Philips EP3200/EP2200/EP1200 Series Espresso Machines Review
Comments: 64↓ specifications & manual ↓
There are no prizes for guessing, even from the numerical designations of the series, that all this is the entrance level class of automatic ground coffee machines, divided into sublevels, depending on the availability of some additional function and/or recipe configuration.
Updated (October 2019). EP1000. In Europe Philips launched even more simplified model – EP1000/00 without any frother at all. Even if you need only black coffee options I think that this unit doesn’t deserve any attention. Because it can’t even deliver the hot water.
Philips Series 1200 features the Philips EP1220 coffee machine. In the US it also known as Philips Carina EP1220/04. This is the most basic model with a manual panarello cappuccino maker and without an AquaClean water filter. There are two beverage buttons: “espresso” and “coffee” (cafe lungo), plus buttons for steam and hot water for the cappuccino maker.
The Philips Series 2200 features six versions, but in reality these are just two models:
- Philips EP2220/EP2221/EP2224 are the same as EP1220, but with the AquaClean filter included (everything below is also with AquaClean). They only differ in the shade of color for each version. And they are all dark, one is glossy, one matte and the third slightly lighter. In the States they sell only glossy EP2220/14 and the prices are:
Wayfair.com
$549.00 
Amazon.com
$549.00 5 new from $549.002 used from $469.69Last Amazon price update was: 2024-11-14 - Philips EP2231 are versions with the LatteGo automatic cappuccino maker in the form of a 250 ml pitcher. Beverage buttons: “espresso”, “coffee” (i.e. cafe lungo), “cappuccino”, “hot water”. It’s important to note that there is no separate setting for the volume of milk, only the choice of the total volume of beverage. The versions differ, as in the case above, only by the nuances of color.
The number after the slash sign (e.g. EP2224/10 or EP2224/40) designates the color. It means that functionality is the same, only color is different.
Philips Series 3200 features four versions, but again in reality only two models:
- Philips EP3221/40 is the flagship of the platform in this version with a manual cappuccino maker. Yes, you need to froth the milk manually, but here is the biggest choice of black coffee recipes: “espresso”, “coffee” (i.e. cafe lungo), separately “long coffee” (this is just another programming cell), “americano” (special mode, the machine pours espresso first, and then it adds hot water from the same nozzles). Plus, the panel has a separate temperature setting that can be changed at any time – 3 levels in total. In North America this model is called EP3221/44 in US and here is current prices:
Wayfair.com
$599.00 Amazon.com
$599.00 5 new from $549.99Last Amazon price update was: 2024-11-14
The other versions also have a brewing temperature setting, but it is the same for all modes and can only be changed when the machine is turned off, using the following combination: hold down the choice of portion volume for a few seconds, set the level with the same button, press “start”.
- Philips EP3241/EP3243/EP3246 are the flagship models of the platform in the version with LatteGo automatic cappuccino maker. Beverage buttons: “espresso”, “coffee” (i.e. cafe lungo), “americano”, “cappuccino”, “latte macchiato”, “hot water”. There is a separate setting for the volume of milk. Here, again, the versions differ only by the nuances of color. EP3241 is black, EP3243/50 is white with dark and silver elements (looks elegant!), EP3246/70 is black with silver elements (the photos in the review mainly show this version). In the US this group is presented by Philips EP3241/54 LatteGo and here is current prices:
Bestbuy.com
$699.99 Wayfair.com
$799.00 Amazon.com
$799.99 7 new from $699.99Last Amazon price update was: 2024-11-14
There are actually 4 models in different colors before us, all told.
Two of them are simpler, providing a manual cappuccino maker, with two recipes, and the other two are more elaborate, with four recipes and a separate temperature setting on the control panel.
And two more models with LatteGo automatic cappuccino maker. One is simple, with one button for milk and setting only the total volume of the beverage, and the other has two milk recipes and a separate setting for proportions.
I think that you can interpolate the information below for simpler modifications. Personally, I tested the flagships with LatteGo.
The major feature about all these machines is the new platform
Let’s clarify once again, we have the basic coffee machines that are lower in the company’s model range than Philips Series 4000, Series 5000 and all Saeco (read here about similarities of Philips and Saeco).
In reality, these are replacements for the really outdated Series 2000/2100, which originated from Saeco Xsmall and for one from the Series 3000. Xsmall was and still remains a compromise machine, which I recommended for readers with a limited budget, it used to cost under £150/€200 on sales. It makes no sense to buy one more expensive due to its limitations in functionality and convenience.
In the new platform, many flaws are fixed. For example, now all reservoirs have normal volumes: for water – 1.8 litres, for beans – 275 grams, for wasted coffee pucks – 15 portions. And the drip tray is usefully sized now, it does not need to be drained every 5 cups. The water reservoir has been removed from the front, as for Xsmall, but on the other side, to the right. Like this, the machines are very much competitors for De’Longhi.
The bewing unit is used exactly the same as before, as on all other machines of this type. Here is a photo with it next to the Saeco PicoBaristo Deluxe brewing group – only the nozzle at the inlet is different:
But the positions have changed in an interesting way. Now the brewing group is located behind the water tank (which must be removed beforehand) and is in the center inside the coffee machine. The 15-bar ULKA pump, the 1500 watt thermoblock and the ceramic grinder with flat burrs are old acquaintances. Unless, the number of grind levels was extended to 12.
