The Saeco Xelsis and Gaggia Cadorna Prestige are two highly modern espresso machines, and everybody can appreciate their advanced features. And after putting them up for the debate of Saeco Xelsis vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, I have decided on the winner: Saeco Xelsis.
Everything comes down to Saeco Xelsis‘ more sophisticated cleaning features, like the HygieSteam for easy cleaning and the dual Thermoblock heating system. In addition, this model brews delicious cups of espresso and can froth milk foam easily with its convenient milk container and tube.
As for Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, this model also boasts 14 one-touch beverages, which is impressive for today’s machine. In addition, the device also has a stable grinder and colored display. However, compared to Saeco Xelsis, it still lacks various aspects, such as pre-infusion technology.
Saeco Xelsis vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2025-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Saeco Xelsis vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige: Differences
Saeco Xelsis wins 3-1 and ties once against Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It boasts a better heating element (dual Thermoblock) and more stable operation than Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. Check out the full details below!
Coffee flavor and brewing system
The winner: Philips Saeco Xelsis
Grinder
Both the Saeco Xelsis and Gaggia Cadorna come with built-in grinders that feature ceramic flat-burr grinders, which can be adjusted according to your preference.
It is not by chance that all of these machines utilize ceramic for their grinders, is it? You may be aware that this material’s main benefit is that it doesn’t produce excessive heat during the grinding process. It also helps safeguard the coffee grounds from burning and compromising their flavor.
In addition, the ceramic blades are also rated for longer sharpness and are relatively quiet when grinding. As for the flat burr design, this type can ensure more stability and uniformity of the coffee ground when grinding than the conical burr.
Regarding their grinding settings, the Saeco Xelsis has 12 different grinding options, whereas the Cadorna Prestige has ten grinding options available. Some of you may feel confused at first since there are so many grind size settings. Actually, I had to try the first few coffees and experiment with the machine to determine the most optimal grinding settings. So don’t worry but slowly get used to the machine.
Personally, I consider that having an excessive number of grinding options can be overwhelming for beginners. Therefore, I suggest you start with the medium setting and adjust it to fit your taste preferences.
Espresso flavor
I want to emphasize that my observations on espresso flavors are only approximate since everyone has unique taste preferences. The first shot of espresso may probably be a little weak and watery. This is completely normal, as you need some time to get used to the machine’s settings, right?
Both machines brew espresso full of crema, which is beautiful for me. The better the bean, the better the coffee. Then, the finest setting will give you the most crema. If you want a cup of coffee with a strong and rich flavor, start with the finest grinding settings, coffee strength, and temperature at maximum. Then, gradually alter the parameters to suit your liking.
Heating system
The Saeco Xelsis and Gaggia Cadorna Prestige have distinct heating systems. The Xelsis and Cadorna Prestige differ in their thermoblock systems, with the Xelsis featuring a dual system while the Cadorna Prestige has a single system.
Well, as you know, a thermoblock heating system swiftly heats water by drawing it directly from the tank and running it through a complex network of pipes. Water flows through the pipe and absorbs heat from the metal block. The water then exits the pipe at the optimal temperature for brewing coffee.
Thanks to the dual heating system, Saeco Xelsis has a fast heat-up time of less than 30 seconds, and you almost don’t have to wait between brewing coffee and steaming milk. On the other hand, Cadorna Prestige’s heating system takes about a minute to heat up.
For me, these machines produce very hot cups of coffee. However, the actual temperature may vary based on factors like the temperature of the room and the type of cup you’re using. Remember to preheat your cup beforehand to ensure that your coffee stays at the desired temperature and that the flavor is preserved.
Milk system
The winner: Philips Saeco Xelsis
These espresso machines use different milk-frothing systems to produce milk-based beverages. All these systems are fully automated and come with refrigerated milk containers for storage when not in use.
The Saeco Xelsis is equipped with an Internal Cappuccinastore system that uses Latte Perfetto technology to create a thick and velvety foam for milk-based drinks. This technology minimizes the size of the milk foam, resulting in a smooth and textured drink.
This system comprises a milk container and a plastic tube that is used to transport the milk from the container to the machine. Then, the steaming process will occur inside the machine, producing the desired milk foam. I love the milk foam coming from this machine, which has a creamy and smooth texture with tiny air bubbles. It is great for lattes and latte macchiato.
The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, on the other hand, comes with an integrated milk carafe. This milk system is advertised to froth the milk twice and eliminate any bubbles to achieve a flawless froth. Actually, I have to say that the auto-frother does an excellent job with milk frothing. However, the milk temperature only heated the coffee to a lukewarm state. I use almond milk, and the machine still does a good job.
