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Product Review > Smart Coffee Makers
Philips Espresso Machine 3200 LatteGo Review: From Bean to Cup
By Rashko Arnaudov Updated March 24, 2024
One of the main advantages of owning an automatic coffee machine is making a cappuccino or latte without going to your local Starbucks. Philips Espresso Machine LatteGo is among the best smart coffee machines of 2024. I fell in love with the LatteGo system’s intuitive display and easy maintenance. But as you can guess, everything has its not-so-good sides. An example of such is the fragile cover of the container, but more on that in a moment.Â
In the review, I will talk about all the pros and cons of the Philips 3200 LatteGo, I will also present alternative options, as well as who this machine is intended for, so keep reading!
Pros
- LatteGo milk frother that operates automatically.
- An advanced brewing system with pre-infusion technology that enhances the brewing process.
- Integrated ceramic burr grinder featuring 12 adjustable settings.
Cons
- Produces a high level of noise.
- Plastic enclosure.
What's in the box?
- Small foam wand
- Water tankÂ
- Draining Tray
- Coffee Machine
- LatteGo System
Philips Espresso Machine 3200: Design
It is a machine with a rather shiny design, its glossy black finish with a chrome frame is extremely attractive.
On the machine’s front panel, there are six buttons designated for choosing your preferred beverage options (espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, Americano, coffee, and hot water), along with additional buttons for customizing the coffee’s size, strength, and quantity of steamed milk.
Absolutely everything about this machine is extremely intuitive, so you have a water tank that just slides forward and you fill it, and then the draining tray also just slides forward and you empty it. It has an adjustable spout that can be raised and lowered according to the cup that you will be using.Â
Additionally, there is a bypass doser available for ground coffee, situated in front of the bean hopper of the Philips espresso machine. This feature is commonly utilized when desiring decaf coffee while the hopper is already filled.
I particularly enjoyed the display interface. Certain buttons illuminate to indicate when it’s necessary to refill the water tank, replace the filter, or if there’s any other error occurring. Further details on this will be provided later.
Measuring 17 x 14.6 x 9.7 inches and weighing 15. 4 pounds, the Philips 3200 is relatively narrow, taking up absolutely no significant space on your kitchen counter.
(Credit:Lifestyle Asia)Â
Philips 3200 LatteGo Setup
The first steps include giving the water tank a good rinse and filling it up. Then pour the beans of your choice and if you are going to prepare a latte of cappuccino, you need to attach the LatteGo system filled with milk to the front of the machine. Choose your drink and customize it according to your preferences for strength, volume, and temperature, and just let the machine do the rest.Â
Aqua Clean Filters
In the water tank is this Aqua Clean Filter. This filter ensures that only clean and filtered water enters your fully automatic coffee machine and reduces the need for descaling. With AquaClean, you can enjoy up to 5,000 cups (the number stated by Philips, but the actual number of cups depends on the selected coffee varieties, rinse, and cleaning models) without descaling by changing the filter 8 times.Â
LatteGo System
The LatteGo milk system is one of the most impressive components of the Philips espresso machine 3200. The company even included it in the name of the espresso machine. The LatteGo is automatic, meaning you’ll get frother milk with just the push of a button.
The LatteGo system comprises a plastic reservoir requiring milk filling, which can be effortlessly attached to the machine. Upon selecting the desired froth level, the froth swiftly blends milk and air within the frothing chamber. Subsequently, the machine dispenses a creamy layer of milk foam into your cup.
What sets LatteGo apart is its simplicity. These are two pieces that snap together and easily attach to the machine. I like that the LatteGo component is outside the machine and there are no tubes or other parts where the milk can stagnate and go bad, which changes your overall coffee.
As memories at the very beginning one thing I didn’t like about the LatteGo container is the lid. It rests on the milk container without a hinge to fix it, so it is extremely fragile. Usually when I take out the milk container the lid falls off most times.Â
Cleaning
Ease of cleaning and maintenance is one of the outstanding features of the Philips Espresso Machine. First, take out the water tank, open it and the water will flow out instantly, and wash the tank thoroughly.
