Choosing between Philips 3200 LatteGo vs 2200 is not easy as both of them are equally excellent, well worth our money, and share many similarities. If I had to choose only one, my vote would undoubtedly go to the Philips 3300 as the ultimate winner.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is truly impressive with its wide array of 5 coffee specialties, including delightful milk-based drinks. The LatteGo system is a treasure for cappuccino enthusiasts, delivering creamy and velvety milk foam. However, you’ll have to invest a bit more compared to the Philips 2200.
The Philips 2200 may not be the ideal choice for users seeking numerous one-touch buttons and a wide variety of milk-based drinks, as it only offers coffee and espresso options. However, when it comes to flavor, I can assure you that it stands toe-to-toe with its counterpart. If you prioritize the flavor of coffee and espresso, the Philips 2200 is a more budget-friendly option.
Philips 3200 LatteGo vs 2200: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Philips 3200 LatteGo vs 2200: Differences
The Philips 3200 LatteGo emerged winner in the showdown against the 2200 with a final score of 2-1. The Philips 3200 LatteGo provides more specialty coffee options and boasts an advanced milk system. On the other side, the Philips 2200 puts up a strong fight, offering an affordable option without compromising on coffee quality.
Milk System
The Winner: Philips 3200 LatteGo
The primary distinguishing feature between the Philips 3200 LatteGo and the Philips 2200 lies in their milk systems.
I know many coffee enthusiasts can’t help but be drawn to the Philips 3200 LatteGo machine, mainly because of its standout feature – the revolutionary LatteGo milk system. Unlike traditional milk systems equipped with Pannarello or steam wand, the LatteGo relies solely on the milk carafe to create the perfect froth. I have many things to say about this system.
Firstly, its automatic milk system proves to be a boon for beginners and those unfamiliar with the intricacies of a manual steam wand. Additionally, it caters to individuals seeking convenience during busy mornings, allowing them to enjoy a swift cup of milk-based delight. However, aficionados who relish the art of steaming milk to perfection may find themselves a tad disappointed, as the automated process relinquishes the hands-on control experienced with a traditional cafe-style machine.
Furthermore, the LatteGo system’s design eliminates the need for tubes, ensuring the milk doesn’t linger and spoil. Instead, the machine boasts a round frother chamber, where milk and air blend quickly. The best part is that any leftover milk can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator, making it incredibly practical for daily use. With this innovative approach, I can enjoy the freshest and most delightful milk-based beverages without any concerns about wastage or spoilage.
Regarding the milk quality, I have observed that the LatteGo system performs quite well, although it doesn’t reach the level of excellence that some may desire. It excels at producing wonderfully creamy and thick foam consistently, regardless of the amount of milk used, making it perfect for crafting cappuccinos. However, it falls short in creating microfoam, which means it may not be ideal for intricate latte art designs.
Meanwhile, the Philips 2200 features a classic milk frother – a Pannarello steam wand that you may commonly see in many other machines. Some may feel hesitant at the thought of using manual steam wands, especially if they are new to the world of espresso machines and frothing techniques. But with this setup, all you need to do is put the wand into the milk, press the steam icon, then the start button, and it will automatically froth by infusing air.
However, if you enjoy the art of using a manual steam wand to unleash your skills and customize the milk texture precisely to your liking, you might find the Pannarello steam wand of the Philips 2200 a bit disappointing. Employing tricks to achieve better milk foam might prove to be futile.
Similarly to its counterpart, the LatteGo system, I have observed a limitation in the Philips 2200’s milk frother. Regrettably, it falls short of achieving the smooth and silky latte foam characteristic of a latte. Instead, the milk frother on the Philips 2200 is designed to create a bubbly and highly frothy texture, which is better suited for crafting a cappuccino.
But to compare the milk foam produced by the Philips 3200 LatteGo vs 2200, 2200 tends to have slightly larger air bubbles in its foam. On the other hand, the LatteGo system truly stands out with its smooth and velvety texture of milk foam.
One-Touch Beverages
The Winner: Philips 3200 LatteGo
| Philips 3200 LatteGo | Philips 2200 |
|---|---|
| Espresso Cappuccino Coffee Latte Macchiato Americano Hot water | Espresso Coffee Hot water |
The Philips 3200 LatteGo boasts 5 pre-programmed specialty beverages, encompassing Espresso, Coffee, Americano, Cappuccino, and Latte Macchiato. Meanwhile, the Philips 2200 offers a simpler selection, limited to just 2 drinks: Espresso and Coffee.
