I think I have narrowed down my choice to either the Saeco Aroma or the Gaggia New Baby. Would you please compare and contrast the advantages/disadvantages of these units; e.g., advantage/disadvantage of stainless steel vs. aluminum boiler, large thermoblock vs. small volume boiler, stainless steel vs. chrome plated brass portafilter, pressurized vs. commercial style portafilter, 9 oz boiler volume vs. 3.5 (is this enough for 2 shots?), ,931 vs, 1370 watt boiler (will this equate to a big difference in performance?). Also, are the listed performance specs for these machines correct; e.g., the Gaggia has a much more powerful boiler; yet, your listed specs show that the Saeco has MUCH lower initial heat up, recommended heat up, time to produce steam and time to froth 8 oz's of milk (9.8 secs vs 125 secs). Is this a typo? Did you really mean 98 seconds for the Saeco or 12.5 seconds for the Gaggia? It doesn't seem as if the difference should be that great? Finally, do you recommend any other comparable machines in this price range.
I've had my Saeco Aroma SS for about a year and a half and haven't had any issues up to this point. After a few months being unused (for which it had been both cleaned, emptied, and unplugged), I plugged it in and steamed my milk just fine, but when I tried to pull a shot the pump made a much louder chattering sort of sound and moved no water through the unit. Faulty pump? What could it be and how might it have happened? Thanks!
The machine for sale is the right size for my small kitchen. I have some questions:
1. Is the plastic BPA free?
2.Is the machine a super automatic?
3.Does it grind coffee and froth milk?
4. Where is the machine made? ( I don't want anything from China.)
Thanks!
Burnt rubber/plastic smell and taste (NOT burnt coffee smell) coming from steam and coffee made in our year-old Saeco ARoma. Steam starts strong, then stops. Coffee streams and dribbles alternately. Looked at steam tube, no obvious obstruction.
I read elsewhere that your 2 year warranty is something to get details on before ordering. I am looking at one of the gaggia machines (baby classic). You advertiese extended warranty of 1 year. Does that mean total of 2 years? I have heard if not purchased in EU then the manuf warranty is not valid. So it is 2 years from Wholelattelove or some other place? If indeed 2 years does that include parts and labor? Who is Importica?
I have had a Saeco Aroma for about 2 years. It was the first espresso machine I have ever had. I use it everday. However, now it will only work in certain outlets. Which is odd because other things will work in them. So I believe it is the machine itself. Also, it will brew but when you want to steam it will not stay heated up.
I believe at this point there could be a boiler issue or possibly a short? I feel the cost to fix isn't justified againt just replacing the unit. I live too far away from any service centers.
Thoughts?
Also - how could this have happened? Is this a user error? Am I doing something wrong? If you are supposed to prime each time before steaming - can someone run through the steps? I don't want to buy a new machine and break that one too.
Any suggestions on a new home machine?
I just got the machine and want to know the best way to remove the grounds after pouring the shot? It is impossible to empty.
How "loud" is the pump. I realize that's like asking "how high is up", but we had a Braun Tassimo machine and we don't use it any more because it was offensivly loud. We now use a Keurig. If you could quantify the lounness between those two I will be able to relate to your answer. This looks like the best machine at a very reasonable price and hope to order one within a few months.
Does the Saeco Aroma SS come with a pod adapter?
My Saeco Aroma came with a second black tray (similar to the drip tray) with a piece of wood dividing the tray. What is this tray? Thank you!
mjackson ♦ Richard great questions. I think I can simplify this answer for you We do have a few typos and sorry, I like both the machines. I do know for pure espresso and a more stable platform for espresso I like the Gaggia as it gives you the advantage of a better group head and portafilter. It also lets you use bath a pressurized system and if you have a correct grind it will let you use the traditional commercial basket. Yes the higher watt boiler will make a difference. I view the Gaggia as a step above the entry level Saeco. I think the advantage of the Saeco lies in the ease of use. It is also more compact. I woudl let them both warm up about 4-5 minutes. I think you will be happier with the Gaggia especially if you think you may want to take a more Barista like approach to making great espresso. I hope this helps.
01-15-2013 9:44am |