Philips - Xelsis Suprema (SM8889/00, SM8885/00, etc.)

I would go with either a Saeco Xelsis Suprema or Saeco Xelsis Deluxe (Deluxe has the smaller screen). Also, Saeco Gran Aroma. You can find all these at discount prices.. You can't get around the regular cleaning and maintenance of a super auto, it just needs to be done. The brew group needs to be removed and rinsed off at least once per week and it will need to be oiled every few months.. The drip tray and the puck drawer will need to be emptied every day or every other day. Depending on water hardness, the machine will need to be descaled at least 3 times a year or more.  The milk container and it's tubes or parts will need to flushed or rinsed out every time it's used. Grinder will need to be cleaned at least once every 6 weeks even when using a dry bean. Most machines are fairly easy to maintain..  Keep in mind that these are counter top kitchen appliances that are used every day and they have heating elements and water going through them. These babies aren't built to last more than a few years if used every day.. 

LOL. Not true at all. Saeco and Gaggia are Philips made machines and they make some of the damn best super automatics out there. The new Academia is a sensational machine and the Saeco Xelsis Suprema reins supreme over many machines in the $2500 price point.. I use a Mastena 2 every single day and the espresso from a Saeco Xelsis Suprema tastes equal and most times better than a double shot from a Mastena 2..

Saeco: OK/GOOD? LOL. Obviously you never owned a pre 2017 Saeco Xelsis or the newer Saeco Xelsis Suprema? Gaggia Academia new or old are great machines. The Gaggia Brera is a dated machine by today's standards and it's a $300 machine compared to the $2800 Xelsis. Delonghi machines are good but no better than most. Most Jura machines are over engineered and expensive for no good reason.. The Philips Lattego line was never intended to be high end..

Get a super automatic if you want espresso. That's what I did purchasing for an office. I think at the time I ordered a Saeco Xelsis about 6-7 years ago and it was easy enough for everyone to use BUT with anything you will need someone to clean the brew group properly weekly, take out pucks daily, ensure that frothing group is cleaned and put away when not in use. Run descaling every 3-6 months as needed, and if you can, running a line for the water (with a filter) is cool if you don't want to refill the tank all the time. Realistically no one used the auto milk frothing save a few since it was involved. Otherwise a simple percolator is best.

My Saeco Xelsis is 5 years now and still makes my choice beverages. We use it daily unless we aren't home. Keep it maintained and it should work for a while. The nice thing about Saeco is they reuse a lot of parts from previous models so should be able to continue finding parts.

I have a Saeco Xlesis and throw my cup in the microwave for 10 seconds to get the heat up

funny about bed bath and beyond I bought my nespresso there many years ago then the philips 3200 then the 4400 the the saeco xelsis now my Delonghi eletta explore.....Hope you find one that suits you

Hi I have the same machine. It's one of the best out there keep my grind setting at 4. I use 2% milk for the best froth for milk based drinks. Grinds are not all over as people suggested. Cleaning the brew group once a month submerged in water for 5 minutes. water filter is a choice. I use refrigerator water which has a filter plus I have no hard water. Lavazza supercrema beans I find the best for grind setting "4" for all coffees drinks but thats my taste. If you like very hot cappuccinos try the flat white to me provides hotter froth also on a regular cup of joe .You can use the hot milk setting just make sure you there to stop it.....lol. I have had philips latte go ,saco xelsis and( jura10 returned after a week). Youtube also has lots of videos too..... ....................

I’ve been very happy with my Saeco Xelsis but it’s a fairly large footprint on the counter.

Hmmm… my saeco Xelsis has been running flawlessly with just regular cleaning since the beginning of the pandemic. The caffe is great, the espresso is ok and the milk drinks are wonderful. What makes Philips a waste of money in your opinion? Based in the US, it that makes a difference.

I have a Philips saeco superautomatic and use it for espresso based lattes and cappuccinos. Got introduced to an aeropress. They’re very different. Aeropress has replaced dripped coffee in every form but doesn’t have the concentration to replace espresso or espresso like drinks.