Customer Ratings & Reviews

Really great machine and easy to use, a bit noisy but you’d expect that with espresso machines!

Excellent product and easy to use. Perfect for first time users or experienced.

I can state with confidence that the Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine is a fantastic choice for both novice and seasoned home baristas who wish to create espresso beverages of café quality at home after using it for a while. The Barista Brew has a brushed stainless steel finish that is both elegant and resistant to fingerprints, keeping it looking polished and clean. It feels strong and long-lasting, suggesting that it is well-made. A standout feature is the large 2.3-liter (77.8 oz) water tank, allowing multiple drinks before needing a refill. The tank is easy to remove with a convenient handle, though putting it back when full can be a bit tricky I don’t remove the tank as I have good amount of space between kitchen cabinets and this machine I directly pour water from a bottle. Despite its many features, the Barista Brew is easy to use. The control panel has clearly labeled buttons for power, grind settings, and drink options (single shot, double shot, and Americano). It also offers hidden programming options, like adjustable brew temperature and shot volume, accessed through a specific button sequence all are explained in detail within the included user guide. You can fine-tune the grind size with the 15 changeable settings on the built-in conical burr grinder. Choose the finer option to obtain a beautiful shot of espresso, even though some people think the adjustments could be more exact. It's still a handy function that removes the need for a separate grinder. The Barista Brew excels at espresso extraction. Its 15-bar pump and 58mm stainless steel portafilter consistently produce rich, crema-topped shots, rivaling those from cafes. The machine also has automatic pre-infusion and adjustable brew temperature for optimal flavor extraction. I appreciate its ability to deliver high quality espresso with consistent temperature stability and rich crema. It comes with both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets, providing flexibility for anyone at different skill levels. The machine includes a steam wand for milk frothing, which may take beginners some practice to perfect. However, with patience, you can create silky, well textured foam for lattes and cappuccinos. It also comes with a temperature sensitive milk jug, which helps ensure the perfect milk temperature. Cleaning the Barista Brew is relatively easy. It includes accessories like cleaning brushes and a pin for maintenance, it’s very simple to keep in good condition for a very long time with very little effort. In terms of both features and performance, the Philips Barista Brew is an excellent value. Compared to competitors that retail for more, it is more reasonably priced and has comparable features. To update your home coffee setup, the Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine is a great option. Both novices and experts may use it because of its intuitive UI, adaptable settings, and superb espresso quality. The machine has several shortcomings, but they pale in comparison to its total advantages. The steam wand requires practice, and the grinder might not be enough for the pickiest coffee lovers. The Philips Barista Brew is a good option if you're searching for a dependable, feature-rich semi-automatic espresso maker that produces results comparable to those of a café.

In the turf of semi-automatic espresso machines, Breville Barista Express has been the long-time king of the hill for casual to coffee enthusiasts for under $1k price tier. Philips isn’t new to the espresso game but comes fully swinging with their first semi-automatic espresso machine with the Breville in their crosshairs. Both Philips Barista Brew and Breville Barista Express look very similar but some pros and cons between each model that I will highlight below. Grinder Both units have grinders that stores your beans above and grinds on demand. For those looking for the full semi-automatic experience, hitting one or two will give you a good start to the proper dose. I like to control the dose so I weigh my beans first and grind the measured beans right into my portafilter. Winner goes to the Breville as I feel like the Breville has better and finer grinding control. I’m already on the finest setting with the Philips for my desired extraction times. The Philips also has crazy amount of static when compared to the Breville. This can be mitigated with a water mister on your beans before grinding but static makes your counter messy with grinds. Tamper While both units comes with a tamper, the Philips comes with a heavy duty spring loaded tamper. While the Philips tamper is 100x better than Breville, I still prefer a proper calibrated tamper with a tactile click to when you actually apply the proper tamping pressure needed. If this sounds foreign to you, the included tamper does more than you will need until you become an espresso nerd. Portafilter The Breville’s downfall is using a 54mm portafilter. The Philips appeases the espresso nerds by going with the larger 58mm portafilter. One major reason I was drawn to the Philips was the 58mm size. For those wondering, the Philips uses a 58mm 3 ear portafilter. Easily upgrade your espresso game later with a 58mm 3 ear bottomless portafilter. Why 58mm over the 54mm? Many would argue better espresso extraction = Better flavor! Frothing Both Breville and Philips comes with a milk frother. The milk frother on both units also dispenses hot water for Americanos or teas. What’s unique with the Philips is that you can get hot water via two different spouts. The Philips comes with an Americano button that automatically dispenses hot water right into your cup after espresso extraction from the portafilter. The Breville does not have this feature and you will only get an Americano via their frothing nozzle. An Americano is simply hot water added to your espresso shot. While it’s convenient on the Philips if you drink a lot of Americanos, I find that feature gimmicky. Winner for the frothing narrowly goes to the Breville. I feel the Breville produces more steam that adds the microbubbles to the milk for a thicker froth. Pressure Both units have a good pressure gauge that tells you if you’re under or over extracting. If you’re under the desired pressure, your shots can be sour and thin. Can be fixed by grinding smaller, increase dosing or better tamping. If you’re over the desired pressure, then its the exact opposite of under extracting. Make the grind larger and decreasing the amount of grinds will help. Tie between both machines for pressure. Both machines do pre-infusion and but can’t adjust the bars of pressure during extraction. In Summary Winner of the sub $1k semi-automatic is the new Philips Barista Brew! It’s super easy to use for first time espresso making and their videos found online is very helpful in getting you started on pulling the perfect espresso shot. But it’s also great for espresso enthusiasts looking for an all-in-one semi-auto espresso machine with built in grinder. I can grind my pre-weighed out beans with nearly zero grind retention and get the industry standard 58mm portafilter. I’m super happy with the Philips because of the 58mm portafilter size vs Breville’s 54mm and you will too.

