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DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | De'Longhi |
Color | Black |
Product Dimensions | 12.2"D x 19.3"W x 15"H |
Special Feature | Removable Tank, Cup Warmer, Milk Frother |
Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
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About this item
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- EVERY CUP TO YOUR LIKING: 15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences.
- BREW LIKE A PRO: Whatever your preference – single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte – the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffeehouse.Input power (W): 1050
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them.
- ONE ESPRESSO SHOT OR TWO. The three-in-one filter holder, included with the unit, has filters for one espresso shot, two shots, and one for an easy-serve espresso pod – whatever your preference.
- NO WAITING BETWEEN CUPS: The Advanced Cappuccino System maintains the optimal temperature so you can brew cup after cup instantly.
- SLEEK SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: With a sleek profile, compact design and narrow footprint, the EC155 fits beautifully on a kitchen countertop – without taking up too much space.
- CONVENIENT WATER TANK: The water tank is simple to remove, refill and reattach, and the water level is easily visible to eliminate the guesswork.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Removable water tank and drip tray make for easy cleanup, and the parts are dishwasher safe.
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This Item De'Longhi DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $283.00$283.00 | $299.95$299.95 | -15% $109.99$109.99 List: $129.99 | -30% $159.99$159.99 List: $229.99 | -45% $85.99$85.99 List: $155.95 | -9% $228.64$228.64 List: $249.99 |
Delivery | Get it Apr 8 - 11 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | — | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Easy to clean | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.2 |
Easy to use | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.1 |
Blending power | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.0 |
Flavor | — | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.1 |
Sold By | Top Amazing Deals(SERIAL NUMBER RECORDED) | Amazon.com | CASABREWS | GEVI US LLC | Amazon.com | Trends Goods |
capacity | 1 liters | 47 fluid ounces | 49 fluid ounces | 1.2 liters | 1200 milliliters | 40.58 fluid ounces |
material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Brushed Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Plastic, Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
input interface | dial | buttons | buttons | buttons | buttons | buttons |
voltage | 120 volts | 120 volts | 120 volts | 120 volts | — | 110 volts |
wattage | 1100 watts | 1560 watts | 1350 watts | — | 1100 watts | 1000 watts |
model name | EC155 | the Bambino® Brushed Stainless Steel | 3700 ESSENTIAL | E418E-S | Stilosa | Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker |
weight | 3.03 kilograms | 10.9 pounds | 8.14 pounds | 10.01 pounds | 9.48 pounds | 13 pounds |
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From the manufacturer
Features & Benefits
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Every Cup To Your Liking15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences. |
Brew Like A ProWhatever your preference – single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte – the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffeehouse. |
Your Foam, Your WayA manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them. |
One Espresso Shot Or Two?The three-in-one filter holder, included with the unit, has a holder for one espresso shot, a holder for two shots, and one for an easy-serve espresso pod – whatever your preference. |
Features & Benefits
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No Waiting Between CupsThe Advanced Cappuccino System maintains the optimal temperature so you can brew cup after cup instantly. |
Sleek Space-Saving DesignWith a sleek profile, compact design and narrow footprint, each model fits beautifully on a kitchen countertop – without taking up too much space. |
Convenient Water TankThe water tank is simple to remove, refill and reattach, and the water level is easily visible to eliminate the guesswork. |
Easy To CleanRemovable water tank and drip tray make for easy cleanup, and the parts are dishwasher safe. |
Videos
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Customer Review: Review after 12,000 Shots
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Customer Review: Cheap, user friendly, good quality!
