Saeco Coffee Maker Odea Giro Automatic Espresso Machine

I had a Super Automatic espresso machine a few years ago until it went out. I figured it would cost more to get it fixed than it was worth. So, I bought this Saeco Odea Giro and I love it. My other machine was digital and had more options, but was also more expensive. I much prefer the Saeco Odea Giro because it is easier to use, quieter than my other machine and hopefully will last longer. As with most products, the more options and computers you have on it, the more of a chance something will go wrong.

The Giro was designed by BMW. This makes it less boxy looking, like most other espresso machines, and therefore much more pleasing to the eye. The controls are simple and straight forward. Turn it on and it heats up in 30 seconds. Select the amount of coffee to be ground, turn the dial for the amount of water you want and press the brew button. Of course, once you set the first two options, then you only have to press the brew button for the next cup. And that is it. The maximum amount of water it will dispense is about 9 ounces. Of course, if you press the brew button 2 times then you will get twice the amount or two cups of coffee. This amount of water works fine for me because I drink cappuccino.

I have tried different brands of coffee such as, Lavazza, Starbucks, Peets and Illy. I have found that Illy is the smoothest and no bitterness, but is the most expensive. I usually use Starbucks because it has a nice flavor and fairly mild. Coffee is subjective. Just try different brands and blends until you find the one you like the most. Just do not use a flavored or highly oily coffee bean because it could plug up the grinder.

There are four lights on the front. One is the on or ready light. Another one is to let you know when to decalcify. The third light tells you when you need to empty the used grounds, dump box. The forth light has different functions that could mean one of several things. This light will either be on steady, slowly flash or rapidly flash. This light will warn you of one of the following. The water tank is empty, bean hopper is empty, drip try is full, water tank is not pushed in all the way, service door is open, brew group is not installed correctly, coffee bean cover is not securely in place or the water circuit needs to be primed. Just read the manual to see what the light status means.

There is an optional Aqua Prima water filter you can buy. This filter is a must have if you use tap water. Otherwise, you will get a buildup of calcium and other minerals that decalcifying may not totally get rid of. Plus, your coffee will taste much better.

I can not address the froth wand because I have a separate machine I use for cappuccino, but I am sure it works just like other espresso machines.

As with most espresso machines the coffee is not quite as hot as I would prefer. So, I preheat the cup by simply putting about one third cup of water in the cup and microwave it for 40 seconds. This also helps keep the coffee hot longer.

Maintenance is easy and quick. Fill the bean container when it needs it. Empty the dump box every day or whenever it tells you. Empty the drip tray when needed. Fill the water tank when needed. Rinse the brew group at least once a week.

Here are some helpful hints. If the machine has not been used for a few hours and is cold, when you turn it on it will dispense a small amount of water out of the spout. This action primes the pump and cleans the spout of any coffee residue. Place a cup under the spout to collect that water and dump it. That way it will not go into the drip tray and you will not have to empty it as often. Also, do not let the water tank get too low or it will stop in the middle of brewing.

I highly recommend this espresso machine. You could spend a few thousand dollars on one with all the bells and whistles, but the end result is the same. They all make coffee or espresso in the same way.

UPDATE: This was the second Saeco espresso machine I have bought. The first one, which was a different model but the same brand, broke down after a little over 1 year. This Odea went out in less than 6 months. Therefore, I have to downgrade my star rating to 2 stars because of reliability. I will no longer buy this brand. I bought a Delonghi and am very happy with it thus far.

I have purchased this product back on March as a birthday gift for friends. I paid around 800.00. And a month or two later the machine started to spill coffee to the dump instead to coffee cups. These people contacted Saeco-USA to schedule the repair, but now they want to get away from repairing this machine. They ask lots of things that just does not make sense. They ask for proof of purchase, they refuse to contact Bloomingdale's store, once we fax them the proof of purchase they never receive it (faxed over 20 times). The customer service is mean, and highly uneducated. So 800.00 for 2 months worth of machine life is way too much in my opinion, better get a Delonghi coffee maker! With his machine I never had any issues.

Buy Saeco Coffee Maker Odea Giro Automatic Espresso Machine Now

This is my third Saeco machine...the first one lasted 7 years it was another model and I was very pleased with it. The second one lasted one year also a different model and they wanted 300.00 to repair it...so I thought I must has just gotten a bad machine and gave Saeco another chance so i bought the Saeco Odea Giro...and it lasted 7 months and now water comes out under the machine instead of through the coffee dispenser.... I've descaled and did all maintenance that this machine required each time it required it. I kept it clean and used only filtered water. There are only two of us using it and well I expect the machine to last more than 7 months at the price. After two bad ones I think I'll look else where for a coffee machine. I've decided Saeco are now making their machines much like a Bic lighter, throw away and buy new....but unfortunately the price doesn't match this throw away buy new approach.

