Philips Saeco Vienna Plus Automatic Espresso Machine

I recently purchased a Vienna Superautomatica as an inexpensive second espresso maker. The first thing I noticed is that it is Italian made like many of the great espresso machines. The body of the Vienna is "graphite" plastic, and while it does not feel first class, it somehow has a pretty sturdy feel to it. I also like that the footprint is pretty small thus taking up little counter space.

I opened the manual, which is not particularly clear, but need not be on account of very simple operation. The Vienna has three buttons--on/off, coffee, and steam. It also has a steamer control knob and a water volume knob.

I turned on the machine after filling the coffee and water tanks. The buttons feel Italian--you'll know what I mean if you've owned an Alfa Romeo. They are a bit clunky next to my old Capresso C1000, but they work well (for now).

The Vienna takes a couple of minutes to warm up--I don't mind this for reasons I'll reveal in a minute. The coffee spout is adjustable up and down to accommodate a large variety of cups and mugs. Once it's ready, the coffee light stops blinking. I push the button and it begins to grind the coffee. The noise level of the machine is louder than my Capresso, but not too bad. You might wake up the house with it in the morning, but my child stayed asleep. Once the coffee finishes the grind, the Vienna immediately begins making espresso.

My first impression was that I saw a lot more steam coming from the coffee than my Capresso. I am hopeful. The coffee also looked a bit thicker than the Capresso. After the Vienna finished I observed the cup: nice crema, plenty hot, and smells like the genuine article. I gave it a taste--wow, step aside Capresso, this espresso is richer, hotter, and a lot closer to coffee bar espresso. Next I took a sip. Ah yes, the cup holds rich chocolatey espresso. If you are sort of a coffee snob, you'll like what you taste. The coffee is much richer than the Capresso, which I attribute to hotter water and fuller extraction.

I'm sure that the Vienna will not make good enough espresso for some folks, but to me, it still tastes better than Starbucks. It was more than $100 cheaper than my Capresso and frankly makes better espresso. I cannot yet speak to the durability of the machine, but the Vienna is now my favorite inexpensive espresso maker.

Vienna Plus is my third fully automatic machine. I loved my first, Saeco original Vienna, hated the second, Saeco Incanto classic. The original Vienna worked for 3 years every day, making consistently good espresso before the pump gave. I should have paid for repair, but I succumbed to that stainless steel twinkle and went for Saeco Incanto classic. More expensive for sure. Worse, better said inconsistent, coffee quality, constant small problems relating to built quality concerning the brew group, the grinder and the steamer wand. After a year of irritation a pump seal has failed while making espresso, nothing like a small explosion in the kitchen in the morning, I tell ya. Well, gone back to the trusted Vienna, now with the plus in the name. Good old days are here again .... Compared to previousit is a lot quieter, when both grinding and steaming, it is also a lot quicker to warm up then before, steam is ready a mere 15 seconds after pushing the button. Espresso has a beautiful rich crema right out of the box, I didn't have to experiment with grind setting at all. The steaming wand (Panarello) has been redesigned and is now foolproof maker of perfect frothed foam. For the newbie I would like to add that I spent a lot of effort to find the right roast tasted more than a few before I settled on one (Peerless Coffee Espressp Perfection) that I buy now in 5 lb. bags and keep in the freezer. I should for fairness add that I never want any other coffee through the machine like some decaf or flavored stuff, so I don't miss the alternate ground coffee option that Incanto had. My priority has always been flavor and consistency and that the Vienna Plus delivers. My friends drive miles to "see me" and, by the way, get a cup of espresso, praising each one as "this is the best espresso in the world". If that is what you desire, don't get mesmerized by stainless steel shine or computerized display magic and save yourself some money by getting this machine. You won't regret it. And I am unanimous in that. ;)

Buy Philips Saeco Vienna Plus Automatic Espresso Machine Now

We owned a Saeco Vienna Deluxe since January 2004, but decided to purchase a newer model in September 2010. The Vienna Deluxe served us well for six and a half years, but was beginning to show its age. The Saeco Vienna Plus is the updated version of the Vienna Deluxe.