Design and convenience
The winner: Philips Saeco Xelsis
Build quality
Regarding this aspect, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige is more compact and has a smaller footprint than the Saeco Xelsis. It is also lighter in weight than the Xelsis. Specifically, the Xelsis weighs 25.8 pounds, while the Cadorna Prestige weighs 21.2 pounds. However, in general, both machines are quite heavy and inconvenient to move back and forth or change positions often.
In addition, the Cadorna Prestige has the milk carafe inserted directly on the left side of the machine, so it saves more space on your counter than the Xelsis’s separate milk container and tube design.
In terms of appearance, the Saeco Xelsis has a modern and sleek design. The machine’s front panel is made of top-notch material and boasts a polished stainless steel finish, lending it a lavish look. The stainless steel finish looks great and makes the machine easy to clean, helping maintain its excellent condition. One of the most impressive aspects of the Saeco Xelsis is its LCD display. It’s highly responsive and visually appealing.
Gaggia Cadorna Prestige’s interface is a bit more classic but still trendy. The bodywork is made of black ABS, its front is sprayed with anthracite, and the drip tray is made of black abs plastic and stainless steel. The machine features a spacious TFT screen on its front with a well-lit button. The crystal-clear display and the control buttons are sizeable, ensuring effortless operation.
Capacity
These machines have a water tank with a relatively small capacity. The Saeco Xelsis has a water capacity of approximately 1.7 liters, while the Cadorna Prestige model only holds about 1.5 liters.
However, these are just the specifications provided by the manufacturer. In reality, when you use water filters, their water tank volume is significantly reduced. Plus, you’ll have to remain about more than a knuckle of water from the bottom of the tank to ensure the filter can pump up the water.
If you’re a coffee addict like me, you’ll likely need to refill these water containers frequently. With Saeco Xelsis, after every 4-6 cups of coffee, I have to refill the water to continue brewing.
When it comes to their bean hopper capacity, the Saeco Xelsis can hold more coffee beans, about 450 grams, whereas the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige can only hold about 300 grams. Keep an eye on their bean hopper, especially for the Cadorna Prestige, as the machine will continue to run and produce weak coffee if the hopper runs out of beans.
Ease of use
Both machines are equipped with highly detailed user manuals that will help you become familiar with the new equipment more quickly. Therefore, it is important to review and consult these manuals carefully.
You can select from a variety of pre-programmed drink recipes with these machines. The Saeco Xelsis is equipped with 15 mouthwatering espresso and coffee beverages, while the Cadorna Prestige offers up to 14 delicious drinks. All of these options are conveniently available at your fingertips. Check out the comparison chart above to see what those drinks are.
You can savor your drinks using pre-set recipes or customize the coffee strength, temperature, and milk length to suit your taste. The way to adjust the parameters will be different depending on the type of drink you choose. With Saeco Xelsis, you have five aroma strength adjustments, making you enjoy a richer and more satisfying cup every time. In the meantime, Cadorna Prestige has quite the same feature called “optiaroma” with 5 selections, allowing you to optimize the aroma intensity.
Also, it would be a mistake if I did not mention their ability to remember personalized drinks. Saeco Xelsis and Cadorna Prestige feature a few user profiles that remember your customized beverage settings for future use. The Xelsis has six user profiles, while the Cadorna Prestige has four profiles.
Cleaning and maintenance
Tie
Cleaning and maintenance have always played an important role in maintaining and extending the coffee machine’s life and ensuring the best possible coffee taste.
With these two espresso machines, cleaning them is straightforward. The machines are designed with an automatic self-rinsing mechanism that activates either when they are turned on or when they are turned off. For deeper daily cleaning, you need to remove their brew group and wash them under running water. You also have to remove and clean the drip tray and the coffee grounds container periodically.
Their milk systems all have automatic cleaning cycles. With the Saeco Xelsis, the built-in HygieSteam process quickly cleans up the milk system after each use. However, in the long run, you should still clean milk containers and milk tubes occasionally.
Also, their water tanks allow you to insert water filters inside, so you don’t need to descale as often. According to the manufacturer, the Saeco Xelsis’s water filter can go for 5000 cups before you have to descale. However, you know, it still depends on the hardness of your water. I recommend using a water filter to make sure that the water doesn’t ruin the flavor of the coffee.
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 2025-04-20 / 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 2025-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Saeco Xelsis: https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-ho/coffee/saeco-automatic-espresso-machine#triggername=saeco_black
- Gaggia Cadorna Prestige: https://www.gaggia.com/automatic-machines/cadorna-prestige/
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.