DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
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List Price: Our Price: $788.78 You Save: $471.22 (37%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $749.99 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
Customer Review: Great Machine, sorry I did not get before
Summary: 5 Stars
We have had a DeLonghi for about a year (slightly different model, but same internals) and not a single hitch. It just ploughs on and on and we make lots of excellent coffee cups each day.
The coffee is much cheaper than the nespresso machines ( roughly 10% of the cost) so we have handsomely paid the machine off already. We hesitated at the cost, but have zero regrets. Nespresso is a real rip-off, cheap machine OK, but running costs .. ouch, with a quality of coffee really very similar (Froth, strength etc, once you have settled for the right kind of beans.)
True, it is a bit noisy when it grinds, but thats OK, and one has to fill up the water container often, but as we need to empty the dregs, as well it's not a problem, Easy to do both together.
When you have 20 guests, and they all want coffee simultaneously, well, it is slow, and a professional machine could be better, but here with a single pump, it's fine for 6-8 guests.
Maintenance ? what maintenance ? - practically none, it's very clean inside, and does not gum up, after a year of heavy use. The internals are well designed, robust and simple.
2years later:
This is still going fine, with well over 4000 cups of coffee brewed.
I did have a hitch when my son n law borrowed the machine for 3 months, and used dark roasted coffee, (Starbucks)and it seemed not to be able to "take" the been into the grinder.
A Swiss friend helped me clean out, it was not jammed or worn out, but suggested me to take less dark roasted beans, as this is often a problem with this type of machines (also other brands)
Since, No problem. It just grinds away and gives excellent coffee, which my friends all love.
Customer Review: Outstanding Automatic Espresso Machine
Summary: 5 Stars
This machine is great. We bought it four months ago to replace the old Saeco Vienna machine, and I decided to test it for that long before writing a review.
Starting up the machine takes about 90 seconds. It goes through its pre-programmed cycle, and about 1.5 minutes later, it is ready to brew. Switching from brewing a plain cup of espresso to making a cappucino takes very little time (less than 30 seconds before the steam comes out at full force). Likewise, switching from milk frothing to brewing coffee takes only about 30 seconds.
It allows you to control the fineness of the coffee ground, the amount of beans used, 1-2 cups, and the volume of the coffee per cup. The milk frother works really well. One has to practice a couple of times to attain the froth quality one likes - but that's common among all milk frother.
What I like about the system is that it does goes through a pretty thorough self-cleaning process when it powers down. It does automatic shut-off if you forget to turn it off. The time between automatic shut-off and the last cup brewed is more than an hour (sometimes it freaks my dog out when it undergoes self-cleaning and powers itself down while we are all quietly reading in the living room). The grinder is a little loud, but then it doesn't bother me as long as the coffee quality it generates is superb - and it is.
As a word caution - it is never a good idea to use super oily beans on automatic machines such as this one. Illy coffee beans works well in general, but so do a lot of other brands as long as one select the least oily blend.
Overall, I am very happy with the machine. The price is right for the quality you get. I recommend it highly.
Customer Review: Have used daily for 18 months no problems
Summary: 4 Stars
I have the 3200 which if effectively the same machine, and it has been a real workhorse. It is my second super automatic, and about my fourth espresso maker in general. If you're an espresso or cappuccino lover, you can really get spoiled by the super automatic machines.
I have been told by someone who worked in the industry that to get a really superior espresso, you have to jump up to the multi thousand dollars, so in this price range, a great machine.
Previously I had a super automatic with higher reviews, but it died on me after less than a month. Before that I had semi automatics. I loved my little Starbucks machine but it isn't made anymore, I used that daily for years.
One of the best features of this DeLonghi product is the quality of the support if you need to call the customer service line. The employees are fantastic (native English speakers), patient and helpful. Last time I called I got the impression the call center was in Canada. I never got the feeling they were impatient with me, but so helpful and walked me through everything.
I always used filtered water, clean the machine as directed, and try to use non oily beans (but they are probably oilier than ideal).
Pluses
1. Reliable
2. Coffee quality is very good (not superb - but very good)
3. Great foaming for cappuccino
4. Machine tells you when it needs to be descaled
5. Fairly simple to assemble and take apart for cleaning
6. Wonderful customer support
Cons
1. Machine has a lot of plastic inside
2. A little noisy
3. Descaling process is confusing at first until you get used to the long silences and during the process
Customer Review: Makes very good espresso, excellent frother
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this unit after getting disappointing results with a Cuisinart model. I didn't research it much; it was on the shelf at my local retailer so I gave it a try. I really didn't have very high hopes, because the Delonghi is a little "plasticky" compared to the Cuisinart, and because I typically don't trust devices that are fully automatic.
Well, I was VERY pleasantly surprised with this model and I have been using it 2-3 times per day for about a month.
Here's a quick rundown on how the machine works. You fill the bean hopper with coffee beans, and the water tank with (obviously) water. You turn the machine on, and it takes about a minute to warm up. It drips about an ounce of water, probably to heat and flush the machine. I catch it in a mug and dump it.
To make an espresso, you put a cup or two under the spouts, and press the single or double shot button. The machine grinds, clunks and whirs, and after about 30 seconds it begins dispensing espresso, nice and warm with a good layer of crema. The espresso is robust and tastes great.
To froth milk, you switch on the frother, and catch the water that comes out with a mug. When it turns to steam (about 10 seconds), you submerge the tip into the milk and begin frothing (use a frothing thermometer for best results). This is where the machine really shines--it is a strong frother compared to the other units I've tried.
It is true that this model is mostly plastic on the outside, so it may not be the pride of the countertop for the appliance-status-conscious. On the other hand, though, it is a fully automatic unit for well under $1000, and it makes great beverages. I have no regrets with this purchase.
Customer Review: 2 month review, good value for money
Summary: 5 Stars
2 months ago I received my 1st ever espresso machine, DeLonghi ESAM 3300. At a price of 800 I was slighly nervous to the quality and tru value for money.
As with anything else, cons are easiest to spot.
Cons:
- I have not found a way to empty out the coffee bean tray if I would like to. Some beans are not good and it's kindo crazy to have to finish 20 cups of coffee you don't like till the grinder is empty again.
- It is a little "plastic is fantastic" machine. It may look metal, but indeed it's like all new cars, plastic everywhere. Not a problem, just nice to know in case you expect it to be metal.
- The only metal on it is what should have been plastic covered, the steam pipe. I have burnt my fingers 20 times already as the steel pipe is shiny and easy to spot and the tap for moving the pipe is black and not naturally what your fingers grabs for. The plastic should have been red and the pipe covered with insulated metal/plastic.
- The machine only has 110V so I have to get a converter moving over to Europe.
- The machine is somewhat noisy, but I think they all are.
Pros:
- The coffee is just awesome. Really blows you out. My mother in law had 20 cups a day, which sais alot.
- The steamer is nice and does a good job. You need a frother, I bought 2, however you don't really need 2. My frother was only 10 oz wich is not large enough. Get 18 or 20 oz.
- The machine is very easy to clean. Takes a few minutes every other day, but I enjoy spending half an hour playing with the new kitchen toy.
- Beans are a separate chapter. I'm not going there yet. Get a scribble book, take notes and you'll get yourselves a new hobby. ENJOY.