ByronA Senior Member Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 375 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Rancilio S24, KitchenAid... Grinder: Compak K5, KitchenAid... Vac Pot: Don't want one Drip: Don't want one Roaster: Will eventually get one
Posted Thu Mar 27, 2008, 7:29am Subject: Saeco Via Veneto Vs Rancilio S24
This Easter weekend, I brought my old Via Veneto to my Sister-in-laws in Toronto, so I could enjoy good espresso whenever we visit there.
It was strange turning it on after not using it since the end of October. First, I think I have a unique Via Veneto, as mine has a built in grinder. I used this machine for about 10 years, and only discovered CoffeeGeek when I was planning on replacing it, so I have never done any mods to it, including de-pressurizing the portafilter. Here are some of my impressions;
Cheap light plastic, low quality build.
I need to hold it in place when I put in the portafilter,
Did I say very light?
Grinder works very well. It may actually be a conical, but I have never opened it up, so I can't say for sure. I am one of those people who believes if it ain't broke, don't break it. Grind was very light and fluffy.
The coffee felt very different as I tamped it into the portafilter. I have always tamped and much prefer the result. It compressed more than I remember.
Anemic steaming ability.
Comes up to temp very quickly...like in a few minutes as opposed to 45 minutes with the S24.
The crema was very thick, nicely coloured, and long lasting.
Flavour didn't last as long as it does with my S24.
A little about my drink. I am still looking for an espresso that I like. At the moment, I drink cappuccinos exclusively. The coffee I used, I bought from a local Hull roaster called Cafe du Monde en Vrac. This is so far the best roaster I have found in the Ottawa area. The blend was my own mix of 4 parts Brazilian Santos and 1 part Yirgacheffe roasted last Wednesday. I have been experimenting a little with blending over the last few months now, and this is where I am at so far. My coffee mug is a Starbucks Stainless Steel mug I got about 11 years ago. I haven't seen one quite like it since, but I really love this mug. I have come to believe that the mug or cup is very important when drinking coffee just as the glass is important when drinking wine or beer.
ByronA Senior Member Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 375 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Rancilio S24, KitchenAid... Grinder: Compak K5, KitchenAid... Vac Pot: Don't want one Drip: Don't want one Roaster: Will eventually get one
Posted Thu Mar 27, 2008, 8:00am Subject: Re: Saeco Via Veneto Vs Rancilio S24
I know it really isn't fair comparing these two machines, but who said anything in life was fair?
The Rancilio, on the other hand, just oozes quality.
It is heavy, like about 75 lbs
Is mainly steel
Unfortunately, only has the boiler pressure guage
Has a large boiler of about 3.7 liters
Turns off the heating element when the water reservoir gets too low to protect the heating element.
Has a very solid brass adjustable OPV valve
Has tons of steaming pressure. I have actually used it to heat a pot of water with to speed up the boiling process.
Has no built in grinder...not that I mind that. I can then choose the grinder I will use.
Has the steamer and the water dispenser on a ball joints.
Steamer arm has an integrated tip, which would be a failing if I didn't like the tip, but since I like it, no problem.
Has nice heavy portafilters...I really love the feel of them!
Requires a large cooling flush to get it to the right temperature. I am getting used to that now that I know I have to do a large flush, minimum of 8 oz.
Is really big! Could be a problem, depending on your significant other and your counter space.
Takes 45 minutes to warm up. I thought this would bother me, but I have learned to live with it. My morning routine takes 45 minutes, and then I make 2 caps just before going out the door.
Makes a slightly different tasting drink compare to the Via Veneto even with the same beans.
All in all, although there are some negatives, they are small and inconsequential when compared to how much more enjoyment I get out of my coffee now compared to before. I would have a really hard time going back to the Saeco Via Veneto full time. I am someone who loves the feel of quality, and I feel it with my Rancilio S24.
The reason I posted this thread, is that we often see newbies looking at buying an espresso machine. I thought I would put it in context by comparing my previous machine with my current machine after having used it for a while. Often, we don't notice certain things until we go back after a while. After last weekend, I had been thinking about how much I had noticed and was bothered by certain things with my Via Veneto. I know you won't find too many Via Venetos on sale anymore, but there are many machines in the same class, and people are buying them. In my opinion, if you enjoy the whole espresso thing, do yourself a favour. Get yourself a quality machine. It really does make a huge difference in the pleasure you get from it.
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