For me, having some more specialty coffee options isn’t a decisive selling point. After all, not everyone may have a strong demand for all 5 drinks available on the Philips 3200 LatteGo. For some, the simplicity and convenience of the Philips 2200’s 2 options might be perfectly suited to their coffee needs. Meanwhile, others may find the LatteGo’s versatility and variety more appealing, catering to a wider range of coffee desires.
It’s a true delight when these machines grant us the freedom to adjust some drink parameters, catering to our individual tastes. First, both machines allow us to fine-tune the temperature with three preset levels: Low, Medium, and High.
Next, both the Philips 3200 LatteGo and Philips 2200 machines do offer the option to customize the 3 levels of drink volume. However, I notice that the maximum volume is limited to 8 ounces. This might not fully meet the preferences of many coffee enthusiasts, especially in the United States, where a 12-ounce cup is a more standard choice.
It’s possible that Philips, being a Dutch brand, initially designed these machines with European users in mind. As a result, the 8-ounce limit may align with European drink traditions.
Price
The Winner: Philips 2200
The $200 price difference between the Philips 3200 LatteGo and the Philips 2200 comes with some significant trade-offs to consider. For the extra cost, you gain access to the LatteGo system, which produces dense and creamy milk perfect for cappuccinos. Additionally, the Philips 3200 offers three additional preset drink options compared to the 2200, providing added convenience for brewing Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, and Americano.
However, if the extra preset drinks are not a priority for you, and the quality of espresso and coffee takes precedence, then the Philips 2200 may be the more practical and affordable choice. Both machines have comparable flavor profiles in their coffee and espresso output, so the decision comes down to your specific drink preferences and how often you enjoy the additional preset beverages.
If you rarely or never indulge in Americano, Cappuccino, or Latte, the extra cost of the Philips 3200 might not make sense for you. The Philips 2200 offers the same quality in espresso and coffee, making it a more economical option for those who focus primarily on these beverages.
Philips 3200 LatteGo vs 2200: Similarities
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Grinder
I’m delighted to find that both the Philips 3200 LatteGo and the Philips 2200 come equipped with adjustable ceramic flat burr grinders. These grinders have a range of advantages, including maintaining consistent grind sizes and preventing overheating of the coffee beans during grinding. It is claimed to produce a flavorful and well-balanced taste in every cup of coffee.
In most cases, ceramic flat burr grinders are known for their quiet operation compared to the conical burr stainless-steel ones. However, I must confess that I cannot fully attest to this reputation when it comes to the Philips 3200 LatteGo and the Philips 2200. These grinders can be quite raucous and loud. The noise they produce during the coffee bean grinding is like an abrupt jolt that awakens everyone.
When it comes to the grind settings, they offer an impressive selection of 12 different settings. Whether you prefer a coarse grind for French press or a fine grind for espresso, a milder or stronger espresso, these machines have you covered.
Moreover, these machines go the extra mile by accommodating pre-ground coffee as well. The bypass doser is conveniently located on top of the machine specifically designed for pre-ground coffee. This thoughtful feature makes it effortless to switch between freshly ground coffee and your preferred pre-ground beans whenever you crave a quick cup of coffee without the need for grinding.
Heating System
Both the Philips 3200 LatteGo and the Philips 2200 are equipped with a single boiler, which means that we cannot brew coffee and froth milk simultaneously. Normally, frothing milk requires a higher temperature than brewing coffee or espresso. As a result, we need to wait a short while for the heating system to reach the optimal temperature for milk frothing after completing the brewing process.
However, I must say that the heating-up process is quite efficient, only taking approximately 45 seconds to reach the required temperature for brewing. The waiting time to steam milk following the completion of the brewing process is also impressively quick, lasting just around 10-14 seconds.
Espresso Flavor
Regarding the espresso flavor, I must note that my reviews are subjective, as taste preferences vary among individuals. In my experience, the espresso flavors from both machines showed little difference and were of good quality but not exceptional.
Furthermore, the crema produced by these machines did not achieve the thickness I anticipated, and it did not leave a remarkably impressive crema layer.
The machine tended to disperse espresso quite rapidly. For those who are espresso enthusiasts, they may feel the extraction process is relatively fast, around 20 seconds. This speedy extraction might contribute to a somewhat incomplete flavor extraction. Personally, I found the shots to be on the weaker and slightly watery side, which doesn’t quite align with my preference for a robust coffee taste. However, overall, the espresso quality remains solid.
Design & Usability
The Philips 3200 LatteGo and the Philips 2200 feature a simple yet classy design with a predominantly black plastic casing and some chrome accents, giving them a luxury look. In fact, at first glance, I even thought their casing was made of metal material due to how well-crafted it appeared.
