Saeco Classico Espresso Machine

Pros: Quality Built System, Quality Results, Good Simple Design
Cons: As with any espresso machine - the learning curve. Watch tape, make cheat notes.

I was adding up how much money I was spending on espresso's in a months time and soon realized I should invest in a machine to save money in the long run. Thus began the research for which machine to buy. My brother had a Saeco from Costco and he was ...

Pros: perfect espresso, great for beginners, mistake proof, solidly built
Cons: frother could use a little more power

Months after joining epinions, I finally have something to write about.

I did a lot of research on espresso makers and found the one I wanted at a starbucks coffee shop. the only problem was that the model was not available and I didnt want...

Pros: Solid, rugged construction; fast, huge water tank
Cons: Need more clearance between steam wand and table top

I've owned this machine for five months now, using it twice a day on average, and I'm very happy with it.

Disclosure: this is my first and only espresso machine, so I have no point of comparison to other machines.
Also, I'm not super...

Pros: Reliable, quality espresso brew maker, safe "steel" construction, simple to use.
Cons: Very industrial aesthetics, two shot limit per brew cycle, frother leaks a bit.

If one is good, two are better. Most espresso drinkers feel this way. After racking up a habit of around 4 to 5 shots daily, I had to call it quits. That was around 6 years ago. In the spring of this year, I decided to enjoy espresso once again, but ...

Pros: Great espresso when works! Large water tank.
Cons: Poor reliability, shipping is not free when sending it in for warranty repairs

I got Saeco Espresso Classico SS (stainless steel) version and it really worked great for the first month. The espresso is great, creamy, just perfect... But, about 2 months later, the boiler stopped working and the water did not heat up...I called...

Pros: Large water capacity
Cons: Doesn't make hot espresso hot enough

I purchased this machine after researching all those in a moderate price range. I chose this one because of the large water storage capacity and the claim that it makes the best "crema". When we took it out of the box and tried it out, the first couple...

Pros: Relatively easy to use, perfect espresso every time.
Cons: Can not brew espresso and use steamer wand at the same time.

This is a great machine. It is easy to learn to use and makes perfect espresso every time.

I've had it for over a month now and couldn't be happier with it. You just put finely grounded coffee in the portafilter, tamp it lightly and the machine does the rest. It has a large water reservoir, is built solid, and looks great (I have the stainless steel version). I'd recommend this machine to anyone looking for a great machine, that is easy to use, and doesn't want to spend a fortune.

Pros: Worked for 7 months and made good espresso during that time.
Cons: Horrible customer service and had many problems with the machine.

I bought my Saeco espresso classico SS on 5/7/04 from Whole Latte Love and used it happily for 7 months. The steam wand leaked but there were no major issues until it started smoking out of the frothing wand. I tried descaling with no luck. I sent it back to Seaco for repair and they said it was my fault. They told me that I had added something other than water to the machine (which I did not). They also said it was going to cost $112 to repair the boiler unit (I paid $350 for the machine brand new). They were charging excessive rates for labor, shipping, and labor to package for shipping. I definitely would not buy Saeco again for the lack of service. They were not willing to answer questions and stopped answering calls as well. I dealt with Ryan Hedges, Melissa Niosi, and Brandi Gibson.

Pros: When it runs, it makes a great cup of coffee
Cons: I am a contract officer, not a Expresso Machine repairman, It breaks down to much!!!!

I am a deployed Army Soldier, and I bought the Classico for its reasonable price and style. I work in Contracting (deployed to Afghanistan) and we have about 15 people. I also used it for a Friday night "Coffee House" we held at the chapel. When it worked it was great, but within a month or two, it broke down. I called for repairs on the warranty and instead of having me send it back, and/or replacing it, they walked me through fixing. I was taking valves apart, applying grease to O-rings ect....

To their credit it worked fine for awhile after the first repair. Although I had trouble finding "Food Grade Grease in Afghanistan. Now I sit here in Afghanistan, taking it apart again, requesting parts, sending e-mails back in forth trying to fix it. What joke!! You spend $300 on a coffee maker you expect it to work. Thank god they finally put a coffee shop in on the base, now I pay $5 for a cup a Joe and Classico becomes the "classic" joke and reference of how not to do market research in the office.

Mark Calhoun
1LT, CM
Contracting, CJ-8 Afghanistan

mark.calhoun1@us.army.mil