Strength setting. It became fully-fledged (I’m reminding you, I’m comparing it with the old Series 2000/2100). Not so much that any difference in taste is possible, but you can choose one of three degrees for any drink. Yes, this is not 5, like in Philips Series 3100 and “higher”, but actually these three are quite enough, because the minimum and maximum ones are almost the same (approximately 7 and 11 grams of beans, respectively), there are intermediate ones, which usually are not needed, “three” or “five” (out of 5) are commonly used for brewing.
The control panel giving a choice of 3 volumes for any beverage may be considered globally new
I don’t know why everywhere it is alleged that in the Philips Series 3200/2200/1200 coffee machines a certain screen is used, and a touch screen at that. Yes, buttons are all touch, including on/off and start/stop. But there is no screen here. All indications are provided by LED lights. There are a lot of lights, I counted 25, but as they say, quantity did not turn into quality, they didn’t turn into a screen because of this 🙂
So, the control feature is that there are 3 volumes of beverage for each recipe. That is, you press, let’s say, espresso, and nearby you can choose one of three volumes, with the third being adjustable (press the recipe button for programming until the volume light flashes, start brewing with the start button; when the necessary amount is in the cup, press the start button again).
The first two volumes for each beverage cannot be changed, they are rigidly set at the factory. But the machine remembers the last choice of strength/volume for each beverage and the next time it offers them by default. The default values of volumes are as follows:
- Espresso: 35/50/80 ml. The third volume is adjustable from 40 to 230 ml. Personally I was extremely saddened by the lower limit, because I usually drink 30 ml, and in this case – no way!
- Coffee: 110/140/230 ml. The third volume is adjustable from 40 to 230 ml
- Americano: (50 ml of coffee + 60 ml of water) / (50 ml of coffee + 130 ml of water) / (50 ml of coffee + 180 ml of water). It is tricky to program: coffee may be from 40 to 230 ml, the rest is water, but so that the total volume of delivery is not more than 400 ml. 400 is the upper technical limit for all recipes of these coffee machines, apparently not to overheat the boiler or the pump.
- Cappuccino: (60 ml of milk + 35 ml of coffee) / (100 ml of milk + 50 ml of coffee) / (200 ml of milk + 80 ml of coffee). Programmed: coffee from 40 to 230 ml, milk to about 340 ml.
- Latte macchiato: (120 ml of milk + 35 ml of coffee) / (230 ml of milk + 45 ml of coffee) / (340 ml of milk + 55 ml of coffee). It is programmed the same way as cappuccino: coffee from 40 to 230 ml, milk to about 340 ml.
- Hot water: 60/160/400 ml, the maximum programming is 400 ml.
An interesting feature of americano brewing is that firstly, the machine can brew it simultaneously in two portions, pouring two espresso in a row, and then adding twice the amount of water, and secondly, it can be done in one cup. Then americano will be as I like, two espresso + hot water. I’m not particularly fond of americano, but if I drink it, then that’s about it.
A less interesting feature is that the machine does not prepare separately foamed milk. Even in the “past” initial milk machine of the concern – Philips HD8654 Easy Cappuccino – could (and still can) deliver milk without coffee when taken off into “milk clean”. It would be possible to assume that the solution is to interrupt the milk program after the milk is delivered, but the machine still first grinds the beans. You can interrupt the program, but the grounds will be thrown off into the waste.
Update. Below in comments we figured out how to trick the EP3221/40 to deliver only milk foam. Use a pregound coffee option, load no coffee, and run a Latte/Cappuccino recipe. Then stop the machine.
As for the brewing of black coffee, in this, the machine, as expected, repeats all the other models of the company. This is not surprising, as the main components remain the same.
LatteGo – two halves milk frother
A cappuccino maker foams a little worse than Phillips Saeco’s “standard” integrated milk jar, but this was previously known from my testing the Series 5000 on IFA 2018 in Berlin. The foam itself is almost the same in consistency, but it is somewhat smaller, and the separation into milk/foam is more pronounced. This can be readily observed by the layered latte macchiato, the layers are not only visually distinguished, but also more noticeable in taste:
This time, I additionally compared the convenience at a long distance, noise, temperature with a milk jar frother from Saeco PicoBaristo Deluxe. The LatteGo noise, as in the case of the standard Phillips frother, prevails in the overall ensemble, producing up to 60 dB (when brewing black coffee, the machine produces a typical average noise level of 50 dB). The temperature of the coffee and milk drink is also no different, about 70 °C. For me personally, this is a lot, I have to wait for a while until it cools down.
LatteGo is a lot easier to disassemble and clean. But there is a nuance.
The “ordinary” milk jar has the ability to quickly clean – the machine passes water through the milk tract without sucking the milk into the channels. LatteGo has no such possibility. I tried to pass the water without removing the pitcher, as it worked on Saeco Minuto, Philips HD8828 and the like, but LatteGo still sucks the milk, and there is no real cleaning of the channels and vortex module. That said, it turns out that cleaning with disassembling LatteGo is much easier, but it should be done much more often, almost every day. Quick cleaning of the “ordinary” pitcher allows you to disassemble the cappuccino maker once every 4-5 days.
What I liked and where the cons are
White modifications looks and feels better than older premium models. On photo: EP3243/50
The first impression, and it’s a positive one, is the quality of the finish, materials and assembly. It’s really better than the more pricey Saeco PicoBaristo Deluxe. The fit of the parts is better, the plastic itself is thicker. To reach the drip tray, it is not necessary to push through tight side clamps. Wide dispenser height adjustment (both for tiny espresso cups and high cappuccino glasses), comfortable controls, albeit without a screen.
