Crew Review: Starbucks Sirena

[oafaloaf]

Just recived mine refurb. I had better luck using the non pressurized filter with ground lavazza espresso bar

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@oafaloaf Cool!

[DEshav2b]

Have machine. Gift. Very helpful.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@DEshav2b Cool -- and thank you! :) - Kat

[annatmc]

Also, I watched some more of your videos. Very entertaining and fun :)

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@annatmc Thanks! Glad you have been enjoying them :) - Kat

[annatmc]

I just came across this video. I own this machine and have no clue how to actually use it (it's sat for 2 years). I drink decaf, but I love a hot and an iced mocha. When I make one it tastes like chocolate milk :( I hv a decent grinder (I think), but really haven't used it or wouldn't know better. I don't know what kind of coffee to get or how long it will last before it goes bad and I can't pull a good shot anymore. Also what kind of chocolate to use. Can I email you guys details for some help?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@annatmc Feel free to send me a message here and I can give you some tips -- cool? - Kat

[silentpounce]

You girls seem to always have such a great time! I would love for you to make a coffee for me and ship it but you know... >.< kinda hard too do

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@silentpounce Ha - yes; very messy! Thanks for watching :) - Kat

[vandalfsens1]

Is there a way to swap out the steam wand for a traditional?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@vandalfsens1 Nope, not that we know of, anyway :) - Kat

[perryham]

I've had this machine for little more than a year, and it still runs great.

At least once in two-week, I descale my machine, clean up the group head, and wash out the reservoir.

I also got rocky doser for my beans, and get beans from my roaster once every week.

I must say, I'm getting tons of aroma, and tons of flavor for every extraction.

I always wanted to get crotchless PF for this machine, but that's on my next agenda.

I think I can live without it for now.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@perryham Glad to hear this machine is working out so well for you! It is definitely one of my favorite models for price/features. Sounds like you are taking very good care of it, so it should be around for a good long while :) - Kat

[perryham]

thanks for your help!

[perryham]

@SeattleCoffeeGear thanks for your reply kat! I was just wondering, if you can install PID temp controller that was design for Gaggia classic from Auber Instruments.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@perryham No - these are board controlled and you can't circumvent the board's sensor and still have the machine work properly. These have better temp regulation than a machine that has a bi-metal thermostat, for example, but you can't control the temp yourself, it's just programmed. - Kat

[snakedoc1306]

About two years ago I was going to buy this machine, but decided to get the Saeco Viena, which starbucks was also selling! Overall I recommend the Viena but have always had a soft spot for this machine....it's just sooo good looking!

Now I've upgraded to DeLonghi Automatic espresso machine! To anyone who loves to make espresoo drinks, I would highly recommend a DeLonghi Automatic espresso machine...they're awesome!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@snakedoc1306 Yeah, we just started refurbishing the Sirena stock, they're great machines. Love the DeLonghis, too! :D - Kat

[DPresz]

Thanks for the review. We've had one of these for about two years and have recently started having a problem with the knob (similar to the one referenced in the video). I'd be glad to pay to have it repair but here's my dilemma: we live in southern Oregon and the nearest Saeco site is in either Eugene or Vancouver. My concern is the shipping cost more than the repair cost. Any hints on whether the knob fix is simple enough to try at home?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

You do have to take the machine apart to do this, so if you're comfortable doing that you can go for it. We don't provide tech support remotely, however ;) - Kat

[carterdesigsn]

One thing I didn't get from your review... at the end of the day do you recommend it? (I realize you don't want to diss a machine lent to you by a gracious customer, but... good? bad? indifferent?) I ask because my Wife and I purchased one of these for Christmas, and have been having a hard time getting good shots (after the first one we got was DOA). But the shots in the video look pretty nice (ours taste bitter/sour... using DOMA coffee ( a good regional roaster)). Thoughts?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

We never explicitly recommend a machine; if you watch our other reviews, our goal is to provide the pros and cons of a machine, but at the end of the day, you need to determine if they balance each other out for your needs. I know you can achieve a good shot with this machine (without the pressurized adaptations) and it seems to have good temp regulation, and that's ultimately what you're looking for. If you're using non-pressurized, check your grind/tamp, it could be the culprit. - Kat

[jakeorch]

You guys are great, as usual! I really enjoy watching your videos. Informative and funny :D

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Thanks for the great feedback! :) - Kat

[oOpsychochickOo]

it's the shot glass!! you can see the size difference :)

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Did Gail pay you to say that?!?!? ;) Just kidding :) Yeah, afterward we looked closely and could tell. But I still like to tease her :) - Kat