The Saeco brand is and was coffee lovers throughout Europe for over 30 years, a name. Especially the development of the patented brewing unit was a milestone in terms of equipment of fully automatic and a unique selling point, which is not achieved to date from its competitors in this quality, durability, design and usability. A few years ago became the company Saeco, also founded by a number of coffee machines that no longer withstand the high demands,. Into financial difficulties and was bought in 2009 by the Dutch company Philips, re-formed and structured This / end of 2010 sold the products and the know-how of the house under the brand name Philips Saeco Saceo and put on the market since the middle. Especially at the beginning of the restructuring of the Philips Company Background was advertised offensive and aggressive, now seems to have taken some distance from this advertising option again, which is why the machines are very often awarded only under the term "Saeco" and the corporate branding Philips something discreet is kept in the background.
The Saeco GD8761 / 01 in the equipment tested here is currently one of the entry-level products in the Philips-own coffee machine, however, provides a case partly considerable equipment. Designed is the unit in its present form with security for one - or two person households with limited space in the kitchen, do not want to anyway without the luxury of a full-scale, easy and quick coffee supply.
So already gives an idea of where the journey is the first impression. Due to the relatively low purchase price, the device is almost completely made of black plastic, ie the housing conveys only requires a high-quality impression. Since creaks and cracks before a corner, what the principle solid processing (clean gaps, error-free edition of the accessories, etc.) but does not preclude. Where quality machines are operated via touch screen, can be found simple manual buttons and a pure Milchschaumdüse replaced for example the very practical, freely removable and integrated milk container.
Already at the beginning recommended a 1: 1 implementation of the first operating steps according to the attached manual. Ultimately, the machine can only provide accurate and reasonable results, when taken too perfectly into operation. For this to be executed points as first rinse, adjust the water hardness and correct filling of each container (water, beans) are of course inevitable.
In practice provides the HD8761 / 01 thereafter impeccable coffee, with light and shadow in daily operation:
Positive
+ The operation is simple, intuitive and should ordinary users through requirements Suggested in very few cases
+ The grinder offers a five-step adjustment for soft to very strong coffee enjoyment
+ The water tank and the bean container I find big enough, especially in view of the alleged purpose (above - one / two-person household)
+ Excellent cleaning possibilities (fully removable brew group, Auffangbehälter- and shells, partly dishwasher suitable accessories)
+ Hot (!) Coffee
+ Good result in the milk foam preparation (* also this machine can conjure up in the cup, only the result, which would enable the respective user and can not put principles of physical events repealed. Thus, the quality of the milk foam is measured in addition to the milk used (1 , 5% fat optimally, 3.5% fat also works, but not as good) instrumental in the set temperature. Perfect milk foam requires a temperature of below 60 ° Celcius.
+ Extremely compact and space-saving
+ Neutral, contemporary and modern look
Negative
- Machine reacts slightly delayed on keypress
- Grinder relatively loud
- Little to no personalization options and user profile storage options (only one profile assignment is possible and thus can only be used for a pure single household!)
Neutral
* Frequent cleaning cycles (hygienic sense and in my eyes not bother us)
* Value of the machine / plastic housing - with regard to the purchase price an ultimately logical consequence
* Necessary cleaning effort - a logical and consistent of all evil coffee machines, I accept at any time with regard to a long and hopefully make free use
Conclusion: the Saeco HD8761 / 01 is in my eyes a coffee machine in largely error-free construction - and working methods. Of course, not a milestone with respect. The facilities and the quality, but certainly not equivalent to the claim of the machine. If you select high quality coffee beans and taking into account the correct use of the machine the result is a solid, good taste and impeccable cup of coffee. And much more, a coffee machine of this price segment with a realistic assessment now really can not afford.
