Hi Guys and Gals
Have been reading so much info on the site - such a great forum of fellow coffee lovers to share tips and information...
Forgive me if already asked 1000 times (and PLEASE refer me to any relevant posts - i did search but didnt quite anything on exact topic/models).but need some guidance on upgrading my 3yo Saeco Via Venezia (its actually the Starbucks Barista model, but believe this is just the Saeco rebranded)... I also have the Starbucks Barista Burr Grinder (rebranded DeLonghi).
I was sold on this machine originally as it pulled a great shot ..visually...but cant say Ive ever had a great shot taste wise. OK, drinkable shots but nothing to the level I was expecting (dreaming, longing for....!!)
I am more a latte vs espresso drinker when using the machine so have never fiddled with the variables of the espresso shot itself, but even in the lattes etc I always seem to need a double even triple shot to actually get some real flavour coming through, with some real mouthfeel etc. Otherwise my drinks are rather weak and overly milky ..a far cry from the better Cafe experiences Ive had and one day wish to emulate (and better!) at home...
Friends and family say I make great coffee and they ask for it - poor things, I just dont think they know any better :P or humour my wannabe barista aspirations :-[
Ive used various beans (including a few sponsors) ..but to be honest I never get as good a shot (definition of good is not brilliant as per above!!) as when I use Starbucks Beans...yes I know and can sense the cringes :-[
I prob havent played with the Grinder enough to vary it for each new bean - whereas am used to the standard setting that goes OK for the Starbucks beans. I suspect this is a large part where I have gone wrong all this time
Consequently I have hardly used the machine in the last 12 mths and instead grind fresh coffee for a drip machine - again S/Bucks seems to do it for me - nice oils, caramelly feel and great flavours in a long cup of coffee (taken black with 1 sugar). Again ive tried to replicate my desired cuppa using some great local coffees (freshly ground coarse grind for filter) but my results are watery, lacking flavour and no pull or mouthfeel (almost caramelly if that makes sense..presume it is the oils that remain in the brew?) which I seem to get consistently from the Starbucks grind (alternate btwn House Blend and Gold Coast).
I just aint doing it right eh??????
Sorry for all the background but wanted to set the scene - as in doing much research on this site I was thinking of upgrading to the highly recommended Siliva and (for now) keeping the current grinder (I believe its OK - not brillant, but passable - correct me if Im wrong).
THing is whilst I know the Silvia to be a superior machine to mine, and with some practice and loving (like marriage - HA!) it will return same .. as in some GREAT coffee, but on the other hand Im thinking its really around the same price point (the VV cost me @ $600 ) and is more a side step than upgrading to the next level.
In other words I shouldve bought the Silvia 3 years ago and I would now be talking about upgrading IT rather than the VV.
OR...is it possible with alot more TLC could I actually get some decent coffee out of the VV and keep her a bit longer?
Ive had my eye on the Vibiemme Dobomar Super Lever, or even the Diadema Unico Splendor (very stylish to boot!) but think Im looking 2-3 steps above my next step and way out of upgrade budget....
Is there anything in between that will bring me to Nirvana?!
I was thinking of working with a budget of $1200-$1500 on a machine.. I know there is a common vein out there to recommend upgrading to t a great grinder vs spend budget all on machine but as per above hoping my existing one would support the higher quality machine for the short term.
Am I confused, delerious, lost...all of the above? :-/ :-? :-[
Can anyone steer me back to the road of logic and ..ultimatley a cafe quality shot that doesnt just LOOK good but tastes FANTASTIC!!!!
Appreciate any/all feedback!
Have been reading so much info on the site - such a great forum of fellow coffee lovers to share tips and information...
Forgive me if already asked 1000 times (and PLEASE refer me to any relevant posts - i did search but didnt quite anything on exact topic/models).but need some guidance on upgrading my 3yo Saeco Via Venezia (its actually the Starbucks Barista model, but believe this is just the Saeco rebranded)... I also have the Starbucks Barista Burr Grinder (rebranded DeLonghi).
I was sold on this machine originally as it pulled a great shot ..visually...but cant say Ive ever had a great shot taste wise. OK, drinkable shots but nothing to the level I was expecting (dreaming, longing for....!!)
I am more a latte vs espresso drinker when using the machine so have never fiddled with the variables of the espresso shot itself, but even in the lattes etc I always seem to need a double even triple shot to actually get some real flavour coming through, with some real mouthfeel etc. Otherwise my drinks are rather weak and overly milky ..a far cry from the better Cafe experiences Ive had and one day wish to emulate (and better!) at home...
Friends and family say I make great coffee and they ask for it - poor things, I just dont think they know any better :P or humour my wannabe barista aspirations :-[
Ive used various beans (including a few sponsors) ..but to be honest I never get as good a shot (definition of good is not brilliant as per above!!) as when I use Starbucks Beans...yes I know and can sense the cringes :-[
I prob havent played with the Grinder enough to vary it for each new bean - whereas am used to the standard setting that goes OK for the Starbucks beans. I suspect this is a large part where I have gone wrong all this time

Consequently I have hardly used the machine in the last 12 mths and instead grind fresh coffee for a drip machine - again S/Bucks seems to do it for me - nice oils, caramelly feel and great flavours in a long cup of coffee (taken black with 1 sugar). Again ive tried to replicate my desired cuppa using some great local coffees (freshly ground coarse grind for filter) but my results are watery, lacking flavour and no pull or mouthfeel (almost caramelly if that makes sense..presume it is the oils that remain in the brew?) which I seem to get consistently from the Starbucks grind (alternate btwn House Blend and Gold Coast).
I just aint doing it right eh??????
Sorry for all the background but wanted to set the scene - as in doing much research on this site I was thinking of upgrading to the highly recommended Siliva and (for now) keeping the current grinder (I believe its OK - not brillant, but passable - correct me if Im wrong).
THing is whilst I know the Silvia to be a superior machine to mine, and with some practice and loving (like marriage - HA!) it will return same .. as in some GREAT coffee, but on the other hand Im thinking its really around the same price point (the VV cost me @ $600 ) and is more a side step than upgrading to the next level.
In other words I shouldve bought the Silvia 3 years ago and I would now be talking about upgrading IT rather than the VV.
OR...is it possible with alot more TLC could I actually get some decent coffee out of the VV and keep her a bit longer?
Ive had my eye on the Vibiemme Dobomar Super Lever, or even the Diadema Unico Splendor (very stylish to boot!) but think Im looking 2-3 steps above my next step and way out of upgrade budget....
Is there anything in between that will bring me to Nirvana?!
I was thinking of working with a budget of $1200-$1500 on a machine.. I know there is a common vein out there to recommend upgrading to t a great grinder vs spend budget all on machine but as per above hoping my existing one would support the higher quality machine for the short term.
Am I confused, delerious, lost...all of the above? :-/ :-? :-[
Can anyone steer me back to the road of logic and ..ultimatley a cafe quality shot that doesnt just LOOK good but tastes FANTASTIC!!!!
Appreciate any/all feedback!



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