De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
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List Price: Our Price: $99.95 You Save: $40.05 (29%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $48.95 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Customer Review: DOA - got replacement - all is good
Summary: 4 Stars
I own a DeLonghi EC140B that I purchased from Newegg a few years back for 50. I love it and thought I would take the old one to work and buy the EC155 for home. The EC155 arrived and the first irritating thing was standing water in the inlet under the tank. Testing purpose? Refurbished? Doesn't matter, I do not like water in a brand new machine. Then I spent an hour to figure out why in the world the machine would not deliver water through the boiler outlet. Yep, I let it sit with full tank for an hour and more, green light indicated it's ready. The boiler outlet is bone dry. The steamer works fine and delivers steam. There is sufficient heat and pressure. Apparently the pump is clogged or one of the two temp sensors is not working. I assume this machine uses separate valves that are controlled by two separate temp sensors (2 temp sensors according to manual). I really hoped I'd love this one too, but DOA with water in the machine? Extremely disappointed. I actually go so far and think that this was returned (standing water at inlet) and they never bothered to check why, and just repackaged it.
Returning is the only option. Reading other negative reviews I rather try to get something similar at the local store next time.
Update: well, after not being able to find anything decent at a similar price I decided to change refund to replacement. Replacement shipped within two days, thanks Amazon. The machine works great just like my older EC140B. Giving it 4stars and hope it lasts as long as the old one. Great espresso, cappuccino or cafe au lait - can't beat the price.
Customer Review: Serviceable and Satisfactory Espresso Maker Good for Daily Use
Summary: 4 Stars
Home espresso machines have usually two non-negotiable functions. One is the making of the espresso, and the other is the production of steam for foaming milk. The DeLonghi Espresso Maker accomplishes both, and sits on a space smaller than my standard coffee brewer.
Working well is the creation of an average espresso. The water heats quickly, and the pressure is enough to generate a sweet crema. The taste compares with most coffeehouse espressos.
Making froth is not as easy as the manufacturer implies. The steam spigot hangs low, meaning only the smallest of mugs can fit. In my case, to also avoid milk splash, I turn it so that the spigot hangs over the counter. Inevitably, a mix of water and milk drips to the floor. Similarly, the spigot drips while heating up.
Cleaning is not hassle-free. The removable tray does as intended. The underlining tray does not. Coffee drips there, and dries, and is difficult to remove.
Single- and double-shot coffee holders are provided, and the used grounds pop out quickly, especially when dry.
I do not own the accessories, like the frothing cup. I use a mug. Also, while I have espresso cups, I prefer to retrieve a double espresso with a tea cup to avoid overflow.
A more expensive machine will have more bells and whistles, but for an economical daily morning appliance, this is a great, functional solution.
Making the perfect espresso may be impossible with the DeLonghi Espresso Maker, but a good one is achievable. For the price, I am satisfied.
--Brockeim
Customer Review: Very disappointed
Summary: 1 Stars
I read lots and lots of reviews, and thought that I would just see for myself. I had a Krups, then a Mr. Coffee espresso maker and after they both started to die, I decided to go to a pump version. I was very excited to get this and am now hugely disappointed and sending it back. I consider myself an experienced espresso maker and have been making successful lattes at home for many years. I was hugely disappointed with this machine. FIrst of all, when I turned on the machine, it practically fell off my counter from it's vibration....the bodum coffee cups that I bought to collect the espresso vibrated right off of the tray.....I fixed this somewhat by placing a towel underneath the machine to absorb some of the movement, but ended up using a carafe from my old Mr. Coffee to collect my espresso. My biggest complaint is that that no matter what I do, I cannot get a strong espresso out of this thing....basically every single latte that I have made with this thing tastes really bad.....I found out that a lot of water comes out of the steam wand if not primed a little first, but even after letting some water out and waiting for the steam, my lattes have tasted awful.....worse than drip coffee with milk.
I had no problem with temperature or actual frothing (although my milk was seriously watered down) and it looks nice on my counter, but as far as I am concerned I had much better tasting lattes from my Krups and Mr. Coffee. I had such high hopes for you, DeLonghi, but you are going back to Amazon without second thoughts. So disappointed. I am going to save my money for a Gaggia.
Customer Review: 2 Replacements in Less Than One Year
Summary: 2 Stars
Normally I am laid back about warranty replacements, I understand that some appliances (especially on the low-end like this one) have their issues and sometimes you have to work with the manufacturer to get it taken care of. In the case of this espresso maker however I don't think I will be purchasing anything made by DeLonghi again.
First Instance - After a couple weeks of use I noticed a puddle of water under the machine from time to time. I checked all possible sources and even emptied the water reservoir after ever use for a while... I was still getting large pools of water on my counter top. Finally I gave in and sent for a replacement....cut off the cord (to prove you disabled it I guess) and send them $15 for a new one. The shipping seemed a bit steep but I wanted my morning latte as soon as possible so I didn't complain.
Second Instance - A month or so after receiving the replacement I was having trouble with the steam wand. I removed the black cap, cleaned it thoroughly....no dice. I tried a couple more times and it finally came back to life, no biggie. A couple months more go by and sure enough the steam wand is malfunctioning again. Repeated same process as before however it remains dead after 2 weeks of trying. So I call again to get a replacement and to my surprise I am again charged $15....my "second time replacement" plea fell on deaf ears.
So while this is a cheap pump machine that makes pretty decent espresso I would go ahead an pony up the extra money for a nicer model. I have learned my lesson and won't impulse buy next time.
Customer Review: Great espresso, great price
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my first espresso machine, and I'm very impressed with it. Picked this up recently while it was on sale + rebate for about 60 bucks. Worth every penny, and has paid for itself many times over. I've made several shots a day for the last two weeks, and it keeps getting better and better as I learn to use it more effectively.
The steam wand, while low to the counter, hasn't been an issue because we keep the machine on the edge of the counter, allowing us to use any size container for frothing. We don't have a real pitcher yet, so we've been making do with a coffee creamer (added bonus: when finished frothing, we can pour the steamed milk through the spout of the creamer, which effectively blocks out the foam which can be spooned on after pouring).
I've been trying to keep it in good shape by pulling a shot or two without coffee in the basket before and after each use. Haven't experienced any issues with built-up grounds yet.
For fans of Good Eats, this machine fits the bill exactly as Alton Brown recommended: settings for warming the machine up, frothing, and pulling shots; steam control valve; and warming tray. And most importantly, it's pump-driven. The removable water tank is wonderful as well.
So far, I've only made espresso on this with $3.50 cans of "Joe" from Trader Joe's (ground fine with our burr grinder), and it tastes every bit as good as anything I've had from Starbucks. Can't wait to try it with upgraded coffee beans.
Very pleased with this purchase. Would heartily recommend.