If you’re looking for something to enter the world of espresso. But are unwilling to pay a hefty price for it. The DeLonghi EC155 is what you should get. Ranking high in quality and performance, it is user-friendly.
So what it really comes down to is how you look at it. Taking inspiration from customer reviews is not enough. You need to dig a little deeper.
DeLonghi has a solid customer background. Most people are satisfied with its products which are high-quality. But does the EC155 meet the company’s preceding reputation? Let’s find out.
DeLonghi EC155 Review – Overview
Before I get into the details, I’d like to take the short and quick road.
Features:
- 35-ounce, a removable water reservoir
- Metal top, drip tray, and control panel
- Fully-automatic and self-primed
- Dual thermostats for water and steam control
- Automatic cappuccino system
- Bright Indicator lights
- Special espresso filter for crema
- Anti-drip, removable drip tray
- Power on/off button
The Good Stuff:
The DeLonghi Espresso Maker EC155 uses both pods or ground coffee. So it’s dual compatibility works for espresso and cappuccino. Giving you a steam wand, it’s perfect for steaming milk for every cup. This makes it lightweight, accurate, and versatile.
The Bad Stuff:
In terms of control, the DeLonghi is slightly lacking. It’s completely automated with no cap on temperature or power. A better choice for intense and consistent coffee extraction would be this. The DeLonghi EC155M Manual Espresso Machine.
The Final Say:
The final say determines how effective the EC155 Espresso Maker is. And it’s a reliable and budget-minded coffee maker. Perfect for newcomers who want to pull two shots of espresso at home at once. Be it for a latte, cappuccino, or plain espresso. It’s handy, quick, and undoubtedly basic.
Read more: Best Delonghi Espresso Machine.
DeLonghi EC155 Review – Features
1. Design
The build quality of the DeLonghi EC155 is simple. Most of its parts are removable and dishwasher-friendly. So it’s easy to maintain even if you’re a daily espresso drinker. Some parts are made of plastic while some are stainless steel. So the lightweight yet glossy effect is a given.
The most convenient feature in the design is the removable water tank. It’s square-shaped and sits inside the top panel. You have to pull it out with the help of its handle. It has a flat bottom which is easy to place on the counter during refilling.
The portafilter mount is amazing. It can store the coffee grounds for a long time. And when it’s time to brew it, it extracts maximum flavor and intensity just the same. There are multiple layers to this portafilter. It’s not your regular kind.
For example, the handle to the circular basket and filter. It has a rubber grip with a metal handle. So it can withstand high temperatures and a little bit of pressure. And since you can pull out double shots, it has a dual filter capability.
But there’s a slight difference between the two filters. One offers a 7-gram ground capacity. While the other offers a 12-grams ground capacity. This difference also supports different cup sizes. For those who like their coffee stronger or bigger than usual.
2. 15 Bar Pump Pressure
The secret of good coffee lies in the quality of the best ground coffee. But that’s not all.
I’m sure that a beginner would overlook this aspect of an espresso machine. But it’s a mistake to do so. The pressure system dictates the amount of pull the ground coffee gets. That is, during the extraction of coffee. And there is a major difference in function as well as consistency because of it.
You won’t find this in a French press coffee maker. The 15 bar pump pressure is what makes coffee smooth and rich. But it’s not really a number’s game. The higher the bar pump pressure, the better the coffee? Well, that’s just done in bad taste.
A 15 bar pump pressure is consistent, sure. But it can have its drawbacks. The high pressure goes against this machine’s lightweight and small design. Some say it cannot take a beating as much as large-sized espresso machines.
Making the DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Pump Espresso good for personal use only. Any more will ruin its lifespan or slow it down. It might also compromise the shot-pulling and extraction consistency.
3. Temperature & Time
The DeLonghi Espresso Machine EC155 takes about 45 seconds. This is for the heating element to warm up even before you start the brewing process. But you don’t have to do the guesswork. The machine has an indicator light to tell you when it’s ready.
But let’s talk specifics here. I know you must think 45 seconds is too long, right? But the DeLonghi is not an advanced countertop espresso machine. It’s pretty basic. And so are its features.
It’s good enough to extract a hot shot or two. Expected that the first shot can be a tad bit hotter than the second. But that’s good to know, right? That even if the machine is slightly slow, it doesn’t give you a half-cold and half-hot shot of espresso. This could lead to under-extracted coffee which tastes bitter and stale.
Just so you know, the cup warmer counters against this minor drawback. And that is great news!
4. Maintenance
The DeLonghi Espresso EC155 is easy to use. This pod and ground coffee-friendly espresso machine has a self-priming function. It starts at the touch of a button. Most parts are removable and washable.
You can even follow the DeLonghi EC155 manual instructions. This is for keeping the inside elements clean and workable.
To make things easier, it comes with some accessories. The cup warmer and swivel jet frother. It aims to keep your cup warm while steaming and frothing the milk automatically. Perfect for strong cups of cappuccino or latte, at any time of day or night
DeLonghi EC155 Review – The Verdict
Are you sold on the DeLonghi EC155 yet? It’s a stellar product that matches your personal coffee needs. It operates consistency and is also an affordable choice.
But in case you’re in the market for something more controllable aka manual. I would suggest going with the manual version of the same model. The DeLonghi Espresso EC155 Manual has the same design but more precise controls.
This espresso coffee maker is for anyone who appreciates the ease of use. It’s better than waiting in line at a coffeehouse every morning. It’s also better than mixing instant coffee in hot milk. The best espresso machines have their own charm. And the DeLonghi EC155 is a good one to start with.
Source Homeer.com, The Best Delonghi Espresso Machines in 2021: Top-Rated & Reviews, Malarie Gokey Feb 23, 2021.