As mornings become increasingly rushed for many of us, the frequency of visiting coffee shops for specialty drinks has diminished for numerous coffee aficionados.
The good news is that you can now enjoy coffee shop-standard beverages right in your kitchen with the help of a super-automatic espresso machine, such as the Saeco Xelsis vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige.
Both machines offer a range of one-touch drink options and customizable settings for each beverage. They also feature multiple user profiles, allowing you and others to save your favorite personalized drinks.
But, after all, the Saeco Xelsis is better compared to the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige for many reasons. For example, it has the capability to make two milk-based drinks simultaneously and offers a greater number of user profiles.
Saeco Xelsis Vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Saeco Xelsis Vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige: Differences
The Saeco Xelsis won 4-2 against the Cadorna Prestige. Now, let’s jump into a detailed comparison to understand the strengths and differences between these two!
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Saeco Xelsis
Built-in Grinder
Let’s start with the good news, shall we? These machines can crush fresh beans for coffee shop-quality drinks on their own since they are equipped with multi-level ceramic flat burr grinders. Now, let me tell you why I’m always thrilled to see a ceramic grinder in an espresso machine.
First off, these grinders are fantastic at keeping the beans cool, literally, by dramatically reducing heat transfer during the grinding process. And why should you care? Because this helps preserve the true, unaltered aroma of your coffee beans. What’s more, they’re built to last and operate quietly. There are so many reasons to love them!
The Saeco Xelsis boasts a whopping 12 adjustment settings, which can be adjusted via a well-marked knob on the bean hopper. You can fine-tune the grind size from a finely ground bean for a robust, intense flavor to a coarser grind for a gentler, milder drink.
The Cadorna Prestige is also impressive with 10 grind settings, but changing the grind involves using a key tool mounted on the end of the coffee scoop, which isn’t as easy as it should be and might have you feeling a bit like a mechanic rather than a barista!
Heating System
Let’s face it: in the morning, every second counts, and we don’t want to wait too long for our morning cup of coffee. So, one crucial aspect we’ve got to consider is how fast these machines can deliver the goods. And guess what? It’s only a matter of seconds, not minutes.
These machines are equipped with thermoblock rapid heating technology, which boils water on demand instead of heating a large batch of water. That way, they can be ready to pull the first shot in under a minute.
Compare this to those machines with traditional boilers, where you might find yourself waiting for 15, 20, or even 30 minutes just to get started. Who has time for that while we’re all trying to get out the door or jump into your day in the morning?
But while the Cadorna Prestige only has a single thermoblock, the Saeco Xelsis features dual thermoblocks. So the latter can brew espresso and froth milk simultaneously, meaning it can basically help you prepare drinks faster.
Brewing System
I should point out that these machines employ automatic pre-infusion as the first step of the espresso preparation process. Now, for the uninitiated, this might sound like just another fancy term, but it plays a pivotal role in your espresso’s journey from bean to cup.
When these machines start the brewing cycle, they don’t just blast hot water through the coffee grounds. Instead, they gently introduce water to the grounds, soaking them just enough before the full extraction at 15 bars of pressure begins. This initial, gentle soaking helps the coffee’s aromas fully develop.
The Saeco Xelsis indeed allows you to change the duration of the pre-infusion step. What would I say? Having pre-infusion is good, but it would be better to have the option to adjust it to your heart’s content.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Saeco Xelsis
Dimensions & User Interface
| Saeco Xelsis | Gaggia Cadorna Prestige | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 11.3 x 19.1 inches | 15 x 10.2 x 17.7 inches |
| Weight | 23.2 lbs | 21.5 lbs |
They are beautifully crafted and will look great on your countertop. They are not exactly compact, but they will fit neatly into almost any kitchen setting. Just remember that the Saeco Xelsis requires a bit of extra space for its milk pitcher, adding a bit to its total footprint.
The Cadorna Prestige features a TFT button-operated color display that is tilted slightly upwards for better readability and navigation. It’s not the touch type, but the illuminated buttons around it make navigating the intuitive menu a breeze.
Meanwhile, the Saeco Xelsis sports a brightly colored touchscreen accompanied by a few capacitive buttons. The control panel is very intuitive, too. In our digital age, where we’re all used to swiping and tapping on smartphones, it is nice to have such a touchscreen on our coffee machine.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Saeco Xelsis | Gaggia Cadorna Prestige | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 3-6 inches | 2.7-6.1 inches |
Both have fully customizable coffee dispensing units that can be raised to accommodate a travel mug or jumbo-sized glass for latte macchiato or lowered when preparing classic espresso to minimize splashes.
The Cadorna Prestige can prepare two cups of espresso at the same time, which is perfect for those mornings when you and your coffee buddy are in a rush. The Saeco Xelsis goes even better by extending this capability to milk-based drinks – two creamy, dreamy lattes or cappuccinos at the same time!
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Saeco Xelsis | Gaggia Cadorna Prestige | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.7 liters | 1.5 liters |
| Bean Hopper | 0.34 kilogram | 0.3 kilogram |
I really love how their water containers slide out from the front. This design makes it easy to top up the tank, so you don’t need to awkwardly reach around or have to move the entire coffee machine just to refill the tank.
Another fantastic addition is the option to use water filters. This not only keeps your machine in top shape by cutting down on limescale buildup but is also a huge win for your coffee’s taste. As I always say, great coffee starts with great water!
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Gaggia Cadorna Prestige
These machines are equipped with automatic milk frothering systems, so they will get a lot of respect from beginners, I guess. And by the way, I should thank Saeco and Gaggia for even including a milk jug with their machines, while some brands charge a lot more for their machines and still won’t throw in a milk container. I’m looking at you, Jura!
And now, for the comparison, I love the Cadorna Prestige’s milk system a bit more since its milk carafe is neatly attached to the front of the machine. So it doesn’t take up extra space or require dealing with any tubes like the Saeco Xelsis would.
What I’m most interested in is that they can all create a velvety foam at just the perfect temperature. You can’t practice the latter art with these machines, of course, but at least you’ll have a café-standard cappuccino or latte macchiato with the push of a button.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Saeco Xelsis
Drink Options
| Saeco Xelsis | Gaggia Cadorna Prestige |
|---|---|
| Coffee Espresso Ristretto Espresso Lungo Americano Flat White Latte Macchiato Cappuccino Caffe Latte Cafe AU Lait Cortado Milk Froth Warm Milk Hot Water | Ristretto Espresso Espresso Lungo Coffee Americano Cappuccino Cappuccino XL Café Au Lait Café Cortado Latte Macchiato Latte Macchiato XL Flat White Frothed Milk Hot Water |
It is happy to see these machines offering a variety of one-touch drinks. I know that having more than a dozen different drinks is a bit overkill because most of us only stick with one of two caffeinated drinks, but having many options doesn’t harm.
Whether you’re in the mood for a black coffee like espresso, ristretto, or americano, they’ve got you covered. And if you’re leaning towards something milky, like a cappuccino, latte macchiato, or flat white, these machines are ready to deliver!
Incidentally, you can also get hot water from them for brewing a warm cup of tea or creating hot chocolate. Considering the thermoblock heats up very quickly, it’s a quicker way to heat water than using a traditional kettle.
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Saeco Xelsis | Gaggia Cadorna Prestige |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee Temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Milk Foam Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Texture | Yes | No |
The level of customization available with these machines is genuinely impressive, not just limited to one or two settings.
If you’re preparing an espresso, both allow you to adjust the coffee strength, shot volume, and brewing temperature. And if you are whipping up a cappuccino, you can adjust the amount of milk.
Unique to the Saeco Xelsis, you can tweak the pre-infusion step and decide whether milk or coffee is dispensed first. How impressive!
Other Features
Winner: Tie
Built-in Cup Warmer
The Cadorna Prestige features a stainless steel cup warming tray that can pre-heat two cups at once. It’s all about keeping your coffee at that ideal temperature from the machine to your lips.
User Profile
If your home is a hub for coffee enthusiasts, having a coffee maker with multiple user profiles is what you really need. You arrive at your espresso machine only to find that your carefully customized drinks have been altered. It’s a nightmare!
The Cadorna Prestige offers a solution with 4 user profiles, whereas the Saeco Xelsis boasts up to 6 profiles. That way, they can keep peace among your household’s coffee connoisseurs.
Removable Brew Group
I really appreciate that their brew groups can be removed for thorough cleaning. The brew group is the heart and soul of the espresso machine, so it’s great to be able to clean it yourself and see firsthand how clean it is – no more guessing or hoping.
Quick Rundown Of Saeco Xelsis
- With Philips Saeco Xelsis easily make up to 15 coffee varieties from common Espresso and Capuccino to specialty coffees like Flat White or Americano. Simply swipe the touchscreen to select the drink and customize it with our intuitive Coffee Equalizer.Filter type:Reusable.Power consumption stand-by : 0.5W, Drip tray capacity : 500 ml
- 15 Coffee Varieties at Your Fingertips: Explore the world of coffee - Espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, and a range of specialty drinks
- Personalized Preferences: Everyone’s custom coffee favorites can be saved in up to 6 user profiles for instant selection. Personalize each profile down to the finest detail
- LatteDuo Milk System: Prepare and enjoy single or double serving of any coffee recipe with one touch, including Cappuccino or Latte Macchiato
- Double Thermo Blocks: Dedicated for both brewing and steaming offer accurate temperature controls for every drink in your recipe book
Last update on 2024-12-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Cadorna Prestige
- 14 Pre-Programmed Beverages|Build your home barista menu with 14 pre-programmed beverages including a ristretto, espresso, espresso lungo, coffee, americano, cappuccino, cappuccino XL, café au lait, café cortado, latte macchiato, latte macchiato XL, flat white, frothed milk, and hot water for tea, hot cocoa, or infusions.
- Integrated Milk Carafe|An integrated milk carafe creates the perfect temperature and texture of milk foam to make a beautifully layered milk based beverage. It runs through an automatic rinse cycle to get rid of any residual milk so you won’t have to worry about a messy clean-up process.
- 4 User Profiles|Create up to 4 user profiles on the Cadorna Plus and save your favorite drinks for everyday consistency.
- Intuitive User Interface|A full color TFT display allows you to scroll through 14 specialty beverages with backlit buttons and experiment with a number of customizable settings to build your favorite barista-style beverage.
- 1 YEAR : Hassle free 1 year handled by Gaggia directly.
Last update on 2024-12-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Saeco Xelsis: https://saeco.com/xelsis/
- Gaggia Cadorna Prestige: https://www.gaggia.com/automatic-machines/cadorna-prestige/
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.