Saeco's Vienna Plus super-automatic espresso machine is simple to use. Add up to 57 oz filtered cold water to the reservoir, up to 12 oz beans in the hopper, and then turn the machine on. While warming up, adjust the volume dial for a 1 to 6 oz pour. Once ready, press the coffee button once to make an espresso or twice for a double shot or two espressos. If a latte is desired, press the steam button after the espresso has finished brewing and turn the steam knob to activate the pannarello to steam the milk. Turning the steam knob without pressing the steam button will produce hot water from the pannarello instead.

The perfect espresso may require adjusting a couple dials in the hopper. A strength dial controls the amount of grounds used per cup. A second knob controls the grind's coarseness. These settings are typically adjusted once then left alone if you chose to alter the factory setting. The factory settings work well for us, so we didn't adjust these controls.

Maintaining and cleaning the Vienna Plus espresso machine is just as simple. Cleaning consists of a weekly (or after every 15 pucks) wipe down of the machine, rinsing off the brew group with warm water, and emptying and washing the drip tray and grounds drawer. Incidentally, the used coffee grounds are beneficial to soil when spread out in the gardens or lawn. Once every three months, running descaler through the boiler keeps the inner workings in good condition.

A common complaint about Saeco Vienna espresso machines is the outer plastic cabinet. The durable plastic cabinet was not a problem for us on the old machine, as it didn't chip, crack, or break with normal use. The Veinna Plus uses the same plastic material for the outer cabinet, and is probably used to keep the cost down. The internal workings, like the stainless steel boiler, are hidden from view and use more expensive materials.

Another complaint I've read about is the grinder getting clogged. Our local coffee shop advised us not to purchase oily beans like many flavored coffees. If you enjoy flavored coffee, add syrup to the cup instead. Choosing the right beans, and regular cleanings has kept us from experiencing this problem.

Compared to the Vienna Deluxe, the Vienna Plus super-automatic espresso machine has an updated look, but operates the same and is similarly sized. However the Vienna plus is quieter, and the pannarello has been improved for easier and more consistent frothing.

Ultimately, the Vienna Plus super-automatic espresso machine is simple to use and maintain; plus produces a great tasting espresso and Americano. If you're looking for a fully automatic espresso machine, this one is definitely worth considering.

PROS:

Fresh quality coffee made at the press of a button

Makes consistently great tasting coffee/espresso

Simple to use

Easy to clean/maintain

Biodegradable waste is great for the garden

CONS:

This espresso machine is sure to spoil its owners

Cannot handle large quantities quickly

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Overall, I cannot recommend this machine.

The machine made excellent espresso for the first few weeks we had it. Once it was broken in, the espresso was average, and the crema was more of a large-bubbled foam. The grinder is able to create a fine grind, but unfortunately the machine can't pass any water through it, so you have to use a mid-level fine grind. The machine is able to adjust the amount of water used per shot, but anything more than the smallest available setting creates, well, coffee. Not even an Americano, just coffee.

After three months the grinder broke. When I opened up the machine's door a broken part flew out. Amazon sent me a new one. One month in on the new one, the brewgroup jammed. I thought it was broken, but after four days, the machine was able to pry itself loose. Ground coffee was all over the brewgroup, as if it had exploded. We'll see how it works out.

A bright spot--Amazon was astoundingly helpful and gracious. They replaced the first one, postage payed, express delivery, with no questions at all. They offered to refund the original purchase price on the second one, until it broke loose and started working again. I cannot complement them highly enough!

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We had a Saeco Vienna Deluxe for several years. The machine finally died on us. In searching for a new machine, I saw the Saeco Vienna Plus and knew this would be the next machine. It is very similar to our previous model. It is much cheaper than when we had purchased our first unit. I feel there is value in what we are getting. It saves us a fortune from having to run to the more expensive coffee shop chains to pick up a mocha when it can easily made at home. At the touch of a button or two, the coffee is ready to go. The ease of use is amazing. Clean up is easy. I would definitely recommend this machine for those who want to be able to make espresso with ease.

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Lavazza BLUE Espresso Intenso Capsules

This is a great espresso with a nice crema. All Lavazza Blue products have been fantastic. Please note that this only works in the Lavazza Blue machines. It is a different size than the K-cups.

