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De'Longhi ECP3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System, 9.6 x 7.2 x 11.9 inches, Black/Stainless Steel
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Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | De'Longhi |
Color | Black |
Product Dimensions | 9.6"D x 7.2"W x 11.9"H |
Special Feature | Removable tank |
Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
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About this item
- EVERY CUP TO YOUR LIKING 15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences
- BREW LIKE A PRO Whatever your preference - single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte - the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffeehouse
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks - just the way you like them
- ONE ESPRESSO SHOT OR TWO? The three-in-one filter holder, included with the unit, has a holder for one espresso shot, a holder for two shots, and one for an easy-serve espresso pod - whatever your preference
- NO WAITING BETWEEN CUPS The Advanced Cappuccino System maintains the optimal temperature so you can brew cup after cup instantly
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From the brand
From the manufacturer
De'Longhi 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System
Whatever your preference - single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte - the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffee house.
De'Longhi Advanced Cappuccino System mixes and steams milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks - just the way you like them.
Brew Like A Pro
Whether a single or double espresso, cappuccino, or latte, this machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages like your favorite coffeehouse.
Your Foam, Your Way
A manual frother that doesn't require movement mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth of evenly textured drinks just the way you like it.
Every Cup To Your Liking
15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time and adjustable controls enable you to make modifications for your taste preferences.
One Espresso Shot Or Two?
The three-in-one filter includes holders for single and double espresso shots, and an easy-serve pod option, catering to your brewing preferences.
No Waiting Between Cups
The Advanced Cappuccino System maintains the optimal temperature so you can brew cup after cup instantly.
Accommodates Taller Cups
If you’d prefer a larger size beverage, no problem. The bottom tray of the unit is easy to adjust or remove to fit taller cups.
Convenient Water Tank
The water tank is simple to remove, refill and reattach, and the water level is easily visible to eliminate the guesswork.
Sleek Space-Saving Design
With a sleek profile, compact design and narrow footprint, it fits beautifully on a kitchen countertop - without taking up too much space.
Comparison Table
ECP3120 | ECP3420 | ECP3630 | EC680M | |
Customer Reviews
|
4.2 out of 5 stars
2,398
|
4.2 out of 5 stars
5,054
|
3.9 out of 5 stars
2,117
|
4.0 out of 5 stars
4,392
|
Auto Flow: One-Touch Control
| ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
Cappuccino System
| Advanced Manual Frother | Advanced Manual Frother | Advanced Premium Frother | Advanced Manual Frother |
Removable Water Tank
| 37 oz. | 37 oz. | 37 oz. | 35 oz. |
Water Filter Optional
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Programmable Drinks
| ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
Accommodates Taller Glasses
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Three-in-one Filter Holder
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Heating Element
| Stainless Steel Boiler | Stainless Steel Boiler | Stainless Steel Boiler | Thermoblock |
Finish
| Stainless with Black Accents | Black with Stainless Accents | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
Videos
Videos for this product
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Does it hold up after 10 years? Hard or easy to use?
Nikki Murdoch
Product information
Brand | De'Longhi |
---|---|
Color | Black |
Product Dimensions | 9.6"D x 7.2"W x 11.9"H |
Special Feature | Removable tank |
Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
Filter Type | Reusable |
Style | ECP3120 |
Included Components | Scoop/tamper, Espresso Machine, 3-in-1 filter holder |
Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
Voltage | 110 Volts |
Number of Items | 1 |
Human Interface Input | Buttons |
Package Type | Standard Packaging |
Item Weight | 10.6 pounds |
Manufacturer | De'Longhi |
ASIN | B07CTY9BFG |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | ECP3120 |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #103,973 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #24 in Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines |
Date First Available | May 3, 2018 |
Warranty & Support
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Product Description
Easily make delicious espressos, lattes, cappuccinos & more right in the comfort of your kitchen with the ECP3120 by De'Longhi. The manual frother in its Advanced Cappuccino System allows you to mix steam and milk into a rich froth for evenly-textured drinks.
