Saeco Magic Delux at Costco

[hazardnc]

Saeco Espresso Machine

I have been using a Delonghi Bar 42 machine for 2 years now. I do not grind my own, but use Illy coffee.

I have enjoyed my homebrewed cappucinos, but am ready to move up the scale. Owen suggested I start grinding my own, and I am considering buying the Rancilio Rocky. However, for $699, I can get this combo unit. For $100 more, I can buy the Rancilio combo from Aabree.

Any experience with the Saeco version?

[melkor]

They had that exact machine at two of the places we stayed on our recent trip to asia, though I was only able to use one of them (the other place insisted on making the drinks for us). While it's possible to make an acceptable drink using it, but it's very inconsistant and they are never great. You'd be far better off with the Rocky/Silvia combo.

[phaelon56]

No contest. Melkor is right (as usual or should I say most of the time).

Not only are the grinders in "combo" machines inferior to any stand-alone grinder like the Rocky, the Rancilio Silvia is hands down a far better machine than the Saeco for espresso and steaming. It offers better construction quality, much higher reliability, better steaming, a commercial grade portafilter assembly... the advantages are almost too numerous to list.

Also - if you're lookign for advice, support or info on ways to coax the best possible performance from your Silvia... that ever nefarious Internet is just chock full of info such as Pepe's Hot-Rodded Rancilio Silvia ... but you don't need to do all that to get great shots from your Silvia.

I'd grab the Aabree deal before the price goes up but also check 1st Line Equipment in NJ and Chris Coffee in NY state. All three of these vendors have good reputations but working with a vendor on the same coast is sometimes a good idea. IN the event you ever have repair issues that invlove shipping gear the cost and time is far more favorable from NC to NJ or NY than or is to OR or WA.

As mentioned - all three have good reputations but I have personally had fantastic after the sale support experience with Chris Coffee. If their overall price is the same or even close to what the others charge I'd grab the gear from them. Now is a good time. Existing stock was often purchased before the dollar plummeted - expect prices at most vendors to go up soon if they haven't already.

[melkor]

I've also gotten excellent post-sales support from Chris Coffee. I'll add Sweet Maria's to Owen's list of places to check out. I've also been extremely happy doing business with them for the past few years.