Excellent machine for not a lot of money

Author's Rating:

Pros: Great price for a pump-driven machine, makes excellent espresso, great for the beginner home barista

Cons: Steam wand too short, does not come with a backwash insert for proper cleaning

The Bottom Line: 
If you're looking for an inexpensive yet good espresso machine that doesn't require barista training at a coffee shop in order to operate, this is it!

Author's Review
I'd like to preface this by saying that I've been in the coffee industry for 4 years- 2 1/2 as a barista and 1 1/2 as the marketing director for a coffee website. I was actually hired for the latter job not because of my marketing skills, but because of my knowledge of coffee.

When I first started shopping 2 years ago for a good pump-driven espresso machine for a decent price, I thought it would be a nearly impossible task. All of the pump-driven (meaning that the water is pushed through the coffee grounds using bars of pressure) machines that I came across were over $200- way over my budget. I then found the Saeco Via Veneto, priced at $179. I really wanted a good espresso machine for home, so I made the purchase.

The day the machine arrived, I put it to the test. I made shot after shot of espresso, as well as lattes and cappuccinos. I was very happy to find that the machine made consistent espresso shots every time with thick, rich, golden crema. What I liked was that it was semi-automatic, meaning that the machine does not stop pouring espresso automatically, you have to stop it yourself. I liked this because I had control over the amount in the shots and I didn't have to do any meticulous pre-setting of the machine.

After two years of daily use, my Via Veneto is still holding up strong. I only have two complaints- one is that the steam wand is too short and doesn't move around very well. I have to remove the drip tray underneath it so I can fit the milk pitcher in and steam milk. Also, the Via Veneto does not come with backwash inserts for cleaning. These sorts of inserts stop up the portafilter (the part you put the coffee grounds in) so you can put cleaner in it and backwash the machine. When I first got the machine, the owner of the place I bought it from sent me special instructions for cleaning it. I've since lost those instructions, but I periodically run the cleaner through the system by way of the water hoses and backwash using the espresso pod inserts that came with the machine (they don't stop up the portafilter completely, but they do the trick).

If your a beginner at making espresso at home, whatever you do, don't buy a cheap $50-$75 steam-driven machine! I've encouraged many to save their money and purchase the Saeco Via Veneto. It's a great value and you get an excellent, easy-to-use machine that makes consistent espresso shots.