Review on ☕ Ultimate Espresso Experience: Philips 2200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother in Sleek Black (EP2220/14) by Mark Patterson

I've been using this machine for a few weeks now and I really like it. I've used commercial super machines and small traditional home espresso machines and grinders in the past, but this was the first super machine I bought for home use. I find it's incredibly versatile for the variety of drinks it can make and I really like the built in coffee grinder, it saves me a lot of counter space. I've seen several reviews on here complaining about the quality of the espresso this machine produces, but I think it looks and tastes great. After adjusting the dosage and amount of water used in the shots, and experimenting with grind size and water hardness, I was able to consistently produce a delicious espresso with strong core, body and crema. However, there are a few things that keep me from giving 5 stars. According to the instructions, you can only adjust the grind level while the machine is grinding, and then you need to brew coffee 2-3 times to get these results. Getting a consistently dense microfoam with a Pannarello style steam wand was challenging at first and took some practice, luckily there are some videos on YouTube to help you master the technique. The included espresso machine lube was a bit of a concern. It says something along the lines of it's bad for sea creatures and shouldn't be flushed down the sink, but you have to wash the parts that get lube every two months, so how do you get around that? Overall I think it's good value for money and I still recommend it.