Philips Saeco Xelsis Review - My Honest Feedback

The Philips Saeco Xelsis is a sophisticated super-automatic espresso machine that promises to elevate your daily coffee ritual.

As a huge fan of super-automatic espresso makers,

I had to give the Xelsis a try. Sleek design, customizable drink options, and intuitive touchscreen interface — on paper, it has it all.

 

Philips Saeco Xelsis Review – My Ratings & Top Features

I rate Philips Saeco Xelsis 4.8 out of 5. This super-automatic espresso machine is incredibly easy to use.

Plus, user profiles make it a great choice for a workplace or a household of coffee lovers. Most importantly, it creates flavorful brews.

You're guaranteed a great drink, whether regular black coffee or a latte macchiato.

Here's exactly everything I liked and didn't like about this automatic espresso machine.

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Who Should Buy The Philips Saeco Xelsis?

The Philips Saeco Xelsis is an ideal choice for coffee enthusiasts who prioritize premium coffee quality and variety.

If you appreciate the convenience of a wide range of coffee beverages, personalized settings, and a sleek design, this automatic espresso machine is worth considering.

Additionally, households with multiple coffee drinkers will appreciate the user profile feature.

However, it may be unsuitable for those on a tight budget or with limited counter space due to its premium pricing and relatively large footprint.

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Why I Decided To Review The Philips Saeco Xelsis

I chose to review the Philips Saeco Xelsis because of its reputation as a high-end coffee machine with advanced features.

As a home barista coffee enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for products that can elevate my coffee experience.

After seeing several reviews that praised the manufacturer and this exact model, I had to give it a try.

The Xelsis, known for its exceptional coffee quality and customization options, piqued my interest.

I wanted to explore its capabilities, user-friendliness, and overall performance to provide valuable insights to fellow coffee lovers.

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What’s It Like To Live With The Philips Saeco Xelsis

Here’s my experience using this impressive Saeco espresso machine, starting from the very first brew I made.

What’s In The Box?

Saeco Xelsis box contains:

• Super-automatic espresso machine
• Drip tray
• Milk carafe
• Milk tube
• Water reservoir
• AquaClean water filter
• User manual
• Grinder brush
• Lubricant for the brew unit
• Water hardness test strip
• Scoop and adjustment key for the grinder
• Cord

You can’t buy the Xelsis straight from the Philips website, but you have to choose between one of the retailers, such as Amazon, Seattle Coffee Gear, Williams & Sonoma, Best Buy, or Crate & Barrel.[1]

The shipping conditions will depend on the seller you choose. My unit arrived in a few business days, and it was well-packaged.

There was a cardboard on top to protect the coffee machine.

My favorite part of the packaging was the plastic handles that made it easy to pull the machine out of the box.

Pulling My First Espresso Shot

I pulled the machine out of the box, filled it with water and coffee beans, and it was ready to brew.

Here’s how I pulled the first shot step-by-step:

1. I placed the cup under the coffee spout
2. I choose my drink from the touchscreen menu
3. I pressed the start button and waited for the coffee maker to finish brewing.

That was all. It takes a few simple steps to make coffee on the Saeco espresso machine.

The coffee maker has a Thermoblock heating system, so it heats up quickly. I also found it quiet, which is especially great first thing in the morning.

Barista HQ Note: The espresso maker goes through an adjustment period to reach peak performance. The manufacturer recommends making five cups before saving your profile so the machine can adjust.

My espresso cup had a full body and a rich crema, and I was able to detect the coffee notes, even almond, which isn’t noticeable on all super-automatic models.

One of the main reasons the espresso maker makes good-quality specialty drinks is the coffee grinder. The machine uses a grinder with 12 settings.

This gives you enough room to dial in the espresso. Plus, a ceramic grinder doesn't overheat and burn the coffee and is extremely durable.

The grinder can make 20,000 brews before it needs replacing.

First Time Frothing Milk

Here’s how I frothed milk on the Saeco Xelsis:

1. I filled the carafe with milk
2. I connected the milk tube to the Cappuccinatore
3. I placed the milk tube in the milk container
4. I choose which milk drink I want
5. I pressed the start button and waited for the machine to finish making my cappuccino

Barista HQ Tip: When the milk tube is connected to the Cappuccinatore, slide the dispensing spout to the uppermost position for easy access to the water tank.

Some users' reviews complained the milk foam wasn’t hot enough, but it was good enough for me.

Xelsis has a dual Thermoblock heating system that quickly heats the machine to the perfect temperature for brewing and steaming.

This means you don’t need to wait long between the two actions and always have optimal temperature.

