Thoughts on a decent Super Auto

[Warrior372]

To put it into perspective, most of your local 'serve the world' coffee house's use Franke super automatic espresso machine which cost between $15,000-$20,000 dollars. I have never been in a situation where fresh coffee was put through one of those machines, but I would imagine the best words you could get out my mouth would be alright.

I restore espresso machines and have always intentionally avoided super autos because IMO they are too complex for their own good. When you have a machine where everything is made out of plastic and it is 100% automated with moving parts, the life of the machine / those parts is not going to be too long.

William-Sonoma sells Juras which start at about $1,200. I just went to their site and apparently they only carry Saeco machines now, but they still start at $1k. If you just have to get one, I would push you toward a place like Costco. They have several on their website and their Saecos start at $400. At least when it breaks you can bring it back and get your money back.

[Dante]

This is the least expensive Saeco model that Costco offers.

Like Robert said they have a pretty fair return policy.

 

+1 on the Saeco. My daughter loves coffee and wanted to be able to brew a decent shot in her dorm. So I got her a Saeco Talea Ring, which looks like this but with a different touch pad. It pulls passable coffee and is easy to use and maintain.

[Charly]

This is the least expensive Saeco model that Costco offers.

Like Robert said they have a pretty fair return policy.


 That's awesome! I've spent more than that for a very used saeco super auto. Wore it out in a couple of months since everybody keeps on pushing the button like lab rats getting cocaine pellets. A 4oz long shot aka cafe crema, with the right coffee and grinder setting, is always very good-better in fact than any real 2oz espresso shot I've ever had in a coffee shop anywhere with maybe 2 or 3 exceptions.  No god shots ever, but with a just a bit of sugar added I am quite satisfied.  Until the stupid unrepairable machine dies again after a few thousand shots....
 

[thejavaman]

I have a JURA ENA5 at work and I'm happy with it. Like others have said, it won't come close to making a true espresso, but it does make a mean caffè crema and for convenience, it can't be beat.

[Robby]

I am going to give the Saeco a shot and see if I can make it work for her.  The money I save I can put towards a new grinder if she doesn't notice. 

[peter]

I am going to give the Saeco a shot and see if I can make it work for her.  The money I save I can put towards a new grinder if she doesn't notice.

Happy wife, happy life!

[Ascholten]

Robby if you do it right, it should go something like this.

A get machine for wife.  say I love you hon this shows how much.
B get her hooked on it, she likes coffee
C remind her how much you love her and have learned about 'coffee' and how that machine is 'lacking, but.
D re remind her, that since you love her so much, you are more than happy to get a (insert dream machine here) so you can make her REAL espresso
E emphasize it's for HER you are making this gesture of love.  *who says you need diamonds to get #@3#$@  you pull this off right and an espresso machine might do it  plus YOU get to keep the machine.....

Sounds good in theory...
Disclaimer:  Im divorced so use my advice at your own risk 

Aaron

[Robby]

So, I think closure is in order here...

I bought the inexpensive plastic fantastic Saeco super auto for around $380.  My thoughts? 

The wife loves it.  It is the first time she has been able to build something resembling a decent coffee by herself.  Se is banned (permanently) from using my espresso machine so this gives her her own special tool.  The espresso is passable.  About equal to a sub par shot but not a sinker.  I found that I could crank up the volume all the way and get a quazi cup of coffee if I am flying out the door someday.  It tastes better than the coffee down the street at the local stop and shop. 

So, Is it worth the expense?  Yeah, I guess it is.  My wife has already had her friends in this afternoon to have a cup of foo foo and they were all impressed with her.  And the beauty of it is that it will be pretty hard for her to mess it up.  I don't know about the longevity of the machine, and I hope it turns out well, but so far (2 days) it seems to be a decent choice for our needs. 

And no, it won't replace my DeLonghi.  I might have to surf the temps a bit to get a good shot, but when I get it right it is a joy to behold. 

[mp]

Glad to hear you like your purchase.

Like you say ... it is always better than the stuff you get at Charbucks ... even though a far cry from our standards.

 

[grinderz]

I am going to give the Saeco a shot and see if I can make it work for her.  The money I save I can put towards a new grinder if she doesn't notice.

Happy wife, happy life!

This make me feel a little sad...

[mp]

I am going to give the Saeco a shot and see if I can make it work for her.  The money I save I can put towards a new grinder if she doesn't notice.

Happy wife, happy life!

This make me feel a little sad...

Why would it make you feel sad?

 

[grinderz]

Actually, I shouldn't have gone there.

[mp]

Actually, I shouldn't have gone there.