BonJour 9-Cup Cafe Milano Stove Top Espresso Maker

I just got this espresso maker in and I am very pleased with it. I have always purchased them cheaply at TJMaxx or Marshall's in the past, so I am used to pouring the coffee over the sink or having a hard time unscrewing the top to clean it...but this one is much better. The top closes smoothly and there was absolutely no leaking. I suppose if you are used to pricier espresso makers, you may have more complaints, but for me, this one works great!

My brother had me purchase this for him and he also bought one for us. I love it. the size is great as now I can have more than oone cafe con leche. thanks big bro!!!

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This unit provides a large amount of great tasting espresso. For those who need to cater for multiple persons, or for the hopelessly caffeine dependent. It does exactly what it's supposed to and there have been no signs of significant flaws. Complaints about build quality and price may have some validity, but I see no real issues. I was looking for a large, sturdy, dependable coffee maker and this appears to fit the bill perfectly.

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I am very satisfied with this espresso maker. It makes very good coffee and is fairly solid. The one complaint I have about the construction is that the handle is plastic and feels cheaply attached. I take care of it, but I still fear that after prolonged use the handle may come off or break.

The pot is easy to clean and separates into 3 parts for washing it out.

I have no regrets about this purchase and recommend it to anyone looking for an economical way to manually brew a decent cup of espresso.

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it's a nice-looking espresso maker, easy to clean and durable. 9-cup is the ideal size for afternoon coffee for two. remember never to put it in the dishwasher ;-)

Jura 13467 ENA3 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Black

After weeks of research we ended up selecting the Jura-Capresso ENA 4.

I was a bit skeptical that this small little super automatic could really replace our larger manual and brew quality espresso. I went to a local retailer and was fortunate enough to be able to use a demo unit. I was amazed by how simple and intuitive the ENA 4 is to use; while at the same time provides a level of flexibility and control well beyond my expectations.

The Jura-Capresso site has some great video demos as well as other info that is worth checking out.

http://capresso.com/automatic-coffee-centers-ena3-4.shtml

If you're looking for a super automatic, I highly recommend you take a look at the ENA. Our unit has exceeded our expectations. Great espresso and lattes!

I purchased the ENA4 2 years ago, actually I purchased the ENA3 which is black, but I was given the ENA4. The only difference is the color. It has never failed to produce an excellent shots of espresso. Generally, I make lattes or cappuccino.

Performing the routine maintenance, when indicated, produces the best results.

This is a home unit, not designed for power users. Wouldn't recommend it for an office or high volume household.

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This is our third Capresso (or Jura Capresso) superautomatic coffee machine. In our experience these machines last only a few years before needing repair but they make such good coffee, so easily and quickly, that we keep coming back to them. We've tried other brands and none rivals Jura Capresso's coffee. This is our first machine of the Ena generation, however. We just bought an Ena 3. While the coffee is as good as that of previous models, the new design is disappointing. The rotary dial is a pain but it is tolerable once you master it. The water tank, on the other hand, is an absolute nightmare. We can only make three mugs of coffee before it must be refilled, and the rear location of the tank makes that task very difficult, especially since our machine must be located on a kitchen countertop beneath upper cabinets. In addition we have under-cabinet lighting, and it's hard to remove the water tank for refilling without bumping into the lights and burning your hand. In my opinion the few inches reduction in the width of the machine is insignificant compared to the inconvenience of the new water tank's size and location. Unless Jura redesigns the water tank, I doubt we'll be buying a fourth coffeemaker from them. Maybe we'll just have our old one repaired and use it for a few more years!

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I love this espresso machine, it's so easy to use and makes such great tasting espresso with no effort. I know nothing about making espresso, but this makes it easy. I thought about getting a more expensive machine, but glad I didn't waste the money. I don't know what I would have got that would make the extra money worth it.

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I had high hopes for this machine. Did some research, read a bunch of reviews, dismissing as novices (I've been a home 'barista' for 9 yrs) the people that had negative comments. Well, they were right.

