In 2006, I bought a Saeco V'Spresso superautomatic espresso machine, expecting it to last about four years. In 2017, it finally gave out. So naturally I decided to try Saeco again. I found that Gaggia is actually manufactured by them, so this was the model I ordered. I find it to be really quiet and very efficient, with great coffee taste, but that it is a bit bulky, takes a bit of maintenance and has small capacities for water and coffee. First, the coffee. It really does a great job. You can program the amount of liquid (up to 8 oz for a large cup), and can adjust the strength. It is simple to use in the morning, when complex is bad! Here is what I like: + The cost - this is one of the cheapest superautomatics around, and yet it looks good and feels solid. + It works quietly and looks nice. The reservoir for water is on the front left (behind the frothing wand), and there is an identical reservoir that holds the "pucks" that come out after making a cup. The tray slides out easily to remove the water (more on that later). This is easily the quietest superautomatic I've used. It automatically pauses for a couple of seconds to pre-moisten the coffee. + You can adjust the grind of the coffee in addition to the strength settings on the front (though it takes a bit of care, since it can only be adjusted when actually grinding). If you push the button twice, it does a double. Hold in the button, and it begins to "remember" the amount of liquid for that button; press it again to program the amount. There are three buttons, for small, medium and large. + There are a number of cryptic symbols on the front, but I actually like that - I soon got to know each of them. There is a red dot on the top left (out of water), a similar one on the top right (empty the bean hopper), and an exclamation point type thing to indicate you need to prime the machine. + To prime, simply turn the square knob in the middle to the right. Turning that knob to the left will put out steam from the wand. The normal position is as shown on the product page - facing up. + The spout moves up and down easily, making it possible to put a full coffee cup under there. + I especially like the coffee bin. It holds a couple cups of coffee, and the transparent lid makes it easy to see when you need more beans. There is a slot for using pre-ground coffee inside this area. + The machine is programmed to last a long time. When it starts up, it rinses the mechanism. Then when you power down (or it powers down automatically), it rinses again. It will also warn you when it needs descaling - I highly recommend using the Saeco descaling solution. It will work with or without a water filter, but I like using it (mostly because I always used one for the V'Spresso that lasted so long). + The brew group is easy to remove and clean - it is behind the door to the rear of the "puck" drawer. It is an ingenious design, and is meant to be cleaned weekly with water, and then air dried. They supply a small amount of grease to be put in one location every 500 cups or so. There is one thing I didn't really like, although it isn't a deal breaker. The machine constantly rinses water down into the base. If you remember to put a cup under the spout when you walk away, it isn't too bad, but if not, you will find yourself changing out the tray often. You have to pull it out the front, take it to the sink, and then both rinse and (often) clean it. They many rinsings are the price that is paid for keeping the internal workings rinsed and lasting longer. IMPORTANT NOTES: - This machine is suitable for limited use. The water only holds about 20 oz, and the puck drawer holds 5 - yes, only 5 - pucks. You will find yourself constantly filling the water and emptying the puck drawer if you use this for more than a couple of people. It isn't really a failure, it is just the design. Saeco makes several more expensive models with 60 oz water and 15 puck drawers. I would recommend that if you have a larger family. - This particular model is wider than it is long. Most superautomatics are long and narrow - this one is the opposite. You should consider this when ordering. It takes up more space on the counter top. Summary: Great tasting coffee, easy to use, looks great. For a couple of people, this is a really great design.
