Philips 1200 vs 2200

When searching for a reliable coffee maker from Philips, you might find yourself debating between the Philips 1200 and 2200 models. If it were up to me, I’d go with the Philips 2200. So, what sets them apart and why do I lean towards the 2200? Let’s explore this in detail.

The 1200 series serves as the foundation for Philips’ lineup of super-automatic coffee machines, paving the way for subsequent models. Over time, Philips has made enhancements, leading to the development of newer versions. The Philips 2200 is a direct evolution following the 1200 series, incorporating improvements that build upon its predecessor.

While the two models share many similarities, I recommend bypassing the 1200 series, as it has become somewhat outdated. Notably, the Philips 2200 (with the classic milk frother version) is available at the same price point as the 1200 series. Given this, opting for the Philips 2200, the updated and refined version, seems like the obvious choice for those seeking the best value and performance.

Philips 1200 vs. 2200: Review & Comparison

Please continue reading as I delve further into the review and clarify the differences that set the Philips 1200 and 2200 apart.

Coffee Flavor & Brewing System

Grinder: The Philips 1200 and 2200 both use ceramic flat burr grinders, often praised for their quiet operation. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for these models—they run quite loudly, even louder than some of their conical burr competitors. However, they offer 12 different grind settings, providing versatility. Both machines can grind coffee beans into a fine consistency. For the best results, set the grinder to its finest setting unless you’re dealing with exceptionally dark roasted beans, which require a coarser grind.

Heating System: Both machines use a single boiler heating system, taking about a minute or two to heat up—not exceptionally fast, but not painfully slow either. The maximum drink temperature they can achieve is around 165 degrees Fahrenheit. While this temperature is hot, it’s not piping hot, and the drink tends to cool down relatively quickly.

Design & Convenience

Dimensions & Weight:

Philips 1200: Dimensions (WxDxH) – 10 x 15 x 17 inches; Weight – 7.5 kg
Philips 2200: Dimensions (WxDxH) – 10 x 15 x 17 inches; Weight – 7.5 kg

I appreciate the way the Philips 1200 and 2200 look. Although primarily made of plastic, they exude a sturdy and well-designed appearance. In a market where many superautomatic machines mimic the look of metal with brushed silver finishes, Philips’ straightforward approach of embracing high-quality plastic is refreshing. Both models are compact and fit easily under kitchen cabinets. However, when refilling coffee beans, you need to slide the machine out slightly to access the bean hopper.

Capacity:

Water tank capacity: 1.8 L
Capacity waste container: 12 servings
Coffee bean capacity: 275 g

Both models share identical capacity features. The water tank, drip tray, and coffee waste container are easily accessible from the front, making maintenance and cleaning a breeze.

User Interface: The user interface on both machines is intuitive and straightforward. They include one-touch drink buttons and buttons for adjusting coffee strength and temperature. Indicators provide valuable information about the machine’s status, such as when it’s time to empty the coffee waste container or refill the water tank.

Drink Options & Programmability

Drink Options:

Philips 1200: Espresso, Coffee, Hot water, 2× Espresso, 2× Coffee
Philips 2200: Espresso, Coffee, Hot water, 2× Espresso, 2× Coffee

Both models offer a somewhat limited selection of preset drink options. However, you can make other drinks using the steam wand for frothing milk for cappuccinos or lattes and the hot water spout for diluting coffee or making tea. This requires extra steps and manual effort compared to one-touch presets.

Programmability:

Brewing temperature: 3 levels
Aroma Strength Settings: 3 levels
Drink Volume: 3 levels

Previously, the Philips 1200 lacked the option to select aroma strength. However, in the latest update as of 2023, it now offers the same capability as the 2200, allowing you to adjust brewing temperature, aroma strength, and drink volume.

Milk System

The Philips 1200-series has one version with a classic steam wand, whereas the 2200-series offers both a classic wand and a LatteGo variation. For fairness, I’ll focus on the comparison with the classic steam wand.

The steam wand is Panarello-type, meaning you have to hold your cup for it to froth your milk. Air is automatically injected into the milk through the hole on the Panarello cover. The Panarello wand delivers impressive milk quality, creating creamy and thick foam well-suited for cappuccinos. However, it falls short in producing microfoam necessary for intricate latte art.

