There are literally hundreds of coffee machines on the market today, from the standard fair you will find at your local retailers to the more sophisticated models that are only available at specialty shops and online. If you are really into your coffee you may already own a top of the line espresso device such as the Saeco coffee machines, however if you are still on the fence and wondering if they are really worth the extra money, read on.

Saeco Coffee Machines – A Little History

The first thing you should know about the Saeco brand is that they are relatively new to the market, the company was launched in 1981 and they produced the first automated espresso machine a few short years later. What many people do not know is Saeco purchased the much older Gaggia Company and although these machines are still produced as their own line they have incorporated Saeco designs into some of their domestic appliances. The bottom line on this company is this, they may only be a little over 30 years old but in that time frame they have become a world leader in home espresso machines (according to GFK a European data reporting firm).

The Espresso Machines

The next thing on your mind is probable the Saeco coffee machines themselves. How well do they hold up and are they easy to use are common questions. Of course, if you ask the manufacturer all of the answers to these questions will be in the affirmative naturally, so the best bet is to look at the reviews from people who actually own the machines. Here are some of the common reviews about the Saeco coffee machine.

The Bad

Several customers have commented that break downs were frequent, and depending on where you live and the return policy of the vendor you purchase it from, this could be a major problem. If a machine is not working, it really doesnt matter how good a cup of coffee it is supposed to make would taste! The best way to reduce your risks is to call customer service ahead of time about the particular model you are considering. While they may tell you, what they think you want to hear you can still get a good feel for how well they know their product and how willing they are to discuss any issues. If they blow you off, it might be time to look elsewhere!

These machines require maintenance. You are grinding, pressing and brewing coffee plus creating froth with the steam wand and if you want, the machine to last you will have to be proactive in taking care of it correctly. One complaint is the blinking diagnostic lights on some of these machines, you have to be able to determine what they mean so do not throw away the handbook.

The Good

Lovers of the Saeco coffee machine will tell you they enjoy the automatic nature of these machines. They are simpler to use than many higher end brands and still produce a tasty cup of Joe. Often times coffee connoisseurs will tell you, the best cup of espresso is made by grinding the coffee separately etc … Well, that may be a matter of opinion as a number of Saeco coffee machine owner's state they can not tell the difference and are in love with their machines.

Some people have complained about the machines breaking down, there seems to be some disagreement on this factor. More than one satisfied customer has claimed several years of uninterrupted usage, even without strict adherence to a cleaning schedule. It is more likely that a specific model has issues off the line, which means you will need to do your homework on models before purchasing a Saeco coffee machine.

The Way To Go

As you can see there is a good split on the pros and cons of Saeco coffee machines, overall the good reviews have outweighed the bad and if you consider the rise of this company through the ranks it is obvious they are doing something right. Consider your personal coffee requirements carefully before settling on a particular model of Saeco coffee machines then research the model and enjoy.