Best Saeco Espresso Machines of 2018

As the holidays are approaching, the number one question we are asked is our recommendation for the best Saeco espresso machine.  Read on to discover our top picks for 2018 with these three categories in mind:  1. Best overall, 2.  Best value for the features, and  3. Best entry level.  In addition we will provide our expert pros and cons list for each model.

At Espresso Machine Experts we specialize in superautomatic espresso machines, also known as fully automatic, automatics or bean to cup machines.   The brand we have sold and serviced since the inception of our business in 1987, is Saeco.  Our 30+ years of experience allows us to speak about Saeco with confidence and knowledge. 

If you are in the market for a new machine and you want to save big, you may want to also consider refurbished espresso machines. Buying a refurbished is a great value.  The only piece of advice here is to be sure you are buying from a reputable vendor who stands behind their product and can provide you with information about the exact machine they will be giving you.

Espresso machines make the perfect gift for everyone. Why?

For Couples:

Surprise your love with a cappuccinoin bed or mellow out while sharing a cup.

 

For Newlyweds:

A super-automatic machine will be a joy for aspiring super hosts. If the newlyweds you know are keen to start a family, they'll certainly require easy access to caffeine.

For Grads / The College Bound

Liven up the dorm room, study for finals, and cure a hangover or two.

For Everyone:

Making coffee at home is cheaper, environmentally sound and many times more superior than the coffee you get at many coffee chains.  You can make specialty drinks your way.  It also saves time, because you are not standing in line or having to get up extra early just to get to work on time and grab a coffee on the way. Not to mention the savings on gas too.

For Business:

Having a machine at work is a smart business practice.  There are many reasons. Check out five top reasons here.

Best Overall Saeco Espresso Maker Xelsis SM 7684/04
 

Pros:

• Released in October 2018 it has the most modern and sleek design of all Saeco machines
• The absolute best feature of this machine is the automatic milk system cleaning function - -Saeco’s newest technology, the HygieSteam function will clean up the whole milk circuit with steam, from the spout to the milk tubes, at your command.  In addition, each time you make a drink with milk, Saeco Xelsis automatically cleans the milk system with a jet of hygienic steam, so it is clean and ready to make your next drink.
• The illuminated water tank and high resolution display screen makes this the coolest machine on the market
• It is the only model that can produce two cappuccinos simultaneously at the touch of a button- the Latte Duo Function.
• Can produce 15 different coffee drinks from espresso to flat white
• It has multiple user profiles for up to 6 user and with the new Touchscreen Coffee Equalizer, you can customize the strength, volume, temperature and taste of coffee, the milk foam amount and volume, and even the coffee and milk order.  Craft your coffee the way you prefer.
• The Xelsis has a small footprint so it fits well on counters but the larger bean hopper so you don’t have to fill it with beans as often.

Cons:

• If you are looking for extremely hot milk for your specialty milk-based drinks be aware that milk cup system steams milk to approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Drip tray is a bit shallow, so it fills quickly which needs to be emptied more frequently 

Best Value for Features - PicoBaristo One Touch Cappuccino (OTC) HD8927/47

 

Pros:

• One Touch Cappuccino capability which means that this machine has a milk carafe which allows making milk-based coffees easy with no mess or fuss. With a touch of a button, you will get frothed milk and an espresso dispensed directly into your cup.
• Small footprint makes it easy to fit almost anywhere.
• Dreg drawer and drip try to slide through the front panel of the machine which makes cleaning these components a breeze since they are easy to access
• It accommodates tall cups, so you can dispense your morning coffee directly into your travel cup and the dispensing head can be easily removed giving you even more room for even taller cups. You can fit cups from07 - 6.46 inches.
• The interface has 3 lengths of coffee, a cappuccino, a latte macchiato and then the additional sub-menu giving you a choice of baby cappuccino, flat white, ristretto and more.
• Carafes are easy to clean. The carafe handle making it easy to grab and you can store remaining milk directly in the fridge in the carafe itself for one to two days.

Cons:

• If you are looking for extremely hot milk for your specialty milk-based drinks be aware that milk carafes systems produce milk at approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The milk carafe at start up (before milk is dispensed) spits out some hot water and some minor milk spray will occur

Best Entry Level Espresso Maker by Saeco - Incanto Classic Milk Foamer (CMF) HD8911/47

 

Pros:

• The classic milk foamer allows you to activate steam for your milk-based drinks at the touch of a button (no more knobs).
• You can steam milk using either the steam wand or the pannarello giving you the ultimate control on steaming the milk as you like it
• Small footprint makes it easy to fit almost anywhere.
• Bean hopper and water tank are easily accessible on top of the machine
• The by-pass doser option allows you to brew a decaf if desired
• The aroma feature allows you to choose how much coffee is ground per cup allowing you to determine the strength of your coffee
• The grind settings (fineness and coarseness ) can be easily adjusted giving you customization of your brew
• There are two setting that allow you to adjust the volume of water dispensed therefore you can determine how long (ounces) you want your coffee to be
• Dreg drawer and drip try to slide through the front panel of the machine which makes cleaning these components a breeze since they are easy to access
• It accommodates tall cups so you can dispense your morning coffee directly into your travel cup

Cons:

• The pannarello needs to be wiped down after each use
• The adjusting dispensing head (where the coffee comes out) can become stiff if you do not move it or rinse it occasionally

These are our top three picks of Saeco espresso makers for 2018.  The pros and cons for each model should give you good insight on what to expect for the three categories: best overall, best value for the features and best entry level espresso machine.

If you have any further questions about new or refurbished espresso machines, contact us.

There will be nothing better than having an espresso machine on your counter for the holidays.  Everyone will love it- the kids can make frothy hot chocolates, you can enjoy an espresso or cappuccino and you will be the best host when you can provide a specialty coffee drink after the holiday dinner. Don’t waste another minute, add an espresso machine to your gift list.