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Compare with similar items
This Item De'Longhi ECP3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System, 9.6 x 7.2 x 11.9 inches, Black/Stainless Steel | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $197.98$197.98 | $169.99$169.99 | $299.95$299.95 | $169.99$169.99 | $169.99$169.99 | $139.99$139.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Easy to clean | 4.2 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
Easy to use | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 |
Blending power | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
Flavor | — | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.5 | — | 4.5 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Geek Chef US | Amazon.com | CASABREWS | Daxiga | CASABREWS |
capacity | 1100 milliliters | 1.8 liters | 47 fluid ounces | 34 ounces | 1.8 liters | 34 fluid ounces |
material | Stainless Steel, Plastic, Aluminum | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Brushed Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Brushed Stainless Steel |
input interface | buttons | buttons | buttons | buttons | buttons, dial | buttons |
voltage | 110 volts | — | 120 volts | 120 volts | 110 volts | 120 volts of alternating current |
wattage | 1100 watts | 1600 watts | 1560 watts | 1350 watts | — | 1350 watts |
model name | — | — | the Bambino® Brushed Stainless Steel | CM5418 Dark Black | Frossvt Espresso Machine 20 Bar | CM5418BC-UL |
weight | 4.82 kilograms | 10.45 pounds | 10.9 pounds | 4.68 kilograms | 7.75 pounds | — |
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the ease of cleaning and use of the coffee maker. They say it's super easy to clean and use, and comes with 3 attachments. Customers also say it makes great espressos with crema. They appreciate the value for money, saying it'll save you money. Customers are also satisfied with ease of use. However, some customers have reported leakage issues. Opinions are mixed on quality, temperature, and fit.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the taste of the coffee maker. They mention that it makes a good espresso with wonderful crema. Some say that it's easy to use and produces a pretty good cup of espresso. Some customers also say that the espresso is more delicious than that from an older machine. Overall, most are happy with the quality and taste of this coffee maker, which is reasonably priced.
"...This was the PERFECT purchase. This machine makes a frothy, full bodied beautiful cup of espresso...." Read more
"...It requires active participation on your part, but it does make great espressos with crema, wonderful lattes, and many more drinks...." Read more
"...does come out looking authentic with a nice crema. But it produces the weakest shot ever...." Read more
"...The espresso and coffee drinks are incredible after using a steam pot for the last year...." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the coffee maker. For example, they mention it's fairly easy to use, simple to operate, and produces either steam or hot water. That said, they appreciate the convenience of making coffee at home and the small learning curve. That being said, customers also mention that the frother is powerful and the dials are simple.
"This machine is a great value for your money! It's simple to operate, easy to clean and make great shots...." Read more
"...I love the convenience of making coffee at home and all the money I save. Its pretty easy to use...." Read more
"Inexpensive, easy to use, and don’t need overpriced stars bucks" Read more
"...Very easy to use. Just make sure you grind the beans to a powder consistency" Read more
Customers like the value of the coffee maker. They say it's a great value for money, making a good cup of coffee at home. Customers also mention that the portafilter seems good quality for the price. However, some customers mention that it'll be tough to clean.
"...This was a very inexpensive machine given the quality of coffee it makes. We've had it for almost 2 months and I could not be happier...." Read more
"This machine is a great value for your money! It's simple to operate, easy to clean and make great shots...." Read more
"...I love the convenience of making coffee at home and all the money I save. Its pretty easy to use...." Read more
"Inexpensive, easy to use, and don’t need overpriced stars bucks" Read more
Customers like the cleanability of the coffee maker. For example, they say it's super easy to clean and operate, comes with 3 attachments, and is worth every penny.
"...It's simple to operate, easy to clean and make great shots...." Read more
"...They make having a latte or expresso easy and it cleans up quickly. For the money its good enough that we still use them daily" Read more
"...In fact, on this one, just washing it isn’t enough. I have to run a fine wire through the drip slot on the filter or I don’t get a shot...." Read more
"...The espresso and frothed milk comes out hot. It's easy to clean and has a storage place for all the filters. I would buy this again." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the coffee maker. Some mention that it works beautifully and serves its purpose well, while others say that it produces the weakest shot ever, broke down twice, and stopped working after six months.
