Philips EP2231/40 Coffee Maker Fully-Auto Espresso Machine 1.8 L

This is a great machine for easy lattes and coffee. I bought this machine with the hopes to make lattes, and it has exceeded my expectation. The grinder is really solid and makes a very good tasting espresso. It was easy to set up using the videos from Philips. I was pleased it fits under my upper cabinets with room to place a milk pitcher or cup on top of the machine. It’s very convenient that the water carafe is accessed through the front of the machine (not the top). The machine is not too loud either. I was concerned about waking up family in the morning but it hasn’t seemed to disturb anyone. The settings are very easy to adjust and it notifies you when it’s out of water. I have had issues with the milk frother. It’s a bit of a defect on the manufacturing. If ... MoreThis is a great machine for easy lattes and coffee. I bought this machine with the hopes to make lattes, and it has exceeded my expectation. The grinder is really solid and makes a very good tasting espresso. It was easy to set up using the videos from Philips. I was pleased it fits under my upper cabinets with room to place a milk pitcher or cup on top of the machine. It’s very convenient that the water carafe is accessed through the front of the machine (not the top). The machine is not too loud either. I was concerned about waking up family in the morning but it hasn’t seemed to disturb anyone. The settings are very easy to adjust and it notifies you when it’s out of water. I have had issues with the milk frother. It’s a bit of a defect on the manufacturing. If the silver part of the frother is pushed on too tightly it will block the small air hole. It has to be loosely attached for it to get good airflow for the milk. I thought I had a defective machine, but then after messing around with it I figured out the problem. Be sure to rinse the milk frother after every use to prevent milk blockage (I also run hot water through after using the steam wand to make sure it is clear). It’s very easy to clean out the water tray and old grounds. I will add you must have the machine on when you dump the grounds or the machine will not recognize you’ve emptied it. It is recommended to rinse the inside of the machine weekly. The first time I did it I had some issue getting it back together, but I think with time it will get easier. I would 100% recommend this machine to anyone wanting an easy latte or coffee at home. I’ve found that it tastes better than going to a cafe as I can make it according to my liking. There are many videos on YouTube to help with milk frothing and making specialty drinks.

I've had this espresso machine only a week and it's my favorite thing in the kitchen. I did a lot of research and comparing before buying this model. I wanted a simple machine that did not require much maintenance. It makes 1-2 oz espresso shots and regular 8 oz cups of coffee. That's all I need. It steams milk with a basic wand which works better than I expected. About the wand: it only has 2 parts which makes cleaning very easy. It does not draw milk through the machine at all which is what I wanted. Who wants to fiddle with worrying about cleaning milk out of internal mechanisms? You won't be able to brew coffee and steam milk at the same time, which has not posed a problem for me. The coffee brewing is quick and can be done on te heels of steaming milk. I am not ... MoreI've had this espresso machine only a week and it's my favorite thing in the kitchen. I did a lot of research and comparing before buying this model. I wanted a simple machine that did not require much maintenance. It makes 1-2 oz espresso shots and regular 8 oz cups of coffee. That's all I need. It steams milk with a basic wand which works better than I expected. About the wand: it only has 2 parts which makes cleaning very easy. It does not draw milk through the machine at all which is what I wanted. Who wants to fiddle with worrying about cleaning milk out of internal mechanisms? You won't be able to brew coffee and steam milk at the same time, which has not posed a problem for me. The coffee brewing is quick and can be done on te heels of steaming milk. I am not a coffee aficionado, most of my cups coming from a drip maker or a Keurig so take my perspective as you see fit. But I love the flavor of the coffee that comes from this machine. It tastes nice and dense with no weird aftertaste. For coffee beans, Philips recommends a light to medium roast. Look for beans with no oily shine. I signed up for a subscription for the Lavazza Super Crema on Amazon and they are so wonderful together. I wish I could retire early and sit and drink this coffee made by this machine all day. Alas, I have a good 15-20 more years. But waking up to this good coffee/machine combo every morning sure makes the days a little happier.

