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Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence: two-minute evaluate
The Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence is a compact absolutely computerized espresso machine that is a strong selection for {couples} and people. It has a comparatively small water tank and bean hopper that is good for making a few cups, so you will not have giant portions of espresso and water going stale.
The built-in ceramic grinder affords some super-fine grind settings, and with just a bit adjustment it’s best to have the ability to brew constantly well-extracted espresso, which you’ll be able to get pleasure from alone or as the inspiration of over 15 totally different drinks. The most well-liked choices (reminiscent of cappuccino and americano) are accessible by way of buttons beside the colour show, whereas others will be discovered by tapping “different drinks” and choosing both scorching or iced drinks.
It is value noting that the LatteGo 5500 Sequence does not provide chilly espresso extraction. As an alternative, you are prompted so as to add six to eight ice cubes to your cup, and the machine pours over a shot of scorching espresso (adopted by cold-foamed milk, if applicable in your chosen drink). The outcomes are OK, however you do not get the identical mellow taste you do from espresso infused utilizing chilly water, and the melting of the ice means drinks often made with out water can style weak.
For me, essentially the most fascinating characteristic is the LatteGo’s computerized milk-foaming system. In contrast to most different espresso makers I’ve examined, the 5500 Sequence has a milk carafe that clips onto a steam nozzle on the entrance of the machine, and is designed to be stuffed whereas connected.
This might sound odd at first, nevertheless it really makes numerous sense. Not carrying containers of milk throughout the kitchen means much less danger of spillage, and this carafe is not supposed for storing milk within the fridge between brews. As an alternative, it has markers on the aspect that present you precisely how a lot so as to add for various drinks, that means there will not be any left on the finish, and the carafe will be washed out, prepared for subsequent time (both by hand or in a dishwasher). It is a sensible system for making only one or two drinks.
You do need to be very cautious with the way you place your cup, although. There is not any solution to regulate the LatteGo system’s spout, and your cup must be additional ahead on the drip tray than you’d count on. Transfer it over the pink water-level indicator, then a bit additional nonetheless to keep away from your milk spilling over the sting.
Total, it is a well-made bean-to-cup machine for small households (or ones with only one coffee-drinker), and it does the fundamentals very effectively. It would not be my best choice if you wish to make chilly drinks repeatedly, nonetheless. For that, you would be higher choosing a machine that may deal with chilly extraction, so your drink is not watered down. Check out my record of the best cold-brew coffee machines for some strategies.
Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence: value and availability
- Record value $1,099.95 / £649.99 / AU$1,194
- Out there globally
- Typically discounted within the UK
The Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence is offered globally, and has a listing value of $1,099.95 / £649.99 / AU$1,194 (though it’s usually decreased to £549.99 within the UK). It’s the top-tier mannequin within the LatteGo sequence, with 20 cold and warm drink choices in comparison with 12 drinks for the inexpensive 4400 Sequence. You’ll discover all at the moment’s greatest offers on the LatteGo 5500 Sequence listed beneath.
That value is about normal for a compact bean-to-cup espresso machine, and is roughly the identical because the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch. Nevertheless, the La Specialista Contact affords higher management over brewing choices, together with each guide and computerized milk-foaming.
Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence: Specs
|
Identify |
Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence |
|
Sort |
Absolutely computerized bean-to-cup espresso machine |
|
Dimensions (W x H x D) |
9.7 x 14.6 x 17in / 24.6 x 37.1 x 43.3cm |
|
Weight |
17.6lbs / 8kg |
|
Water reservoir capability |
1.9qt / 1.8 liters |
|
Milk frother |
Sure (computerized) |
|
Bars of strain |
15 |
|
Person profiles |
4 (plus visitor) |
Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence: Design
- Nicely suited to people or {couples}
- LatteGo system is simple to make use of and clear
- Easy button-based interface
At simply 9.7 inches / 24.6cm large, the Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence is without doubt one of the narrowest espresso machines I’ve examined up to now. It is perfect for tucking into small areas – significantly as a result of the water tank slides out of the entrance, so that you solely have to entry the aspect of the machine when it’s time to scrub the brewing group.
Though it has 4 consumer profiles (plus a visitor possibility for guests), this machine is greatest suited to people or {couples} who solely wish to make one or two drinks directly. Its 1.9qt / 1.8-liter water tank is kind of small, and the non-obligatory (however advisable) water filter equipped with the machine takes up numerous house, successfully making it smaller nonetheless.
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At first that sounds prefer it may very well be an issue, however whenever you’re solely making a few drinks directly it’s fantastic, and refilling the tank repeatedly is all the time a good suggestion. Most of your espresso is made from water, so that you wish to preserve it recent.
Because the identify suggests, one of many LatteGo 5500 Sequence’ key options is its milk system, which contains a small carafe that pushes onto a steam nozzle on the entrance of the machine. In contrast to each different computerized espresso machine I’ve examined, you fill this container whereas it’s connected to the machine. This feels odd at first, nevertheless it really is smart; no carrying containers of milk throughout the kitchen means no potential for spillage.
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Markings on the aspect of the carafe present how far to fill it for various drinks, whether or not you’re getting ready one or two cups. The thought is that you simply’ll use all of the milk in a single go. In contrast to most different machines (such because the Jura J10, for instance), the LatteGo’s carafe isn’t hermetic. Neither is it supposed to be saved within the fridge with milk inside between makes use of. As an alternative, you add simply the quantity of milk you want, then wash it out for subsequent time (both by hand or within the high drawer of the dishwasher) to maintain every little thing recent.
The bean hopper doesn’t have an enormous capability both. Once more, that is no unhealthy factor for a machine supposed for only one or two individuals, as a result of it means you received’t have unused beans hanging round for too lengthy.
