Another brand that’s not that well known in the United Kingdom, Saeco products can be found in a number of countries worldwide. Founded in 1981, the company is based in Gaggio Montano, in the province of Bologna, Italy’.
In 1999 Saeco acquired control of the more well-known Gaggia company to reinforce its position in the market and establish a bigger sales capacity. The group now holds a large share of the home market and is a leader in the European market. In the United Kingdom, Saeco products are marketed by Gaggia United Kingdom Ltd. They offer a small range of their own product that is at the high end of the price spectrum.
Finding the website
You can visit the Saeco website by going to www.saeco.com .
Finding the section on coffee makers
When you’ve reached the Saeco home page go to the menu at the top of the page on the left hand side and click on the ‘Products’ link. This will take you to the Saeco product page.
Selection available
As well as bean to cup espresso coffee makers, Saeco also offers a capsule machine in conjunction with the Lavazza coffee company.
Information provided on the site
The Saeco website is very straightforward, giving only the amount of information that’s strictly necessary. Each of their machines has its own item page with an image and list of technical data. When you click on the ‘products’ link you are taken to the first of its range with a menu listing the other machines offered located on the left hand side of the page. Click on the link to take you to the coffee maker you want to look at.
Saeco has a limited number of coffee makers selling under its own name. They include two in the Talea range and two in the Odea range as well as a capsule model. Click on the model you want to see and you are taken to an item page where there is an image of the model and a list of features and technical data to the right of it.
Because all of the models are of the bean to cup variety you are given the capacity of the bean hopper as well as the machine’s dimensions and grinder type. You are also told the pump pressure value –15 bar in all cases- and boiler capacity. All models have a removable water tank. The ‘Talea Ring’ model, as its name suggests, has touch ring programming.
As with most manufacturers Saeco now offers a capsule machine. Saeco calls it the ‘A Modo Mio’ and it features capsules by Lavazza. This coffee machine has been created using cutting-edge extraction technology that ensures a ‘full bodied and creamy’ espresso. You can also prepare lattes and cappuccinos.
Where to Buy
In the United Kingdom Saeco products are marketed by Gaggia, so you need to get in touch with your local Gaggia retailer to see if they stock Saeco as well. Go to the menu on the home page and click on Stockists. This will bring up a page that lists the main Gaggia stockists, including outlet shops.
Buying from the website
You can, however, buy from the website. At the end of the list of features is a ‘buy’ button. This brings up the ‘Shop Creator’ site with the Gaggia shopping page. Your item is listed in a band at the top of the page under Quantity, Description, Net Price and Total Net. To proceed, click on the Order Via ‘Shopcreator’ button and go to the ‘payment’ page.
You can buy a selection of Lavazza coffee capsules on the website as well. The selection features four variations from a dark, velvety and full-bodied blend that Lavazza describe as the pinnacle of Lavazza passion, to a well-rounded, smooth and creamy brew. There is a naturally decaffeinated option as well. You have to allow 7 to 10 days for delivery.
Finally
This is a limited website because there simply isn’t a lot of product to show. What exists is of a high quality, but the ‘Gaggia’ material seems to take precedence. If you want a professional-looking coffee maker, though, that’s efficient and not run of the mill, then the Saeco site might be worth taking a look at. For more information on Saeco there is an e-mail address for the United Kingdom at the top right hand corner of the home page. Or you could go to the Italian website at www.saeco.it .