Philips Senseo Coffee maker

PHILIPS SENSEO COFFEE MAKER

Being a student guarantees one thing: late nights. When the time comes to write those impossible essays and reports, you had better have a jug of coffee handy. I used to use the drip coffee maker downstairs, and fill up the jug to the top to do me for the night. Now, the problem there is cold coffee (since the hotplate is downstairs), and stale coffee. It was drinkable, but certainly not enjoyable.
...
...about the wonders of the Philips Senseo.

WHAT IS IT

The Senseo is a beautiful machine, which is quite compact. It does not use messy loose ground coffee, but instead it utilises the ingenious coffee pods. These are fantastic inventions, which are like tea bags of coffee. You simply place them in the machine, and water is pushed through, providing a delicious beverage. The result is smooth, fresh tasting coffee with ... more

PHILIPS SENSEO COFFEE MAKER

Being a student guarantees one thing: late nights. When the time comes to write those impossible essays and reports, you had better have a jug of coffee handy. I used to use the drip coffee maker downstairs, and fill up the jug to the top to do me for the night. Now, the problem there is cold coffee (since the hotplate is downstairs), and stale coffee. It was drinkable, but certainly not enjoyable.

I should firstly give a brief history of my love of coffee. Five years ago Starbucks opened up in my town. I was probably one of its first customers, buying up new bags of coffee each week to sample. Each visit, I would listen closely to the staff there as they discussed each blend. After much coffee drinking, I ended up working there for two years, and my love of coffee grew, as I became a coffee master, gaining my very own Coffee Master mug.

Once I left the company, I went in search of wonderful coffees. From supermarkets to speciality stores, I tried many. Whether made in my espresso machine, cafetiere or drip coffee maker, I would savour each sip as my taste buds travelled the globe of fine coffees. Therefore, I am very well acquainted with coffee’s wonderful ability to keep you alert in times of sluggishness. Now you are aware of my love of good coffee, I can proceed to tell you about the wonders of the Philips Senseo.

WHAT IS IT

The Senseo is a beautiful machine, which is quite compact. It does not use messy loose ground coffee, but instead it utilises the ingenious coffee pods. These are fantastic inventions, which are like tea bags of coffee. You simply place them in the machine, and water is pushed through, providing a delicious beverage. The result is smooth, fresh tasting coffee with a delightful crema (the beautiful creamy head on most espresso coffees, which is quite sweet and lovely).

HOW DOES IT LOOK

The machine is sleek; its appealing design makes it a beautiful addition to the kitchen, or even the home office. Available in black, white and blue, it stands around 13-14 inches tall, and has an arched body, which really has such a modern feel to it. The water reservoir snaps in at the back, and comfortably fits in with the stylish look of the whole machine. A silver drip tray stands ready to catch all your spills, to save you mess on the counter. Coffee trickles out of two holes from the machine, and you can watch your creamy coffee brewing straight into your own cup.

FEATURES

The Senseo can prepare either one or two cups of coffee at one time, in a very short time. It will take around 30 seconds to have a freshly brewed cup of coffee. It is very different from other machines, since it is not an espresso machine, nor drip coffee machine. What you are purchasing is a Coffee Pod machine. The Senseo has around a 5 cup capacity water reservoir (that is how many I can make with one filling), which is very sufficient for me. It has a easy to empty drip tray, and filling the machine is a breeze. The water reservoir is detachable, so you can take it to the sink and back. This is great if using your machine on your desk, where a tap is quite far away.

HOW TO USE

It could not really be any simpler. In order to achieve a perfect cup of Senseo coffee, there are four simple steps:

1. Fill up the water reservoir with fresh, cold water
2. Pick up one of the Douwe Egberts Coffee Pods (currently available in Decaf, Mild, Medium and Dark Roast)
3. Place your Coffee Pod into the holder. There are two holders; the first is for one cup, and the second is for two cups. For two cups, you simply place two pods, one on top of the other.
4. Place your cup under the nozzles, and then press the button on the machine, for either one cup or two.

There you have it – fresh coffee, right in your cup.

USABILITY

The important question is: how usable is this machine? I am sure at one point in your life you have ended up with a large and unpractical coffee machine in your home. You try to use it a few times, get tired, and give up. The machine then retreats to a cupboard in your home, to be forgotten about, and gather dust.