The hopper has a tinted plastic lid to assist cease gentle degrading the flavour compounds within the beans, and an hermetic seal to maintain them recent. The seal additionally helps muffle the noise of the machine’s ceramic grinder. Certainly, this espresso machine is without doubt one of the quietest I’ve examined, with each the grinder and milk system making little or no noise.
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The grind dimension is adjusted utilizing a small dial contained in the hopper. I might have most well-liked this to be on the surface for accessibility, however that’s a minor quibble. For me, the larger difficulty was the peak of the hopper, which made it tough to open and refill when the machine was beneath a cupboard. The machine is kind of gentle, however if you happen to don’t have a lot headroom, you’ll need to shimmy it out when it’s time to refill.
Simply in entrance of the hopper, you’ll discover a chute for including a scoop of pre-ground espresso if you happen to’d like to modify to one thing totally different, reminiscent of decaf for after lunch.
The drip tray is good and deep, which once more helps to keep away from spillage, with a pouring spout on the again for simple emptying, plus a degree indicator so you’ll be able to see at a look when it’s time to empty it. There’s additionally a deep removable container for used espresso grounds, and the LatteGo 5500 Sequence will warn you when it wants emptying.
This alert will seem on the machine’s TFT show, which is surrounded by a set of buttons that present fast entry to the most well-liked drink choices. The remainder are accessed by urgent the “Extra drinks” button, which presents you with a selection of two lists: one for decent drinks, and one for iced.
Deciding on the “Setting”‘ button will reveal extra complete brewing choices, together with the flexibility to vary the temperature, plus numerous energy-saving settings reminiscent of toggling the lights above your cup, and figuring out how lengthy the machine ought to wait earlier than powering off.
It was refreshing to see that the machine’s packaging was largely cardboard, with just a few plastic luggage for parts. Even the very best espresso makers are sometimes packaged in giant items of polystyrene
Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence: efficiency
- Brews well-balanced espresso as soon as grinder is dialled in
- Iced espresso is not cold-extracted
- LatteGo milk spout is considerably awkward
The LatteGo could be very easy to make use of, and the buttons across the show will likely be all most customers want on an on a regular basis foundation. Choose a beverage, and also you’ll have the ability to tweak just a few choices to find out the power and quantity of your drink, then the machine will deal with the remaining.
There’s no equal of De’Longhi’s BeanAdapt system for configuring the brew settings to fit your chosen espresso, however adjusting the grinder and tweaking the choices when getting ready your espresso ought to assist you to create constantly well-extracted espresso.
Every time you alter the brew settings for a drink, your changes will likely be saved to the at present chosen profile (pink, blue, yellow or inexperienced). You’ll be able to change between profiles by tapping a button on the left of the display screen, and there’s an additional visitor profile, so guests don’t unintentionally override your customized cappuccino settings.
You should utilize the LatteGo system with any kind of milk you select. Throughout my assessments, entire and full-fat dairy milk foamed effectively, as did oat milk – though the outcomes have been much less spectacular when utilizing one of many iced drink choices, which dispense chilly milk. An iced cappuccino had some foam on high, however not very a lot in comparison with the identical drink brewed scorching.
I significantly like that the LatteGo system is really easy to maintain clear. The carafe is available in two elements, that are simple to unclip, and there are not any awkward tubes to scrub. Milk by no means enters the physique of the espresso machine both, so that you don’t want to fret about micro organism breeding inside.
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My largest grievance in regards to the LatteGo 5500 Sequence (and it’s one which’s simply prevented) is which you could’t change the angle of the milk spout, so you need to place your cup good to keep away from milk spilling down the aspect. The right place is way additional ahead than you would possibly count on, and your cup must be utterly masking the pink degree indicator on the drip tray.
It helps to make use of fairly a large cup in your milky drinks; in any other case, it’s possible you’ll not have the ability to place it good for each the espresso dispenser and the milk spout, inflicting one or the opposite to overlook.
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Iced espresso is without doubt one of the largest tendencies in house espresso machines proper now, so it’s no shock that the top-tier LatteGo comes with loads of choices for chilled drinks. Choose one and the machine will let you know what number of ice cubes so as to add to your glass or cup, then pour espresso and milk on high.
Nevertheless, it’s value noting that the espresso used within the LatteGo 5500 Sequence’ iced drinks isn’t really brewed chilly. It’s scorching, and depends on the ice to convey the temperature down. This implies it doesn’t have the identical mellow taste profile as true cold-extracted espresso, and it’s possible you’ll discover that your drinks style watered-down as a result of melted ice. You will get round this drawback by growing the power of the shot, nevertheless it’s one thing to pay attention to.
Do you have to purchase the Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence?
|
Attribute |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Worth |
Typical value for a completely computerized espresso machine, however there are different nice choices accessible extra cheaply if you happen to store round. |
3.5/5 |
|
Design |
Very compact and effectively suited to small households. Milk nozzle place cannot be adjusted,. |
4/5 |
|
Efficiency |
Simple to make use of and keep and brews wonderful espresso. Sizzling drinks are superb, however iced choices are diluted by scorching espresso melting ice cubes. |
4/5 |
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Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence: additionally think about
In case you’re unsure that the Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence is the proper espresso maker for you, listed below are two different choices in your consideration.
How I examined the Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence
I used the Philips LatteGo 5500 Sequence with my favourite espresso mix from a neighborhood espresso roaster, purchased recent that week. I examined the water hardness utilizing the strip equipped within the field, and fitted the water filter within the tank following the directions offered. I used recent water every time I started utilizing the machine.
I examined the LatteGo system utilizing fridge-cold entire and semi-skimmed dairy milk, in addition to barista oat milk.
I examined the machine’s numerous cold and warm drinks, utilizing the quantity of ice specified by the machine for chilled recipes.
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