When it comes to selecting a top-tier espresso machine, the Philips Series 5500 stands out as an unparalleled option. This coffee maker, the flagship model from Philips, combines advanced features with user-friendly design, making it a worthy investment for coffee enthusiasts. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the various aspects that set the Philips Series 5500 apart from other models and why it could be the perfect addition to your kitchen.
- Intuitive TFT display with touchscreen controls.
- Offers 20 different coffee recipes, including hot and iced drinks.
- Customizable grind settings (12 levels), aroma strength, temperature, and coffee/milk length.
- LatteGo system provides smooth froth, even with plant-based milk.
- AquaClean filter allows up to 5000 cups without descaling.
- Eco settings to reduce water and energy consumption.
- Cannot prepare two milk-based drinks simultaneously.
- Manual rinsing required after use
- Does not support control via a mobile app.
- Higher price point compared to other models in the Philips range.
A Visual Delight with Intuitive Control
The Philips Series 5500 boasts a 3.5-inch color screen that enhances both the visual appeal and functionality of the machine. This screen is not just for show; it makes navigating through the machine’s features remarkably intuitive. Users can easily access different settings and options, ensuring a seamless coffee-making experience. The display clearly shows the available choices, allowing you to select your preferred drink with ease.
One-Touch Coffee Magic
One of the standout features of the Philips Series 5500 is its ability to prepare 20 different recipes at the touch of a button. Whether you crave a classic espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or a refreshing iced coffee, this machine has you covered. The one-touch functionality simplifies the process, making it easy for anyone to use, regardless of their coffee-making expertise.
Additionally, the Philips Series 5500 allows for extensive personalization. You can customize your drinks and save them in up to four different profiles. This means each household member can create their favorite drink without needing to adjust the settings every time. This feature is particularly useful in families with diverse coffee preferences.
Innovative Features for Enhanced Performance
Philips has introduced several new features in the Series 5500 to elevate the coffee-making experience. One such feature is the Quick Start function, which enables the machine to prepare coffee much faster after being turned on. This is a significant improvement for those who need their coffee fix without waiting for the machine to warm up.
Another unique addition is the Extra Shot function, available exclusively in this model within the Philips range. This feature allows you to add an extra shot of espresso to your drink, enhancing its intensity and flavor. It’s perfect for those who prefer a stronger cup of coffee.
The Silent Brew system is another highlight, reducing the noise level by 40%. While it doesn’t make the machine completely silent, it does significantly decrease the noise, making it less disruptive in a quiet morning setting.
Cold Coffee at Its Best
For fans of iced coffee, the Philips Series 5500 brings something special to the table. The new 2024 range includes a system designed to prepare cold coffee recipes. This system extracts all the coffee’s flavor with a slower flow and at a lower temperature, ensuring a delicious iced coffee without compromising on intensity. This feature opens up a new world of coffee possibilities, especially during the warmer months.
Robust and Versatile Brewing
Despite having 15 bars of pressure, slightly less than some competing models, the Philips Series 5500 delivers exceptional coffee quality. The difference in pressure is negligible in terms of taste, and most users won’t notice any difference in the flavor of their coffee. This machine proves that it’s not just about the numbers but the overall performance.
The Philips Series 5500 features a ceramic grinder, which is more durable and provides a greater degree of grinding precision. The grinder can be adjusted to 12 levels, allowing for extensive personalization to suit all taste preferences. Moreover, the machine supports the use of ground coffee, which is particularly handy for making decaffeinated coffee or when you run out of coffee beans.
Effortless Milk Recipes with Latte Go
One of the most remarkable features of Philips coffee makers is the Latte Go system for preparing milk-based recipes. This system allows you to create delicious coffees with a frothy foam layer by pressing just one button. What sets the Latte Go system apart is its simplicity and ease of cleaning. It consists of only two pieces, making it much more convenient to maintain compared to other milk frothing systems. This is a significant advantage for those who use their machine daily and want to minimize the hassle of cleaning.
