The only Gaggia that I would have wanted was a little over $700 and the Saeco was $550. I read (and I have no idea if this is true or not) that the Saeco machine and Gaggia machines have the same internal mechanism hence my choice (and the fact that Jim was retching over the cost of ALL of them). My main criteria was two boilers, rapid steam and brass/stainless interior work. I did not care about digital components, but I really cared about the 2 yr warranty. My old Gaggia unit had been limping along for quite some time and I knew it was dying. I replaced the shower head twice, several gaskets a few times and would still be using it if the pump hadn't given up the ghost. The model I had is no longer available and its been out of warranty for five years. I'm lucky it lasted as long as it did since it got heavy use.
I made sure that Jim saw the pricing on ALL the units since those heavy duty models run up to $7 or $8,000 :suprised: . He thinks I'm quite thrifty.

Oh, as to the manual machines and grinder: Yep, I went through that cycle wayyyy back in the late 90s. I went to superauto around 2001 and haven't looked back. A really good grinder can set you back for the price of a low-range superauto and the maintenance is a killer. Fortunately I've gotten great service out of all the superautos that I've owned and they've made my life sooo much easier.

 

The one feature of the cheaper Saeco units that interested me was the internals could be removed and put in the dishwasher. The fact that the plastic trays & things are not dishwasher safe bothers me on our Capresso.

Does your new one have dishwasher-safe components?

JonasM

 

^^ I did not consider the dishwashing possibility. I'd probably be reluctant to put any of the components in the dishwasher even it if were rated. I handwash all the plastic, rinse the shower screen, etc. often and put the shower screen into a cup with cleancaf every month or two when I clean the machine. I got a water filter installed on my faucet so I'm hoping that helps with calcium buildup. I may use bottled water in this machine, but haven't decided yet. I read all the reviews about this machine on Amazon and several other sites before deciding to take the plunge. It consistently got good ratings, so I hope I don't get a lemon. Buying an espresso machine is like buying a car . . . I'm just hoping it was a good day at the factory.

 

Yes, we've been here since late September to take tai chi lessons at Carolina Coastal University. I'm really enjoying the tai chi, but find it very difficult!!!! Jim is doing MUCH better at learning the moves, etc. than I am but I think its because the instructor keeps on winking at him and coming on to him. She's constantly talking about his "moves" I love it since I know he's coming home with me. The weather is great and has been mostly in the high 70s and low 80s. Great beach weather!

 

YAY as I await the arrival (it comes on Wednesday) of my new espresso machine, I ran across this website that is simply loaded with interesting articles, links, etc. about coffee. Interesting stuff.

Vanderbilt University Institute for Coffee studies

 

I've had the Saeco Vienna for at least 15 years and it still is working well. I don't put the innards in the washing machine, I hand clean it.

 

My son loves his coffee. He orders it over the internet, or his wife sends it to him. Under the circumstances, he is using a French strainer.

 

I guess it's time for me to see what tai chi is. I think I know. I'm glad you and Jim are enjoying it.

It's a gorgeous day here, in the high 70s, so far. I just had a cold start to hit in the night so I'm laying low, taking Zicam. Would be better to go to the beach. But home is very nice, too.

 

WOOHHHOOOOOOOO, I'm back in business. Within 15 minutes of the arrival of my Saeco Spidem Villa, I was sipping a delightful latte!!!! This machine ROCKS!!!! It heats up very quickly, setup was a total breeze and I'm thrilled with it. I only had to tweak the grinder and doser ever so slightly to get the grind and dose to my taste. The steam wand worked beautifully and I managed to whip up my latte just the way I love it. I'm in business.
As to the directions for cleaning, etc and speaking to your question about putting plastic in the dishwasher, Jonas: The directions in my booklet state the brew group should be removed and cleaned with each fillup of fresh beans or at least weekly. It says the brew group should be removed, cleaned with WARM WATER, dried and then returned to its appropriate spot. The recommendation is to clean the machine (descale) about every 3 to 4 months. I like this machine and really like the positioning and shape of the puck drawer. The only thing I failed to note when I ordered it was that it does not have a bypass doser, so beans are an absolute must. I have only used ground coffee a few times in my other machines if I ran out of beans. I will not have that option with this machine. The price was certainly a big factor in my decision to buy this machine and I'm totally surprised with its smoothness of operation, its appearance and the espresso is divine. I haven't made a crema coffee yet and am maxed on caffeine so I won't know until tomorrow how the crema coffee turns out.
All in all I'm totally happy with it and find it a much simpler to use machine than my Gaggias. I'd give it at least

 

Woohoo. I don't have a bypass either.

Here's to you