By the way, very good sensitivity of the touch buttons is provided, although I’m still not a fan of sensors, but now it is all about them. From above – a platform for cups. I would not say that there is at least a passive heating there, but Philips having a platform is not common anymore.
It is convenient to fill beans into a wide bunker, I liked it, especially for the basic models; the lid of this bunker is surrounded by a thick rubber seal. It sits very tight, there is hope that there is really some protection of the beans from weathering. With the new LatteGo milk pitcher, there is no need to install a separate dispenser for pouring water, because the cappuccino maker itself is hung directly on the spout for dispensing water, it is always installed.
I liked the program for americano, in which you can easily, almost with a single click, make it on the basis of a double espresso with hot water.
But there are some things that confused me:
- Impossibility to foam milk without coffee.
- The restriction of the espresso’s lower limit is not enough for me – 35 ml, I need at least 30 ml, and I often brew a double ristretto of two 20 ml each. Here, it is impossible, this is important for me.
- The material of the water tank leaves much to be desired. Especially as this stands out from the rest of the materials for the casing.
- The cappuccino makers noise. However, this does not apply to Philips Series 3200/2200/1200, but to LatteGo, and to Philips automatic cappuccino makers in general.
I also focus on the design of the LatteGo cappuccino maker, which consists of two split halves without any tubes. The convenience of washing it – especially with rare use – is evident. However, nothing is known about its reliability over the long haul. I have a purely theoretical suspicion, not based on practice, that over time, when the sealing rubber (it is glued into the “right” black part) loses elasticity, the pitcher may start to leak out into the cup tray. I repeat, these are just my assumptions.
A desultory remark about panarello on the cheaper models:
The classic manual cappuccino maker with panarello in Philips EP1220/EP2020/EP2021/EP2224/EP3221 coffee machines is a bit different from what we are used to seeing in Philips. It has become somewhat longer and is lower relative to the cup holder.
It is convenient to control it – big angles to the sides, optimum forward bend and solid length make it possible to froth the milk even more conveniently than in older versions. Moreover, if we take the appropriate wares and pour milk to a certain level, just slightly hiding the cappuccino maker dipped in it, the container may be put on the cup holder and the process goes well with no overhanging.
Review Summary
In all, the new Philips 1200/2200/3200 platform looks nice and is pleasant to use. At first glance, it seems even higher class than it actually is, it is presented with a solid appearance and elegant casing lines. Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand soberly that these are basic coffee machines, and even the flagships of the new platform – the ones with LatteGo automatic milk frother – have functional limitations.
In terms of making both black coffee and milk delicacies, revelations did not take place, but they were not expected after the hardware base became clear. In terms of convenience, everything is at a decent level within the class.
I NEED your opinion. Please rate my review:
(23 votes, average: 4.70 out of 5)
Loading...Philips EP1200, EP2200 and EP3200 Series Coffee Machine Specifications: |
|
|---|---|
| Download manual: | Download pdf manual |
| Machine type: | Bean-to-cup super-automatic machine |
| Width х Deep х Height: | 24 x 43 x 37 cm |
| Coffee used: | Beans or ground coffee |
| Grinder: | Ceramic burr set, 12 steps adjustable |
| Brewing group: | One, removable (extractable) |
| Heater: | Thermoblock 1500 W |
| Max pressure: | 15 bar |
| Water container: | 1.9 l (accessible from front) |
| Bean container: | 275 g |
| Waste container: | 12 servings (accessible from front) |
| Cappuccinatore: | EP 1220/2020/2021/2224/3221 – panarello (manual) EP 2030/2035/2231/3241/3243/3246 – automated 0.25l milk jar LatteGo |
| Max cup height: | 85-145 mm |
| Controlling: | Adjustable coffee strength (3 grades), temperature settings (3 grades) |
| Peculiar properties: | Special recipe for Americano (long black) - only models EP3221/3241/3243/3246 |
| Colors: | various |
Hi,
Great review!
I really was looking forward to buy the EP3221 machine. I was only looking for the water volumes preset for coffee brewing… And I found them in your review.
Unfortunately, as for you, 35 ml for na espresso is too much :((
What other Philips/Saeco coffee machine would you recommend, which could make a 20 ml espresso, have a manual milk frother, at least 3 coffee “buttons” and would have a finishing at least as good as the model I was considering?
Thanks in advance for helping,
M.
Marcin
8 Sep 19 at 8:37 pm
Among Philips Saeco machine’s it would be the 5000th series (e.g. EP5310, EP5311, 5315 etc). Because the 400th series has really cheap plastic used for body panels.
P. S. If you are near the machine (EP3221) you can manually press the start/stop button when 20ml shot is ready to get what you want. 20ml don’t take much time, so maybe it is a solution 🙂
Dmitriy
13 Sep 19 at 12:59 pm
One more question
I’m considering the Philips HD8827, but have one question about the coffee dosage.
How coffee is the machine using with and without the “Aroma Plus” button?
Hopie you know. Thanks again,
M.
Marcin
9 Sep 19 at 9:53 am
Hi, Marcin. Sorry but I didn’t perfom so deep tests of this model. But I may assume that it is approx. middle and high setting of the Series 3200.
Dmitriy
13 Sep 19 at 1:01 pm
Thank you for such a consistent and well structured review.
Im getting myself the 324350; This will be my very first time with a
Coffee machine of this type. 5/5 for your review.
Carlos
29 Sep 19 at 8:59 pm
Thank you, Carlos!
