 |
Saeco Vienna Deluxe SuperAutomatic Espresso Coffee and Cappuccino Machine by Saeco
Product SummaryManufacturer: Saeco Brand: Saeco Model: 30023 Color: Black Product features: - Rapid-Steam frothing and brewing without waiting or changing the temperature
- Opti-Dose allows adjusting the coffee amount to be ground, from 6 to 9 grams
- Removable brew group for easy rinsing; convenient swivel base
- High-quality conical burr grinder delivers consistent, even, and fine grinding
- Ships within US only; does not ship to Canada
Accessories:
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Saeco Vienna Deluxe SuperAutomatic Espresso Coffee and Cappuccino MachineCustomer Review: Vienna Deluxe produces excellent espresso, cappuccino, and coffee. Summary: 5 Stars
We researched all the various machines and settled on a less expensive pod machine from another manufacturer. We found the pods difficult to find and the machine somewhat lacking. We returned that machine in a matter of days. Increasing our budget, we researched more espresso makers before finally purchasing the Saeco Vienna Deluxe in January 2004. This machine has been a pleasure everyday since.
The Vienna Deluxe is an easy machine to use. One should ensure there is cold filtered water in the reservoir, quality beans in the hopper, and room for discarded grounds in the bin below. Incidentally the used grounds are a benefit for gardens and lawns. The machine should be routinely cleaned to keep in good working order. Saeco created a machine that is relatively easy to clean and user friendly for the typical consumer.
The construction of this machine is made largely from plastic. One comment I see over and over and even thought myself was how much I paid vs. the seemingly low quality appearance. That being said, the plastic has not chipped, cracked, or been broken with normal use since we purchased it. This is a good quality machine in spite of my initial uncertainty.
When we first bought the machine, we went to our local coffee shop and asked them questions. We don't buy coffees from them regularly anymore, but now buy beans instead. They recommend that the beans not be overly oily as to not gum up the works. They also provide other recommendations for varietals based on flavor characteristics.
To get the cup of java that works for you there are a couple of dials to use. In the bean hopper there is a strength dial to control the amount of grounds used for every cup. A second dial in the hopper controls the coarseness of the grind. These settings are best typically set once and left alone if you chose to alter the factory setting. There is a dial on the front of the machine to control the amount of coffee desired. Adjusting this setting will give you anywhere from a one ounce shot to a 6 ounce Americano from one grind. Hot water or steam is chosen by a button and the turn of a dial.
The Vienna Deluxe is a big machine that demands its place on your counter. Being big isn't so much a problem as the machine sits on swivel base making access easy. Just be prepared to lose some counter space.
For the final proof in the pudding, the Vienna Deluxe produces great espresso, cappuccino, and coffee. Even though I live in the States, I prefer coffee in Europe. This machine consistently makes coffee that rivals any cafe in Europe.
UPDATE: October 2006
Our machine developed a leak and eventually quit working altogether. We took it to a local authorized repair shop who replaced seals and o-rings. After three days and forking out $110.00, our machine is as good as new again. Although I would rather not have had a repair bill, after virtually three years of daily use, the repair work was reasonable. The shop was friendly, and quickly serviced our machine.
PROS:
Makes consistently good tasting coffee/espresso
Biodegradable waste that is great for the garden
Fresh quality coffee made at the press of a button
CONS:
This machine is sure to spoil its owners
Cannot handle large quantities quickly
Description of Saeco Vienna Deluxe SuperAutomatic Espresso Coffee and Cappuccino MachineThe Vienna de Luxe comes in an elegant silver finish, with a convenient swivel base. The Rapid-Steam feature makes cappuccino and latte making fast and easy. The Opti-Dose allows you to change the amount of coffee beans to be ground and used to brew each individual cup of coffee. Unquestionably a wonderful machine! The innovative Rapid-Steam feature allows you to froth and brew without waiting or changing the temperature. A dream comes true for all cappuccino and latte lovers! The Opti-Dose adjustable doser feature enhances the flexibility to make your perfect cup of espresso, coffee, cappuccino or latte. Not only can you adjust the fineness of the grinds and the level of coffee brewed, but also the amount of ground coffee used to make each individual cup from 6 û 9 grams. The swivel base simplifies even further the general maintenance and cleaning. With a light push of the hand the machine will easily turn from side to side. Made in Italy, this 1,250-watt machine eliminates the fuss of creating espresso and espresso drinks at home by automating the entire process. With the push of a button, the machine grinds coffee beans without burning them, tamps the ground coffee into the brew group, brews a cup of espresso, and then dumps the spent grounds into a container--all in about 30 seconds. For creating a cappuccino or latte, there's a hot water/steam wand with a milk-frothing attachment, and there's only a 10-second delay from brewing to steaming. A button selects one or two cups, a knob adjusts cup size up to 10 ounces. For safety, the machine shuts off if the grinder runs out of beans or the water tank is empty (control-panel lights indicate specific problems). The machine measures 15 inches high, 13 inches wide, and 13 inches deep; weighs 19 pounds; rotates on a swivel base; and, with a gleaming, silver plastic exterior, looks great on the counter. The bean hopper holds about 12-1/2 ounces (8.8 ounces of espresso beans are included), the removable, transparent water tank holds 57 ounces, the grinder adjusts from fine to coarse, and a dose adjustment controls the amount of coffee ground per serving (from 6 to 9 grams). For cleanup, parts remove easily. The machine comes with an exceptionally thorough and clear instruction booklet and video, and it carries a one-year warranty against defects. --Fred Brack
Espresso Machines
|
 |