This is not an espresso maker. My first clue was the unit comes with an 8oz 'shot' programmed as the default setting. Yes you can change it but nothing you do this unit will get it to make real espresso-not the grind setting, not the shot size, not the strength setting, not amount of coffe, nothing (using Illy beans). Luke warm shot without any true crema. Besides that, there are little annoyances resulting from design errors e.g. unless the frother wand is cocked off to the side (as shown in the photos) you will knock it off every time you open the garbage drawer. As mentioned previously the water tank is too small, if you make more than 1 a day you will be filling it daily but hey, what do you want there are tradeoffs to get a small footprint.

I did like the ease of cleaning the frother and you can't argue that its not a good looking unit. Also, I don't know why others comment on poor foam. Another thing the Juras do really well is put on a head of microfoam. You need to both steam the milk and also extend the wand to get a true latte or cap; frothing alone will not get the milk hot enough.

Bottom line: it does everything well except its prime mission -making espresso (sort of like phone calls on an iPhone 4). I've already sent mine back and replaced it with a Rancilio Silvia.

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Red 49mm Espresso Tamper Stainless Steel Coffee

I have a DeLonghi EC155 and the inside diameter of the portafilter basket is 51mm. Many larger machines have 53 or 58mm baskets so these larger tampers won't work with the EC155. I couldn't find any 50 or 51mm sizes, so I ordered this 49mm size. It works perfectly, no problems whatsoever. Much more convenient than using the attached plastic tamper on the machine. The problem with that is that you must push the basket UP to compress the coffee while holding your other hand on top of the machine to hold it down. Much, much easier to just push down with this tamper. Also, this is a substantial tool, made of 18/8 Stainless Steel and weighs in at almost a half-pound (7.5 oz or 212 g). Unlike aluminum alloys, this will not discolor in the dishwasher.

This is the second tamper that I bought. The first one was 1mm too big for my Mr. Coffee machine. It was my fault that I didn't measure it carefully and it was misleading to see the first tamper I bought featured with the Mr. Coffee machine I have as having been bought together by some customers. Thanks for the review posted earlier about this being the perfect one for the Mr. Coffee machine. Anyway, this tamper works and looks great. I used it for the first time today and I can taste the difference. I had been using a measuring cup while waiting for this item in the mail. I like the feel of it in my hands and it has a pretty good weight. I love the price too. I ordered this from Chef Tools and it was a pretty smooth transactiongreat communication and fast shipping.

Buy Red 49mm Espresso Tamper Stainless Steel Coffee Now

A good press is essential to making good espresso. If you don't get the grounds packed enough, the steam will go through too quickly to get all the oils extracted; if you pack the grounds too tightly, the steam won't be able to get through the grounds quickly enough and you'll have a burnt, bitter taste (a la $tarbucks). The perfect method is to use a flat-bottomed tamper, press down with about 50 lbs of force and twist. This is a substantial, ergonomic tamper that will let you do just that. It feels nice and firm in the hand, the rounded "jewel" on top lets you push hard without any discomfort, and it's solid metal (not cladding over softer metal as some of the other tampers are made these days) so you don't have to worry about the dishwasher turning it gray or getting heavy metals in your drink.

I spend a lot of time researching products before I spend my hard-earned dollars and this was no exception. After comparing the reviews of products and comparing the specs to what professional baristas in Italy say is the perfect tamper, this one is the hands-down winner.

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Item arrived promptly & in good shape but the tamper is a little too small for the Delonghi EC-155 contrary to what other reviewers stated, it is actually smaller than the one included with the unit which is small to begin with, the tamper is of course better than that one but coffee squeezes up about .5 cm from the edge of the basket which is rather annoying when attempting to create an even pack.

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If you own a Pavoni, this is the tamper for you. It fits the filter basket to a "T" and with it's slightly rolled edges allows for a gentle rolling action when tamping down your choice of grind.

