Philips Barista Brew Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother - Stainless Steel

After much debate, we finally gave in and treated our household to an espresso machine, hoping to really cut back on our coffee shop expenses as we develop our skills doing it ourselves at home. This Philips semi automatic espresso machine is an excellent unit to start with. And as we’ve done our research, we’ve learned that this unit is great not only for beginners but also experienced users as well because of all the features it has. Not only does the Philips Barista Brew elevate our coffee experience, but it also elevates the look of our kitchen! It is a beautiful unit that looks very sleek and sophisticated. There are some kitchen appliances that you decide not to purchase because they’re too large to store in a hidden place, and too ugly looking to leave permanently on the counter. Not this espresso machine, we proudly leave it out on display because it looks great. Philips also did an excellent job with packaging because all items were wrapped and protected well, and everything arrived safe with no scratches or scuffs. With this unit being considered semi automatic, I was a little nervous if it was more than we could handle as beginners, but fortunately the directions were helpful for the most part. And the straightforward and user friendly controls really helped us get the hang of this unit. We had built up our confidence within a few experiment cups. The ease of use and beautiful design would all be for nothing if the quality of the espresso it produces is no good. Fortunately though, this Barista Brew produces tasty and consistent espresso shots, leaving us shocked that we’re able to generate this kind of quality right from our own home. This machine is definitely versatile, as it also creates excellent different blends of coffee very well. A huge plus and bonus is the milk frother, allowing us to make perfect lattes and cappuccinos as well. This machine really does do it all and gives us so many choices when it comes to creating our morning and afternoon boosts of energy. And even post dinner with dessert, we can’t wait to have guests over and offer them a drink from this machine. Cleanup of this machine is not nearly as bad as we were expecting, many items are easy to remove and clean at the sink. And the self cleaning function is so appreciated as we can regularly decalcify the unit with no elbow grease or harsh chemicals. Overall this Barista Brew machine is a great addition to our home, and it will be great for many people looking to either upgrade their current machine, or get their first home espresso machine.

The Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother has been a game-changer in our household. This versatile machine has significantly enhanced my morning routine, and now, everyone in my family uses it regularly to make their favorite drinks. From its sleek design to its exceptional performance, the Barista Brew is perfect for anyone who values quality coffee at home. User Experience and Ease of Use From the moment we unboxed the Philips Barista Brew, it was clear that this machine was designed for simplicity and efficiency. Setting it up was a breeze, and within minutes, we were pulling our first shots of espresso. The controls are intuitive, even for those who are new to espresso machines, with a clear LCD display that guides you through the brewing process. For my family, which includes both casual coffee drinkers and more experienced espresso enthusiasts, this ease of use has been a huge plus. The machine features a built-in grinder that can handle whole beans, ensuring every cup is brewed with freshly ground coffee. The grinder has 12 adjustable settings, so you can easily tweak the grind size to match your preferences. The flexibility to use either whole beans or pre-ground coffee is also great, giving us options depending on what we have available. Brewing Performance The Philips Barista Brew doesn’t just look good—it delivers high-quality espresso consistently. The machine operates with a 15-bar pressure pump, allowing it to extract rich, crema-topped espresso shots that rival those from professional machines. I was particularly impressed by its temperature stability. Even when making back-to-back espressos, the machine maintained a consistent brew temperature, which is crucial for extracting the best flavor from the beans. The machine’s versatility extends beyond espresso. It handles various coffee styles, making everything from a simple Americano to a more elaborate cappuccino or latte. The programmable settings let you customize your drink preferences, saving your favorite recipes for easy brewing at the touch of a button—a feature that my family really appreciates as each person can program their preferred coffee style. Milk Frothing and Steam Wand One of the highlights of the Philips Barista Brew is the milk frother, which is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks. The steam wand delivers a consistent and smooth frothing experience, producing fine microfoam that's ideal for latte art. My family enjoys experimenting with the frother, and while it takes a little practice to master, we’ve all been able to create silky lattes with ease. The fact that the machine allows for both manual frothing and automated options means that it caters to different skill levels, making it accessible for everyone in the family?. The steam wand’s powerful output allows you to heat and froth milk quickly without losing control over the texture. Although the learning curve might be steep for absolute beginners, the wand is quite forgiving, and with a bit of practice, you can achieve café-level results. Design and Build Quality The Philips Barista Brew features a sleek, compact design that fits well in our kitchen. Its modern stainless-steel finish adds a touch of elegance while also ensuring durability. Though it's somewhat heavier at around 20 pounds, this heft adds to its stability on the countertop, and you don’t have to worry about it moving around while brewing. The machine’s parts, including the water tank, bean hopper, and drip tray, are easy to access and clean. Maintenance is simplified by the automatic cleaning cycle that runs after each brew session. For long-term care, descaling the machine is also easy, and Philips provides clear instructions for this process. Speed and Efficiency In terms of speed, the Philips Barista Brew is excellent. The machine heats up quickly, reaching optimal brewing temperature in under a minute, which is ideal when you’re in a rush in the morning. The grind-to-brew process is fast, and you can go from whole beans to a freshly brewed espresso in just a few minutes. For milk-based drinks, the steam wand heats up in seconds, allowing you to froth milk right after pulling your espresso shot without delay?. The machine’s ability to brew and steam simultaneously is another time-saving feature that we’ve come to appreciate, especially when making drinks for multiple people. Value for Money Though the Philips Barista Brew is on the higher end of the price spectrum for home espresso machines, its performance, versatility, and build quality more than justify the investment. It typically ranges between $800 and $1,000, depending on where you buy it. For a machine that combines semi-automatic espresso making with a high-quality milk frother, this is a fair price. Moreover, it offers long-term value with its durability, easy maintenance, and excellent brewing capabilities?. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother has exceeded our expectations in every way. Whether we’re making simple espressos or more complex drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, this machine delivers consistently high-quality results. The balance of automated and manual controls means that everyone in the household can enjoy it, regardless of their skill level. For anyone looking to elevate their home coffee experience, I highly recommend this machine—it’s worth every penny!

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.

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.

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!

Just as disclaimer, I have never owned an espresso machine as complex as this one. As someone who is new to the process, this was very intimidating. At the end of the day, I was able to figure it out and understand the process more thoroughly, but it took a lot of trial and error and patience to get me there. The instructions were not clear. It took a while to realize that the figures the instructions were referring to were at the end of the booklet, passed the alternate languages versions, so for the longest time, I thought the instructions were incomplete. Luckily I was able to find instructional videos on YouTube to help guide me. As for the machine itself, the grinder has 15 settings, but even the finest setting does not get the grounds fine enough for espresso. I had to get store bought espresso that was already ground to make a drink that was not bitter. The steam wand works but it stops after a certain amount of time, which was not enough time to get milk to the appropriate temperature for a latte. Because of this, I had to run it twice. Overall, I was able to figure it out, but I do not think it should have been this difficult. It would be nice if the instructions were clearer for those of us that have never had this type of machine before. But it does work and I think it works well once you get the hang of it.

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: -

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.

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.