How to choose the best Saeco coffee machines: classification, selection rules, review of 8 popular models, their pros and cons

Brand history

The historical homeland of all Saeco coffee machines is Italy. This is not surprising, because this country is considered the trendsetter in coffee fashion. The future giant of the global coffee equipment market started quite modestly. In 1981, Spaidem Sp. opened in the small Italian town of Gaggio Montano. A The company has released a coffee machine for home and office, which allows you to prepare an aromatic drink even for people who are far from being a barista.

Sales were going quite briskly, the company was developing new types of coffee machines. In 1999, the company acquired the competitor company Gaggia and turned into the international concern Saeco IG. In 2009, it came under the control of Philips, and the first Philips Saeco coffee machines appeared on the market.

The Saeco brand today produces various types of coffee makers, a variety of equipment for home, office and catering. But the real stars of the lineup are the multifunctional espresso coffee machines designed for home, office and commercial use.

Since its inception, the Saeco brand has relied on innovation in the field of coffee preparation. Even on the Italian market, the brand was considered a leader in terms of original solutions. Many of them were subsequently copied by competitors, which only strengthened Saeco's fame as the No. 1 brand in the Italian coffee market.

Classic models

Saeco coffee machines are particularly popular not only due to the high quality of the product, but also its wide selection. The classic lineup includes:

Drip coffee makers. Ground coffee is used for preparation. The powder is poured onto a strainer, boiled water passes through the coffee in small doses, and the glass is filled with the drink for a couple of minutes. Advantages: inexpensive and fast. Disadvantage: the resulting coffee can hardly be called aromatic, there is no foam, filters need to be replaced. The higher the power, the stronger the drink. Models: Grind and Brew, Daile Collection.

Carob machines or espresso coffee makers. Only very fine grinding (pressed) is used and distributed in the cone with a pestle. The cooking method is pump-action. Coffee is brewed with water at 95 C° under a pressure of 15 bar. The result is a flavorful, foamy drink.

Saeco coffee machines: advantages and features

Today, the Saeco brand produces the highest quality premium coffee machines. Their price is higher than many analogues, but the model range also includes quite budget options.

Most models are equipped with a cappuccino maker: manual, semi-automatic or automatic. Its presence allows you to prepare coffee drinks with milk. An equally important feature is the built-in ceramic coffee grinder with several grinding modes. Another difference between Saeco coffee machines is the durable and high-quality plastic housing.

The devices are resistant to mechanical damage and can even withstand being dropped from a table without loss. The more metal parts there are in the device, the more reliable they are and the higher the final cost. All brand devices have a maximum pressure of 15 bar, which allows you to prepare coffee drinks at a professional level.

Experts include the following advantages of the brand’s coffee machines:

compactness;
a large number of additional functions;
stylish design;

high quality coffee preparation;
reliability;
auto-shutdown and auto-cleaning system.

Expert opinion

Borodina Galina Valerievna

In addition to machines for the home, Saeco offers commercial coffee machines. Their main difference is an enlarged water tank and additional functions that speed up the coffee preparation process.

Features of Saeco coffee equipment

The Saeco brand was created in the mid-80s of the last century by Arthur Schmed and Sergio Zapella in Italy, in the town of Gaggio Montano. The partners launched the production of coffee machines, which within a short period of time began to be in great demand.

Today, Saeco has become part of the well-known Philips corporation. It has established itself as a manufacturer of reliable household appliances with high quality parts and workmanship.

Strict control over the entire production process is carried out at every stage. The company's assortment includes many models of coffee machines in different price categories, from economy class to luxury.

Saeco coffee equipment compares favorably with its competitors in the following parameters:

All devices have a convenient mechanism for brewing a drink. It can be easily removed and washed without detergents with ordinary tap water.
The control panel on all models is simple and convenient. Even people who have not previously encountered coffee machines can easily use the devices.
The design of the appliances is stylish and ergonomic; the appliances fit well into the interior of any kitchen.
Almost all devices produce minimal noise levels.

Which device should I choose?

