Without proper barista training, crafting a great homemade latte isn’t easy.
From bean choice and grind to tamping, steaming, and creating the perfect ‘crema,’ graduating from instant coffee to espresso-based drinks can be a steep learning curve. But with the average price of coffee in Australia sitting at $5.50, takeaway coffees have become a luxury that many Aussies can no longer justify. The solution? A fuss-free, affordable coffee machine that doesn’t take weeks to master. Tall order, I know.
Meet the reviewer
Paris Blanchfield is Better Homes and Gardens’ shopping editor. She hasn’t stopped talking about Good Measure’s ‘Mont Blanc’ coffees since her year-long stint in Melbourne, and is currently trying to kick a daily $7.50 iced coffee habit.
As a self-proclaimed coffee snob (I did spend a year in Melbourne, after all), I’ve been on the hunt for a low-cost, user-friendly coffee machine that can actually make a great cup of coffee, and I’ve finally tracked down a real contender. Over the last week, I’ve been testing the Philips Baristina Coffee Machine, and noting its quirks and perks, so you can decide if it’s worth the spend.
What I really thought about the Philips Baristina
The way I see it, Philips’ new Baristina coffee machine is positioned somewhere between a pod coffee machine and a traditional (but usually complex) home barista setup; simple enough for total beginners, but advanced enough to make a great espresso shot.
While this model wouldn’t be my top recommendation for experienced baristas who want total control over tamping, grinding and temperature, it’s great for those who want a fuss-free alternative to expensive takeaway coffees (and those of us who find traditional machines confusing).
| PROS | CONS |
| Great value & affordable price ($599) | Limited functions; not suited to those wanting a professional machine |
| Automatically finds the best grind settings | Milk steamer sold separately for $149 |
| Self tamping | Short cord (may need extension cord, depending on power outlet location. |
| Great for small benchtops: 37.8cm D x 34.3cm H x 17.8cm W | |
| Setup takes under 5 minutes, and brewing coffee takes under 60 seconds | |
| Easy to operate; only three buttons |
Philips Baristina taste test
I’ve made a few different drinks to test for the Baristina‘s strengths and drawbacks, and honestly, I was really impressed with its performance.
Having tried quite a few coffee machines, I’ve found that many models with an auto-grinding feature can’t seem to get it right, often resulting in excessively fine grounds (and a burnt taste) or excessively large grounds (and a watery flavour). However, the Baristina seemed to get it right every time. I mean, just look at the crema on the espresso shot I pulled!
Even using low-end coffee beans, the espresso tasted great both alone, in an iced latte, and in a flat white. In fact, using this machine taught me that I can, in fact, give up control to automatic functions and still get a delicious caffeine hit.
The only drawback is that the Philips Baristina Milk Frother is sold separately for $149, and if your drink of choice is a flat white, latte, or cap, it’s a necessary add-on. If you do choose to forgo the frother, don’t expect to be able to make a barista-style latte (but if you’ll still be able to make a cafe-quality iced latte).
Overall, is it worth it?
If you’re after an affordable coffee machine with simple controls, I think the Philips Baristina is a brilliant option. In fact, it’s so easy to use that my partner and I have found ourselves choosing the Baristina over our existing coffee machine (which costs almost twice the price of the Baristina) due to how quick and easy it is to use.
| Get it if: | Skip it if: |
| You want a fuss-free coffee machine that’s easy to use | You want control over the grind, tamping, and temperature settings |
| You find regular coffee machines confusing | You have barista experience (and enjoyed making coffee the hard way) |
| Your go-to drinks are espressos, iced lattes, and long blacks | Your go-to drinks are cold brews or drip coffee |
| Add the frother if: Your go-to drinks are lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos |
If you identify more with the right column, the Philips 5500 Series LatteGo may be a better fit.
Start cutting down your takeaway coffee bill
Ready to adopt a smarter, more economical way to fill your daily caffeine quota? Here’s where to find the Philips Baristina (and the additional milk frother).
Philips Baristina Coffee Machine
$599 at JB-HI-FI
Philips Baristina Milk Frother
$149 at JB-HI-FI
