Philips Semi-Automatic Coffee Machines​

Click here to watch the full video. 

To brew a good cup of coffee, you need to select a high-quality blend of fresh beans, use clean water, and ensure that all parts of your Philips Barista Brew are thoroughly cleaned. 

For a good foam, we recommend using whole or semi-skimmed cow’s milk at refrigerator temperature. Cow’s milk generally provides the best results. However, it is also possible to use plant-based milk, such as soy, rice, or almond milk. In that case, the result will vary depending on the protein and fat content of each type of milk.  

After opening the package, coffee beans should be stored in a tightly sealed, opaque container. Exposure to light can alter the taste and aroma of the beans. For the same reason, it is advisable to store coffee beans in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources such as kitchen cupboards or dressers. 

The type of coffee beans you use in a semi-automatic espresso machine is crucial for flavor, aroma, and crema formation. Freshness, grind consistency, and bean quality all directly impact the quality of your espresso shot. It's essential to choose high-quality beans suitable for espresso to achieve the best results. 

Espresso has one thing in common with filter coffee: the bean. However, their similarities end there. Espresso is a concentrated coffee, extracted with pressured water forced through very finely ground powder. The result is a small cup of coffee with a rich consistency, bittersweet taste, and golden froth on top known as crema. It requires a minimum of 9 atmospheres of bar pressure to extract the fuller flavor from espresso. 

Coffee beans are not very elastic. To determine if your coffee beans are fresh, try bouncing one on a hard surface. If it bounces, the coffee may not be fresh. Alternatively, if you are using ground coffee, you can pour a teaspoon of it into a cup of water. If it floats, the coffee is likely fresh. 

Dual-wall (pressurized) baskets have built-in pressure mechanisms that compensate for grind size and tamping inconsistencies, making them easier for beginners. Single-wall (non-pressurized) baskets rely solely on grind size and tamping technique, offering more control but requiring greater precision.

Foaming milk for coffee is an art. Start by swirling your cup gently to blend the crema with the espresso. Tilt the cup slightly to widen the surface. Pour frothed milk into the center, then gradually tilt the cup upright while pouring more. Watch for a white dot to form, indicating the perfect amount of foam. Keep pouring until you've achieved the desired foam level.

Click here to watch the full video. 

Click here to watch the full video. 

9 bar is considered optimal for extraction because it allows for the extraction of flavors and oils from coffee beans while minimizing the extraction of undesirable bitter components. This pressure level also promotes the formation of a thick crema, enhancing the overall espresso experience. Widely adopted among baristas, 9 bar strikes a balance between extracting sufficient flavors and avoiding excessive bitterness. 

With Philips Barista Brew, you can create a variety of delicious recipes, including classics like the Espresso Martini, as well as a creamy Cappuccino and a rich Americano. For more recipes and detailed instructions, you can explore the Home ID app, which offers a wide range of beverage inspirations to enhance your coffee experience.