It’s a Saeco showdown! We paired two of Saeco’s most popular entry-level superautomatics, the The Saeco Intelia Deluxe comes with an interchangeable cappuccinatore that can be replaced with Saeco's panarellos.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_13471" align="alignnone" width="1080"] The Saeco Xsmall Vapore features two programmable espresso buttons.[/caption]
Shot
Waking up in the morning just got easier with the Saeco Intelia Deluxe! Equipped with customizable brew options, it’s easier to find that perfect sip. Does your morning coffee taste weak and need a boost? Try adjusting the Aroma Strength button from one bean (mild) to five beans (extra strong)—a quick trick to increases the amount of coffee per shot. You can also adjust the grinder settings located in the 10.5-ounce bean hopper, or manually dose through the bypass doser! For extra customizability, you can even adjust the brew temperature to one of three pre-set levels. While we’re still limited to what Saeco allows in each setting, we adore how easy it is to find a brewing sweet spot.
[caption id="attachment_13469" align="alignnone" width="1080"] If you want a double shot, rapidly push one of the espresso buttons.[/caption]
On the other hand, the Saeco Xsmall is simplicity at it’s finest. This little machine features two programmable time-based espresso buttons that adjust the water volume. We set up our Xsmall as a single shot and lungo since there’s option for a double shot—or is there? Push either button in rapid succession and you’ll get a double portion! We can’t call it a true double shot since it will grind, brew and repeat, but it’s pretty close! While we can adjust the coffee strength on the Intelia Deluxe, the Xsmall doesn’t have aroma settings or a bypass doser. We can, however, manually tweak the grind setting to one of five options! It doesn’t take long to find a decent shot from the Xsmall for those who need a quick jolt of java in the morning.
Steam
The Saeco Intelia Deluxe features a cappuccinatore that makes steaming a breeze. Simply add the hose to any container with chilled milk and it’ll froth it right into your glass. Unlike a fully automatic one-touch system, you get manual control over your steamed milk length. Still not enough customizability?, Saeco’s made the cappuccinatore interchangeable with their panarello wand attachment—putting your milk’s temperature and texture under manual control.
[caption id="attachment_13257" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Want to practice frothing your milk? Switch the cappuccinatore for the panarello![/caption]
That said, the controls on the Saeco Xsmall are definitely more natural to use. The turn style knob turns left for steam or right for hot water and is a style we see more often for manual steaming. The only downside is the Xsmall’s tiny 33-ounce water reservoir. It runs out of water much quicker than the Intelia Deluxe—which sports a 53-ounce tank—and no one enjoys refilling a water tank multiple times. The Xsmall is suited for a small environment with light traffic like an apartment or small studio.
[caption id="attachment_13473" align="alignnone" width="1080"] The Xsmall features a 33-ounce water tank.[/caption]
Style
The Saeco Xsmall’s rounded corners create a smaller footprint and make it easier to slip onto counter spaces or even an office desk (we dare you to)! But surprisingly the Saeco Intelia Deluxe isn’t that much bigger! If you measure from corner to corner, the Intelia Deluxe is only about two inches taller and an inch wider than the Xsmall. The Intelia Deluxe’s extra inches give it more room for a larger drip tray, water tank and a cup warmer.
[caption id="attachment_13472" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Surprisingly, the Xsmall isn't that much smaller than the Intelia Deluxe![/caption]
The Intelia Deluxe also looks sharper with the stainless steel face and digital display. The Xsmall’s different models offer more color options, but none have the digital display or the option to customize your coffee, which is honestly enough to get us excited about the Intelia Deluxe. At the end of the day, these machines offer different features that coffee lovers will have to decide what they can and can’t live with for themselves.
[caption id="attachment_13256" align="alignnone" width="1080"] The brushed stainless steel casing looks nice against the matte black side panels and panarello.[/caption]
Conclusion
If you’re looking for more control over your espresso and lattes, then look no further than the Saeco Intelia Deluxe! This superautomatic features the basic programming you’d need to dial in your espresso. The Saeco Xsmall is the ideal caffeine companion for those craving a quick cup with minimal effort. And with the option to add a panarello to the Intelia Deluxe, both machines are capable of frothing milk the way you want it.
Check out these Saeco superautomatics and tell us what machine you’d take home in the comments below!
