Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine Review: What a Great Deal!

In today’s Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine review, I’ll be looking at one of the Dutch manufacturer’s most affordable offerings. As it happens, I’ve only just become aware of this model and I felt like I had to investigate. After all, I’m a huge fan of Philips espresso machines.

Interestingly enough, the Philips 800 Series is almost identical to another Philips super automatic, yet cost quite a bit less. And if you’re interested in finding the best budget espresso machine, you might want to keep reading. So, let’s dive right into this Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine review!

A solid budget-friendly machine

Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine

Great value

Ceramic grinder

Straightforward operation

Easy to clean

Lots of plastic

Limited settings

CHECK PRICE

All specifications

Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine
Manufacturer	Philips
Model number	EP0820/04
Product category	Super automatic espresso machine
Removable brew group
Housing material	Plastic
Color options	Black
Milk frother	Steam wand
User interface	Buttons and dials
App
User profiles	Memo function only
Removable water reservoir
Water reservoir capacity	60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l
Number of boilers	1
Pump pressure	15 bar
Maximum cup height	5.7 in / 14.5 cm
Minimum cup height	3.4 in / 8.6 cm
Grinder	Ceramic flat burr grinder
Grind adjustment levels	12
Bean hopper capacity	9.9 oz / 280.0 g
Pre-ground coffee bypass
Grounds discard container capacity	12
Specialty drinks	2
Pre-infusion
Adjustable coffee temperature
Adjustable milk foam temperature
Adjustable milk temperature
2-cup function	Yes (non-milk drinks only)
Pot function
Hot water function
Hot milk function
Milk foam only option
Water filter
Power consumption	1500 W
Weight	16.6 lb / 7.5 kg
Dimensions	14.6 x 9.7 x 17.1 in 37.1 x 24.6 x 43.4 cm
Warranty	2 years
Notes	Included Accessories: User manual, coffee scoop, water hardness test strip
Current price on Amazon	BUY NOW ON AMAZON
All specifications

Overview: Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine Review

If you’ve checked out my Philips 1200 Carina review, the Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine will look mighty familiar. In fact, there appear to be only very subtle cosmetic differences.

This is a very interesting state of affairs, and before embarking on this review I did a little digging. And it turns out that the Philips 800 Series actually is the 1200 Series in a slightly different form. However, the 800 Series isn’t available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website. Instead, it seems that the Philips 800 Series was launched as a kind of Costco special, making it an extremely affordable fully automatic espresso machine. Recently, though, the 800 Series has made its way onto Amazon and other platforms, which is great news if you don’t have a Costco membership.

Costing just $N/A on Amazon, the Philips 800 Series is one of the most affordable fully automatic espresso machines on the market. And although I haven’t tested it, I have spent time with the 1200 Carina. With that in mind, I can definitely give you a good idea of what to expect from this machine in terms of its construction and performance.

In short, the Philips 800 Series is a compact machine with its fair share of flaws. For starters, it’s made almost entirely of plastic, which is slightly concerning. Furthermore, it comes with a manual steam wand rather than an automatic milk system. However, you can expect great-tasting espresso and coffee from this budget-friendly machine. Plus, I know that some of you prefer steaming milk by hand rather than having to deal with an integrated frother.

Philips 800 Series Features

Now that we have a clearer idea of what we’re dealing with, let’s dig into this espresso machine’s most notable features.

Build Quality & Design

As I pointed out earlier, there’s a lot of plastic in the Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine’s construction. That was a concern when I tested the 1200 Carina, and it still makes me a little uncomfortable. Put simply, I have to wonder about the machine’s long-term durability. Then again, maybe I’m overreacting. Either way, Philips has obviously steered clear of using metal components in an effort to keep costs low.

In terms of its design, the Philips 800 Series is fairly nondescript. It looks very similar to the 1200 Carina, although it’s a little more “dull.” I guess that comes down to the fact that Philips decided against adding fancy metal accents.

With all that said, the machine’s Matte Black stylings mean it’ll fit nicely into any home coffee bar without drawing too much attention. Oh, and seeing as this is such a compact espresso machine, you shouldn’t have any issues placing it under wall-mounted cabinets.