My review comes from someone who has never used an Espresso machine before but enjoys well-made coffee drinks. The Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother offers a semi-automatic design with many great features. Although it took some time to get used to how to use everything, I believe this is a great product for all skill levels. Setup/Design: Initially I was a little overwhelmed with how many pieces came inside of the box but once you start setting it up, it all makes sense. Many of the components included are accessories or items you may choose to use to dial in your perfect drink. It’s a very attractive looking machine that takes up some countertop space but isn’t overbearing. It has a very modern design with high quality feeling components. Usage: Given this was my first forte into the espresso world, I was a little overwhelmed. With the semi-automatic design, this means it involves user input to get to your final espresso shot. The machine will automatically grind the coffee beans at the push of a button, and this is something you can adjust the amount and how finely the beans are grinded. Once your grinds are inside the portafilter, you must tamp them and install the handle into a different part of the machine. The quick selection buttons on the machine are espresso, double espresso, and Americano but a variety of drinks can be made from a standard shot or two of espresso in conjunction with the milk frother. Now given I don’t have a ton of experience with espresso makers, I was somewhat confused about what an “ideal” espresso should look like. Luckily the manual has a rough guide to go by to adjust for ideal brews and there is a bunch of information online as well. This machine can handle different roasts and coffee blends, which is great for those that want to mix it up occasionally. The milk frother adds to the overall experience by allowing one to create a more smooth, silky texture for lattes and cappuccinos. The milk jug included is handy as it includes a temperature gauge on the outside. Pros: - Quality espresso at home - User friendly controls - Design - Large water tank Cons: - User Manual (Layout and Information) - Coffee mugs don’t fit under portafilter Overall: The Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother was an interesting learning curve for someone who has never used an at home espresso maker. The semi-manual design and user manual made it easy to get setup and brewing. With just a few small tweaks, I believe this machine could be superior for brewing at home.

Really did want to love this machine. Seemed like no matter what I did the pressure was not enough. Then on the 3rd day of having this machine the water spout would turn on with every mode I chose and not put water through to make espresso. Called support and they recommended to return it to Best Buy.

Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine I own/have owned three other espresso machines prior to the Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine. Every one of them has been automatic or semi-automatic machines. Because of their ease of use, it made my foray into the world of espresso making quite easy. And so it was that I felt I would be more than prepared and qualified to simply unpack and begin using the Philips machine. It wasn’t anywhere close to as simple as that. But more about that as I get into this review. Because I have a tendency to form a first impression of a product based on its packaging, I was eager to see what lay ahead for me as I began to unpack the shipping box. Based on the extraordinary care Philips took in the packing and shipping of the Barista Brew, I felt as though I was in for a very good experience. The espresso machine arrived in pristine and undamaged condition. The first thing to greet my eyes after unpacking was a briefcase-like box containing all of the accessories needed for brewing and cleaning the Barista. As I looked at each part, I was unbelievably impressed with the quality of each component. The box contains two single wall filters and two double wall filters, one for single brew and the other for double brew. The box also contains a cleaning brush, a grinder cleaning brush, a powder ring, an espresso stand (for smaller expresso cups), a temperature-indicating milk jug, an amazingly designed calibrated tamper, and a 58mm portafilter. Below this box was the espresso machine itself, all the accompanying literature, the bean hopper, water tank, etc. Each component is very well constructed of top-tier materials. The User Manual is quite straightforward and informational. Before getting into the actual brewing, there is a detailed diagram outlining all the parts of the machine and the function of each button. I would highly recommend going over this before starting a brew for the first time. The diagram is then followed by the assembly instructions, and then the actual brewing instructions. The control panel of the Philips Barista appears deceptively “barren.” However barren it appears, there is a ton of information/buttons you need to become aware of. Across the front there is the Power button, the Grind button with the option of selecting single or double grind, a Grind amount knob, the Pressure Gauge, a Single Espresso button, a Double Espresso button, and an Americano brew button. There is also a Descale light and a Hot Water/Steam light. After covering the parts of the machine and the control panel functions, the manual goes into brewing for the first time. Now this is where the rubber meets the road. Although it is possible to simply grind, tamp and brew, it is likely the results would be quite marginal. In other words, it takes a bit of “tuning” before you can actually brew a decent espresso. I will give Philips their props in this regard. They concisely explain what the brew should smell, taste and look like, and offers solutions to remedy inferior brewing. I had quite a bit of issues with getting the grind amount just right, and also the grinder settings. My first several espressos were wholly unfit for human consumption. But after playing with the settings, I finally brewed an espresso that was almost perfect. There is nothing like the aroma of an espresso done just right! But like I said earlier, because I have three other espresso machines under my belt, I was sure the Philips was going to be Plug-n-Play simple. But I am really quite glad that there is a learning curve with the Philips Barista. You have a LOT of control over the outcome of the brew, whereas in other machines you are, for the most part, at the mercy of the machine. With the Barista you control the grind amount, the grind fineness, and even the temperature of the brew. You can see there is a lot of room for experimentation. The Barista of course comes with a frothing wand. Because I was so used to the wand of my other machines, I had a bit of a time trying to get my feel with the Philips Barista. But by the third attempt I was frothing like a pro. In fact, I found I quite enjoyed the “attitude” of the Philips. The pressure is smooth as silk, and the milk froths so effortlessly. And what I really REALLY like is the temperature indicator on the front of the frothing jug. Before I have always relied on touch to judge the froth, but with the temperature indicator, all the guess work is eliminated. My Takeaway The Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine has proven, in a very short time, to be my new go-to espresso maker. It allows for a ton of adjustments which further allows for tight control over the brew output. I cannot say enough about the calibrated tamper! Its in a class all its own. Everything is super high quality in design, materials and construction. The machine itself is elegant and extremely pleasing to the sight. Its just one of those rare pieces of equipment that seems to come along once in a blue moon. I am super grateful to have the Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine sitting on my kitchen counter, and I am looking forward to seeing the envy on the faces of my friends and family when they see it. Once they do see it, and taste its brew, I won’t need to recommend it at all…they will already be convinced to make this part of their kitchen as well.

The Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a robust and user-friendly machine that provides the convenience of a home espresso setup without sacrificing the quality of a professional brew. Whether you're an espresso novice or a seasoned barista, this machine promises an excellent balance between performance, ease of use, and elegant design. Design and Build Quality One of the standout features of the Philips Barista Brew is its aesthetic appeal. The machine boasts a sleek and modern polished stainless-steel finish that not only looks stunning on any kitchen counter but also speaks to its durability. The materials feel high-quality, giving a sense of robustness and longevity to the machine. Its compact size also ensures it doesn’t dominate your counter space, making it ideal for smaller kitchens. Ease of Use Despite being a semi-automatic machine, the Philips Barista Brew is incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. Setting it up is a straightforward process, with semi-clear instructions provided in the manual. While there is a short learning curve, especially if you’re new to espresso machines, the intuitive controls and features help make the process more approachable. After just a few trial cups, operating the machine becomes second nature. The control interface is simplified but efficient, giving you the ability to easily adjust the grind amount and the grind size for your beans. This flexibility allows you to experiment with your espresso shots and fine-tune them to your exact taste preferences. There are also buttons for quick size and type selection, espresso, double espresso, and Americano. Performance: Espresso Quality The real test of any espresso machine lies in the quality of the coffee, and the Philips Barista Brew does not disappoint. It consistently produces rich, flavorful, and well-balanced shots of espresso. The 15-bar pump pressure ensures that your espresso has a perfect crema on top, capturing the oils and aromas that make each cup delightful. For those who like to experiment, the machine offers enough versatility to handle different roasts and blends, allowing you to customize your brewing process. Whether you prefer a strong ristretto or a smooth lungo, the Philips Barista Brew handles it perfectly. Milk Frother: Perfect for Lattes and Cappuccinos One of the highlights of this machine is its integrated milk frother, which works incredibly well for creating silky microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. It’s easy to use and produces consistent results, whether you’re a novice or experienced with frothing. The frother creates the perfect texture for a smooth, creamy layer of foam, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy smooth frothy milk with their espresso. Maintenance and Cleaning Maintenance is simple with the Philips Barista Brew. It features a removable drip tray and a self-cleaning (decalcification) function that keeps the machine in top condition with minimal effort. The milk frother is also easy to clean, ensuring you won’t spend too much time on post-brewing maintenance. The machine also has an automatic shut-off feature, saving energy and ensuring safety if you forget to turn it off. Key Features: - 15-bar pump pressure for a rich, flavorful espresso - Milk frother for silky microfoam and lattes/cappuccinos - Polished stainless-steel design for durability and elegance - Semi-automatic controls for easy yet customizable brewing - Compact design suitable for any kitchen space - Removable drip tray and self-cleaning function for easy maintenance - Energy-saving automatic shut-off feature Pros: - Café-quality espresso from home - User-friendly controls make it accessible for beginners - Beautiful design that complements any kitchen - Easy to clean with self-cleaning features and removable parts - Philips has fantastic videos on YouTube for setup and use Cons: - The learning curve may be intimidating for absolute beginners, though this fades quickly with use. - The manual could have been a little better Final Verdict: The Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to bring café-quality espresso into their home. With its stylish design, easy-to-use controls, and ability to produce consistently excellent espresso, it delivers on all fronts. The machine’s milk frother is a standout feature, making it perfect for those who love velvety microfoam. While there’s a brief learning curve for beginners, the overall ease of use and performance more than make up for it. Whether you’re new to home brewing or looking to upgrade your coffee setup, this machine will elevate your espresso game. Pro tip: GREAT for making an Affogato dessert

