The Saeco Xelsis Digital ID is the latest incarnation of the top of the range Xelsis line of machines for serious coffee lovers; which includes the Xprelia, Xelsis and now the Xelsis Digital ID.

What sets the Xelsis range apart from almost all other top end espresso machines in the market today is the extraordinary length that Philips Saeco has gone to ensure each regular user of the machines has the most highly individualised of experiences.

With the Xelsis’ unique multi-user functions up to 6 personal user profiles can be stored which can include up to 9 beverages personalisation’s per profile. That’s a serious amount of customisation.

And, in yet another industry first for Saeco, the Xelsis Digital ID has incorporated a unique fingerprint recognition system whereby a user’s profile is automatically detected via their fingerprint.

Of course, like the original Xelsis models the Saeco Xelsis Digital ID also includes integrated milk frothing with the Saeco patented intelligent adjustable milk froth, allowing you to simply select the level of froth you prefer via the beverage menu.

For the more serious coffee aficionados, the Xeslsis Digital ID allows full bean to cup customisation including adjustment for the coffee length, intensity, temperature, crema and body structure. This machine is your barista in a box!

And of course, it cleans itself. Yes that’s right, while all user accessible compartments are positioned to be, well easily accessible, the Xelsis Digital ID features an automatic cleaning cycle, an automatic descaling cycle and front loading easy to remove brew unit.

So what’s our verdict? Well, yes, this machine is going to cost you a lot more than a $499 George Clooney Nespresso capsule machine, but if you are are a serious coffee lover who knows exactly how you love your coffee, then the Saeco Xelsis Digital ID is the machine for you.

We have written previously about what a stellar job we think Philips have done since they acquired Gaggia parent, Saeco in late 2009 with the rationalisation and revitalisation of the Saeco and Gaggia line ups.

Now, Gaggia have bought the brand and channel management of Gaggia back in house, ending the management of the brand in Australia by Shriro Australia Pty Ltd.

This is being further demonstrated with a more professional approach to channel management and we expect that the big box retailers such as the Good Guys and Harvey Norman’s will be given a lot more love by Philips with a focus on the Saeco brand.

New resellers are now being appointed for the Gaggia brand and we are proud to announce that Coffee Shrine is now an Authorised Gaggia reseller. The addition of the Gaggia Coffee Machine line up to Coffee Shrine’s range of Fully Automatic Coffee Machines for the home, further cements its reputation as Australia’s Premier Coffee Machine Specialist.

For over 50 years Gaggia Coffee Machines have been filling coffee shops and homes throughout the world with the unmistakable and unique aroma of espresso coffee.

Gaggia Coffee Machines combine the respect associated with one of the best-known brands in the International coffee scene, with innovation and technological evolution. Coffee Shrine is proud to be an Official Gaggia Coffee Machine Reseller.

“In brand strategy all options are open,” said Vidya Sagar Gannamari, Philips’ product manager—beverages in Appliance Magazine recently. “We know that the Italian reputation for coffee is very strong; but the current Philips models, based on redesigned De’longhi hardware, already sell very well in Germany too. Saeco currently manufactures in Italy and Romania (in this product category European manufacturing is important).”

Also important, he says, is the cooperative relationship between Saeco and Lavazzo in the capsule coffeemaker market, and he said this successful relationship “will surely be continued.” Saeco’s Gaggia brand, strong in Italy and the UK, will be a part of future strategy as well.

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Its great to see a good brand such as Saeco being expertly managed by a great company. Since Philips acquired the Saeco brand it has taken positive steps into regaining market leading position through the improvement to the product line which we believe will alleviate some of the confusion and overlap in the previous ranging.

