The Saeco AromaSS Espresso Machine

The stainless steel Saeco Aroma is a traditional pump-driven espresso machine built for simplicity and durability. Its pressurized style portafilter makes the Aroma a great starter machine that reduces the amount of control the user needs to have over the grind setting and tamp pressure. In addition, its 5 ounce boiler ensures lasting steam power that is dispensed through Saeco's signature Pannarello wand to take the guesswork out of frothing and steaming. The neatly wrapped Aroma in a classic stainless steel housing is both stylish and resilient, has a one warranty, but will provide café quality espresso for years.There are two types of portafilters; one is the pressurized style and the other is the commercial style. The Aroma uses the pressurized style, which is easier to use than the commercial as it is more forgiving. The portafilter is made up of three parts, the handle, the filter holder, and the filter basket. Under the filter basket is a small spring-loaded valve that will not open until the pressure in the portafilter has built up. A few seconds after the pump is turned on, the 15 Bar pressure in the portafilter is great enough to push open the valve and release the coffee. For an even better shot you can upgrade the portafilter to a non-pressurized version. When you use the commercial style, it requires the correct texture of the coffee grounds and the right pressure used to pack them. That is, the right grind and tampered grounds makes a huge difference in the quality of espresso produced.

A food safe five (5) ounce stainless steel boiler and heating element resists corrosion and ensures a longer life span of the machine. It is recommended that you do a simple process called decalcifying every two to three months to lengthen the life span of this and other internal components. This is process is subject to the condition of your water supply and how often you use your Saeco Aroma espresso machine. If you have calcium in your water and use your machine daily, it is suggested that you run the decalcifying process more often. Clean the brew head of your espresso machine weekly and don't forget to clean the plastic drip tray that lifts out with soap and water. 

The Aroma Stainless Steel contains three rocker arm switches and one steam knob. The top left switch is the main power switch that activates the boiler. It has a built-in indicator light that will come on when the machine is on. The bottom left switch operates the pump and is called the brew switch. When this is turned on, the pump is activated for either brewing or dispensing hot water depending on which mode you are in. It contains a built-in ready light that will turn on when you hit the switch and will turn off when it is up to operating temperature. The third button is used for the steaming process. When pressed, it tells the Aroma's boiler to heat to steaming temperature. To release the steam, you will simply open the steam knob located on the right side of the machine.

Preheating your cups is a very important as they will hold the temperature of your espresso for a longer time. The Aroma Stainless Steel has a stainless steel cup warmer that will hold up to five espresso cups. It is passively heated, which means it is heated from the residual heat of the boiler, which is right below were you set the cups.

If you want hot water for any reason, be it for hot chocolate, tea or Americanos, instant soup, instant oatmeal or even Jell-O, it is very easy to do. Just turn on the pump (brew) switch and open the steam knob. Hot water will start to stream out.

The easiest way to froth for a cappuccino or steam your milk for a latte is with its patented frother design. The stainless steel wand is mounted on a swivel joint so that it can be moved aside while cleaning or where you want it with the Pannarello frothing tip on to make beautiful foam. It is suggested that you use no larger than a 12 ounce container as a larger size may be difficult to get under the wand.

The Aroma has a large transparent removable 2.2 quart (80 ounce) reservoir that can be refilled from the top any time during the operation for an endless supply of coffee or steam. The side casing is transparent so you can see the water level in the tank at all times.

The Aroma has three temperature controls. These temperature controls are two thermostats and one high limit switch. One thermostat is for maintaining brewing temperature and the other is for maintaining steaming temperature. The high limit is a safety switch that will turn off the power to the boiler in the event of a malfunction. This also prevents the boiler from overheating.

The Aroma may be considered a beginner espresso machine, but offers many advanced qualities in the espresso that it makes. It is also an espresso machine that can grow with the operator by adding a commercial portafilter; this allows the operator an advanced level of making a cup of espresso the way he or she really likes it.