Saeco International Group S.p.A., or Saeco for short, is an Italian manufacturer of manual, super-automatic and capsule based espresso machines as well other electrical goods, with headquarters and factories in Gaggio Montano, located near Bologna.
In May 2009, the company board agreed to a purchase offer from Dutch manufacturer Philips.
Saeco was founded in 1981 by Serbio Zappella and Arthur Schmed. They launched their first fully automatic espresso machine for home use, called Superautomatica, in 1985. In 1999, Saeco purchased the espresso brand Gaggia.
Saeco specialize in domestic, super automatic, espresso machines. Super automatic coffee makers are also sometimes known as bean to cup machines because they require no involvement from the user throughout the coffee preparation process, from grinding the bean to the final coffee product.
Saeco’s machines and other super automatic coffee makers are popular among those for whom budget isn’t a concern, and who value convenience in coffee brewing but still appreciate a good cup of coffee.
Saeco Philips machines boast some features that set them apart from their competition. All Saeco machines contain a ceramic grinder, compared to steel which is prone to overheating and burning coffee beans. Saeco automatic coffee makers possess a Varipresso brewing chamber which allows the user to adjust the brewing pressure from drink to drink. Saeco machines also have Latto Perfetto technology, which froths milk twice before serving, as well as thermospeed technology, which reduces brewing time while retaining optimum brewing temperature.
Some competitors of Philips and Saeco include, Delonghi, Bialetti and La Marzoco.