I will preface this review by saying this is my first “real” espresso machine. By that I mean, I’ve owned fully automatic espresso machines before but not one that is this manual. I wanted this one because there is a bit of romance in tamping the grounds and locking in the portafilter yourself. I was ready to challenge myself a bit and bring out my inner barista. The Philips Barista Brew has been a great machine for me so far. It has taken some patience and getting used to. This isn’t necessarily because of the machine but my learning curve. I have found that brewing espresso is an art. It took me a while to dial in the right grind and amount combination, and it does change a bit with a change of coffee beans. The machine makes a rich and delicious espresso right from my first brew. Despite needing to dial in the right grind and volume, I could taste the difference between the Barista Brew and my automatic machine, even using the same beans. I usually drink Americanos vs straight espresso and the Barista Brew makes those too. There are actually two ways to make an Americano. The easiest way is to grind the beans, tamp, and hit the “Americano” button. This will brew the espresso and then automatically dispense hot water all from one button. The second way takes a little more effort but allows more “on the fly” customization. You brew the espresso and then use the steam wand on the side to add the hot water. It also comes with a frothing jug that has a handy thermometer on it. This is a big help when steaming milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The machine is customizable in respect to the volume of product dispensed. You can brew a single or double shot, as well as an Americano and the volume of the brew and/or water dispensed can be adjusted. This is a great feature as some people like a shorter or longer shot brewed than others. The machine also comes with four filter baskets to further the customization. It includes single and double shot baskets, one single wall and one double wall of each. Keep in mind that changing between single and double wall baskets will likely require a change in grind and/or volume. Speaking of grind and volume, they are both incredibly easy to change. The grind size is changed by easily twisting the bean hopper. The volume is controlled by a knob - like changing the volume on an old car stereo. There are a few things I wish I could change. One is the vertical space on the stand. Many of my mugs (including my favorite Ember mug) will not fit under the portafilter. This means almost all of my brewing goes into a smaller cup before going into my mug. This is a small annoyance because it creates another item that needs to be cleaned after every brew. Another item that is not my favorite is the water tank. It is located in the back of the machine which means I need to pull the machine out every time I need to refill the water reservoir. On the positive side, it is a large tank, holding about half a gallon. Overall I am very happy with the Barista Brew. The automatic grinder does the hardest part of the process, getting a good grind on the beans and dispensing them. It is definitely more work than my fully automatic unit but I knew that going in - and it is worth it! The espresso tastes great and I love the americanos and lattes I’ve made so far.