Rumoured changes forthcoming in the new Saeco Philips line up will include:

Entry Level: Philips Saeco Xsmall, Philips Saeco Espresso Italiano Rapid and Digital, Philips Saeco Odea Go V2, Philips Saeco Odea Giro Plus and Philips Saeco Odea Giro Cappuccino

Mid Range: Philips Saeco Incanto Deluxe, Philips Saeco Talea Giro Plus, Philips Saeco Syntia, Philips Saeco Saeco Syntia Focus and Syntia Cappuccino,

Premium Range: Philips Saeco Talea Touch Plus with 800ml Milk Island, Philips Saeco Xelsis

Professional Range: Saeco Royal Cappuccino and Saeco Royal Professional.

It is still unclear exactly what Philips intends to do with the Gaggia Brand (Owned by Saeco) here in Australia since they took back distribution in February this year from Shriro. The Gaggia range, which are repackaged Saeco machines, compete directly against the Saeco range for shelf space in major retailers across the country. We suspect that at some stage these may disappear off the big box retailers shelves and may be used to support the smaller specialty resellers – stay tuned.

About the Author: Paul Ballardin is the Founder of Coffee Shrine, Australia’s premier national coffee machine and supplies specialist.

The Phillips Saeco Xelsis Coffee Machine is now available in an all black version. The stealth fighter of automatic coffee machines, the Xelsis Black is a luxury addition to the modern kitchen.

The Saeco Xelsis is the pride of the new fleet of Saeco Coffee Machines from the new  Phillips Saeco range. (Phillips are also the manufacturer and distributor of Gaggia coffee machines). The Saeco Xelsis competes head to head with the Delonghi ESAM6700 with its integrated Milk Carafe for one push coffee making, but does a whole lot more.

With colour touch screen and six personalized profiles everyone can have their pre-programmed beverage at the touch of a button. Featuring nine different types of beverages from espresso to weak black coffee, cappuccino to latte, or simply hot water for tea or chai plus a self cleaning cycle the stylish and brand new Saeco Xelsis is the perfect addition to any modern kitchen.

Also Available the Saeco Xelsis Stainless Steel and the Saeco Xelsis White.

See Also Saeco Xelsis with 5 year Warranty

Saeco Xelsis Stainless

Saeco Xelsis Black

Saeco Xelsis White

See Also

Coffee Shrine, Australia’s national coffee machine retailer, has today announced that for a limited time it is offering a 5 year warranty with all new Saeco Xelsis Coffee Machine purchases. That is a whopping 3 years on top of the existing generous manufacturers warranty.

The free bonus 5 year warranty is available Australia wide and is underwritten by United Electrical.

Need further convincing? Check out the amazing video on this magnificent new product.

See also our previous post on the Saeco Xelsis and the details of the Extended Warranty

Aeropress World Championships

This thing is great! We have told you just how much we love the Aeropress in previous posts and highly recommend adding one to your coffee lovers arsenal. In addition to being a great no fuss way of making a special coffee from day to days it is extremely portable and is perfect for those weekend aways or camping trips.

If you are one of those people who really, really loves your Aeropress and think you have got it nailed, whether you make it at home or you are doing Aeropress extractions at your cafe, consider and entry into the 2010 Aeropress World Championships.

This year the Aeropress World Championships is being held in London to coincide with the 2010 World Barista Championships. The emphasis of the competition is on taste and having a bit of fun. Brewing a beautifully balanced cup is what will win you the championship – this is not about latte art or presentation.

Checkout the official web page of the World Aeropress Championships including the rules and some of the recipes for additional details.

In the mean while, why not try the Sigfreds upside down method for your next Aeropress extraction. And for a special tip, try do a blind extraction, pass hot water through your Aeropress without any coffee first as this will remove some of the paper taste from the filter and soften the filter a little for a better extraction.

Oh, and one last thing, Coffee Shrine is offering 10% when you purchase your Aeropress with 250g of Brew Ha PNG Purosa ‘A’ Fair Trade Organic specially ground coffee for a limited time only so you not only get great tasting coffee, you can also feel really good about buying it.

Did I say we love our espresso? We most certainly do which is why we are very sceptical of the wave of enthusiasm that is washing through the Australian coffee scene with previously shunned concepts such as pour-over filter coffee and siphons etc.

