Philips 3200 vs 5400 has stirred controversy because they are in quite different pricing ranges yet have very comparable characteristics. However, after evaluating several espresso makers, I have decided that the Philips 3200 is the clear winner.
The winner is The Philips 3200 is a simpler model with no rapid one-touch milk-based recipes. However, its functioning is far more solid, and the quality of the beverages is significantly more constant than the Philips 5400. Therefore, I highly recommend this model if you need an affordable entry-level machine.
Despite featuring easier one-touch recipes, the Philips 5400 lacks descaling and cleaning warnings, which are quite useful during cleaning. In my experience, the grinder is also pretty loud, so if you live in a shared apartment or simply have noise problems, this is a detail you should keep in mind.
Philips 3200 Vs 5400: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Philips 3200 Vs 5400: Differences
Philips 3200 defeats Philips 5400 3-1 due to its reliable functioning and espresso quality. The 5400 has more one-touch beverages, which is indeed convenient. But I don’t think the beverages’ flavor is as impressive as this appliance’s price.
One-touch recipes
Winner: Philips 5400
While Philips 5400 boasts of 14 programmable drinks, Philips 3200 only has 9 and 4 of them are for single or double latte and cappuccino. So, needless to say, in terms of convenience, Philips 5400 offers a much better hand-free experience with milk-based coffees.
Does this mean that Philips 3200 is an incompetent model? Not at all! In fact, Philips 3200 is one of the best affordable models for entry-level machines I have ever tested, alongside Breville Barista Express or Gaggia Classic Pro. With its price tag and the 9 programmable drinks, I think Philips 3200 makes a great starter machine.
Espresso flavor
Winner: Philips 3200
Tests after tests, I conclude that the espresso flavor on Philips 3200 is much fuller and more consistent than what its fellow Philips 5400 can offer. With Philips 3200, I have successfully extracted shots after shots of espresso with all flavor notes from my Vietnamese-origin Robusta beans. The drinks have a dominant mix of sweet and bitter flavors with an extra kick of caffeine. You can’t go wrong with Vietnam’s coffee.
As for Philips 5400, the results have been quite inconsistent, which can boil down to a problem with the pump pressure. Flavor-wise, I can still get rich cups from this model, but the frequency of finding out that the cup of lungo I just pulled is too watered-down and bitter-tasting is too high to ignore.
Would I still recommend Philips 5400? Yes. I believe the faulty pump pressure isn’t a common issue in this product line, just the one I purchased. However, many other users have tried this model and love it. No problem with the inconsistent espresso quality reported. So, I will send the machine back to get it fixed, and hopefully, this will improve my experience with the device in the long run.
Dosing and tamping
Winner: Philips 3200
Judging from the taste of Philips 3200 and 5400’s espresso, I can tell that Philips 3200 doses and stamps better. Why? The crema layers produced by the Philips 3200 are clearly thicker than Philips 5400. It adds a richer and creamier mouthfeel to the whole shot of espresso. I can get crema with 5400 as well, but the texture and thickness aren’t the same. You know a shot of espresso is good when it has a full-bodied texture.
But is thick crema means good coffee? Not necessarily. Sometimes, the “crema” comes out with too much air and becomes foam or bubbles. This is not what we want from an espresso shot because it doesn’t add anything good to the texture. Luckily, both Philips 3200 and 5400 aren’t stuck with this possible defect.
Clean/descale indicator
Winner: Philips 3200
Because the architecture of the Philips 3200 and Philips 5400 are so identical, there is no variation in their cleaning cycles. Because the brew groups are detachable, I can properly clean it once a week to guarantee that the espresso is as genuine as possible.
The distinction is in the alerts that notify people when it is time to clean the items. For example, I can see the descale and cleaning warning on the screen of the Philips 3200, but there is no machine maintenance notice on the display of Philips 5400.
Philips 3200 Vs 5400: Similarities
I’d want to emphasize two similarities between the Philips 3200 and 5400: the one-touch americano and good temperature control. See how these elements help my brewing experience in the video below.
Good temperature control
While Philips 3200 boasts of an adjustable temperature system while Philips 540 doesn’t, I find the overall temp control of these models impressive. The coffees always come out hot (around 190-195°F) but not so hot that it takes forever to reach a suitable drinking temperature. Ever since I got these machines, I have never had to complain about their performance in the temperature department.
One-touch Americano
Americano is a simple drink, but it’s not always easy or convenient to measure the right ratio of water to espresso so that it still tastes like a good cup of coffee, not just some espresso essence watered-down. Both models offer exactly this. They come with a one-touch Americano button that brews and mix just the right amount of everything. As a fan of the recipe, especially during summers, I’m impressed with how this specific drink tastes from both machines.
Quick Rundown Of Philips 3200
- With Philips 3200 Series easily make up to 5 black and milk-based coffee varieties at the touch of a button! Enjoy the delicious taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans at the perfect temperature
- Classic Milk Frother System: Dispenses steam, allowing you to easily prepare silky smooth milk froth for your cappuccino
- 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 and choose from three different settings to suit your preferences. The Aroma Extract system intelligently strikes the optimum balance between brewing temperature and aroma extraction
- Powerful Filter and Easy Maintenance: Thanks to the AquaClean, enjoy clear and purified water - by changing the filter after being prompted by the machine, you will not need to descale your machine for up to 5000 cups
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Philips 5400
Product Video
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References:
- https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/EP3241_54/series-3200-fully-automatic-espresso-machines
- https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/EP5447_94/philips-5400-series-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.