DeLonghi has been around for over a centry, and has been making high quality appliances since day one. The company was founded in italy, and who knows espresso better than the Italians. Delonghi espresso machines are built to last, and reviewing them is a pleasure. Their products are backed by great warranties and their customer service is second to none. They have a full range of espresso machines and models that cater to both the budget consumer and the high end coffee drinker. Products range from under 1000$ all the way up to the four figure mark. Rest assured, you know you are buying a great quality appliance when you choose Delonghi.
Below are few points you should consider when buying your espresso maker:
- Pod models: You are likely be tempted to purchase a pod model machine because it is the easiest to use. But if you are a true aficionado, then the challenge of learning how to make the perfect java is where the fun begins…
- Steam-Driven vs Pump-Driven: You may be tempted to buy a steam driven machine because they are generally cheaper than pump driven espresso machines. But steam driven models lack the ability to keep the correct water temperatures and they also don’t have the capability to generate adequate pressure levels.
- Do you own a quality been grinder? If you plan to grind your own coffee beans, make sure you invest in a top quality grinder. There’s no use in having the best machine if your grinder doesn’t make the grade! Avoid blade grinders as they wouldn’t be able to grind the bean fine enough to really make a great cup of espresso.
- Does it meet the industry standards? If you want your home made espresso to live up to your favorite coffee house’s, then the machine must meet the industry standards. It must be able to heat one and a half ounces of water to one hundred and ninety five degrees Fahrenheit while forcing it through seven grams of ground espresso at 130 psi in under 30 seconds. All these combined will create that golden foam crave by espresso lovers.
Types of Espresso makers
Espresso makers are available in different types, with the distinguishing feature being the way they use pressure to make the espresso. You can choose between a high-end espresso machine and a budget espresso maker. The classifications of espresso machines include manual, semi-automatic and automatic.
Manual Espresso maker
In manual espresso makers, there is a lever that helps force water through coffee grounds. For an average coffee maker, this type of espresso machine is not very practical because pulling the lever like an expert takes some mastery and practice. If you consider yourself a coffee expert, you will know that the time you spend on extracting an espresso shot is very crucial. If you want to pull a shot quickly and impressively with a manual espresso maker, you will need a lot of practice. These machines do not rely on the steam’s pressure. It is entirely up to you, as a barista to heat the water to the right temperature and then squeeze it through the coffee will a pull of the lever. You must have heard the phrase pulling a shot, which refers to using an espresso maker with a manual lever.
Semi-Automatic espresso makers
For home use, semi-automatic espresso makers are the most common because of the level of control and affordable price they offer. For an average coffee enthusiast that does not mind developing coffee-making skills. There is a portafilter in these espresso machines and you can add coffee to it manually. With the use of a brew button, you can start the coffee and then stop. An important point is that you need to clean the portafilter each time the brewing is complete. As you can start and stop the brewing according to your wish, this is the espresso maker that allows you to practice most control.
Automatic espresso makers
If you prefer convenience to practicing the art of making an espresso, you should buy one of the automatic espresso makers. The controls in these machines are automatic and you do not need to start and stop the brewing manually. For those who want a superior shot of espresso without the hassle of manually controlling the brewing, this espresso maker is the ideal choice. If you are not on a budget and are looking for a fabulous espresso, you can move up a step and get a super automatic espresso machine, which comes with a built-in grinder.
☕️Best DeLonghi Espresso Machine Reviews
1. De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso Machine
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This model is great for someone looking to just get into espresso making. It’s easy to use, and produces a decent beverage. This is considered a budget machine, and is great for someone not looking to spend a ton of money. Great value.
2. DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker
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This is a great looking DeLonghi espresso machine. It’s got a decent amount of power, and many extra featues. It produces a nice shot of espresso and comes with the built in frother.
3. De’Longhi EC860 Espresso Maker
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This is a terrific appliance at a great price. With a built in milk container, this automatic machine makes brewing capuccinos a breeze. This machine is perfect for those into the specialty coffees that just don’t have the time or patience to learn the art.
4. DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine
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This is one of the high end DeLonghi Machines. It is a super automatic espresso machine that does everything. It’s fast, powerful, luxurious, and comes at a decent price. The coffee maker produces the perfect shot of espresso everytime.
5. DeLonghi ESAM5500M Perfecta Digital Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
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The Perfecta is just that, perfect. It has everything you could ever ask for in an espresso machine. The digital display lets you customize just about anything to your liking. You can tailor your drink to be exactly the way you like. This is one of DeLonghi’s higher end units.
6. Delonghi EC680M DEDICA 15-Bar Pump Espresso Machine
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The Dedica is a machine that boast functionality as well as quality. Pulling someone the best shots of espresso, this machine is the home use workhorse. Great frothing capabilities as well as easy to use functions.
How to Make Espresso
- Ground the coffee in your coffee grinder. If you don’t have one, you can borrow it or you can use coffee pods or already ground coffee. Remember, though, that grinding your own coffee is what contributes to that perfect cup of espresso that you so eagerly want to prepare with your own hands, because the flavor will be stronger and the texture will be richer.
- Tamping the grounds is what comes next.To do that, you can use the tamper that usually comes with the espresso machine.
- Put the grounds into their special container according to the manual instructions.
- Make sure you let the machine heat up; many of them have visual or audio alarms for that.
- Place your cup under the dispenser.
- Wait for the liquid to pour into the cup.
- Prepare the milk for the creamy foam in the special frothing cup (many of the espresso machines come with one, but if yours didn’t, use a metal cup).
Once you have followed these steps, all you need to do is take a seat in your favorite armchair, relax and enjoy the heavenly dark and creamy liquid delivered by the best espresso machine!
Espresso Machine Cleaning
- Turn off the machine and unplug it.
- Carefully disassemble it, so that you can separately clean its parts (make sure you consult the instruction manual so that you do not break something).
- If the parts are too dirty, you may need to soak them into water with cleaner overnight, if not, just scrub the parts with a damp cloth or with a brush.
- Carefully clean the milk wand with a cloth and if needed, you may use a pipe cleaner in order to remove the residual milk from the inside.
- If you want to decalcify the interior, you will need to run water with some vinegar through the machine. After that, run two or three times plain water through it.
- Reassemble the machine according to the instructions.
While these are the most important steps that must be followed for the maintenance and preservation of a device’s reputation as the best espresso machine, there are also other important things you must bear in mind, such as never to use soap for cleaning, only the special powder or tablets recommended by the manufacturer.
Also, make sure that you follow the cleaning schedule mentioned in your instruction manual and remember that the more coffee you make the more often you will need to clean the machine! Use clean damp cloths or special brushes for cleaning, so that you can access all the corners and less exposed parts.