This is not to take away anything from what the passionate trailblazers such as Melbourne Coffee Scene’s Market Lane in Melbourne are doing with their filter brews or clover coffee. Or the excitement that the likes of Perth Coffee Scene’s 5 Senses display for innovations such as their new Uber boiler. These guys are creating a renewed interest in coffee which could rival the enthusiasm that people typically save for their love of wine. But, did I mention that I love espresso?

So, while we continue to be amazed by the changes in the industry while remaining true to our roots in our love of espresso, every now and then something comes along that blows our preconceived ideals right out of the window.

This week, it is the Aeropress Coffee Maker that has made us sit up and take note.

The Aeropress is a pretty simply syringe like device from Aerobie, yup, the Frisbee thingy people. It’s a circa $50 coffee maker that is striking in its simplicity, empowering in its ease of use and rewarding in the quality of coffee it produces.

We have been playing around with ours for the last 2 or 3 weeks and since we paired it up with our Brew Ha Fairtrade “Organic” A filter ground coffee we have been delighted by the resulting brew.

It’s a filter brew, yet extracted under some pressure, so has the smoothness of filter coffee, yet with more substantial yet delicate flavours seeping through.

To use you simple

1. Place a filter on the bottom of the Aeropress
2. Place the Aeropress on top of your favorite coffee mug
3. Put a measured scoop of coffee into the brewing chamber
4. Pour hot water into the brewing chamber
5. Using the included stirrer, mix the coffee and water
6. Wait twenty seconds, and place the plunger on top of the brewing chamber
7. Push down gently on the plunger
8. When the plunger reaches the bottom, pop out the puck of coffee grounds into the rubbish

That’s it, a quick rinse and pop it back on the shelf for next time.

Will it replace our espresso machine? Absolutely not, however it’s a great accompaniment, perfect for weekends away, group gatherings, picnics or for use at the office.

Do you use an Aeropress? We’d love to know what you think.

The Aeropress coffee maker and Brew Ha Fairtrade “Organic” A coffee are available from Coffee Shrine.

Saeco Syntia Coffee Machine

The stylish stainless steel Saeco Syntia is Saeco’s new middle of the range fully automatic espresso coffee machine. The Phillips Saeco Syntia can make all of your favorite espresso coffee beverages and includes Saeco’s rapid steam technology – reducing the time it takes to go from coffee brewing to steam output in just a few seconds so you can froth milk to make lattes, macchiato and capuccinno’s with its stainless steel steam wand or panarello.

The Saeco Syntia is controlled with its simple to use 4 button interface with a wide LCD display and easy to understand digital icons and offers two customisable settings for different beverages, coffee strength adjustment and the choice of either a short or long coffee.

Saeco has designed the Saeco Syntia for the modern kitchen with its space saving front access to all features which allows it to fit wherever it’s most convenient for you but still packs in a 250g capacity coffee bean hopper and 1.2 litre water tank.

Exceptional quality espresso coffee is guaranteed with the Saeco Syntia’s 15bar pressure coffee extraction and optidose control that allows you to dose between 7 and 10.5grams of coffee per shot.

The ceramic grinder and Saeco’s “Sound Design” allow you make your morning coffee without waking the whole household.

The Saeco Syntia’s precious stainless steel finishing is robust and has a modern and stylish look which perfectly adapts to every kitchen décor. The Saeco Syntia combines high-end functionality with sleek design.

Available from Coffee Shrine in Stainless Steel, White or Black.

Brew-Ha Subiaco Cafe

It is no secret that Peter Barile’s Brew-Ha is one of Perth’s favourite Coffee Roasters and Cafes. What most Perth coffee lovers may not be aware of however is Brew-Ha run a regular Barista School on Wednesday evening’s from 5pm to 7.30pm and Saturday mornings from 10am to 12.30pm.

Brew-Ha Barista Training School

Brew Ha Barista School aims to teach people how to grind and dose coffee, to get the best flavour in a shot, then how to froth milk and make your favourite coffee; cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and macchiato. It is specifically targeted at home espresso machine users but is also is a valuable beginners course for people who would like to pursue a career or work opportunities as a barista.