My wife and I bought this machine about 2 years ago, and it has held up nicely over time. It’s proven to be a simple, reliable alternative to going out to buy coffees and lattes from coffee shops, which is perfect since we work from home pretty much all the time. We’ve got 3 adults in our house and on average drink 5-6 total cups per day, and we so far haven’t run into any major problems. One issue I had at first was that the coffee wasn’t as strong as I was used to (I tend to like it pretty strong), but it’s still good coffee. You can make drinks stronger by adjusting how fine the grounds are with a little knob in the bean compartment at top, but I didn’t start messing with this until very recently. You can only adjust in small increments while the grinder is ... MoreMy wife and I bought this machine about 2 years ago, and it has held up nicely over time. It’s proven to be a simple, reliable alternative to going out to buy coffees and lattes from coffee shops, which is perfect since we work from home pretty much all the time. We’ve got 3 adults in our house and on average drink 5-6 total cups per day, and we so far haven’t run into any major problems. One issue I had at first was that the coffee wasn’t as strong as I was used to (I tend to like it pretty strong), but it’s still good coffee. You can make drinks stronger by adjusting how fine the grounds are with a little knob in the bean compartment at top, but I didn’t start messing with this until very recently. You can only adjust in small increments while the grinder is active to avoid damaging it. This machine is good for guests who want to make and customize their own individual drinks, though there is a small learning curve for first-time users. Once they know how to use it, they often comment how cool it is, and some have said they’d like to get one too (if it weren’t so expensive). Maintenance is fairly simple: You have to change the water filter every few months, rinse the easily removable “brew group” every week or two, and apply grease to it every couple months. The only problem I had was reinstalling the brew group for the first time (there’s a little yellow switch on the side that needs to be in the right position). There was also one time we didn’t change the water filter while the replacement light was flashing (it gave us plenty of notice; we just procrastinated too much), so we had to buy a special descaling fluid to clean it out before we could use it again. Yes, the machine can get loud, but I haven’t met a coffee grinder or latte maker that was quiet. This machine’s noise level seems pretty standard to me. There are a few little tricks to using and maintaining the machine so that you can get the most out of it, but so do most machines like this. Overall, I’d say it’s very easy to use and makes good drinks. The price is a bit high, and you also have to consider the added costs of buying whole-bean coffee and replacement water filters. But convenience like this often comes at a price, right? I would say it was worth it for us.

I have been the owner of this fully automatic coffee machine for about three months. Previously, I had a three-way more expensive competitor's device, which I was not satisfied with in any way. It is often read that the device would be difficult to clean. I can't confirm that. If you want to use a fully automatic coffee machine, you should clean the interior and the removable brewing unit once a week. This procedure takes about 10 - 15 minutes and is completely unproblematic. If this is too much, you'd better be content with a capsule machine. One shortcoming is that the brewing group hooked a little when taken out. That's not bad though and after a few attempts you get the “twist”. The noise level of the grinding process is certainly not quiet, but more than ... MoreI have been the owner of this fully automatic coffee machine for about three months. Previously, I had a three-way more expensive competitor's device, which I was not satisfied with in any way. It is often read that the device would be difficult to clean. I can't confirm that. If you want to use a fully automatic coffee machine, you should clean the interior and the removable brewing unit once a week. This procedure takes about 10 - 15 minutes and is completely unproblematic. If this is too much, you'd better be content with a capsule machine. One shortcoming is that the brewing group hooked a little when taken out. That's not bad though and after a few attempts you get the “twist”. The noise level of the grinding process is certainly not quiet, but more than acceptable in relation to my old machine. I find the temperature and coffee strength settings absolutely satisfactory and the final product in my coffee cup can not only be seen because of the excellent milk frother, it tastes good too. From the beginning, I had the problem that after several covers, coffee has left under the machine water. Here it turned out that the drip tray was leaking, which is why the manufacturer supplied me with a new shell after a short mail contact. I am completely satisfied and would always buy this product again and recommend it to others.

Can also make cappuccino and Latte with attached milk frother.

This is an excellent no fuss great quality proper coffee machine , it has espresso size servings on the display but you can double up with the click of a button. to make a larger serving , it also has a milk frother attached to it and it takes seconds to make really hot frothy milk to turn your coffee into a tasty cappuccino or Latte.It also features hot water only mode to use with your other favourite beverages.You can change the desired strength of coffee on the machine on the display with 3 strengths.The coffee machine is really easy to keep clean and the brew assembly is easy to remove clean and replace , it comes with a small tube of lubricant to keep it running smooth, filling the water container is simple to by sliding out of the side of the machine, it ... MoreThis is an excellent no fuss great quality proper coffee machine , it has espresso size servings on the display but you can double up with the click of a button. to make a larger serving , it also has a milk frother attached to it and it takes seconds to make really hot frothy milk to turn your coffee into a tasty cappuccino or Latte.It also features hot water only mode to use with your other favourite beverages.You can change the desired strength of coffee on the machine on the display with 3 strengths.The coffee machine is really easy to keep clean and the brew assembly is easy to remove clean and replace , it comes with a small tube of lubricant to keep it running smooth, filling the water container is simple to by sliding out of the side of the machine, it also comes with a water filter included in the pacakge which should be replaced regularly.The drip tray also just slides out with was for emptying and cleaning snd also includes an indicator that pops through the tray to know when it needs emptying.You can use whole coffee beans which you pour into the tray at the top of the machine and it has a rubber seal lid to keep the beans fresh and air tight you can also use ground coffee beans into a small section on top too, also on top of the machine where the beans are placed is push turn knob to change the grind size of the beans which also helps with the desired strength of the coffee.I would highly recommend this coffee machine for anyone who likes espresso coffee cappuccino and Latte coffees.

