Briefly about the features, commons and differences of Gaggia, Philips and Saeco

We won't delve into the specifics of Gaggia coffee machines in this article. The brand primarily focuses on espresso machines and often reissues expensive old Saeco versions. Additionally, Gaggia lacks an extensive service center network, operating independently of Philips and Saeco services.

It is also worth noting that technically Philips and Saeco coffee machines are almost identical (in terms of brewing system, pumps, heating elements, grinders). To avoid unnecessary (in fact, internal) competition, it was decided to implement a clear division by positioning (although there are rare exceptions). Thus, today Philips coffee machines are representatives of the budget and mid-price segment, and the most current Saeco models for the home are of the highest class.

While Philips offers various coffee machines like drip and capsule models, Saeco concentrates on household coffee machines. The SE50 portafilter model belongs to Saeco Professional for commercial use. Additionally, in certain markets, the "veteran" Poemia mirrors Gaggia Viva.

Three coffee brands are owned by Philips, including Saeco and Gaggia.

Philips coffee machines

As noted, Philips coffee machines cover the budget to mid-price range, organized into series for easy hierarchy understanding. The higher numbers, like Series 5400, indicate more advanced and functional models, while Series 1200 represents an entry-level option.

What else is worth knowing about the label? After the name of the line there is the article number with two letters and four digits (the first two or one digit repeat the series: for example, 4300 may have 4349). But it is not necessary to pay attention to what is indicated after the slash — it is the designation of the main sales market (occasionally also the color of the case).

By the way, to keep potential buyers from relaxing, the manufacturer has introduced some confusion into its lineup. So, closer to the end of 2022, he decided to add new lines, not to expand the existing ones. Those that were earlier also remained, so the number of series has increased, neighboring ones like 2200 and 2300th have appeared.

Below are the current Philips coffee machine ranges as the functionality and cost of the devices increase:

  • Series 800;
  • Series 1200;
  • Series 2200;
  • Series 2300;
  • Series 3200;
  • Series 3300;
  • Series 4300;
  • Series 5000;
  • Series 5400.

It must be said that the 800th line of 2023 is almost no different from the 1200th, respectively, the 2200th from the 2300th, and the 3200th from the 3300th. Therefore, we will consider their representatives together.

Series 800 and Series 1200

The initial Philips coffee machine is the black Series 1200 EP1200 model, catering mainly to black coffee enthusiasts as it lacks a steam wand. It features a touch display for selecting from four drinks — espresso, lungo, or their double portions. Like other brand machines, it includes a distinctive black and yellow ceramic coffee grinder with 12 grind adjustments and a removable brewing unit.

Even the simplest Series 1200 coffee machine has touch controls.

The white model Philips Series 1200 EP1223 is rated slightly higher. It already provides for a manual steam wand, but it also makes espresso and ungo, and the touch control panel also makes it possible to make double portions of these at an extra touch. Other color variations of this coffee machine are also available:

  • graphite — EP1220;
  • red (with black inserts) — EP1222;
  • gray — EP1224.

At the end of 2022, the Series 800 line debuted, which essentially also unites the younger Philips coffee machines. So far it includes two models that differ only in color:

These coffee machines are identical to the Series 1200 EP1223, except that the dispenser is now completely black (instead of black with silver tubes).

The compact the Philips HD 8649 coffee machine, available for purchase, is considered a market "old-timer" and serves as the foundation for the manufacturer's initial series.

Philips Series 1200 coffee machines

Series 2200 and Series 2300

Next in terms of functionality is the 2200 series, which also belongs to the basic coffee machines.

The Philips Series 2200 EP2020 model opens the line. In fact, this is an analogue of the 1200 series with a manual steam wand, but with expanded equipment. Here, out of the box, users will receive a branded AquaClean water filter. In addition to the graphite version, you can find analogues in other colors:

  • gray — EP2224;
  • black — EP2021.

The older modification of the line is Philips Series 2200 EP2231. Its main feature is the LatteGo automatic steam wand. Due to its presence, the control panel has also changed slightly, where you can make cappuccino in one click. But for this recipe, you can't adjust the amount of milk foam — only the total portion volume.