User Interface

If you’re already familiar with Philips fully automatic espresso machines, the 800 Series user interface will look very familiar. Personally, I’ve always been a big fan of the way the Dutch brand sticks to its guns in this department. After all, the standard control panel on a Philips machine is approachable, intuitive and very easy to navigate.

Of course, you should forget about a touchscreen display – this is a budget machine. Besides, I find that touchscreens are overrated and it’s not like they improve coffee quality.

The Philips 800 Series features a control panel with clearly labeled buttons and lights. Here, you’ll find adjustable settings for coffee strength and size as well as coffee and espresso buttons. There are also cleaning lights that’ll illuminate when the machine decides it’s time to run a cycle.

Overall, this simple and streamlined user interface will encourage you to dive right into making coffee, which is a good thing!

Ceramic Grinder

I’m always impressed by the fact that Philips continues to install ceramic flat burr grinders in even its most affordable machines. What’s more, you have 12 grind adjustment settings to choose from. And in conjunction with the coffee strength and size adjustments, you’ll have plenty of control over your espresso shots.

I know that the conical vs flat burr grinder debate is far from over, but I love using ceramic flat burr grinders for espresso. Not only are these burrs durable and quiet in operation, they produce very consistent results.

Incidentally, the Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine comes with a 9.7-ounce (275-gram) bean hopper that’s a little smaller than the 1200 Carina’s hopper. There’s also a preground bypass doser which could come in handy for making the occasional decaf coffee.

Classic Milk Frother

As I mentioned earlier, the Philips 800 Series is equipped with a manual panarello steam wand. Listen, you aren’t going to get a ton of steam power out of this machine. And if you want to learn how to make latte art, you should consider a different kind of machine altogether.

However, if you only require a simple way to froth milk for a cappuccino, the 800 Series will deliver. What’s more, the steam wand is way easier to keep clean than an automatic milk system.

The only downside is that the machine doesn’t come with a milk steaming pitcher. Then again, you can easily pick up a stainless steel milk pitcher on Amazon for under 10 bucks.

Aroma Extract System

Here’s another feature that indicates Philips isn’t skimping in the quality department with this machine. I’m accustomed to manufacturers inventing silly names for mundane features, but the Artoma Extract System is pretty darn cool.

Essentially, it’s referring to how the 800 Series controls water flow rate and temperature as it’s preparing espresso. What’s more, the machine has a pre-infusion function, which is essential if you want complex and aromatic espresso in your cup.

Ultimately, you can expect the Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine to take care of all the brewing variables during espresso extraction. You won’t have to worry about a thing!

Specialty Drinks

Seeing as the Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine has a manual steam wand, you won’t be surprised to learn that it lacks a specialty drink menu. Again, this is part of the deal when you’re buying a bargain basement super automatic. However, you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ll be able to whip up your own menu of coffee specialties using the panarello wand.

Removable Brew Group

For the most part, all the best fully automatic espresso machines have removable brew groups. That said, Jura owners have to rely on the machine to keep the internal brew unit in good working order.

Anyway, the Philips 800 Series features a side door to access the brew unit. Removing the thing is a piece of cake, as is keeping it spick and span. And to be honest, you should get into the habit of removing and cleaning the brew group on a regular basis. I mean, this is the single most important component in the 800 Series, and keeping it in good working order will definitely extend the machine’s lifespan.

How Do I Use the Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine?

Believe me when I tell you that setting up and using the Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine will be easy as pie. In fact, I doubt whether you’ll even need to consult the user manual. With that said, I advise you to thoroughly rinse all removable parts before using the machine for the first time. I mean, with all that plastic, there’s going to be an unpleasant smell which could affect the taste of your coffee.

Once that’s done, fill the 61-ounce (1.8-liter) removable water tank with cold, filtered water. You can install an AquaClean filter in there, but the machine doesn’t come with one. Next, add fresh coffee beans to the hopper before powering up the machine.

Now it’s time to brew up some espresso. To do so, simply press the espresso button, then press again to adjust settings. You have three strength settings and three coffee size options. However, you’re also able to go deeper and fine-tune your espresso volume. I guess the user manual might come in handy after all!

