Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine $599.96

Been in the market for an espresso machine. Is this one worth it?

Quote from dmai1994 : Been in the market for an espresso machine. Is this one worth it?

That's a pretty involved question

First, how hands on do you want espresso making to be? If you want it to be "superautomatic" like this one (no need to grind beans or load portafilter), then this is one.

However, there have been other Phillips Saeco ones posted this month, including another superautomatic one recently, that were a lot cheaper

Personally, I really liked the Saeco XSmall Vapore, which was a steal earlier this month.

If you are just starting out and want to mess around with flavors, I'd suggest looking on eBay or Craigslist for a used Saeco semiautomatic. I have the "Saeco Poemia" I grabbed for $80 shipped. They last quite a long time and it's fun to load the portafilter

Then there's the grinder to deal with. If you get a superautomatic, you're set there. Otherwise, you'd have to invest in a good grinder (burr preferably) OR get preground espresso coffee (Lavazza, etc.) OR just grind it at the local store where you buy whole beans

In short, it's a deep rabbit hole to go down.

The pressurized v non pressurized portafilter is a whole other conversation.

Long and short of it is this: This machine probably makes great coffee but is overpriced still for a fully automatic machine IMO. And semiautomatic is a better plce to begin, both to gain espresso experince and for your wallet.

Quote from MemorableStew1728 : That's a pretty involved question First, how hands on do you want espresso making to be? If you want it to be "superautomatic" like this one (no need to grind beans or load portafilter), then this is one. However, there have been other Phillips Saeco ones posted this month, including another superautomatic one recently, that were a lot cheaper Personally, I really liked the Saeco XSmall Vapore, which was a steal earlier this month. If you are just starting out and want to mess around with flavors, I'd suggest looking on eBay or Craigslist for a used Saeco semiautomatic. I have the "Saeco Poemia" I grabbed for $80 shipped. They last quite a long time and it's fun to load the portafilter Then there's the grinder to deal with. If you get a superautomatic, you're set there. Otherwise, you'd have to invest in a good grinder (burr preferably) OR get preground espresso coffee (Lavazza, etc.) OR just grind it at the local store where you buy whole beans In short, it's a deep rabbit hole to go down. The pressurized v non pressurized portafilter is a whole other conversation. Long and short of it is this: This machine probably makes great coffee but is overpriced still for a fully automatic machine IMO. And semiautomatic is a better plce to begin, both to gain espresso experince and for your wallet.

This will be my first espresso machine ever. I've been looking at the Breville Barista Express recently but if this makes espresso that tastes 75% as good with the press of a button, then it is a compromise I am willing to take.

Quote from dmai1994 : This will be my first espresso machine ever. I've been looking at the Breville Barista Express recently but if this makes espresso that tastes 75% as good with the press of a button, then it is a compromise I am willing to take.

If you're looking for coffee at the press of a button, this and the other Phillips superautomatics are a good choice. Breville never really struck me as a great espresso machine manufacturer, though aesthetically they look very nice, no doubt about it. Phillips is generally well-respected and comes up fairly often in SD (just search "espresso machine" in SD deal threads to see what people talk about)

Quote from dmai1994 : Been in the market for an espresso machine. Is this one worth it?

I have been researching for a long time and decided to pull the trigger on this one. I want a superautomatic and do not want to deal with grinding, tamping, etc. I also like that the milk mechanism on this machine is also automatic and easy to use and clean.

I also considered the Jura A1 and Jura ENA Micro 5, but neither of those have an automatic milk mechanism like this one does. Costco has the ENA Micro 5 on sale for $699.99. Ultimately the $100 savings and milk mechanism is what pushed me over the edge.

Seattle Coffee Gear gave it a pretty good review too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwRjvHnZXjA