When it comes to premium super automatic espresso machines, the Saeco Xelsis stands out as a compelling option. Designed and produced by Philips, this machine combines sophisticated technology with an intuitive user experience, making it a strong contender in the high-end coffee maker market. This review delves into the various features, design elements, and overall performance of the Saeco Xelsis, providing a thorough evaluation for potential buyers.
- High Customization: Extensive options for coffee strength, temperature, and milk froth.
- User Profiles: Save up to six personalized drink settings.
- Dual Heating: Simultaneously prepares coffee and milk, maintaining optimal temperatures.
- Intuitive Touchscreen: Easy-to-use, responsive interface.
- Elegant Design: Sleek, durable stainless steel and plastic construction.
- Expensive: High price tag may deter some buyers.
- Large Size: Requires significant counter space.
- Inconvenient Milk Cleaning: Automatic steam cleaning dispenses into the cup.
- No App Connectivity: Lacks remote control via smartphone app.
- Frequent Refills: 57.5-ounce water tank may need frequent refilling for heavy use.
Overview
The Saeco Xelsis is a top-tier espresso machine that offers a blend of advanced technology and user-friendly features. With a price tag that places it firmly in the premium category, the Xelsis aims to deliver a café-quality coffee experience in the comfort of your home. Despite the higher cost, its features and capabilities justify the investment for serious coffee enthusiasts.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Saeco Xelsis is its sleek and modern design. The machine’s stainless steel housing not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability. Its compact size makes it suitable for various kitchen setups, and the ability to place the milk carafe and water tank conveniently enhances its user-friendliness.
The build quality is impressive, with a combination of high-grade plastics and stainless steel parts that feel sturdy and long-lasting. The attention to detail in the design is evident, from the smooth finish of the housing to the well-placed touch interface. This machine is not just about looks; it’s built to withstand daily use and produce consistently excellent coffee.
Ceramic Grinder
A key feature of the Saeco Xelsis is its ceramic grinder. Unlike metal grinders, ceramic grinders do not overheat, preserving the aroma and flavor of the coffee beans. The grinder offers 12 adjustment settings, allowing users to fine-tune the grind size to their preference. This customization ensures that the machine can handle a wide range of coffee beans, delivering optimal results each time.
The ceramic burrs are known for their durability and ability to maintain consistency in grind size, which is crucial for making high-quality espresso. The grinder operates quietly, which is a pleasant surprise for such a powerful component. Adjusting the grind size is straightforward, with a simple dial located inside the bean hopper, making it easy to experiment with different settings to achieve the perfect brew.
User Interface and Coffee Equalizer
The Saeco Xelsis features a responsive touchscreen interface with colorful icons representing different drink options. This interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible even for those who may not be tech-savvy. The standout feature here is the Coffee Equalizer, which allows users to adjust various parameters such as coffee strength, temperature, milk froth, and volume. This level of customization ensures that you can tailor your coffee exactly to your liking.
The touchscreen is bright and clear, with a user-friendly layout that simplifies the process of selecting and customizing drinks. The Coffee Equalizer functions much like an audio equalizer, giving you control over the finer aspects of your coffee. Whether you prefer a strong, robust espresso or a lighter, creamier cappuccino, the Coffee Equalizer makes it easy to adjust settings with just a few taps.
Specialty Drinks and LatteDuo System
With the Saeco Xelsis, you can prepare a wide variety of specialty drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and more. The machine offers 15 different drink options, each highly customizable. The LatteDuo system is particularly noteworthy, allowing you to prepare two milk-based drinks simultaneously. This feature is perfect for households with multiple coffee drinkers or when entertaining guests.
The specialty drinks menu includes options like macchiatos, espresso macchiatos, and even flat whites. Each drink can be customized to your preference, from the coffee strength and volume to the amount and texture of the milk froth. The LatteDuo system’s ability to froth milk for two drinks at once is a significant time-saver and ensures that everyone gets their coffee just the way they like it.
User Profiles
One of the Xelsis’s most user-friendly features is the ability to create and save up to six user profiles. Each profile can store customized drink preferences, ensuring that every user gets their perfect cup of coffee without having to readjust settings each time. This feature is especially useful for families or shared living spaces.
Creating a user profile is simple and intuitive. Once set up, each profile can save settings for multiple drinks, so you can quickly select your preferred beverage without having to go through the customization process every time. This personalization feature enhances the overall user experience and makes the Saeco Xelsis a truly versatile machine.
Dual Heating System
The Saeco Xelsis is equipped with a dual heating system, featuring two thermoblocks – one for brewing coffee and one for frothing milk. This design allows the machine to prepare coffee and milk simultaneously, reducing waiting time and ensuring consistent temperature for both components.
