I’ve come to love a decently-sized, semi-automatic espresso machine; one with a built-in grinder, steaming wand, and adjustable grind settings. In fact, anything else is going to have a hard time turning my head these days. Unless, of course, it’s got a really stunning design — like the Philips Baristina Espresso Machine.
It’s a smaller-scale machine that feels like a good entry point in terms of convenience and style. Not only is it smaller than your typical espresso machine, but its price also starts at a much more affordable £300 (or £380 for the option with a milk frother).
I recently tested the Philips 5500 Series, so I am freshly familiar with the automated, high-tech features of the brand’s machines — they’re impressive and tend to be a little more hands-off (which may or may not be a good thing to you). The Baristina caught me by surprise. I was instantly struck by its good looks, but left praising the quality of the coffee. Intrigued? Here’s my detailed review of the Philips Baristina Espresso Machine.
Olivia Wolfe has been a design writer for Livingetc since 2024, and has a master’s degree in arts and lifestyle journalism from the University of the Arts London, London College of Communication. Previously, Olivia worked in the coffee industry at multiple cafes, both in London and the United States. During this time, she took training-intensive courses at coffee roasteries where coffee beans are roasted, packed, and shipped. During these trainings, Olivia learned about different types of coffee beans, how region affects flavor, roasting methods, grinding methods for different brews, and the flavor profiles of coffee. Since being at Livingetc, Olivia has tested multiple coffee machines (and currently has four on her kitchen counter).
First Impressions
The Philips Baristina is slim, streamlined, and has a stylish design.
(Image credit: Future)
Right off the bat, this is a good-looking coffee machine. The off-white colorway I tested has a nice creamy tone and a semi-matte finish. It’s contemporary-looking but still has that classic coffee maker silhouette. And it would be a fabulous choice for anyone looking for small countertop appliances or a machine that easily tucks into a coffee corner or coffee nook.
However, its shell is mostly made of plastic, which is great for cleaning and making it lightweight, but the model is slightly flimsier than other stainless steel appliances I’ve reviewed.
That said, one of the biggest selling factors is that the Philips Baristina is just £300 (largely due to this material choice). For just £80 more, you can get the Baristina machine with a milk frother, which I’d recommend, as otherwise you will have to invest in a separate milk steaming system.
Testing the Machine
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Full disclosure: I got ahead of myself when testing this machine. I’ve tested a few espresso makers in the last few months, so I decided to ditch the instruction manual and follow my instincts. I rinsed each part, ran an empty cycle to clean the system, put the beans in the hopper, and brewed my first shot.
To my surprise, there was more to this machine than meets the eye. For example, the portafilter tamps itself and transitions from grinding to brewing mode without you having to touch a thing. The process felt like a balanced blend of high-tech and convenience without getting too robotic. Not to mention the espresso was higher quality than something similar in size, like the Nespresso Vertuo Pop or the fully automatic like the Philips 5500 series.
Then it was time to test the milk steaming attachment. Usually, a separate milk container can distract from the machine’s design, but this one matches the aesthetic of the machine, is opaque, and is easy to clean.
However, it’s not the best for milk frothing techniques, if that is something you value. There is really only one setting, and the result is silky, hot milk with a thick layer of foam (like a cappuccino). It’s easy to use and tastes delicious, but you can’t really get a nuanced drink variety with it, per se.
Quality of Coffee
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The quality of the coffee is what shocked me the most (in the best way). Quality can sometimes be lost when you’re working with a smaller machine, especially when it’s a more automated appliance. However, the Baristina produced shot after shot of espresso with silky crema layers.
And since there is a built-in grinder, you can count on your grinds always coming out fresh (which is the easiest way to make your coffee machine work better and your coffee taste better). The Baristina has the same cafe-quality as any comparable semi-automatic machine or grinder, like the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic or the Smeg coffee grinder.
Should You Buy the Philips Series 5500 Fully Automatic Coffee Machine?
The off-white color matches almost every kitchen design.
(Image credit: Future)
So, is the Philips Baristina the right machine for you? This is a great appliance if you want to level up your coffee routine, without committing to a very large or expensive machine.
Its modern build looks very stylish on the counter (a big pro for all design-obsessed individuals), and despite its slim size, the Baristina has several high-tech features. For instance, the automated tamping and brewing function. Not having to tamp the grinds into the portafilter is a huge perk as well. It means you don’t have to fuss with accessories like a tamper, tamping mat, or even certain brushes.
The Baristina will streamline your morning routine, without sacrificing the quality or taste of your espresso. If you really value a nuanced milk-based drink, then maybe a machine like the De’Longhi Dedica Duo with an attached steaming wand is the better choice. Or, you can always invest in a separate milk frother to accompany the machine.
Other Philips Coffee Accessories
Philips
Coffee Machine LatteGo, Genuine Descaler
Philips
Milk Twister Milk Frother With Warm and Cold Foam
Fentar
Airtight Coffee Canister
The Philips Baristina is easily one of the best small coffee machines I’ve tested. It’s a step up from a coffee pod machine in terms of espresso quality, but it’s not as big of an investment as a large semi-automatic. Sound like the machine for you?
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