How Much Control Do You Have Over The Saeco Xelsis?

You use the machine interface to adjust the settings. You can make these changes to your drink [2]:

• Aroma strength
• Coffee quantity
• Milk quantity
• Water quantity
• Drink temperature
• Amount of milk foam
• Coffee flavor

You can also choose if you want to make one or two brews and in which order you want milk and coffee to be poured into your cup.

All of these options are shown in a series of bars on the machine touchscreen, and you move them up or down to adjust your preferences (it’s similar to an audio equalizer, thus the name “Coffee Equalizer”).

These options make it easy to make a drink according to your exact preferences.

You can also save your settings and brew the same drink the next time.

How Does It Handle Different Roasts?

Philips Saeco Xelsis handles different roasts well:

• Light roast — Is known for its bright acidity and floral notes. The Xelsis allows you to adjust settings like grind size, temperature, and extraction time. This flexibility ensures that you can extract the nuanced flavors of light roast coffee without over-extraction, preserving their delicate qualities.
• Medium roast — Offers a balance of acidity and body. With the Xelsis, you can fine-tune settings to bring out the caramel and chocolate undertones, creating a well-rounded and flavorful cup.
• Dark roast — Is known for its bold, smoky flavors. The Xelsis' customization options let you control the extraction process, preventing bitterness while highlighting the richness and intensity of these beans.

Look, Feel, and Size Of The Machine

It's designed for heavy use, with a large bean hopper that holds 12 oz of coffee, so you won't run out too fast.

The adjustable spout in the middle fits tall cups, and the touchscreen controls are simple and give the machine a premium feel.

Everything is front-loading, including the water tank and the used puck container, which holds up to 14 pucks, so it's easy to refill and clean.

There's also a bypass for pre-ground coffee if you want to make decaf.

Unlike some machines, the Xelsis uses an external milk frother with a milk carafe, which keeps the machine slimmer and makes storing leftover milk in the fridge easy.

Overall, the machine is a bit bulky (11.14 D x 19.25 W x 15.47 H inches), but the front-loading design and external milk frother keep it manageable for most kitchens.

What Drinks Can It Make?

Philips Saeco Xelsis makes 15 quality coffee drinks:

• Coffee
• Ristretto
• Espresso lungo
• Americano
• Flat white
• Latte macchiato
• Cappuccino
• Caffe latte
• Cafe au lait
• Cortado
• Hot water
• Warm milk
• Milk foam

I liked that the automatic espresso machine has a hot water option, which made it easy to make teas and hot chocolates. I even use it for my morning oatmeal!

How Easy Is It To Use?

The Saeco Xelsis is super easy to use. I set it up on my counter, filled it with water and coffee, and had my first cup ready in minutes - no manual needed.

The touchscreen works like a smartphone, with simple swipes and clear, full-color images for each drink, making it easy to choose your brew.

A standout feature is the eight user profiles. You can save your preferred settings for different coffee types, so everyone gets their perfect cup, whether you like a strong, hot espresso or a milder one.

It's great for households or offices with multiple coffee lovers—everyone gets their favorite drink at the push of a button.

Related Article - Folgers vs Maxwell House

How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)

Saeco Xelsis takes around two minutes from heat up to the first sip.

The initial heat-up time is around 40 seconds.

Espresso brewing takes around 30 seconds, and the milk system takes between 30 to 60 seconds to create foam, depending on your settings.

Overall, it takes just under two minutes to brew espresso and around three minutes to make milk-based specialty drinks.

Does It Have A Water Filtration System?

Yes, Saeco Xelsis has a water filtration system.

This automatic espresso machine has an AquaClean water filter, which you insert into the water reservoir.

The water filter has ion exchange technology, which extracts calcium from water and prevents scale buildup.[3]

How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?

The Saeco Xelsis is easy to clean and descale, just like other super-automatic machines.

It features automatic steam cleaning - just press a button, and the HygieSteam technology blasts steam through the milk circuit.

You can also attach the frothing tube to the drip tray to direct all water and steam there, reducing cleanup.

The brew group is removable, and a brush is provided to keep it clean, so no stale grinds end up in your coffee.

With the AquaClean filter, descaling is rarely needed - up to 5,000 cups without descaling. If you make two coffees a day, that's nearly seven years!

As for the stainless steel build, it doesn't attract fingerprints as some other models do, which is a nice bonus.

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My Favorite Parts About The Philips Saeco Xelsis

I loved the LatteDuo function, which let me brew two drinks at the same time.

\This even goes for milk brews, such as cappuccinos and lattes, and was very handy when I had guests over.

