When found as a sub $100 machine, there is no better, cheaper way to introduce adequate, maybe even good espresso into your home. Not meant as a long term investment, but can train you, and makes a great gift.
Hap Senior Member Joined: 21 Feb 2002 Posts: 1 Expertise: Aficionado
Posted Sun Nov 9, 2003, 4:07pm Subject: Re: Saeco Via Veneto / Melitta Cafe Express Review
I picked one of these up for $100 to use at my office. I was really impressed with the quality to say the least. I made a couple OK shots right off, but noted that the double shot was better. I assume this is because both singles and doubles use the same basket (the smaller basket is for pods only as stated in the manual). The crema did have some bubbles in it however. The next thing I did was remove the pressurizing parts on the portafilter to test how it works with various grinds and doses. Right away I found that the double basket seems to have way too many holes in it to make it work very well for singles, no matter how fine I got the grind it flowed too quickly. So I started testing with the so called Pod adaptor. It actually worked quite well after I adjusted the my dose down and increased the fineness of the grind. I used the machine that way for a week with very good results. Then on a whim I put the pressurizing parts back in, and guess what? The shot improved even more! My idea is that with the pressurized portafilter it is hard to know if what you are doing is improving anything, but disableing it allows you to find the proper grind and dose. Then after that, enable the pressurized portafilter and it just gives it a bit more help. And after all this the crema looked really great (guiness effect and all!) without any foamy bubbles. The crema was very smooth and long lasting, I tested a shot by letting it sit and it finally was mostly dissapated in a half hour. All in all a great little machine for the money. If I was going to use this at home I would maybe go for the unpressurized portafilter, but at work It works great the way it is without much fuss.
baltfest Senior Member Joined: 10 Dec 2005 Posts: 1 Location: USA Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Sat Dec 10, 2005, 9:05pm Subject: Re: Saeco Via Veneto Detailed Review
So, I have 2 questions...
I went to the Saeco-usa website, but I was only able to find the pressurized portafilter. The review talks about replacing the pressurized portafilter with the unpressurized portafilter... where exactly do I find that?
I haven only perhiperally investigated doing this, but how do I remove the frother from the steaming wand in the way the review suggests? I just couldn't figure it out!
jaanpht Senior Member Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Estonia Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Mon May 15, 2006, 3:38pm Subject: Re: Saeco Via Veneto Detailed Review
you dont have to buy extra portafilter. Its easy to turn off 3 screws of pressurized original portafilter and remove plastic "stick" (sm. attached picture), just press the edges that hold this stick in its place. After that my coffee tastes much better and crema is very microtextured, not that thick as before, though.
AngloAm Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Maryland Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Saeco Via Veneto
Posted Thu Dec 27, 2007, 8:21am Subject: Re: Saeco Via Veneto Detailed Review
I just bought this and I think it's pretty good for a beginner like me but I have a question - what am I supposed to do with this odd blue tube and fat contraption coming out the side? I can foam milk fine with my 'steam toy' - is there a way to get rid of this pesky contraption and just have a normal wand? I don't have the room in my kitchen to have the 'steam toy' for steaming milk and the Via Veneto for making the coffee when my partner wants a cappuccino. Can anyone please help?
Posted Wed Oct 1, 2008, 4:45am Subject: Re: Saeco Via Veneto Detailed Review
A pretty accurate review. I have just owned one for three years, and it is beginning to have problems staying up to temperature, even immed. after a descaling. It does come back very quickly, but now can only make one single shot at a time, just barely.
One can make an excellent espresso using this machine. Mine came with some really nice ceramic cups and pitcher. I would buy again if I could get the same set.
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