DeLonghi EC5 Steam-Driven 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, Black
|
List Price: Our Price: $31.64 You Save: $34.36 (52%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $28.99 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
|---|
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of DeLonghi EC5 Steam-Driven 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, Black
Customer Review: It stopped working suddenly:(
Summary: 2 Stars
Getting this machine was my idea, my husband was happy with our leaking, overflowing Mr. Coffee coffee maker. I finally took the plug and we are both glad we did. Now, we have had this for only a week, so I can't comment on longevity. I will update as needed. So far we have found it easy to use (we read through the directions the first time we made expresso) and it makes a good cup of joe. The instructions suggest making two cups of coffee before you actually drink what you made so I did that. My husband wishes it made an 8 cup of java juice but that would defeat the purpose:) We use the same coffee as before (Caribou Mahogany) and it is very flavorful. The steamer works well with our coffee mug and whole milk. It is nice because we steam the milk right in the mug, pour the coffee in and have a very hot, yummy cup. Alone the coffee is not that hot but we always add seamed milk which brings up the temp significantly.
Ok, we loved this machine while it worked. We brewed 2-4 cups a day for 4 months. Then one morning it just wouldn't heat up anymore. It appears that the heating element died. Ugh, now we paid money for something that doesn't work. It sucks!
Customer Review: Not worth the money you save
Summary: 2 Stars
There is a reason that this machine is as cheap as it is. It's probably the most no-frills espresso machine you can buy. I'll start with the good- it makes as good a cup of espresso as any machine out there. If you aren't interested in making cappuccino and only want espresso, then I suppose you could do a lot worse. The build quality doesn't seem bad either, but I haven't had it long enough to really attest to it's durability.
The negatives of this machine become apparent if you want to make cappuccino. First of all, the frothing wand is very awkwardly placed considering it must be used while the machine is dripping. Secondly, the machine can't produce enough steam to froth milk very effectively. I've made several batches on this machine, and I still can't get it right. I've been able to get a few okay results out of this machine, so I suppose I may need a bit more practice. Most machines allow you to switch between steaming milk and brew modes, however, so this isn't as difficult.
Spend a little more for a machine with a reservoir that will allow you to switch between steaming milk and brew modes.
Customer Review: Good Machine, Needs to be Taller Though
Summary: 4 Stars
I got this machine because it was fairly inexpensive and it had decent reviews. It does make good espresso, haven't tried it for cappuccino yet, and I haven't been able to steam the milk for my latte's as by the time I get my cup out and the milk into it the machine's done, but we're working on it. My main gripe is that when the espresso spout is hooked up, it's to big for a regular cup to fit under there. Yes, I could just buy a set of tiny espresso cups, but if I'm making a latte, I need a larger cup, especially when I'm putting double shots in (or on a day when I need more, 4 shots) and those cups don't fit under the spout without tipping the cup. If you tip the cup then you have to tip it to get it back out and then the espresso spills.
I do like that it's so easy to use, that it comes with the little pre-measured pot (which is cute, if it wasn't glass I'd let my toddler play coffee maker with it), and all you have to do is push the button on the side. The machine is quick and quiet and easy to clean thanks to the removable tray. Just needs an adjustable spout and it would be perfect.
Customer Review: BEST. $40. SPENT. EVER.
Summary: 5 Stars
LOVE THIS MACHINE!!!!!!!!! I used to be a Starbucks latte drinker and my venti would cost 4.89 plus 1.00 tip. I used to do this 1-2x daily!!! I am not a huge fan of coffee perse, so I always was into the super sweet concoctions with lots of espresso. My husband was also good for 2-3 starbucks dbl shots/day. We figured we were spending easily 110.00/week (almost 500.00/month!!!). Now I buy the starbucks syrup and beans and make all of our drinks from home.
This little, inexpensive machine is AWESOME. So easy to use, sturdy, and quick. I have used machines before but my husband (who cant use a manual can opener, to be noted) only took two tries to master it. VERY USER FRIENDLY :o)He makes his own every morning. The frothing wand works well and Ive had no problems. Im actually shocked at some of the reviews and am going to blame individual machine malfunction or operator error.
Im writing this review because Im online ordering one for a friend. GREAT BUY!!!
This machine will pay for itself in 8 drinks and save you money while you enjoy it!!
Customer Review: Excellent choice for the money...
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews of this product. Perhaps the reviewers ended up with the occasional lemons. I've purchased two of these...one I bought for myself, and the other as a gift, and they've worked beautifully. The milk steamer is very effective (but as noted, the wand is a bit short, which would be my only complaint). It would be nice to have a separate bypass switch between brewing and steaming modes, but the lack of one is common in machines in this price range. Overall I'm very happy with mine and have had no problems at all. At the current price, I'd highly recommend purchasing one. If you want more features and better construction, then spend another $100 or more for a steam pump model, but for fast and easy coffee drinks from a functional, affordable machine, this is hard to beat.
January 2010 update: It's been over four years since purchasing two of these coffee makers, and both are still going strong. The one I purchased for myself is used almost daily, and still works perfectly.