I love this machine! I got it this past summer at your new Portland store. The staff was great. This is a wonderful instructional video. I visited my cousins in Italy for the first time and came back with a love of cappuccinos. This is my first machine and it so easy to use and the results are delicious.
I bought the Via Venezia and wanted the real espresso experience so I "depressurized" its portafilter and got a Baratza Encore grinder. also changed the panarello for one similar to the old Barista wand, single hole tip. After trying different grinds and coffees, tamping, I gave up without ever getting a good shot. Always sour and there's a point when the grind is too fine and the VV won't work. I am back to pressurized and enjoying my coffee!
What I did was to replace the steam wand with a traditional one hole wand that does not have a panarello on it (I bought a Breville wand for 14 bucks on Ebay and installation was super easy..no instructions needed). Now I can make perfect micro-foam and pour latte art. =) Next, I bought the naked portafilter from SCG and started learning how to 'dial-in' my espresso shots. I am still learning but I am approaching the level of expensive coffee shops fast!
Sweet machine. I bought one from you guys in Jan and am very happy with it. It is definitely aimed at people who do not want to fuss too much about grind and steaming, and it will make a very nice cap or latte with no skill. However, this machine has a lot of potential and with a few add-ons can make espresso and milk drinks that rival machines 2-3x more expensive.
I used an Encore for my grinding and it worked really well for the pressurized PF. It was serviceable with the naked PF but only had 1 or 2 settings that worked (one setting is about 30 second difference in shot time). I upgraded to a Nuova Simonelli Grinta and my espresso tastes much better now. Grinder is important but I am poor so this is my way of starting my serious espresso journey. I almost exclusively drink espresso now and only make milk drinks for the gf.
These small Saecos are excellent choices - check out the comparison we did of all three together to see which one might better suit your purposes. - Kat
Sorry last comment: in conclusion, I am extremely happy with the Via Venezia. It is well built, looks great, love the huge water reservoir, and will last many years.
I acquired one of these from a local thrift for $15. Added an unpressurized portafilter, a 1-hole panarello, and a dimmer mod for flow control. Total investment $80, and I’m getting great espresso and latte from it
So as someone who has recently destroyed their old machine, would you recommend this one? I've been looking at a cheaper one at London drugs by villaware, and the Oster one as well but really like the bottomless portafilter
Great review. I have the old saeco barista. It's been going strong daily since '06. Can't decide if a rancilio Silvia is enough of an upgrade to switch it. Either way-enjoy your channel and videos! Cheers!
I would go with the Saeco due to you being able to get a non pressurized portafilter later if you want, and you can use whatever coffee you want (if you have a way to grind it of course!) whereas with Nespresso, you're stuck with whatever capsules they sell. Also, the Saeco is a great little machine!!
I found a very simple fix for the Saeco panarello. The problem is that it sucks in way too much air, so I polished its top with fine sandpaper removing the air holes. Now it sucks in considerably less air and the milk doesn't have large bubbles.
I can't decide between this one or a Nepresso machine. I am completely on the fence. I drink coffee every day but espresso would probably be 3-4 times a week. Any opinions?
Is there a full video on cleaning this? How do you clean the Crema filter holder? Also, how do you clean the top funnel for water tank filling. Is it safe for me to pour boiling water down it or would that crack something? Thanks.
Hi Peter Mount! Here is our video on how to descale the Via Venezia: SCG How-to Guides: Descaling the Saeco Via Venezia As suggested in the video, it is best to use warm water (not boiling) for the cleaning solution. - Sarah
I loved my Aroma which was almost foolproof. SO the question is Poemia, Aroma or Via Venezia? Good experience with Aroma despite it dying. Via Venezia articulated steam arm is a plus. Poemia has a nice compact size but looks like it will feel a little cheap. Has anything changed since Philips bought Seaco?
I rejuvenated my dad's old Via Venezia and I am having issues getting the microfoam. All I get is hot milk at the bottom and a ton of bubbles on top. Any tips?
Kat, would this be a good machine to practice latte art on? Been through a few mid-to-higher-end consumer level machines that were not able to get the microfoam right. If not, any recommendations? TIA...!
