Compare: Saeco Aroma v. Saeco Via Venezia

Viewer request! What's the difference between these single boiler machines that often get the rep of the hardest working espresso machines in the business? Gail guides us through their features, similarities and differences.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• saeco
• aroma
• via venezia
• espresso machine
• comparison

[Mxoderberg]

@Kat. That's what I thought too. Seems the Aroma isn't available in Sweden, just a machine called Saeco poemia hd8325, ever heard of that? Seems the specs are the same too. The Cubika is available to get from the UK so maybe i'll get one, it's just the guarantee thing that can be a hassle. About my question regarding the soleloid valve, I believe I read somewhere that a machine with no valve has a shorter lifespan or can start to leak after a while, is that true? Thanks for all the helpful vids!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Mxoderberg I haven't heard that thing about the valves myself ... - Kat

[Mxoderberg]

Hi Kat

Are the Seaco aroma and the Gaggia cubika the same machine? The two look very similar.

And how much difference does the solenoid valve do like the more expensive machines has? Is it worth the extra cash in the long run?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Mxoderberg They seem to be identical, just rebranded! The solenoid is nice because it produces a drier puck ... whether or not that = increased value is your call ;) - Kat

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@stefunny823 Not sure -- we haven't done this nor tested it, although I know that several Aroma/Via Venezia owners have :) (as a matter of policy, we don't film or recommend taking apart machines or their components except in rare cases) - Kat

[stefunny823]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Hi! I saw a video on here where someone took the pressurizer out of the portafilter. He seemed to be able to pull a decent shot with this setup. Is there a significant difference between the unpressurized portafilter that you guys sell versus just removing it from the stock portafilter? (And when do you expect to have them back in stock?) Thanks!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@ALTSpencers We're still awaiting import on those guys - sorry about the delay! Glad to hear that the machine is working well so far for you :D - Kat

[ALTSpencers]

Hi Kat! Received my Via Venezia from you guys and loved the machine. The upgraded steam wand/panarello is amazing at frothing the milk. Not quite professional as the Silvia, I presumed, but it does the microfoam quite well. Thanks for the recommendation. I just now need the unpressurized portafilter. I wish it were back in stock. --Lisa

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@ALTSpencers Please check out the video called 'Single Boiler Espresso Machines: Temperature Surfing and Steaming' to learn more - Kat

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@ALTSpencers Please check out the video called 'Single Boiler Espresso Machines: Temperature Surfing and Steaming' to learn more - Kat