DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine Review

I have the EAM3200, which is the previous model version. The differences are slight but noticeable to the newer. These machines are the best in class for price and performance, produce a great espresso, and are maintainable in ways that other manufacturers models are not. The coffee from the Delonghi is just as good as from Jura and even some manual models such as Expobar and Rancillo. It is very close to what you find in Italy - not quite, but for the price it is worth it. Great crema, hot temperature, rich flavor. And the best part is you can pull out the brew mechanism and clean it - VERY key. This will ensure sound operation and function for many years.

In order to keep this machine is fine working order, you need to do a bit of upkeep each week and use the right beans.

1. Only use non-oily, 100% Arabica beans. If you use oily beans it will clog frequently and attract rancid flavors. It will also shorten the life of the machine. I use Illy, but any espresso will do (I actually get the Illy dark roast - it has more flavor when brewing a larger "americano" cup).
2. Clean the brew mechanism once a week. Just snap it out and run it under hot water.
3. Use spring water instead of tap water. This will keep any weird flavors from your tap entering the coffee. It may build up minerals, but...
4. De-calcify the machine when it asks for it - don't wait.

I, for one, would rather have manual controls over coffee amount, strength, etc. You are not losing out on anything by not having digital controls - other than not being able to have the machine automatically on and ready to go when you first wake up. As for the other models ability to do milk-based drinks at the touch of a button - how often do you really want a cappuccino? If it is every day, then get the 3500. If you are like me and need real coffee in the morning, then get this model. The milk canister can only sit in the fridge for so long. If you are planning to serve cappuccino at dinner parties, then you are committing Italian heresy - cappuccino is only served in the morning.

CONS
1. The cup warmer does not work very well, but get double walled cups and the temperature of the product will not be an issue.
2. You can't have it turn on automatically at a certain time. But it only takes a few minutes to get up to temperature.
3. It is NOISY.

My espresso settings - coffee amount at 10 o'clock, strength at 3 o'clock, single cup dispense. Super double espresso in an espresso cup. I may have 2 of these on a saturday.

My wife's "americano" settings - coffee amount at 3 o'clock, strength at 3 o'clock, double cup dispense. Full cup of rich coffee in a normal cup.

Bean grind at 5.

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Product Description:
Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, and more, this super-automatic machine features a unique beans-to-brew system that grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. The appliance comes equipped with two stainless-steel boilers that provide excellent heat distribution, as well as an instant reheat function, which keeps the machine at an ideal temperature, no matter how long the interval between cups. In addition, its quiet burr grinder automatically grinds beans and can be set to a specific grinding level, but the unit can also be used with ground coffee if preferred.
The unit's front panel offers easily accessible controls for the on/off switch and cappuccino system, as well as for adjusting the quantity of water and coffee to suit individual tastes, from long or short to weak or strong. Its patented cappuccino system rotates 180 degrees to allow for any size milk container, plus the coffee spigot height can be adjusted to accommodate all different cup sizes--from a classic espresso cup to a tall mug. Even more, the unit's exclusive cup tray keeps cups warm before use, and its three-hour automatic shutoff provides added safety. Other highlights include a 60-ounce removable water tank, a handy water-level indicator, a 7-ounce bean container, an electronic steam and coffee thermostat, rinse and decalcification auto programs, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. Made in Italy, the 1,150-watt espresso/coffee machine measures 17 by 13 by 18 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
From the Manufacturer
Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, and more, this super-automatic machine features a unique beans-to-brew system that grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. The machine makes espresso at a consistently ideal temperature because of its new stainless-steel double boiler, which provides excellent heat distribution, as well as its instant reheat function, which keeps the machine at an ideal temperature, no matter how long the interval between cups.
The machine's patented cappuccino system rotates 180 degrees to allow for any size milk container, while its coffee spigot height can be adjusted to allow for all different cup sizes--from a classic espresso cup to a tall mug. The unit features an exclusive cup tray to keeps cups warm before use, as well as a three-hour automatic shutoff for safety. For added convenience the unit comes with a water-level indicator, an electronic steam and coffee thermostat, rinse and decalcification auto programs, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. Made in Italy, this 1,150-watt espresso/coffee machine measures 17 by 13 by 18 inches. Brewing Unit:The "Heart" of Magnifica
Beans-to-Brew System
One of the secrets to making a high-quality espresso is using freshly ground coffee beans. Because of the beans-to-brew system, the Magnifica offers you coffee that has a delicious aroma.The coffee is freshly ground and no traces are left in the machine.Magnifica is the only super-automatic machine that delivers the freshest results.