Advice
I recommend cleaning the water tank with hot water every 7-10 days to keep it fresh and clean. By cleaning it often, you prevent the build-up of bacteria as well as the clouding of the water.
Equally easy to clean is the LatteGo milk system, which does not use pipes or ducts, which are always very difficult to clean and accumulate a large amount of burnt and stale milk. The LatteGo frother consists of only 2 parts ( milk container and frontier attachment), which can easily be washed by hand but don’t worry about putting them in the dishwasher.
And finally, you need to clean the brewing module itself, built into the machine, which bleeds extremely easily. I clean it once a week by rinsing it with slightly warm water to get rid of all the residue. And since the brewing module is the heart of the machine, it will require a little lubrication from time to time.
Cappuccino Preparation
In the milk container, pour the milk about halfway up the container, and secure it in place (on the front of the Philips espresso machine). After that, press the bottom leftmost button “cappuccino” and a light will light up on the button itself. Then it’s time to set the coffee strength, volume, and temperature according to your preferences in the three right buttons in the ” My Coffee Choice” section.
Then insert the cup and adjust the spout so it’s almost to the rim of the cup so it doesn’t splash and press the rightmost start button. First, the machine grinds the beans and after that, the LatteGo system prepares for steam and pours hot milk, after which it is the coffee’s turn. With this, you get a cappuccino equivalent, even in most cases tastier than the local coffee shop.
Espresso Preparation
The process of preparing Espresso is almost no different from that of preparing cappuccino. You don’t need milk for espresso. You just need to press the upper left “espresso” button and again adjust the coffee strength, volume, and temperature according to your preferences and set start and after about 15 seconds you have an espresso. Â
Tips to Improve Espresso
One of the disadvantages of this machine is that the espresso becomes a bit weak and watery. The problem with this is that the Philips espresso machine makes it extremely quickly (twice as fast as other coffee machines) due to the large holes, which let the water through too quickly. Still, there are a few workarounds that will make your espresso a lot better.
The first of which is to try to grind the beans more finely. How does this happen? In the middle of grinding, turn the knob located on the top of the machine near the coffee beans counterclockwise, which will make the grind finer.Â
!!!
Make sure you adjust the grind size while the machine is running otherwise you could clog the grinder and remember turning the knob counterclockwise makes the grind finer while clockwise makes it coarser.Â
The second thing you can do is increase the temperature of the water, you can do that when the machine is off and you hold down the drink size button and you’ll see three levels, I would load on the highest.
The third thing you can do is just make sure you have a stronger drink. So when you make your espresso and then adjust the settings to your preference, choose the strength to be at least level two or three!
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Temperature Control
The Philips Espresso LatteGo 3200 machine boasts advanced temperature control features, ensuring optimal brewing conditions for your favorite coffee beverages. This espresso machine is equipped with precision temperature sensors and intelligent heating technology and delivers consistent and precise temperatures throughout the brewing process.
With the Philips 3200, you can customize the temperature settings to suit your personal preferences. Whether you prefer a hotter espresso shot or a slightly cooler latte, you can easily adjust the temperature to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and warmth.
Furthermore, the LatteGo system incorporated into the Philips 3200 LatteGo ensures that milk is frothed and heated to the ideal temperature for each drink, whether a creamy cappuccino or a silky latte. This ensures that every sip is smooth and delicious, just the way you like it.
Philips Espresso Machine 3200 Specs
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Product Dimensions
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16 x 9.75 x 14.6 in.
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Weight
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21.1 Pounds |
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Wattage |
1,500
|
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Voltage
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120 |
|
Water Tank Capacity
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1.8 liters
|
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Material |
Plastic |
Conclusion
Philips 3200 LatteGo is a perfect coffee machine for daily use of high-quality coffee. With its narrow shape, you can position it anywhere in your kitchen without taking up significant space on your kitchen counter.
In addition, the parts are easy to remove and therefore easy to clean thanks to the removable brewing head and other removable parts located at the front. You can rinse them under water or use your dishwasher.
