Philips enters the iced coffee battle with the 5500 Series bean machine

For several months now, the world of automatic coffee makers with grinders has been gripped by cold coffee fever. Many manufacturers already offer their machines capable of meeting the requirements of Cold Brew, such as Delonghi and its Eletta Explore. The all-rounder that is Philips could not miss such enthusiasm and unveils the Series 5500 EP5544/80 coffee maker, a model capable of making both hot and cold drinks. In total, the user will have the choice between 22 preparations ranging from espresso to long coffee, including iced coffee or latte macchiatto. Indeed, the 5500 Series coffee maker is equipped with the two-part Latte Go milk carafe; a system which greatly facilitates the maintenance of this accessory which is sometimes difficult to properly remove all traces of milk.

Given this rich range of recipes, Philips chose a control panel combining a color screen with a few sensitive keys. Thanks to this interface, you will select your basic recipe before making a few adjustments concerning the quantity of drink to be poured, the intensity, the quantity of milk… Note that Philips highlights its QuickStart function: heating the The water circuit does not start when the machine is turned on, but only once the recipe is selected. The idea seems relevant since, on the majority of competing devices, it is not possible to create your recipe until the various elements have been put into operation. Obviously, the Series 5500 EP5544/80 coffee maker is able to deliver a pressure of 15 bars, necessary to make an espresso according to the rules of the art.

The bowels of the beast hide a ceramic grinder (12 grinding levels) which, theoretically, does not heat up. According to the manufacturer, this part has been specially designed to limit noise pollution as much as possible so that it is the caffeine, and not the noise, which gently wakes the user. There is also a 1.8 liter water tank (only, one might be tempted to add) and a bean tank capable of storing 275 grams of coffee in optimal conditions thanks to the Aroma Seal sealing system.

The Philips 5500 Series EP5544/80 coffee maker will be available in a few weeks at the introductory price of €700. A slightly less revenue-rich version, the Series 4400 EP4441/50, will also be marketed and it will cost €650 to purchase it.