This latest Philips Senseo HD7860/60 is not strictly a Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, but is one of a new generation of extremely user friendly machines that provide fresh coffee at the push of a button from 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.
So what is the Philips HD7860 like in day to day use?
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.. Mugs or cups up to 115 mm high can readily be accommodated..In less than a minute, it will have 2 cups ready. In just thirty seconds it willmake 1 cup.
The HD7860/60 has a particularly large capacity, holding up to 1.2 litres. This can easily make 8 cups. The output for each serving 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. You’ll need to get round ones.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.