One of the characteristic features of Philips coffee machines is the branded LatteGo steam wand.

Note also that the EP2231 is in gloss black and has a plastic front cover, and related versions differ only in design, namely there are 3 "sisters" with the same glossy design:

  • graphite + metal front — EP2030;
  • beige + plastic — EP2035;
  • silver + plastic — EP2236.

In addition, there is one black modification with a matte finish on the front panel — Philips Series 2200 EP2232.

Introduced in 2023, the 2300 lineup has only cosmetic changes. In fact, in terms of functionality, everything is the same as the older 2200 version with automatic steam wand. The main difference in appearance is the silver dispenser (water and coffee spout) versus the black one of its predecessors. Otherwise, there are also many design variations:

  • matte black — EP2330;
  • glossy black — EP2331;
  • glossy white — EP2333;
  • black + shiny light gray front — EP2334;
  • black + chrome front panel — EP2336.
Philips Series 2200 coffee machines

Series 3200 and Series 3300

The 3200 and 3300 series position Philips coffee machines between the entry-level and mid-price segments. The EP3221 model, considered the junior option, features a manual steam wand and offers a range of recipes, including espresso, lungo, their double variations, a full-fledged Americano, and separate buttons for foam, boiling water, and programmable options. The control panel includes an additional touch control for adjusting drink temperature.

Moving up, the Philips Series 3200 EP3243 introduces an automatic milk system, LatteGo. The white version offers five auto programmes on the control panel — espresso, lungo, and Americano, and also 2 with milk (cappuccino and latte macchiato), excluding hot water. Notably, it allows separate adjustment of foam volume, distinguishing it from the 2200 series solutions.

Other design variations:

  • completely black — EP3241;
  • black with gray front — EP3242;
  • graphite color with silver front — EP3246;
  • white with silver front — EP3249.

In the fall of 2023, Philips also introduced the 3300th line. There were some design changes here, first of all, a silver dispenser appeared instead of black in the 3200 series. But there are also functional innovations. So the controls are now not monochrome, but colored, and instead of an Americano recipe, cold coffee is offered here — Iced Coffee. The Series 3300 coffee machine is available in a white case with a black front — EP3343, as well as in several black options:

  • completely black — EP3341;
  • with chrome front — EP3347;
  • with silver front — EP3349.
Philips Series 3200 coffee machines

Series 4300

Older Philips coffee machines make the most popular coffee drinks in one click.

Initially, one of Philips' older lines featured full coffee and milk machines with a LatteGo steam wand, including various design modifications like the all-black version of the Series 4300 EP4341. These machines boast a large touch control panel and offer 8 recipes (excluding hot water and milk foam), such as Americano, ristretto, coffee crema, latte, etc. Another advantage is the inclusion of two user profiles to save preferred settings for favorite drinks.

Design alternatives for the all-black model:

  • white with black front — EP4343/50;
  • white with silver front — EP4343/70;
  • black with graphite front — EP4346;
  • black with gray — EP4349.

At the end of 2022, Philips expanded the 4300 series with new products It's about an all-black coffee machine Series 4300 EP4321/50 and a modification with a chrome front EP4327.

In fact, both coffee machines became a lighter version of the predecessor EP4341. They have a manual steam wand installed instead of an automatic one, and the number of programmes has also been reduced to 5 (excluding boiling water and foam). So, here espresso, lungo, ristretto and Americano, as well as coffee crema are brewed in one click.

Philips Series 4300 coffee machines

Series 5000 and Series 5400

These are the two older lines of Philips coffee machines. At the same time, the 5000 series is not very new (so its representatives are becoming increasingly rare on sale), and the 5400 series is truly relevant and in demand among buyers.

Within the Series 5000, there are still 3 different devices (not counting the modifications, which differ in design) in one market or another. All of them are actually copy of the Saeco Incanto coffee machine. The main differences are related to the type of steam wand:

1. The EP5310 coffee machine provides a manual milk system with a panarello nozzle. Users have access to three black coffee programmes (espresso, lungo and Americano), as well as the supply of boiling water and milk foam. At the same time, the controls here are push-button, and for convenience there is a monochrome display. Other color variations:

  • gray — EP5314;
  • stainless steel — EP5315.