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Product information
Brand | De'Longhi |
---|---|
Color | Black |
Product Dimensions | 12.2"D x 19.3"W x 15"H |
Special Feature | Removable Tank, Cup Warmer, Milk Frother |
Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
Filter Type | Reusable |
Style | Manual |
Specific Uses For Product | Coffee maker |
Included Components | De'Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker |
Operation Mode | Manual |
Voltage | 120 Volts |
Model Name | EC155 |
Number of Items | 1 |
Human Interface Input | Dial |
Package Type | Frustration-Free Packaging |
Item Weight | 6.67 pounds |
Manufacturer | Delonghi |
ASIN | B000F49XXG |
Item model number | EC155 |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #428,008 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #22 in Espresso Machine & Coffeemaker Combos #82 in Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | December 19, 2005 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
Prepare creamy froth with ease Simple to clean thanks to a removable 35-ounce water tank Enjoy delicious espresso made your way with the DeLonghi pump espresso and cappuccino maker. You can choose to brew ground espresso or E.S.E pods with the unique patented dual filter holder. The choice is yours, making your espresso truly made to order. You can enjoy espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature with two separate thermostats. If you prefer cappuccino you'll enjoy using the easy-to-use swivel jet frother, which makes perfect drinks every time. Other highlights include self-priming operation to eliminate pesky start-up preparation, removable water tank and drip tray and a durable, high-quality stainless steel boiler to ensure many years of delicious espresso. Authentic Italian espresso, fast Swivel Jet Frother Easily prepare latte and cappuccino with the swivel jet frother. Create a rich, creamy froth for perfect drinks every time. Patented Dual Function Filter Holder With the EC155's dual function filter holder, you can use ground coffee as normal, or convenient coffee pods for faster preparation. It makes espresso and cappuccino preparation quick and easy. Self-Priming Operation Eliminate annoying start-up preparation with the EC155's self-priming operation. Get to your coffee faster, with less waiting around for the element and boiler to reach the correct temperature. Easy to Clean The EC155 is simple to clean with a removable 35-ounce water tank with indicator light, and a removable drip tray. It's easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble to get back to making drinks quickly. Technical Specifications Input Power: 1100 watts Boiler: Stainless Steel Pump Pressure: 15-bar Cup Warmer: Yes Dimensions(l x w x h inches ):12.2 x 19.3 x 15.0 .
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, ease of cleaning, and value of the coffee maker. They mention that the built-in tamper works great, the steam works pretty well, and that it's great value for the money. They also like the ease of use. However, some customers have issues with leakage and disagree on size, heat, and quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are mixed about the quality of the espresso machine. Some mention that it brewed up a very nice espresso with a thick layer of crema, and it'll last years and make great drinks. However, others say that the milk steamer is poorly designed, the ground basket is soupy, and the filter baskets are not secure in the portafilter.
"...If it does, you are out 90-ish $$$, not 100's or 1000's of $$$. Makes perfect espresso too! My wife agrees :) Here's how I do it;..." Read more
"...the "idiot-proofing" mechanisms, this machine can deliver an amazing double-shot of espresso and small quantities of perfectly frothed milk for a..." Read more
"...4. Skim milk froths just fine, but whole milk tastes much better. I have also learned that frothed milk should have the consistency of wet paint...." Read more
"...Even though it's not finicky, I've found that the coffee will not come out right if you don't tamp properly or try to use an overly coarse grind of..." Read more
Customers like the performance of the coffee machine. They mention that the built-in tamper works great, and the steam works pretty well for an inexpensive machine. It works great for single lattes, and is workable out of the box. Customers also say that it's the best entry level machine and the powerful 15 bar pump system easily froths milk.
"...It is a little long, but it works out very well when you position the clip so that it is angled inside the picture handle (I wish I had a diagram)...." Read more
"...STEAM - The steam works pretty well for an inexpensive machine but there's not a lot of "steam power" which I think is typical for inexpensive..." Read more
"...3. Contrary to other reviewers, I have found that the built-in tamper works just fine, since with this kind of machine you do not need to tamp with..." Read more
"...of work and investment, but the trick is that because the stock performance isn't great, you can find these machines in excellent used condition..." Read more
Customers like the value of the coffee maker. They say it's great value for the money, and super cheap.
