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DeLonghi EC5

$
DeLonghi EC5 Steam-Driven
4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

I got my DeLonghi EC5 Espresso and Cappuccino Maker a few months ago. I have used a semi automatic “big” machine in our church’s latte stand weekly so I was hoping to find something similar at a reasonable price. I really like this one so far.

It is pretty simple to use and although it is not as easy to work with as one that is hooked up to a water line and always ready to go, this machine works pretty well for home use. It makes a good shot of espresso and that really is the key to the whole operation. As with any machine, you have to use it a few times to really get the operation to go smoothly and to get the espresso shot to turn out how you want it. I have heard that some people never really get it and it is too much trouble.

I think it is fairly simple - but practice does make perfect. Also, I guess that working in a latte stand - even a church latte stand - has made the transition pretty easy. That took me awhile to learn too!

The DeLonghi machine does a good job with the shot and it has the ability to steam the milk to a nice hot temperature. I have a friend who likes it 185° and she says this is pretty good - not quite as hot as she likes it, but I have been afraid it would scorch. Maybe next time, I will throw caution to the wind and just heat it all the way up and see what happens. I think this machine can do it! I am able to get a very fine foam with the steaming wand, if I am patient... dependsd if I am trying to impress someone or just enjoying it myself.

I really like the set up and the clean up is fairly easy. All in all it is a very good bargain at $45 and makes a great cup of my favorite hot beverage!


Comments for
DeLonghi EC5

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

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Aug 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Good value
by: Jose

Pros:
- Great Value at sub $50
- Quick and easy to set up and start using

Cons:
- Milk frother takes a bit of practice
- Not top of the line, if your looking for a higher end machine, this is not it

We’ve had this espresso maker for about 3 years. It replaced a broken Mr. Coffee espresso maker. We use this espresso maker about once or twice a month and typically make cappuccinos and mochas.

This is definitely an economy espresso maker; the water reservoir and heating elements are one in the same. It is an aesthetically pleasing black machine you would be happy to display on your counter.

This machine is easy to use right out of the box. It includes a glass carafe that holds about 5 shots. The machine also has a milk frother that is manually activated with a dial. The coffee metal filter is removable and easy to clean. There is also a removable drip tray for trouble-free clean-up.

After filling the reservoir and turning the machine on (the on/off button is lit when in the ON position for ease), it takes about 5-8 minutes for the water to heat up and start flowing through the filter or the milk frother. The coffee filter has two spigots so it is easy to make two espresso shots simultaneously.

The espresso comes out rich and the crema is nice and thick. The milk frother takes a bit of getting used to but it will heat the milk quickly. In all, it takes about 10 minutes to make a great cappuccino or espresso.

As far as value, this is a great little starter machine that will not break the bank. It sells for less than fifty dollars and combined with a good coffee grinder, this can be a great additional to your morning tradition.




Apr 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Affordable and easy to use
by: Sarah D

The DeLonghi espresso machine, model EC5, is easy to use and perfect for those who want delicious espresso at an affordable price. We purchased this model some time ago and have been using it for more than a year. It was very affordable when we bought it, less than fifty dollars, and it still is sold for that low price. I was worried it may fall apart quickly because it was inexpensive, however aside from cleaning it periodically, we haven't had to do any maintenance on the machine yet.

This model is also very easy to use, and it takes only five minutes or so to set it up in the morning. A delicious espresso can be made within a few minutes after set up, and it can make up to four cups at a time. The machine also has a swivel jet frother that can be used to quickly make espresso froth that is yummy! This can be done at the same time espresso is being made, but be aware that it can only steam one cup of milk per four espresso shots. This has been a fine feature for us as we do not typically care for a lot of milk. It took some time to figure out exactly how to use this wand. It is rather short and you have to get the hang of using it effectively without burning yourself or knocking the carafe off its stand.

This model comes with a sturdy carafe that has withstood a few tumbles at our house and many cycles through our dishwasher with no untoward effects. This model came with a one year warranty, but we never had to use it, there were no problems. Additionally, there are many accessories that are made to work with this espresso model. Specifically, bean grinders made by the same company are useful.
Mar 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Metal filter is the best feature
by: Anonymous

This machine saves me thirty-five dollars a week. I love my latte drinks in the morning but they are so expensive. With my Delonghi, I can make a great latte for about fifty cents a day.
With other conventional coffee makers, I end up wasting most of the brew, since it is hard to gauge exactly how much I will drink. With the small espresso pot I brew just enough every time.

The only change I would make is with the steamer located on the side. Sometimes it is hard or awkward to steam my milk due to the shortness and closeness to the pot. A steamer with a pipe jutting out and bending down would be ideal.
I love how I can control the setting on the steam. If I want more steam or less, I just turn the knob. This helps when the steamed milk is arriving at the top of the container and will splash if not turned down.

Cleanup is easy, since you can take all the pieces apart to rinse off. Occasionally if my steamer is clogged it won't work. I always have to be sure to rinse off any milk before it dries on the nozzle.

It's design is sleek and matches any decor. The body of the machine is black and there is a silver colored cover next to the cap where the water is poured.

One of the best features is a metal filter so you never need to use paper again. This is one of the reasons I prefer espresso to coffee.
Occasionally I make tea with it. I take out the metal filter and brew hot water and simply place a tea bag inside and let steep. I have never used it for loose tea, but I think that might work with the metal filter.

All in all, I am very satisfied with my espresso maker. I believe that Delonghi will last me for many years to come. Happy sipping!

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