Dmitriy
5 Oct 19 at 10:27 am
Dmitriy, thanks so much for such a great blog, extensive tests and information. I was planning to buy Gaggia Anima Prestige (Purchased one, and shipped back due to issues indeed), but after some short reviews and your review now, I think I’d better go with that Philips 3200 series. what do you think?
Rustam Mammadov
1 Oct 19 at 2:32 pm
Well… Anima Prestige costs several times more, so it’s hard to compare these two models without knowing what do you want from the machine.
I think that EP3200 is better in terms of price/functions ratio.
Dmitriy
5 Oct 19 at 10:31 am
Hi there. I have a Saeco Moltio 8869 at work. How does a 3200 compare with such a device? I see an 8767 refurb on sale for 700 CAD, and the 8869 is pretty difficult to find now what with its age. So the pricing of these are similar. At home I have a BES870XL, and I am just not impressed with my ability to get a good pull with the single or double filter baskets, even after following tutorials. I’m interested in a great consistent cup, without breaking the bank, and these Philips models seem like a solution, I just do not know how they compare with the 8869. Thoughts?
Alexander
3 Oct 19 at 3:29 pm
Hi, Alex. The Moltio series was made in two versions: with SBS regulator and without, I don’t know which model was sold in Canada. If your at-work unit comes with the SBS knob (which adjust the crema valve) and it isn’t in its default factory position, then it will be different from the 3100, which doesn’t have SBS as any modern Philips/Saeco (nowadays only top Gaggias have SBS back).
If you we put SBS apart, then generally nothing changed: the same grinder, the same brewing unit, the same range for grind levels and capability of brewing group.
That means that if you find an espesso from 8869 to be consistent enought for your taste, then there it will be as consistent in the 3200. Limited range of volumes (min 35 ml) would be the only problem.
If you want even more consistent, full-bodied taste of your espresso on automatic machine, then Saeco/Philips withous SBS wouldn’t give it. In this situation I would rather look for Jura except Micra and A series (pricey, but the upcoming D4 model should be more affordable) or anything with a Eugster/Frismag brewing unit inside: Bosch, Siemens, Melitta or Nivona. Unfortunatelly, none of these brands are presented in Canada 🙁
P.S. Talking about Breville… Well it’s almost impossible to compare manual espresso machine and the super-automatic bean-to-cup unit.
Dmitriy
5 Oct 19 at 10:25 am
Hello, Your reviews are the most detailed of the many I have read, so I value your opinion as I’m approaching the big investment in a fully automatic espresso machine.
Now that I’ve seen your review of the Philips 3200, I’m considering that or the ECAM23260. But the 3200 could be the leader if I better understood its frothing ability.
All of the videos I’ve seen for it show milk drinks with a flood of milk and a shot of espresso. At the lowest volume setting for milk, could this just put a dollop of foam of a few shots of espresso?
The Delonghi has been out for 5 years and has a few reliability complaints, (while I suppose those without complaints write less often that those with). But at least extended warranties are available for it. While I imagine it’s early to tell the dependability of the new Philips, so far, it has no extended warranty option, so do you have any insight into the track record of its components?
Charles
4 Oct 19 at 5:09 pm
Thanks, Charles, I’m glad that my texts are useful for you 🙂
I think that Delonghi is generally better than Philips in terms of milk foam, especially if you need to play around with milk adjustments.
And the EP3200 model is particularly less suitable for this:
1) The minimal automatic setting gives 60ml of milk foam on the cappuccino recipe (see all measurements in EP3200 review after the words “The default values of volumes are as follows”).
2) More important – you can’t just deliver a milk foam. There is no separate recipe for milk.
3) The machine always grind the beans first, then deliver milk, then makes an espresso.
This means that if you want to get an espresso and a little of milk foam on top, then the only option is to a) make an espresso b) then run cappuccino recipe and manually stop the machine of the milk frothing stage, when there is enough milk for you. But the ground coffee will go to the trash.
Or you can change cups to get milk foam in one cup, espresso in another and then manually add milk on top. But both options are not what you want from a _super_ automatic coffee machine, I assume.
P. S. And finally, you can’t regulate the foam to make it less frothed like for flat white for example.
Dmitriy
5 Oct 19 at 11:00 am
Hi Dmitriy, That’s interesting that you think the foam is better on the Delonghi. Without any hands on experience with these, all I can go by are the videos and reviews like yours. I thought the new improvement that Philips cited, and you seemed to confirm, was that their LatteGo system made foamier milk, along with being easier to clean. If the Delonghi’s foam is as good, (or better), than the Philips, that would steer towards the Delonghi.
And yes, it’s very puzzling to me why these superautomatics go to all the trouble of making all the necessary ingredients for milk drinks, but decide to dispense them upside down, requiring a watchful, manual step to catch the foam in a separate cup. Do you see any reason for that? Between my 3 top contenders: Philips 3200, Delonghi 23260 and Philips/Saeco Incanto, would any of them make it easier, maybe with a foam only option, to put the coffee and foam in the right order?
Thanks
Charles
7 Oct 19 at 5:39 pm
I meant that Delonghi is better, mainly because it has more adjustments (less foam and more hot milk vs more foam less liquid milk) and more machines by Delonghi can change the order (first coffee then milk or first milk then coffee).
In terms of milk foam quality (if we compare Delonghi on max foam setting and Philips/Saeco) they both are OK. There are few differences, however:
1) Delonghi may deliver a bit higher foam (not dramatically)
2) Delonghi can deliver foam longer (=more foam), upto 700 ml
3) Delonghi gives more uniform foam, the foam is more “milky”, while Saeco/Philips get more layered result: more liquid on the bottom with more dry foam on top.
