Philips Café Gourmet HD 5413 tested: filter coffee machine with direct brewing principle

Philips has been making filter coffee machines with the name "Café Gourmet" since 1988. For the test, I grabbed the current model HD5413/00 and put on a pot or two.

Design and functions

When you unpack the Café Gourmet, it looks really smart for a filter coffee machine. The water tank is located directly above the filter module and is made of glass. In terms of size, it matches the glass jug at the bottom very well. Both modules are rather flat, but have a large footprint so that they can hold a lot of water. The maximum capacity is one litre. Depending on the cup size used, this corresponds to eight to twelve coffee cups. The water tank also has a clearly printed scale for the amount of water. This is divided into small (approx. 83 millilitres) and large (125 millilitres) cups. The entire machine is around 51 centimetres high and has a footprint of 19.5 by 22.5 centimetres.

Unfortunately, at least my test device had a foul odour of plastic when I unpacked it. The coffee pot and filter module are dishwasher-safe. However, I could only wipe out the permanently installed water tank at the top by hand. I then had the machine brewed four times with tap water to get rid of the odour. Unfortunately, I have hard water. So before I had even brewed a coffee with the Philips machine for the first time, my water tank was already completely calcified. If you also have hard water, you'll have to be prepared for the sight of a white-coated water tank or you'll have to descale it every 2-3 days. Alternatively, you can use filtered water to prevent this. You also need to be careful when descaling as, for whatever reason, the base of the water tank is coated. Under no circumstances should you use citric acid here, otherwise the coating may come off.

Brewing process and results

As usual, the module swivels to the side to insert the filter and fill with coffee powder. This is very easy and clicks into place when folded back. You will need size 4 filter paper. The machine uses the direct brewing principle. The water in the tank is brought to the boil and then flows over the coffee powder at a temperature of around 93 degrees. This is intended to help the flavour develop. The machine also has an "flavour twister". Similar to a wine decanter, the coffee circulates as it is poured into the jug, which is intended to develop the flavour evenly. The heating element, which keeps the coffee hot for 30 minutes, is located under the jug. You should never touch this, as it gets really hot. Half an hour after the brewing process, the machine switches off automatically.

Thanks to the direct brewing principle, I need slightly less coffee powder for the usual strength than with conventional filter coffee machines. The brewing process is complete after around 15:30 minutes. If you don't want to wait that long for your first cup of coffee, you can remove the jug in between and pour yourself a cup. As the machine has a drip stop, nothing will actually spill.

Conclusion: Delicious coffee, annoying cleaning

The machine definitely brews delicious filter coffee. I particularly like the low noise level, as the water is not pumped up from a tank, but simply runs through from top to bottom. It's just a shame that the water tank can't be removed for easier cleaning.

Filter coffee makers

Philips HD 5413/00 Cafe Gourmet

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Filter coffee makers

Philips HD 5413/00 Cafe Gourmet

6