"The major reasons I bought this unit were because it is very inexpensive and it is pump driven. You don't have to worry about it breaking...." Read more
"...how to properly control your variables, I'd say this is the best bang for your buck...." Read more
"...must be judged for what it is and for whom it's designed: it is an inexpensive, entry-level espresso/cappuccino maker made for beginners...." Read more
"...After reading several positive reviews, and considering the affordable price, I decided to give this puppy a whirl...." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the coffee maker. They say it's simple to use, easy to make froth, and convenient to have a unit in their house. Some say the machine is fairly easy to get used to, while others say it takes some getting used to. Overall, most are happy with the espresso and convenience of having a machine in their home.
"...It is very quick and is easy to read. I usually heat to about 170 deg F. Any hotter and you will burn your milk...." Read more
"...Even though this machine is easy to use, I still have to use decent coffee that is at least a little more finely ground than drip coffee and tamp..." Read more
"...Also, unscrewing the black plastic piece from the steaming wand is kinda crazy. Seems like an inordinate amount of threads, but I’m no engineer...." Read more
"...Some people say this is a bad thing but I find it convenient and space saving...." Read more
Customers like the ease of cleaning this coffee maker. They mention that the filter cleans easily, the grounds are fine and wash out easily, and the water tank is easily removable. They also say that the steam wand is easy to clean after frothing.
"...even have to run the disposal because the grounds are fine and wash out easily...." Read more
"...and moisture from the used basket and makes it quick and clean to swap out for the fresh one...." Read more
"...• Cleaning is a bit of a pain. It takes quite a bit longer to clean than my old machine...." Read more
"...Functionality:The water tank was easily removable so I did not have to worry about filling the pitcher from the appliance but yet take it out..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the size of the coffee maker. Some mention it's the perfect size, taking up minimal counter space. They appreciate the portafilter basket sizes, which have a shallow size for single shot and a deeper size for double. Others say that it'll take up limited counter space, but that the brew head is a bit small. Some say that the diameter is s little too small and that it can't quite fit a normal cup.
"...Not ideal for a typical box or chute with a knock-bar...." Read more
"...This picture fits perfectly on the drip tray with the steam wand swiveled into the picture, which makes for a nearly hands free operation when used..." Read more
"...The milk steamer is poorly designed, because (A) the steaming wand can only reach two inches into the steaming container, and (B) the wand does not..." Read more
"...that little cup would fit enough milk for me but it’s actually the perfect size. I use 4oz milk..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the heat of the coffee maker. Some mention that it heats up well and gets hotter as they use it, while others say that it takes time to warm up. The portofilter seems to help with this, as the milk comes up to temperature quite quickly. However, some customers also say that the machine is not really warm, which will make your espresso break easier and be hotter to touch. The cup warmer is passive, and due to the vibration and the steam knob on top, the espresso has cooled down, but your milk is nice and hot.
"...Mine is ready in one minute or less.* no cup warmer: in the manual says the top metal part is the cup warmer...." Read more
"...SHORT HEATING TIME - The DeLonghi heats up quickly. When you first start it, the green "ready" light will come on after a couple of minutes...." Read more
"...Not the true flavor of espresso. The problem is, it heats the water far too hot and powers the water through the coffee extracting more than just..." Read more
"...• Heats up A LOT faster than the directions say! 15 minutes? More like 2-3 maybe!..." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the leakage of the coffee maker. They mention that the seal on the steam wand leaks a tiny bit, and coffee started leaking into the handle and dripping from the end. The drip is not even from the two spouts, and it can drip a bit during cleanup. It also spills milk and grounds all over the place. Some customers also mention that they think the seal inside is wearing out.
