Philips Saeco PoemiaManual Espresso machine

I don't usually write reviews on the web, but when I saw the only review making such injustice for this product - I had to counter it. I have had the Saeco HD8325 for several years now and I love it! I just can't see what the other lady here is complaining about. Yes, you have to use some force to remove the brewing head - but this is what makes it a good machine - it got a perfect seal when the brewing head is screwed in. Also, it's fully metal one, nice and sturdy. And No, No excessive force is required and the ladies can handle it as well, not as she described it. it's fast and easy to handle. you fill water, put the water tank in (make sure it clicks into place!), put some ground coffee into the brewing head (or use the pod filter instead), screw it in and turn on the machine. once the red light is on - put the cup, turn the (only!) knob to the left - and espresso is poring. If you want extra crema just slightly turn the handle of the brewing head a bit to the right. frothing takes a little practice, but seriously. Once you get a good jag, it's just sticking the steam wand in, heating the milk and pulling it up and down gently. that's it. You don't have to be a genius. it's easy to clean and it looks like the day I bought it. It's a great machine for coffee lovers who aren't totally lazy. it makes great coffee and it doesn't take a lot of space on your counter.

...but this isn't one of them. If you can, buy an expensive Espresso maker. If can't buy this moderately priced product which makes very good Espresso and Cappuccino, at a moderate price. Good bang for the buck. When you are better off, trade up then. In the meantime, you can "wake up and smell the Espresso" here !

To be fair, as a product, it is great and I love it. However, if you want to send the product for repair (after the warranty is expired), there is not much choice. In my case, the closest authorized repair facility is in North Carolina where as I live in Virginia.

Broke down after 6 months. Extremely disappointed with this product.

I can't believe the Saeco name is emblazoned onto this piece of junk. Cheap, cheap, cheap. Steam knob broken second day in use. No room beneath to work. Awkward. Don't buy it. This machine is going back.

This looked a great coffee machine at a great price. Sadly it is so user unfriendly I am considering binning it and going back to my tassimo! Where can I start. I have had to put it on a wooden block so that a jug/cup can be placed under the frother - even then the chances are I will spill the milk when trying to extract it. The espresso part isn't automatic so you have no idea when to stop it. The handle of the espresso part is so hard to pull round in the right position, it would never be suitable for anyone at less than full strength. I can run half marathons but I struggle with that! The drip tray is wobbly and the silver part just rattles around. The lid on top doesn't securely fit so it basically just laid on top. If you can get over all of the above (i.e. spilling your milk and having the strength of 10 men to put the coffee handle in) it makes a nice cup of coffee.