The Talea Touch makes terrific coffee and has functions that are well thought out and easy to use. The only problem is that they can't make one that works.
I bought mine in Dec. 2009 from Seattle Coffee Gear. By March 2010, I had returned my third defective machine to Saeco. All three had different problems; the first leaked all over the counter when brewing (an internal hose defect), the second could not be programmed or hold a date and time; the third has a steam wand that leaked (poured) water during the brew cycle enough to fill a shot glass for each coffee made. As of September, I have had to return it two additional times for repairs a total of 5 times.
Saeco will fix or replace this again but what does that tell you about their QC? Saeco customer service has been helpful and courteous once you reach them. Be prepared to wait > 45 minutes on their customer support line to reach a human being.
Saeco came highly recommended and it does makes great coffee and lattes when it works. If you like Audi's, this may be the coffee machine for you.
One last note, I have attempted to submit this review many times at Seattle Coffee gear and somehow it never appears on their website.
This machine makes good coffee, after you have spent a few minutes figuring out why the red light is on; this light has to be out before the machine will consent to work. The water container is too small, and water is lost to the drip tray which is also too small, so not many cups can be made before it locks you out. On filling it with coffee it's hard to get the red light to go away as it is finicky about the lid. The grounds container fills up faster than it needs to because of its design. It's very frustrating compared to the Saeco machine (Vienna Super Automatic) it replaced. For $1000 it should be better.
And did I mention it demands to be descaled quite often even if you are using RO water in it?
Buy Saeco Talea Touch w/.4l Milk Island Espresso Machine Now
The Talea Touch makes terrific coffee and has functions that are well thought out and easy to use. The only problem is that they can't make one that works.
I bought mine in Dec. 2009 from Seattle Coffee Gear. By March 2010, I had returned my third defective machine to Saeco. All three had different problems; the first leaked all over the counter when brewing (an internal hose defect), the second could not be programmed or hold a date and time; the third has a steam wand that leaked (poured) water during the brew cycle enough to fill a shot glass for each coffee made. As of September, I have had to return it two additional times for repairs a total of 5 times.
Saeco will fix or replace this again but what does that tell you about their QC? Saeco customer service has been helpful and courteous once you reach them. Be prepared to wait > 45 minutes on their customer support line to reach a human being.
Saeco came highly recommended and it does makes great coffee and lattes when it works. If you like Audi's, this may be the coffee machine for you.
One last note, I have attempted to submit this review many times at Seattle Coffee gear and somehow it never appears on their website.
Read Best Reviews of Saeco Talea Touch w/.4l Milk Island Espresso Machine Here
I'm the occasional latte,cappuccino drink because I can't stomach paying $4-5 dollars for one at the coffee shop. But this little pot takes the cake. Follow the instructions though because they are written just right. They state that the first 3 batches are throw-outs, and even though I drank mine, that truly is the case. Batch #4 was the one and they've only gotten better each time. Follow instructions and watch the DVD provided and you'll be sippin' in no time. The only downside is that it's small. This is a one person deal, then you have to let the pot cool before starting it up again.
