Philips EP2220/10 Espresso Machine - Review 🏆

Philips is a leading brand when it comes to home espresso machines. They have a wide range of models to suit every budget and need. The EP2220/10 is one of Philips' more affordable super-automatic espresso machine options.

This model utilizes a compact design with a built-in conical burr grinder and automatic milk frother. Key features include:

• 15 bar pump pressure for rich espresso flavor
• Easy to use touch panel controls
• Fast heat up time of under 1 minute
• Integrated adjustable grinder with 12 settings
• Automatic milk frothing system
• Removable milk container and drip tray for easy cleaning
• 1.8 liter removable water tank

The EP2220/10 aims to deliver convenience, consistency, and cafe-quality coffee drinks with minimal effort. It's a great option for someone looking for an entry-level super-automatic espresso machine.

Design & Build Quality

The Philips EP2220/10 espresso machine has an elegant and compact design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It has a matte black plastic housing with stainless steel accents on the portafilter, drip tray, and control buttons. The machine feels very sturdy and durable thanks to its metal and plastic construction.

The portafilter locks into place securely and the brewing buttons have a nice click to them. The steam wand is made of stainless steel and swivels 360 degrees for ease of use. The 1.8 liter water tank is integrated into the body of the machine, giving it a streamlined look. The drip tray can hold up to 500 ml, so you don't have to empty it too frequently.

Overall, the build quality of the Philips EP2220/10 is very good. The plastics are thick and sturdy, while the stainless steel components add a touch of class. The machine feels like it will hold up well to daily use. Some users may wish for more metal parts, but for the price point this espresso maker has an impressive construction.

In comparison, the Siemens EQ300 also boasts a sleek design with premium materials. It features intuitive controls and a contemporary look, making it an attractive addition to any kitchen. The EQ300 offers a high level of customization for coffee brewing, including adjustable grind settings and strength preferences, ensuring a tailored experience for every user. Its build quality complements its aesthetic, with durable components designed for regular use, similar to the Philips EP2220/10.

Ease of Use

The Philips EP2220/10 espresso machine is designed to be straightforward and intuitive to operate. Setting up the machine is very simple - it comes with clear instructions and takes just a few minutes to get it unpacked, filled with water, and plugged in.

The control panel is laid out in a clean, minimalist way that makes it easy to understand. There are just a few buttons for the main functions like turning it on/off, starting/stopping espresso or steam, and selecting single or double shot volumes. The buttons have indicator lights so you can see at a glance what mode the machine is in.

Filling the 1.8 liter water tank is very convenient, as it's removable and has a nice wide opening. The water level is visible through the translucent tank so you can easily see when a refill is needed. Emptying the drip tray is also simplified due to its removable design.

Overall, the machine has been designed for simplicity and ease of daily use. The controls are intuitive enough that you don't need any complex programming or manual settings. Within a few uses, making espresso and frothing milk on the EP2220/10 becomes second nature.

Similarly, the KLARSTEIN TK3G-Passionata-20 is crafted for user-friendliness, offering a stylish design that complements any kitchen. It features straightforward controls and an efficient brewing system that allows you to create delicious coffee with minimal effort. The machine also has a convenient milk frother attachment for preparing creamy lattes and cappuccinos. Cleaning and maintenance are hassle-free, thanks to its easily removable parts, ensuring that you spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying your beverage.

Brewing Performance

The Philips EP2220/10 produces excellent espresso with a rich, full-bodied flavor and a beautiful crema on top. The 15-bar pump provides the ideal pressure to properly extract the oils and aromas from the ground coffee for a balanced espresso shot.

The thermoblock heating system brings the water up to the optimal temperature of 90-95°C required for espresso in just 40 seconds. Thermoblock heating also allows the temperature to remain very consistent from the first cup to the last.

The pre-infusion function gently wets the ground coffee first before ramping up the pressure, which helps extract more flavor from the beans. Pre-infusion is especially useful when using freshly ground coffee.

The EP2220/10 pulls a 1.8 ounce shot in about 25 seconds, which is the ideal time frame for a properly extracted espresso. The volume is also consistent from shot to shot.

Overall, the brewing performance of the Philips EP2220/10 is exceptional. It makes cafe-quality espresso with excellent crema and balanced flavor every time. The quick heat up, consistent temperatures, and 15 bars of pressure result in a top-notch brewing experience for espresso aficionados.

Milk Frothing

The Philips EP2220/10 espresso machine comes with a pannarello wand for frothing and steaming milk. The pannarello design makes it easy to get perfectly frothed milk without much practice.

The wand is made from stainless steel and has a plastic sleeve around it. The sleeve incorporates air into the milk to create microfoam. It can swivel 360 degrees so you can position it at the optimal angle in your pitcher.