Fantastic machine! A must for coffee lovers

This machine is very impressive. Firstly the set up was easy. It comes with a filter so you get filtered water for your coffee. It also comes with a test stick to see what your water hardness is which you can set on the machine, this will help to know when it will need to be descaled and will help the machine last longer.Super easy to use but with some handy features. You can select on the touchscreen if you want espresso, coffee, hot water or steam. You can choose if you want a single or double, how strong you want the beverage and also which size mug you are using. You can also easily adjust the coffee dispenser up and down to the required height for the cup you are using.Before each coffee is made the machine self cleans meaning you get a fresh drink ... MoreThis machine is very impressive. Firstly the set up was easy. It comes with a filter so you get filtered water for your coffee. It also comes with a test stick to see what your water hardness is which you can set on the machine, this will help to know when it will need to be descaled and will help the machine last longer.Super easy to use but with some handy features. You can select on the touchscreen if you want espresso, coffee, hot water or steam. You can choose if you want a single or double, how strong you want the beverage and also which size mug you are using. You can also easily adjust the coffee dispenser up and down to the required height for the cup you are using.Before each coffee is made the machine self cleans meaning you get a fresh drink everytime.The steam is super strong and producing a lovely thick foamy milk for your cappuccinos. Tastes just like the ones from a cafe.You just add your beans (also has a compartment to use ground coffee), then select the options you want and press go. Simple as that. Easy to fill and easy to clean.It’s stylish and narrow so can fit in most kitchens without taking up much space.Overall I feel it’s worth every penny. Very high spec machine for the money and produces gorgeous coffee quickly.If you’re a coffee lover this is a must have in your kitchen.

Good starter

I really struggled justifying spending this much money for a coffee machine. I don't go to coffee shops, I don't make espresso, but I truly enjoy a cup of coffee or two every day. I've always used a drip coffee maker and have a favorite brand that comes at a reasonable price. I notice a difference in drip makers, so I just know there is a difference in these automatic machines. My sister told me I have to start making espresso, but I don't need another hobby (or even thing to do) so I wanted a machine that does it all for me.The convenience of this machine is incredible. Push on, warm up some milk, hit start. It's that easy to get a drink I really enjoy. Here's the catch for me: I like a cup of drip coffee way more! This machine has an option for a cup of coffee, ... MoreI really struggled justifying spending this much money for a coffee machine. I don't go to coffee shops, I don't make espresso, but I truly enjoy a cup of coffee or two every day. I've always used a drip coffee maker and have a favorite brand that comes at a reasonable price. I notice a difference in drip makers, so I just know there is a difference in these automatic machines. My sister told me I have to start making espresso, but I don't need another hobby (or even thing to do) so I wanted a machine that does it all for me.The convenience of this machine is incredible. Push on, warm up some milk, hit start. It's that easy to get a drink I really enjoy. Here's the catch for me: I like a cup of drip coffee way more! This machine has an option for a cup of coffee, but no thank you, it doesn't come close. Espresso only for me, and even then, I only use it when I want instant gratification.I would recommend this machine for the money, but if I could go back knowing what I know now, there's got to be a machine that makes better tasting coffee, I know I would have a heck of a time pulling the trigger on something more expensive, but I would tell myself I need to.

Great Coffee, but like a high maintenance friend.

