I am trying to decide whether to buy the saeco charisma automatic or the rancilio silvia. Same price if I buy tomorrow (the Saeco Charisma is on sale for $499).\r\n\r\nGreat reviews on Rancilio but sounds like the Saeco is easier -- automatic, etc. --. Any thoughts or advice?\r\n\r\nDeborah

Honestly, I like Saeco most - I know that I can trust this brand and their quality ahs always been among the best.

OK, which machine did you buy?

\r\n\r\nRancilio Silvia is quite a good coffee machine too

Fully automatic machine are easy to operate. any one can make reasonable cofffee from it.\r\nsemi-auto machine is a good machine if you understand the concept of how to make a good cup of coffee. things like tamping strenth, grinding size, type of roast, and many others effect the coffee produce. but if you are some one who are familiar with all these then choose semi-auto for you will be able o get the best out of whatever beans available.