The device has a power of 1850 watts and operates at a pressure of 15 bar. The HD8841 is equipped with a sufficiently large dimensioned water tank (capacity 1.8 liters) and a well-read display.
The housing of the Philips HD8841 is up to the metal drip tray, the selector switch for espresso or coffee and the keys entirely of plastic. The control keys are ribbed and have a good pressure point. A built-in cup warmer the manufacturer has omitted, which is not surprising when further the size of the device. The water tank is located next to the adjustable coffee spout; the container for the coffee beans to the right. The latter has a capacity of about 250 gr. Coffee beans. About a transparent plastic porthole can be introduced as an alternative ground coffee. To refill the water, the water tank can easily be found by folding handle and reinsert it. Emptying the coffee grounds container and the drip tray takes place at the front, the lower part of the front panel is drawn like a drawer. These previously have the coffee spout pushed all the way up and the Milchaufschäumdüse be turned to the left.
Above the coffee spout is an advisory display, which changes its color like a traffic light, depending on the condition of the machines: Are you all right, the screen displays a green, empty cup. Right next to the currently selected coffee strength is displayed as a green glowing Kaffebohnen symbols. If there is no water machine, the side door is opened or the drip tray is not used, this is indicated in the form of red icons on the display. During the preheating phase or the steam draw the display lights up, however, yellow.
The ceramic grinder can be adjusted 5 times with respect to the desired freeness and works not overly loud. Unlike our previous fully automatic by DeLonghi, the volume of the grinder the HD8841 is considerably more subdued. The terms of a cup Lungo with 130 ml content and a thickness of 3 beans on display lasts exactly one minute and is pleasing softly to himself. During preparation, informs a status bar in the display of the progress of the completion of the hot beverage. Then you will be rewarded with a truly aromatic, fragrant coffee, which has a great crema and is pretty hot even at medium temperature setting.
The Philips HD8841 can be switched simply by operating a selector lever between espresso or coffee. For this purpose will be reduced in preparation of a coffee, the pressure, which manifests itself by an interval-like pumping sound. The taste I can unfortunately not tell the difference.
The production of specialty coffees is via the classic Milchaufschäumdüse and becomes quite straightforward. We prefer to use fresh, cooled milk with 3.8% fat and always get an impeccable milk foam.
For easy and comfortable cleaning of the coffee machine, the brewing unit can be achieved by, is located on the right side of the machine door, are taken. Unlike fully automatic by DeLonghi it involves the complete brewing unit, including the punch which presses the previously ground coffee powder into or through the brewing chamber. So can any ground coffee residues are completely removed and a musty coffee taste is avoided.
A coffee machine - regardless of manufacturer - must be maintained so that it does its job as long as possible and as the Philips HD8841 is no exception. The Milchaufschäumdüse must be rinsed with warm water after each use, otherwise the milk foam loses its consistency, or at worst clogs the nozzle. Brewing and bean container should be cleaned weekly to the manufacturer's instructions, the brewing unit is also to be re-lubricated monthly or after 500 cups of coffee with some fat from the enclosed tube. In addition, the manufacturer recommends the monthly cleaning of the brewing unit with special cleaning tablets.
The Philips HD8841 / 01 coffee machine leaves an overall good impression, because you can make a really aromatic coffee or espresso with him. The quality of the coffee beans used understandably plays a very big role. Personally, I particularly like the variety pure Arabicas from the roaster Coffee Langen from the Sauerland region, especially the varieties Kenya, Brasil Montealegre and Columbia. Operation of the device is really simple and almost self-explanatory. With special features such. B. descaling the machine reaches a quick look in the very good manual. Defines the inclined buyer special attention to the ease of preparation of coffee specialties such as latte macchiato or cappuccino, I recommend buying more of the model HD8847 / 01, which has a fully automated system for the production of milk specialties at your fingertips.
