Saeco Xelsis vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige: Picking The Better Feature-Rich Super-Automatic Espresso Machine For Daily Use 

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It doesn’t take an army to recognize the beauty of both super-espresso machines, the Saeco Xelsis vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. However, the better competitor out of the two has a lot more to do with you, the one who will be using it daily.

It is also important to point out that the Saeco Xelsis and Gaggia Cadorna Prestige have a lot more in common than you think. They both have flat ceramic burr grinders, automated cleaning functions, and a sturdy and convenient design.

But the Saeco Xelsis is more popular than the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. And the latter has a higher rating than the former.

There is a reason behind those conflicting values. It all boils down to Saeco’s more advanced cleaning functions such as the HygieSteam. And from the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, you can expect barista-style milk drinks with its commercial steam wand that is not present in the Saeco.   

Saeco Xelsis vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige: Comparision Chart

Image
The Winner (#1)
Philips Kitchen Appliances Saeco Xelsis Automatic Espresso Machine, SM7684/04, Titanium Metal
The Runner-Up (#2)
Gaggia Cadorna Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Medium
Model
Saeco Xelsis SM7864/04
Gaggia Cadorna Prestige RI9604/47
Dimensions (LxWxH)
23.43 x 14.49 x 20.47 Inches
17.3 x 10.2 x 15 Inches
Color / Material
Black / Metal and Plastic
Anthracite / Plastic
Weight / Power / Voltage
25.8 pounds / 120V
21 pounds / 1900W / 230V
Water Tank Capacity
1.6L
1.7L
Bean Hopper Size
12.3 Ounces
10.5 Ounces
Grind Settings
12 Grind Settings
10 Grind Settings
Coffee Grinder Type
Flat Ceramic Burr Grinder
Flat Ceramic Burr Grinder
Dosage
7 – 10g
6.5 – 11.5g
Cup Height
3 To 6 Inches
Up To 6.5 Inches
User Profiles
1 User Profile
4 User Profiles
Programmable Coffee Quantity
1-2 Cups
1-2 Cup At A Time
Programmable Drinks
15 Coffee Drinks
14 Coffee Drinks
Adjustable Strength Settings
5 Levels
None
Automatic Shut-Off
Used Coffee Drawer Capacity
Up To 15 Pucks
Up To 10 Pucks
What I Like
Price
$1,799.00
$1,249.00
The Winner (#1)
Image
Philips Kitchen Appliances Saeco Xelsis Automatic Espresso Machine, SM7684/04, Titanium Metal
Model
Saeco Xelsis SM7864/04
Dimensions (LxWxH)
23.43 x 14.49 x 20.47 Inches
Color / Material
Black / Metal and Plastic
Weight / Power / Voltage
25.8 pounds / 120V
Water Tank Capacity
1.6L
Bean Hopper Size
12.3 Ounces
Grind Settings
12 Grind Settings
Coffee Grinder Type
Flat Ceramic Burr Grinder
Dosage
7 – 10g
Cup Height
3 To 6 Inches
User Profiles
1 User Profile
Programmable Coffee Quantity
1-2 Cups
Programmable Drinks
15 Coffee Drinks
Adjustable Strength Settings
5 Levels
Automatic Shut-Off
Used Coffee Drawer Capacity
Up To 15 Pucks
What I Like
Price
$1,799.00
More Info
The Runner-Up (#2)
Image
Gaggia Cadorna Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Medium
Model
Gaggia Cadorna Prestige RI9604/47
Dimensions (LxWxH)
17.3 x 10.2 x 15 Inches
Color / Material
Anthracite / Plastic
Weight / Power / Voltage
21 pounds / 1900W / 230V
Water Tank Capacity
1.7L
Bean Hopper Size
10.5 Ounces
Grind Settings
10 Grind Settings
Coffee Grinder Type
Flat Ceramic Burr Grinder
Dosage
6.5 – 11.5g
Cup Height
Up To 6.5 Inches
User Profiles
4 User Profiles
Programmable Coffee Quantity
1-2 Cup At A Time
Programmable Drinks
14 Coffee Drinks
Adjustable Strength Settings
None
Automatic Shut-Off
Used Coffee Drawer Capacity
Up To 10 Pucks
What I Like
Price
$1,249.00
More Info

Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Saeco Xelsis vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige: Differences

Given the popularity and features of both machines, you can expect more from the Saeco Xelsis (3 – 2) than the Cadorna Prestige with regards to the quality of espresso and overall performance.

