Coffee-shop Coffee in the Home (Philips Senseo)

Member Name: cathodbach

Product:	Philips Senseo
Date:	03/11/05 (304 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Perfect cup of coffee Every Time

Disadvantages: Portions a bit small

First discovered this machine at the Ideal Home a couple of years ago. After the usual free sample cup, went back for another and then another, and was hooked; had to take the machine home. It comes in 3 colours and recently they've introduced a stainless steel version. What I like about this machine is the speed the water heats up; you can have a cup of perfect coffee in far less time than it takes for the kettle to boil. The Douwe Egberts coffee pods make a fantastic cup of coffee and it's great to have a "crema" layer on top, without using any milk! As far as I know, it is the only machine of its type that can make 2 cups of coffee at the same time.

If there are any disadvantages at all, I can think of only one, and that is, the portions are a bit small. OK, the coffee is strong and as such you are not supposed to need a huge quantity, but I think you need a bit more than you get! The coffee pods, too, are a bit on the expensive side when compared to the price of instant coffee, but on the other hand, if you like "real" coffee from the coffee shop, then they're very much cheaper and you get exactly the same type of coffee. I have tried using a mug and using the bags twice, but it takes so much taste from the coffee that it spoils the taste. I'm afraid it's false economy; even with the "dark" blend. One bag per cup, I'm afraid!

The machine is easy to clean and mine has been one hundred per cent reliable; it's used on a daily basis, three or four times a day at least, and I'm going to buy another one as a spare because if it ever broke down I'd be devastated.

In my opinion the "dark" pods are the best as they have the most flavour. Not being a "decaf" person, I'm not keen on that variety, but it's just personal.

Altogether a brilliant machine - buy one today!

Summary: Simply The Best!

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