"...tip your full steamer to get it out from under the wand, a little milk spills every time...." Read more
"...-Lastly is drips for a fairly long time compared to my other machine after you turn it off...." Read more
"...Speaking of leaks, there will be a tad of water leakage at the bottom, but even the manual itself said that it may happen...." Read more
"...making my espresso this morning to my sadness I noticed leakage from my frothing wand as I pulled my espresso...." Read more
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Use whole bean espresso roast and have it ground at a coffee shop (espresso grind). Do not buy pre-ground. Buy whole bean and have the shop grind it. That saves time and you get the perfect grind without sacrificing flavor. Then store in a quality sealed container (preferably glass). I use to be the person who wanted the coffee ground right before I drink it. I have found that coffee tastes just as good ground at the shop - if stored properly. No need to refrigerate. Do not freeze. Keep away from heat. Use within a few weeks.
Use shot glasses or espresso cups. I think the Mini Measure ® Mini Measuring Shot Glass Measures 1oz, 6 Tsp, 2 Tbs, 30ml work the best. This machine does not have the clearance to fit regular coffee cups under the extractor. About 2 3/8". There are two issues you have to overcome when using shot glasses. One, espresso usually comes out of the extraction ports unevenly. You have to split the volume difference when determining 2 oz's of espresso. Two, the vibration of the machine will cause the shot glass to skid across the drip tray. Solution, trim and apply Shepherd 3603 1.5" Round Anti Skid Pads to the bottom of the shot glasses. You know, the ones you put under your couch. The little flat vinyl/rubber ones work the best. I even put them on my frothing picture. No skidding anymore. None. Whatsoever. period.
Run two 2 oz blanks of water through the machine before extracting (water only, no coffee). Like the directions state, just two and the machine should be hot enough. You don't need to wait 15 min or 1/2 an hour. After you run the two blanks, wait for the green light to come back on and you are good to go.
Its optimum extraction is 2 oz's. The issue, I usually make 3 oz's per drink with 6 oz's of milk or water or whatever. However, that is not a huge issue because that is actually perfect for making two espresso drinks, which takes three extractions. Don't worry, the process is easy to get down and becomes quicker with time.
A good drink I like to make consists of 3 oz's espresso, 2 oz's Coffee-mate French Vanilla creamer, and 4 oz's water. I call it a French Vanilla Café Americano. Do not buy any of the syrups - Yuck! Use flavored creamers instead - Much Much better. At least 10 times better. Seriously. Follow that recipe and you will not be switching back to drip coffee any time soon. Plus, you probably already have an addiction (like I have) to a particular creamer. You can keep using it :)
The tamp - I only tamp the coffee with about 5 lbs of pressure. No need to kill it, just flatten it out.
If you are making more than one drink, make all your espresso at one time. That will save time when switching back and forth from the steam and extraction mode. The steam wand will fill with water during extraction (not a design flaw). You need to clear it before steaming or you will add lots of hot water to you milk or whatever you are steaming. That may bother some, but it actually works out perfectly. I use that stored water to preheat my coffee cups. As stated in the directions, setting the machine to the extraction mode and opening the steam valve shoots hot water out of the steam wand which can be used for hot tea among other things.
If you are a rapid fire espresso maker, be patient and allow the pressure to subside in the extractor (a minute or two) before removing. Nothing serious, but you will hear a hissing sound and spent coffee grounds will shoot upwards onto the water port. If that happens wipe the water port down with a paper towel. That should be regular maintenance anyway.
This machine DOES produce a dry puck of coffee, but that is not necessarily a good thing. A dry puck of coffee is hard to remove from the extractor. To avoid this, remove the extractor and empty the spent grounds within 5 minutes (there abouts) after extraction. Careful not to remove to quickly as noted above. If done right, you will have wet grounds in your extractor. I just dump them in the sink. I don't even have to run the disposal because the grounds are fine and wash out easily. I realize some may cringe at this, but I'd rather do that than beat the side of my trash can with the extractor. You start to look like a crazy person, banging and banging and banging.
Use the Update International EP-12 Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher, 12-Ounce and only fill it half way. This picture fits perfectly on the drip tray with the steam wand swiveled into the picture, which makes for a nearly hands free operation when used with the anti-skid pad. The steam wand is only submerged a 1/2 in or so. Works perfectly. I used to think I had to stick the steam wand at the bottom of the frothing picture. I have found that I get decent foam if the wand is submerged only partially. This technique will produce about 1/8 to 1/4 of foam with skim milk. If you want more foam (not suggested), use an electric milk frother.