Once you’re satisfied with your settings, press the start button to the right of the control panel. And if you want to steam milk, you’ll have to wait until your espresso is ready. Then, position the panarello wand in your milk steaming pitcher before pressing the steam button. And when you’re happy with your milk’s consistency and temperature, press the start button to cancel the steaming function. 

Best Coffee for the Philips 800 Series

Coffeeness Medium Roast Espresso

Well-balanced with chocolate & hazelnut notes

Freshly roasted in Brooklyn

Very low acidity

To the Coffeeness Shop

After 10 years reviewing super automatics and espresso machines, and over 15 years reviewing coffee beans, we’re proud to offer our own Coffeeness Espresso Roast. Comprising ethically farmed and sourced coffee beans, our Espresso Blend is expertly roasted in small batches to guarantee freshness.

This premium blend of direct trade Brazilian coffee beans produces rich, bold and complex espresso that’s ideal straight or paired with milk. Featuring notes of chocolate and hazelnut, our Espresso Blend is particularly low in acidity, making it easy on the stomach.

Here’s how we recommend setting up your Philips 800 Series for the perfect shot of espresso:

Philips 800 Series Cleaning

You’ll be happy to hear that cleaning and maintaining the Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine won’t take up much of your time. Still, you should wipe off the steam wand using a damp cloth after each use. And at the end of the day, I’d recommend soaking the wand in water for a while.

As for the removable brew group, I’d say that thoroughly cleaning the thing once a week will suffice. Just remember that it’ll need to be fully dry before you put it back. Elsewhere, make sure to remove, empty and rinse the drip tray at the end of each day’s use.

When it comes to descaling, you’ll only need to do so once in a blue moon if you have a water filter installed. The machine will let you know when a descaling cycle is necessary, and you’ll find all the instructions on the user manual.

Verdict: Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine Review

A solid budget-friendly machine

Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine

Great value

Ceramic grinder

Straightforward operation

Easy to clean

Lots of plastic

Limited settings

CHECK PRICE

All specifications

Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine
Manufacturer	Philips
Model number	EP0820/04
Product category	Super automatic espresso machine
Removable brew group
Housing material	Plastic
Color options	Black
Milk frother	Steam wand
User interface	Buttons and dials
App
User profiles	Memo function only
Removable water reservoir
Water reservoir capacity	60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l
Number of boilers	1
Pump pressure	15 bar
Maximum cup height	5.7 in / 14.5 cm
Minimum cup height	3.4 in / 8.6 cm
Grinder	Ceramic flat burr grinder
Grind adjustment levels	12
Bean hopper capacity	9.9 oz / 280.0 g
Pre-ground coffee bypass
Grounds discard container capacity	12
Specialty drinks	2
Pre-infusion
Adjustable coffee temperature
Adjustable milk foam temperature
Adjustable milk temperature
2-cup function	Yes (non-milk drinks only)
Pot function
Hot water function
Hot milk function
Milk foam only option
Water filter
Power consumption	1500 W
Weight	16.6 lb / 7.5 kg
Dimensions	14.6 x 9.7 x 17.1 in 37.1 x 24.6 x 43.4 cm
Warranty	2 years
Notes	Included Accessories: User manual, coffee scoop, water hardness test strip
Current price on Amazon	BUY NOW ON AMAZON
All specifications

Now that I’ve reached the end of this Philips 800 Series Automatic Espresso Machine review, I’m happy to report that this model represents superb value for money.

At first, I was a little suspicious – maybe the manufacturer had finally released a lame duck. However, seeing the 800 Series really is the 1200 Series in slightly different clothes. Sure, this fully automatic machine isn’t in the same league as something like the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus. However, if you’re on a tight budget and want a super automatic machine that’ll make tasty espresso and coffee, the 800 Series could be just the ticket.

Of course, you’ll have to be OK with using a manual steam wand, which could be off-putting for some folks. Alternatively, you could spend a bit more on something like the Philips 2300 LatteGo, which brings the manufacturer’s fantastic automatic milk system to the table.

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