What a great machine. I wanted to upgrade my Saeco Incanto Sirius and the Xelsis fit the bill. First, I have had my Incanto for over 15 years and it still works great, but I was looking for something with more options.
I looked at other brands and read their reviews, but I loved the look and features of the Xelsis and based on my past experience with a Saeco machine, I felt that the investment would be worth it and I haven’t been disappointed.
The Xelsis is even better than I expected. The customization (including temperature) and ability to save the different drinks under profiles is awesome. I am an espresso drinker and have customized how I like both a single and doppio. My wife likes cappuccino and lattes and my teenage kids are making all kinds of different drinks. Each of us has our own profile allowing quick access to our favorite ones. The profiles eliminate the need to adjust settings each time.
Another key improvement is how easy this machine is to clean and maintain. Seems like Philips/Saeco has thought of everything. The self-cleaning milk dispenser, the tray to catch excess grounds around the brewing mechanism all make this machine very simple to clean.
We make between 6 – 12 drinks a day and so far the Xelsis has performed flawlessly. Highly Recommend!
This is our third fully automatic and the second Saeco. We have been using our new machine for about a year now, without any issues whatsoever. The degree of customization of your drinks feels a bit overwhelming at first (just go with the many preprogrammed drinks), but you get the hang of it quickly. Make it hotter, add more coffee, water, or milk. Adjust the total quantity. All easy. Saving your favorite drinks under one of multiple users is super useful. We all use that all the time - and know to pick each other’s drink choices as well.
The one issue we see is that the machine goes through water rather quickly with things like it’s automatic pre- and post-rinse cycles (that we wouldn’t want to miss). It would be GREAT if Phillips sold an option to insert something instead of the water tank that can be plumbed into the water main.
The other thing to watch out for is the collection tray. With all the rinse cycles it fills quickly and, once fairly full, it is a tricky balancing act to remove and empty it without spilling. There is a red warning on that floats up. Do not ignore that. Our previous Saeco had the same but water usually evaporated faster than it gathered. That is definitely not the case with our new machine. Here, too, it would be great to have the option to purchase a tray that can be plumbed into a water drain.
I am a tough person to please when it comes to appliances. This new Philips Saeco Xelsis (SM7684) is an elegantly machine that delivers. Right out of the box it was so easy to setup and start providing great tasting results. The quick start card walked me easily through the process and even the milk system was a breeze. The touch screen was easy to read and icons placed in a way that fat fingers did not overlap functions and got me a great espresso in seconds. With other coffee lovers in the house, I love the customization of profiles and being able to set more than one aspect on a single screen is really quick and easy. The personal variables on each drink are great. I read some other reviews before getting my machine and they complained about temps not being hot enough; I did not find any problem in getting the desired results. Having used prior Saeco manual and super auto machines, I was waiting to see what was new. I wasn’t disappointed. It is quieter in grinding and certainly seems to heat up faster. I also liked the greater range on the brew head height adjustment. Its footprint is very acceptable for a fully automatic. It easily slid under my cabinets (lighter in overall weight than prior models) with only the bean access requiring it to be moved out. The self cleaning milk system is great and the round container takes up much less pace in my fridge than prior models; it is also easier to clean! If I had one downside, it was working my way through setting the water hardness test and settings; that was the only time I opened the actual operating manual. I guess the folks at Philips really have stepped up Saeco’s game.
I love this machine. Delicious coffee, easy to use
on January 20, 2020
Posted by: Pilates
Gender:Female
I was really skeptical, but I tried the Xelsis because I had spent way too much on trying to get the perfect cup of coffee. I love it! I wouldn't want to be without it. It lets me dial up or down the strength, more or less milk, and lots of other options. It's also lots of fun. I feel like a professional barista. When I find recipes that are perfect for me, I put them in my profile. The machine works flawlessly for me and every coffee drinker who sees it at my house, loves it. When you turn it on, the machine practically talks. You know what to do and when it's time to clean, the instructions on the screen tell you each step. It couldn't be easier. I've had this for a couple of years and if it ever breaks, I plan to get another one immediately. I don't want to be without it.
I’ve been a Saeco espresso machine owner for 15 years. This is the 3rd machine that I’ve owned and this is the first time I’ve felt compelled to write a review. Philips has certainly hit a grand slam with the Xelsis! I could spend all day extolling the benefits of this machine. It definitely has the “it” factor. The design of the machine is absolutely beautiful and if you’re into technology there is no better choice. If you could make a wish list of features you’d want the Xelsis checks every box. My wife and I like totally different coffee drinks. I prefer short strong shots and she likes longer and slightly weaker shots. Problem solved! The profile settings allow you to name your drink and select strength and amount of each shot. For me this is a game changer. The grind settings allow you to further fine tune the strength of each shot. It’s impossible not to make your perfect espresso drink. I’m still learning the nuances of the milk delivery system but I’m having fun experimenting. The bean hopper is huge and the seal around it keeps the beans fresh. The machine is super easy to care for. It’s for these and many other reasons that I am a Phillips Saeco loyalist and will continue to be one. Kudos to the engineers that designed the Xelsis!