2. Philips Series 5000 EP5060. This is a black coffee machine with an automatic steam wand and milk container, like the Saeco Incanto HD8916. Another difference is the larger number of programmes, namely the ability to prepare cappuccino and latte macchiato in one click. Other design modifications:

  • white — EP5361;
  • gray — EP5064;
  • stainless steel — EP5065.

3. Philips Series 5000 EP5030 in black — a coffee machine with a branded LatteGo steam wand. It is smaller in volume than the EP5060, but easier to maintain. There is one more programme here — a recipe for coffee with milk has been added. And in fact, this is a cycle for making the correct cappuccino, where espresso is first added to the cup, and then milk foam is added. Other design modifications:

  • gray — EP5034;
  • stainless steel — EP5035.

Philips' current flagship, the Series 5400 EP5443 coffee machine, features an automatic steam wand, a color touch display, 12 coffee recipes, and an Extra Shot function for a stronger espresso. The illuminated cups and 4 user profiles add to its premium features.

The Philips flagship — the Series 5400 — is not much inferior to the younger Saeco coffee machines.

In addition to the white version, different variations in a black case are also available for sale, namely:

  • completely black — EP5441;
  • with gray front — EP5444;
  • with silver panel — EP5446;
  • with chrome front — EP5447.
Philips Series 5400 coffee machines

Saeco coffee machines

Home coffee machines from the Saeco brand are functionally and priced a step higher than Philips devices. There are several mid-budget, advanced and premium models. Today, the range of home coffee machines is represented by three lines, within which only devices with an automatic steam wand are offered:

  • PicoBarista;
  • GranAroma;
  • Xelsis.

The label includes the name of the line and a similar article to Philips: two letters (usually SM) and four digits, the higher the number, the higher the class of the device. For example, PicoBarista are 5000s (slightly older than Philips Series 5400) and Xelsis are 7000s and 8000s.

It is important to consider that the brand also has a separate category of devices within Saeco Professional. This includes so-called commercial coffee machines intended for offices, catering establishments and other business use cases. Here the classification is also quite extensive and includes the following series:

  • Lirika;
  • Royal;
  • Aulika Evo;
  • Magic;
  • IperAutomatica;
  • Phedra Evo.

Among these lines there are both semi-professional devices that have slightly more capacious tanks — for coffee beans, water, grounds (we will talk about them in more detail), as well as fast and productive models (up to vending machines) with completely different technical equipment (just briefly). By the way, commercial lines do not have common patterns in labeling, there are both models without a numeric article and with it.

PicoBarista

The PicoBarista line are stylish, laconic and functional coffee machines.

Positioned between the middle and advanced classes, the base model of the PicoBaristo line is now considered the Deluxe SM5573. It features an informative control panel with touch control, an automatic steam wand with a container and handle. With a total of 13 cooking programmes, including 7 easily accessible, notable recipes include Americano and cappuccino. The machine also offers 4 user profiles and a pre-wetting function. Apart from the "stainless steel" version, another modification is available for purchase:

  • black — SM5560;

Alongside the Deluxe model, other PicoBaristo options are present in certain markets, such as the SM5473 — a slightly more streamlined "sister" with a push-buttons instead of a touch control panel. It offers 10 programmes, one user profile, and lacks the pre-wetting function.

The silver SM5473 has analogues:

  • everything is the same, but in a white case — SM5478;
  • black and with another milk container — without a handle — SM5460.

GranAroma

One of the main features of the GranAroma series is an external steam wand that can make two servings of milk drinks at once.

This line includes advanced level coffee machines. All models will delight you with convenient controls — touch controls + color display or full touch display. A characteristic feature of all GranAromas is the branded LattePerfetto steam wand. It provides an external tube, is compatible with various milk containers, and can prepare 2 cups of cappuccino or latte at once and is complemented by the HygieSteam steam cleaning system.

The series is represented by the following coffee machines for home:

1. Saeco GranAroma SM6480. Featuring 14 available drinks, 4 user profiles, and the CoffeeMaestro function for taste customization and enhanced DoubleShot strength, it stands out from other models in the line with its distinctive black and white icons on the control panel.