1. Espresso Flavor

The Winner: Saeco Xelsis

Saeco Xelsis Espresso Flavor
Saeco Xelsis Espresso Flavor

Heating System

The difference between the heating system between the Saeco Xelsis vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige is an important one.

The Saeco offers a dual Thermoblock heating system which is faster and more energy-efficient. The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige has a QuickHeat Single Boiler which is more standard but not as fast, quiet, and effective as the dual Thermo-block.

One more point, the QuickHeat Single Boiler takes more time to heat up, again, between 2 cups. And it cannot perform simultaneous brewing like the Saeco which has two (Dual) heating systems working for espresso and milk frothing. So there’s practically zero waiting time between cups.

2. Programmability

The Winner: Saeco Xelsis

Saeco Xelsis Programmability
Saeco Xelsis Programmability

The Saeco Xelsis offers its user the ability to customize not just the type of coffee you’re about to drink, but its strength level as well. With 5 Aroma, or strength, settings, you can alter how strong, mild, or light you want the espresso to taste.

These aroma settings won’t do anything specifically to the volume of the espresso shot but it will increase/decrease the number of coffee grounds used per cup.

So you can grind more or less depending on how strong you want the espresso to taste. And the Saeco offers 5 levels of strength of this kind, which is something that the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige does not have.

Speaking also of customization, the Prestige offers up to 4 user profiles for saving your personalized drinks. The Saeco Xelsis, on the other hand, lets you save only a single user profile.

3. Milk System

The Winner: Gaggia Cadorna Prestige

Gaggia Cadorna Prestige Milk System
Gaggia Cadorna Prestige Milk System

There’s no denying that the Saeco Xelsis offers incredible milk frothing features. It uses its own patented cappuccino system using a siphon milk system to produce fine, creamy, and rich milk.

If you were to see the Saeco’s design, you’ll notice that it has a unique milk frothing setup. So you have a glass flask, or carafe, that comes with accurate cup markings. There’s a plastic tube, or hose, attached to the main housing and the glass flask.

Once you add the milk to the flask, the machine will transfer it to the internal milk frother which then pours directly into your cup.

And in the Saeco, you can program the milk volume, texture, and temperature – so that’s easy!

But, here’s the thing: the Saeco froths the milk, it doesn’t authentically steam it. That’s where the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige comes into the picture. Because it froths and steams the milk effectively!

You have 2 milk options to pick from. You can either use the integrated milk frother with the carafe or the commercial steam wand. And it does perform both functions simultaneously with a quick one-touch brewing system.

You can store the milk in the carafe and keep it in the fridge. And the steam wand gives you the option of producing barista-quality latte art at home.

4. Cleaning

The Winner: Saeco Xelsis

Saeco Xelsis Cleaning
Saeco Xelsis Cleaning

Cleaning and maintaining the Saeco Xelsis is more advanced than the Gaggia. Here’s how.

Both espresso machines share automated cleaning cycles and cleaning alerts. But the Saeco goes that extra mile to provide an automated milk and coffee circuit cleaning feature. It has an extra alert for notifying you when the drip tray is full – this the Gaggia doesn’t have.

And then there’s the incredible HygieClean function that uses hot steam to flush out the internal parts of the machine, including the milk system.

This model of the Saeco Xelsis also comes with the AquaClean filter that keeps the water scale-free for up to 5,000 cups. This means you wouldn’t need to descale the machine at all. I can’t say the same for the Gaggia which does require frequent descaling.

The Gaggia comes with a simple and quick “Milk Clean” button for automatically cleaning the milk carafe right after use. You should be able to see that option on its bright LCD display.

The machine does have a few pre-programmed maintenance alerts such as for when the water in the tank is running low, the coffee drawer needs emptying, for descaling, and carafe cleaning.

All in all, the Gaggia promises quick, effective automated cleaning cycles to keep maintenance low but performance and consistency high. But it requires more time and effort than the Saeco.

