We tried a £650 coffee machine and here's why it will replace your barista

The allure of a fancy coffee machine at home has always been strong, with adverts showing couples in crisp, white pyjamas enjoying a freshly brewed cappuccino, suggesting it's the secret to a perfect lazy weekend.

So, when I had the chance to test out the PHILIPS Series 5500 LatteGo EP5546, the excitement was palpable, and my husband was over the moon.

Remarkably, as a regular coffee shop patron, I didn't set foot in one for the first four weeks of using the machine.

Retailing at a hefty £649.99, the PHILIPS Series 5500 LatteGo promises to kickstart your day on the right note, offering a selection of 20 different drinks including beloved espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and even iced coffee.

It boasts a milk frothing system and "SilentBrew technology", which is supposed to significantly reduce brewing noise.

So, what are the advantages?

Catering to the true coffee aficionado, the PHILIPS Series 5500 LatteGo takes care of everything from bean to cup.

You just add coffee and water, press a button, and voila a perfect brew, reports the Mirror.

The user-friendly digital display makes navigation a breeze, allowing you to customise your coffee by adjusting the coffee-to-milk ratio and then saving your preferences to a personal profile, ensuring your latte is spot on every single time.

This also saves a significant amount of time in the mornings. Simply add some milk, hit brew and within seconds you have some of the finest coffee you'll ever taste.

As my husband often jests, what pairs best with a good coffee? Another one, naturally!

The ceramic bean grinder is adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the grind for optimal flavour if needed.

We made this adjustment early on and the intensity of the taste is truly noticeable.

As an avid Americano enthusiast, the adjustable grind and programmable water quantity provide me with the most robust and flavourful cup.

My husband, a flat white aficionado, finds that the PHILIPS Series 5500 LatteGo brews the coffee to perfection, adding the lightest froth of milk for an unbeatable coffee experience.

If you happen to run out of beans, there's a compartment for pre-ground coffee. It accommodates a large coffee cup, although not our oversized travel mugs, but this isn't a major issue for us.

The automatic cleaning programme is a fantastic feature, especially considering how troublesome this can be with smaller, cheaper machines. This feature alone justifies paying a bit extra.

Are there any drawbacks?

It is somewhat pricey, so it will be an investment. However, once you start using it, you'll understand why it commands such a price - the interactive display guides you through every step of assembly and troubleshooting before you brew a cup, ensuring everything is correctly positioned.

A grand coffee machine, measuring a substantial 246 x 371 x 433 mm, demands consideration for its permanent kitchen countertop residency it's not the sort of appliance you'd tuck away after each use.

And with its hefty price tag, you'd likely want to flaunt this beauty to every visitor.

While there are smaller options available, none match the coffee shop-calibre concoctions this powerhouse delivers, making it surprisingly compact given its grinding and brewing capabilities.

Despite boasting "Silentbrew" technology, the initial bean grinding can be quite jarring.

However, the milk frothing and coffee pouring immerse you in an authentic cafe ambiance, turning these sounds into a delightful part of the experience.

So, does it justify the £650 cost?

Absolutely. It's a sleek, sophisticated piece of technology that churns out barista-level beverages.

Philips has truly outdone itself with a domestic coffee maker that elevates you to barista status. My husband is so enamoured with it he even serenades it and has affectionately named it 'Pip'.

I'm convinced he'd rescue our PHILIPS Series 5500 LatteGo before anything else if the fire alarm sounded.

This isn't just a purchase; it's an investment in luxury. Now an indispensable part of our routine, it also promises substantial savings on cafe visits.

The Philips 5500 LatteGo Bean to Cup Coffee Machine is on sale at Currys, both in-store and online, for £649.99. There are other options available such as the SAGE the Barista Pro SES878 Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, also priced at £649.99 at Currys.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the BREVILLE One-Touch CoffeeHouse II VCF147 Coffee Machine is available at Currys for just £169.99. However, bear in mind that some of the features of the Philips machine may not be included in this cheaper model.