As someone who takes their coffee seriously, I was excited to try the Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine. This machine truly embodies the essence of crafting your own barista-level coffee at home, and after using it for a few weeks, I’m ready to share my thoughts. Crafting the Perfect Espresso The first thing that stands out is the 58mm stainless steel portafilter. This professional-grade feature allows for consistent extraction and a rich crema that rivals many coffee shops. The wider distribution of water ensures a balanced flavor, and I’ve found myself indulging in beautifully crafted espresso with every brew. Coupled with the premium calibrated tamper, achieving a leveled and balanced tamping surface has never been easier, which is essential for a perfect extraction. Freshness and Variety With a 250g bean container, I appreciate how the machine preserves bean freshness, allowing me to dive into various coffee flavors without compromising aroma. The metal conical burr grinder with 15 grind sizes lets you customize your brew to perfection, whether you prefer a super fine grind for espresso or a coarser grind for other brewing methods. I’ve experimented with setting 4 for espresso, and the results have been outstanding. Easy-to-Use Features The intuitive design of this machine makes it accessible for both novices and seasoned coffee lovers. The Americano button is a game-changer, allowing me to enjoy a classic Americano with just a press of a button. The Americano is my daily go-to must-have. The integrated hot water outlet adds convenience, making it easy to prepare other beverages without extra hassle. Temperature Control and Steam Wand The PID temperature control ensures that the brewing temperature is accurate and stable, which is crucial for extracting the best flavors from the coffee. Additionally, the 450ml temperature perfection milk jug paired with the powerful steam wand allows for effortless microfoam creation—ideal for latte art. The temperature strip on the jug is a thoughtful addition, helping achieve the perfect froth for that creamy, velvety texture. Design and Durability From a design perspective, the European aesthetics are impressive. The anti-fingerprint coated metal housing not only looks sleek but also keeps the machine looking pristine. It’s a beautiful addition to any kitchen counter, seamlessly blending style with functionality. Precision at Your Fingertips The integrated pressure gauge is an excellent feature for those who want to refine their technique. It provides real-time feedback on brewing pressure, guiding you to achieve optimal extraction every time. The pre-infusion system also helps prevent channeling, ensuring a balanced extraction. Conclusion Overall, the Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine is a fantastic investment for anyone passionate about coffee. It empowers you to elevate your skills and enjoy cafe-quality espresso from the comfort of your home. Whether you're making a quick Americano or perfecting your latte art, this machine delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended for coffee enthusiasts looking to enhance their brewing experience!

Working for a company that specializes in espresso means I have to be super discriminating in my choices in that field, especially since I'm the boss. I've tried all sorts of espresso brewing equipment, from the rudimentary to the sophisticated. If it's a capable machine and you know what you're doing, you will get the desired results. Given the choice, I will always opt for a semi-automatic because I know I can do better if I do it myself. This Barista Brew by Philips is one such machine. Having acquired Saeco some time ago, Philips knows how to make great prosumer espresso products. This machine was made to take up your precious kitchen counter real estate. It looks very professional with clean, soft lines; stainless steel and chrome accents, and easy to use button layout. Philips has added some thoughtful aspects to this machine like the pressure gauge that measures brew pressure so you know if you've got the correct grind. Under the drip tray grate, you'll find 2 separate containers, one for liquid and the other for coffee grounds for ease of cleaning and minimizing sludge buildup. Most home machines offer the cheater filters so beginners can get a good result without too much fuss, it has 2 of those. You also get some useful accessories: 1. The spring-loaded tamper has a beveled edge so it sits on the rim of the filter allowing for a level tamp every time 2. A cone that locks into the portafilter for grinding to minimize grind scatter 3. A steam pitcher with a built-in heat-sensitive tape thermometer to help you froth to the right temperature. The water reservoir is substantial enough to get you about a dozen drinks as long as they're not huge Americanos. You can set the volumetric dosing by keeping the button pressed until you want it to stop. The Americano feature is something new for me, a hot waterspout injects extra water directly into the cup after brewing has stopped (so it retains the delicate crema) Using the one cup standard filter and setting the grinder to the recommended number 4 setting, I was able to get a velvety rich crema with all the flavor I usually pull on a commercial $7k unit at the factory. The steam program takes about 20 seconds to get started, but can go continuous after that. There are some things I've found counter-intuitive though. The temp gauge on the pitcher, located on the outside, toward the bottom, is not visible until after you're done frothing, so placement is an issue when your focus is on the milk. For that I use my hand to tell me when it's ready. They made the grinding cone necessary because the portafilter won't fit in the saddle without it. Not only that, but the cone is also plastic so it's staticky and collects grounds around the edges. The tamper doesn't have a pressure clicker to let you know if you've applied the right force to the grounds. The beveled edge collects coffee grounds on and inside the tamper. This machine deserves 5 stars because it will make you capable of producing great barista quality drinks without a huge learning curve. I'm hoping this machine will last longer than a year before it requires service, but I take solace in the fact that Philips includes a 2-year warranty and parts should be available should you need them.