Experts recommend focusing not on the series or price; it is more important to decide which functions are needed by a particular consumer. If a person does not plan to brew coffee with milk (cappuccino or latte), preferring espresso, ristretto and Americano, the simplest machine without a cappuccino maker will suit him. Those who like to occasionally treat themselves to capsule coffee will love the combined models.

It is important to evaluate the dimensions of the machine. Compact models with a small water tank are suitable for home use. The office needs devices with a larger reservoir and a wide platform for heating cups. For commercial use, coffee machines with fully automatic controls are preferred, allowing you to prepare high-quality coffee according to a preset program.

Maintenance and repair

Repairing Saeco coffee machines is the task of special service centers, and not ordinary people, but even here the company took care of its customers. Each model is accompanied by special accompanying documentation containing answers to questions about operation, independent troubleshooting, proper cleaning and care, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. If the paper version is lost, then all the necessary information can be clarified on the company’s website.

Most often, problems arise due to water hardness. To avoid unnecessary financial costs, the company recommends taking care of the cleanliness of the machine during operation using special branded accessories. You can purchase everything you need to clean your machine, including filters, on the website or in stores.

It is best to entrust the repair of Saeco coffee machines to professionals; if the machine is under warranty, you should first contact the service center.

When choosing a model, you need to remember that the more automation, the greater the likelihood of breakdown and the more difficult and expensive it is to fix.

Service

Do you use coffee machines?

Of course! I want to try it

In order for the device to work as long as possible, it must be looked after. After each use, the cappuccino maker and the removable drip tray with grille must be thoroughly rinsed and dried. The remote cappuccino maker can be washed by simply pressing a button; dismantling is not required. All drops must be wiped off the body, and the chrome parts must be wiped until they shine. Once every few months, the coffee machine needs to be descaled using a special liquid. A detailed description of the process is in the instructions. The removable brewing group can simply be washed under the tap; this should be done at least once a week.

It is better to make coffee with bottled or filtered water. Hard water supply worsens the quality of the drink and shortens the service life of the device. A useful feature is a built-in aqua filter that softens water. It must be changed regularly; replacement periods are indicated in the instructions for the specific model.

The manufacturer provides a warranty on all coffee machines from 2 to 5 years. Upon purchase, coupons are issued that entitle you to free repairs at service centers.

Criteria for choosing a coffee machine

Coffee machines greatly simplify the process of preparing a drink and save time, which is especially important for a working person. At the same time, the quality of the drink remains high. This can be achieved in different ways, which are implemented by modern coffee equipment:

Carob-type machines are usually used in coffee shops and restaurants, which are famous for the quality of their aromatic drink. These machines prepare coffee automatically, but at the same time give scope to the creativity of the person who operates it. They allow you to customize the grinding of beans, tablet formation and liquid flow. The result is a unique drink with an original taste and aroma.
Super-automatic machines do not require high professional qualities of a barista. The entire coffee preparation process here starts at the touch of a button. Therefore, the drink from such a machine turns out to be of high quality and tasty, but lacks originality. Such devices can be seen in restaurants where coffee is not a feature of the establishment, or in large offices with a large number of employees.

Capsule coffee machines also make brewing a drink extremely easy. They use special ready-made capsules for this - hermetically sealed bags of ground coffee that preserve the aroma and taste. Such devices are also started by pressing a single button.
Pod machines work on the same principle as capsule machines. The difference here is that the drink is prepared using a pod. It is ground coffee, pressed into a tablet in individual packaging. It contains an inert gas, which preserves the taste and aroma of coffee for two years.

Best models

All the main lines of the brand are on sale, each of which has several models that differ in the nuances of their configuration. The price range is significant, but even the most budget options prepare high-quality espresso: strong, aromatic, with different intensity options.

Saeco Lirika

One of the most affordable lines, suitable for home use. The compact rectangular body, bean reservoir and milk jug are located at the rear. There is a built-in ceramic coffee grinder with different grinding modes. The body is made of durable plastic, the drip eliminator grille is metal.

