The compact Philips Baristina espresso coffee machine opens a new direction in the line of the Dutch giant. Due to the portafilter, it can formally be positioned as a hybrid semi-automatic model. But it supports the functions of automatic dosing and tamping. In fact, a coffee lover only needs to insert a portafilter and press a button. To a certain extent, it can be positioned as a compact removable automatic brewing group.
Unlike more expensive Breville espresso coffee machines with similar functions, the Baristina does not have temperature programming. The preset value is 85°C / 185° F, which is optimal for drinking coffee quickly after extraction.
The company paid a lot of attention to its appearance. As a result, the model has a sleek, streamlined design in the style of modern aesthetics. It is available in two colors. In addition, the lucky owner can choose the color of the portafilter handle. They are available in Mango Yellow, Milky White, Black, Berry Red, Natural Green, Ash Wood, and Walnut Wood.
The model’s positioning as ‘compact’ is absolutely correct. With dimensions of 18 x 34 x 34.5 cm / 7″ x 13.4″ x 13.6″, the coffee machine will easily and harmoniously fit into the interior of even a very small kitchen.
Unfortunately for strong coffee lovers, compact Baristina uses a little less coffee per extraction (12g vs 16g) compared to full-size models.
Platform and specs
Of course, unprecedented ease of control is one of the main bonuses of the coffee maker. In fact, the controls set contains 3 buttons, including Espresso (30-70 ml), Lungo (70 – 200 ml) and Intensity Boost.
Programming the drink volume requires pressing and holding the corresponding button for 5 seconds until it starts blinking intermittently. Pressing and holding the Espresso, Lungo, and Intensity Boost buttons simultaneously for five seconds (until all buttons flash) restores the factory settings.
Platform
– bean grinder.
Baristina uses ceramic bean grinder without grinding setting. Perhaps this aspect is controversial. Indeed, grinding affects extraction and, accordingly, the taste of coffee. But compactness and maximum simplicity require sacrifices;
– 16-bar vibration pressure pump;
– water tank capacity is 1.2 L;
– max cup height – 5.0″ / 12.7 cm;
– bean hopper capacity – 6.0 oz / 170 g.
– optional Milk Frother.
It has Baristina style compatible design, holds 8 oz / 236 ml, costs ~$ 90, makes a thick and solid milk foam with regular bubbles. However, today companies offer a wide selection of great standalone milk frothers costing up to $ 100.
The model has a handy cup riser for the demitasse cups.
As known, this term is derived from the French ‘demi-tasse’ – half a cup. Its reduced volume is the standard for making Turkish coffee. Such cups are often served with small coffee spoons and saucers.
Key Features
The coffee maker uses a 51mm portafilter. However, a professional 58 mm portafilter would be out of place in a compact budget-friendly model.
But it’s equipped with a pressurized filter basket, which effectively compensates for inconsistencies in grind size and tamping.
The cooking cycle is very simple. It just requires installing the portafilter onto the brew group zone and moves it to the right until it clicks. After dosing and tamping at station, the portafilter moves back to the brew group for coffee extraction. In fact, after placing the filter holder in start position, coffee bean grinding and percolation are automatic due to a pressurized filter. Emptying the portafilter is done by pressing the button on the handle to push out the used grounds.
Traditionally for a compact models, the Baristina does not use a water filter. Therefore, perfectionists must ensure its quality themselves. In fairness, with the exception of water hardness, most people are unlikely to distinguish the taste of coffee depending on the degree of its purification.
In addition, many users were rightly outraged by the blocking of some Jura models due to the filter absence or exhaustion of its cycles. Moreover, the blocking was activated even when using very pure water. Some sarcastically interpreted this aspect as a not entirely honest additional income from selling filters.
The preparation time for espresso is approximately the same as for the capsule machine. The noise level of its grinder and pump is 72 db and 60 db, which is in line with traditional level.
Conclusions
Pros
– compact;
– superb usability;
– higher high quality coffee vs capsule models;
– easy to clean.
Cons
– more expensive vs capsule models;
– lots of plastic;
– only basic functions (no grind adjustment, steam nozzle, etc).
Philips Baristina costs ~€ 300 in Europe and ~$ 400 in America. Perhaps, it can be positioned as a direct competitor to capsule Keurig, Nespresso, etc. In fact, the Baristina, Breville Bambino Plus and other compact semi-automatic models have formed a new segment. Like capsule coffee makers, they offer very simple preparation, but with a coffee quality that is commensurate with manual coffee makers.
Moreover, the company left the final choice to the consumer, who can manually roast and grind the coffee beans, fill and tamp the portafilter, and entrust the percolation to the coffee maker. In principle, this makes sense, for example, for decaf fans or when using the brewing process as a relaxationn element.
This video demonstrates how to make Espresso and Lungo with Philips Baristina espresso machine.