How to Clean and Maintain the Saeco GranAroma Machine-
Saeco GranAroma – How to Handle the Brew Group (Brewing Unit/Extraction Unit)-
Saeco GranAroma – How to Descale
How to set up and use the Saeco GranAroma machine-
☕ Introduction
Tired of sacrificing coffee-shop quality for the convenience of brewing at home? If you are looking for an automatic coffee machine that combines barista precision with one-touch ease you are in the right place
We present a detailed analysis of the two new Maestros' from Philips/Saeco: the Saeco GranAroma SM6580/20 and its more premium sibling the SM6580/50R1 (sometimes known as the special Xelsis version) Both machines belong to the elite class and promise an unparalleled personalized coffee experience thanks to technologies like CoffeeEqualizer™ and the velvety Latte Perfetto milk foam
In this comparison we will delve into the technical details reveal the similarities and subtle differences between these two powerful models and help you determine which one deserves a place in your kitchen to become your new automatic coffee maker
☕ Technical Specifications Table (GranAroma SM6580/20 & SM6580/50R1)-
| Technical Feature | SM6580/20 (GranAroma) | SM6580/50R1 (GranAroma/Xelsis) | Key Notes |
| Number of Drinks | 14 drinks | 16 drinks (typically) | The 50R1 model may include additional pre-set beverages. |
| User Profiles | 4 personal profiles | 6 personal profiles (typically) | For setting and saving personal preferences for a larger number of users. |
| Display | Color TFT touch screen | Color TFT touch screen | Similar in technology and design. |
| Milk System | External Milk Carafe with HygieSteam system | External Milk Carafe with HygieSteam system | Both systems offer Latte Perfetto foam and automatic steam cleaning. |
| Customization Technology | CoffeeMaestro and CoffeeEqualizer™ | CoffeeMaestro and CoffeeEqualizer™ | Allows customization of coffee strength, temperature, and milk/coffee volume. |
| Grinder | 100% Ceramic grinder | 100% Ceramic grinder | 12 grind setting levels (in both models). |
| Water Filter | Compatible with AquaClean | Compatible with AquaClean | Reduces the need for descaling up to 5000 cups (with regular filter change). |
| Pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar | Consistent pressure for espresso extraction. |
| Water Tank Capacity | 1.8 Liters | 1.8 Liters | - |
| Coffee Bean Capacity | 300 grams | 300 grams | - |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | Approx. 262×448×383 mm | Approx. 262×448×383 mm | Dimensions are often identical. |
| Color and Design | Standard colors (such as Glossy White or Black) | Premium or Metallic colors (such as Panthera Grey) | The /50R1 code may indicate an exclusive color or finish |
Key Brewing and Customization Technologies-
| Technical Feature | Basic Description of the Technology | Benefit to the User |
| CoffeeMaestro | Preset with three flavor profiles (Delicato, Intenso, Forte). | The machine selects the optimal settings for temperature and brewing rate to achieve the desired flavor with one touch |
| CoffeeEqualizer™ | Interface for precise customization of beverage parameters. | Allows adjustment of coffee strength, volume, temperature, milk/foam quantity, and even the brewing sequence (in some recipes) |
| Ceramic Grinders | 100% durable grinders offering 12 grind settings. | Ensures precise and consistent grinding, and does not overheat, preserving the aroma of the coffee beans for a very long usage period (20,000 cups) |
| Latte Perfetto Milk System | External milk carafe system that ensures dense, velvety milk foam. | Produces the perfect milk texture for all espresso and milk-based beverages (such as Cappuccino and Latte) |
| LatteDuo Feature | The capability to prepare two servings of any coffee and milk recipe simultaneously. | Allows two drinks to be prepared at once, saving time and simplifying serving guests |
🧼 Maintenance and Ease-of-Use Technologies
| Technical Feature | Basic Description of the Technology | Benefit to the User |
| HygieSteam System | Automatic steam cleaning system for the milk circuit | Removes milk residue and cleans all exposed parts at the touch of a button, ensuring hygiene and reducing the need for manual intervention |
| AquaClean Filter | Water filtration technology that removes calcium and minerals | Significantly improves the taste of coffee, and most importantly, postpones the need for descaling for up to 5000 cups (if the filter is changed regularly) |
| Removable Brew Group | The heart of the machine that compresses and brews the coffee can be completely removed | Easy maintenance and cleaning under running water, ensuring the machine's quality performance and longevity |
| User Profiles | Saves personalized preferred settings for each user (4–6 personal profiles) | Saves time and allows each user to get their perfect beverage with the press of a button without needing to reconfigure the settings |
👍/👎 Key Pros and Cons (SM6580 Series)-
| Category | Positive Points (Pros) | Potential Negative Points (Cons) |
| Coffee Quality | ✅ Excellent Quality: Ceramic grinders and the AromaExtract system ensure balanced extraction and rich flavor | ❌ No Effective Thermal Carafe/Cup Warmer: The cup holder relies on passive cup warming and may not be as effective as active heating elements |
| Customization | ✅ Almost Limitless Customization: Thanks to CoffeeEqualizer™ and CoffeeMaestro, every parameter can be adjusted (strength, volume, temperature, milk foam) | ❌ Initial Complexity: New users who do not desire precise customization might find the CoffeeEqualizer™ interface slightly complicated |
| Foam and Milk | ✅ Perfect Milk Foam (Latte Perfetto): Dense, smooth foam that rivals professional machines | ❌ External Milk Carafe: Requires connecting the hose and removing the carafe for storage, unlike the simpler "LatteGo" systems (found in lower-end Philips models) |
| Maintenance and Cleaning | ✅ Extreme Ease of Automatic Cleaning: The HygieSteam system cleans the milk circuit automatically | ❌ Regular Maintenance Required: Despite the automatic cleaning, the Brew Group needs weekly manual removal, cleaning, and rinsing, in addition to monthly lubrication |
| Longevity and Cost | ✅ High Durability: Ceramic grinders last for 20,000 cups, and the AquaClean technology extends the machine's life | ❌ Initial Cost and Spare Parts: The machines fall into the Premium Price category, and AquaClean filters (essential for reducing scale) can be relatively expensive and must be replaced regularly |
| Ease of Use | ✅ Multiple User Profiles: (4-6 profiles) allow saving personalized preferences for each user | ❌ Frequent Self-Cleaning at Startup/Shutdown: The machine requires a self-rinse upon both startup and shutdown (which is actually a feature, but it consumes water and quickly fills the drip tray) |
Direct Link to Technical Specifications (PDF)
⭐️ Overall and Final Evaluation of the SM6580 Series-