Having a LatteGo system means that burnt and stale milk doesn’t accumulate in it, and the AquaClean filter will keep your machine running for years without having to stop brewing to remove the scale.
However, if the price is getting a little high for you, check out our guide to the best coffee machines, where there are much more budget-friendly options.
Does Philips 3200 make lattes?
Yes, the Philips 3200 espresso machine is equipped with a versatile milk frother, allowing you to indulge in the creation of lattes effortlessly. This fully automatic espresso machine streamlines the process, enabling you to craft velvety lattes with ease.
By adding milk to the machine’s designated container and selecting your preferred settings, you can enjoy the perfect balance of espresso and creamy milk foam characteristic of a delicious latte. With its intuitive design and advanced features, the Philips 3200 LatteGo empowers you to elevate your coffee experience at home, making it a convenient and enjoyable option for lattes and other specialty beverages.
Does Philips LatteGo make iced coffee?
Yes, the Philips LatteGo is capable of making iced coffee. While it’s primarily designed to create hot coffee beverages, you can easily adapt its functionality to prepare refreshing iced coffee drinks. Simply brew a double-strength coffee or espresso with the machine, allow it to cool, and then pour it over ice.
You can customize your iced coffee further by adding milk, sweeteners, or flavorings to suit your taste preferences. The versatility of the Philips LatteGo allows you to enjoy a wide range of coffee creations, including delightful iced beverages.
Does LatteGo steam milk?
Yes, the LatteGo system by Philips is designed to steam milk, providing you with the capability to create a variety of milk-based coffee beverages. With LatteGo, you can easily froth and steam milk to your desired consistency and temperature, allowing you to craft delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty drinks with rich, creamy foam. Its innovative design ensures consistent results and a hassle-free milk-steaming experience, making it ideal for both experienced baristas and home coffee enthusiasts alike.
(Credit:Coolblue)Â
What drinks does Philips 3200 make?
The Philips 3200 espresso machine is capable of making a wide range of coffee beverages to suit various preferences. Some of the drinks it can make include:
- Espresso: A concentrated shot of coffee brewed under high pressure, offering a bold and intense flavor profile.
- Americano: A diluted espresso with added hot water, creating a smoother and milder coffee experience.
- Cappuccino: A classic Italian coffee beverage consisting of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, resulting in a creamy and indulgent drink.
- Latte: A coffee beverage made with espresso and a larger amount of steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of milk foam for added creaminess.
- Flat White: Similar to a latte but with a higher ratio of coffee to milk, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor with a velvety milk texture.
- Macchiato: A shot of espresso “stained” with a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam, providing a balance of rich coffee flavor and creamy texture.
- Hot Chocolate: A comforting beverage made with hot milk and chocolate powder or syrup, perfect for indulging in a sweet and creamy treat.
- Tea: While primarily designed for coffee, some Philips 3200Â may also have a hot water dispenser, allowing you to brew tea or other hot beverages.
Overall, the Philips 3200 espresso machine offers versatility in creating a variety of coffee drinks, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite beverages right in the comfort of your own home.
What is the difference between Philips LatteGo and wand?
The LatteGo system is an innovative milk frothing solution designed by Philips for their espresso machines. It consists of a detachable milk carafe with an integrated frothing chamber. This system automates the milk frothing process, requiring minimal effort from the user.Â
With LatteGo, you simply fill the milk carafe, attach it to the machine, and select your desired milk-based drink. The LatteGo system then automatically froths and dispenses milk foam directly into your cup, ensuring consistent results with little to no manual intervention required.
A traditional steam wand, on the other hand, is a manual milk-frothing tool typically found on espresso machines. It consists of a metal wand attached to the machine’s steam boiler. To froth milk using a steam wand, you must manually position the wand into a pitcher of milk and activate the steam function on the machine. Frothing milk with a steam wand requires skill and practice to achieve the desired texture and temperature. Users must carefully monitor the frothing process to avoid scalding the milk or creating excessive foam.
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