Swissmar Mountable Storage Unit for Nespresso Coffee Capsules

I'm someone who is pretty critical of products, and have written some pretty scathing reviews of items that I feel have let me down. But having bought two of these, I just do NOT understand the bad reviews. First, I find it astounding that even ONE person (let alone THREE) would think that the rack comes with the capsules. Really? Do you also think your breakfast cereal comes with the fruit, bowls, silverware, and smiling children on the box? I mean, no offense people, but come on... use your heads. (And as most people who buy nespresso know, you can only buy the capsules from nespresso. no other entity sells them. annoying, yes, but that's the way it is.) Second, while I can't exactly say that it is an economical solution (if you want that, a cardboard box or existing drawer would probably work just fine), it is WAY cheaper than anything on nespresso's own site (their capsule storage solutions are jokes -I'm a total sucker for consumer goods and even I won't pay the ridiculous prices they charge). While I understand the criticism that there should be additional mounting options besides the double stick mounting tape, it's not THAT big of a deal. (In my case, the double stick mounting tape they supplied kind of sucked, not nearly sticky or adhesive enough for the inside of my cabinet door, and I heard a crash in the middle of the night and woke up to capsules all over the shelves! I replaced it with heavy duty velcro adhesive, and I've never had a problem since. So yes, I'll deduct one star for the lame mounting tape.) But for people with criticisms like "what if I move?": It's SO easy to go to a hardware store and get new velcro or new mounting tape for your new house. You can pick it up while you're buying moving boxes!

Simple storage unit that did what I required... removed coffee capsules from the kitchen work top yet still be easily accessible when I want to make a coffee. It was a little pricey but to be honest I could not find anything else that beats this unit. Unlike some reviewers, I have found the sticky Velcro that came with the unit has been strong enough to withstand the weight.

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Just got this with the excellent Nespresso maker and frother and this is the only item I'm a little disappointed in. First, I thought the pods came with it (okay, that was dumb). But second, the only option to mount is to use the sticky gum on the back of the flat panel? Really, I hate using that stuff, what if I move next month, I have to buy a new one? And $30 for a simple metal holder is a little over the top. If you are buying a Nespresso and you have the option for this item, I would think twice. In truth, I may come to love this thing once I'm swimming in over-priced, proprietary wasteful pods, but we will see.

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Great and easy to use. I recomend it to everyone!!!! Just glue with the double layer tape that already comes attached to it!

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so far this has worked perfect for me. I have put it on the tiled backslash and it is nice and sturdy. It is a great idea because it stores capsules perfectly and it looks sharp.

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Mr. Coffee 116397-000-000 Brew Basket

Mr. Coffee does supply the brew basket or filter basket. You have to call 1-800-MrCoffee and ask the person for this option. This basket is $1.05 and shipping is $5.95. So the total is $7.00. We bought and inexpensive Mr. Coffee pot from Walmart for $11.00. We received our same brew basket and for future a new canister. This is extra stuff we don't need but great options to have around.

Product saved me from having to buy a whole new coffee pot! Shipping was a little high the shipping charge was higher than the actual cost of shipping (according to postage label)

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Product was exactly what I needed, and it arrived very quickly--I couldn't be more pleased !! Thanks !

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This thing is a plastic brew basket. It works OK but is very fragile if dropped (Thats why I had to buy this as a replacement for the original).

I dropped my original when trying to dry it. It landed on the floor in the kitchen and the plastic spout at the bottom broke off at the cheap little plastic mounts. They snap off very easy and seem to become more brittle after making a few pots of coffee (due to plastic weakening from heating/cooling/heating)

Just be careful and don't drop it! Maybe worthwhile to buy an extra basket just to be safe or keep a French press in the cabinet for backup.

On second thought, just use a French press....the coffee tastes, WOW, so much more flavorful from a french press!!! Only problem is keeping coffee in a french press hot for any period of time...

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Thanks for carrying this, as Mr. Coffee doesn't carry them! The product breaks easily, so it is good to find a replacement!

Jura-Capresso 13180 Impressa S8 Super Automatic Coffee Center, Dual-Tone Platinum

I knew that an automatic espresso maker would be convienient, but wow, is it ever amazing! This unit definitely saves time in the morning as well as saves money going to a certain coffee chain (except for the beans). Jura-Capresso's customer service was really great as well as we had lost the manual and DVD, and they gladly sent replacements. The DVD was especially helpful for learning about the system.

You definitely need to customize the coffee strength and coffee/steam/milk portions, but once that's done, the unit is truly automatic. You have to clean it, but the unit tells you what to do and when.

Worth every penny.