Had one of these for 10 years used it daily with a few mods. Ended up needing more power to brew multiple drinks quicker. Went into the world of Rocket. Love the content, subscriber gained.
I know what you mean. The Saeco is my daily machine but I had a HX machine on the bench the last few days and it was a joy to make a coffee, but as long as you don't mind waiting for it to warm up ;)
Found one of these at my local thrift store for $30. The pressurized portafilter was leaking badly when I tried to pull shots, so I started researching how to fix it. The whole group head area around the gasket was caked with what I can only describe as coffee resin. Took the gasket and shower screen off, cleaned the whole area well, replaced the gasket with a new one, descaled the machine, bought the SCG bottomless portafilter and a new basket, 53mm tamper and distribution tool, hand grinder, fresh beans. Now I'm pulling tiger striped shots like a pro. Next I'm working on learning how to temp surf and dialing everything in. For such a relatively small investment it's an absolute beast of a machine, I'm very happy with it.
I just found your video. I own the Saeco Starbucks Barista machine, they don't build them like this anymore. I upgraded to a bottomless portafilter last year, what a game changer. I was going to ask you where to get the steam wand but, I noticed in the comments that I will have to look for a broken down Breville which isn't too difficult to find here in Canada. Thanks for your video.
The Saeco/Gaggia panarello I ordered is great. Discard the outer sheath, and use the inner single-hole component to generate great steam for microfoam. Easy to clean as well.
I was given the same machine over 10 years ago used. Has not missed a beat since . Although the Via is working fine I'm giving it a parts refresh , group head and the pressurized basket as well. It's unfortunate this workhorse of a machine is not manufactured anymore.At it's original price point around the $450 mark it was was great value. I have thought of upgrading from time to time but cannot justify it when this machine delivers.
You forgot to mention you need to put water in the back. I know it seems obvious but I never made coffee before! Luckily for me, there was water in the reservoir already! 😊
You need to get yourself a steam wand from a Breville es800. You might need to buy a busted machine for 20-40bucks just to get the wand. Where are you living, Australia, USA?
53mm. Seattle Coffee Gear sells a naked for this machine. I does seem that they do not ship to AU. You could use the Australia Post service where you ship it to their address and then they receive it and send it on to Australia. The other option is to look on eBay for options
@@aczep6706 I have not weighed, I do it a bit by eye and staring with same beans and grinder you kind of find the sweet spot. I guess there are also a few different basket sizes you can get for VV. Have you got yourself a naked portafilter from Seattle Coffee Gear?
Good guy James rescuing stray espresso machines of the street and giving theme a nice quiet home to live in.
Had one of these for 10 years used it daily with a few mods. Ended up needing more power to brew multiple drinks quicker. Went into the world of Rocket.
Love the content, subscriber gained.
I know what you mean. The Saeco is my daily machine but I had a HX machine on the bench the last few days and it was a joy to make a coffee, but as long as you don't mind waiting for it to warm up ;)
Found one of these at my local thrift store for $30. The pressurized portafilter was leaking badly when I tried to pull shots, so I started researching how to fix it. The whole group head area around the gasket was caked with what I can only describe as coffee resin. Took the gasket and shower screen off, cleaned the whole area well, replaced the gasket with a new one, descaled the machine, bought the SCG bottomless portafilter and a new basket, 53mm tamper and distribution tool, hand grinder, fresh beans. Now I'm pulling tiger striped shots like a pro. Next I'm working on learning how to temp surf and dialing everything in. For such a relatively small investment it's an absolute beast of a machine, I'm very happy with it.
Awsome news Romulux!
I just found your video. I own the Saeco Starbucks Barista machine, they don't build them like this anymore. I upgraded to a bottomless portafilter last year, what a game changer. I was going to ask you where to get the steam wand but, I noticed in the comments that I will have to look for a broken down Breville which isn't too difficult to find here in Canada. Thanks for your video.
The Saeco/Gaggia panarello I ordered is great. Discard the outer sheath, and use the inner single-hole component to generate great steam for microfoam. Easy to clean as well.
I was given the same machine over 10 years ago used. Has not missed a beat since .
Although the Via is working fine I'm giving it a parts refresh , group head and the pressurized basket as well.
It's unfortunate this workhorse of a machine is not manufactured anymore.At it's original price point around the $450 mark it was was great value. I have thought of upgrading from time to time but cannot justify it when this machine delivers.
I'm looking to get another steam wand too as the plastic one it came with is useless for latté art.. Which Breville wand are you using ?
James, great video but do you know where to get parts for the VV? I got a leak from my wand..
Nice one
I rescued one from the thrift store cleaned the group, screen and portafilter now works like a champ. Not bad for $12 usd.
Mike I love stories like this. "Restored is the New new" 😉
You forgot to mention you need to put water in the back. I know it seems obvious but I never made coffee before! Luckily for me, there was water in the reservoir already! 😊
Hi James! I also have a Saeco via venezia and am in Melbourne. Where did you get your naked handle? Thanks!
From a previous VV owner who bought online.
How do you upgrade the steam wand?
You need to get yourself a steam wand from a Breville es800. You might need to buy a busted machine for 20-40bucks just to get the wand. Where are you living, Australia, USA?
Just got one, $35 in a thrift. No leaks. Have cleaned it up and will start using it in a week or so
I ordered the Gaggia Panarello to go with it. This device works as either a standard panarello, or a single-hole steam wand. We’ll see how it does
I have the same one. But the green light, all of a sudden won't turn on! Do you have any tips?
Is it still functioning, eg getting hot, steaming etc? If it is then maybe just the little neon bulb or resistor have blown.
Hey, I have the same machine that too was rescued off the street. Could you tell me the size of the portafilter?
53mm. Seattle Coffee Gear sells a naked for this machine. I does seem that they do not ship to AU. You could use the Australia Post service where you ship it to their address and then they receive it and send it on to Australia. The other option is to look on eBay for options
@@espressorestomelbourne1735 OK thanks a lot!
I also have that machine. Do you weigh you dose? If so, how much coffee do you pack in the portafilter? Thanks for the great vid! 🇨🇦
@@aczep6706 I have not weighed, I do it a bit by eye and staring with same beans and grinder you kind of find the sweet spot. I guess there are also a few different basket sizes you can get for VV. Have you got yourself a naked portafilter from Seattle Coffee Gear?