Customer Reviews

Saeco Incanto Classic Automatic Espresso Machine

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read reviews of multiple automatic expresso machines (deLonghi, Saeco, Gaggia, etc) and was concerned that most brands tend to have some negative reviews of their selected expresso machine breaking down after some time. Since there was no single review that reports on the reliability of these machines, I decided to take my chance with this expresso machine.

The manual of this expresso maker lacks sufficient instructions. Mine came with the new series Intenza water filter. The instruction, with the new water filter, instructs that the existing small white filter needs to be removed and does not provide instructions on its removal. It is only upon calling Saeco customer service that I understood how the small white filter can be removed. And when necessary, I sometimes called Seattle Coffee Gear, whom I originally bought mine from, who has excellent product expertise and customer service.

Most automatic expresso machines come with plastic parts from in to out. So this machine stands out in that the main body is still made from steel.

This product comes with an inbuilt grinder, with small to coarse grinder settings, and thus making it super-handy (fully automatic!).

I used this machine to brew some Blue Mountain coffee. It came out so rich in aroma and taste. Previously I was using some traditional filter to brew this coffee and was not able to discern the aroma and taste of this Blue Mountain coffee.

And the frother is able to froth the milk with a consistent quality as well. And it comes with the option of hot water as well.

I bought this during Jan 2010, so I can't comment on the reliability as yet. So far I cleaned this up after each use. In case, this machine starts breaking down, I will update my review so that future buyers can be fore-warned.

1.5 mths later:
Upon power on, the 2 top & 1 bottom leftmost LEDs started flashing. I referred to the manual and it indicated loading and to wait. After waiting 10 mins and resetting the machine, I still observed the same phenomenon. After some tests, I found that it needed priming. So far this has happened twice in the last 2 weeks and priming solves the problem. Saeco USA needs to improve on their manual instructions !!!

1.5 yrs later:
Just for clarification, I tend not to use this coffee maker daily, but more on weekend Sat and Sun, when I would brew 3-6 cups. I have come to appreciate this coffee machine. Even with regular coffee beans, you can smell the aroma of the fresh brew. This shows the benefit of the features, high pressure brew maker. Till today, it is still functioning.

1.75 yrs later:
The frother started having problems. Instead of frothing the milk, it tends to heat up the milk instead.
I sent to Seattle Coffee Gear, since I had a 2yr warranty with them. Eventually their feedback was the black plastic insert within the steam tube needs to protrude a little in order for this to froth properly. They cleaned and inspected the panarello assembly. So far, I am still happy with my purchase. If you are seeing this problem, check out the panarello assembly and steam tube. A first simple check is to make sure hardened milk residues do not clog up your steam wand.

The seller of the Saeco Incanto Classic was wonderful. Sent it on time. I really like the machine. My only complaint is that the manual was only fair & it took many calls to customer support before I could get a live person. Once I got the person on the phone she was very helpful. I would recommend this coffee/espresso machine.

When I opened the box this machine did not work..it had a hard failure. I tried to call Saeco and they have very limited hours when you can call in. I went to their website and emailed my problem and it has been a month and I still have not heard from them. I fixed it on my own after having to take it apart. The grinder wouldn't grind. I took off the plastic cover and reached around the rubber piece and pushed a little button. that seemed to fix it. I find it hard to believe they test every machine or they would have found this out. The machine brews great coffee and I have yet to have any problems. I use is multiple times a say. Only thing I wish is they used better icons..the first few weeks every time I got a red light I had to look up what the icon over the red light met. Either need more water or empty the grounds..which by the way is so small. 7 espressos is all you get before you have to change it. Also you have to change it with power on or it wont recognize that you changed it. And if you change it early it doesn't care you have to change it again after 7 espresso even if you changed it after 4 shots..3 more shots the light comes on and the only way to turn it off and brew more coffee is to open the door for 7 seconds..sort of a cheap design.

Factory refurbished. Works great. The only issue I have so far is the coffee bypass. I may have just used it wrong... Well worth the cost.