Hi there! While you definitely can practice latte art on this machine, and some people get pretty darn good at it(!), the panarello can make getting the needed microfoam a bit of a challenge. I would probably recommend something with a traditional steam wand if latte art is your goal. What price range are you looking at? -Kaylie
CoffeeZing To get a traditional steam wand (allowing you to customize the foam and get that latte art!), I would consider the Breville Infuser BES840XL. Of course, for that you'd need a grinder, so keep that in mind (or go for the slightly more expensive Breville Barista Express with built-in grinder). It is going to have lighter steam pressure than something like the Silvia or CC1, but you should still be able to get microfoam on the Breville and it's a touch cheaper than the other two options. -Kaylie
I have one of these and see alot of comments on the milk not getting a fine foam. This video definitely is not what I get because I can make my milk very fine, so fine, it holds up like a pavlova if you can imagine that. In contrast, this video is just blowing big bubbles, but I am not an expert. Am curious how I can get such smooth volume and am no expert.
+Seattle Coffee Gear I use a Starbucks Barista. Went to buy a Via Venezia for my office. It's not on the SCG site for sale as new. Is it being discontinued? Refreshed? What's the scoop?
I am in the same boat! My Barista died today after 9+ years. I understand the via venezia is discontinued. I am thinking about a gaggia or breville. The rancilio silvia is too pricey for me. I already own a burr grinder.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
"Panarello in, that's the technique"... I love watching these videos. Greetings from Mexico! :)
I love this machine! I got it this past summer at your new Portland store. The staff was great. This is a wonderful instructional video. I visited my cousins in Italy for the first time and came back with a love of cappuccinos. This is my first machine and it so easy to use and the results are delicious.
I bought the Via Venezia and wanted the real espresso experience so I "depressurized" its portafilter and got a Baratza Encore grinder. also changed the panarello for one similar to the old Barista wand, single hole tip. After trying different grinds and coffees, tamping, I gave up without ever getting a good shot. Always sour and there's a point when the grind is too fine and the VV won't work. I am back to pressurized and enjoying my coffee!
What I did was to replace the steam wand with a traditional one hole wand that does not have a panarello on it (I bought a Breville wand for 14 bucks on Ebay and installation was super easy..no instructions needed). Now I can make perfect micro-foam and pour latte art. =) Next, I bought the naked portafilter from SCG and started learning how to 'dial-in' my espresso shots. I am still learning but I am approaching the level of expensive coffee shops fast!
The pressurized one does, yes; you can pick-up either non-pressurized or bottomless portafilters from us separately. - Kat
sure would love to purchase one of those bottomless portafilters for this machine or non pressurized portafilters :)
Sweet machine. I bought one from you guys in Jan and am very happy with it. It is definitely aimed at people who do not want to fuss too much about grind and steaming, and it will make a very nice cap or latte with no skill. However, this machine has a lot of potential and with a few add-ons can make espresso and milk drinks that rival machines 2-3x more expensive.
I used an Encore for my grinding and it worked really well for the pressurized PF. It was serviceable with the naked PF but only had 1 or 2 settings that worked (one setting is about 30 second difference in shot time). I upgraded to a Nuova Simonelli Grinta and my espresso tastes much better now. Grinder is important but I am poor so this is my way of starting my serious espresso journey. I almost exclusively drink espresso now and only make milk drinks for the gf.
These small Saecos are excellent choices - check out the comparison we did of all three together to see which one might better suit your purposes. - Kat
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences / journey with others! Sounds like you have an awesome setup :) - Kat
Sorry last comment: in conclusion, I am extremely happy with the Via Venezia. It is well built, looks great, love the huge water reservoir, and will last many years.
I acquired one of these from a local thrift for $15. Added an unpressurized portafilter, a 1-hole panarello, and a dimmer mod for flow control. Total investment $80, and I’m getting great espresso and latte from it
Definitely - this is one of my favorites for a budget-conscious machine. If you're not doing a lot of milk-based drinks, check out the Aroma. - Kat
So as someone who has recently destroyed their old machine, would you recommend this one? I've been looking at a cheaper one at London drugs by villaware, and the Oster one as well but really like the bottomless portafilter
Sorry to hear about your trials and tribulations! But also glad to hear that you have great shots again ... and a spiffy steam wand! :D - Kat
Great review. I have the old saeco barista. It's been going strong daily since '06. Can't decide if a rancilio Silvia is enough of an upgrade to switch it. Either way-enjoy your channel and videos! Cheers!