There is a self-cleaning function for descaling; the need for cleaning is indicated by a light display. To prepare drinks, you can use beans and ground coffee. Simultaneous dispensing into 2 cups, frothed milk using a remote cappuccino maker.

Advantages:

affordable price;
convenient control;
regulator of temperature, volume and saturation of the drink;
an open wide tray allows you to use cups of any size and shape;
you can prepare any drinks, including signature ones;
The removable cooking unit is washed under running water.

Flaws:

there is no separate tank for milk;
difficulties in handling a manual cappuccino maker;
requires frequent descaling (at least once every 2-3 months for daily use).

Lirika One Touch Cappuccino

Compact coffee machine that takes up minimal space on the kitchen table. The case is made of durable matte plastic, which is invisible to splashes and fingerprints. Built-in ceramic coffee grinder with 5 grinding modes. The front panel has a light display with a simple menu.

A special feature of the machine is a remote cappuccino maker, which is lowered into a regular carton of milk. There is a self-cleaning function for descaling, and a waste container is built into the body. Simultaneous dispensing of 2 cups, adjustment of coffee strength and temperature. The coffee machine prepares all types of coffee drinks, including cappuccino with high foam.

Advantages:

small sizes;
automatic preparation of coffee drinks;
The cappuccino maker whips up the foam efficiently;
large tanks for coffee beans and water.

Flaws:

It only works on coffee beans, you won’t be able to use ground coffee;
The cappuccino maker must be rinsed with hot water after each use;
when whipping, the cappuccino maker makes a loud whistle;
short cord.

Aulika Focus

Stylish coffee machine made of durable matte silver plastic.
Automatic control, light display and menu on the front panel. There is a built-in ceramic coffee grinder with 8 grinding levels, a built-in waste container, and it is possible to connect a filter for water softening. The volumetric water tank is designed for 2.2 liters. The strength, volume and temperature of the drink can be adjusted manually.

Advantages:

Large tanks for water and coffee beans allow you to quickly prepare several cups of coffee;
built-in cleaning system;
The remote cappuccino maker operates without unnecessary noise.

Flaws:

increased dimensions;
heavy weight;
The cappuccino maker needs daily rinsing;
Works only on bean coffee.

Phedra Evo Cappuccino

Automatic coffee machine designed to prepare 2 cups of coffee at the same time. The laconic black plastic body is complemented by chrome-plated metal parts. There is a function of direct connection to the water supply, a built-in ceramic coffee grinder with several grinding modes.

There is a touch menu on the wide front panel; you can prepare any coffee drink by pressing one button. Cappuccino maker built-in, automatic. If necessary, you can adjust the strength, volume and temperature of the drink.

Advantages:

prepares high-quality cappuccino with high foam using regular or powdered milk;
works with both grain and ground coffee;
compact dimensions;
clear menu;
simple, fully automated control.

Flaws:

high price;
There is no built-in water filter.

Philips Saeco Incanto

A time-tested model that consumers really like. Equipped with a built-in ceramic coffee grinder and a removable milk jug. The dispenser allows you to prepare 2 cups of coffee at the same time. The controls are touch-sensitive and the panel has a simple and understandable menu. Using the machine you can prepare any type of coffee, from espresso to cappuccino and latte.

The serving volume is adjustable as desired. There is a function for quick cleaning of the milk tract: after preparing drinks with milk, you need to confirm consent to cleaning by pressing the corresponding button. The model is also offered in a family version: it features larger reservoirs for water and coffee beans.

Advantages:

affordable price;
works on grain or ground coffee;
the most popular drinks, the names of which are displayed on the panel, can be prepared at the touch of a button;
retractable dispensing spout;
does not vibrate.

Flaws:

ceramic millstones are fragile; accidental entry of a foreign object can cause them to break;
When preparing dairy drinks, you need to place a container under the foam outlet to avoid overfilling the tray.

HD8925

Inexpensive model for home use. Very compact, discreet modern design. Prepares 11 varieties of coffee drinks. The body is made of matte plastic and is complemented by metal parts; the tray grille is coated with anti-corrosion coating.

