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Saeco Via Venezia v Saeco Aroma - 2007/12/14 10:55Another of my 'what is the difference questions'. The specs of the machines are almost identical. However, the Via Venezia seems the better choice as it can be bought for $70-$130 less than the Aroma (from local retailers).
From the info I can find they are almost the same size and weight. Both seem to have the same pump and stainless steel boiler (I haven't been able to find the boiler sizes), but the Via Venezia has a much larger water resovoir (2.9L v 1.5L).
Anyone have any experience, comparisons or other thoughts on which is the better machine to buy?
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Some dude
Visitor
Re:Saeco Via Venezia v Saeco Aroma - 2007/12/15 08:04I was shopping last night and saw both..... (bought the Aroma in the end).
Like you mentioned, they both look the same on paper. The big differance is the Venezia has a fancy plastic outer body, while the Aroma is very simple and square, yet all steel construction. Some might think the Venezia is 'prettier', but I prefered the plain, yet solid build of the Aroma.
As well, the froth wand on the Aroma comes out further to the front, while the Venezia sticks out the side, and doesn't seem to have as much reach.
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Bobby
User Senior Barista
Posts: 26
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Re:Saeco Via Venezia v Saeco Aroma - 2007/12/18 08:53I took a look at both machines this weekend.
Some dude, as you noted there is a difference in the position of the steam wand but the Via Venezia machine I looked at had the same metal body as the Saeco Aroma Black.
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tmplo
User Senior Barista
Posts: 35
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Re:Saeco Via Venezia v Saeco Aroma - 2007/12/18 14:12I think what Some Dude is talking about is the Saeco Via Veneto. The Veneto is the cheapest in the Saeco line that has plastic outer body.
Bobby, is the Via Venezia the new one Saeco made for Starbucks? If so, yes, it looks similar to the brand new Aroma. Aroma is more traditional in styling. Square body. Via Venezia looks more like the Starbuck Barista. The Via Venezia's steam wand is on the left side. Other than the steam wand and the slightly different body style, they both have the same internals.
I used to own an Aroma. Two of my friends have the Barista. I played with their Baristas before. I can't tell there is any difference other than the location of the steam wand.Tmplo is a Vancouver area resident and coffee expert
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Bobby
User Senior Barista
Posts: 26
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Re:Saeco Via Venezia v Saeco Aroma - 2007/12/18 14:57tmplo - Yes, the Via Venezia is the Saeco machine made for, and sold by, Starbucks.
So far, from my search, it seems to be the best budget starter machine available locally.
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tmplo
User Senior Barista
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Re:Saeco Via Venezia v Saeco Aroma - 2007/12/21 11:20Hi Bobby,
Where are you located? If you are here in Vancouver, you can go to Espressotec to check out espresso machines and grinders. Unfortunately, they don't do demos. If you want demos of Saeco machines, you can go to Saeco West on Boundary Road. They'll gladly show you how to use any of the machines in their show room.
As for Via Venezia....if you have your mind set on buying a Saeco machine....what I would do is buy from Starbucks. Only because Starbucks has good customer service and will take back any machine without question.Tmplo is a Vancouver area resident and coffee expert
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Bobby
User Senior Barista
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Re:Saeco Via Venezia v Saeco Aroma - 2007/12/21 15:42Tmplo - thanks for the info and advice. I am in Burnaby and by chance I have visited both Espressotec and Saeco West.
I have pretty much settled on a Saeco machine as they seem the best fit for the amount of money and time I will be able to spend on espresso. From all the research I’ve done it is clear that the higher end machines require not only more money, but also more time to be invested in using them. High end machines are much less forgiving of poor bean selection, grind or skill. The Saeco’s are easy to use with the pressurized portafilter, but are also solid machines that can work with an unpressurized portafilter if/when my desire for ‘real’ espresso or better barista skills develops.
The rough dividing line for higher and lower end machines appears to be the $400 mark. I’m looking to put together an entire set-up for under $300 and the only decent machine and grinder I can put together in that budget is the Saeco Via Venezia and a Maestro grinder.
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Adrien Viani
Visitor
Re:Saeco Via Venezia v Saeco Aroma - 2007/12/28 23:58The difference between the Aroma and Venezia is the Aroma is 8 bars and the Venezia is 15 bars.
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Adrien Viani
Visitor
Re:Saeco Via Venezia v Saeco Aroma - 2007/12/29 00:04You can purchase the Saeco Aroma from www.costco.com for $229, which is best price.
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colin
Admin Admin
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Re:Saeco Via Venezia v Saeco Aroma - 2007/12/29 13:29To be fair, machines that claim to brew at 8, 12, or 15 bar are a little off the mark.
They all use Ulka vibration pumps which all deliver a bar pressure somewhere between 8 and 12 bar.
Espresso is:
* a 1 to 1.25 ounce coffee beverage * prepared using 7 to 9 grams of ground coffee * brewed with clean water at a temperature between 192 and 198 deg F (88-92 deg C) * brewed with water forced through the grinds at approximately 9-10 atmospheres of pressure (approximately 9 bars of pressure) * brewed with a coffee grind and tamp such that the brewing flow time is approximately 20-25 secondsColin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website
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