The machine is supplied attractively packaged and is placed relatively quickly. During installation you can really managed to convince of the optic, then the machine is a real eye-catcher; Stainless steel looks just always. The new HD 9712/01 is only the front stainless steel, the other three sides black plastic. Otherwise, it is not as wide as the old one and has a more elongated shape. Also, the controls and the display of time are adjusted and make it visually pleasant.
The manual covers the main issues easy to understand and provides in individual steps with imaging for the beginner a quick way to control. Comes complete with all accessories including water filter and descaling agent. It's up to you whether one. Small Britta filter (must be renewed every three months) integrated in the water tank or waived, in hard water I would however recommend
The device is then cleaned, that happens automatically; you just have to make an appropriately sized container under the machine. After this operation, we will already to enjoy.
What me in this device, as already noticed the old, that the machine always grease maintenance such as wear parts needed (every three months). For details you know about the website of Philip.
Right next to the first preparation is evident, that the machine is even quieter than the old Saeco, which was already low, which is convenient especially in the morning before the first coffee.
The wide selection which has already convinced me of the old was, though a bit reduced, in my opinion is still absolutely sufficient. It should be something for every taste. If that's still not enough, you have the option for up to six user again make (quantity determined, coffee intensity, brewing temperature, crema and espresso structure) individual settings.
The taste is really outstanding in all pre-set programs, especially the cappuccino and latte, it did to me. Only the latte I have made an individual adjustment of the cup filling quantity, this is quick and simple. The milk carafe is visually a little nicer to look at, even though it is just as bad and difficult to clean, as the old form. Here Philips has unfortunately not yet found a convincing solution.
The coffee spout is also adjustable, become the total height a little lower. Although there are only a few little centimeters, this rich but not from ours latte macchiato glasses fit under it. Here there is the possibility to push the lower part of the coffee spout a piece in the machine, then there is but only one instead of two coffee outlet nozzles.
From the speed of warming is the new a little faster, while the brewing process then takes a little longer and the total time is almost identical. Very slight advantages of the new machine.
The machine has a 1.6-liter tank (without Britta filters, with: a little more), which must be filled by a couple of cups. For reasons of hygiene, as well as the Innbehälter, I think that's not negative. I feel positive that the nozzles are washed after every wash cycle, this is only the milk container a bit problematic, but if you quickly with a cloth wipes about here, everything is fine.
Conclusion
The difference between the two Saeco machine is not great, except for the appearance, which has changed significantly. Compared to a simple and cheap machine, there are fundamental differences (Britta filters, sealed grinder nozzle that can be removed completely), especially in the ways that this device offers (customized items such as cup filling quantity, brewing temperature, etc.), and in an incredibly intense coffee flavor.