As a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network, I had the privilege of ordering the Philips Barista Brew Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother for my wife, and it’s been an impressive addition to our kitchen. We’ve reviewed another Philips cappuccino machine in the past, but this one is in a league of its own. The stainless steel finish adds a sleek, modern touch that complements our kitchen setup beautifully.The real highlight is how it's transformed my wife’s coffee experience. She’s a bit of a coffee enthusiast and has been thoroughly impressed with the quality of each brew—whether it’s a rich espresso or a frothy cappuccino, the results are consistently café-quality. The milk frother has become a favorite feature for her, making her Monday morning cappuccinos something to look forward to, without a trip to Starbucks.What also stands out is how user-friendly the machine is, even with its various components. The instructions are detailed, so once we got familiar with everything, it became a seamless part of our daily routine. Transitioning from a Keurig to this espresso machine has opened up more opportunities for creativity and customization in our coffee, and we haven’t looked back since.In short, the Philips Barista Brew is not just a coffee machine; it’s a significant upgrade for anyone who appreciates a quality brew at home. Whether you’re an avid coffee lover or looking to surprise someone who is, I highly recommend it. 5/5

I never really thought about the extra work put into a real cup of espresso, but here I am, making myself feel like a barista. This is like having your own personal coffee shop at home, but you have to learn what it takes to fine tune your cup. This isn’t your typical power on and push a button for a cup. You have to learn the process and get to know the steps before you get it just right. The nice thing is though, once you get it tuned in, this makes an amazing brew. The setup is fairly simple, it felt like it took more time to remove all the transportation tape and packing material than it did to get the rest of it set up. The directions are not overly complicated once you do it a couple times, however the manual alludes to figures that don’t seem to exist in the manual (See figure 15) as it says, though there is only 1 main figure in the book. However, they do have some videos and that is what really helps. From setup, brewing, to troubleshooting and cleaning. It’s all better shown in the videos than explained in the manual. Even then, it took a couple replays till I really understood it. Also, the small needle like cleaning tool they show in the video was never really explained where it was stored. It’s inside the drain tray, after you pull it out, in the dark recesses of the machine. On the subject of storing, I wish machines like this had places to store all the extra bits. This would have been the perfect machine if it just had some small storage trays on the side or something. Places to store the other extra filter baskets and cleaning brushes would have been ideal. There is space to store them on top, but that just becomes a loose mess. The other thing I don’t particularly like is the water storage being all the way in the back. It is difficult to see the remaining water level and you have to lift it over everything. It does have a handy bracket in the middle that makes it fairly easy to lift, but it is kind of blind trust the rest of the way. When trying to find your perfect brew, you can adjust the coarseness of the grind, the amount of the grind and the amount of water pushed through the grind. The only real indication that you are getting the brew right is the pressure gauge on the front. Too few or coarse grounds and the pressure will be too low, the water passes through too quickly and not a very tasty brew. If you have too many grounds or too fine of a grind, the brew may take too long and not push enough water through. It took several wasted cups for us to get the preferred pressure and now it works perfectly for our particular brew every time, till we want to try something different. But, now that we know what makes the difference, it is easy to adjust. For example, adding more grounds can be with the -/+ knob or with a little manual push on the grinder. There are other adjustments you can make, such as temperature and water amounts, but that takes some extra steps with pushing and holding specific buttons and not something you change often. Once you have the coffee down pat, making the perfect froth is actually really easy. The steam on this one is much better than on an older model I have and the milk jug with the temperature gauge ensures I am getting up to the right temperature at the same time. This has been some of the creamiest froth I have had on a home made coffee. Overall, I really do enjoy this espresso machine. It’s one of those things that you really have to take some time with though. It’s not your typical pop a cup in and push a button type device. This is about as close as you get to professional brewing without getting into the commercial devices. I’m dropping 1 star for the missing details in the manual and for not having proper places to contain all the included parts, but other than that it is a great machine.

