DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Machine

I've had two of these over the last ten years after getting rid of a much more expensive machine that didn't make a shot that was half as good as this machine . I've drunk espresso in the north end of Boston and many places with big commercial machines that were supposed to have great shots and none of them make as good a shot as this modest little machine. I don't know why i would ever buy anything else. Even if I had to buy a new one every year or two it would be more than worth it. The good news is that these little guys last a good long time. I drink 3-6 double shots per day 365 days a year and have had zero issues. I like it so much I gave one to each of my kids. Can't say enough good stuff about it

(Posted on 4/18/13)

Just received my EC155 a few weeks ago and I'm loving it so far. When I started to shop around for a pump driven machine I didn't think I would be able to find one for such a low price. Given the price my expectations were not sky high, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the shots I'm getting from the EC155. It holds a generous amount of water and seems to have a solid construction. My only minor gripe is the short steaming wand, but that can be dealt with by using a squat frothing pitcher.

All in all a great product for the price. I cannot comment on the long term durability yet, but it has been running like a champ so far.

(Posted on 4/15/13)

I have now had my EC155 for a couple months, which I purchased from Seattlecoffee gear and I cannot say enough good things about them, and it has performed up to all my expectations. I am an experienced home coffee roaster and have been roasting my own coffee for almost ten years but had not ventured into the realm of espresso until recently. My goal was to find a solidly rated machine with which to learn and practice the art of brewing espresso without breaking my bank. Thus far, my EC155 is meeting those needs like a charm. I appreciate its ease of use and most importantly the good tasting shots it produces, allowing me to experiment and experience both single origin and blended espresso. Someday I'll likely upgrade to a more advanced machine but in the meantime I am happy and totally satisfied with the EC155.

(Posted on 9/18/12)

Does everything I want. Bought several wider and lower cups to put under the spigot. The wand is the ideal distance. Once the coffee is pressed properly, deciding on having double or more is all that remains. This unit is excellent for the use I want.

Should I become lazier, I will upgrade to a unit with more features. I am very pleased with this one.

(Posted on 9/1/12)

This machine is awesome, it just works, sure it has a few shortcomings, like the little space for cups, and the position of the frothing wand, but I think both can be addressed by the user. you won't find a better machine for < $150.00 USD I think, I haven't tried it with illy nor Lavazza, I only had some starbucks and cafe Butelo coffee, but I have made acceptable espresso & latte's, they're not great yet because I'm still tuning my shots, as a recommendation, you should get a good tamper, the built-in tamper is uncomfortable to use and it's impossible to tamp properly, even though the basket is pressurized, I have found that you need to tamp hard to get good espresso shots. I will definitely recommend this machine to other espresso newbies like me! :p, if you're already experienced on this field, then you should get a higher end machine, though I think you wouldn't be dissapointed with this machine.

(Posted on 7/25/12)

At least 5 days per week, this espresso machine has faithfully put out two shots for two lattes for two and half years, and it is still going. I did have a scare a few months ago when I thought the pump went out, but after reading on the internet, I found that using a de-scaler might work better than vinegar; it does. I have cleaned the screw-on filter every month or two, and it continues to work well. It will make about 8 shots before it has to rest for about ten minutes, but for the price, it is a great machine. Definitely need to use a short espresso pitcher or shot glasses, and my frothing pitcher is short and fat, but reliability is worth those small necessities. If I upgrade, it will be to a fully automatic, and this will be my back up.

Pros:
Quick Brewing, Large Water Container, Reliable, Easy To Clean, Easy To Use

Cons:
Noisy, Leaky

(Posted on 5/7/12)

Being a former barista I was very particular about the machine I wanted for personal use. But, this christmas I was given this machine as a gift. Even though it was not the machine I was considering it has met my expectations. My family and friends love the coffee I make, but I would never use this machine commercially or for large groups.

Use a 12 oz pitcher and nothing bigger, I would also try a shot glass with a rubber bottom if you can find one. The motion of the machine moves the shot glass around. It takes some finesse to find out how to get the right foam with this machine, but now I love it. Great price for what you are given.

Pros:
Great Taste, Large Water Container, Easy To Use

Cons:
Noisy

(Posted on 12/27/11)

This is my first espresso machine. The price was right and I liked the reviews I read, so I took the plunge. Once I got the grind right (use a burr mill)and the hang of it, I was hooked. I make lattes, cappuccinos, and my favorite, Americanos, everyday. My friends have let me experiment on them making different concoctions and they are always happy with the result. The wand steams great milk for perfect hot chocolate. I wish the wand was not set so low, but if you use a small frothing pitcher and angle it right, you get used to it. It is a small machine and set very low, but for the price and the quality of the coffee I get from this machine, it is a small inconvenience compared to the joy I get from my machine. Love, Love, Love! [...]

Pros:
Perfect for Small Groups, Great Taste, Easy To Clean, Quick Brewing, Easy to Fill Reservoir, Easy To Use

Cons:
Frothing wand set too low, Wish it was taller

(Posted on 1/20/11)

I make coffee every morning and love my new coffee maker.

Pros:
Quick Brewing, Easy To Clean, Great Taste, Easy To Use

Cons:

(Posted on 1/5/11)

I bought this machine as a replacement to a steam machine I had purchased that made the worst espresso. My first machine was a pump driven Krupps and it finally gave up the ghost after many years, the steam machine was supposed to just get me buy (it didn't even do that-I don't know why I even thought it would). I make a cafe americano (decaf) every morning just for the taste. Caffeine is out in my world so had to have something that made my 1 cup a delight. This machine does that. Great creme every time. So much so that some mornings I'm making a 2nd cup just to enjoy it. The machine is easy to clean, and the water container is big enough I'm not refilling very often. Would like the steam wand to oscillate or be a bit higher for the mochas I make the family but its all good. I would buy this again if I needed one and for the price, you can't beat it. It makes my americanos just like [...]if not with better creme really.

Pros:
Easy To Use, Great Taste, Easy To Clean, Quick Brewing, Large Water Container

Cons:

(Posted on 8/13/10)