After several months of intensive testing with the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo, this automatic coffee machine has proven that it can meet the needs of demanding coffee lovers. Designed to offer a wide variety of beverages with maximum simplicity, it promises an intuitive user experience while delivering quality results in the cup. Here’s our detailed review.
Ergonomic and Modern Design
At first glance, the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo stands out with its sleek and modern design. With dimensions of 24 x 37 x 43 cm and weighing 8 kg, it easily fits on a countertop without taking up too much space. One of its main features is the color TFT display, which serves as a dashboard for accessing various options and settings intuitively. The responsive and well-placed touch buttons allow smooth navigation, making it easy to use even for beginners in the world of automatic machines.
The ceramic grinder, one of Philips’ signature features, is adjustable on 12 levels, allowing you to vary the fineness of the grind according to individual preferences. This is crucial for obtaining a well-developed coffee aroma, whether mild or bold. Additionally, the 1.8-liter water tank, easily removable, can be equipped with an AquaClean filter to soften the water and extend the machine’s lifespan by limiting limescale buildup. The 260 ml milk frother is ideal for making milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or latte macchiatos. However, it’s worth noting that this frother can only prepare one milk-based drink at a time, which might be a limitation if several people want coffee simultaneously.
A Wide Variety of Beverages and Customizable Settings
One of the strengths of the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo is undoubtedly its ability to offer up to 20 beverage recipes, ranging from classic espressos to milk-based drinks, as well as hot water and iced coffee options. This variety satisfies all tastes, whether you prefer a strong ristretto or a lighter coffee, or even a cold drink for hot summer days.
The customization of beverages is another major advantage of this machine. With its adjustable grinder and five coffee intensity levels, it allows you to fine-tune each parameter to suit individual preferences. For example, the ExtraShot option intensifies the flavor and richness of the coffee by increasing the amount of ground beans for the same beverage. The water temperature can be set to three levels, while the volume of each cup is adjustable, catering to those who enjoy a short espresso as well as those who prefer a long coffee.
Additionally, this machine is particularly suited for family use or light professional environments, thanks to its four customizable user profiles. Each family member can save their beverage preferences without having to reconfigure the machine each time. For guests or new users, a guest profile is also available, offering a personalized experience without altering existing settings.
Quality Results in the Cup
In terms of taste, the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo does not disappoint. The espresso it produces meets expectations with a thick and persistent crema, a sign of good extraction. The temperature in the cup, measured at 74°C, ensures a hot coffee while respecting the ideal temperature to avoid burning the flavors. The difference between a classic espresso and one made with the ExtraShot option is noticeable: the latter is more intense, with richer aromas and less acidity, which will appeal to fans of strong coffee.
The LatteGo milk frother is another highlight of this machine. It produces a smooth and dense milk froth, perfect for cappuccinos or lattes. The texture is comparable to what you’d get from professional machines, offering a perfect balance between foam and coffee. However, it’s important to correctly position the cup under the spouts to avoid splashing, which can sometimes be an issue with the LatteGo system.
Easy but Regular Maintenance
The Philips Series 5500 LatteGo also stands out for its easy maintenance. The milk frother can be rinsed in just 20 seconds, and all removable parts, like the coffee grounds container and drip tray, are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning hassle-free. The brew group needs to be rinsed manually under running water once a week to avoid residue buildup and ensure optimal performance.
Using the AquaClean filter is a notable advantage for limiting limescale deposits in the machine. Philips claims this filter allows up to 5,000 cups before descaling is required, significantly reducing the frequency of maintenance. However, the user must stay vigilant with regular maintenance of the brew group, which needs to be lubricated every two months to guarantee smooth operation.
Conclusion
The Philips Series 5500 LatteGo is a comprehensive and versatile coffee machine that can meet the expectations of even the most demanding coffee lovers. Its ability to offer a wide range of customizable beverages, combined with an intuitive interface and simplified maintenance, makes it an excellent choice for households or small businesses. Its sleek design and in-cup performance make it both an elegant and efficient machine, though it does require regular maintenance to operate at its best. For those looking for an automatic machine that offers multiple options without compromising on coffee quality, the Philips Series 5500 LatteGo is a solid choice.