I am the resident coffee/tea "maestro" in our house. I do (or did) as much as I can with the limited resources I had over the years. This includes using a Keurig, pour over, coffee maker, hand frother, and automatic spinning frother. The entire value of the entire setup is less than $200 and with it I managed to create what I would call decent drinks improvising. It wasn't till I actually watched the "Baristas" in Starbucks (basically automated) versus a local shop owner and Barista ( handcrafted who I actually talked to in depth) that I realized there are serious levels to this. Welcome to the next level. I have never owned an Espresso machine or real tools before. I had options to go fully automated or more manual / hand crafted and I opted to try the more hand crafted approach which the Phillips leans more towards in producing drinks. Inside what was a surprisingly heavier box than expected, I was pleasantly met with a bombardment of parts and accessories neatly packed in a presentation box, a bean holder and the actual machine itself. It was larger than expected and with the attachments up top, it will not fit under a lot of cabinets. I absolutely LOVE the retro look. It looks like something out of the 50s or 60s in the best way. I would expect to find something like this in the Fallout games. I just absolutely love the pseudo retro look. There is a lot of secure tape and cardboard to remove but this is to protect this beauty in shipping. It comes with a real manual and the box holding the accessories also describes the items included. Ever4ything is packed, shipped and presented in a top notch fashion. As a first time owner of such a machine, I must admit to being a bit overwhelmed and I am still learning the nuances but what I can say is Keurig or even pour over "pseudo" espresso shots do not even compare to a real espresso maker. The ability to get *exactly* what you want in terms of extraction and especially the crema has upped my expectations for crafted home espresso shots to the next level. You literally control your own fate in extraction and bean type and grind level makes a significant difference and when all three come together? Just a wonderful experience. I actually went back and made all my previous drinks with my old system and then used the Phillips to give my family a blind taste test and as a shock to no one, they all picked the Phillips versions. But then you now can take that hand crafted espresso and extend it with the real frother/steam wand. The ability to produce properly steamed milk along with next level frothing can not be celebrated enough. Cappuccinos? Lattes? No problem. The big bonus for me is I like to make Matcha lattes for myself and our daughter and the ability to now really add quality steamed milk along with a stiff frothed head of milk on it is just wonderful. The fact it includes EVERYTHING you need accessory wise to get it done is awesome. I really do not have any complaints except I do wish there were caps for the top openings when not in use as I have to slide it back under the cabinets when not in use. With everything attached, this definitely needs some vertical clearance. Besides that minor complaint? I am fully satisfied from the retro look to the espresso and milk products it can produce. I will continue to spend the coming months exploring and trying new combinations of espresso beans, grind levels, heat levels and more to lock down what we like the best there is so much potential and possibilities.

This is the first time I’ve owned a barista-quality espresso machine, and it has been a great learning experience. It was easy to assemble and use. I appreciated the videos available via the box flap QR code. A friend of mine grows coffee beans in Costa Rica, and this machine did a fantastic job of grinding the beans to an excellent espresso quality. The ability to select single or double-shot grinding makes it easy to get the right amount of coffee. The measurement dial can be used to adjust the amount. Individual buttons for single, double, and americano make it easy to get the right amount of brewed coffee. The frother produces nice foam, and the temperature indicator on the frothing cup is a nice touch. I also appreciate that the components are dishwasher-safe. My only minor complaint is that the Grind Amount knob is hard to see where the indicator is. I recommend a tiny dab of white paint on the indicator knob. I am happy with the Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to improve their barista skills or brew their own espresso-quality coffee at home. Features • 58mm portafilter • Single and dual walled filter baskets • 450ml Stainless Steel milk jug • Stainless Steel calibrated tamper • Powder Ring • Espresso stand • Cleaning tools • Semi-automatic bean grinding, espresso pour • 15 grind settings, Burr Mill grinder • .55 pound coffee bean hopper capacity • 78 ounce water reservoir • 15 bars of pressure • Auto Shut-off • Single espresso, double espresso, americano buttons • Single and double dose grinder LEDs • Pressure gauge • Grind amount knob • Stainless Steel steam wand • Steam/Hot water knob • Descaling indicator light

My wife is a big coffee drinker and was very excited when I ordered the Philips Espresso Machine. The machine itself works great, but the instructions to put everything together and how to use the machine are severely lacking in details. On the positive side, the machine looks impressive and could be a mini-version of what you see in coffee shops. The parts seem to be high quality metal and plastic that I'm not worried will break or deform. The grinder works great once you figure out how to use it. The milk foamer also does the job...once you figure out how to use it. In general, everything works great...once you go through the trial and error of how to use it since the instructions are lacking. I'm not a coffee aficionado so I never tried to use an espresso machine before. The paper instructions were totally useless, but they do have a QR code to get to some videos. Great! This should be easy to follow a video, right? Well, I guess it did help to show the basic steps to get started and we did brew our first cup. The problem was that it didn't show you what all the pieces are for or when to use filter A vs filter B. Even some of the parts I had to figure out where it went by watching the videos over and over to see if I can find the piece on the machine. If you are a coffee expert or have had another espresso machine in the past, this may not be a problem for you. However, if you are new to this, definitely plan for some trial and error on which filters to use when, how to use the milk foamer, and even finding out where all the the parts go. Overall, once you get past the learning curve, this seems to be a high quality machine. I would recommend this to anyone that loves coffee and wants an at home espresso machine.

