Explore the Philips 1200 Series Espresso Machine – Is It Worth It? Review

Description

Design & Build Quality

Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine (EP1220/04) caught my eye immediately with its sharp matte black finish and compact design. It fits snugly under my kitchen cabinets, with just enough room to place a cup or milk pitcher on top. While not the most lightweight machine, its sturdy build reassures me of its durability. The intuitive touch display embedded in the front panel is a plus, though the buttons could benefit from a bit more tactile feedback. At times, I find myself second-guessing if I’ve pressed them correctly until the machine kicks into action.

The water reservoir slides out from the front, making it convenient to refill without moving the machine. However, the drip tray and spent grounds container, while functional, are made from plastic, which feels a little less premium than I’d hoped. They still seem durable but cleaning these components makes me wonder if a stainless steel upgrade would have been better.

Brewing Performance

Testing the brewing performance was a delight. The machine’s ceramic grinder is a standout feature, handling beans with precision and offering 12 grind settings. I experimented with various grind sizes to find my sweet spot, and once dialed in, it consistently delivered robust and aromatic espresso shots. The Aroma Extract system, which maintains an optimal brewing temperature range of 90-98°C, definitely lives up to its promise.

However, the machine has a habit of cleaning itself every time it powers on or off, which can be a double-edged sword. While it ensures freshness, the constant water cycling means the drip tray fills up faster than I’d like. This is something to consider if you’re someone like me who brews multiple cups daily.

Coffee Quality

The coffee quality from this machine genuinely surprised me. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve had better flat whites from this than at some local coffee shops. The espresso shots are full-bodied, with a rich crema that elevates the experience. I even tested it with pre-ground coffee, which it accommodates in a separate compartment, and while the results were less impressive than using fresh beans, it’s a handy option to have.

Adjusting the strength and quantity of my coffee through the My Coffee Choice menu became a part of my morning ritual. With three strength and water quantity settings, I could tailor my brew to match my mood. However, I did face a small hiccup: the preset water quantities didn’t perfectly match my favorite cup size.

Milk Frothing & Steaming Capability

The classic milk frother is decent but not exceptional. It produces a silky microfoam that’s good enough for lattes and cappuccinos, but achieving barista-level froth requires some practice. What’s more, the wand is made of plastic, which feels less durable compared to stainless steel options on other machines.

My nephew had a blast trying to create latte art, but the results were… well, let’s just say abstract. Cleaning the wand after every use is a must to prevent clogging, and running hot water through it ensures no milk residue gets left behind.

Water Tank & Capacity

The water tank is spacious enough for several cups before needing a refill, holding approximately 1.8 liters. I appreciated its placement at the front, making it easy to slide out and refill. That said, the machine sometimes demands a refill even when there’s a decent amount of water left in the tank. I suspect it’s being overly cautious, but it can feel slightly annoying.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance is straightforward, though there’s a learning curve initially. The AquaClean filter is a lifesaver, ensuring I won’t need to descale the machine for up to 5,000 cups if I replace the filter as prompted. Cleaning the drip tray, grounds container, and brew group weekly has become second nature, although the first few times were a bit fiddly.

One peculiar quirk is that the machine doesn’t recognize when you’ve emptied the grounds container unless it’s powered on, which means you’ll need to sync your cleaning routine with its operational status.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels

I’m not going to lie—this machine isn’t exactly quiet. The grinder, in particular, makes its presence known, which startled my cat the first time I used it. Despite the noise, the energy-saving features are commendable. The automatic shutoff after 15 minutes of inactivity saves power, though the startup process can feel lengthy when you’re in a rush.

Warranty & Support

Philips provides a standard warranty, which I haven’t had to use yet, but knowing it’s there gives peace of mind. Their customer support is reportedly responsive, based on reviews I read before purchasing. However, I do wish the user manual provided more detailed instructions, especially for first-timers like myself.

Positives

Winning Points

• Intuitive touch display for hassle-free operation.
• AquaClean filter minimizes descaling requirements.
• Ceramic grinder ensures consistent grind quality.
• Compact design fits well in most kitchens.

Negatives

Critiques

• Milk frother made from plastic instead of stainless steel.
• Noise levels might not suit early risers in shared spaces.
• Preset water quantities don’t align perfectly with common cup sizes.

Product Comparisons

Among its direct competitors, the Philips 1200 Series stands out for its affordability and AquaClean filter. Machines like Jura E6 or Breville Barista Pro offer better build quality and advanced frothing systems but come at a significantly higher price. While the Breville allows more customization, it lacks the fully automatic convenience of the Philips.

Compared to Gaggia Brera, the Philips edges ahead with its more user-friendly interface and easier maintenance, thanks to the AquaClean filter. However, Gaggia’s steam wand might appeal more to those looking for professional milk textures.

Bang for the Buck

This machine delivers excellent value for its price. Its features—like the ceramic grinder, touch display, and AquaClean filter—are often found in higher-end models. While it’s not perfect, the functionality and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts who don’t want to break the bank.

Additional information