Use the Rattleware 5-Inch Easy Steam Thermometer and attach it to the frothing picture. It is a little long, but it works out very well when you position the clip so that it is angled inside the picture handle (I wish I had a diagram). It is very quick and is easy to read. I usually heat to about 170 deg F. Any hotter and you will burn your milk.
If you pour the frothed milk first (espresso second), you can make espresso art with the drips from the remaining espresso in the shot glasses.
Update 3/19/2014 : I found a little measuring glass that looks like it will fit and work perfectly for the espresso extraction. Eliminating the need for two shot glasses. I ordered it last night while writing this review. I will update with results. Accessories RWSHOT Rattleware 3oz. Shot Pitcher . It is only 2" tall.
Right out of the box, its performance is only OKAY. You're not going to get coffee-shop results from pressurized filter baskets and plastic frothing aids, period. It's important to understand that. But if you're a skilled barista with enough technical know-how to remove the "idiot-proofing" mechanisms, this machine can deliver an amazing double-shot of espresso and small quantities of perfectly frothed milk for a fraction of the price of other machines - and it's built simply enough that this is fairly easy. There are lots of tutorials out there with detailed instructions, for anyone interested in trying this out.
I modified my setup by replacing the stock steam wand with the Rancilio #10049046 (around $25, plus a couple bucks at most for hose clamps), and by sawing off the bottom of the portafilter and filing down the screw socket to fit a DeLonghi #607706 filter basket (around $20). I also bought a 51mm heavy steel tamper (around $15, with removable/customizable handle) because the little built-in plastic tamper is useless (in fact I removed the built-in tamper to re-route the steam wand to the right side of the machine, which I like better).
It sounds like a lot of work and investment, but the trick is that because the stock performance isn't great, you can find these machines in excellent used condition REALLY CHEAP. The total cost of my first machine after all modifications was only $125 or so. I've since managed to snag a couple at thrift stores for $15 each - which appear to have only been used once or twice. All-told, I've spent less than $350 on TWO fully-functional modified machines (so I always have a backup), plus enough spare parts to keep both of them tip-top for at least a couple of decades by my reckoning.
I'd say these machines have good longevity. With proper care, they seem to keep on trucking pretty well through daily use (usually 2-3 cups per day, but sometimes a lot more). I dealt some heat damage to the wiring in the first unit I bought by forgetfully leaving it on for long stretches (entirely too often), but it was still functional (just smelled of hot plastic) when I replaced it after about 2.5 years of regular use. Boiler and pump were fine, so I kept them as spares.
The biggest innate limiting factor is capacity. This isn't a problem for me, since my go-to drink is very "short" - a double-shot with only 4-6 oz of half-and-half. If you're looking to bring your "Venti" drink habit home with you, this machine might be underwhelming. Even if you raise the machine up to accommodate a taller pitcher, it doesn't build up enough steam to properly froth more than 8-10 oz of milk at a time.
Speed and timing is also a factor. I get best results by steaming the milk right before pulling the shot (single boiler means you can't do both at once), then swirling/conditioning the milk while the shot is pulling (do it the other way around and the shot will go flat before the milk is ready). The machine also needs a moment to rest between shots for best results and mess-reduction. Trying to remove the portafilter immediately after pulling a shot often lets out a little burst of pressurized water and grounds. If you pick up an extra filter basket, you can make two drinks fairly quickly back-to-back by filling and tamping both baskets before you start, then leaving the spent puck from the first drink in the machine while you steam the milk for the second one; this usually eliminates excess pressure and moisture from the used basket and makes it quick and clean to swap out for the fresh one.
