Is this Philips' next-generation Senseo?

Going out for coffee is so pre-recession, right? Either way, what you see above is a purported rendering of Philips' next-generation Senseo coffee system, which actually looks to be taking a step backwards in the design department. Not that we have anything against non-futuristic styling -- just an observation, is all. We know, at least a handful of you are already champing at the bit to yell "FAKE1one!," but really, who spends time creating a mockup of a java machine? And besides, aren't all the good designers working up those derisory iPhone nano images?

[Thanks, GPFransen]

[J. Baker @ Aug 7th 2008 7:30AM]

No new Eee PC story this hour no care

[Muttley @ Aug 7th 2008 7:33AM]

Similar with iCoffee ?

[Peter @ Aug 7th 2008 7:37AM]

It looks a lot like the PuC, Senseo's competitor.

http://www.strategyandinnovation.nl/onderzoeken/nieuws/puc_soldout.html

[Disgruntled elevator salesman @ Aug 7th 2008 7:49AM]

You just had to slip an iPhone reference in? Can't you report on something without sucking it up?

[Adrian Williams @ Aug 7th 2008 7:59AM]

RAmen to that

[NHAnimator @ Aug 7th 2008 9:44AM]

What do noodles have to do with the conversation?

[CosterMonger @ Aug 7th 2008 9:49AM]

@NHAnimator

everyone knows pirates drink coffee :)

[Ben Rose @ Aug 7th 2008 7:57AM]

"who spends time creating a mockup of a java machine?"

Clearly it's a Java Virtual Machine ;O)

[UnixSystemsEngineer @ Aug 7th 2008 11:41AM]

Every time I wonder why I wade thru the mindless trolling that is the Engadget comment system, my faith in humanity is rewarded.. thank you, sir :)

[Lloytron @ Aug 7th 2008 7:58AM]

But will it (Nescafe Gold) blend?

[Mug3n @ Aug 7th 2008 8:01AM]

I think i heard a few voices saying " DANG IT " after reading " And besides, aren't all the good designers working up those derisory iPhone nano images?"

[Dave @ Aug 7th 2008 8:04AM]

Not so bothered by the design of the machine, I'm more interested in the quality of the coffee. If this thing offers a step-up from the luke-warm ditch water the current thing produces then I'll be amazed!

[Anthony @ Aug 7th 2008 9:44AM]

Urban ravine water is the goal.

Truthfully, Senseo & other pod systems are easy, sure, but they're all environmentally questionable. Yes, some biodegrade, but all involve single use packaging & manufacturing costs beyond traditional coffee makers- except Keurig's MyCup alternative, that is.

[simon @ Aug 7th 2008 4:33PM]

Try the Umbria pods from Seattle They fit just fine the coffee is better than Douwe Egberts. Also if you are in N.A. try the Dutch market pods if you can get a hold on them, they are better than what we get here.

[Greg R @ Oct 24th 2008 6:14PM]

Try the new origins Senseo coffees, especially Columbia and Jarkarta. And remember that Senseo pods are good for only 4 oz. Try the 8oz 2 cup mode with 1 pod will make very weak coffee. But these two new coffees are pretty amazing IMO, some of the best coffee I've even had.

[ShadowKain @ Aug 7th 2008 8:07AM]

I just want my damn coffee!!!

[intrglctcrevfnk @ Aug 7th 2008 8:10AM]

Ya know.... they might be ugly as hell now, but at least it will hold more water!!
I got one as a gift 2 years ago and it holds enough water to make two mugs of java. Got this ugly ass adapter that expanded the capacity (a gift too) and it just killed the aesthetic...

[john @ Aug 7th 2008 8:10AM]

I think it looks mucht better than the current design.

[John @ Aug 7th 2008 8:14AM]

Flavia...FTW!

[macserv @ Aug 10th 2008 10:24PM]

Indeed! I had a Senseo once. It was a great unit, but you have to clean it, because the beverage touches the machine as it pours into the cup. The same is true of Keurig systems and pretty much every other single-serving system I've encountered...

...except for the Flavia Fusion. Not only are the Flavia beverages better than Senseo (in my opinion, anyway), but the brewing happens entirely within the Flavia packet. Hot water is pressed into the top, and the drink comes out the bottom, right into the cup. You never need to clean the machine (maybe wipe it off if something spashes), and your Kona Blend doesn't taste like the Green Tea your girlfriend brewed earlier. :-/

The other great thing about Flavia over other systems is the drink variety... the coffees are great, but Lemon Calm is one of the best drinks I've ever had... I brew it right into a tall glass (you can do that with Flavia) filled with ice. It's delicious.

There are a couple of down-sides with the Flavia system compared to its competitors. While the Fusion machine is relatively cheap (USD$75.00 - 100.00) the packets are a little more expensive than Senseo pods. They're also not widely available in stores, so it's best to get them online to find a good selection and price (http://www.coffeeasap.com is who I use). Other than those small inconveniences, it's an absolutely joy to own and use the machine.

Wow... that ran on. Sorry to be so verbose, but I seriously love my Flavia machine. It is much fun.

