Review Saeco Via Venezia Traditional Pump Driven Espresso Machine
Saeco Via Venezia Traditional Pump Driven Espresso Machine Overview
The Via Venezia is a durable, high performance, traditional pump espresso machine with an art-deco styling. It features a patented pressurized brew filter that makes great espresso without requiring the skills of an expert. The result is an excellent tasting espresso topped with great crema. It has a large, transparent water tank that can be filled through an opening in the cup warming surface, or by removing and filling at the faucet. The drip tray is also easily removed when the tray needs to be emptied or cleaned.
- Easy reading control lights show when the machine id "ready to brew" and "ready to steam"
- Pressurized Portafilter: The patented filter holder ensures a great extraction of espresso by pressurizing the brewing chamber, thereby creating the perfect espresso-brewing element
- ESE Pod Adaptor Capability: A pod adaptor and special filter basket fits into the portafilter, enabling it to handle single serve prepackaged shots (pods)
- Steam Wand with Pannarello Attachment: Used to manually froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes; Also produces hot water for tea
- Removable 68-ounce water tank for easy cleaning and refilling.
Saeco Via Venezia Traditional Pump Driven Espresso Machine Review
It would probably be prudent to offer some background information on my 'espresso credentials' prior to getting to the bulk of my review. Knowing nothing about espresso preparation, I received a steam-driven espresso machine (Mr. Coffee ECM160) as a gift about a year ago. It was a great gift that introduced me to home espresso, although even upon first use I knew that it wasn't making 'true' espresso, I just didn't yet understand the underlying mechanics behind proper espresso extraction. A little research revealed the obvious difference between steam and pump driven machines. My desire to occasionally enjoy a straight shot of crema-topped espresso, in addition to various espresso-based drinks, pushed me to begin researching pump driven machines.
I hadn't come across this machine in my research, but instead I was introduced to Saeco's Via Venezia while visiting a friend's house. Seeing an appliance like this in action, and tasting the resultant espresso, is about as good a test drive as you'll get.
The made-in-Italy Via Venezia is a single stainless-steel boiler machine, driven by a 15-bar pump and features a pressurized portafilter - which ostensibly provides extraction that is less dependent upon grind size/consistency and tamping force. From my experience, the forgiving pressurized portafiliter lives up to its billing. Some home baristas dislike that it takes the user's control out of shot characteristics - but I appreciate its ability to provide great espresso without requiring every detail to be perfect - I get rich crema on every pull. With a single boiler, brewing and frothing must be carried out independently. I'm still able to prepare drinks at a decent clip as the machine reaches optimal temperature quickly.
The machine is simple to use with indicator lights on the brew and steam selector buttons that specify when the machine is ready for each mode. The steam wand (panarello) swivels with a good range of motion to accommodate various frothing pitcher sizes - so far I've been happy with the milk frothing results and the panarello is easy to clean. I've been able to use my 20 oz frothing pitcher without any awkward clearance issues with other parts of the machine. The design is well thought out for ease of use.
Beyond the impressive espresso results, I was also immediately impressed with the Via Venezia's build quality. The entire outer case is metal, with minor plastic used for the drip tray and accessory tray. This provides a sturdy, substantial feel befitting the price tag. The generous water reservoir (68 oz) can be filled either by removing the reservoir container (by sliding out the drip tray assembly) or by flipping open an access hatch on top of the machine. Saeco also provides a ESE pod-adapter for the portafilter, which accepts espresso pods. I have yet to use this feature as I prefer to grind my beans prior to brewing, but it is nice to have the additional capability.
There are myriad choices in the semi-auto home espresso machine market. While the Via Venezia may not be the most cost competitive, its impressively sturdy build quality elevates it above plasticky machines of questionable durability. The Via Venezia is highly recommended for the budding espresso enthusiast.
I hadn't come across this machine in my research, but instead I was introduced to Saeco's Via Venezia while visiting a friend's house. Seeing an appliance like this in action, and tasting the resultant espresso, is about as good a test drive as you'll get.
The made-in-Italy Via Venezia is a single stainless-steel boiler machine, driven by a 15-bar pump and features a pressurized portafilter - which ostensibly provides extraction that is less dependent upon grind size/consistency and tamping force. From my experience, the forgiving pressurized portafiliter lives up to its billing. Some home baristas dislike that it takes the user's control out of shot characteristics - but I appreciate its ability to provide great espresso without requiring every detail to be perfect - I get rich crema on every pull. With a single boiler, brewing and frothing must be carried out independently. I'm still able to prepare drinks at a decent clip as the machine reaches optimal temperature quickly.
The machine is simple to use with indicator lights on the brew and steam selector buttons that specify when the machine is ready for each mode. The steam wand (panarello) swivels with a good range of motion to accommodate various frothing pitcher sizes - so far I've been happy with the milk frothing results and the panarello is easy to clean. I've been able to use my 20 oz frothing pitcher without any awkward clearance issues with other parts of the machine. The design is well thought out for ease of use.
Beyond the impressive espresso results, I was also immediately impressed with the Via Venezia's build quality. The entire outer case is metal, with minor plastic used for the drip tray and accessory tray. This provides a sturdy, substantial feel befitting the price tag. The generous water reservoir (68 oz) can be filled either by removing the reservoir container (by sliding out the drip tray assembly) or by flipping open an access hatch on top of the machine. Saeco also provides a ESE pod-adapter for the portafilter, which accepts espresso pods. I have yet to use this feature as I prefer to grind my beans prior to brewing, but it is nice to have the additional capability.
There are myriad choices in the semi-auto home espresso machine market. While the Via Venezia may not be the most cost competitive, its impressively sturdy build quality elevates it above plasticky machines of questionable durability. The Via Venezia is highly recommended for the budding espresso enthusiast.
*** Product Information and Review : Oct 1, 2011