"...point you can't really complain, especially since it has a pretty good steam wand. First, I'll get the leaking issue out of the way...." Read more
"...more labor intensive than my last one and it seems that I mess up at least several shots and have to discard them almost every time I make coffee...." Read more
"...This was a very inexpensive machine given the quality of coffee it makes. We've had it for almost 2 months and I could not be happier...." Read more
"...But it produces the weakest shot ever. The double-shot filter can barely get a solid single shot before it turns to water...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the fit of the coffee maker. Some mention that it works really great, is not too large, and has a normal cupsize feature. However, others say that the pitcher for frothing is a bit too small, it cannot fit super tall mugs, and that the machine cannot be packed too tight or will not properly drip.
"...I also love the fact that there’s a decent sized water tank." Read more
"...The only cons are it cannot fit super tall mugs, but you can remove the lower tray to fit in some tall mugs...." Read more
"This is my 2nd Delonghi espresso machine.PROS: it’s small, easy to use, & makes good espresso...." Read more
"...It doesn't fit anything taller than a typical coffee mug underneath, in the case you are looking to make a latte all in the same cup." Read more
Customers are mixed about the temperature of the coffee maker. Some mention that it is easy to use, has a quick heat up, and produces hot coffee. However, others say that it doesn't get as hot as they would like, the milk frother is a bust, and the heating element is not powerful enough.
"...This is why steaming pitchers are so thin and are metal. Faster heat transfer means more accurate gauging of temp so you know when to stop steaming..." Read more
"...Then I tried it again but steamed the milk for 1.5 minutes then it got hot. I’m used to Starbuck’s espresso machines so I’m being picky...." Read more
"...the machine has the perfect spot to store the cups atop AND it keeps the cups warm.2. A small pitcher for frothing milk...." Read more
"...The frother is simple to operate and produces either steam or hot water. (I grind my coffee in a quality conical burr grinder.)" Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the leakage of the coffee maker. They mention that the water is leaking out of the bottom, the steamer wand drips with each use, and the espresso tastes burnt and gross. Additionally, the water poured out of steam wAND even if it wasn't on the frothing option.
"...the same issue many other reviewer's did in that it was just leaking a ton of water on my counter...." Read more
"...The machine has doesn't automatically dispense 1 or 2 shots and shut off; you need to turn the dial to dispense then turn it back to stop...." Read more
"...When you remove the sump and filter after a shot, it is a wet mess. A correct shot produces a perfectly formed, almost dried puck...." Read more
"...CONS: 5 months in, it stopped working. Water drips through without the portafilter in but won’t when it is...." Read more
Reviews with images
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First, I'll get the leaking issue out of the way. The original unit I received did have the same issue many other reviewer's did in that it was just leaking a ton of water on my counter. Once I did a return and exchanged it for a same unit though, I noticed the issue was gone. I'm not sure what kind of quality control issues Delonghi is having, but I hope they get it fixed as soon as possible.
Next, I'll get the cons out of the way. Since this doesn't have a barometer, you have to kinda just put your trust in the machine and simply taste and experiment as you go until you find the proper grind consistency for a good, layered, shot. Once you find it though, you'll be happy you did, as shown in the photo above. Second, since this is a manual machine, you'll have to either use a scale(another reason to buy one) or some other form of measurement to measure your shots for consistency. There is a 2 pack of espresso-measuring shot glasses on amazon that sells for only $12 that I would highly recommend for this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NWGC82N/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_QWM2KQN1W5HKTG4977CG
The scoop/tamper this thing comes with is garbage. I hate to say it but since it is plastic and has a weird lip-type thing near the base, it is difficult and actually somewhat painful to hold it in such a way that you can comfortably tamp your espresso. Also, lets be honest. If you are brewing espresso, it's kinda common knowledge that the best results are gonna be from measuring your beans by weight. Not volume. Just get a kitchen scale if you don't have one already. My kitchen scale is easily one of my most useful kitchen tools, and if you use it properly, it'll probably be the same for you too.
The portafilter is a pain in the butt to put on. IDK how Delonghi designed this thing, but in my experience, this portafilter always requires the strength of Hercules to put on straight, even when it's empty. IDK how this got overlooked, but because of that, even with all my force, I usually end up with the portafilter at a slight angle before I brew.
Final issue: The steam wand. The steam wand is very powerful and is amazing at steaming milk, however the issue I had with it is the control. The steam wand will do 2 things: shoot out steam for steaming milk, or simply shoot out hot water for americanos. Differentiating it between these 2 actions is definitely not an easy task at first, and it is definitely more confusing than it needs to be IMO. If you are having trouble with it, here's how it works. Turn the dial in front of the machine all the way left to steam milk (wait for ON light to turn on), if the dial is in the ON position, the wand will do a weird thing were it keeps going back and forth between steam and hot water, and then finally turn the dial all the way right for hot water. Once your dial is in the proper position, turn the dial on the side of the machine all the way down to activate the steam wand. Design team definitely could've made the steam wand easier to use.
If you are considering this machine, I would highly recommend it. If this is your first espresso machine, keep in mind there are a few extra items you'll need if you wanna use this thing to it's fullest potential.
Kitchen scale. If you don't already have one for other kitchen applications, brewing good espresso is gonna come from consistency above all else. Measuring your beans by weight is already a massive step towards upping your espresso game. You should also be measuring your final product by weight, but you can also measure your shots with the glasses I posted above.
Tamper. You can find the Delonghi one on Amazon for about $20, and once I bought this, I immediately noticed a HUGE difference in the quality of my shots. Since you are supposed to tamp your espresso with approximately 30 lbs of pressure, the only way to comfortably and accurately do this is with an actual tamper. The tamper Delonghi sells on amazon is the perfect size for this and fits like it was designed by NASA or something.
Grinder. Obviously brewing fresh is going to be a huge improvement to any coffee game in general. Don't cheap out on your grinder. If you want to be as cheap as possible, you can go for a manual burr grinder and just grind your beans by hand. This will also be best for keeping the noise level down. I don't personally have too much experience with manual grinders, but just look for ones with many good reviews (see if you can find reviews of verified professionals) that mention espresso and grind consistency. If you do have the extra cash, I recommend an electric burr grinder. Never use blade grinders, as they provide no way to give consistent grinds. Probably the cheapest electric burr grinder you'll be able to find that gives good espresso is the OXO one. I believe it sells for approximately $110. This is the grinder I personally use and while there are better ones on the market, you won't be able to find any at the same price point.
Steaming pitcher. Believe it or not, you will need one of these if you want to do things properly. You can find some pretty cheap ones on amazon at around $10. You'll want a steaming pitcher for 2 reasons. 1, for easier and more accurate milk measuring as well as pouring your milk for latte art if that interests you. 2, and the more important reason is this: Milk burns at 170F and breaks at 158F. Because of this, you need to be able to quickly gauge your milk's temperature so that you know when to stop steaming. Using a glass measuring cup may look ideal, but it will take so long for the heat to transfer to the outside of the cup that you may have already broke or burnt your milk by the time the outside of the cup feels hot. This is why steaming pitchers are so thin and are metal. Faster heat transfer means more accurate gauging of temp so you know when to stop steaming your milk.
While it will take you some practice, with the proper tools and technique, this is in my opinion, probably one of the best espresso machines to start with or for anybody if you are confined by size or price.
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2022
First, I'll get the leaking issue out of the way. The original unit I received did have the same issue many other reviewer's did in that it was just leaking a ton of water on my counter. Once I did a return and exchanged it for a same unit though, I noticed the issue was gone. I'm not sure what kind of quality control issues Delonghi is having, but I hope they get it fixed as soon as possible.
Next, I'll get the cons out of the way. Since this doesn't have a barometer, you have to kinda just put your trust in the machine and simply taste and experiment as you go until you find the proper grind consistency for a good, layered, shot. Once you find it though, you'll be happy you did, as shown in the photo above. Second, since this is a manual machine, you'll have to either use a scale(another reason to buy one) or some other form of measurement to measure your shots for consistency. There is a 2 pack of espresso-measuring shot glasses on amazon that sells for only $12 that I would highly recommend for this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NWGC82N/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_QWM2KQN1W5HKTG4977CG
The scoop/tamper this thing comes with is garbage. I hate to say it but since it is plastic and has a weird lip-type thing near the base, it is difficult and actually somewhat painful to hold it in such a way that you can comfortably tamp your espresso. Also, lets be honest. If you are brewing espresso, it's kinda common knowledge that the best results are gonna be from measuring your beans by weight. Not volume. Just get a kitchen scale if you don't have one already. My kitchen scale is easily one of my most useful kitchen tools, and if you use it properly, it'll probably be the same for you too.