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Gaggia Platium Vision 90950 Automatic Espresso Machine with Free Milk Island, Champagne Review

I've owned semi automatic machines in the past and let me tell you, this machine certainly brews a better espresso than any of those machines ever did! Just to prove a point to my husband, I brewed him an espresso at home last night, then took him to our favorite cafe this morning and bought him one, and then I heard those beautiful words, "You were right." Music to my ears! So if you're looking for a tasty espresso, that requires no effort or thought what-so-ever, give this machine a whirl and you won't be sorry!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gaggia Platium Vision 90950 Automatic Espresso Machine with Free Milk Island, Champagne

Product Description:
With over 65 years in the industry, you won't find a better quality espresso brewed from a home espresso machine. Grind, dose and brew your espresso, all at the touch of a button. Switch to steam by turning the knob and let the Milk Island, a separate frothing attachment, create the perfect foam for those delicious cappuccinos. Or froth with the pannarello wand, used in the traditional way with a frothing pitcher; both options are hands off!Gaggia has gone above and beyond with the LED touch screen display, stainless steel control panel, rapid steam boiler, and the two frothers, creating a very simple, consistent and reliable machine to operate. The touch screen offers an abundance of programmable options. The Beverage Settings allow you to set the strength, intensity, temperature and volume for your espresso, coffee, and tall coffee. The Time/Date Settings allow you to adjust stand-by mode and also set the machine to turn on and off up to 3 times a day, 7 days a week. For example, Monday -- 6am, 12pm, 6pm, Friday -- 6am, 1pm, 9pm and Saturday -- 9am, 6pm, 10pm. Machine Settings allow you to set the language, adjust the cup warmer, and set the water settings including rinse mode, water filter and water hardness. Maintenance Settings include cleaning and descale cycles and lock display, which allows you to clean the menu screen without accidentally selecting a beverage. Lastly, Special Settings include factory settings, which allow you to reset the machine to the original manufacturer settings.All super automatic machines have a centralized brew group where the brewing process takes place. One of the many key advantages to the Gaggia machines is the removable brew group, which creates easy maintenance.After some extensive field and comparison testing against other top brands, plus having Baristas/Connoisseurs sample its final product, we're happy to report the Gaggia Platinum's have come out on top, each and every time.

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DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker Review

Despairing of ever finding decent espresso in the Midwest, I finally broke down and decided to get a home espresso machine.I had worked as a barrista, and had sipped espresso in Italy, so I had some idea of how it should taste.

Being relatively poor, I wanted a machine that would deliver a decent espresso, at a decent price.Though I was willing to consider a system with proprietary coffee pods (K-cups, Tassimo, etc), it would have to be cheap enough that I wouldn't mind shelling out the extra bucks for the coffee itself.And I also wanted to make sure that it was pump-driven, not steam-driven.

After checking reviews and looking around, I finally settled on the DeLonghi BAR32.It's a pump-driven maker, not steam driven, so it's not scorching the grounds as it brews.And it comes with a single and a double espresso filter.

The DeLonghi uses either ground espresso, or E.S.E. espresso pods.The E.S.E. pods are not proprietary - any company can make them.The DeLonghi comes with a package of 18 Illy pods (retail - $12).The pods are convenient, but still expensive.

I've had the espresso maker for several days, and I'm happy with it so far.With the pods, it pulls a good single espresso with a satisfactory crema.Sugar floats on top of the crema for about 2-3 seconds, and it has a nice golden color.The espresso tastes very smooth.