I'm very disappointed and really wish the machine was better. I loved it while it lasted but I can't afford this price every year.

Janet

Read Best Reviews of Saeco Coffee Maker Odea Giro Automatic Espresso Machine Here

I have had this machine for just over two years. The espresso it makes is very good. It is very easy to use and easy to clean. It even looks good. BUT...it continually leaks watery coffee grinds all over the counter.

A Saeco service center told me that I need to clean part of the brew group better. I have been cleaning the brew group and surrounding areas until I am sick of it...it still leaks. Also, the water tank and coffee grinds door are very sensitive and causes the machine to stop working frequently until I jiggle everything. Now the motor that turns the brew group is sounding very sick and weak. I am trying to decide whether to send it in for a major overhaul or buy a different machine that does not leak. Either way, it is still cheaper and better tasting than driving to a coffee shop!

Want Saeco Coffee Maker Odea Giro Automatic Espresso Machine Discount?

We had a Saeco Vienna for about 6 years and were very happy with it. During cleaning, I broke a plastic finger of off the brewing unit, and we decided to get a different machine. We went for a Krups, and what a disaster, the machine was leaking all over after about a weak. We returned it to the store and got another unit, the same leaking after only a few use cycles, and we went for another replacement. This one lasted about three months before it stated to leak.

We decided to go with Saeco again and bought the Odea Giro. This machine is running now since more than two years, making 10 20 cups of coffee every day and not missing a beat.

Yes, the sensors for the water reservoir and the used coffee grounds are very sensitive, but not putting the containers in properly is a operator error and not a machine problem. The machine functions correct if it tells me that the containers are not placed correct.

The negative reports I read here point to operator mistakes rather than to machine problems! The Odea Giro is a fine espresso machine that makes a very good cup of coffee, with a nice crema on top!

Proctor-Silex 48571 Automatic Drip Coffeemaker

First, it is very difficult to see the water in the little gauge that shows the amount poured in. So, it is quite easy to over-pour the water into the machine. Also, as it brews, it seems to get coffee and/or remnants of grounds everywhere on the machine--even in the cavity for the water. It is a very messy and not very sturdy machine.

I do not recommend it.

Works fine but seems a little bulky compared to the one that died on me. No measurements on-line and difficult to tell what size any of the pots were.

Buy Proctor-Silex 48571 Automatic Drip Coffeemaker Now

The plastic is cheap but 2 things I really like: it has a longer cord (3 feet) than my old coffeemaker, and it makes good coffee. I don't expect it to last long but I didn't spend much so I can live with that trade-off. I had a supply of cone shaped filters and this takes cupcake style... As I said, I don't expect it to last long.

Read Best Reviews of Proctor-Silex 48571 Automatic Drip Coffeemaker Here

I am enjoying my coffeemaker. It is easy to use and clean and I love that it came with a permenant filter, no paper things to buy or deal with. The product arrived in great shape and on time. Thank You

Want Proctor-Silex 48571 Automatic Drip Coffeemaker Discount?

Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup Stove Top Espresso Coffee Maker

My wife and I have been spending a pretty penny at the local coffee shop, so I began looking for inexpensive home alternatives. Most of the coffee snobs claim you have to purchase a $200+ machine and $150+ grinder to have a decent cup of espresso. I turned instead to the frugal Italians. They did invent the stuff, afterall. My Bialetti Moka Express coffee pot came this afternoon. I was a little concerned that a $20 pot might not meet the high standards of the gourmet beverages wifey and I have become accustomed to. I was wrong. The brew made by this ingenious little pot is a little weaker than "pumped" espresso and lacks the foamy cap (crema) that all the snobs rave about, but mixed with some hot, frothed milk and a bit of chocolate syrup I couldn't tell the difference between Bialetti and Seattle's Best.

This rich brew comes from a tiny little aluminum contraption with no moving parts, no electronic gizmos, no pump handle and virtually no wait time or clean-up. You just fill, brew and pour. It's that simple. Its base only covers half of the stovetop's smallest eye and I expect it will be easy to store due to its diminuitive size. I've already had three cups of homemade mocha today, and I've only had the pot since noon! *jitter jitter* The point is this: If you're a coffee lover who is bored with Folgers from a Mr. Coffee drip machine or is spending way too much at Starbucks, the Moka pot is an inexpensive and easy-to-use alternative with excellent results.

I have had several of the pump type, plug-in espresso machines over the last 20 years, including two $400+ Gaggias and half a dozen Krups. The last time my Gaggia Baby Millenium was down for repairs, a neighbor loaned me his Bialetti Moka 6-cup. That was two years ago and I'm still using it.

On the plus side: The Moka has no moving parts to break, heating elements or thermal switches to wear out or inaccessible nooks and crannies to keep free of mineral deposits. The brew from the Moka has the same kick from behind as espresso, without the top-end jitters and stomach upset I associate with "coffee".

Drawback: It does take a few minutes on the stovetop between putting water and fine-grind espresso in and pouring the finished product out. If I wander off and forget to come back to the kitchen in time, the rubber gasket has to be replaced, or the Moka will spit steam out the side the next time I use it. In two years, this has only cost me around $6 total, since gaskets come in multi-packs. (I've also found that I can re-use gaskets by washing them, letting them rest in a drawer for a month or two and then flipping them over to the side without the groove melted into the rubber.)

If you adore the ritual of grinding, tamping and pulling your espresso, pride yourself on being able to name the varietals used in a blend on taste alone and insist espresso must have crema, go buy a Gaggia. For those of us who can't start our day without espresso (not coffee), freak out when the espresso machine breaks and are tired of being slaves to a descaling schedule, this is a great little espresso maker!

Buy Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup Stove Top Espresso Coffee Maker Now

For years my family has used this type of coffee maker. This one the Bialetti is very nice one and yes Bialetti's can be very pricy. Here in Miami, FL you can find the same TYPE of espresso makers for close to $10 in most Cuban grocery stores, since most of us enjoy our espressos in the same fashion which Italians enjoy theirs. I personally also own an electric espresso machine (American made) but most of these, with the exception of the very expensive ones have the same problem their heat elements wear out. You won't find this problem with the stove tops they make great espresso coffee. For you espresso maker nubies you can not use regular coffee for these makers, you have to buy fine ground coffee beans. Yes you can find some in our local Publix Supermarkets or order online. Localy (in MIami) you can find brands like, Pilon, Bustelo, and my favorite Illy (Italian and not cheap).

So if you enjoy your coffee black and strong just add sugar to your liking and enjoy a nice hot espresso.

Read Best Reviews of Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup Stove Top Espresso Coffee Maker Here

I decided to pay for the more expensive unit of all availiable, in hopes that it would be a better quality. I use filtered water, and after just a few weeks of use, have noticed the aluminum pitting in the lower half or base of unit. In addition to the pitting, when I use a towel to wipe it dry, a grey gel substance comes off on my towel. I'm actually planning on returning the unit. So disappointing.

Want Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup Stove Top Espresso Coffee Maker Discount?

The Bialetti 6800 moka express 6 cup is what I received for $30 which could have been purchased from and shipped from Amazon for $22 at the date of this review. So, buyer beware! But that's not the reason for my review. The pot I received leaked and blew steam from the center where it screws together. Of the six cups of filtered water I used one cup made it into the upper chamber, with most of the rest on my kitchen range or pack stove. The pot screwed together quite roughly, threads were either not cut or molded to allow smooth tightening inside was not finished well nor was the lid. I wonder if I received a counterfeit Bialetti?

I have been using my 3 cup moka daily for over three years and have learned some of the quirks it has but that the fun part; learning new coffee brewing equipment.

As an afterthought; Today I purchased a Bialetti 6800 moka express 6 cup in town and it screwed together smoothly and flawlessly. The inside is finished as I am accustomed to with Bialetti and no grey dust on my drying cloth. So I wonder if I did get a counterfeit moka?

Philips Saeco RI9752/48 Odea Go Full Automatic Espresso Machine

I recently upgraded to this model from a Krups steam espresso maker and it was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made. I can't believe I did upgrade sooner.

The espresso comes out perfect, just like those at places like Starbucks. My favorite part about this model is the minimum work required for cleaning. It has a bin that collects the used grounds so you don't have to empty and clean after every cup.

The steam for the milk frother comes out super fast and super hot. It takes less than 30 seconds for me to froth milk. And when you're done, just rinse the plastic nozzle and you're set for the next cup.

Now the only downside about this model: it doesn't store too much water. If you have 2 or more people using this thing every morning, there's a good chance someone will always have to refill the water in the tank after the machine pumps out a half cup of coffee and blinks its red light. Even then, for the price, it is well worth it and provides great value.

Update 4/7/2010 Still turning out great coffee/espresso with ease after 3 years of service. Must've saved me $1000 from morning trips to Starbucks annually.

But then again, I guess I wouldn't know how good it really is.

Four stars because a) I haven't had it long enough to give it a 5 and b) I'm taking off one star for the price.

I really like this machine, I was hesitant to get a super automatic because I like the process of making espresso. However, when I need multiple shots each morning for 2 drinks, this is far more practical. I was not interested in the sales associates' push for Nespresso because I can't see being tied down to one brand of pod forever, so I went with this. I've had it a few weeks, so I will update if I run into any snags, but so far so good.

Prior to this I had a Krups (great while it lasted, actually), and a DeLonghi, and a Breville Ikon that I returned. I was looking at this, a Capresso, and a Gaggia, but the store where I returned the Ikon only had this so I gave it a shot.

Pros:

Delicious espresso, nice crema, but it does take some experimenting with grinds, etc. I am still working on getting it just how I want it, but still, the worst cup out of this machine is better than good cups in others. I use it for lattes almost exclusively, but my husband has had shots and likes them a lot. It is incredibly fast shot to shot, something I was hesitant about in leaving my beloved filling and tamping behind, but now I will never look back! The frother is very powerful and fast, the best I've had on any machine.

Cons:

As another reviewer mentioned, this machine has quite a personality! It is like C3PO (or is it R2D2) in my kitchen each day, Flashing, blinking, making sounds. It always wants something: Fill water, empty grounds, release hot water. If I didn't like the coffee and ease of use so much it might be annoying but for now I find it entertaining. I feel like it's letting me know what it needs, so that's ok I guess.

I don't like how plasticky it is, it feels like a $100 Krups, but it looks nice and the coffee is what matters. Nearly everything comes apart for easy and thorough cleaning, so I always know it's clean through and through, unlike some other machines I've had.

Machine is kinda big. I have a lot of counter space (for once in my life!) and I have it angled in a corner. It looks great and blends in, but if space is an issue for you, note that the size is a bit deep. The curve of it makes it look a little smaller than it is, and it definitely looks stylish.

Other comments:

Some online reviews I saw noted it's finicky about beans. I've tried two kinds now and haven't had any trouble with the taste or grinder getting stuck.

I hope this review is helpful. The espresso machine purchase process is overwhelming, and it seems like there are shortcomings to all of them. I am really glad I took two back wound up with this one, even if the process of finding it was maddening. I was about to give up and not even own a machine at home any longer. I gave it one last whirl with this one. As I was walking out of the dept. store, a stately European couple saw me walking with the giant orange box and stopped me to tell me "What a great machine! We bought it a few months ago, you're going to love it." I grilled them about 4-5 concerns, they raved, and I felt like I was at least off to a better start with this machine than with the others that were mediocre or bad.

FYI: Many Bed, Bath and Beyonds sell these and honor the 20% mailers they send out, should you choose to buy it in person. (I would, in case anything goes wrong. I am done with getting electronics >$100 online and messing with shipping.)

Buy Philips Saeco RI9752/48 Odea Go Full Automatic Espresso Machine Now

This was my first espresso machine that I have owned, but have used many manual machines. The most common use I have for it, is making espresso/cappuccino for family dinners; I do make single batches for myself on weekends. I have found it superb for single doses and a tad more complicated for multi-batch sessions. I agree that more stainless vs. plastic would have been nice, but the plastic is easy to clean, and does blend nicely into a stainless kitchen. The wand should have been either all metal or "rubber" (some heat resistant pliable stuff) as hard plastic is the worst of both worlds, but that being said I have had zero problems with it. It is very easy to clean. On the other hand, it is impossible to foam and not get foam on the handle and up into the joint between the tip and the pipe of the wand (remember to clean it too). I would be gentle with the wand.

Making Coffee

1. First off finding the sweet spot on the coffee strength meter, will take you a few batches. On my machine just about 2.5 dots makes a perfect 2 cup espresso.

2. Be careful on first startup of the day, put a mug underneath the machine, as the cleaning/priming cycle can spurt a fair amount of boiling coffee stained water. I keep a spare mug next to the machine just for startup.

3. Eventually after the entertaining light show (really? before I've had my coffee??) the machine is ready for brewing. Press the big coffee cup button, and after loud grinding, magically coffee comes forth! Depending on your dial setting you get anything from concentrated espresso through cafe-americano.

4. Now onto milk steaming (for cappuccino/latte). First off press the steam button and wait until the thermometer stops blinking. Now using your spare cup open the steam valve and let the boiling water spew out until steam only is coming. Now insert into your milk pitcher and foam until you get to 140-150 degrees (yes you need a foaming thermometer) which depending on how cold your milk is, a minute or two. Make your cappuccino as desired.

5. Cleaning: well remember that hockey puck of beans it made, well it's sitting in the container to the right, along with overflow of the steaming cycle. This machine has a bizarrely low tolerance for stuff in the right container. I have had it complain with 2 batches of espresso (sometimes due to too much water and if the grounds land standing on edge, it gets unhappy too). When making lots of batches in a row, you will be filling water and emptying the waste side frequently. Some people are more annoyed than others. I agree, slightly larger would have been useful, but I wouldn't want the machine to be larger. I also after removing the wand tip and cleaning it in the sink, then take my spare mug filled with hot water and clean the handle and end of the wand (it undoubtable has milk on the o-rings, etc.

Other lessons:

1. I found larger beans makes it unhappy, I switched to the Illy whole beans, which have smaller beans, and works perfectly.

2. Not sure why the water filter is not included: buy them, as it tastes better and more importantly reduces scale buildup.

3. Read the manual on maintenance (there is a Saeco kit that includes everything) and perform it regularly. To remove the guts (the brew group) it's behind the door on the right, press the "push" button and pull the whole thing out. Carefully follow the directions in applying the silicone lubricant as instructed. It's a little tricky getting it all back in.

Sum up: I really like it, and it cranks through repeat brewing fairly quickly (albeit with the delay of refilling/emptying) without complaint. Occasionally it becomes "de-primed" which is solved by opening the steam valve and dispensing hot water until it stops blinking red. Not sure what de-primes it, but it is infrequent. I would purchase this again.

Read Best Reviews of Philips Saeco RI9752/48 Odea Go Full Automatic Espresso Machine Here

This is my second Saeco Espresso machine that I have bought in the last year. I first bought the Taleo Giro for $1000 from Costco, which worked beautifully for about 4 months, but then a clogged grinder prevented me from brewing any more coffee--only the hot water worked. I called Saeco on multiple occasions and even though every one was friendly, the only resolution was sending me one instruction booklet after another. Some instructions did not match my model, some where from a previous version of the same model and some were so complicated that I did not know how to follow them (it was basically taking apart the entire grinder--and that was recommended to be done every two weeks). I spend less time maintaining my car then it looks like the Saeco machine requires.

Then I bought the Saeco Odea upon reading the instruction manual and feeling assured that I did not need to disassemble the machine every other week. Again, it stopped working after 6 months. Again, I get brochures from their customer service, but no trouble shooting assistance--and this model apparently also requires complete disassembly of the grinder every other week. When asked why the original manual does not let you know that, I received an "I don't know".

I am going back to my basic Krups model that requires no maintenance--if you are looking for a hobby and love to take things apart, the Saeco might be a great fit--otherwise: Stay clear.

Want Philips Saeco RI9752/48 Odea Go Full Automatic Espresso Machine Discount?

This is a review by a Coffee Fanatic who has owned several machines, including the $8000 industrial version. I had the Vienna Plus for 8 months and decided to give that away to get the Odea Go.

The Vienna Plus had more water in the dredge drawer.. so much that I first thought the machine was leaking!! Found out that IS the way the machine works.. But the machine was bigger than the Odea, so it had room. I had to clean it out every 6-8 cups made.

The Vienna also allowed me to see the water level, so it was easy to refill.

Now for the ODEA:

Doesn't matter which model Odea you get, they're the same build. I was impressed by the BMW-designed mechanics, so I bought it for the sleeker look. Smaller unti fitted well on the small kitchen counter I have.

MAKES STRONGER COFFEE than other models of Saeco that I've tried/borrowed/owned/tasted. It's able to extract more flavor.

PROBLEMS:

1. The water container is smaller than the Vienna. And the tank is hidden, so you can NOT see when it's time to refill. YOU MUST refill before it's down to 2 cups left, because the light weight will make the sensor stop working. The sensor is not by water, but by weight of water!

2. The coffee lid can't be opened while the machine is ON. The other models can. This is weird.. because I used to be able to refill the Vienna while it's brewing.

3. The dredge drawer needs to be emptied for every 3-4 cups of coffee brewed!! Though it's not really full, the sensor will not let you brew coffee with water in this drawer!! So you will end up cleaning this every 4 cups max.

4. The drawer can't be seen, the spills can't be seen, because of the sleek design, everything is covered. And everything is BLACK, so you can't see whether you've cleaned it very well. Coffee grinds may be hidden in places you can't see... all gray and black plastic!!

WHEN MY NEW MACHINE WAS 5 WEEKS OLD, THE 3 RED LIGHTS FLASHED QUICKLY which means electrical problems. Turning it off and on did not help. Calling the manufacturer, diagnosed over the phone, and ended up to have to replace it with a new one. IT SIMPLY STOPPED WORKING.

Save 30% Off