I’m a huge fan of the Xelsis touchscreen, and I loved that it let me get into the nitty-gritty settings and get a delicious drink every time.

Finally, I loved the user profiles, as I had to share the machine with my family members.

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My Least Favorite Parts

I didn't like the machine's price. It's one of the most expensive home espresso makers. However, I found it's often at a 50% discount, which is an incredible value.

I also didn’t like that I had to be careful which coffee I used. The manufacturer warns against using oily coffee beans, as they can clog the grinder.

However, this is true for most grinders, especially on an automatic espresso machine, so the Xelsis is no exception.

Finally, I found the machine occasionally doesn’t recognize pre-ground coffee, and it throws it out in the container, which was annoying.

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Philips Saeco Xelsis Vs Similar Machines

Here’s how Saeco Xelsis compares to other similar machines on the market.

Philips Saeco Xelsis Vs Jura S8

Jura is a famous manufacturer of super-automatic models. Same as the Xelsis coffee machine, the S8 has an attractive design.

The S8 is great for experimenting, as it has an impressive range of programming options.

You can adjust the amount of water, brewing temperature, coffee strength, and amount of froth.

Same as the Xelsis espresso machine, the S8 can make 15 specialty drinks.

This machine has a removable water reservoir with a water filter, so there’s no need for descaling, ever.

The machines even have similar frothing systems — both of them use a tube to froth milk.

Overall, both machines are similar, and their use is a breeze.

However, I give props to the Saeco Xelsis, as it has automatic frothing system cleaning, which the S8 lacks.

Philips Saeco Xelsis Vs DeLonghi Dinamica Plus

DeLonghi is another manufacturer of popular super-automatic machines. Dinamica Plus is a more compact model than the Saeco Xelsis, with dimensions 9.3 x 16.9 x 13.7 in.

The Dinamica Plus can make one more drink compared to the Saeco — 16 vs Xelsis' 15.

The main difference between these models is in the frothing systems.

Dinamica Plus doesn't use tubes but has a built-in LatteCrema Automatic milk frother that stems milk in a carafe.

Both machines have powerful heating systems, so the steam creates excellent milk foam.

Also, the Dinamica Plus has one more grinder setting — 13 compared to the Saeco's 12. This isn't a huge difference, and you won't notice it in everyday use.

Overall, Dinamica Plus has similar features to the Saeco Xelsis, but it comes at a much lower price, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a super-automatic that doesn’t break the bank.

Related Article - Delonghi Dinamica Review

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FAQs

Who makes Philips espresso machines?

Philips espresso machines are made by Philips in Italy.

Where is Saeco Xelsis made?

Saeco Xelsis is designed and made in Italy. This super-automatic espresso machine is manufactured at Gaggio Montano near Bologna, Italy.

Is Philips a good brand for coffee machines?

Yes, Philips is a good brand for coffee machines. Philips manufactures super-automatic or bean-to-cup machines. This means you can touch a button and get your brew. Their machines are made of stainless steel and plastic and can last years.

Does the Saeco Xelsis have a cup warmer?

Yes, the Saeco Xelsis has a cup warmer. A cup warmer is great for preheating the cup so the cold doesn’t sap away the espresso temperature. It helps you have a hotter espresso.

What temperature is Saeco Xelsis?

Saeco Xelsis brewing temperature is around 190 degrees. The optimal coffee brewing temperature is between 195 to 205 degrees, and Saeco Xelsis is just under this temperature point, which is typical for super-automatic machines.

Are Philips and Saeco the same company?

Yes, Philips and Saeco are the same company. Philips acquired Saeco International Group in 2009. As a result, you will often find Philips-branded coffee machines that incorporate Saeco's technology and design, combining the strengths of both companies in producing high-quality coffee appliances.

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Is The Philips Saeco Xelsis Worth Your Money?

Yes, the Philips Saeco Xelsis super-automatic espresso machine is worth your money. It'll satisfy every coffee aficionado.

The machine has a modern stainless steel build, a quality grinder, and an external milk system that makes the use easy.

The machine also has a dual-temperature heating system so you can expect hot brews with a nice aroma.

Overall, the super-automatic machine is equipped with the latest technology and capable of making various specialty drinks at the press of a button.

If you want ease of use, this is a great choice.

However, this isn't the best choice if you want to learn how to create pucks and control the entire brewing process.

Resources:

1. https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-ho/coffee/saeco-automatic-espresso-machine#triggername=saeco_black
2. https://media.graphassets.com/LlaIegRBRNKmDgliq2SN
3. https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/CA6903_47/aquaclean-calc-and-water-filter