Costco Wholesale has for it's
Members:
Philips 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine w/ Milk Frother (EP0820/04) on sale for
$299.99. Shipping is $4.99.
Thanks to Community Member
Big22 for finding this deal
Note: Non-Members may purchase but are subject to a 5% surcharge. Item must be purchased online only for sale price.
Product Details:
- Adjustable 12-Step Grinder Levels
- Intuitive Touch Display
- 100% Pure Ceramic Grinder
- Adjustable Aroma Strength/Quantity
- Classic Milk Frother Attachment
- Fully Removable Brew Group/Easy Cleaning
- Up to 5,000 Cups w/o Descaling
- Automatic Descaling
- AquaClean Filter Compatibility
- Dishwasher Safe/Parts
Top Comments
The only downside to this is that you need to buy a filter, but the filter last for a ton of cups of coffee. I think I did the math and it takes a couple years before the filter needs replacing for me. Single user.
But, in hindsight I wish I went for the pricier Breville Barista Touch for a couple of reasons:
I like really hot americanos. This machine doesn't produce it. If I don't warm my cup in the microwave beforehand the coffee gets luke warm quickly.
The first shot the machine dispenses in the morning is weak. To workaround this I have it dispense a shot using the grind bypass to warm the brew group up properly. The Breville has neither of these issues.
Maintenance: You need to rinse the group every 1-2 weeks. Not a huge inconvenience but still a pain. You also need to keep parts of it lubricated and change the water filter. The water filter takes away tank capacity.
One other thing I like is the grinder bypass. This means that if you want to use a second type of bean and grind your own, you can do so. This means I can use the machine to make decaf espresso without changing the beans out in the hopper.
The size is also a plus factor. Doesn't use a lot of counter space.
Milk frother - OK, not great. Can't produce dense foam, feels more like hot milky coffee vs a cappuccino. I don't really care about this since I only use it for black espresso/americano only.
Last, it is quite plasticky, which at $300 you'd expect. Not all the removable parts line up flush against the chassis when installed. Also, because of the number of moving parts, I'm not optimistic on the units longevity. But, after a year its still held up well. So I don't see any signs of it failing soon.
40 Comments
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I started with a Nespresso and while it was decent, the pods got $. Then I sprung for a Bambino Plus + their Pro grinder during COVID. It's not comparable to this unit because the Bambino Plus isn't automatic-anything but from a cost perspective, you get IMO high quality coffee (assuming you try to learn how to properly grind and tamp).
I still use it every day for 6-8 shots and it's held up remarkably well. I've replaced the o-rings twice in that time, replaced the pump once, and had to bypass a broken side cover switch, all easy and inexpensive fixes.
It doesn't make a good pure espresso. Totally drinkable but it's missing the velvety body and crema, but I've never gotten that from any super automatic. I use it for lattes/cappuccinos and Americanos, and for that it works extremely well.
One thing I noticed is that super automatics don't like oily beans as they tend to get jammed and they'll give false "empty beans" errors. My current favorite for the machine is from my local Costco, Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran crema. Great flavor and no jams/errors.
I paid $300 for a refurbished Gaggia Brera from Whole Latte Love about 6 months ago. It was essentially brand new and still had the blue shipping wrap on parts. It took me a week or so to dial it in, but it's flawless now. Yes, it flushes in the initial warm up process and again in the shutdown process. The pucks are solid and mostly dry.
I believe Phillips, Saeco and Gaggia share the same brew group and other components.
Example - Brew group replacement part - works on their newer/higher 5400 model as well as this model from costco (see compatibility at the bottom of the page).
https://philips.encompa
The only other thing I hope people see is - Buy a 2lb bag of cheap coffee and run it through the machine. All complaints about watery pucks/sludge should clear up after an initial break in stage. Some say after 12 shots, others 20 and some said as high as 50. I'm just going to run through 2lbs and hope that works. I did see someone talk about taking the brew group out and fiddling with it. It sounds like it is just a little stiff from the factory - why they dont fix this themselves? would sure save a lot of returns after first impressions.
I have a Breville Barista Express that is around 7 years old now (used to only be $350 from BB&B pre covid lol). Its great, Im just tired of having to do it myself and always been curious about fully auto makers. Hitting a button and letting it do it's thing while I make breakfast sure sounds pleasant in the morning.
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I also have the breville barista touch. Yes the breville make better and stronger espresso. I mean the pucks are 2-3 times the size of the Phillips. However it's significantly more work. I find myself using the Phillips 90% of the time. I only use the breville when I want something special and I'm bored. It's also a pain to get it dialed in.
So if you want a good superautomatico for a great price get this. If you want the best espresso and don't mind working for it get the breville or something similar.
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The only downside to this is that you need to buy a filter, but the filter last for a ton of cups of coffee. I think I did the math and it takes a couple years before the filter needs replacing for me. Single user.
I also have the breville barista touch. Yes the breville make better and stronger espresso. I mean the pucks are 2-3 times the size of the Phillips. However it's significantly more work. I find myself using the Phillips 90% of the time. I only use the breville when I want something special and I'm bored. It's also a pain to get it dialed in.
So if you want a good superautomatico for a great price get this. If you want the best espresso and don't mind working for it get the breville or something similar.
that being said, I highly recommend a super-automatic machine. having fresh roasted (if you can find them, if not bagged amazon etc stuff is fine too) makes a big difference vs pre-ground stuff.
at these price points there's really no reason to not consider a super automatic. the days of an entry-level 700$coffee machine are gone, thankfully.
I would not add one more stop between the $100ish maker and Breville Express. I just don't feel the $$ difference can be justified by coffee taste by makers under $500. Pls correct me if I am wrong.
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