Philips Series 5500 LatteGo Bean to Cup Coffee Machine: A Comprehensive Review
In the world of coffee machines, the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo Bean to Cup Coffee Machine has emerged as a standout option for coffee enthusiasts seeking a balance between affordability and advanced functionality. This machine is part of a new generation of bean-to-cup coffee makers that combine user-friendly interfaces with high-quality brewing capabilities. In this blog post, we’ll dive into its features, performance, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Why the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo Stands Out
The Philips Series 5500 LatteGo is designed with simplicity and versatility in mind. Its visual drinks menu and customizable brewing options make it an excellent choice for households with varying coffee preferences. Whether you’re an espresso aficionado or a latte lover, this machine has something for everyone.
Pros
- Easy-to-navigate visual menu
- Works with both coffee beans and ground coffee
- Compact design suitable for most kitchens
- Froths plant-based milk as well as dairy
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
Cons
- Limited coffee customization profiles
- Profiles can be accidentally overwritten
- Slightly noisy during operation
Key Features
1. Bean-to-Cup Functionality
This machine allows you to enjoy the freshest coffee possible by grinding beans right before brewing. If you prefer pre-ground coffee, the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo also accommodates that option.
2. Customizable Brewing Options
With 20 drink options, you can tweak the strength, volume, and milk content of your coffee. However, the machine’s profile system is basic and prone to accidental overwriting, which can be frustrating for households with multiple users.
3. LatteGo Milk Frother
The LatteGo milk frother is one of the standout features of this machine. It’s easy to assemble, dishwasher-safe, and compatible with plant-based milks. However, its 260ml capacity means frequent refilling if you’re making multiple milky drinks.
Shop the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo Coffee Machine on Amazon
Design and Build
The Philips Series 5500 LatteGo is compact enough to fit under most kitchen cabinets, measuring just 24cm tall. Its control panel features 17 touchscreen buttons surrounding a central display, making it easy to choose your preferred drink or adjust settings. However, the display itself is not a touchscreen, which can make navigating menus slightly cumbersome.
The 1.8-litre water tank is another highlight, though it lacks a lid, which can lead to water spillage when reinserting it into the machine. The 275g bean hopper is sufficient for daily use, but the absence of a lid on the water tank is a curious design choice.
Performance
1. Brewing Quality
The Philips Series 5500 LatteGo delivers aromatic and flavorful coffee, though the crema on espressos isn’t as thick as that produced by higher-end machines. Long coffees may have a slight bitter edge, but this can be mitigated by using the “extra shot” option.
2. Milk Frothing
The LatteGo frother excels at creating creamy froth for cappuccinos and lattes, whether you’re using dairy or plant-based milk. Its high placement on the machine doesn’t cause splashing, and it’s easy to clean thanks to its dishwasher-safe design.
3. Noise Levels
Despite its Quiet Mark certification, this machine isn’t as silent as expected. Grinding and brewing can be noisy, making it less ideal for early risers trying to avoid waking the household.
Eco-Friendly Features
The machine offers several eco-friendly settings, such as:
– Shortening standby time to 15 minutes
– Turning off cup lights
– Dimming the display
– Lowering beverage temperature
– Disabling start-up rinsing
These features make it a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious coffee lovers.
Who Should Buy the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo?
This machine is perfect for:
– Households with diverse coffee preferences
– Those who enjoy both dairy and plant-based milk drinks
– Coffee enthusiasts looking for a mid-range bean-to-cup machine
However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer quieter brewing, you might want to explore other options like the De’Longhi Rivelia or the KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine.
Shop the De’Longhi Rivelia Coffee Machine on Amazon
Shop the KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine on Amazon
Final Thoughts
The Philips Series 5500 LatteGo Bean to Cup Coffee Machine is a versatile and user-friendly option for coffee lovers. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as limited profile customization and occasional noise, its overall performance and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for households with varying coffee preferences.
If you’re looking for a machine that balances quality, functionality, and affordability, the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo is a solid choice.
Buy the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo Coffee Machine on Amazon
FAQs
1. Can you use pre-ground coffee with the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo?
Yes, the machine is compatible with pre-ground coffee, but you’ll need to select this option manually.
2. Is the LatteGo frother compatible with plant-based milk?
Yes, the frother works well with both dairy and plant-based milks.
3. Does the machine come with a water filter?
The water tank has an optional filter, which helps improve the taste of your coffee and reduces limescale buildup.
Whether you’re a cappuccino connoisseur or an espresso enthusiast, the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo offers a reliable and enjoyable coffee experience. With its customizable brewing options and easy-to-use design, it’s a great addition to any kitchen.
