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THE COFFEE
Douwe Egberts - the reputable coffee producers - have worked in conjunction with Philips to produce the coffee that goes into the pods. The pods take the quesswork out of how much coffee to use, there is the perfect amount in each pod. The pods come in various blends and ... Read review
...have worked in conjunction with Philips to produce the coffee that goes into the pods. The pods take the quesswork out of how much coffee to use, there is the perfect amount in each pod. The pods come in various blends and types , including dark roast, medium roast, decaffeinated, Sumatra blend, Kenya blend, Brazil blend - these are all single pods or classic and dark roast mug or two cup pods and also a cappuccino - which include pods and sachets. ... ...out of preference and the coffee that comes from the machine is dark and aromatic with a lovely crema layer on the top. I drink black,coffee but if I am making it for people who drink it white I usually heat some milk in the microwave to pour into the coffee when it is made.
Personally I wasn't keen on the cappuccino pods and sachet - I much prefer it black.
The resulting black coffee is rather like a slightly weaker espresso. ... more
PHILLIPS SENSEO COFFEE MACHINE
In the last forty years my wife and I have had many different types of coffee machines, but my favourite is the one that I have ownes for the last two years.
This is a coffee machine that looks good, is incredibly easy to use, very easy to clean and most important makes a perfect cup of coffee every time at the touch of a button. . The Senseo coffee machine is made by Phillips with an input from the coffee makers, Douwe Egberts. There are four varieties of the machine - black plastic, white plastic, blue plastic and a brushed anodized aluminium finish.
My machine is the black plastic one.
THE MACHINE
The machine is very simple it consists of the machine itself which hold a water reservoir that fits into the back, a removable drip tray and two pod holders for one cup or two cups.
The machine ( with a 1450-watt boiler) does not take up a lot of space it is 12" tall and the base measures 10" by 8", it is stylish looking and fits well into the kitchen without looking out of place.
When you purchase the Senseo in the box you will find the machine and detachable water tank, instructions and a two year guarantee, the two pod holders and a pack of Senseo coffee pods.
All you need to do to start using the machine is to fill it with water and let it heat up and empty it before starting to make your coffee for the first time.
To use the Senseo you simply fill the 750 ml detatchable water tank under the tap ( the tank holds enough water for five cups of coffee) and slot it onto the back of the machine. You use either the one or two pod holder, depending on how many cups you are making and simply add the coffee pod. Next you just close the lid, and press the large central button to start heating the water - while the water is heating the light flashes ( it takes about 30 seconds to heat up) and then you simply hit the one or two cup button and the dark creamy coffee is dispensed. No mess, no coffee grounds everywhere and no jug of coffee sitting stewing - just a wonderful cup of coffee.The machine ensures that the water is always the correct temperature and that it filters quickly and evenly through the pods guaranteeing a perfect cup of fresh coffee in one minute or less.
When the water is heated the coffee comes down a chute with two holes - the holes are close enough together that you can direct them both into one cup, but far enough apart that you can put a separate cup under each hole. So you use one bag and one cup, or two bags and two cups - it can be difficult to find the correct size of cup so that two fit comfortably on the tray. I believe thought hat there are now specialSenseo glass mugs available although I have not yet found them.
THE COFFEE
Douwe Egberts - the reputable coffee producers - have worked in conjunction with Philips to produce the coffee that goes into the pods. The pods take the quesswork out of how much coffee to use, there is the perfect amount in each pod. The pods come in various blends and types , including dark roast, medium roast, decaffeinated, Sumatra blend, Kenya blend, Brazil blend - these are all single pods or classic and dark roast mug or two cup pods and also a cappuccino - which include pods and sachets.
I use the dark roast pods out of preference and the coffee that comes from the machine is dark and aromatic with a lovely crema layer on the top. I drink black,coffee but if I am making it for people who drink it white I usually heat some milk in the microwave to pour into the coffee when it is made.
Personally I wasn't keen on the cappuccino pods and sachet - I much prefer it black. The resulting black coffee is rather like a slightly weaker espresso.
MAINTENANCE
The Senseo machine is remarkably easy to look after and clean. The only parts of the machine that needs cleaning are the coffee pod holder, the drip tray and cover. All parts of the machine are dish washer safe. I recomend that you give the pod holders a good clean weekly so that the tiny filter holes are not blocked. The rest of the machine only needs wiping over from time to time with a damp cloth .
COST AND AVAILABILTY
The Senseo machine costs £ 48.89 at the moment from Argos, although I paid around £40 for mine two years ago. The pods come in bags of 18 single or 20 mug sized ( or two cup) costing £2.79 and £3.79. But the machine will take any 62mm paper pod, and there are plenty to choose from on the internet. Most supermarkets usually only stock the basic range of Senseo and Kenco pods. I have tried the Kenco pods, but prefer the taste of Senseo. I also bought eco pods off the internet which were £2.99 for two. These are plastic pods that you fill with ground coffee of your choice. I was pleased to find these as they are both economically and environmental good and also I can use my own beand and grind them.
If you want a quick and easy way to get a freshly brewed cup of delicious coffee, without a lot of cleaning up afterwards, you won't be disappointed with the Phillips Senseo.
