Reason enough, the Saeco Royal Series to remain faithful. And at the same time the possibility of comparison. What has changed, what is better, what was used to be better?
Visually, the new Philips Saeco HD8930 / 01 Royal looks pleasing. It is slightly lower, by many elegant curves. As before, many plastic parts are used in housing. They do but visual and haptic a sophisticated look and are easy to care for. The base of the device, there is still made of metal.
Very nicely solved is now the coffee-spout. The can now not only vertically but also move horizontally. This match also very high cups or latte macchiato glasses underneath.
Although the new Philips Saeco HD8930 / 01 Royal offers some more programming options and now can automatically and perfectly preparing milk foam, the operation has become much easier thanks to the logical menu navigation. Criticism has to put in the new water filter. When 12 year old indicates this was a filter cartridge, the owner was able to fill itself. This granular activated carbon were in inexpensive containers. In the current model Saeco Intenza + Water Filter from BRITA Water Technology, 3-pack are required, which must be changed every two months. In the long run no less fun. Especially since the machine still needs to be descaled regularly.
As an accessory, a SIGG Thermo containers for milk supplied. A nice touch for those who did not have the machine near the refrigerator. Otherwise, it's certainly more practical to use the second, longer hose and suck the milk straight from the carton. It saves so that the cleaning of the thermal container.
Cleaning and care
The Cappucinatore must be cleaned after use. Otherwise it may be that the milk dries and clogs the nozzle. Instead of milk, a glass of water and a cup beneath the brew unit will do the job. Confirm Pressing the "Clean" button and "OK". Easy does it not really. Very good!
Once a week the brewing unit must be cleaned. Here goes short rinsing with water. Some other manufacturers, is even done automatically, but there it is not always possible to open the fully automatic machines for cleaning and to remove the brew group. Then sooner or later it comes in the humid air of the machine to mold growth which can only be removed from service. In my view, the ability to expand its brewing unit itself, a big plus of the Royal series by Saeco.
Once a month, then standing at a somewhat greater purification in which some parts have to be greased in the brewing unit. What exactly to do, is well described in the manual. On the Website of this product at Philips Saeco this process is shown very clearly in a video. Positive also that a complete set of cleaning agents (cleaning tablets, descaling agent and cleaning powder for the milk circuit) is included.
Taste of coffee?
Actually, I have been of the opinion that the espresso portafilter machines tastes much better than from fully automatic. Here are the new Philips Saeco HD8930 / 01 Royal has a better informed. Although the brewing unit is almost identical to our 12 year old Royal Professional, liked coffee better from the new machine to classes. Much more aromatic. The milk foam is wonderful schotzig, the latte macchiato, the three layers clearly separated. We are excited!
Conclusion
Anyone looking for a robust and fully automatic machines for good, Italian coffee emphasis with manageable maintenance, comes at the Philips Saeco HD8930 / 01 Royal past hardly. 5 stars because I can not assign six.