My family has been using a $50 retail store special espresso machine to get our coffee fix. Our next purchase after research was a good standalone burr grinder. This cheap machine had a milk frother but it frequently got gummed up and wasn’t producing foam like we wanted for lattes and cappuccinos. That machine suited us for only a short time. As we sunk deeper into the pits of the home espresso youtube rabbit hole of videos, and realizing we still weren’t getting our favorite café quality shots, we yearned for something better. This Philips semi-automatic espresso machine was our first experience with a real espresso machine. Plus it comes with it’s own grinder attached, and a steam wand to froth the milk. It was easy for us to take the plunge. We love our espresso and take our coffee very seriously, time for us to put up or shut up. This unit has a design that was very well thought out, and the accessories that come with it are outstanding (with the exception of one major defect/see below &pics). I’ll list the accessories out with my thoughts. The 58MM portafilter is sturdy with a nice weight to it. It sports a rubber pad on the bottom to protect it when tamping the grounds into the filter. It also lays flat when you stand it on the counter, well done Philips. With the portafilter and in conjunction with the grinder it has a black powder ring which fits onto the top of the portfilter to load it into the ground receiving bracket. There are 4 portafilter baskets that come with the set. One single walled single shot basket, and one single walled double shot basket. One dual wall single shot, and one dual wall double shot basket. I’m still learning the art of espresso (I don’t think you ever stop learning), but it’s my understanding the dual wall takes some of the guesswork out of dialing in the machine to your liking so we’ve been using those. There are 2 cleaning brushes for the grinder and let me tell you, you’re going to need them if you plan on using the grinder that’s installed on this machine. Word of advice, if you’re going to buy this machine, and have a stand-alone grinder, do not get rid of it because this thing is trash, absolutely frustrating beyond belief. I’ll get into that below. The manual states there is supposed to be a cleaning pin, but there wasn’t one in our box. No idea what that’s for, there must be different models that get that so it’s in the same manual?? The calibrated tamper is a HUGE plus, with a great weight to it, and very well designed, again well done Philips. There’s also a spot for the tamper on top of the machine for easy storage. I saved the best component for last IMO, which is a simple un-neccesary addition, but Philips knocked it out of the park with this little helper, and I absolutely wouldn’t want to be without it now. I’m talking about the milk jug with temperature gauge. As you use the steam wand to work it’s magic in the jug, you watch as the temperature gauge changes colors to green. It’s never failed me yet. I’ve had this machine for a week now, and we’ve dialed it in to our liking. I suggest weighing your grounds, and figuring out which weight and ground size works best for you. There’s a pressure gauge that will help you in your journey if you’re new to pulling espresso shots. It will show you if you’re in the optimum pressure range during the brewing. Can’t stress enough either to read the manual more than once as they give you great information in there. Philips made it very easy for a novice to pick up the art of espresso shots. My main piece of advice, don’t give up, it takes time to get things just right. Ugh I’ve been avoiding it, but I’m going to talk about the grinder. (PTGD, post-traumatic-grinder-disorder) Like I mentioned above it’s been about a week now, and I kid you not I’ve had to dismantle the grinder about 8 times now to unstick it. And it’s not my first rodeo with grinders. Absolutely do not use water on any of the grinder components, that’s a big no-no. Also, use fresh beans, not some old dry hard beans you’ve had in your cabinet for a year. Number one, old beans make bad tasting espresso, and number 2 this grinder doesn’t need any help seizing up, it does just fine on it’s own. I even tried numerous coffee bean brands to see if that made a difference…nope. While dialing in the grind consistency, and using the grinder, it seized up by around the 4th shot I pulled. (see pics) To operate the grinder you press the grind 1x or 2x button, or push the portafilter with powder ring into the receiver to operate it. It just sits and whines and nothing comes out. I cleaned it out which involves removing the hopper, and the top grinder piece from the machine. Talk about messy and annoying. After cleaning it you might get 2 good grinds, or you might get 8, who knows. I had to keep a dust-buster next to the machine just to clean up after myself and get little bits out of the top of the grinder. The brushes it comes with are woefully inadequate for the job. We did find that putting it back together after cleaning, and running the grinder, you could lightly tap the side of the machine to get it to intermittently start grinding again. Is this 1985 again? I’m not eager to relive my childhood days of banging the TV to get the reception to work. After the 8th time of cleaning it or so, I gave up. The hopper now sits empty and I’m wondering why I just didn’t get an espresso machine without a grinder attached. Every time I look at it empty it just irks me. I’ve accepted that either I got a lemon, or it’s poor design. Luckily, I have my trusty grinder that’s not once failed me, not once in years. This one can’t even make it a week. I really wanted to absolutely love this machine and for the most part I did, with this one big exception. If you don’t have a grinder and were excited about this machine having one, sorry for the bad news. I hope you fair better than we did. It pulls great shots and the steam wand works great. Just very disappointed with the grinder, why bother making a really nice espresso machine with a grinder like that. It’s like buying a car with a car stereo that works when it wants.

Perfect for Espresso lovers. Comparable with other expensive brands.

Works amazing! Well worth the price for making espresso at home.

Excellent coffee machine. I didn’t have any issues with making americano and love it.