2. GranAroma SM6580 is functionally no different from the model above. The touch controls here are made in color, and there is a chrome trim around the perimeter of the control panel. There are different color variations on sale, namely:

  • black — SM6580/00;
  • white — SM6580/20;
  • gray — SM6580/10;

3. The SM6582/SM6585 coffee machines are a modification of the previous model. Although they received the same controls, they acquired two additional programmes — Flat White and coffee on the go, and also have 6 user profiles. Both SM6582 and SM6585 are offered in a black case, but there are still differences:

  • silver front — SM6582;
  • stainless steel front — SM6585.

There are also several Deluxe models in the GranAroma line. They are primarily distinguished by the presence of a large 5-inch TFT touch display, as well as the possibility of remote control via the Internet. Deluxe coffee machines also have 6 user profiles and 18 preparation programmes, including, for example, Cortado and different types of cappuccino. These coffee machines are offered today in the following design options:

  • all-black body — SM6680;
  • graphite front — SM6682;
  • stainless steel front — SM6685.
SAECO GranAroma coffee machines

Xelsis

Representatives of this line are the flagship coffee machines for the home of the Saeco brand. It uses the same external steam wand as in the GranAroma series, but the bean hopper is larger (450 versus 300 grams). It is stated that these coffee machines are produced only in Italy.

Xelsis also comes in different varieties, including the best versions — Deluxe and Suprema models, which have large touch displays and a maximum range of programmes. Let's look at all the current models:

1. Xelsis — SM7480. The coffee machine received a control panel with monochrome touch controls and a display. There are 10 programmes, 4 user profiles.

2. SM7580. A coffee machine with a monochrome display, but with color touch controls. There are 12 programmes — half are available with one click (plus water supply), and the rest are “hidden” under the 6 more drinks button. In addition to the all-black SM7580, a version with a silver front is also available — SM7581.

3. Saeco Xelsis SM7683. There is a touch color TFT display, 14 recipes (plus boiling water) and 6 user profiles are offered, and the Coffee Equalizer function is implemented. The latter expands the possibilities of customizing drinks for yourself — by volume, strength, amount of foam, order of serving ingredients. In addition to the stainless steel version (SM7683), there is a completely black model SM7680. You can also find the Xelsis SM7685 coffee machine from sellers, which is almost the same, but has as many as 8 user profiles.

The pride of Xelsis Suprema is its large touch display — almost like modern tablets.

4. One of the older Xelsis models is the Deluxe coffee machine. Its distinctive features are a 5-inch touch display, the ability to control via the Internet, even more programmes (22 recipes) and the BeanMaestro function — automatically selects the optimal brewing for the type and degree of roasting of the coffee beans specified by the user. Coffee machine design variations:

  • completely black — SM8780 — it has 6 profiles;
  • with a silver front — SM8782 (there are 8 profiles);
  • with stainless steel finish — SM8785 (8 profiles)

5. The flagship among home models from Saeco is Xelsis Suprema. The main feature is a touch display covering almost the entire control panel — 7.8 inches diagonal. It’s even easier to customize the drink for yourself — there is a CoffeeEqualizer Touch+ function. In addition, 22 auto programmes and 8 user profiles are provided. Suprema comes in different body designs:

  • with gray front — SM8889;
  • with stainless steel front — SM8885.
SAECO Xelsis coffee machines

Semi-professional coffee machines Saeco — Lirika and Royal

In the Saeco Professional lineup, notable "everyday" lines like Lirika have gained popularity not just in commercial settings but also among coffee enthusiasts. Regarded as classics, these coffee machines, known as old-timers, continue to be re-released, maintaining their relevance for many.

Within Lirika, 3 models are available today:

1. Basic model with manual steam wand. It is notable for its large containers — a 2.5 liter water tank and a 500 gram bean hopper, and the presence of a high-quality ceramic coffee grinder. The set of recipes is limited to espresso and lungo, and there is also no ability to adjust the strength of drinks.

2. Lirika Plus is a coffee machine with a semi-automatic manual steam wand and a separate milk foam supply mode for making popular coffee drinks with milk.