[Jay @ Aug 7th 2008 8:16AM]

... that looks like most coffee machines... My friend has a current one and I think it's neat. For some odd reason, I can't make good coffee (bad at measuring?) so those 1 cup ones would be ideal. I just need to figure out which savings I need to sneak the money out haha.

And personally, I always read the comments with anything with Mac reference thrown in. Not because I'm a "fanboy" (have appreciation but my appreciation is equal among all cool/neat gadgets) but it's just funny to read all the bitchin by the people. Ya know, the same reason why I read comments on youtube by tweens and primadonnas.

[Synthaxx @ Aug 7th 2008 8:19AM]

As someone with a couple of ears in the industry, i can tell you for SURE that these renders did not come from Philips, and due to their low quality would not even be accepted.

So no, this is not the next gen Senseo.

[StephenD @ Aug 7th 2008 8:20AM]

Why do you think it looks old fashioned? I think it looks quite contemporary. Old fashioned would be stainless steel tunes and twiddly knobs etc.

[dmace @ Aug 7th 2008 8:23AM]

Looks like PUC and Senseo merged.

[Jobjohn @ Aug 7th 2008 8:40AM]

I think this would fit in my kitchen better! the wife is Dutch so have to have a Senseo machine...

[ard buijsen @ Aug 7th 2008 8:27AM]

yes those cheap Dutch hey. I would buy my wife a proper espresso machine in stead of this fugly machine which only mak a 'bakkie pleur' (Dutch for very bad coffee).

[Mickel @ Aug 7th 2008 8:48AM]

The coffee from Senseo is EXCELENT! Too bad that here in the US it never really took off. I own one, but stopped using it after stores stoped stocking the coffee. It's not like in the Netherlands, you'll find this thing in every break room and kitchen.

[huh @ Aug 7th 2008 9:52AM]

Oh I get it. Senseo exists to be the very opposite of fair trade coffee from the nifty local shop.

[Billy @ Aug 7th 2008 10:36AM]

Have any of you ever TRIED the coffee from a Senseo? Ick. I'm no coffee snob, but Senseo coffee tastes like pure asshole. Maybe that's up your alley, but god damn, I think it's the nastiest shti I ever had. This company should die.

[Joe @ Aug 7th 2008 10:51AM]

Coffee pods!! Yech!!

[UnixSystemsEngineer @ Aug 7th 2008 11:31AM]

Overpriced pod-based coffee machines are pre-recession.

I love my Breville Ikon.. makes great espresso, looks beautiful, and it was CHEAP -- sub $200. And I don't have to spend the equivalent of a one-a-day Starbucks habit to keep the pods coming.

[FuzzyCat @ Aug 7th 2008 12:08PM]

Douwe Egberts Senseo dark roast 36 pods for 3.20 EUR - 8.89 Euro Cents each, that's not even close to Starbucks pricing.

Not only that but you can also get the Coffee Duck ( http://www.google.com/search?q=coffee+duck ) which lets you use real ground coffee if you want.

[room34 @ Aug 7th 2008 11:55AM]

I'd be more interested in whether it makes even passably drinkable coffee (unlike the current model) than what it looks like.

[meks @ Aug 7th 2008 12:08PM]

Senseo frickin rocks. I was a barista for 5 years in Seattle (non-corporate) and know of what I speak. It'll kick any other drip coffee machine's ass. If you think it tastes bad, you are probably using nasty water, or not keeping your pods fresh.

I like the current design, but I can see how they might go this direction... the water tank is pitifully small right now and requires a refill after 2 cups have been shot.

[vasilis @ Aug 7th 2008 5:29PM]

I am no barista but I'll take my Vivi and Mazzer Mini with freshly roasted coffee.

Of course I have tasted coffee from the Senseo and it is extremely easy to use and clean and it beats stuff like instant and drip coffee hands down but that is about it.

That looks uber ugly btw...

[Michael P @ Aug 7th 2008 5:34PM]

it also looks like it'll fit larger cups/mugs, which is great because you could never fit your travel mug underneath the damn "spout".

and as for availability of the pods, just check amazon.

[xr @ Aug 12th 2008 12:33AM]

As with all coffee makers... the taste depends on the coffee you choose :).

That aside... this looks like a pretty senseless design. The top lever should probably go up to open the thing, but the only hinging point seems to be at the back of the machine. In addition, the button pad seems to extend beyond the width of the lever, and there appears to be no room to lift it. From a production standpoint, you'd probably like to get those buttons on 1 circuit card; and you would want it moving with the lever, because the connection needs to be very flexible then.
(If it's anything like the current machines, the lever is used to lock the head of the machine into place once it's positioned. So it should be able to move separately from the head.)

Mock-up all the way.

[Julian @ Aug 12th 2008 6:20AM]

I don't know if you guys already got the news that Philips/Douwe Egberts are launching a new Senseo model in Europe in September (as far as I'm concerned in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK).
It's called the Senseo Latte Select (HD 7850).
"Philips’ new Senseo Latte Select coffee maker will be the first to incorporate a milk compartment adding plenty of fresh froth to your cappuccino."

But see for yourselves:

http://presse.philips.de/apps/n_dir/e1231501.nsf/alle/D10A6FEE42839EDCC12574890042F835?opendocument

The machine looks cool to me and I'm really looking forward to it!

Greetings from Germany!

Julian