Saeco

All Saeco espresso machines take 120 Volts, and run between 1200 and 1500 Watts (see table below). All of the Saeco espresso machines use the same pump, which provides 15 bars of extraction pressure when brewing espresso. The main differences between the various models of super automatic espresso machines are in the footprint (size), the grinder type, and the number of extra features (basically, the degree of automatic programmability) as well as an integrated milk carafe.

Some of the super automatic espresso machines have a chute into which you can pour preground coffee (to bypass the built-in coffee grinder). This is useful if you want to accommodate guests who want decaffeinated coffee, or if you want to experiment with flavored coffees without imparting the flavors to the internal coffee grinder. All machines have hoppers that will accommodate either 1/4 pound or 1/2 pound of coffee beans. The boiler sizes on these espresso machines vary between 50 and 82 ounces. Some of the larger machines have two boilers. The new ceramic grinders used in the Seaco espresso machines are a Seaco innovation, and feature a very quiet grind - nice in the early morning if people are still sleeping.

The Saeco Royal espresso machines are the Royal Professional espresso machine, and the Royal Coffee Bar espresso machine. These two are the same basic espresso machines (although the colors are different). The only difference is that the Royal Coffee Bar has a feature that allows you to connect this espresso machine directly to your home or office plumbing line so that you never need to manually refill the reservoir. This is the only espresso machine in the Home & Office category with this feature. Note however that both of these espresso machines have a very large (82 ounce) boiler, so for moderate home use, you would not need to fill the espresso machine that often anyway.

The Synthia Stainless Steel and Synthia Focus are new to the Saeco line and are also the slimmest for their class at just 10" wide. Available in high gloss black or stainless steel, the sleek lines of this machine combined with high-end functionality make this a smart choice for the busy professional. The tri-colored LED display alerts the user its current status with self-explanatory icons. Loaded with features to simplify life, you will enjoy this machine for years to come.

In the mid-range of the Saeco Fully-Automatic Espresso Machine line is the Talea Giro Plus. This is a superb espresso machine that is full of features and that can be programmed to make a wide range of espresso drinks at the touch of a button. The Talea Giro Plus espresso machine features the "Saeco Brewing System" (SBS), which allows you to vary the intensity of the brew with a mere twist of a knob. This feature is also available on most Saeco automatic espresso machines.

The Vienna line (Vienna Plus Silver and Vienna Plus Graphite) each feature a 57 oz. water reservoir, a Pannarello frothing wand and a 15 x 14x 15.5 footprint. The machine will grind, tamp and brew coffee or espresso and also has hot water available on the frothing device for hot tea or even soup. Most of the Saeco machines in this price range feature easy to use controls, the SBS, an integrated grinder and all of the same basic features.

Also available at the lower to mid-price point are the Saeco Odea line of espresso machines (featuring the Odea Giro Redesign, the Odea Go Eclipse and the Odea Go Redesign). These machines contain many of the same features as the more expensive super automatic espresso machines but at a lower price point. (See the individual write-up for the specifics on each machine).

The Aroma and the Via Venezia are the smaller semi-automatic manual machines for the coffee lover who wants to do it himself and/or who may not have a lot of counter space room. Still true to tradition, these machines produce an excellent espresso.

Note that most of these espresso machines (including the "Ultra Automatic" espresso machines) feature a ceramic coffee grinder. Not only are these coffee grinders very durable and give an extremely uniform grind, but they are unique in that they are extremely quiet. As mentioned, this is nice in the early morning if people in the house are still sleeping and at dinner parties where the noise of a coffee grinder will tend to interrupt your conversations.

We recommend that you first choose an espresso machine based on the footprint that best suits your purpose and space, and then read the detailed features of each espresso machine to choose the features and price-point to find the espresso machine that you are the most comfortable with.