The practical part of the course is conducted on 3 single-group machines and one 3-group machine which means typical classes of 5 are very hands on. Working on commercial machines ensures that once students understand how these works they can get the most out of their domestic machine with ease.

While classes of 5 are preferred Brew-Ha regularly welcomes larger group bookings; perfect for team building, corporate rewards, bucks or hens nights or just a group of friends getting out and trying something a little different.

Brew Ha Perth Coffee Roaster

What does the Brew-Ha Barista Training School Involve?

A typical Brew-Ha Barista Training session would start with and introduction to Brew-Ha, what they stand for and how they do things including a tour around the Brew-Ha roaster and factory.

This is followed by a theory section where students are taught about coffee and provided important information that they can take home with them.
The best part of the school, the hands on coffee making, starts with working the grinder to infusing shots to making coffee with heated milk until the students are making amazingly good coffee.

The class wraps up with a lesson on how to clean and maintain your coffee machine and question time where students can discuss how what they have learnt can be specifically applied to their home coffee maker/espresso machine (if they have one).

Other Information

The Brew-Ha Barista Training school is defiantly upbeat yet down to earth to ensure people are made to feel comfortable. Without fail most people feel under pressure and concentrate intently once they get to the milk frothing section so this is where the “Wobble test” is slotted in; where students are made to carry their expertly made cappuccinos around without the coffee spilling out over the cup and keeping the froth sitting properly on top.

Brew-Ha coffee is simply too good to waste so there is also an unwritten rule that any coffees student make can be consumed which typically leads to hyperactivity by the time each student has had 2 or 3 cups.

Brew Ha one of Perth's Favorite Coffees

Brew-Ha is Barista School costs $110.00 per person and payment can be made on the day.

Bookings can be made online www.Brew-Ha.com.au

Love Brew-Ha Coffee? Coffee Shrine are pleased to stock Brew-Ha’s most popular blend the Brew-Ha Dark Roast Espresso Blend, a six country blend, hand crafted by a Master Roaster and developed for those who love a bold and full-bodied coffee without the bitterness.

Saeco Phedra

Described as a semi-automatic table-top or stand mounted vending machine, the stunning Saeco Phedra is available in a number of different configurations including Fresh & Fresh (fresh bean and fresh milk), Fresh and Freeze (fresh bean and freeze dried milk) and Instant (instant coffee and freeze dried milk), and can be programmed to dispense up to 8 different selections.

The Saeco Phedra makes an idea coffee vending machine with it’s LCD graphic display and 8 large and easy to read push button selections which ensures a high level of usability. Another great feature for vending applications is that unlike many other vending machine model the optional payment systems can be inserted right on the front door – no side mounted payment box is required.

An ideal office coffee machine, all service and cleaning operations are simplified due to the seagull wing front door which opens up and over the machine, revealing all user serviceable parts from the front. And with a high and wide, yet elegant dispensing area, the chances of coffee spills and mess around the machine are reduced significantly.

All Saeco Phedra models have a 1kg coffee bean hopper which is sufficient for over 110 coffees between refills and can be mains plumbed or hooked up to an independent water tank.

The Saeco Phedra Fresh Milk and Fresh Bean model includes a cappuccinatore or auto frother and has 3 powder canisters which can be used for any combination of Hot Chocolate, Chai, Instant Tea or Soups.

The Saeco Phedra Fresh Bean and Freeze Dried Milk model has 2 spare canisters which can be used for your choice of Hot Chocolate, Chai, Instant Tea or Soups.

Additional features of the Saeco Phedra include:

• High capacity canisters
• Easy cleaning and maintenance
• Easy user interface with LCD graphic display large surface push button
• Front door mounting for the optional payment system
• Tall dispensing area suitable for 20 oz cups or jugs

The new category killer in the $3000 to $4000 price range, the stunning new Saeco Phedra coffee machine is available now from Coffee Shrine.