The portafilter is a pain in the butt to put on. IDK how Delonghi designed this thing, but in my experience, this portafilter always requires the strength of Hercules to put on straight, even when it's empty. IDK how this got overlooked, but because of that, even with all my force, I usually end up with the portafilter at a slight angle before I brew.
Final issue: The steam wand. The steam wand is very powerful and is amazing at steaming milk, however the issue I had with it is the control. The steam wand will do 2 things: shoot out steam for steaming milk, or simply shoot out hot water for americanos. Differentiating it between these 2 actions is definitely not an easy task at first, and it is definitely more confusing than it needs to be IMO. If you are having trouble with it, here's how it works. Turn the dial in front of the machine all the way left to steam milk (wait for ON light to turn on), if the dial is in the ON position, the wand will do a weird thing were it keeps going back and forth between steam and hot water, and then finally turn the dial all the way right for hot water. Once your dial is in the proper position, turn the dial on the side of the machine all the way down to activate the steam wand. Design team definitely could've made the steam wand easier to use.
If you are considering this machine, I would highly recommend it. If this is your first espresso machine, keep in mind there are a few extra items you'll need if you wanna use this thing to it's fullest potential.
Kitchen scale. If you don't already have one for other kitchen applications, brewing good espresso is gonna come from consistency above all else. Measuring your beans by weight is already a massive step towards upping your espresso game. You should also be measuring your final product by weight, but you can also measure your shots with the glasses I posted above.
Tamper. You can find the Delonghi one on Amazon for about $20, and once I bought this, I immediately noticed a HUGE difference in the quality of my shots. Since you are supposed to tamp your espresso with approximately 30 lbs of pressure, the only way to comfortably and accurately do this is with an actual tamper. The tamper Delonghi sells on amazon is the perfect size for this and fits like it was designed by NASA or something.
Grinder. Obviously brewing fresh is going to be a huge improvement to any coffee game in general. Don't cheap out on your grinder. If you want to be as cheap as possible, you can go for a manual burr grinder and just grind your beans by hand. This will also be best for keeping the noise level down. I don't personally have too much experience with manual grinders, but just look for ones with many good reviews (see if you can find reviews of verified professionals) that mention espresso and grind consistency. If you do have the extra cash, I recommend an electric burr grinder. Never use blade grinders, as they provide no way to give consistent grinds. Probably the cheapest electric burr grinder you'll be able to find that gives good espresso is the OXO one. I believe it sells for approximately $110. This is the grinder I personally use and while there are better ones on the market, you won't be able to find any at the same price point.
Steaming pitcher. Believe it or not, you will need one of these if you want to do things properly. You can find some pretty cheap ones on amazon at around $10. You'll want a steaming pitcher for 2 reasons. 1, for easier and more accurate milk measuring as well as pouring your milk for latte art if that interests you. 2, and the more important reason is this: Milk burns at 170F and breaks at 158F. Because of this, you need to be able to quickly gauge your milk's temperature so that you know when to stop steaming. Using a glass measuring cup may look ideal, but it will take so long for the heat to transfer to the outside of the cup that you may have already broke or burnt your milk by the time the outside of the cup feels hot. This is why steaming pitchers are so thin and are metal. Faster heat transfer means more accurate gauging of temp so you know when to stop steaming your milk.
While it will take you some practice, with the proper tools and technique, this is in my opinion, probably one of the best espresso machines to start with or for anybody if you are confined by size or price.
Let me start by saying, I knew nothing of making my own espresso. So I researched everything. I knew I wanted a respectable number "bars of pressure" but I didn't want to pay over $200. I settled on the DeLonghi after combing through hundreds of reviews and YouTube videos (obvs got nothing but time on my hands).
Amazon was selling two DeLonghi machines in the $100-200 price range - the ECP 3 Series (ECP3X20 and ECP3X30). After comparing features, it appeared the only discernible difference was a black front instead of stainless steel...I didn't feel aesthetics warranted an additional fifty bucks so I opted for the cheaper ECP3X20.
This was the PERFECT purchase. This machine makes a frothy, full bodied beautiful cup of espresso. It came with most everything you need (see pic of what's "In the box") but, I highly recommend purchasing a couple additional items for ease of use:
1. Espresso measuring/pour glasses.
The machine has doesn't automatically dispense 1 or 2 shots and shut off; you need to turn the dial to dispense then turn it back to stop. So, if you plan to make your own latte/macchiato/cappuccino you'll need small measuring cups to ensure you get a perfect 1 or 1.5oz/shot. The good news: the machine has the perfect spot to store the cups atop AND it keeps the cups warm.
