatically. This is handy for daily use and reduces the chance of milk residue in the lines.

• LatteGo: quick cleaning, two parts, compatible with 3300 and 5400
• Steam wand: manual control, suitable for plant-based milk
• Integrated container: automatic cleaning, featured on 5500 Series

Maintenance and cleaning of your Philips coffee machine

Good maintenance extends the life of your Philips coffee machine and keeps the taste consistent. The machine indicates when maintenance is needed via a light or a message on the display.

Descaling your Philips coffee machine

Limescale in the water tank and lines affects flavour. Descale with a Philips descaler. Fill the tank with water and descaler, start the descaling programme and follow the on-screen steps. How often depends on water hardness in your area.

Cleaning your Philips coffee machine

Besides descaling, cleaning the brew group and coffee residues is important. Empty the coffee grounds and rinse the drip tray daily. On most Philips models the brew group is removable and can be rinsed under the tap. For the milk system use the cleaning tablets or the cleaning programme the machine provides.

• Descale: use Philips descaler, follow the on-display programme
• Brew group: rinse weekly under the tap
• Drip tray and coffee grounds: empty and rinse daily
• Milk system: rinse after each use or use automatic cleaning
• Cleaning tablets: apply monthly for internal cleaning

Alternatives and comparison with other brands

Besides Philips there are other brands that make fully automatic bean machines. Comparing them helps you decide which brand suits your needs. Philips bean-to-cup machines stand out for ease of use and the simple cleaning of the LatteGo system.

Philips versus Jura

Jura makes fully automatic espresso machines in the higher segment. Jura machines usually have more recipes and a more extensive app connection. Philips offers similar features in the 5400 and 5500 Series, but is in most cases more accessible in price. Jura focuses more on the advanced home user, Philips on a broad audience.

Philips versus Saeco

Saeco is an Italian brand owned by Philips. The technology behind both brands is comparable. Saeco models sometimes have a metal housing and target a slightly different audience. The maintenance routine and accessories are largely interchangeable.

Philips bean-to-cup machine versus pod machine

A Philips Senseo uses coffee pods and is simpler to use, but offers less control over taste and strength. A bean machine grinds fresh beans and delivers a richer flavour. The cost per cup is lower with a bean machine if you buy beans in bulk.

• Jura: comprehensive, higher price, more recipes and app functions
• Saeco: similar technology to Philips, Italian design
• Philips Senseo: simple, pads, less flavour control
• Philips fully automatic: fresh beans, adjustable, wide range of series