4) Philips/Saeco’s frother works louder, if it is important.
You can also check the temperature differences from my recent post on my Russian blog (didn’t had time to translate it yet):
http://101kofemashina.ru/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/philips-saeco-cappuccino-milk-temperature.jpg
http://101kofemashina.ru/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/delonghi-cappuccino-milk-temperature.jpg
Didn’t sure that I understood right your question about “dispense them upside down”….
Did you mean why most of the machines deliver first milk than coffee? That’s because most of the machine were (and are) equipped with a single heating element, which suits both brewing unit (for coffee, you need approx. 95 degress celsius) and milk system (approx 140-150 in boiler, approx 130 in thermoblocks). If they would deliver first coffee, then milk, that would require big pause after coffee to heat the machine up for 150 degrees. I think it’s the main reason.
None of these machines can automatically make a correct order (coffee then milk). On the 3200 it would very be “coffee-consuming” (see my previous comment), so either 23260 or Incanto. On both you can make a correct cappuccino in two steps. I would probably go with Delonghi.
Dmitriy
7 Oct 19 at 6:44 pm
Hi Dmitriy, I think you’ve helped me conclude my search, especially since you know more than anyone so far about the 3200, (their support line is no help). In my circumstance, the variable controls aren’t as important as the ease of use in making maybe 3 or 4 different drinks, each keeping their same settings.
We can probably live with the milk on the bottom for the Cappucinos and Lattes, but one of them is a triple Espresso Machiatto, for which I like the foam on top. So that’s pushing the needle towards the Incanto because that seems to allow a froth only drink, (under the drink menu), and also it seems to allow any volume to be set with the memo button.
So it’s a bit of a compromise, since it’s now 2 steps, but it seems this could make an strong enough triple Espresso, and then, without having to catch it mid-program, I could initiate a froth only pass, (though needing a couple of button presses), for a specific, small volume of foam.
Since it doesn’t look like the Delonghi has a foam only option, (or did I miss that), it looks like that would require some well timed maneuvers to get the foam on top of the Espresso. Unless I’m missing something, or you have reasons to steer clear of the Incanto, that looks like it’s as close as I could get to a coffee then milk sequence a decent price. Should I reconsider? Thanks
Charles
7 Oct 19 at 9:51 pm
Delonghi ECAM 23260 doesn’t has a foam only option, BUT there is a trick – select the preground coffee option (this will skip the grinding cycle) and run cappuccino recipe – the machine will deliver milk, then you can stop it.
Again, this voodoo magic for delivering a milk – is not what one want from a super-automatic machine… But at least it will not send a coffee load into trash as EP3200 will do.
I see no contraindications for choosing Incanto. Good machine. However, check the Gaggia Anima series (same machine under sister brand), it may be cheaper:
Anima Prestige https://amzn.to/33b6UYa = HD8917/48
Or Anima Deluxe https://amzn.to/2p56vYJ – same machine, but with a different type of cappuccinatore. On one side – you need to make cappuccinos in two steps (and most probably move a cup if it is not wide enough), on the other hand – there is one touch button on the panel for milk foam!
Dmitriy
9 Oct 19 at 2:22 pm
Could you also run a pre-ground cycle from the Philips 3200 (to get the milk only portion without wasting coffee)?
jz
14 Oct 19 at 3:05 pm
Jz, let me recheck it while I still have a machine. I will return with an answer to you tomorrow.
P.S. I was quite sure, while answering Charles, that EP3200 will not start the cycle if it “see” no ground coffee. But… Your question made me doubt. I’ll recheck tomorrow!
Dmitriy
14 Oct 19 at 6:14 pm
Awesome, thanks for double checking! I’m hoping the pre-grounds setting can work as a bypass way to get steamed milk only.
jz
15 Oct 19 at 3:38 pm
Well… It worked! Latte Macchiato program on preground coffee mode – no checks, start frothing, then I stopped it.
I should apologize to Charles! Hope this point wasn’t decision-making.
P. S. Just to clarify. What I have is European EP3246/70. But i’m quite sure that with an American EP3241/54 you can do the same trick. I’ll update the review.
Dmitriy
15 Oct 19 at 6:51 pm
Thank you very much for that review. I was looking to change my Breville barista express for one of those. But the question is, is the shots are good ? It is fully automated !
Benoit
11 Oct 19 at 1:44 am
Hi, Benoit! Is is fully automated, except the panarello version where you need to froth milk manually.
The shots are as good as on any Saeco/Gaggia/Philips. I can’t compare it with Breville (since it’s semi-automatic and shots depends on how you grind, how you tamp, how you brew etc…). But general characteristics of Philips’ espresso are:
– neutral taste, without focus on bitterness or extra acidity
– brew unit can use upto 10-11 grams of coffee per serving
– it can’t make an extra strong “red eye” espresso, philips tends to get middle intencity (but full bodided), balanced shots.
Dmitriy
11 Oct 19 at 8:15 am
Thank you for your reply. I am an expert now at with my Breville, so my shots are always good. I am looking to change because of the mess it does everytime (coffee everywhere, the cleaning, etc etc). Just want to be sure i won’t regret my choice and the shots are good. See what i mean ? Neutral shots sounds good to me.
Benoit
11 Oct 19 at 3:58 pm
If you get used to strong double espresso on your Breville. Like if you always use double basket and load 14+ gramms of coffee, then Philips Series 3200 may disappoint you.
In other cases, I think that Philips is what you want.