In testing, the pannarello wand consistently produced silky smooth milk with a rich, creamy texture. The microfoam was wet and glossy, ideal for pouring latte art. It takes about 1 minute to steam and froth enough milk for a single cappuccino.

The plastic sleeve is easy to remove for cleaning. It just slides off the metal wand. The wand itself is smooth so milk doesn't stick to it. The pannarello is dishwasher safe as well. Overall, the frothing performance of this espresso machine is excellent for the price.

Maintenance

The Philips EP2220/10 requires some regular maintenance to keep it running optimally. Here are the key things to know:

Cleaning

• The drip tray, water tank, and used coffee container should be rinsed regularly. These removable parts can be hand washed or placed in the dishwasher.
• The brew group should be cleaned every 1-2 weeks by rinsing under running water. Do not use detergent on the brew group.
• Wipe down the exterior housing as needed using a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Descaling

• Scale buildup from hard water can clog the internal pipes and affect flavor. Philips recommends descaling every 3-4 months.
• Use the included plastic descaling tube to run the descaling solution through the internal system. Follow the steps in the user manual.
• Only use the Philips descaling solution specifically designed for this model. Using other descaling agents may damage the machine.
• The descaling process takes about 30 minutes and must be completed fully. Partial descaling cycles can damage the machine.
• Always rinse thoroughly with fresh water after descaling to flush out any remaining solution.

Customization Options

The Philips EP2220/10 espresso machine offers a good amount of customization options to help you brew your perfect cup of coffee. Here are some of the key adjustable settings:

Espresso Strength

You can adjust the espresso strength between one and five bars of pressure. Lower pressure results in a lighter espresso, while higher pressure extracts a stronger, bolder shot. The machine allows you to fine-tune the espresso strength to match your tastes.

Volume

The volumetric control lets you customize the amount of coffee that is brewed. You can program it to dispense single and double shot volumes with just the push of a button. This makes it easy to get consistent results every time.

Temperature

The thermoblock heating system allows you to adjust the brewing temperature between 176-182°F (80-83°C). Higher temperatures extract more flavor from the coffee grinds. You can tweak the temperature to optimize the flavor profile of different coffee blends.

These customizable controls give you the flexibility to dial in the ideal settings for the type of coffee beans and the flavor profile you prefer. Once set up, the machine makes it simple to replicate your perfect shot.

Accessories

The Philips EP2220/10 espresso machine comes with several handy accessories to help you get the most out of your coffee.

Included Accessories

• Tamper - This metal tamper allows you to evenly press down the coffee grounds in the portafilter before brewing your shot. Proper tamping helps extract the coffee's full flavor.

• Measuring scoop - An aluminum scoop is included to portion out the right amount of coffee grounds per shot. It holds approximately 7 grams of ground coffee.

• Filters - The machine utilizes standard 1 cup and 2 cup filter baskets. Both stainless steel unpressurized filter baskets are included. The 1 cup is best for making a single shot while the 2 cup works well for double shots.

Having these accessories provided in the box makes it easy to start crafting espresso drinks without needing to buy anything extra. The tamper and scoop are essential tools, and the dual filters give you flexibility when pulling shots. Overall, Philips includes the key accessories required to operate the espresso machine.

Pros & Cons

Summary of positives:

• Produces high-quality espresso with thick, rich crema
• 15-bar pump provides excellent pressure for extraction
• Thermoblock heating system delivers consistent brewing temperatures
• Easy to use control panel with programmable options
• Milk frother attachment creates foamy, creamy milk for cappuccinos and lattes
• Durable, high-quality stainless steel construction
• Compact footprint takes up minimal counter space

Summary of negatives:

• Single boiler can't steam milk and pull shots at the same time
• Small 37oz water reservoir requires frequent refilling
• No option to adjust brewing temperature
• Accessories like milk frother and filters cost extra
• Learning curve to dial in optimal grind size and dose
• Louder operation compared to certain competitors
• Short power cord may require extension cord

Conclusion

The Philips EP2220/10 automatic espresso machine provides a solid brewing experience and convenient features for the price. Its compact size and intuitive controls make it easy to use, even for beginners. The 15-bar pump delivers good pressure for extracting espresso. The results are decent, rich crema and good flavor, though more experienced baristas may want greater customization.

Steam wand performance is acceptable but not exceptional. Frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos works decently but lacks finesse compared to higher-end models. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward with removable, dishwasher-safe parts.

Overall, this machine is a reasonably priced option for people seeking an automatic espresso maker that doesn't require much skill or effort to operate. It's simple to use and makes fairly good espresso drinks. More discerning coffee aficionados may want higher build quality, more power, and greater customization capabilities. However, for the average home barista on a budget, the Philips EP2220/10 is a solid automatic espresso machine worth considering.