Pulling a good single espresso, either with the pods or loose coffee, is pretty easy.Use the pods as a good judge of how tightly to pack the grounds in the filter.Use a level, loosely packed scoop of coffee for a single shot.

Pulling a good double, on the other hand, still eludes me.The best I've come up with is to use 2 scoops, 3/4 full and loosely packed, and pressed looser than for a single.Even then, it still dribbles out slowly, with a less-than-satisfactory (though present) crema.

The steam wand works very well.I've made several excellent cappuccinos and lattes with it.It's a little cramped to use, so I pull mine to the edge of the counter so that I can get a good mug under it.I steam straight into the mug of milk, and then add the espresso.Make sure to blow some steam through it to clear out condensation before putting it in your milk.Start with the steam wand nearly submerged in the milk, and then slowly pull it out (lower the mug) until you hear a gentle "sipping" sound.That means that it's frothing.If you see noticeable bubbles on top of the milk, that means you've pulled it out too far - dip it back in slowly and you should be able to whip the bubbles into froth.Once the froth is just below the level you want it, submerge the wand back into the milk to finish heating it.Listen again - once the milk starts to sound "hollow," it's nearly hot enough.Let it go for a few more seconds, then shut off the steam, and remove the mug.The wand will drip a bit, so put it over the drip tray or an empty mug.

Making espresso is fairly easy.Turn the machine to "Heat" to start heating the water and priming the pump.Make sure the filter holder is screwed into the machine.Once the "Hot" light comes on, run an espresso cycle without coffee into the cup you'll use - pulling espresso into a cold cup will ruin the flavor.Fill the cup half-way with hot water, and turn the machine back to "Heat."Empty and quickly dry the espresso cup.Put the E.S.E. pod or ground espresso into the filter (tamp down the loose espresso) and twist it into the machine.Turn the machine on, and wait until you've got your cup of espresso.A single espresso should be 30-40ml, or 1-1.5oz.I used a measuring cup to see what that looked like in my demitasse cups.

Looking back over what I've written, I suppose I do make it look a little complicated.And it is a little bit more complicated that popping the K-cup into the machine, and hitting "Go."But it really is pretty easy, and less than 5 minutes pass between "You know, I could go for a cappuccino," and "Man, that's a tasty cappuccino."

Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Good pressure
- Easy to make a good single shot of espresso
- Uses pods or loose grounds
- 2 dials + 0 buttons = easy to use
- Outstanding steam wand
- 32oz water reservoir lets you make 3 or 4 cappuccinos, or 6 to 8 espressos, without refilling
- Built-in tamper means one less part to lose
- Pre-heat cycle helps make good espresso

Cons:
- Hard to make a good double espresso (might just be me)
- Steam wand leaks slightly (usually at the start of a brewing cycle - I just keep mine over the drip tray)In the end, the machine makes a good espresso, especially for the price, but remember that you're not going to be running a coffee shop with it.I definitely recommend it for anybody who wants to make their own espresso, but wants to do it for under $200.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker

Product Description:
DeLonghi is proud to present this unique and popular BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker.Just a few of it's features include pump driven, makes coffee in mug-size or smaller cup-sizes, brews standard or with pods.With ESE (Easy Serving Expresso) espresso making has never been easier.The Sempre Crema filter produces a rich, creamy froth and the swivel jet frother makes frothy milk for cappuccino, latte and other beverages.The easy cleaning 35 ounce water tank is removable and fills easily right at the faucet.This model features an exclusive anti-drip design.

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DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker, Stainless Review

Basically all of the negative reviews they did not read the instructions well enough. This thing kicks ass for a 15 bar espresso/cappuccino machine for under (...). Perfect crema, nice steam, cleans easily. Sexy stainless. Of course it doesn't have auto on-off... IT IS AN ESPRESSO MACHINE! The timing is different every time as the water pumps through, and how will it know if you are making a short, a double or if you want to turn it off early? If you are too lazy to push a single button to start and stop the pump, get a "Mr. Coffee" and quit whining that your appliance doesn't tie your shoes for you... The steam nozzle only leaks if you don't close it. If you don't put the lever back to the closed position all the way, yes, then water sprays out. When it is not in steam mode and the valve is open it sprays water, thats what it is supposed to do (for tea, etc.). It is not that complicated a machine, but common sense is uncommon to most people. It heats up fast, makes a delicious cup of cappuccino or espresso and cleans up easily. The warming rack on the top is designed well also. It makes me happy to turn this thing on in the morning. It prefers finely ground espresso, not espresso ground for drip machines or stovetops. If you are a "pod" person, you should be ashamed and really don't need this machine. This machine is for brewing a real cup with fresh grounds.