3. Lirika One Touch Cappuccino — a device with an automatic steam wand and two coffee and milk recipes available — cappuccino and latte macchiato.

It is worth considering that all Lirika coffee machines have a simple push-button control panel and an informative monochrome display, work only with coffee beans, and are not equipped with a water filter.

If Lirika is the choice for a large family or small office, then the Royal series is positioned as commercial models for medium-sized work groups or even a small cafe. At the same time, these coffee machines are not too bulky, which means they can also be considered as a reliable home appliance.

Saeco Lirika even has a version with an automatic steam wand.

The line today is quite extensive, because it includes both coffee machines released in the early 1900s, as well as relatively recent updates. Let's start with the old-timers:

1. Probably the most popular representative of the series is Royal Professional. There are two water heaters installed here — a heater for steam (for a semi-automatic steam wand) and for producing boiling water. There is active cup heating, a 2.4-liter water tank, but not the largest (by the standards of professional models) bean hopper for 300 grams. This device is quite capable of dispensing up to 30 cups of coffee per hour.

2. One Touch Cappuccino HD8930. An advanced version, which is equipped with both manual and automatic steam wand (with external tube) for even easier preparation of coffee and milk drinks.

Other “old” Royal models are almost no longer on sale. Note that there were such versions as Coffee Bar (with the ability to connect to a water supply), Office (coffee machine only for black coffee with a large tank (6.5 liters) and a hopper (1 kg of beans)), Gran Crema (analogous to models from another professional line — Aulika).

The most relevant Royal models today include the following coffee machines:

1. Royal Black. A coffee machine without a steam wand, with metal grinders, three programmes (excluding hot water) on the touch panel and flexible recipe settings. The possibility of remote control via Bluetooth is also stated (if you purchase a special kit).

2. Royal Plus. A semi-automatic steam wand, ristretto and milk foam supply programme have been added here.

3. Royal OTC. This is a coffee machine with an automatic steam wand. There are two programmes for coffee and milk drinks on the touch control panel — cappuccino and latte macchiato. In addition, it is possible to create and save your own recipe behind the Manual Brewing button.

Professional coffee machines and vending machines Saeco

Considering professional (commercial) lines from the brand for home use is generally not recommended. The Aulika Evo series has a junior model named Focus, suitable for small offices, family cafes, or large family. With a 2.5-liter water tank, two water heaters, a 500-gram bean hopper, and an automatic steam wand, it offers practical features in a compact size.

The remaining Aulika Evo models are designed exclusively for commercial use. For office use, the Saeco Aulika Office is a reliable choice with a manual steam wand. The Aulika Top HSC and its updated version, the Aulika Evo Top HSC, are ideal for high-volume coffee production, capable of preparing a cappuccino in about half a minute. They offer features like connection to a water supply system, a lockable hopper for 1 kg of coffee, and a 4-liter water container. The Aulika Evo Top HSC also supports compatibility with payment systems.

Saeco has lines for offices.

The Magic line includes coffee machines for hotels, boutiques, various service establishments and more. Current models — the Magic M1 and M2 have a large touch control panel and are compatible with protocols for payment systems. There are also semi-automatic steam wands. The main differences relate to the capacity of the main tanks, with the Magic M2 having them all in one unit for greater convenience.

The IperAutomatica and Phedra Evo series are essentially vending machines designed for powdered milk use. They can be connected to centralized water supply and sewerage and are compatible with payment systems. The IperAutomatica model, for instance, accommodates up to 1 kg of beans and offers 8 cooking programmes, including hot chocolate. In the Phedra Evo line, there's an Espresso machine and a Cappuccino coffee machine. Notably, the Cappuccino model allows the use of both fresh and powdered milk.

Accordingly, an interesting budget choice for the home is Philips or the reliable Lirika or Royal models from Saeco. If you need a more advanced option, you should consider the PicoBarista, GranAroma or Xelsis home coffee machines. And if you need a coffee machine for office, catering or other commercial purposes, then the older Saeco Professional series — such as Aulika Evo, Magic or even Phedra Evo — will be suitable.