The dual heating system is a significant advantage, particularly for those who enjoy milk-based drinks. The separate thermoblocks ensure that the coffee is brewed at the optimal temperature while the milk is heated and frothed to perfection. This setup eliminates the need to wait between brewing and frothing, streamlining the coffee-making process and improving overall efficiency.
Water Reservoir and AquaClean Filter
The machine’s water reservoir has a capacity of 57.5 ounces, which is sufficient for daily use without frequent refilling. Additionally, the Saeco Xelsis is compatible with the AquaClean filter, which not only improves the taste of the water but also reduces the need for descaling. According to the manufacturer, with regular use of the AquaClean filter, descaling may only be necessary after up to 5,000 cups.
The front-loading design of the water reservoir makes it easy to access and refill, even in tight kitchen spaces. The AquaClean filter is a notable feature, as it helps maintain water purity and extends the life of the machine by preventing limescale buildup. This reduces maintenance efforts and ensures that the coffee tastes as fresh as possible.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining the Saeco Xelsis is straightforward, thanks to its automatic cleaning programs. The milk system features automatic steam cleaning, ensuring hygiene with minimal effort. The removable brew group, drip tray, and water tank all facilitate easy cleaning. Regular maintenance, such as descaling and cleaning the brew group, is essential to keep the machine in top condition, especially in areas with hard water.
The machine prompts you when it’s time to clean or descale, making it easy to keep up with regular maintenance. The brew group can be removed and rinsed under running water, while the drip tray and coffee grounds container can be easily accessed and cleaned. The automatic cleaning cycles for the milk system are particularly useful, ensuring that the components remain free of milk residue and bacteria.
Performance and Coffee Quality
The Saeco Xelsis excels in delivering high-quality coffee consistently. The combination of precise grind settings, customizable brewing parameters, and the dual heating system ensures that each cup is brewed to perfection. Whether you prefer a strong espresso, a smooth latte, or a creamy cappuccino, the Xelsis can cater to your preferences. The machine’s ability to highlight the subtle flavors and aromas of different coffee beans is particularly impressive, making it a favorite among coffee connoisseurs.
The espresso produced by the Saeco Xelsis is rich and full-bodied, with a perfect layer of crema. The machine’s ability to extract the nuanced flavors of different coffee beans allows you to appreciate the unique characteristics of each blend. Milk-based drinks are equally impressive, with creamy, velvety froth that enhances the overall coffee experience. The consistency and quality of the drinks produced by the Xelsis make it a standout performer in its class.
Verdict
The Saeco Xelsis is a highly capable and versatile super automatic espresso machine that justifies its premium price with a range of advanced features and customization options. Its elegant design, user-friendly interface, and high-quality coffee output make it a standout choice for anyone serious about their coffee. While no machine is perfect, the Xelsis comes close, offering a balance of performance, convenience, and style. For those looking to invest in a top-of-the-line espresso machine, the Saeco Xelsis is a compelling option that will not disappoint.
In conclusion, the Saeco Xelsis represents a significant investment in quality and convenience for coffee lovers. Its combination of advanced features, ease of use, and exceptional coffee quality make it a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their home coffee experience. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a coffee enthusiast, the Saeco Xelsis offers a range of options that cater to all tastes and preferences, ensuring a perfect cup every time.
Specifications for the Saeco Xelsis Super Automatic Espresso Machine
- Manufacturer: Saeco
- Model Number: SM7684/04
- Product Category: Super automatic espresso machine
- Removable Brew Group: Yes
- Housing Material: Plastic with stainless steel parts
- Color Options: Titanium
- Milk Frother: Cappuccinatore
- User Interface: Touchscreen
- App: No
- User Profiles: 6
- Water Reservoir: Removable
- Water Reservoir Capacity: 57.5 fl oz (1.7 liters)
- Number of Boilers: 1
- Pump Pressure: 15 bar
- Maximum Cup Height: 6.0 inches (15.2 cm)
- Minimum Cup Height: 3.0 inches (7.6 cm)
- Grinder: Ceramic flat burr grinder
- Grind Adjustment Levels: 12
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 12.0 oz (340.0 grams)
- Pre-ground Coffee Bypass: Yes
- Grounds Discard Container Capacity: 14
- Specialty Drinks: 15
- Pre-infusion: Yes
- Adjustable Coffee Temperature: Yes
- Adjustable Milk Foam Temperature: Yes
- Adjustable Milk Temperature: Yes
- 2-Cup Function: Yes
- Pot Function: Yes
- Hot Water Function: Yes
- Hot Milk Function: Yes
- Milk Foam Only Option: Yes
- Water Filter: Yes (AquaClean filter compatible)
- Power Consumption: 1400 W
- Weight: 25.8 lbs (11.7 kg)
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.1 x 19.3 inches (39.4 x 28.2 x 49.0 cm)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Included Accessories: Grease tube, cleaning brush, water filter, measuring scoop
- Current Price on Amazon: $1,385.25