2. A small pitcher for frothing milk.
It's easier to buy one so you're not searching your kitchen for a vessel that's just the right depth and holds just the right amount of milk. I got the stainless steel DeLonghi one on Amazon for ten bucks I think. Just do it.
3. A knock box.
This is a MUST HAVE if you plan to use the single or double shot filter baskets (there's another basket for espresso pods but I've never used that). After filling the basket with your fine coffee grounds you'll need to get those back out after brewing. You could tap it on the side of the trash can but, the little strainer in the filter basket frequently falls out when tapping out the used beans. You don't want that to fall in your trash can. I bought the DeLonghi knock box for twenty bucks, I think. It holds about a week's worth of used up coffee (we drink about 2 double shots/day). I simply dump it all in my compost bin at the end of every week.
This was a very inexpensive machine given the quality of coffee it makes. We've had it for almost 2 months and I could not be happier. I went to my local coffee shop yesterday (it's waaaaay better than Starbucks) and I'm surprised to report I actually preferred my at-home lattes over their's! I don't even use any special beans (yet) just some preground Cafe Bustelo espresso!! Saving money like a BOSS!!
Last tip: 2 shots espresso (3oz), 3-4 pumps Torani Puremade Signature Vanilla, 18oz milk, Ghirardelli Caramel syrup swirl atop...you have yourself a far superior "Venti" Caramel Macchiato
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2020
Let me start by saying, I knew nothing of making my own espresso. So I researched everything. I knew I wanted a respectable number "bars of pressure" but I didn't want to pay over $200. I settled on the DeLonghi after combing through hundreds of reviews and YouTube videos (obvs got nothing but time on my hands).
Amazon was selling two DeLonghi machines in the $100-200 price range - the ECP 3 Series (ECP3X20 and ECP3X30). After comparing features, it appeared the only discernible difference was a black front instead of stainless steel...I didn't feel aesthetics warranted an additional fifty bucks so I opted for the cheaper ECP3X20.
This was the PERFECT purchase. This machine makes a frothy, full bodied beautiful cup of espresso. It came with most everything you need (see pic of what's "In the box") but, I highly recommend purchasing a couple additional items for ease of use:
1. Espresso measuring/pour glasses.
The machine has doesn't automatically dispense 1 or 2 shots and shut off; you need to turn the dial to dispense then turn it back to stop. So, if you plan to make your own latte/macchiato/cappuccino you'll need small measuring cups to ensure you get a perfect 1 or 1.5oz/shot. The good news: the machine has the perfect spot to store the cups atop AND it keeps the cups warm.
2. A small pitcher for frothing milk.
It's easier to buy one so you're not searching your kitchen for a vessel that's just the right depth and holds just the right amount of milk. I got the stainless steel DeLonghi one on Amazon for ten bucks I think. Just do it.
3. A knock box.
This is a MUST HAVE if you plan to use the single or double shot filter baskets (there's another basket for espresso pods but I've never used that). After filling the basket with your fine coffee grounds you'll need to get those back out after brewing. You could tap it on the side of the trash can but, the little strainer in the filter basket frequently falls out when tapping out the used beans. You don't want that to fall in your trash can. I bought the DeLonghi knock box for twenty bucks, I think. It holds about a week's worth of used up coffee (we drink about 2 double shots/day). I simply dump it all in my compost bin at the end of every week.
This was a very inexpensive machine given the quality of coffee it makes. We've had it for almost 2 months and I could not be happier. I went to my local coffee shop yesterday (it's waaaaay better than Starbucks) and I'm surprised to report I actually preferred my at-home lattes over their's! I don't even use any special beans (yet) just some preground Cafe Bustelo espresso!! Saving money like a BOSS!!
Last tip: 2 shots espresso (3oz), 3-4 pumps Torani Puremade Signature Vanilla, 18oz milk, Ghirardelli Caramel syrup swirl atop...you have yourself a far superior "Venti" Caramel Macchiato
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Reviewed in Mexico on April 25, 2023