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A Review Of The Saeco Vienna Automatic Espresso Machine

Written by Geoff Cliffe Saturday, 15 May 2010 07:22

Since the early 1980's Saeco have been at the cutting edge of coffee making technology, indeed they were the earliest manufacturer to construct a two cup espresso machine. Saeco went on to acquire Gaggia taking control of almost two thirds of the domestic espresso machine market, and over 30% of the total European coffee machine market incorporating commercial use. This strength in numbers approach has permitted Saeco to have an lead over a lot of other espresso machine brands in the marketplace.

Ever since the early 1980's Saeco have been at the cutting edge of coffee making expertise, indeed they were the original maker to manufacture a two cup espresso machine. Saeco went on to purchase Gaggia taking control of almost two thirds of the home-based espresso machine market, and over 30% of the overall European coffee machine market including commercial use. This strength in numbers approach has permitted Saeco to have an lead over a lot of other espresso machine brands in the marketplace.

We are looking at the Saeco Vienna machine today and so it is crucial to know where the Saeco Vienna Espresso machine is aiming at - domestic or commercial? In this case most unquestionably domestic. It certainly isn't one of the most inexpensive entry level machines on the market; however the good news is that it is one of the most feature rich and most fully automated. This goes a long way towards justifying the sizeable price ticket. Powered by a 1250 watt commercial level element the Saeco Vieena is designed to automate the entire process of making an Espresso, Latte or Cappuccino.

With the press of a button the Saeco Vienna grinds coffee beans from the integrated bean hopper, automatically tamps the ground coffee into the brew cup, before pushing water through the freshly ground coffee. This brews a cup of espresso,or the base coffee blend for a latte or cappuccino. Lastly it drops the spent grounds into a waste container, the total process taking about 30 seconds from start to finish.

When making a cappuccino or latte, there's a hot water and steam wand with a milk-frothing attachment. The Saeco Vienna has around a 35-second wait from brewing to steaming the milk, and conversely a 15 second delay from steaming to brewing. The machine is super effortless to use, a button selecting one or two cups, a knob adjusting cup size right up to 10 ounces, and a button to make it all happen meaning that fresh coffee is an split second away.

If the machine runs out of beans or water it will automatically turn off the power, the control panel status lights displaying the explicit cause of the interruption. This safety system means that there is no chance of damage if things run dry. You will need a fairly spacious and robust counter top as the Saeco Vienna measures 15 inches high, 13 inches wide, and 13 inches deep; weighs 19 pounds dry and comes in a tasteful marble-gray plastic. The coffee bean hopper holds just over 12 ounces of coffee, whilst the removable water tank holds 57 ounces - more than sufficient for a cup or two.

The coarseness of the coffee grind is of overriding significance for best espresso, it is therefore pleasant to note that the Saeco's grinder adjusts from extra fine to coarse. For cleaning and maintenance most parts remove effortlessly and the machine comes with extremely thorough and clear instructions on assembly and care. It also carries a one-year warranty against defects

If you are a genuine coffee drinker you will appreciate the ability to make two good sized doses of espresso at a time, and the ease of use puts every other Espresso machines in the shade meaning that the Saeco Vienna must be on your shortlist if looking for a new espresso machine.