Balanced price / performance ratio

After more than 12 years a repair has no longer economically worthwhile in my Saeco Cafe Nova. I am now switched to the HD 8751/11.

Appearance:

The device makes for this price segment as a whole a decent impression. Visually I like this fully automatic good. He is black and has a matte finish, which I personally suit you more than piano black finish, but that's a matter of taste. The unit is about 26 cm wide and 34 cm high. With drip tray has a depth of about 44 cm. As usual in this price range, all parts, which need not necessarily be made of metal, kept in plastic.

Package Contents:

Inside the box next to the unit was a quick start guide that addresses the key points. According to this Quick Start Guide was supposed to be accompanied by detailed instructions on DVD, but which was absent from me. On the manufacturer's website the detailed guidance was then but found quickly. Also in are: connecting cable, a water hardness test rod, a cleaning brush, a key to change the grinding degree, which can be used as a coffee-spoon at the same time and warranty information.

First start:

The first start-up is well explained in the Quick Start Guide, after a few minutes all the necessary rinsing processes were completed and the first coffee was prepared.

Switching on and off / standby function:

The device has a button, can be switched between standby and operating mode with. Each toggling the appliance is automatically rinsed, see section "Cleaning". The unit returns after 30 minutes of non-use to standby mode automatically. This can not be changed. Is located on the back of a main switch, so it is still possible to turn the unit permanently.

Heating time:

After switching on the device is heated in less than a minute and ready to go. That's OK.

Coffee production:

You can using the coffee strength selection button in three stages preset (light, medium and strong). This is two or three bean symbolized by one in the display. Then there are two buttons available, with which you can start the coffee production: small amount of water (espresso) or normal amount of water (Café Lungo). Pressing the corresponding button a second time in succession two Brühvorgänge be triggered. The coffee spout can be stopped at any time using. For both selection buttons you can if you want, save the desired amount of water using memo function permanently.

The device also provides the ability to brew ground coffee already. There is also a small compartment on the bean container, can be introduced into the pre-ground coffee. With the selection button for coffee strength can be scalding coffee from this additional compartment set.

Coffee result:

For a fully automatic machine in this price range you can produce with this device a relatively good coffee. He is sufficiently hot and is ground well and has a good taste, fresh and good beans and suitable water, of course. Also a decent crema gets towards the device. It must of course be clear that this is generated at machine off by the crema valve and not, of course, arises as portafilter devices. Coffee in bistro-quality can not be expected, of course, the result of which is far away. On the other hand, it is well above the level of a classic filter coffee.

Grinder:

The grinder is - compared to other models - not too loud but has a decent sound. During milling, a small round cap moves in the bean container. This obviously has the function to prevent wedging of the nachrutschenden coffee beans. The grind can be changed while the grinder is available with the included key. There is installed a ceramic grinder. That does not overheat when grinding, which could otherwise damage the coffee flavor.

Steam / hot water function:

The device has no separate steam boiler. Thus, it requires a short heating time when switching from the coffee maker to steam mode. The steam or hot water mode is activated with a separate key, which in my view has a slightly spongy pressure point. You have to choose whether you want to steam or hot water then. Hot water can be stopped again after dialing instantly based on request. The steam mode is available in 30 seconds, that's fine. But what you need to know: Once the warm-up is over, immediately enters the steam out of the Pannarello. There is no valve which is yet turned on. So you need during heat already with the filled milk jug on pannarello ready. One can not regulate the intensity of the steam. The steam is sufficiently strong in my opinion, to produce good milk froth. By pressing a button the steam outlet is stopped. The machine is then automatically in the coffee brewing mode.

Water tank:

The water tank holds 1.5 liters and is inserted on the left side at the front. He can not be seen. I recommend, prior to use to check the water level, because the device stops the brewing process (does not interrupt!) If not enough water is available. In any case, you should replace the water at least once a day, who wants to have coffee from stagnant water? To remove and insert the water tank of the Pannarello aside has to be moved, as this rises above the water tank. This is due to the compact design.

Grounds container and drip tray:

The coffee grounds container is inserted on the right side at the front. Unlike some other models do not have the drip tray can be removed to get to the grounds container, that's a plus. The drip tray has relatively little capacity and should be emptied in principle after every use. The cover of the drip tray is made of thin steel.

Cleaning:

When zooming in and even after turning the appliance is automatically rinsed water through the coffee spout. The unit can be wiped with a damp cloth. The Pannarello can be easily removed after use and rinsed with warm water. The coffee spout is - different than I am used to from older Saeco models - apparently no longer removable for cleaning. Here one must therefore rely on the automatic cleaning flushes any residue. The drawer must be emptied and rinsed at least once a day. The instrument provides an automatic run-cleaning program. The brewing unit is housed on the right side behind a flap. This, as with Saeco customary be easily removed for cleaning and flushed and lubricated if necessary. The screen on the brewing unit can - unlike older models - are no longer simply be unscrewed for cleaning. Again, you have to just hope that the cleaning function and the external rinsing manually solve any residue. What I like: Under the infuser is a small container. This had not earlier models. Because from time to time small quantities of ground coffee container is leak quite handy.

Descaling:

The device has an automatic descaling. You can adjust the hardness of the water between Level 1 (very soft) and stage 4 (very hard). Apparently the device determined by the number of coffees or when descaling is necessary, and then displays this in the display. To this end, the descaler solution is filled into the tank and started using calc clean button which automatically running descaling. Then the device is rinsed thoroughly. This key has an equally easy spongy pressure point as the key of the steam / hot water mode.

More functions / settings:

This one looks in vain. You can adjust the device, whether you use a water filter additionally available or not, and as described the hardness of the water. More can not adjust it. So if you absolutely need fine tuning as the brewing temperature, which would stop automatic rinsing, wants to change or switch off the fixed standby time of 30 minutes, etc., should look for another device.

Conclusion:

The price / performance ratio. Its purpose, to produce good coffee, the device meets all. The handling is simply total. The appearance is fine, however, it is not a great looker. Who needs many setting options, but should resort to another device. This also applies to people who attach importance to quality workmanship. Simple plastic is just not stainless steel. In total there are fair 4 of 5 stars due to the small criticisms.