However, I am pleased to say that you will definitely not find this with the Senseo. Firstly, it is super easy to use. This means you can pick up a pod, whack it in, and Bob’s your uncle. Secondly, clean up is a breeze. Simply rinse the pod holder. It takes around five seconds to run it under a warm tap, so there is no thorough cleaning needed. With coffee this good, in such a quick time, it will be used for a long time.

CLEANING

The main advantage of the Senseo is the easy breezy cleaning procedures. Every time I use it, the most I need to do is rinse out the pod holder. Every now and then, I give the drip tray a wash, but since the machine is very accurate, and makes coffee directly into the cup, the only drips that collect are from your own clumsiness! Apart from that, a wipe down every month will see it looking snazzy for a long time. It’s simple, unlike espresso machines which are an endless nightmare to clean, or drip coffee machines which have jugs, filters, etc.

TASTE

Probably the most important factor in coffee is the taste. Now, like I said before, my experience with coffee goes back five years, of intensive coffee drinking every day, trying endless varieties. The Senseo is partnered with Douwe Egberts, so your coffee pods are filled with that brand of coffee. I have to say, it is delicious. Let me explain.

First of all, the aroma of the coffee pods is delightful. Sometimes you can judge the smoothness of a coffee from its smell. You can do that with the Senseo pods. I use the medium and dark roast, and each smell truly wonderful. They are lightly nutty, very homely, and also quite rich.

As far as flavour is concerned, the coffee is delightfully creamy, smooth and well balanced. The medium roast has a very pleasant aftertaste, with the dark roast leaving a more prominent taste in your mouth. Both are very flavourful, with great flavour notes, throughout each sip of the coffee. You can definitely taste many things, from when the coffee is burning hot, to when it cools. Each temperature allows you to taste more, from nuttiness, to oakiness, in my opinion. Lovely!

You must remember, however, that the coffee made by this machine is a little different than you may be used to. In my opinion, you will soon love it!

ADVANTAGES

Why drink coffee this way? Okay, I already said it is quick and easy, but also it is convenient on the desk. Because of the creamy crema, milk is not necessary. It does not taste like a regular black coffee, and you may find you skip milk. This means you simply need the machine, pods and a cup for a quick cup. Like I say, it is invaluable for anyone who spends a lot of time at their computer, and who relies on coffee. Also, if you are running late for work, 30 seconds and you have a quick pick-me-up.

PRICE

This machine is expensive. It retails in most stores for £49.99. However, I did not purchase the machine for this price. I have no idea why, but on one trip to Tesco, they were selling it for £29.99. I bought it, and told a friend, who then went to buy one, and the price was up to £49.99. When she enquired to the manager, he was clueless about why this was, but I was very happy. I doubt you will find such a good bargain, but for the price, if you are serious about coffee, go for it.

PODS

Your pods are made by Douwe Egberts, and can be found in most supermarkets. The price is around £2.18 for 18 pods. A great deal, because the coffee is out of this world, and if you bought it in a store, you may pay £1 simply for one cup.

They come in:

Mild (Smooth and Mild)
Medium (Aromatic and Rounded)
Dark Roast (Deliciously strong)
Decaf (Decaffeinated Medium Roast)

CONCLUSION

This machine is wonderful, and perfectly suited for my lifestyle. It sits on my desk, and provides me with delicious coffee in the morning, afternoon, and for late night studying. Coffee in such a short time, with no mess really is a marvel. And because the pods do not cost too much, you can drink your coffee merrily all day long. I have had no problems with the machine; I love its layout, features and the final product. The taste of the coffee also meets my high standards for a delicious cup. I would say the only things that prevent me from giving it five stars are the following points: £49.99 is a lot of money for a coffee machine. Not everyone wants to invest so much. Also, if you are used to Nescafe, etc, or even Cafetiere coffee, then the product is very different. It is a short cup of coffee, a little more intense than usual, but very creamy. I am sure those who enjoy coffee will soon take to the new experience, and like me, prefer it to other methods.

FURTHER INFORMATION

You can find out more about this at http://www.senseo.com/uk/Senseo/ which is dedicated to the coffee machine. Also, check out the other reviews of this on Ciao - they are great! 

...less