Construction and commissioning are simple, the supplied Quick Instruction Guide (about 12 pages) is useful and adequate for commissioning, but leaves a total of some questions that only the "big" manual (60 pages) will be explained, which is based on the Philips Homepage in the support area is available for download. After the vent and the rinse cycle has been carried out, the first coffee or espresso can be prepared.
The result is of course dependent on the beans, Adjusting the coffee mill and personal taste, my girlfriend and I are of the result and the taste but overall very impressed. Whether espresso, coffee or latte (using the milk frother), we are very satisfied with the result.
Unfortunately, there are also a few points of criticism: Each time the machine is turned on or turned off, find an automatic washing cycle, during which the water comes not only from the spout, but also runs inside the machine in the drip tray, which are thereby emptied frequently needs. After a long period it would be ok, but every time? A "fast" coffee then take empty by no less than a few minutes and the water tank is thereby even faster.
Anyway, cleaning the nuts and bolts and is written by the manufacturer it big. According to the manual, the brewing unit should be cleaned weekly, greased monthly and ideally the machine should be flushed every 30 days with coffee grease remover tablets. Not to mention the decalcification and changing the water filter (if present). If these points are not observed, it may void your warranty. Of course, the cleaning is important, however, is the effort in relation to the two cups of coffee a day? I will keep myself as far as possible the cleaning instructions, for fear of a defect.
Subsequent even a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of this machine:
+ Low power consumption (class A), with 0-3 cups per day 5-6 in (20-25 kW / h)
+ Automatic standby after 30 minutes, the time can be changed contrary to the description (15/30/60/180 minutes)
+ In standby under 1W / h, otherwise toggle switch on the back
+ Volume in the acceptable range, I do not know a whisper fully automatic
+ Space-saving dimensions
+ Super taste
+ Good milk froth
+ Durable ceramic grinder
+ Memo function for favorite coffee
+ Drip tray and grounds container dishwasher safe
- The buttons are very stiff, not a real pressure point
- Discharge height adjustable, for small cups still too high (can inject air bubbles in Crema)
- Sprites are wet, difficult to clean
- Total time-consuming cleaning
On the whole, a high-quality fully automatic, I also like the design in simple black, overall I lack compared to other fully automatic, so I forgive for Minuto HD8762 smooth 4 stars. Room for improvement exists, but as an entry-fully automatic for 2 people absolutely fine. Who can do without milk froth should keep an eye on the small and cheaper brother HD8761, who on the other hand is looking for an all-in-one solution for lattes and cappuccinos, is the Minuto HD8763 probably better served, I suspect the technology inside is at all three Minutos equal.