Dmitriy
11 Oct 19 at 5:13 pm
Great review! You have by far the best review on the internet and in fact just convinced me to buy it. Could you tell us what settings you use for water temperature and espresso strength?
Abram
17 Oct 19 at 1:30 am
Thank you, Abram. I use the highest strenght and the minimal volume for an espresso. The temperature setting is 2/3, but it depends on the coffee beans used. For example, Illy Red Espresso https://amzn.to/2Mk6DMZ is best an the higher temp, while freshly roasted beans with lighter roast usually taste better at min/mid temp.
Dmitriy
17 Oct 19 at 6:48 am
Hi.
I’m considering to have Philips 3200 or Gaggia Anima.
Anima is more expensive.
Is Anima worth the additional cost?
Thank you?
Vlad
15 Nov 19 at 4:25 am
Hi, Vlad. It is an uneasy choice.
Anima is better only in terms of: higher max cup height, more coffee strength steps (but max and min are the same), wider volume adjustments. On the other hand – it has less grind steps, is bigger than EP3200 (but no bigger water tank/hopper) and has no special recipe for americano.
If none of above mentioned pros of the Anima is crucial for you, I see no reason to overpay for Anima.
However, there is Philips Series 5000 machines, which is an upgraded version of Saeco Incanto (which is sister model of Gaggia Anima). EP5060/5064/5065 and other models with carafe milk frother has the same functionality as Anima PLUS americano recipe PLUS milk program, where the machine delivers coffee first, then milk.
If you have some of this machines in sale in your country with price tag similar to Gaggia, then this could be a better choice than Anima vs EP3200.
Dmitriy
15 Nov 19 at 12:50 pm
Hi Dimitry,
I liked the Lattego concept.
I drink my coffee with about 85% of water (include one shot of espresso) and 15% of milk, in a 200ml cup.
So I need of course to program the machine to control the amount of milk\water.
Can it be done in the Philips Lattego 2231/40 ? – this the model which I prefer, if the answer would be yes.
If not, is there any other Lattego machine that can be programed in that way ?
Thanks a lot for the review.
Eli
Eli
16 Nov 19 at 9:07 am
Hello, Eli and sorry for the late reply.
As I mentioned in the review the maximum volume on the ‘coffee’ recipe is 230 ml, which should be enough for you. You can adjust it in the 40-230 ml range. However(!), if you are planning to brew 170 ml of coffee I strongly recommend you to choose the machine with a special recipe for long coffee, because espresso will be very overextraced (bitter flat taste) on such settings. For example, Delonghi has models with LONG mode http://101coffeemachines.info/delonghi/ecam/#23120 They brew on lower pressure. Another approach is to brew espresso + add hot water + add milk. This Philips can automatically make americano (espresso + hot water), but can’t add frothed milk on top.
Dmitriy
25 Nov 19 at 1:04 pm
Hi Dimitry,
Thanks a lot for your answer.
As I mentioned before, I liked the Lattego concept – actually due to its’ simplicity of cleaning required for the milk’s container.
I would like to to bring into focus a part of my previous question a bit more – the milk issue.
1) Can I program the machine to fill a small amount of milk (about 20-40ml) only? The rest (about 180ml) will be coffee.
2) Otherwise, Can I fill ahead myself just a small amount of milk in the container, in a way that the outcome will be answer my needs above?
(I saw that the container has a sign of minimum amount that should be fill, about a half of it, isn’t it?)
If the answer would be yes to at least one of my two questions, in what machine it can be done?
My preferences will be in the following order:
• Lettego 2200 series (the cheapet one)
• Lettego 3200 series
• Lettego 5000 series
Thanks a lot
Eli
Eli
2 Dec 19 at 9:40 am
I just received these 2 expresso machines; the Seaco Incanto HD8917/47 and the Philips 3200 LatteGo EP3241/54. Both cost me almost the same but thats not the point. I just really dont know which one should I keep? I need your advises / suggestions. Thank you.
Nicolas
3 Dec 19 at 4:57 am
Hi Dmitry,
I’m debating between Philips 2200 and Delonghi La Specialista. I want convenience but at the same time I want a good tasting consistent coffee. I’m leaning towards Delonghi but I heard couple issues, like leaking water. I know they have a 3yrs warranty but I live in Hawaii, so shipping it back will be really expensive. You think Philips is more reliable than Delonghi? I just want my investment to be really worth it.
Yzza
7 Dec 19 at 1:41 am
I am considering the Lattego 3200 versus the Pico Barista with the milk cannister. Any thoughts? We have had a nespresso vertuo and want to be kinder to the environment but not work too hard at our coffee. We tend to like the strongest Nespresso pods available. We actually don’t drink a lot of milk based drinks but if I had a machine that made it easy, I probably would do so occasionally. No matter what, though, we want strong coffee and a relatively large volume (200 ml minimum).
Jane
8 Dec 19 at 6:19 am
I don’t understand the difference of the lungo program, what does the machine does differently compared to Espresso? Just add more water?
I’ve been told by Nespresso that their lungo capsules have a coarser grinding, but in Philips’ machine this is manually configured so this can’t be the difference between lungo and espresso programs.
Tasos
18 Dec 19 at 7:07 am
Lungo is just a long (bigger) espresso. Machine brews it in the same way. The coarser grind could indeed be better for lungo (to avoid overextraction), but it all depend on the beans, on your taste.
Moreover, you can reprogram default settings and make lungo/coffee button to brew less. In other words, “espresso button” and “coffee button” are just two memory cells, which you can use to store any black coffee recipe.
