27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great-tasting espresso, I wish I had bought it from the start..., May 20, 2008
This review is from: Saeco 641 Odea Go Super Automatic Espresso Machine (Kitchen)
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.)
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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic, December 14, 2007
This review is from: Saeco 641 Odea Go Super Automatic Espresso Machine (Kitchen)
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.
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34 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Saeco--Inferior espresso maciens, October 8, 2008
This review is from: Saeco 641 Odea Go Super Automatic Espresso Machine (Kitchen)
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.
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