Reviews Philips Saeco RI9737/20 Vienna Plus Automatic Espresso Machine

Compared this Philips Saeco RI9737/20 Vienna Plus with my Gaggia Classic semi-automatic and also the Espressione and was unable to tell the difference once adjusted properly. There are two controls on the Saeco that would apply to coffee strength. One is for adjusting the grind which does, of course, affect strength.

After setting the Saeco RI9737/20 grind back to #10, I went up two clicks towards positive on the strength dial, and found that setting to make the perfect espresso (for our tastes), matching the Gaggia Classic perfectly using a Rocky Rancillio grinder. Lot's of crema, but remember the type of coffee used can affect the amount of crema anyway.

• 1250-watt super-automatic espresso machine with built-in adjustable conical burr grinder
• 15-bar pump; removable brew group for tamping, brewing, and dispensing all in one cycle
• 12-ounce bean container; Opti-Dose adjustable doser; 15-puck-capacity dreg drawer
• Removable 57-ounce water tank; stainless-steel boiler; Pannarello frothing device
• Measures 14 by 15 by 15-1/2 inches

When Saeco RI9737/20 Vienna Plus arrived, I followed the "Quick Start" instructions and filled the hopper with my French roast beans. I crossed my fingers and pressed the "On" button. When all the lights were ready, I pressed the "Coffee" button. In about 15 seconds I had one of the most beautiful cups of espresso complete with a heady froth of crema!

I was so impressed, I made another cup. Ahhh, heavenly. Of course, I couldn't sleep that night - the caffeine replaced the blood in my veins. Coffee must also be freshly roasted to produce more crema in the cup. In addition, a feature that is much appreciated with this machine, is the ability to turn a simple rotary knob on the front of the machine, which allows the user to select how many ounces of espresso they desire.

Philips Saeco RI9737/20 Vienna Plus Machine PROS:

• Fresh quality coffee made at the press of a button
• Inexpensive.
• Makes consistently great tasting coffee/espresso. Well-brewed espresso - good extraction, nice body and crema. No adjustments to grind or tamping required, straight out of the box.
• Simple to use
• this machine requires minimal daily maintenance
• Biodegradable waste is great for the garden

Philips Saeco RI9737/20 Vienna Plus Machine CONS:

• This espresso machine is sure to spoil its owners
• Not the prettiest machine on the block - plastic-ey, rounded. The VW Bug of automatic espresso machines.
• Cannot handle large quantities quickly 

It makes really good espresso when I use good beans, and the milk frother is marvelous. It does everything I need without fuss, and quickly (which is important to me). On the other hand, it doesn't warn you when the grounds container is filled, and it needs refilling a little too frequently.

What Others Are Saying About Philips Saeco RI9737/20 Vienna Plus Automatic Espresso Machine

"Works great, simple to use and clean. I really enjoy good coffee and was looking for an automatic machine. I was a little concerned about the low price compared to similar machines, but after a few weeks of use I am very happy with the purchase." By David Hofmann
 
"1 Year in, still perfect espresso!!! We have had our Saeco Vienna Plus for just over a year now, and absolutely love it. After 6 months we ran a descaling solution through the pump, and have routinely cleaned all removable parts. This unit has had absolutely no problems, and cranks out 4 shots of espresso 7 days/week, 365 days/year. It's quite the investment of $$$, but paid itself off in reduced Starbucks runs within the first few months! " By ITman
 
"Love it!! I have had this machine for a few weeks now, and love it!!! After years of the hassle of steam machines, this is such a treat!!! It is so easy to use, and clean that I look forward to my daily cups of espresso, instead of looking at it as a chore. I also save counter space, as I do not have to share it with a grinder, anymore. It is also very nice to have a HOT cup, finally!!! Every other machine just never seemed to get hot enough. I highly recommend this machine to all!!!:) " By meemee

This Philips Saeco RI9737/20 Vienna Plus Automatic Espresso Machine product earned 181 customer reviews and 76% are satisfied (as 11/7/2013). 

It won't make American-style coffee, either; it can't heat that much water that quickly. The milk steamer wand is also mighty powerful. It froths milk just like a commercial machine. Something my Krups didn't do very well.

If you are really serious about this Philips Saeco RI9737/20 Vienna Plus and going to make a lot of coffee, find one that hooks up to a water supply. Otherwise, this is just fine.