The biggest external limiting factor is your grinder. A decent grinder is critical. I've been using a Capresso Infinity burr grinder since I bought my first machine, and I find it adequate - though I'll definitely upgrade my grinder before I ever dream of buying a different espresso machine. Most of the negative reviews I've read for this machine are from people using pre-ground or improperly ground coffee beans. Even with a pressurized basket, an unsuitable grind will yield poor results. With a modified/de-pressurized basket, the quality of the shot absolutely depends on the grind being fine enough and consistent enough (and tamped properly) to provide the resistance/pressure necessary for optimal extraction.
One annoying little thing about this setup is that there's no tensioning spring/clip to hold the filter basket in the portafilter handle. You have to use the little flip-up holder to keep it in place while knocking the spent puck of grounds out (whether you're using the stock version or the modified version). Not ideal for a typical box or chute with a knock-bar. Easiest method seems to be knocking horizontally against the inside wall of a large receptacle while firmly holding the little flipper/stopper in place with my thumb. This is not a dealbreaker for me, but is a fussy step.
BOTTOM LINE: this isn't the best machine to buy if you want straight-outta-the-box plug-and-play convenience. But if you're looking for good espresso on a budget, are willing to do a little tinkering, and know how to properly control your variables, I'd say this is the best bang for your buck. No bells and whistles, but it can easily outperform machines that cost hundreds of dollars more. I've worked on a couple of big commercial machines (Nuova Simonelli) over a handful of years, and while this little machine requires more finesse, the quality it delivers (albeit on a smaller scale) is just as good.
With the abundance of mediocre and poorly-trained baristas out there, it's VERY rare to get a better shot/latte from a coffee shop than what I can make with this machine at home.
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2019
Right out of the box, its performance is only OKAY. You're not going to get coffee-shop results from pressurized filter baskets and plastic frothing aids, period. It's important to understand that. But if you're a skilled barista with enough technical know-how to remove the "idiot-proofing" mechanisms, this machine can deliver an amazing double-shot of espresso and small quantities of perfectly frothed milk for a fraction of the price of other machines - and it's built simply enough that this is fairly easy. There are lots of tutorials out there with detailed instructions, for anyone interested in trying this out.
I modified my setup by replacing the stock steam wand with the Rancilio #10049046 (around $25, plus a couple bucks at most for hose clamps), and by sawing off the bottom of the portafilter and filing down the screw socket to fit a DeLonghi #607706 filter basket (around $20). I also bought a 51mm heavy steel tamper (around $15, with removable/customizable handle) because the little built-in plastic tamper is useless (in fact I removed the built-in tamper to re-route the steam wand to the right side of the machine, which I like better).
It sounds like a lot of work and investment, but the trick is that because the stock performance isn't great, you can find these machines in excellent used condition REALLY CHEAP. The total cost of my first machine after all modifications was only $125 or so. I've since managed to snag a couple at thrift stores for $15 each - which appear to have only been used once or twice. All-told, I've spent less than $350 on TWO fully-functional modified machines (so I always have a backup), plus enough spare parts to keep both of them tip-top for at least a couple of decades by my reckoning.
I'd say these machines have good longevity. With proper care, they seem to keep on trucking pretty well through daily use (usually 2-3 cups per day, but sometimes a lot more). I dealt some heat damage to the wiring in the first unit I bought by forgetfully leaving it on for long stretches (entirely too often), but it was still functional (just smelled of hot plastic) when I replaced it after about 2.5 years of regular use. Boiler and pump were fine, so I kept them as spares.
The biggest innate limiting factor is capacity. This isn't a problem for me, since my go-to drink is very "short" - a double-shot with only 4-6 oz of half-and-half. If you're looking to bring your "Venti" drink habit home with you, this machine might be underwhelming. Even if you raise the machine up to accommodate a taller pitcher, it doesn't build up enough steam to properly froth more than 8-10 oz of milk at a time.
