This up-to-the-minute Philips Senseo HD7860/60 is not strictly a Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, but is one of a new generation of extremely user friendly machines that make available fresh coffee at the push of a button from coffee pads. Upon opening the box to peep at your new HD7860/60, you’re likely to be very impressed by its looks. The sales blurb describes it as being designed for people who favor cubes to spheres. And it without doubt has a very contemporary, sleek design.It comes in either white or black, and measures roughly 25 cm in height, 22 cm deep and 17 cm wide.

It’s a bit disturbing when you warm up the machine for use for the first time as its very noisy whilst being flushed. However its much quieter when being used following that.

The most important considerations in reviewing the HD7860 are the ease of use and quality of the coffee it makes.

The model comes with two spouts and so can deliver two cups at one time as well as just one. And, unlike some previous models, the height of the base where the cups sit can be varied, enabling larger cup or mugs to be used if you wish.. The height varies from 97 to 117 mm.It takes something like 30 seconds to make one cup, or 50 seconds for two.

The HD7860/60 has a very large capacity, holding up to 1.2 litres. This can easily make 8 cups. Each cup is 120ml.

The HD7860 has an automatic shut-off element after 30 minutes, which is very useful.

The coffee pads are a good deal better value than the coffee pods that have been traditionally used in such machines. You can buy the suggested Douwe Egberts pads at around 15 pence each. However, there are many cheaper alternatives and it pays to shop about. Any coffee pads ought to be round to put in the Philips Senseo HD7860.We’ve tried both and the quality of the coffee has been marvelous.

This is a magnificent coffee machine. Its unique selling point is its looks. We think that the HD7860 comes into its own when placed in a quite up to date kitchen or one with dark work tops – it will usually fit in better than the more usual machines. And it brews excellent coffee!

Best UK Bean to Cup Coffee Machine at Bean to Cup Coffee Machines and Philips Senseo HD7860