Although I would appreciate an all-metal exterior for its premium appeal, I understand that it might not be realistic given the price point of these machines. The current design strikes a perfect balance between style and affordability.
These machines truly embody the notion of “big things come in small packages.” Considering that they are all-in-one machines, they have a compact footprint, measuring 14.6 inches in height, 9.7 inches in width, and 17 inches in depth. I can easily tuck them under my upper cupboards, keeping my countertop neat and tidy.
On the right side of the machines is their 61-ounce water tank, which is enough for about 7.5 cups of coffee before needing to refill the water. A small but thoughtful design is that the water tank is accessible from the front, so I don’t need to slide out the machine from under my cupboards for refilling.
The bean hopper on the top of the machine is equally convenient, with a capacity of 8.8 ounces for whole bean coffee. Both machines come equipped with airtight lids for their bean hoppers, preserving their rich aroma and freshness over an extended period.
Their adjustable coffee spout is also a brilliant design feature, offering a convenient clearance range from 3.3 to 5.7 inches. At its lowest height, I can confidently brew a cup of espresso without any worries about splashing. On the other hand, at its highest position, I have enough space to prepare a generous latte. But it might not accommodate larger travel mugs that often measure about 7 inches in height.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both the Philips 3200 LatteGo and the Philips 2200 are designed with user-friendly cleaning features. The water tanks and drip trays are easily removable, allowing for effortless access and cleaning. Even the brewing units can be taken out and cleaned with ease, making the maintenance process a breeze.
Furthermore, thanks to the ingenious AquaClean filter, descaling becomes a non-issue for your Philips espresso machine. With the filter in place, the company assures you won’t have to worry about descaling for approximately 5,000 cups! That means you can indulge in your favorite coffee concoctions daily, with descaling only becoming necessary every five years or so.
However, there’s a small catch – you’ll need to replace the AquaClean filter approximately every 2-3 months. The filter light will be your helpful guide, changing from blue to flashing orange, indicating the perfect time for a replacement.
Utilities
User Interface
The clear touch panel on both the Philips 3200 LatteGo and 2200 makes using the machines incredibly easy. All we need to do is touch the appropriate icon for our preferred coffee type, and it’s ready to brew. The customization options are also displayed with clear icons on the screen. The Philips 3200 LatteGo has more touch buttons simply because it offers more preset drinks.
Cup Warmer
I really appreciate the cup warmer on the top of these machines. It’s a feature that many others in this category often lack. However, I must admit that the cup warmer’s material being plastic is not the most ideal. Plastic doesn’t transfer heat efficiently, resulting in a longer time to heat up my cups. Despite this downside, having a cup warmer is still a nice addition that helps keep my beverages at an enjoyable temperature for a longer period.
Quick Rundown Of Philips 3200 LatteGo
- 5 AROMATIC COFFEES: Enjoy your favorite coffees for special moments. Whether you crave an espresso, coffee, americano, cappuccino or a latte macchiato, your fully automatic espresso machine delivers a perfect in-cup result with no hassle and in no time.
- INTUITIVE TOUCH DISPLAY: The irresistible taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans is just one touch away. Our intuitive touch display allows you to easily select your favorite coffee.
- PERFECT TEMPERATURE AND AROMA: The Aroma Extract system intelligently strikes the optimum balance between brewing temperature and aroma extraction.
- 2 PARTS, NO TUBES MILK SYSTEM: Our 2 parts milk system has no tubes or hidden parts and can be cleaned in as little as 15 seconds under tap or in the dishwasher.
- AQUACLEAN FILTER: By changing the filter after being prompted by the machine, you will not need to descale your machine for up to 5,000 cups, while enjoying clear and purified water.
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Philips 2200
- 2 DELICIOUS COFFEES: Espresso or Coffee, take your pick. Cappuccino lovers, top your coffee with silky smooth milk froth using our two-part milk system.
- INTUITIVE DISPLAY: Brew your favorite coffee quickly and easily using our user-friendly touch display.
- KEEPS BEANS FRESH: Aroma seal preserves the freshness of your beans so they last for longer.
- REMOVABLE BREW GROUP: Easily keep the heart of your coffee machine in great shape. Remove, rinse, place back.
- DESCALING ALERT: Get notified when it's time to descale your machine. No guesswork needed.
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/EP3221_44/series-3200-fully-automatic-espresso-machines
- https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/EP2220_14/series-2200-fully-automatic-espresso-machines
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.