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My Saeco Aroma has already paid for itself. Well, I can make lattes now- and they're better than $tarbuck$. It takes me about 15 mins to make the espresso, froth two servings of milk and clean the machine. If you have $300 to spend on a very good entry level espresso machine (or if your GF is threatening to leave you), you could do a lot worse than this one. Saeco doesn't give you anything to really brew the espresso in. I think this is a very good entry level machine. There were some accessories missing that you'll need/ will make your life easier:1. GF loves it, too.
Well, I bought the machine in late February and have used it nearly every day since.I used to love Dunkin Donuts coffee. I researched espresso machines for a long time before finally settling on the Aroma SS Redesign (round push buttons instead of toggle switches). Brewing pitcher. I bought a combo kit with a SS pitcher from C&B for $15ish.2. It really makes things easier.Rattleware 53-Milimeter Aluminum Tamper3.
But cleaning it still stinks. I bought two 5 oz brewing pitchers, again from Rattleware on Amazon. It is very easy to use. If you get a tamper, cleaning the machine is much easier (the coffee doesn't get up in it). But, I could never replicate it at home.
My GF likes Illy some and d'Aquino more (available online and from Trader Giotto's). Rattleware 5-Ounce Brew Pitcher4. They make things easier as well. The SS version is well made. A 53mm tamper. I don't think you need an espresso grinder.By the way, you can get the SS version of the Aroma for $279 at Co$tco.
Probably like you, I have a long history of buying expensive gadgets, only to quickly grow bored with them. I like Lavazza- it has a little bite. Coffee. That was the best deal I could find.I love my Saeco Aroma.
I joke with her that the only reason she stays with me is for the lattes. I bought an aluminum one from Rattleware on Amazon for $20. It wasn't hard to learn, either. and I'm not a morning person.
A frothing pitcher and thermometer. The 53 mm one fits perfectly in the portafilter. I now look forward to waking up in the morning so that I can enjoy a latte. Consider yourself warned: you won't be able to drink the swill at $tarbuck$ and you may develop a latte "problem."Disclaimer: this is my first review and I have no ties to Saeco or anyone else in the industry.
I had the same problem as other reviewers. Man, finding the right espresso machine, at the right price is not at easy as one would hope. When the finally, and resistently admitted that it sounded like a defective pump they took the machine, *repaired* it, and sent it back.
We had kept up regular maintenance and descaled perhaps twice in those first few months. And most impressively, when we tried contacting Kim Airey at Saeco, she first told me there were any number of repair shops I could take it to, and then stopped responding to me entirely(). This machine worked great for a few months and then the pump stopped functioning.
The machine never worked properly again. The machine was still under warranty, but getting Saeco to take it was like pulling teeth. The initial round of calls and emails consisted of Saeco finding the many ways in which we had probably done something wrong (we were asked for instance if we had washed the filter basket.).
Seems like there is a consistent customer service issue at Saeco (you can find similar issues in the reviews of many of their products see the Sirena for instance), and unfortunately their machines, while great when working, tend to need work to continue working. But then again, there are worse tragedies in life.
Gaggia is also a good choice for an entry-mid level machine. The ESE pods are also a good alternative if you are looking to serve a large party of guests b/c it makes cleaning up easier.
My wife and I did substantial research online and narrowed it down to the Saeco Aroma. The attractive things: stainless steel housing that is very sturdy and a delightful decor for a kitchen appliance, simple high quality mechanics that provide a consistent, fast heating, and easy to use machine.
This is an excellent espresso machine. We prefer to use pre-ground fine espresso that comes in an airtight canister, such as Illy.
The portafilter works like it is supposed to. It creates perfect crema each time and the right temp.
The starbucks espresso pods are good for starting out or serving guests that may be new to espresso drinking b/c of the milder flavor compared to the stronger italian produced roasts. But the Saeco's pressurized portafilter, solid stainless steel housing and reliable mechanics like a stainless steel boiler offers an excellent value.
I am very pleased with this one from Amazon / Rattleware. If you are interested in pulling real shots, though, I suggest you buy the extra UNPRESSURIZED portafilter.
The build quality is excellent on the unit. I did a ton of reading before buying and I am very happy with my decision to buy the Saeco.
I've been running this machine for about 2 years now. If you crank too hard, it will loosen or break.The pressurized filter does a pretty good job (this is included with your machine), and you just add coffee and go -- no tamping.
The most comparable machine is the Rancilio Silvia, which is considerably more expensive. The only WEAK link might be the portafilter handle which is plastic.
This one will require that you do some tamping.For tamps, you will need a 53mm item. Its a perfect fit:Rattleware 53-Milimeter Round-Handled Tamper, SmallAll told, this is a great machine that pulls beautiful shots.
I left it on for a week without brewing and the boiler probably went dry). This unit is the worst I have seen in this respect. I have been using this for a few days now. I have been quite happy, though disappointed in a few respects.Pros:o Makes great coffee -- good flavor and cremao Easier to get good results than Silviao Silvia leaked from steamer and could not swing steamer over drip tray; this unit does not seem to leak (so far) and if it does the frother can be swung over the drip trayo Heats up quicklyo Cycles (relatively) quickly between brewing and steamingCons:o I would prefer a basic steaming wand. It will not fit the doser on my Rancilio Rocky grinder Rancilio ROCKY Rancilio Burr Grinder with Doser so I am reduced to spooning coffee out of the receptacle rather than using the doser. Not up to spending twice the price of this unit to replace my Silvia and not able right now to wait for it to be repaired, I bought this unit. I have raised mine up on a 2" platform and there is still not enough clearance for a medium sized pitcher or a large mugo Every review of any espresso maker I have ever read complains about the inability to brew directly into a large mug.
pitcher will fit. I bought it to replace a Rancilio Silvia Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine that gave up the ghost after only a couple of years (my bad. I can get a 5 oz pitcher in there, but not even an 8 oz. This has been my third pump-driven espresso machine over the past few years, and so far it has been a close second to my Silvia, both head-and-shoulders above the first. the Saeco frother does not seem to generate the volume I could get from a traditional wando As noted elsewhere, there is not enough clearance between the frother and the countertop; you have to position the unit near the edge. o The brew basket is _tall_. All in all, I am happy -- but the Silvia will be going in for repair when circumstances allow.
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