Saeco Syntia Focus Superautomatic Espresso Machine

I've never owned a fully automated coffee maker before, so this is my first. After researching for weeks/months, I finally settled on this Saeco unit and I purchased it from Seattle Coffee Gear due to prices and customer support. This a nifty coffee maker - very simply operation, brews a fine espresso or cup of coffee. It has limited options but I never really use all those bells and whistles normally so this if fine with me. I had to find the right dark coffee beans to maximize my enjoyment of this machine (I had to give up my espresso beans due to the oil on them which not recommended in this machine), but once that was done, I am very happy. For a freshly ground/brewed coffee with the push of a single button - buy this machine!

(Posted on 11/8/12)

This is a lot of machine in a small package - makes a fantastic cup of coffee, but doesn't take up too much room on the kitchen counter. It is easy to get up and going right out of the box. Adjustments are easy. We make about fifteen cups of coffee per day and, having had the machine for about three weeks, have had no problems whatsoever. The Syntia is quiet, easy to clean and sleekly attractive. One of the drawbacks of a small machine is the relatively small water container, which needs to be refilled after 2-3 large cups.

Pros:
Quiet, Easy To Clean, Great Taste, Easy To Use

Cons:
Small Water Container

(Posted on 12/19/11)

This review applies to the steel version as well, except for the aesthetics.

The design and layout of this machine has been well-thought out by Saeco. I had a difficult time choosing between the steel and the black version, and ultimately chose the latter because I preferred the contrast of the black and chrome (and it matches my decor better).

The set-up of the machine is a bit confusing because there is a small insert paper with instructions that slightly conflicts with the full manual. Perhaps the translation from the original Italian is not entirely accurate. The insert indicated that the supplied intenza water filter must be installed - but this is optional and is not supplied with the machine. So don't waste your time looking for it. Once it is up & running, familiarizing oneself with the meaning of the icons on the LCD is important.

Thankfully, Saeco designed the machine with access to the water tank in the front. The spent grounds compartment is also in the front and the beans go in the top. This is important for a compact machine as the potential buyer probably has size restrictions. Some superautos, like the Jura Ena 3/5 have the water tank attach to the back and the Gaggia Platinum I considered has side access.

The draw of a superauto is the ability to go from bean to cup with one machine at the push of a button. In this regard, the Syntia performs very well. The bean hopper and water reservoir are small, but if you want any compact machine then this obviously is necessary to retain a small footprint.

The espresso the machine produces is quite nice. I choose the strongest setting (3 bean icon) for a dark espresso. I also prefer to produce a double (click twice) rather than a long coffee for a cappuccino so it is not watered down. The machine grinds & brews twice in quick succession when double clicking.

I would prefer a more solid feeling (seems to be part steel & part plastic at the top) however it does a surprisingly good job at foaming milk for cappuccino. The foam I've produced is slightly too stiff & aery - but I think it is more a technique issue at this point. Hopefully with practice I'll get just the right consistency between airy & dense. It is also excellent for steaming hot chocolate, Italian style. Just toss in your preferred hot chocolate mix with some added chocolate and a little milk and steam it until all is melted. Go bitter and serve it with some sugar on the side to taste.

Clean-up is a breeze. The tray pops out easily. The top comes off via a magnet and you can rinse it in the sink. The water & spent grounds reservoirs pop out from the front easily for rinsing. Wiping down the machine is not a problem.

Overall, I've been very pleased with this small machine. It is very easy for anyone to use and you can get great results without much effort.

Pros:
Steam Spout Foams Well, Water Tank Front Access, Steel Aluminum Boiler, Easy To Use, Easy To Clean, Quick Brewing, Used Grounds Front Access, Great Taste

Cons:
Small Water Container, Mostly Plastic Internals, Poor Instructions

(Posted on 12/26/10)