Super-automatic machines

Is Philips Baristina Fully Automatic?

Published · By the Espresso Shortlist editors · Prices and specs as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

Not in the way Philips' LatteGo machines are. You pour in beans and swipe the handle, and Baristina grinds, tamps, and brews into a portafilter that you then take out and rinse. The grind size can't be adjusted. Philips sells the Series 5500 LatteGo as a fully automatic espresso machine, while the Baristina Latte and Baristina Plus are listed as automatic espresso machines, and the basic Baristina is just an espresso machine.

Three Baristina models

Philips' US store sells three. The basic Baristina is $199.99, marked down from $449.99, and makes espresso and lungo with an intensity boost button. Its frother is a separate $99.99 purchase. The Baristina Latte, at $499.99, adds a caffè latte and an espresso lungo to the menu and comes with a built-in Smart Wand and a milk jug. At 10.1 inches it is also wider than the basic model's 7.08 inches. The $529.99 Baristina Plus is the stainless steel version, adds iced espresso and iced espresso lungo, and again leaves the frother as an extra. All three carry a two-year warranty.

What your hands still do

On every Baristina the routine is the same: add beans, swipe the handle across, and wait for the machine to grind, tamp, and brew. When the drink is done, the portafilter comes out and gets a rinse under lukewarm tap water or a wipe with a cloth. Philips makes a point of there being no hidden compartments to clean. On the Latte you also take the wand apart and rinse it with the jug. Philips says there are no tubes and no hidden milk system.

Milk on the Baristina Latte

The Smart Wand senses the milk's temperature directly, and a dial picks one of three textures, which Philips describes as balanced microfoam, airy froth, or steamed milk for drinks like a cappuccino, latte macchiato, or café au lait. Philips lists oat, almond, whole, and skim milk as working with it.

When it needs descaling

The basic Baristina signals descaling by blinking its Espresso and Lungo light three times. Philips' instructions call for half a bottle, 125 ml, of its CA6700 descaling solution.

Shopping for one? Browse available espresso gear →

Sources

  1. Philips — Baristina Espresso machine BAR303/00
  2. Philips — Baristina Latte BAR400/60
  3. Philips US store — Baristina Espresso machine (BAR305)
  4. Philips US store — Baristina Latte Automatic Espresso Machine (BAR400)
  5. Philips US store — Compare automatic espresso machines
  6. Philips — Series 5500 EP5547/90

We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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