Ample Capacity for Convenience
The Philips Series 5500 is designed with convenience in mind. It features a 1.8-liter water reservoir, which is front-removable for easy refilling. This large capacity means you won’t need to refill it frequently, making it practical for daily use. The coffee bean container holds up to 275 grams, more than what most competing brands offer, reducing the need for constant refilling. Additionally, the machine can hold up to 12 coffee grounds, further enhancing its practicality.
Compact Design with Standard Dimensions
In terms of dimensions, all Philips models, including the Series 5500, have the same base. They measure 24.6 centimeters wide, 43.3 centimeters deep, and 37.1 centimeters high, and they weigh eight kilograms. This compact design ensures the machine fits well on most kitchen countertops without taking up too much space.
Pricing and Value
While the Philips Series 5500 is the most expensive model in the Philips range, its extensive features and superior performance justify the price. The machine’s durability, versatility, and user-friendly design make it a valuable investment for any coffee lover. To get the best deals, it’s recommended to check the links provided in the product description and comments, as these are regularly updated with the latest offers.
Comparing to Other Models
The Philips Series 5500 distinguishes itself from other models in several ways. Its unique features, such as the Extra Shot function, Silent Brew system, and cold coffee preparation, set it apart from the competition. Additionally, the extensive personalization options and the Latte Go system make it a more versatile and user-friendly choice.
While other models in the Philips range may offer similar features, the Series 5500 combines them all into one comprehensive package. For those interested in exploring other models in detail, there are plenty of resources and videos available that compare the different options within the Philips range.
Conclusion
The Philips Series 5500 is an exceptional fully automatic espresso machine that combines advanced features with ease of use. Its ability to prepare a wide variety of drinks at the touch of a button, coupled with extensive personalization options, makes it a standout choice for any coffee enthusiast. The innovative features, such as the Quick Start function, Extra Shot option, Silent Brew system, and cold coffee preparation, further enhance its appeal.
The machine’s robust and versatile brewing capabilities, combined with the Latte Go system, ensure a delightful coffee experience every time. Its ample capacity and compact design add to its convenience, making it a practical addition to any kitchen.
While the Philips Series 5500 comes at a premium price, its superior performance and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile investment. For those looking to elevate their coffee-making experience, this machine is undoubtedly a top contender.
Philips 5500 LatteGo Specifications
General Features
- Model: EP5544/90
- Type: Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
- Price: Ranges from $1,099.99 to $1,399.99
- Made in: Italy and built in Europe (Romania)
- Warranty: 2 years
Key Specifications
- Pump Pressure: 15 bar
- Power Consumption: 120 W (brewing)
- Voltage/Frequency: 120 V / 60 Hz
- Dimensions: 246 x 371 x 433 mm
- Weight: 17.64 lbs (8 kg)
- Color: Black with chromed finish
Capacity
- Water Tank: 60.97 oz (1.8 l) with frontal access
- Milk Carafe: 8.79 oz (260 ml)
- Coffee Bean Hopper: 275 g
- Coffee Waste Container: 12 servings
Beverage Options
- Preprogrammed Coffee Varieties:
- Espresso
- Coffee
- Cappuccino
- Latte Macchiato
- Americano
- Caffè Crema
- Caffè Latte
- Espresso Lungo
- Ristretto
- Flat White
- Café au Lait
- Iced Coffee, Iced Latte, Iced Cappuccino
- Hot Water, Travel Mug
Customization and Maintenance
- Grinder Settings: 12 adjustable settings
- User Profiles: 4+ guest function
- Aroma Strength Settings: 5 levels
- Temperature Settings: 3 levels
- Pre-brew Aroma Control: Yes
- Extra Shot Function: Yes
Milk System
- Type: LatteGo with cyclonic frothing technology
- Cleaning: Dishwasher safe, cleanable in under 10 seconds
Additional Features
- Display: TFT with touchscreen controls
- SilentBrew Technology: Reduces noise by 40%
- Eco Settings: Five settings to reduce water and energy consumption
- QuickStart Function: Allows brewing immediately after power on
Included Accessories
- Measuring scoop
- Water hardness test strip
- AquaClean filter
- Tube with lubricant
- LatteGo storage lid
