Philips Saeco XelsisSuper-automatic espresso machine

Philips Saeco Xelsis Automatic espresso machine has great features

I have been using this machine everyday, making on average 3 to 4 cups per day, for the past 2 and a half years and have only now had an issue where its stuck on a descaling step. This is however due to me not following the proper instructions and also in using vinegar which is not recommended. according to the counters i have made more than 5000 cups combined. I am impressed. Really love the saeco medium roast beans with it as well.

It certainly does many different varietys, I am learning all about better beans. It is used everyday more than once. The drip coffee maker is used less and less each week, which previously was used everyday as the main coffee maker, not any more. There are still lots of different beverages I have yet to make. It does everything as advertised. and yes, the water does get refilled often, drain the drip tray, empty the grounds in the basket from use. But if it was made larger to hold more water and used grounds, I can bet it would not be healthy, one would leave old beans and water would get not as clean? It might be a good idea it does need to be emptied as it is now. Works great, one of my better pricey buys.

Since getting my Xelsis I've quit drinking standard coffee. I have found that the machine is easy to use and set up. So far I've only found three drawbacks...(but are not deterrents for recommending this machine to my friends#. 1. The water reservoir is too small. 2. The inner water tray is too small. 3. The milk frother doesn't heat the milk enough. I find that with the milk frother it's quicker just to steam/froth the milk myself #which with the steam wand option makes it really great!).

Have owned several high end coffee machines, but by far this is my favorite

I purchased this over 3 years ago when it first came out for small office use. I have been very pleased at how many options there are and just how customizable it really is for each user. Yes - If you own one you will need to clean it and empty it. I can't understand the reviews that seem to think it should do it all and then some. Have you ever used a totally manual system and cleaned up after that? If you love customizing great coffee (a coffee snob like me) and want a simple milk solution that you can put in a fridge and only clean weekly instead of each and every use then this is the cadillac of coffee and you will be impressed!!

I love this machine. I have been searching for years for exactly this. So happy to have found it. I do have two complaints. The first is I cannot get it as hot as I would like. To me it's just lukewarm and I like my coffee hot. The second is I like to drink my coffe from a tall mug and the frothier it too short to use a tall mug.

I mostly use it to make cappuccinos and espresso. As long as the coffee bean is good there is nothing to complain about. However I can only make at most 3 cups before I need to empty the drip tray, which is a bit annoying.

Can do most coffee-based drinks but not to the level of professional baristas e.g. no matter how much you customise, still can't get espresso the same consistency as a professionally prepared one. Also had major problems that had to be fixed under warranty i.e. latte machiato wouldn't work and it would beep all the time and not allow you to switch off because it was prompting you to insert the milk carafe even after you had finished your drink - even when no milk was required.

Please stay away from this machine I've had nothing but trouble with it.