Dmitriy
18 Dec 19 at 10:52 am
Hi Dmitriy,
I wouldn’t like to bother you with “what to buy?” questions indeed, but I couldn’t:)
If only I’d have a high budget, I’d definitely go for Jura (I’ve some close friends and family which use them and they’re fantastic).
My machine at my office is Delonghi Magnifica S Cappuchino. Good, but not always consistent, and rinse need directly after milk drink preparation is bothersome. But still Delonghi is an option to go.
I’m writing from Baku and here most of the manufacturers doesn’t exists as the service provider. Only alternative to Delonghi is Bosch Vero Barista 600 (Similar to some siemens Eq6 or Eq9 don’t couldn’t even figure out). So, question is: Do you know if there’s significant difference between Bosch and Delonghi products in terms of boiler, grinder and overall internal material use or not? In terms of feathers they’re mostly same (Delonghi Ecam 550.75 MS). Bosch is $400 cheaper.
Great thanks in advance.
Rustam Mammadov
18 Dec 19 at 11:46 am
Hi,
I tried a Philips Saeco Intelia Deluxe Cappuccino before but did not like the espresso it produced. Do you think the LatteGo 3200 has improved espresso quality or is it about the same?
Thanks.
CA
20 Jan 20 at 6:33 pm
No, it’s the same unless your Inelia Deluxe had some defect. If you’ll write what exactly you didn’t like in Inelia’s espresso I could write my suggestions which machine (brand) you may like more.
Dmitriy
20 Jan 20 at 7:59 pm
The shots tasted sour, weak, or watered down. Did not come close to shots from the Breville Duo Temp Pro I had at the time. If it was somewhat close, I would have been fine with it for the convenience.
CA
20 Jan 20 at 8:26 pm
Philips and Saeco indeed tend to brew sourer and the maximum capacity of the brewing unit is about 11 gramms (however, on the minimum grind level it is usually enough for most of the people). I would recommend you to try/taste espresso from Delonghi (bigger brewing unt, upto 14 gramms on the machines with DOPPIO+ recipe, brews more bitter than all others) or Jura (the biggest load per cup among automatic espresso machines + PEP feauture helps to get more full-bodied taste) or Miele/Nivona/Melitta (the same base, the load is not the biggest, however the adjustable prebrewing time helps to get more strong shots).
Dmitriy
21 Jan 20 at 12:51 pm
Ok, I’ll look into it. Thanks.
CA
21 Jan 20 at 12:59 pm
What do you think about the DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart ECAM 23.260.SB?
CA
22 Jan 20 at 1:37 am
Typical Delonghi with automated frother + special LONG mode for drip coffee imitation. Check this article and the comments below: http://101coffeemachines.info/delonghi/ecam/
Dmitriy
22 Jan 20 at 1:46 pm
Thank you for the great information. I bought a 3200. I think it pre-infuses while the milk is frothing, but it seems to extract a shot in just a little over 12 seconds and the crema looks somewhat thin and pale compared to photos. I have adjusted to smallest grind size and use “2 dots” for strength. I had tried original settings, but adjusted grind size to smallest after first few uses despite recommendation to try original settings for several cups. It’s extraction time was even shorter with paler crema. How can I increase extraction / extraction time?
Thank you!
Tom
25 Jan 20 at 5:58 am
Hi Dmitriy
I am interested to buy a superautomatic espresso machine with a budget of around usd2000, max.However, I have not yet make any purchase after reading a lot of owner’s review and very concern about some major issues below :-
1. Either the coffee or milk or both are not hot enough.Some owners are using microwave to heat it up.
Why can’t those companies solve this simple issue, even after making coffee machine for more than 20 or 30 years.
2. The amount of coffee brewed in those machines is only around 9 to 14 grams.I think only Jura use 16 grams. Isn’t this too weak for espresso or long coffee?
3. Poor built quality, realiability and longevity. Lots of owners complains on malfunctioning, leakage, etc. Even new ones have to be repaired repeatedly.
The above issues seems to be universal, affecting even the supposed to be premium machines from major brands.
Aprreciate your views on the above. Thanks.
Afzan
7 Feb 20 at 2:51 pm
Hi, Afzan and sorry for my late reply.
1. You mean temperature?
The milk temperature is OK on the majority machines are OK and lays in the 55–65 °C range, which is a reccomendation of SCA (Speciality Coffee Assossiation). On higher temperatures the milk will get a sweet taste or it will be simply boiled. But if you choose a machine with a manual steam wand (panarello) you can control the temperaure and make your milk as hot as you want.
On the other hand, the cappuccino cup from a coffeeshop can be indeed hotter (overall) if compared to a home fully automatic machine. That’s because low thermostability of (mainly) plastic home machine vs solid metal bodies and groupheads of professional esresso machines. Plus a time between coffee and milk – espresso simly cools off while waiting for a milk froth.
Possible solutions: preheat you machine well (run a hot water of you have such function for example), use double-wall glasses (and preheat it).
2. 14 gramms correspinds to double espresso by Italian standards (7 gr per single espresso). On the other hand today most of the baristas rarely use Italian ratios, indeed. 18 gramms in, 36 gramms out is more common. But both leaders (delonghi and saeco/gaggia/philips) and egineered in Italy
3. Here I don’t agree. Any coffee machine is terribly complicated device: high pressure, water, coffee powder, which is organic (mould) and very fine (can block small tubes, grids etc), steam. Considering these facts I am pleasantly surprised that most espresso machines work with no problems for years, if treated as described in user manual of course.