While the distinctions between the Philips 1200 and 2200 models may seem minor, the Philips 2200 stands out with its updated features and slight enhancements, making it the better choice for a refined coffee experience.

Quick Rundown of Philips 2200

Philips 2200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Classic Milk Frother, 2 Coffee Varieties, Intuitive Touch Display, 100% Ceramic Grinder, AquaClean Filter, Aroma Seal, Black (EP2220/14)

The Philips 2200 Series is a fully automatic espresso machine designed to deliver high-quality coffee beverages with ease. It combines advanced features with a user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for coffee enthusiasts.

Key Features:

2 Delicious Coffees: Choose between Espresso or Coffee. Cappuccino lovers can top their coffee with silky smooth milk froth using the two-part milk system.
Intuitive Display: Brew your favorite coffee quickly and easily using the user-friendly touch display.
Keeps Beans Fresh: The Aroma seal preserves the freshness of your beans for longer-lasting flavor.
Removable Brew Group: Easily maintain the heart of your coffee machine by removing, rinsing, and placing it back.
Descaling Alert: Get notified when it’s time to descale your machine, eliminating guesswork.

Pros:

Offers 12 grind settings, allowing fine-tuning of coffee ground coarseness.
Compact and sleek design, suitable for kitchens with limited counter space.
Intuitive user interface.
Classic steam wand for milk-based drinks.
Philips 2200 offers the LatteGo milk system variation.

Cons:

Limited selection of preset drink options.

The Philips 2200 Series stands out with its combination of advanced features and ease of use. Its 12 grind settings, compact design, and intuitive touch display make it a versatile and user-friendly choice for enjoying delicious coffee drinks at home.

Quick Rundown of Philips 1200

Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Classic Milk Frother, 2 Coffee Varieties, Intuitive Touch Display, 100% Ceramic Grinder, AquaClean Filter, Aroma Seal, Black (EP1220/04)

The Philips 1200 Series is a fully automatic espresso machine designed to deliver the delicious taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans at the perfect temperature. It combines user-friendly features with a compact design, making it an excellent choice for those with limited kitchen space.

Key Features:

Classic Milk Frother System: Dispenses steam, allowing you to easily prepare silky smooth milk froth for your cappuccinos.
Intuitive Touch Display: Select the perfect coffee for your mood with just one touch.
My Coffee Choice Menu: Adjust the strength and quantity of your beverage with three different settings to suit your preferences. The Aroma Extract system intelligently balances brewing temperature and aroma extraction by keeping the water temperature between 90 and 98°C.
Powerful Filter and Easy Maintenance: Thanks to the AquaClean filter, enjoy clear and purified water. By changing the filter after being prompted by the machine, you won’t need to descale your machine for up to 5000 cups.

Pros:

Fits well in limited kitchen spaces.
Easy to clean and maintain.
Budget-friendly compared to some other super-automatic espresso machines.

Cons:

Limited preset drinks.
Does not offer variation with the LatteGo milk system.

The Philips 1200 Series is a budget-friendly and compact option for enjoying fresh coffee at home. Its user-friendly interface, classic milk frother, and easy maintenance make it an ideal choice for those seeking convenience without compromising on quality.

Conclusion:

When comparing the Philips 1200 and 2200 models, it’s clear that both machines offer solid performance and share many similarities. However, the Philips 2200 stands out as the superior choice for a few key reasons.

The Philips 2200 builds on the foundation laid by the 1200 series and introduces enhancements that improve the overall coffee-making experience. It offers 12 grind settings, allowing for precise customization of coffee grounds, and features an intuitive touch display that makes brewing your favorite coffee quick and easy. The inclusion of the LatteGo milk system variation in the 2200 series adds versatility for crafting milk-based drinks with ease.

Both models share the same compact dimensions, making them suitable for kitchens with limited counter space. They also boast the same capacity for water, coffee beans, and waste containers, ensuring convenience and ease of maintenance. The user interface is straightforward on both machines, with one-touch drink buttons and indicators for maintenance tasks.

While the distinctions between the Philips 1200 and 2200 may seem minor, the 2200’s updated features, improved user interface, and enhanced milk frothing capabilities make it the better option for those seeking a more refined and versatile coffee maker. Whether you prioritize convenience, customization, or advanced features, the Philips 2200 is the clear winner in this comparison.