Philips Saeco SyntiaSuper-automatic espresso machine

I've had this unit for about 4 years now and it's still going strong. It's so easy to use and creates very consistent espressos. I've had a couple of issue with it: 1. The bean dome was causing issues with the beans getting stuck and not going to the grinder. I read other reviews where they just unscrewed the bolt that holds it in and removed it altogether. That fixed it. The dome is completely unnecessary. 2. The led display stopped displaying green colored graphics after less than a year of use. It's red most of the time now, but some operations don't light up at all, I can just see a faint impression of the graphic. Although disappointing, it's not a show stopper. I can still see most graphics in red so it's not that important to see things in green. 3. The grinder got stuck one time and stopped grinding beans. I had the grind set to the finest setting, so I set it back to the most course setting and let it run a grind cycle with all of the beans removed ant that cleared it.

I called and an associate on phone help me find the replacement part for our espresso machine. He made sure it was the correct part and helped me order. Many thanks

Wanted to give a longer term review since most everything I read about this Focus model is in proximity to the purchase. When you spend $$ 100's or 1000's for what appears to be a quality product, you expect it to last a long time. I bought this new in Sep of 2012 from a different vendor for the low price, but am putting the review here since, a) that vendor doesn't sell this model any more, and b) wanted to be sure to "spread the word!" On that note, for the last six months (occurred after about 2 1/2 years of use) the bean hopper is malfunctioning and coffee beans do not get into the grinder! Very frustrating! What I noticed is that the plastic dome covering the grinder no longer shakes like it used to, and the beans don't flow down into the grinder. When I start the cycle, all I have to do is put a couple fingers on the dome, and wiggle it a little and the beans flow in just fine. I believe the grinder through some sort of cam or offset bearing is supposed to shake the dome to bring beans down. Whatever that is has failed, and I did not contact Saeco about it as it is out of the initial warranty period. I can take it back to the vendor for money back or replacement, but I decided to see if I could easily solve the issue. I really like all else about this espresso machine, especially for the price! BTW, the solve isn't ground coffee ... couldn't get that so-called feature to work on this machine, and that's not why most people buy a nice espresso maker like this. I read a review of another similar model, where someone broke off the flanges that hang down in front of the slots on the dome. I can only think they are there so someone doesn't stick their petite finger through the small inlets, and in really far, and grind it! Maybe a child safety feature? That didn't do anything. Thinking of the safety feature in general, combined with the fact that only two adults use it in my household, I pulled the dome off ... and ... voila! Nothing now prevents the beans from flowing down to the grinder. Makes a great espresso and cup of coffee!!! We still keep the top cover on it, with no chance of anything else going into the grinder. Just make sure the the flanged metal piece (a bearing of sorts), comes out with the dome -- wouldn't want to know what happens if that somehow fell into the grinder. We really like all the features of this machine relative to great coffee drinks -- a nice frothy cup of joe, espresso, lattes, etc. I hope this review helps someone in need of a fix like for me, being out of the warranty period! Gave it five stars since for 2.5 years this machine worked great, and now it works like a champ again. BTW ... never have descaled it as we use filtered water in it and have not had any issues -- about 8 brews per day, with the wand/steamer getting 2-3 uses per day. Enjoy :)

I've only had for a week, and this is my first espresso machine, but it's great. I've used my inlaw's (also a Saeco V… something) but this one looks butter, has better options, and is much faster at warming for brewing and frothing.

Have had the HD8833 for over a month now and it's been everything I could have hoped for...and more. Easy set up....after a couple of trail runs, have been enjoying excellent espresso every morning. Wish the water tank was bigger but other than that, I couldn't be happier.

I just purchased it, it makes great espresso every morning.

I've had the machine about 2 years and it works well IMO. Both issues I've had were resolved by Phillips support quickly. One was a broken water valve on the water tank, (my fault) and performing the descaling process. Both tech support and the parts department were top notch getting my machine back up and running. It make good shots as well as long coffees. It's very consistent in it's operations. Put in beans and water and push a button. I find it easy to clean and maintain and it has a very reasonable footprint. Yes there are adjustments for dosing, etc but I'm not that picky. If I didn't like the coffee from the standard configuration then I would make adjustments. I would recommend and purchase another Syntia without hesitation.

I love this product, but its cleaning should be much more simple. There is a few of small areas inside, which are very hard to reach during cleaning.

Makes great espresso... easy to use.. make about 2 shots per day! Nice crema... recommended!

This machine makes great espresso, but is very finicky. Sometimes, without warning during the process of making coffee, it dumps the grounds and does not make a cup o coffee. I clean the workings of the machine with warm water every day. It works perfectly 90 % of the time and makes super espresso. Also had to ship to NJ to have the power unit replaced after 6 months (covered by warranty), but had to pay shipping one way. I love it when it works