Dmitriy
17 Feb 20 at 10:35 am
Dmitriy,
Thank you for your respond.
1. Is there any home superautomatic machine that is fitted with auto steam wand….maybe something similar to the wand of the breville oracle touch.
I have never froth any milk before…so i think an auto wand is suitable for me.
Thanks
Afzan
18 Feb 20 at 2:53 pm
I’m not sure if I understand right what you mean by “auto steam wand”. Because breville oracle touch has a simple steam wand.
All super-automatic espresso machines can have one of following options for steam:
1) No steam. Very rare, only the cheapest machines like Philips EP1000
2) Manual steam wand. It can be classic steam wand (metal tube with small hole like on above-mentioned oracle) or panarello (which makes it easier to froth, but gives bigger bubbles). Example EP1200
3) Automated milk frother. It can be made like a carafe (example – Saeco Picobarista) or like a tube that you put in a bottle (example – http://101coffeemachines.info/jura/d6/ ). You don’t need any experience to deal with automated frother, just wash it well.
4) Top models can have both: manual frother and automated frother. Example Delonghi ECAM65075MS https://amzn.to/2wtmDqq
That’s all, there are no other options.
Dmitriy
21 Feb 20 at 11:04 am
Thank you for your respond.
Afzan
22 Feb 20 at 1:24 pm
Hi there thank you for the review,
I have bought a Philips EP 2231/40 after having read also your review.
I’m OK with the machine it is practical and fulfils my needs.
I have only one thing on my mind. When I touch espresso button, before espresso, pure water comes out. Is it a problem or normal?
Kra
24 Feb 20 at 7:59 am
1-2 drops of water is normal for any super-automatic. That’s the water left in the coffee dispenser after previous rinse cycle.
If you have more water coming out coffee spouts before coffee… then I don’t have any clues what could be the problem…
Dmitriy
24 Feb 20 at 10:55 am
Debating between the 3200 or delonghi Dinamica…
Looking for a good espresso and capuccino.
Coming from a saeco odea giro plus.
Nicolas
15 Apr 20 at 9:02 pm
I would stick to the brand… Means Philips EP3200.
Dmitriy
21 Apr 20 at 9:13 am
Can someone help with with the option of using pre-ground coffee in the lid compartment? I tried to pour two leveled mesuring spoon of deca in it (even if it says to pour one spoon) but each time I do it I get a diluted beverage that tastes like water!!! I tried americano and regular coffee option… What can I do if occasionally I want a decaffeinated (so not putting deca beans in the regular compartment) that doesn’t taste water???
Thank you
Philippe
9 May 20 at 8:22 pm
Philippe, after making a drink from preground how does coffee puck looks (in trash tray)? Is it dry/wet?
Dmitriy
13 May 20 at 8:16 am
I’m hesitating between those two machines:
– Philips EP5333/10
– Philips EP3241/50
Which one do you prefer? And why?
Thanks!
Tom
27 May 20 at 11:59 am
Hi, Tom. Hard choice, I assume, that my personal option would be the 5000 Series – EP5333. Prices being equal. But key differences are:
EP3241 looks better and materials are better (except water tank plastic, which is flipsy), but it can’t makes espresso smaller than 35 ml (and that’s crucial for me, because I like cappuccino to be made based on strong shot of ristretto) and it can’t make cappuccino recipe, when you first make coffee THEN add milk, you can’t “ask” this machine just to foam milk (but there is a “hack” using preground coffee option, see comments above).
EP5333 can make both coffee-then-milk cappuccinos (Сafé au Lait in the menu), foam milk without making coffee and you can regulate the volume in wider range. On the other hand, I find EP5333’s old form factor and controls to be a bit outdated, not so fancy.
Thus, if you have no need to brew veru short espresso shots (<35ml), Ok with milk-first-that-coffee cappuccino option, and have no need to froth milk separetely, then EP3241 may be better choice.
Dmitriy
27 May 20 at 4:01 pm
That’s a very good analysis. Thanks!
Based on these assumptions, I think the E3241 suits me better.
Or is there another machine that could be suitable for me? I’m willing to pay a bit more.
I have considered a semi-automatic, but I need a machine that can be operated easily by everybody in my family.
Tom
27 May 20 at 8:07 pm
Dmitriy,
Debating between Philips EP3221/40 and EP3510/00.
What’s the difference? Which one do you prefer?
Thank you!
Veljko
31 May 20 at 3:10 pm
Hi
I really enjoyed your comparison … i am new to superautomated espresso machines and trying to decide between picobaristo and the 3200 lattego.
A couple of questions if you please/
. The picobaristo boasts the Cafe Crema feature which is supposed to be the closest to a regular cup of coffee. How would this be accomplished using the LatteGo?
. Can you make a Flat White with the LatteGo?
. Can the accessory steam wand be used with the picobaristo ?
Thanks
Larry
Larry Reinstein
10 Jun 20 at 2:32 am
Hi, appreciate the in-depth review. Due to my limited budget, I’m eyeing on the EP2220/10 against the past model EP3100. US$50 more on the latter. Have read up both models but still indecisive to pull the trigger on which one. Hope you could advise. I drink long black most of the time and my wife prefers latte. I’m ok to froth manually. Cheers!
Nizar Ali
20 Jul 20 at 2:44 am
To add on, both models are without the carafe. EP3100 has a screen display which I think has the upper hand in ease of use.
Nizar Ali
20 Jul 20 at 3:40 am
Best ever blog I have been see.
Thanks
Boris
31 Jul 20 at 6:44 pm