PerfectDraft Black Philips Machine Review: Home Draught Beer Without the Hassle

If you're a fan of draught beer, the idea of having a pint at home sounds appealing. The PerfectDraft Philips Machine promises just that. Designed for home use, this system allows you to plug in a keg, cool it, and pour it just like you would at a bar. It's a straightforward concept that has caught the attention of many beer enthusiasts.

When I first got my hands on it, I was curious to see if it could truly replicate the bar experience. After all, having a home draught beer system is not just about convenience; it's about the taste and feel. So, I set it up in my kitchen, eager to try it out.

The initial setup was pretty straightforward. The instructions were clear, and I had the machine up and running in no time. It’s quite heavy as the package weighs about 18.5 kilograms, so be prepared to give it a good spot on your counter.

Over the next few weeks, I gave this machine a thorough test run. From the cooling performance to the taste of the beer, I took notes on everything. Here’s what I found out.

When it comes to a beer dispenser, the taste is probably the most important factor. With the PerfectDraft, taste largely depends on the keg you choose. For this review, I used the San Miguel Especial, which is included in the package. This beer has an alcohol content of 5.4%, which is pretty standard for a lager.

The taste was pretty decent. It was fresh and had the crispness you’d expect from a draught beer. While it’s not the best I’ve ever had, it was good enough for casual drinking or a weekend barbecue. It has a slight bitterness, but nothing overpowering.

One thing to note is that the beer's quality remained consistent over the two weeks I used the keg. This is a big plus, as some home systems can let the beer go flat quickly. Here, the taste didn’t degrade, which speaks to the effectiveness of the machine’s cooling and pressurization.

If you’re serious about your beer, you might want to explore other keg options available for the PerfectDraft. But for everyday drinking, the San Miguel Especial is a safe bet.

When considering the PerfectDraft Philips Machine, value for money is a big question. The upfront cost is not cheap, especially when you factor in the price of kegs. However, if you find yourself spending quite a bit on draught beer at bars, this could be a sound investment.

The machine itself is built to last. It feels sturdy, and the finish is quite durable. I imagine it would hold up well over years of use, provided you follow the basic care instructions like keeping it out of direct sunlight and away from other appliances to avoid overheating.

The real value, though, comes from the experience of having draught beer at home. If you entertain often or just enjoy a pint after work, it’s a luxury that starts to justify the cost over time. The variety of kegs available also means you’re not stuck with just one type of beer, which is a nice bonus.

Overall, while it’s a bit of an investment, the PerfectDraft offers good value if you’re the type who enjoys draught beer regularly. For occasional drinkers, it might be more of a luxury than a necessity.

The design of the PerfectDraft Philips Machine is both modern and functional. It's a counter-top system with a sleek black finish that fits well in most kitchen setups. The dimensions are 47 x 34 x 47 cm, so it does take up a bit of space, but it’s not overwhelming. The black finish gives it a clean look, and it doesn’t scream 'appliance' when you have guests over.

One of the features I appreciated is the real tap handle. It's designed to mimic the feel of a bar tap, and it does add to the overall experience. The LCD display is another nice touch. It shows the temperature and volume, which is useful to ensure your beer is at the perfect serving temperature of 3°C. However, I found the display to be a bit basic—functional but not fancy.

The machine is easy to operate. You simply click in a keg, and the machine takes care of the rest. The kegs hold about 6 litres of beer, which is a solid amount for a small gathering. However, the kegs can be a bit pricey, so keep that in mind when considering the long-term costs.

In terms of design, the PerfectDraft is solid. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it doesn’t really need them. It’s made to dispense beer, and it does that well.

Performance is where the PerfectDraft Philips Machine needed to shine, and for the most part, it did. The system is designed to keep your beer at a stable 3°C, and it achieves this within about 12 hours. This was consistent throughout my use, and even during a small party, the machine held up well.

The beer from the San Miguel Especial keg tasted fresh and crisp, similar to what you would get from a local bar. The freshness is supposed to last up to 30 days, and while I didn’t keep a keg that long, the beer was still good after a couple of weeks.

One downside is that the machine requires a bit of space away from walls and appliances to avoid overheating. It's not a huge issue, but it does limit where you can place it. Also, the cooling system is pretty efficient, but there’s a noticeable hum when it’s working hard, which can be slightly annoying if you’re in a quiet room.

Overall, the performance was solid. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done. If you enjoy hosting and want to offer fresh beer, this machine is a reliable option.