There is a built-in ceramic coffee grinder, a water filter, a spacious milk tank, and an automatic cappuccino maker. Maximum pressure – 15 bar.

Advantages:

you can use ground or bean coffee;
10 degrees of grain grinding;
designed for simultaneous preparation of 2 cups of coffee;
perfectly forms coffee foam;
The cappuccino maker is equipped with a self-cleaning system.

Flaws:

unreliable cappuccino maker cap;
noise during operation.

PicoBaristo Deluxe

Compact coffee machine for home or office in a signature silver-black color scheme. Housing made of durable plastic and metal with anti-corrosion coating. The package includes a removable milk jug, a built-in ceramic coffee grinder with 12 degrees of grain grinding, and a water filter. The boiler body made of steel and aluminum heats up quickly, saving time on preparing coffee.

The machine is equipped with a touch panel to regulate the strength, volume and temperature of drinks. You can use standard recipes stored in the machine's memory, or save your own using the customization system.

Advantages:

automatic descaling;
the brewing group is removable and can be easily washed with water;
spacious tanks for water and milk;
saves energy.

Flaws:

the device is heavy (more than 9 kg);
Due to the position of the milk jug, a wide cup cannot be installed.

Xelsis

The brand's flagship model. Available in plastic and metal cases, it is equipped with a spacious container for grains, a built-in milk container and a touch screen that helps you prepare a drink to your own taste. The consumer can choose the serving size, the ratio of water and milk, the temperature of the drink, the amount and density of milk foam.

Built-in coffee grinder with 12 grinding programs. The built-in AquaClean filter improves water quality and guarantees the perfect taste of the brewed coffee. You can prepare 2 servings of any drink at the same time using beans or ground coffee.

Pros:

Thanks to the built-in filter, you can descale the coffee machine less frequently;
automatic steam cleaning system keeps the cappuccino maker clean;
you can prepare 15 of the most popular coffee drinks;
the indicator notifies you when descaling is necessary;
The brewing group is removable and can be easily washed with running water.

Minus:

high price.

The best Saeco coffee machines with cappuccino maker

Saeco PicoBaristo HD 8925

The Saeco PicoBaristo HD 8925 coffee machine is equipped with ceramic millstones that can prepare up to 20,000 servings of beans for subsequent brewing.

The metal grid of the drip tray is adjustable in height, which allows you to use cups and glasses of different sizes.

To extend the service life, an indication of the program progress and device status is provided, displaying the data on the display.

Main functional characteristics:

automatic;
coffee strength control;
temperature setting;
adjusting the amount of water;
auto descaling;
shutdown when not in use;
plastic body.

pros

ease of cleaning;
taste of coffee;
Ease of use.

Minuses

easily soiled glossy surface.

Saeco Aulika Top High Speed Cappuccino

Saeco Aulika Top High Speed Cappuccino coffee machine is a professional coffee machine for use in cafes, bars, offices, restaurants and clubs.

The automatic cappuccino maker with which the model is equipped is located so that the frothed milk is served in the same area as the coffee.

Coffee dispenser is adjustable for large glasses up to 350 ml.

Thanks to the removable working units and the ability to program cleaning cycles, the coffee machine does not require complex maintenance or expensive accessories for regular cleaning of the brewing unit.

Main functional characteristics:

automatic, 15 bar;
coffee strength control;
adjusting the amount of water;
auto descaling;
plastic body.

pros

Ease of use;
ease of cleaning;
taste of coffee.

Minuses

not specified by users.

Saeco SM7685 Xelsis

The Saeco SM7685 Xelsis coffee machine is equipped with a mill with durable millstones made of high-quality ceramics, for grinding 20,000 servings of coffee beans, up to 12 degrees of grinding are available.

The AquaClean filter installed in a 1.7 liter water jug will effectively clean the liquid from foreign impurities for 5000 cups, after which it is recommended to replace it.

The HygieSteam function uses hot steam to help keep the walls of the internal parts clean.

