Saeco GRAN Crema

Advantages: Compact for it's functions, easy to use
Disadvantages: Had major problems with it leaking

...This was our first Saeco espresso machine purchase about three years ago. The first 8 months were a dream until it started to develop problems, which I'll detail below. But first how it all works. Why Automatic? This is an automatic espresso machine, what sold us was the fact that any body can use the thing, it's compact, and creates less mess than manual machines. We were also sold this version 'Rapid Steam' as it has two boilers as opposed to one in the straight Incanto machine. The idea behind this is that one boiler is dedicated to the temperature of the water for the coffee shot, the other to the steam for frothing the milk. Therefore you don't have to wait the 30 seconds or so for the machine to heat up/cool down between functions. How it works There's a tank at the back to fill fresh water and a bean hopper... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: professional brewing; great results; easy to use
Disadvantages: coffee temperature could be a bit hotter. Warming tray size too small

...I have had the Talea Touch for about one month. Previously I have had three other Saeco models, so I am used to how they work. The coffee quality is much better with this new model. Friends say it tastes more like the coffee from a cafe' shop. Great crema . Everything is easy to use. It has a milk island which is an optional extra. It produces a dense frothed milk, much like the style everyone is after today not the light super fluffy type, but you can still produce this by steaming the milk with the steam wand. The only problem I have is that the temperature is not hot enough unless you prewarm your cups with hot water. the warming tray ontop is a bit small and could be hotter. There is a two year warranty and my machine has just started to leak water a little so I hope this is the only problem I have. I will get it checked out, same... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Ease of use and Cleaning.
Disadvantages: Not the taste - no crema

...This machine disappointed me where the crema is concerned. My previous was a ‘Price Drop’ special, 15 bar Prima. I believe the problem of pressure through the coffee grounds was overcome by using silicone/rubber flange that sat under the coffee filter and caused a pressurised seal with the filter. This flange was a washer with a very small hole in the middle thus causing a restriction to the flow and therefore aiding a full realisation of the 15 bar going through the coffee. The crema was amazing. This Delonghi needs something similar. Recommendation is a ‘NO’ purely because of the crema issue. The whole point of buying an expresso machine is to experience coffee as it should be tasted. Unfortunately the experience is more like a coffee filter machine offering, with frothy milk. My taste has been developed from drinking... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful