Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine - Certified Refurbished

Bought this for all the parts to refurbish my SS Aroma but so far I am just using the machine out of the box and it is fabulous! I use a non-pressurised Porta filter and it pulls a 17-20 second 2 oz creamy with no worries! Black on black granite counter top-can't miss. The aroma is really the best kept secret around in expresso machines. My first one hasn't missed a beat in 6 years running.

(Posted on 5/15/13)

Couldn't be happier with the purchase. I haven't been to Starbucks since. ;)

(Posted on 4/21/13)

Great value. The only thing I would change is a swivel head on the steamer for easier use.

(Posted on 3/30/13)

It took me about 15 shots to find the combination of grind and tamp to produce an excellent shot. Great body, crema and flavor. I prefer to use hand pressure tamp, so am not using the auto porta-filter.

Service from SCG is excellent; quick and friendly.

Highly recommended.

(Posted on 3/24/13)

Don't pay more for a more expensive machine- this little monster makes espresso comparable with any other- period. I've owned two in the last 5 years, and they're both still working well, The 15 bar pressure is on par with expensive commercial machines, and combined with a good espresso coffee- it rocks!!! I buy my coffee at a local coffee shop that imports and sells an espresso grind. Add some stevia natural sweetner and some half-and-half and your drinking an espresso that tastes like an $8 high end restaurant espresso.

(Posted on 3/2/13)

This is our second Aroma. This one was to replace our four years old one. It was over due. We had used it for a average of 2 Latte a day for the four years.

The choice was easy. And this refurbish no problem been arrived and look brand new. It's going through the same abuse and we love it

(Posted on 2/24/13)

Ive been enjoying this machine daily for a few months. I've made delicious steamed hot chocolate and several different lattes and cappuccinos. Everyone had really enjoyed this little guy's performance.
I've upgraded to the nonpressurized portafilter and the stainless panarello (hasn't arrived yet). I grind with the hario mini slim mill since its just for me. I'm still tweaking my preparation for the new portafilter, but I'm pulling much better shots.
I purchased my machine as a refurbished model, great decision. As my first espresso maker, i didnt want to spend a whole lot and have a finicky machine to learn on. The aroma is a heavy duty quality that I think will last a long time. I put mine on a cutting block to elevate on my counter, so the steam arm (lack of range of motion) hasn't been an issue. It's been super easy to clean and pretty quick to warm up. I think it's got decent steaming power, not excellent microfoam.
Great entry level machine to enjoy a variety of drinks!

(Posted on 2/20/13)

For the price you would not expect this Espresso Maker to be this good! The unit heats up quickly and makes an incredible cup! Cleans up well my only complaint is when you want to use one larger cup it is hard to manuver.

(Posted on 1/7/13)

Hint for those complaining about the foam: add a little whole milk lactaid to your milk before steaming. I get 'stand on it's head' foam! I make expressos or cappucinos every morning and get rave reviews!

(Posted on 9/28/12)

Ok, the first time I ordered this coffee machine their was a continous flow of water out of the steamer want, and I couldn't get it to stop! The steam knob was broken. After contacting Seattle Coffee Gear, which I have to say provided awesome customer service to get a new one out asap! They say it must have been damaged in shipping.

After understanding how all of the mechanisms worked this new machine is great! It provides the same quality of coffee as an expensive expresso machine...no bean grinder...but who cares when you can buy one for 30$! You are saving about 300-400 dollars not having one built in! Also there is a thick layer or crema on top just like when I was in italy! Even my decaf beans (three ravens blend on seattle coffee gear) has a excellent flavor. The steam wand works great for me...but i only make 1 or 2 lattes/capp weekly...if you make a lot of these maybe you should upgrade to the next level of Saeco with the steam wand that moves around since this one is stuck in place. Especially if you are preparing more than one latte at a time.

Good job and Thank you Saeco.

(Posted on 8/29/12)

Outstanding service, web site, highly recommended.

thank you we are really enjoying the Aroma.

(Posted on 8/26/12)

No need to tamp portafilter, larger water tank. I have a burr grinder and I can make fresh espresso everyday. Thanks Seattle Coffee Gear for great and prompt service!

(Posted on 8/23/12)

Good coffee mashine for that money!!!

Pros:
Easy To Use

Cons:

(Posted on 5/25/12)

Replacing an over 20 year old machine , that I would carry on vacation with me . This is the best for the money , a very workable shot . Many thanks goes to the great crew at SeattleCoffee Gear , outstanding customer service from across the country .

Pros:
Easy To Use, Excellant very workable

Cons:
You need to include a bas

(Posted on 3/14/12)

This Machine is perfect for a quick morning espresso. Heats up quickly and delivers a good espresso.

Pros:
Great Taste, Easy To Use, Large Water Container, Quick Brewing, Easy To Clean, Quiet

Cons:

(Posted on 2/27/12)

I'm using the pressurized portafilter and usually make an americano. My previous machine was a superautomatic Saeco Charisma that finally died. I think this Saeco Aroma makes better coffee and I'm surprised that I don't miss the convenience much.

I plan to eventually buy the nonpressurized portafilter but need a better grinder first.

The steam wand on the aroma is pretty useless. I've improvised a double boiler setup by using a cheap old krups steam powered espresso machine side by side with the aroma as my steamer.

Pros:


Cons:

(Posted on 12/26/11)

Much traveled espresso aficionado, use it several times a day, experiment with blends. Only wish it was a bit easier to clean.

Pros:
Quick Brewing, Easy To Use

Cons:

(Posted on 12/15/11)

I am very happy with the Saeco Aroma and would highly recommend this as an entry level espresso machine. I bought a refurbished stainless steel model with the upgraded stainless paranello wand, and it looks great on the counter. Very easy to use and clean up. I'm new to the hobby of espresso making and started with a Delonghi EC-702 which was a little less expensive but nowhere near the same quality. I returned that machine after opening it and discovering how much of the machine was made of plastic even though it was advertised as stainless steel. The Saeco Aroma is ALL stainless steel and very solid. I'm very impressed with the pressurized portafilter, it is very easy to make an excellent shot of espresso with quality beans and a reasonable espresso grind. I also bought the non-pressurized portafilter and have not been able to create a better shot than the pressurized (standard) portafilter. The non-pressurized portafilter is much pickier about the grind and tamp of the espresso and you can clog up the whole machine fairly easily (at least for me...I'm new). I have gone back to the pressurized (included) portafilter and get consistently excellent espresso shots, so will stick with that going forward. I have two main complaints with the Saeco Aroma, and both are minor:

1) Steam pressure is inadequate for making awesome microfoam. The best you can do is "pretty good." I understand this is a common problem with this level of machine and not a problem with the Saeco. I highly recommend the stainless wand upgrade for better foam. Upgrading the wand brought my foam from "not usable too bubbly and dry" to "pretty good" and usable for a decent cappuccino.

2) Steam wand is too low. Common complaint among the reviewers. Easily solved by moving the machine to the edge of the counter.

Other than those minor nit pickings I love this machine! I'm new to the hobby and was contemplating starting with a Rancilio Silvia...I'm glad I'd didn't start there. All the reviews I've read of the Silvia describe a steep learning curve rewarded by excellent coffee, but getting it wrong is an excersize in frustration. I'm happy with the "very good" quality capps the Saeco Aroma produces without all the extra frustration of getting it perfect for the Silvia. I am loving this hobby and will definetely invest in a fancier machine in the future, mostly for better quality full-pitcher microfoam. I'm glad that I decided to learn on this machine first and I know I will get several happy years out of it before I feel the need to jump to the next level. Even then I will probably keep it and bring this one to the office, I like it that much. One big pro about this machine is the size-- it's very small and stores easily.

Pros:
Great Taste, Easy To Clean, Easy To Use, Looks Good, Large Water Container

Cons:
Steam pressure low

(Posted on 4/21/11)