Comments on: PHILIPS Barista Brew Semi Automatic Espresso Machine – Single & Double Espresso + Americano Button, 250g Bean Container, Intuitive Guidance, Calibrated Tamping, Metal Silver (PSA3218/01)

By: CoLa

CoLa — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:30:45 +0000

My husband is the only espresso drinker in the household, which wasn’t a big deal in the past because he could get his fix while at work. He retired this year so I thought it would be a good idea to have a proper espresso machine in the house so that he wouldn’t have to always go out to get his fix and to also save the cost of buying individual espresso’s.
This espresso machine is pricey but is an investment that will be worth it in the long run. The Philips barista brew semi automatic espresso machine arrives with everything you need to make an espresso with the exception of the beans and espresso cups. The manufacturer ensures that the machine and it’s accessories arrive in flawless condition.
The first thing that I noticed when unpacking the machine is it wasn’t quite as heavy as I was expecting. The shiny steel is sleek, modern and high end looking, the matte anti fingerprint casing is much lighter and doesn’t have that sleek, modern and higher end look. While it controls fingerprints I would have preferred more of a shiny steel casing. This may be a me thing, my personal preference.
The machine is easy to use, easy to follow instruction booklets are included. I basically plugged it in and it was ready to go. The operation of the machine is with simple touch buttons and each button is clearly labelled. Pretty much every button, knob and fill line is clearly labelled. The entire machine is compact and I appreciate that is was made square and with a lower profile.
While this machine ensures that you can make an exceptional and easy cup or 2 cups of espresso, you’ll still need to source quality beans to guarantee a good espresso. Being able to easily grind the beans as you need them ensures freshness. The accessories that come with the machine are all made of high quality steel and have a nice weight to them.
The PHILIPS barista brew semi automatic espresso machine is a good value for the price.

By: Donna

Donna — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:30:44 +0000

Great machine. It’s frustrating at first. I still can’t get pressure gage to go up to where it should be. Coffee grounds grt stuck sometimes after brewing a cup so cleaning is essential after every brew. It would be nice to brew 2 coffees in a row with out having to run water through to clean it after each cup. Americanos are definitely not as good as from the coffee shops. But pressure has a lot to do with it. It looks nice in my coffee bar. I think with more patience I’ll learn to like this machine more.

By: Brad Hicks

Brad Hicks — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:30:43 +0000

The unit was shipped with missing parts. The milk frother does not work properly (not hot enough) and the noise from the frother is unbearable!

By: Essie 75001

Essie 75001 — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:30:41 +0000

*** The good ð ***
â The Semi-Automatic Philips Barista’s final results pictures should speak for themselves but there are a few steps to follow and adapt to your style and preferences to get this kind of results. And a semi-automatic is precisely what I like. It handles the pressure and extraction. I can modulate and adjust everything else. I like the fact that I can start and stop grinding and brewing at the touch of a button. That’s a level of control that automatic machines don’t allow. Also, the steam pipe knob is very reactive which is another element that will contribute to getting in control of the brewing process.
â I’m well aware that “unboxing” is not an interesting topic, but I would still like to outline one brilliant yet simple idea Philips had which can be seen in two of my pictures. Which is the plastic ribbon that allows easy and safe removal of the machine from the box. That was so effortless. No need to effectively destroy the shipping box while it lies on the counter. Just pull the Barrista out and start to use it! Wow!
*** Additional Comments ***
ð I like my ristretto, well, ristretto. But for my better half and my brother, I use a “single” dose of grounds and press the “double” button for water. The crema will still be there but the coffee will be smoother and more diluted.
ð I think that the video will answer a lot of questions that might arise in terms of size, sound level, and final results. I separated it into “unboxing”, “initial cleaning”, and “making coffee”.
ð In the making coffee part, the video shows me using a white paper filter on top of the ground coffee. I will not go into details, but it has a few advantages and is a part of my coffee-making routine.
Verdict: 5â
I hope my honest, real-life review will be helpful to you. If it was, don’t hesitate to like it!

By: Geobound

Geobound — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:30:41 +0000

Up until recently I had two coffee machines sitting on my counter, and would use them both daily as I like to have options.
I use the K brand in the morning for my regular coffee, and the N brand for afternoons and after dinner espressos.
This machine now replaces the two, but I will admit that my coffee bean collection has started to grow.
If you like a variety of coffee blends and flavours (like the options available to you with the two aforementioned brands) then a dedicated machine like this might not be for you.
I donât mind housing a few different flavoured beans, especially when my local shop allows me to buy small quantities to try them out.
Once you get the beans home is where the fun starts, and being able to select your coarseness of beans is just the beginning.
I wish this machine had the hopper that allowed you to put two different flavoured beans in at once like others have, but itâs not a deal breaker thatâs for sure.
A good thing to remember when selecting your grind setting, is how you like your coffee.
A simple rule is the finer the grind the more time the water has to filter through the âbeansâ the greater chance of it becoming bitter, but it is the recommended setting for espresso.
The larger the grind the faster the water will pass over the âbeanâ, and you run the risk of it being too weak in flavour.
This machine will allow you the ability to mix things up, so donât get discouraged if your first few cups arenât the best.
One of the other good things about this machine is that you can adjust the water temperature to make a hotter beverageâ¦â¦which for me is great as I like a hot cup of coffee.â¨â¨I like the whole process of filling the bean hopper, adding the filter to the portafilter, tamping down the beans, and then even giving the milk frother a go, but the best part that always makes me laugh is calling out the wrong name of my wife every time I have her coffee ready, it makes me feel like a real barista. LOLâ¦
If you donât mind taking a bit of time to truly make yourself a good espresso or coffee, then this machine is perfect for you.

By: Caeli

Caeli — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:30:40 +0000

Donât over pack the coffee
Works good havenât had a problem other than over packing the cup and it takes a little to get it back going, the instruction manual is very clear for the codes!

By: Bill Smith

Bill Smith — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:30:40 +0000

A First Class Machine!
Here’s what I like about this machine: #1 It’s very compact considering all the functionality, #2 Well designed and high quality, #3 Brews a great latte , #4 The portafilter has a pad that catches the sink edge for support when you tamp the ground coffee with the calibrated tamper, #5 It was easy for me as a first timer to learn to use , #6 the milk jug has a built in thermometer than allows lets you know the milk temperature as you froth the milk for a consistent result.
I highly recommend this machine!

By: emily hart

emily hart — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:30:40 +0000

Such a great at home machine!!!
I love how easy this is to use + that the grinder is built in! Such a great price compared to other at home machines and compact so it doesnât take up so much space on your counter. Itâs really easy to clean and and only make noise when itâs grinding the beans, other wise itâs not that loud.

By: Doris McKenney

Doris McKenney — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:30:40 +0000

Easy assembly, high quality product!!
I loved the easy installation of this product. I like the ease of adjusting bean courseness. Very easy to use. Quiet and high quality machine. Perfect size to fit on my counter top without taking too much space. Easy to clean each component

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:30:40 +0000

Great espresso machine
This machine is worth its price. It makes more than just the espresso and the taste of the coffee is so good!