Anyone experienced with Saeco Rio Profi?

[pinch]

While I can distinguish a great shot from garbage, my palate is still pretty green, and my home brewing experience nil. I want to get started though, and have an opportunity to pick up a used Rio Profi for $200. I figure its prob a good starter machine for me, and maybe I can trade-up in a couple of years. Anyone have any serious problems with this machine? Thanks a ton, and I look forward to watching this site explode with new users.

pinch

[HB]

According to Parts Guru, the Saeco Rio Profi and omni-present Starbucks Barista are the same machine. I have no experience with it myself, but I'm certain there's lots of CoffeeGeek members who do. I googled and got some good hits. Heck, I see that one of the moderators, Dana Leighton, owned one back in 2002 (link).

That said, it's tempting to recommend that you start farther up the upgrade trail (e.g., Expobar Pulser is a price performer). I went through a couple machines before getting my first HX. Nobody could have convinced me to drop that much cash at the time, but I wouldn't regret it now if someone had managed to.

[pinch]

thanks for the speedy reply, Dan. I actually dug up most of those links myself earlier this morning, but its good to know I'm thinking along the same lines as the experts I can understand your encouragement to forego entry level and jump in at intermediate, but unless I get some stronger persuasion, my inclination is to start with entry level, then skip intermediate and go straight to dream setup! We'll see what happens, either way, should be fun. Anybody else have 2 cents?

[srobinson]

Pinch, Dan is giving you good advice. I would say get a machine that you can be passionate about and has a good community following to support you. If you are thinking dream systems and are hanging out on sites like this then you want it to be your hobby...and it is a hobby that you get to look forward to doing every day. Evaluate your budget and get the best machine you can afford.

[miKe mcKoffee]

While I can distinguish a great shot from garbage, my palate is still pretty green, and my home brewing experience nil. I want to get started though, and have an opportunity to pick up a used Rio Profi for $200. I figure its prob a good starter machine for me, and maybe I can trade-up in a couple of years. Anyone have any serious problems with this machine? Thanks a ton, and I look forward to watching this site explode with new users.

pinch

You'll be able to make great Cafe' Cremas on demand and mediocre espresso shots on demand, single shots only, never a great shot maybe an almost good shot. Used unit with built in grinder, a mediocre espresso grinder new and how worn are the burrs now? Are the burrs user replaceable? Changing grinds takes 2 or 3 wasted shots to take effect. It's a machine of convenience, great for entertaining groups of people so you can point and say go press the button for a cup but you will learn virtually nothing about making espresso yourself. You'd be better off and be capable of getting better shots buying a Rocky grinder and finding a used Krups Gusto on eBay. Just my opinion.

[HB]

Mike, it sounds like you're describing a super-automatic, not the Saeco Rio Profi / Starbucks Barista pictured below:

[miKe mcKoffee]

Hmmm, I wasn't sure, so hit google before posting. Seems maybe more than one unit with the same name, I found combo unit called Saeco Rio Profi.
http://vendingconcepts.co.uk/Rio%20Profi.htm

[pinch]

thanks for the feedback everybody, but I guess I'll to have to prove you all wrong, hehe; I relented to my impetuousness and agreed to buy it last night. I'll have to hope my ignorance keeps my blissful until my budget can broaden my taste further. Even if it doesn't give me great espresso, it should give me some fun and a seed to grow an obsession from. Thanks for trying to warn me, sorry I'm too silly to listen!

[miKe mcKoffee]

thanks for the feedback everybody, but I guess I'll to have to prove you all wrong, hehe; I relented to my impetuousness and agreed to buy it last night. I'll have to hope my ignorance keeps my blissful until my budget can broaden my taste further. Even if it doesn't give me great espresso, it should give me some fun and a seed to grow an obsession from. Thanks for trying to warn me, sorry I'm too silly to listen!

Ok, so now my curiosity wants to know. Which is it, the combo unit or stand alone?

[pinch]

its the combo, as you suggested. I still don't have my hands on it yet, so I can't tell you yet if the grounds are smoldering when they chute from the worn-out burrs, hehe. I'll be poking around this site and others for tips on cleaning and tuning...

[djoachim]

I just read your note on Rio Profi and have to say that's this is more than just your basic machine. I have had one for more than 10 years and it is exceptional. You can, if you're handy, fix it at home too but I've had very few repairs. Just keep it clean and be careful going from steam to coffee. That's it! This is a great machine to start with and even greater to make the excellent cup. It just takes a bit of time and can be noisy! A great box and I am trying hard to buy another one in any condition so if anyone out there has one PLEASE let me know. I'll take two!

I spent $700 on a new ODEA and it's not even close...cheap plastic, very basic and low-end consumerism. Not worth the money. Less noise ok but it requires weekly cleaning and after 3 months is already in the shop with lights that won't quit!

As for Rio Profi as a name be careful because the real Rio Profi has a grinder and the Starbuck's models are not Rio Profi's but the model below without grinders. Same yes and probably great but not Rio Profi! They are all metal and this makes all the difference.

I envy you your Rio. Enjoy it and teach your kids how to use it. It's simple and they'll love making daddy happy!

[Bleu405]

Djoachim,
Bonjour et Bienvenu au HB!

I noticed that you responded to a post that was a couple of years old. But I will respond to you so that you don't feel lonely

I too have used the "Barista", as it was my first espresso machine. Pretty impressive for a first machine. The Profi Estro that you are talking about looks to be a winner in the market. There seem to be a few all in one, semi-automatic machines with built in burr grinders. Even the highly regarded Rancilio Silvia has a sibling with a built in burr grinder! I think that they are fairly rare though.

I have a friend who is a proud owner of the Profi Estro and loves it. I want to play with it and see if I can get a hold of a non-pressurized portafilter for it. I hope that the grinder can grind fine enough for a non-pressurized filter, if so, I think it will give pretty good results.

Salut,
Chris

[Viewer]

Since you've rekindled this thread, I'll throw in my opinion.

I had the Profi for quite a few years, and was very happy with it. Starbucks was great about service, even many years later.

But when the grinder finally stopped working to the extent that it didn't make sense to repair it, I purchased a Macap grinder to go with it. I realized what a significant improvement that was. In fact some coffees that had been my favorites, were no longer enjoyable. And then I got an unpressurized portafiter. Another level of improvement...Now I had to have an hx machine.

So Dan's correct, it is a great place to start, but you won't reget it if you start with better quality equipment.