I would go with the Saeco due to you being able to get a non pressurized portafilter later if you want, and you can use whatever coffee you want (if you have a way to grind it of course!) whereas with Nespresso, you're stuck with whatever capsules they sell. Also, the Saeco is a great little machine!!
I found a very simple fix for the Saeco panarello. The problem is that it sucks in way too much air, so I polished its top with fine sandpaper removing the air holes. Now it sucks in considerably less air and the milk doesn't have large bubbles.
I can't decide between this one or a Nepresso machine. I am completely on the fence. I drink coffee every day but espresso would probably be 3-4 times a week. Any opinions?
What would you recommend as a starter espresso machine for someone moving up from drip?
Maybe I missed it, but with the pressurized portafilter, do you need to tamp at all? Also, how much grounds go in there? Thanks!
my 1st and only machine... so good
does the portafilter come with the purchase of the via venezia?
Is there a full video on cleaning this? How do you clean the Crema filter holder?
Also, how do you clean the top funnel for water tank filling. Is it safe for me to pour boiling water down it or would that crack something?
Thanks.
Hi Peter Mount! Here is our video on how to descale the Via Venezia: SCG How-to Guides: Descaling the Saeco Via Venezia
As suggested in the video, it is best to use warm water (not boiling) for the cleaning solution. - Sarah
I loved my Aroma which was almost foolproof. SO the question is Poemia, Aroma or Via Venezia? Good experience with Aroma despite it dying. Via Venezia articulated steam arm is a plus. Poemia has a nice compact size but looks like it will feel a little cheap. Has anything changed since Philips bought Seaco?
+Andrew Mondt Opps! I just found your comparison video!
+Andrew Mondt :D
Hi ,
What is the little compartment on top for please?
It’s not a compartment. It’s a water inlet
I rejuvenated my dad's old Via Venezia and I am having issues getting the microfoam. All I get is hot milk at the bottom and a ton of bubbles on top. Any tips?
"That's so close to Art!" Ahahah!!!
Kat, would this be a good machine to practice latte art on? Been through a few mid-to-higher-end consumer level machines that were not able to get the microfoam right. If not, any recommendations? TIA...!
Hi there! While you definitely can practice latte art on this machine, and some people get pretty darn good at it(!), the panarello can make getting the needed microfoam a bit of a challenge. I would probably recommend something with a traditional steam wand if latte art is your goal. What price range are you looking at? -Kaylie
Cheapest with the bestest steaming capabilities? ;)
CoffeeZing To get a traditional steam wand (allowing you to customize the foam and get that latte art!), I would consider the Breville Infuser BES840XL. Of course, for that you'd need a grinder, so keep that in mind (or go for the slightly more expensive Breville Barista Express with built-in grinder). It is going to have lighter steam pressure than something like the Silvia or CC1, but you should still be able to get microfoam on the Breville and it's a touch cheaper than the other two options. -Kaylie
Thanks for the advice! I definitely have a grinder and the 840XL looks good.
CoffeeZing Awesome! I hope many happy latte art days are ahead of you! -Kaylie
Thanks! :) - Kat
can I see the electric plug?
Cool! - Kat
I have one of these and see alot of comments on the milk not getting a fine foam. This video definitely is not what I get because I can make my milk very fine, so fine, it holds up like a pavlova if you can imagine that. In contrast, this video is just blowing big bubbles, but I am not an expert. Am curious how I can get such smooth volume and am no expert.
Cool! :) - Kat
We had a Starbucks Barista machine for years and it died last year. So sad. Looking to replace it and may just go with this.
+pianosharonw This is a great choice for replacing the SB Barista!
+Seattle Coffee Gear I use a Starbucks Barista. Went to buy a Via Venezia for my office. It's not on the SCG site for sale as new. Is it being discontinued? Refreshed? What's the scoop?
I am in the same boat! My Barista died today after 9+ years. I understand the via venezia is discontinued. I am thinking about a gaggia or breville. The rancilio silvia is too pricey for me. I already own a burr grinder.
I miss the fun videos
I love my Aroma, but if I could do it over I'd go the Venezia.
I miss Gale.