5. Utilities

The Winner: Gaggia Cadorna Prestige

The ergonomics of both machines are great! The Saeco Xelsis features a touchscreen TFT display. A coffee spout that you can adjust back and forth to accommodate taller mugs (up to 6 inches). The display screen is wider with a colourful array of coffee icons so that it looks more modern and sleek to use.

The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige features a more basic design. The TFT display is wide and bright with buttons. It accommodates mugs that are .5 inches taller than the Saeco Xelsis – up to 6.5 inches. The Saeco Xelsis also comes with a scratch-resistant drip tray but there is mention of such superior drip tray quality for the Prestige.

Saeco Xelsis vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige: Similarities

1. Coffee Grinder

To sum up, both the Saeco Xelsis and Gaggia Cadorna Prestige have a flat ceramic burr grinder with multiple grind settings. They both offer 14-15 customizable drink options for quick espresso extraction. So if you have a favourite drink you love to have every morning, you can just press a few buttons and voila!

In case you don’t have coffee beans at home, or you’ve run out, you can go for pre-ground coffee. The coffee spouts on both machines are adjustable with flexible milk frothing.

2. Automatic Milk Frothing

The integrated milk frothing system, which is present on both machines, is fast, consistent, and offers incredible milk results. Even the size and capacities of the Saeco and Gaggia are similar. Plenty of room for water storage, coffee beans, and used coffee grounds.

3. Ease of Use

Unique but similar, they also have cup warmers and a removable drip tray with storage. The right maintenance alerts for a variety of cleaning reminders let you know what to do so you won’t have to remember anything!

Both are super-automatic espresso makers with dose, temperature, and delightful programming controls. The brushed metal accents, solid bean hopper, and smooth-to-touch buttons and handles machine the entire experience of brewing espresso at home unique and convenient, even for a complete beginner!

Quick Rundown Of Saeco Xelsis SM7864/04

Philips Kitchen Appliances Saeco Xelsis Automatic Espresso Machine, SM7684/04, Titanium Metal
  • Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
  • 15 coffee varieties at your fingertips: Explore the world of coffee - Espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, and a range of specialty drinks
  • Personalized Preferences: Everyone’s custom coffee favorites can be saved in up to 6 user profiles for instant selection. Personalize each profile down to the finest detail
  • LatteDuo System: Prepare and enjoy single or double serving of any coffee recipe with one touch, including Cappuccino or Latte Macchiato
  • LattePerfetto: The external milk carafe creates a dense milk foam with a fine, silky texture

Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Fast and efficient 15 bar pump pressure.
  • Removable parts for easy cleaning.
  • Programmable coffee volume, strength, and temperature.
  • Quiet and sharp flat burr ceramic grinder.
  • Adjustable coffee spout with telescopic design for tall mugs.
  • No additional accessory is needed for espresso brewing.
Cons
  • The drip tray is smaller than standard sizes.
  • Frequent water refilling is required.
  • You need to preheat the milk for frothing.

Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Cadorna Prestige RI9604/47

Gaggia Cadorna Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Medium
  • 14 Pre-Programmed Beverages|Build your home barista menu with 14 pre-programmed beverages including a ristretto, espresso, espresso lungo, coffee, americano, cappuccino, cappuccino XL, café au lait, café cortado, latte macchiato, latte macchiato XL, flat white, frothed milk, and hot water for tea, hot cocoa, or infusions.
  • Integrated Milk Carafe|An integrated milk carafe creates the perfect temperature and texture of milk foam to make a beautifully layered milk based beverage. It runs through an automatic rinse cycle to get rid of any residual milk so you won’t have to worry about a messy clean-up process.
  • 4 User Profiles|Create up to 4 user profiles on the Cadorna Plus and save your favorite drinks for everyday consistency.
  • Intuitive User Interface|A full color TFT display allows you to scroll through 14 specialty beverages with backlit buttons and experiment with a number of customizable settings to build your favorite barista-style beverage.
  • 1 YEAR : Hassle free 1 year handled by Gaggia directly.

Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Intuitive and programmable 3.5-inch display screen.
  • High-quality burr grinder with bypass doser.
  • You can adjust the temperature and volume easily.
  • Integrated milk frother with carafe.
  • Commercial steam wand for fine milk steaming.
Cons
  • Cleaning takes some time.
  • The plastic parts feel a bit of poor quality.
  • No touchscreen display.

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References

5/5 - (2 votes)