The machine offers a wide range of possibilities for preparing various drinks. It copes with all tasks perfectly and gives additional possibilities. So, this is the only model tested that takes into account the type of coffee used Robusta or Arabica . It also has the possibility to adjust pre-infusion time, which also affects the taste nuances of coffee. Several espresso and energy drinks are available, as well as programming options.
Discreet and serene machine design. Black and silver – all seasoned and sleek. The machine is compact enough to fit in any kitchen.
This coffee machine has a lot of hidden programming possibilities and how to make drinks “hidden” in the menu.
The only thing I didn’t like was the installation process of the milk container. I would like it to be easier and without misfires.
Less than 1kWh power consumption in Stand-by mode.
Automatic coffee machine
POWER: 1900 watts.
PRESSURE: 15 BAR.
DIMENSIONS: 21x36x46 cm. WEIGHT: 13 kg.
WARRANTY: 2 YEARS.
COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURER: Italy.
CONTROL: 5.5×3 LCD display.7 cm d 6,5 cm , touch controls for selecting drinks espresso macchiato, cappuccino, espresso, Cafe Crè Coffee and milk, frothy milk, coffee, Caffè Americano, specialty drinks touch keys ESC, Up/Down, Menu, OK, Aroma for pre-ground coffee , Stand-by 15/30/60/180 min, 50/60/180 min , Stand-by function.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: choice of language, Saeco Adapting System technology – Flavor delicate, balanced, full , statistics, choice of language. In Stand-by mode, power consumption is less than 1 kWh.
CONSTRUCTION: height-adjustable 7 to 11 cm dispenser, removable coffee spout, grounds container 20 servings , removable water tank 1.7 l, cup rack, drip tray, water spout removable , plastic carafe for milk, water filter INTENZA+, removable coffee bean container 270 gr, stainless steel boiler, boiler pressure safety valve, double safety thermostat, safety fuse.
ACCESSORIES: 0.5 l plastic jug with lid, sample for the water hardness test, INTENZA+ water filter, brush for cleaning, food grade lubricant for the coffee brewing unit, coffee-oil remover tablets and descaler sold separately, additional bean hopper sold separately.
Water container and cappuccinator
DRINKS
Espresso
Espresso Machiato
Café Crè me
Coffee with milk
Foamed milk
Cappuccino
American Coffee
Special. Beverages: hot water, strong coffee, light espresso, strong espresso.
Recipes: coffee energy.
Saeco Adapting System – automatic self-regulation system to optimize coffee extraction.
Adjustable settings
Volume of the beverage – can be changed while brewing. 2 sec is enough. press the beverage until a specific symbol appears and then press when the correct amount is dispensed into the cup. The same rule applies to milk drinks for adjusting the quantity of each ingredient.
Strength 4-12g Flavor: very light, light, normal, strong, very strong, extra strong except coffee energizer, strong espresso, light espresso .
Temperature low normal high .
Function Taste – subtle, balanced, full-bodied. Influences the pre-infusion time to change the coffee taste.
2 cups espresso, cafe crè me, americano coffee. Simply double-click the selection button.
ASSESS YOUR BEVERAGE
Common drinks and specialty coffees, such as energizer, are available. The main drinks are shown on the display just touch the corresponding symbol to start preparation.
The more rarely consumed drinks are “hidden” in the menu to make them, you have to enter the appropriate section and select them there.
The espresso is strong and deeply foamy. Interesting that there are several variations of this drink: light, strong.
I had a hard time with cappuccino: the cappuccino maker wouldn’t fit properly. It needs to be “tilted, inserted in the rails, pressed and turned downwards”. In general, we struggled with the installation for about three minutes, but then it worked, and the cup was filled with thick milk foam. There is a regulator on the lid of the milk container, you need to extend it to the end, it is just above the cup – and the milk flows from there into the cup.
Besides the usual settings that can be adjusted in any coffee machine strength, volume, temperature , this model has the Taste function that allows adjusting the coffee steeping time and thus the quantity of coffee oils in the beverage.
It is also possible to programme the machine’s functions depending on the type of coffee beans used see “Programming of coffee beans for a speciality coffee machine” . see chapter Programming .
In general, the owner of the coffee machine can organize coffee contests and together with friends taste each flavor and look for subtle differences in the recipe.
Operating the coffee machine: want coffee, get it right…
PROGRAMMING
Three profiles are already installed depending on the type of coffee used: Saeco blend, for Arabica/Robusta mixture, Robusta, Arabica.
In addition, three more extras can be programmed. User profiles for the selection of beverage settings according to personal preferences. All of the beverages on the menu can be programmed for each user.
CONTROL
All functions are operated by means of a large touch panel and a screen. The panel has touch buttons for different products and menu options. Basic information on service operations, drink preparation and programming is displayed on the screen.
In principle, the management is intuitive and simple, some operations, such as making 1 or 2 cups, change the volume, as much as possible simplified. The only fault is that the panel is very big, there are many buttons, and at first your eyes are lost looking for the right drink. And it’s not always easy to understand the graphic designations of the drinks, we’re talking about strong coffee, coffee cream, etc.d. We just see different cup designations on the panel, and it’s hard to figure out which cup means what.
Ground Coffee Compartment
Bean hopper
COFFER
Has ceramic millstones and 5 grind levels. Removable bean hopper. You can purchase a separate coffee container for a quick change of coffee beans.
The way it works is this: if you decide to buy a second cup, when you change the variety, you just take out the first cup, put the lid on it, put it in the fridge and put the new coffee in the cup and go on brewing.
If you like coffee, you should use a brush…
SERVICE
Automatic rinse cycle each time it is turned on.
Daily cleaning of the grounds container and drip tray.
Daily cleaning of the water tank.
Cleaning the coffee circuit – recommended when changing the coffee.
Weekly cleaning of bean hopper and ground coffee tank.
Limescale removal feature 35 minute program The machine alerts you when it needs to decalcify. The machine alerts you when you want to decalcify.
Coffee block cleaning cycle, carafe cleaning cycle, coffee block lubrication – monthly operations.
The milk jug is dishwasher safe.
Easy change of parameters and settings, easy operation, big drink selection.
No automatic switch-on function, some drinks do not show up clearly.
Does the PHILIPS SAECO GRAN BARISTA HD8966 coffee machine provide any additional features or settings to customize the brewing process for Robusta or Arabica coffee beans?
The PHILIPS SAECO GRAN BARISTA HD8966 coffee machine does not have specific settings to customize the brewing process for Robusta or Arabica coffee beans. However, it does offer adjustable grind settings, temperature control, and strength settings to tailor the coffee to your preference. Additionally, you can experiment with different grind sizes and brewing times to achieve the perfect cup of coffee with either Robusta or Arabica beans.
Can the PHILIPS SAECO GRAN BARISTA HD8966 coffee machine accurately distinguish between Robusta and Arabica coffee beans, and if so, how does it accomplish this?