Main functional characteristics:

automatic, 15 bar;
coffee strength control;
temperature setting;
adjusting the amount of water;
auto descaling;
shutdown when not in use;
plastic body.

pros

taste of coffee;
ease of cleaning;
Ease of use.

Minuses

not allocated by buyers.

Saeco Lirika

The Saeco Lirika coffee machine will allow you to prepare delicious espresso from both ground coffee and grains, and the degree of grinding can be controlled.

A reusable filter will allow you not to worry about changing it frequently. A waste container and a drip tray will ensure the cleanliness of kitchen work surfaces.

The device will also cope well with preparing cappuccino, for which there is a manual cappuccino maker..

You can choose the perfect taste “for yourself” thanks to the ability to regulate the temperature of the drink, the dose, and the strength.

Main functional characteristics:

automatic, 15 bar;
coffee strength control;
adjusting the amount of water;
auto descaling;
setting the start time;
shutdown when not in use;
plastic body.

pros

taste of coffee;
build quality;
Ease of use.

Minuses

noise during operation.

Saeco Lirika Plus

Saeco Lirika Plus is an automatic coffee machine that is ideal for office and home use..

The intuitive display makes it easy to prepare delicious coffee.

This is a productive professional machine equipped with a spacious water container and a container for collecting used coffee..

In one cycle, the coffee machine is capable of dispensing two servings of coffee.

Main functional characteristics:

automatic, 15 bar;
coffee strength control;
temperature setting;
adjusting the amount of water;
auto descaling;
shutdown when not in use;
plastic body.

pros

taste of coffee;
Ease of use;
easy to clean.

Minuses

not noted by buyers.

Rating updated September 12, 2020.

Rich assortment

The Saeco product range is huge. Continuous improvement of manufacturing and expansion of capabilities allows us to constantly update products. As a result, the corporation offers entire product lines, united by applied technologies and design. Within a product cluster, models differ in performance, control system and capabilities. The most famous lines of Saeco automatic coffee machines:

Aulika;
Royal;
Xelsis;
GranBaristo;
minute;
Moltio;
Intelia;
Lirika.

Each line of machines is distinguished by excellent design and functionality thought out to the smallest detail.

An easy way to brew real coffee

Saeco Corporation has been pleasing coffee lovers around the world for several decades. Italian wizards managed to combine the intricacies of preparing various drinks based on coffee beans with technical excellence, creating automatic coffee machines. The equipment, manufactured on the basis of the latest technologies, is very simple and reliable to operate. A solid 2-year warranty indirectly confirms the high quality of workmanship. Do you love and understand coffee? Then it makes sense for you to buy an automatic Saeco coffee machine. You can't go wrong!

Automatic coffee machines and coffee makers

At the end of the 20th century in Russia, coffee machines were not as widespread as they are now; even carob-type coffee makers were rare. Today, automatic coffee machines are ubiquitous and are common household appliances. As for offices, it is rare that an office does not have a coffee machine; in extreme cases, there is a vending machine in the lobby. Just 10 years ago, there were 5, or at most 6, manufacturers of household automatic coffee machines on the Russian market. Today their number has more than doubled. And coffee maker manufacturers are scattered like flies. It is extremely difficult to understand such a number and variety of coffee machines and coffee makers. It can take weeks to study the various proposals. Many people buy a coffee machine based on the experience of friends and acquaintances. But this method of choosing a coffee machine is not always successful. We will try to help with choosing an automatic coffee machine.

Today we offer a limited range of manufacturers and models of automatic coffee machines, only those that have proven themselves to be exceptionally high quality and reliable. We have many years of experience working and communicating with different coffee machines and reserve the right to evaluate their quality and reliability. And our recommendations to buy this or that model from this or that manufacturer are based on completely objective indicators and data from end consumers.

We also recommend a number of stores where it is better to order coffee machines and coffee makers. Some of the online stores have representative offices and delivery points in different cities of Russia, which will make purchasing easier for all customers, and not just residents of capital and regional centers.