Fully automatic espresso machines have been previously designed as high-tech machines that have attempted to impress consumers through complex designs, displays and options. These days, however, many consumers -especially those aged 50 and above- opt for what is simple. People these days try to avoid anything complicated and confusing. It is this changing trend that has led manufacturers with much simpler designs without necessarily compromising on functionality.
An example of this new design concept can be seen in the Philips 3200 series super automatic espresso machines. Many consumers, especially older people, have been attracted to the simple and uncomplicated design of the
Philips 3200 series- a design without frills but still with top performance. Indeed, Philips knows its target market being individuals who won’t scrimp when it comes to price for as long as the product delivers the quality they expect.
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One of the most noteworthy features of the Philips 3200 series is the technology behind the machine’s steamer which they’ve named the Latte Go.
Steamers of other espresso machines use a siphon in order to draw milk into a steaming chamber. The milk is then heated within the steaming chamber. In the Latte Go system, milk is drawn directly from the carafe of the espresso machine and once heated, the milk is then returned into the carafe through a spout attached to it. The advantage of this system is its easy maintenance. The milk in other machines goes through a series of tubes within the machine which ma be quite difficult to clean and maintain. With the Latte Go system, milk goes directly into the carafe without the use of tubes. All that is left to clean is the carafe itself.
In terms of milk quality, the Latte Go produces milk that has pretty good texture. The temperature, too, is quite ideal and perfect to use on your lattes and cappucinos.
Another good feature of the Philips 300 design is the location of the water reservoir and the bean hopper. The bean hopper is top loading while the water reservoir is a front-loading one. This design serves to be quite a practical and well thought of one, especially if the machine is placed in a narrow space. The front-loading water reservoir can be easily accessed during refills making it very convenient and not bothersome at all.
Extreme control
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you must know about how difficult it is to control coffee quality due to the many factors that may affect coffee flavor and freshness. Different methods call for different techniques. Grind size, water temperature, amongst many other things, greatly affect the flavor profile of coffee when it is brewed.
Gadgets like moka pots, aeropresses, French presses and even stovetop espresso makers may give you the control that you need. However, the use of gadgets such as these are not as simple as they may seem. You will have to consider, brewing time, grind size, grind consistency, water temperature, pressure and so much more, depending on the gadget that you plan to use. Because of these variables, it is quite difficult to achieve consistency when it comes to your brews.
Capsule machines offer an alternative in terms of convenience and practicality. However, the use of capsules leads to doubts when it comes to freshness since nothing can replace freshly ground beans. There is also this thing about capsules being an environmental problem which adds to the world’s trash.
With the Latte Go, everything starts with the touch of a button. From grinding to tamping to the actual brewing, everything is preset and controlled. You won’t have to worry about grind consistency or size or even tamping pressure. Added to this is the fact that your coffee beans are always freshly ground so the coffee oils are very much preserved. You can rest be assured of freshness which will give you that rich flavor and pleasant aroma for your morning coffee.
If you want to test the efficiency of a fully automatic espresso machine, it is always best to first brew a cup of espresso. With espresso, coffee is brewed as is. The flavor is pure without being masked by milk or diluted by water. Super automatic machines usually have six basic preset settings: brewed coffee, latte, macchiato, cappucino and americano. Always go for the espresso if you want to test a particular machine.
Superautomatic espresso machines eliminate the need of managing the machine’s portafilter. Tamping, which can cause a huge difference in coffee flavor, is also done and controlled in the Latte Go, just like other superautomatic espresso machines. Coffee is consistently good with the Latte Go. In terms of flavor and richness, the Latte Go definitely leaves not much room for complaints or criticisms, even from the most meticulous of coffee connoisseurs.
What more can one ask for after all, in a machine that does everything from beginning to end?
Conclusion
Compared to features made available in other superautomatic espresso machines, the Latte Go leaves much room for improvement. However, given the price tag that accompanies it, you really cannot say much about its features since it probably is what is to be expected of a fully automatic expresso machine. You would have to temper expectations if you expect a machine that will be as good as higher priced superautomatic espresso machine models.
It can be said that Philips has put much emphasis (underscore on the word “much”) on simplicity when it comes to the Latte Go. It probably is because of this design principle that functionality is somehow compromised.
If you are, however, looking for a machine for everyday use, the Latte Go manages to meet expectations. The coffee it produces is definitely not disappointing. For those who try to avoid the fuss associated with high tech superautomatic espresso machines, this machine will definitely deliver. Again, the Latte Go is much about a simple, yet satisfying, lifestyle. With this principle in mind, Philips definitely delivered.