Although it isn’t a Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, the Philips Senseo HD7860 is the latest incarnation of easy to use, relatively instantaneous real coffee makers, using coffee pads.
We have reviewed the model. First impressions are ….well …. impressive. It’s described as a machine for people who prefer straight lines to curves. It does have one or two curves, as it happens, but is a very good looking, yet compact machine (standing around 17 cm wide, 22 cm deep and 25 cm high). It comes in black or white.
It’s a bit worrying when you prepare the machine for use for the first time as its very noisy whilst being flushed. However its much quieter when being used after that.
The most important considerations in reviewing the HD7860 are the ease of use and quality of the coffee it produces.
The model comes with two nozzlesand so can produce two cups at one time as well as just one. And, unlike some previous models, the height of the base where the cups sit can be varied, enabling larger cup or mugs to be used if you prefer.. The height varies from 97 to 117 mm.In less than a minute, it will have 2 cups ready. In just thirty seconds it willmake 1 cup.
The water tank holds 1.2 litres, enough for at least 8 cups, very generous. Each cup is 120ml.
The Philips HD7860/60 shuts itself off after thirty minutes – an invaluable feature I found!
In the past, many of this type of machine have used capsules. The HD7860 uses pads – a much cheaper alternative. You can buy the recommended Douwe Egberts pads at around 15 pence each. However, there are many cheaper alternatives and it pays to shop around. Any coffee pads need to be circular to fit the Philips Senseo HD7860.We’ve tried both and the quality of the coffee has been superb.
The striking appearance of the HD7860 is the most notable feature of this coffee maker – combined, perhaps with the outstanding quality of the coffee it makes!. The HD7860 will look particularly good in a modern kitchen with darker worktop – much better, we think than the traditional, more curvy machines.
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