mjackson ♦ Judith,
They are almost the same machine. The Venezia steam wand does offer a wider range of motion so it is easier to get the milk pitcher out when you are done. I like that feature a lot.

11-07-2012 1:17pm |

mjackson ♦ Antony,

Here is a step by step guide.

Decalcifying Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
Applies to: Single boiler machines, not Prosumer or heat exchange designs
To determine which decalcifying cleaner is recommended for your machine, consult your user’s manual or review the maintenance instructions on our website. Decalcification is not a surefire way to fix a problem stemming from scale; it is preventive maintenance intended to stop problems before they appear. You should decalcify your machine every two to four months (depending on the water hardness and frequency of use) according to the directions below.
Tools Required:
• Decalcifying cleaner (ex: Urnex Cleancaf, Durgol Swiss Espresso Descaler, Gaggia Descaler etc)
• One container that will hold the same amount of liquid as your water reservoir
• Another small container to catch water from the group head
Step-By Step Procedure:
1. Remove the machine’s water reservoir.
2. Empty all liquid from the reservoir.
3. Mix or dilute your descaler according to the directions in a separate container. It is especially important to completely dissolve powdered descalers. Typically, one dose of descaling product will make a total of 32oz of liquid descaling solution.
4. Fill the reservoir with the solution.
5. Re-attach the water reservoir to the machine.
6. Turn the machine on.
7. Set a large container underneath the steam wand to collect the decalcifying solution.
8. Set another container underneath the brew spout to collect more of the decalcifying solution.
9. Set the machine up so that hot water -NOT steam- will be dispensed from the steam wand when the steam valve is opened.
10. Start the machine so the solution begins flowing from the steam arm.
11. Allow about 2oz of solution to be dispensed from steam arm.
12. Stop the flow and close the steam valve.
13. Now press your brewing button and allow about 2oz to of solution to be dispensed form the group head.
14. Allow the machine to sit for the amount of time specified on the cleaner packaging. This is typically two to five minutes.
15. Repeat steps 10 - 14 until all of the decalcifying solution has drained into the containers.

07-16-2012 9:49am |

mjackson ♦ Gwen,

The screen is important. It is what allows the coffee to be brewed under pressure. You can fix it by replacing the parts and I would call our technical support team and do that. It will make your machine work the way it is supposed to.

02-18-2012 10:43am |

mjackson ♦ Lean,

make sure you use the correct product such as Durgol or Urnex Cleancaf. The instructions are in your manual section 10. Or here are some detailed instructions that should help. To determine which decalcifying cleaner is recommended for your machine consult your user’s manual or the maintenance instructions on our website. Decalcify your machine every two to four months (depending on the water hardness and frequency of use) according to the directions below.

Tools Required:
• Decalcifying cleaner (ex: Urnex Cleancaf, Durgol Swiss Espresso Descaler, Gaggia Descaler etc)
• One container that will hold the same amount of liquid as your water reservoir
• Another small container to catch water from the group head

1) Remove the machine’s water reservoir.
2) Empty all liquid from the reservoir.
3) Mix or dilute your descaler according to the directions in a separate container. It is especially important to completely dissolve powder descalers.
4) Fill the reservoir with the solution.
5) Return the water reservoir to the machine.
6) Turn the machine on.
7) Set the large container underneath the steam wand to collect the decalcifying solution.
8) Set another small container underneath the brew spout to collect more of the decalcifying solution.
9) Set the machine up so that hot water -NOT steam- will be emitted from the steam wand when the steam valve is opened.
10) Start the machine so the solution begins flowing from the steam arm.
11) Allow about 8oz of solution to be dispensed from steam arm.
12) Stop the flow and close the steam valve.
13) Now press your brewing button and allow about 8oz to of solution to be dispensed form the group head.
14) Allow the machine to sit for the amount of time specified on the cleaner packaging.
15) Repeat steps 10 - 14 until all of the decalcifying solution has drained into the containers.
16) Remove the containers and discard the liquid that has been collected.
17) Rinse the water reservoir thoroughly and then fill it with the type of water you usually use for brewing.
18) Return the reservoir to the machine.

01-30-2012 9:43am |

mjackson ♦ Issac,

A good tamper will help you get a better shot more consistently out of your Saeco. The size you will need will be a 53 mm tamper. We have quite a few to choose from. I would choose one based on how it looks and price as they will all work. I hope this helps and let us know if you have any more questions.

12-10-2011 9:47am |

mjackson ♦ Patricia,

Thanks for your question. The Saeco can make single shots, double shots and brew pods. It can not brew double shot pods. It does do a nice job brewing single shots using a ground coffee. The nice part is the ground coffee does not have to be perfect in order to get a pretty good shot. That is because of the pressurized portafilter. Certainly this is an easy machine to use and a great starter machine to be able to brew espresso and make drink. Please let us know if you have any questions.

12-03-2011 12:15pm |

TechMilanoItalia Either would work on that machine, by the Gaggia wand is the same shape as your original. The Saeco wand can be used without the outer sleeve to achieve better microfoam, however. That would be great if you want to do latte art.

06-29-2010 5:56pm |