I understand that this product is sold worldwide but the instructions could have been a bit more clear. The unit sets up pretty easily and after the break in, makes great cappuccinos and straight coffees. I prefer to use distilled water for a cleaner taste although the instructions recommend using tap water with a purchasable (not included) filter. The unit provides, so far, consistently good tasting coffees and I understand the need for it's self washout after each one. This consumes water that collects in the drip tray even though I use a small cup to catch the dispenser flow. I like that the unit has a puck cleanout alert, because I make a lot of multi shot coffees and cappuccinos and don't want the spent puck cup to overflow. The water reservoir is large and ... MoreI understand that this product is sold worldwide but the instructions could have been a bit more clear. The unit sets up pretty easily and after the break in, makes great cappuccinos and straight coffees. I prefer to use distilled water for a cleaner taste although the instructions recommend using tap water with a purchasable (not included) filter. The unit provides, so far, consistently good tasting coffees and I understand the need for it's self washout after each one. This consumes water that collects in the drip tray even though I use a small cup to catch the dispenser flow. I like that the unit has a puck cleanout alert, because I make a lot of multi shot coffees and cappuccinos and don't want the spent puck cup to overflow. The water reservoir is large and easy to see the level and refill. There is easy access to the Brew Group and it cleans out fairly easy. I do it once a week and hand wash it and the drip tray also. The milk frother works wonders and is easy to clean and creates excellent milk foam. During the weekly Brew group cleaning, I go over the interior of the machine with damp paper towels to get the accumulated grinds and have a fresh area inside. If you use ground coffee, don't forget to clean out the ground coffee port with a damp paper towel pushed through with the measuring scoop tip. Be careful when emptying the drip tray, the waste water could easily spill and make a mess. Don't wait for the warning light to appear, empty every other day to avoid an accident. Overall, I have sidelined my Nespresso and now the Philips is the primary coffee machine. It has already paid for itself in not having to go to a shop and hope that their product turns out as you wanted. We look forward to using beans to evaluate the ceramic grinder, but am confident that it will please also.

Unexpected issues

I need to state that this is a not a paid review and i purchased this product for private use. 2 stars was chosen for unpleasant experience in 2 areas; slow shipping and lack of shipping progress on the website (wrong AWB track tagged to my order) and secondly unexpected performance issue at the beginning of using the machine.I had bought this machine after relying on the opinions of experts in external review sites. The fact that this machine had Saeco pedigree plus a very attractive discount voucher from Philips sold me to get this machine.More on the 2 unpleasant areas.1. I think it is quite bad that an invalid tracking number for the shipment was tagged to my order. This is very basic and therefore shows how bad the internal fulfilment system is2. I ... MoreI need to state that this is a not a paid review and i purchased this product for private use. 2 stars was chosen for unpleasant experience in 2 areas; slow shipping and lack of shipping progress on the website (wrong AWB track tagged to my order) and secondly unexpected performance issue at the beginning of using the machine.I had bought this machine after relying on the opinions of experts in external review sites. The fact that this machine had Saeco pedigree plus a very attractive discount voucher from Philips sold me to get this machine.More on the 2 unpleasant areas.1. I think it is quite bad that an invalid tracking number for the shipment was tagged to my order. This is very basic and therefore shows how bad the internal fulfilment system is2. I wasnt expecting that the machine produced watery and i mean really watery coffee from the get-go. I started up the machine on a weekend and thats when i realised that telephone support was not available, only texting support via Whatsapp.Customer support was bad. Just kept sending me links of videos on how to do this and that and not really addressing my core concern that the coffee was watery!I was super frustrated. On this alone, i would not recommend ordering this machine cos i can imagine someone else cursing me for recommending to buy this machine!I managed to resolve the issue by checking advice on fellow users on a crowd sourced website (Reddit) and i think Philips ought to be more customer centric in that

We love it! Worth every penny!

This is a beautifully and thoughtfully created coffee machine. Smooth and elegant finish and design that really compliments my kitchen.Very easy to instal, use and wash with no fuss at all, and very easy maintenance and comes with instructions manual, warranty and a list of different error codes, just in case. And i also registered it on Philips website where has more info and also you can find spare parts and accessories. How awesome and helpful is that?Now for the coffee part.Unbelievable good aroma and taste of freshly grounded coffee beans, and the smell in my kitchen is unreal how awesome it is.Guess what? It can also use ground coffee too!!!The water tank is brilliant because is big for plenty of coffee cups and has a filter in it. How about that for ... MoreThis is a beautifully and thoughtfully created coffee machine. Smooth and elegant finish and design that really compliments my kitchen.Very easy to instal, use and wash with no fuss at all, and very easy maintenance and comes with instructions manual, warranty and a list of different error codes, just in case. And i also registered it on Philips website where has more info and also you can find spare parts and accessories. How awesome and helpful is that?Now for the coffee part.Unbelievable good aroma and taste of freshly grounded coffee beans, and the smell in my kitchen is unreal how awesome it is.Guess what? It can also use ground coffee too!!!The water tank is brilliant because is big for plenty of coffee cups and has a filter in it. How about that for going the extra mile from Phillips?The steam for frothing milk... Made me feel like i am a barista , that is how easy is to make smooth consistent frothy milk. Which my son absolutely loves, so happy kid too.And on top of all this...the coffee machine rinses itself before and after making coffee so i don't have to feel the taste of my previous morning coffee, because that is a mood killer.10/10We love it!