If you can work simple machinery and like espresso/cappuccino from freshly ground beans, get this machine and enjoy.

If you are a bit lazy and prefer everything to be automatic and are the type to use "pods", do not get this machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker, Stainless

Product Description:
DeLonghi EC702 Esclusivo Espresso Maker is a 15 bar pump-driven machine with the patented dual function filter holder, accommodating two separate attachments - the patented Sempre Crema Filter and the ESE Filter. This espresso maker includes the adjustable patented Cappuccino System Frother, which has a special chamber that mixes steam and milk to create a rich creamy froth for the ideal beverage. With this machine is a cup storage tray, removable 1.3-liter (44oz) water tank, and large removable drip tray. The self-priming operation prepares a favorite beverage quickly and easily with no annoying start-up preparation. Other features offered is the stainless steel boiler, an on/off switch with indicator light, anti-drip design, and two separate thermostats which control the water and steam pressure separately to enable the ability to make espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature.

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DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker Review

I love espresso, and this little baby makes a great cup.Here are a few points that might be useful for you to know:

Good points:
*It doesn't take up too much room on the counter and looks nice with it's silver metal accents.
*The water reservoir is a good size, you can make about 8-10 shots before you need to refill it, which is very easy to do, and there is a clear section behind the basket which shows the water level.
*Fast heat-up time (only about a minute), good frothing wand, no wait time between frothing and brewing (though you do have to wait a little between brewing and frothing).

Be warned:
*Frothing wand is only 3 1/4 inches from the counter top.Not abig deal, I just went and bought a frothing cup that is about that height.
*Distance from grounds basket to tray is only 2 1/2 inches, I usually use a small espresso cup.
*Built-in tamper sucks, buy a good metal one.
*You don't end up with a nice dry puck, the grounds basket is a watery soup after your espresso is made, so I dump it down the disposal.
*You will end up drinking more espresso than you mean to, it's that good!

Seriously, I chose this machine after a lot of online researching, and decided on this one based on its outstanding reviews and great price.What led me to it were the reviews of another DeLonghi, the EC140B, which is an older and less attractive model, but had reviews from people who had owned theirs for 6 and 10 years!I'm hoping that this one will have the same longevity.

-----> UPDATE: I've now had this machine for 8 months and it started running very slow.I'd been using only distilled water, so I knew it wasn't a calcification issue, so I looked into it and it turns out machines like this one (no backflushing) need to be cleaned every month or so to remove built up grounds that work their way inside the machine.So I ran some cleaner through it and all this nasty brownish liquid came out, and now it runs great again!So remember people, take good care of your things and they will take good care of you.A lesson I am still learning...
- and to answer a question commented on this review, my tamper is 2 inches in diameter.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker

Product Description:
With two thermostats for separately controlling water and steam pressure, this convenient appliance makes espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature for both. The 15-bar pump-driven machine features a durable stainless-steel broiler, and its self-priming operation allows for brewing a favorite beverage without annoying start-up preparations. In addition, the unit's unique dual-function filter accommodates both E.S.E. pods and ground espresso. Used with ground espresso, the filter mixes air into the brewing process to produce a perfect crema, which, distinguished by its caramel color, is the essence of authentic espresso. And for excellent cappuccinos, the espresso maker�s adjustable swivel jet frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich creamy froth. Other highlights include a removable 35-ounce water tank for simple cleaning and filling, an "on/off" switch with an indicator light, and a removable drip tray. Designed and engineered in Italy, the 1000-watt espresso maker measures 7-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 11-1/8 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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