Speed and timing is also a factor. I get best results by steaming the milk right before pulling the shot (single boiler means you can't do both at once), then swirling/conditioning the milk while the shot is pulling (do it the other way around and the shot will go flat before the milk is ready). The machine also needs a moment to rest between shots for best results and mess-reduction. Trying to remove the portafilter immediately after pulling a shot often lets out a little burst of pressurized water and grounds. If you pick up an extra filter basket, you can make two drinks fairly quickly back-to-back by filling and tamping both baskets before you start, then leaving the spent puck from the first drink in the machine while you steam the milk for the second one; this usually eliminates excess pressure and moisture from the used basket and makes it quick and clean to swap out for the fresh one.
The biggest external limiting factor is your grinder. A decent grinder is critical. I've been using a Capresso Infinity burr grinder since I bought my first machine, and I find it adequate - though I'll definitely upgrade my grinder before I ever dream of buying a different espresso machine. Most of the negative reviews I've read for this machine are from people using pre-ground or improperly ground coffee beans. Even with a pressurized basket, an unsuitable grind will yield poor results. With a modified/de-pressurized basket, the quality of the shot absolutely depends on the grind being fine enough and consistent enough (and tamped properly) to provide the resistance/pressure necessary for optimal extraction.
One annoying little thing about this setup is that there's no tensioning spring/clip to hold the filter basket in the portafilter handle. You have to use the little flip-up holder to keep it in place while knocking the spent puck of grounds out (whether you're using the stock version or the modified version). Not ideal for a typical box or chute with a knock-bar. Easiest method seems to be knocking horizontally against the inside wall of a large receptacle while firmly holding the little flipper/stopper in place with my thumb. This is not a dealbreaker for me, but is a fussy step.
BOTTOM LINE: this isn't the best machine to buy if you want straight-outta-the-box plug-and-play convenience. But if you're looking for good espresso on a budget, are willing to do a little tinkering, and know how to properly control your variables, I'd say this is the best bang for your buck. No bells and whistles, but it can easily outperform machines that cost hundreds of dollars more. I've worked on a couple of big commercial machines (Nuova Simonelli) over a handful of years, and while this little machine requires more finesse, the quality it delivers (albeit on a smaller scale) is just as good.
With the abundance of mediocre and poorly-trained baristas out there, it's VERY rare to get a better shot/latte from a coffee shop than what I can make with this machine at home.
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Previous reviewers have complained about the small space for the cup and for the milk jug. The space is a bit less than other machines, but this isn't really a problem for me. Likewise vibration and noise (which some reviewers have complained about) haven't been an issue for me.
The only issue I have experienced is that the holder is quite hard to get into place. The first few times it seemed like I was going to break the machine to get it in, but with time it has got easier. I read a helpful review that suggested putting it into place as far as possible, turning the pressure on until coffee just starts to flow, and then tighten the holder. This seemed to help a bit - though I don't need to do it now that I've used the machine for a while.
I find that this machine makes a good crema - even with cheap coarse grind coffee. The steam wand works great - it seems almost impossible to not create a good foam (I use cold 1% milk and a stainless steel jug). I haven't used the tamper - it looks a bit useless because it is attached to the machine - I use the hand-held plastic one that I had from my old machine.
All in, I'm really happy with this purchase. (And the Amazon purchase and delivery was faultless as well).
Reviewed in Canada on October 29, 2021
Pero el espumeador es corto y no termina de convencerme para espúmese la leche tal vez es falta De práctica
Y también es muy corto el espacio para poner la taza caben tazas como las de la foto más grande solo quitando la rejilla de metal para que te de 2 cm de más aproximadamente
Pero me ha gustado bastante y por el precio no me puedo quejar llego muy rápido! Y el envío era de Estados Unidos :) contenta :)
Reviewed in Mexico on December 5, 2020
Pero el espumeador es corto y no termina de convencerme para espúmese la leche tal vez es falta De práctica
Y también es muy corto el espacio para poner la taza caben tazas como las de la foto más grande solo quitando la rejilla de metal para que te de 2 cm de más aproximadamente
Pero me ha gustado bastante y por el precio no me puedo quejar llego muy rápido! Y el envío era de Estados Unidos :) contenta :)