De'Longhi 15 bar Pump Espresso Maker, EC702, Metal

I have used this machine almost every day for about two years now. 6+ shots of espresso every day. I love the simplicity of this machine. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do, and it does it well, and it does it reliably. It doesn’t take very long to warm up. Usually I turn it on as soon as I enter the kitchen, by the time I’ve refilled the water reservoir, pulled all the coffee gear out of the dishwasher, and set the milk frothing (I use a separate frother for convenience), the light is green and ready to go. The mechanism is straightforward: add espresso to the basket, use the built-in tamp to get as much espresso in there as I can, then put it in the machine and press the button. Beautiful delicious espresso every time. I have used the built-in milk steaming wand, and it does exactly what it should, but, as previously mentioned, I use a separate frother so the milk is done simultaneously while I pull the shots (three for me, and three for the spouse). It’s gotten to the point where I can now make the cappuccino so exactly how I like it that most coffee shops have lost their appeal because their coffee just doesn’t taste as good as mine. This machine is turning me into a coffee snob. I don’t care though. It’s worth it. I honestly don’t know why people buy those super expensive fancy machines when the ones like this do the same thing??? This one is possibly even better because it doesn’t have any finicky delicate inner workings. Some notes: do hand wash the thing the espresso goes in (don’t know what it’s called), and, don’t immerse the handle in water. It is hollow and it will fill with water and it doesn’t drain quickly. I always set it on its side after washing so any water can drain overnight. Dishwater sloshing out of the handle when trying to make espresso is a bit unappetizing. Also, don’t use the machine when the water reservoir is on empty (this one is probably obvious). It doesn’t like it. It takes a while for it to recover and forgive you for doing that. I now make it a habit to always add water when I turn it on just to be safe. Anyway. I love this machine. If something happens to this one, I would buy the exact same one again.

After reading most of the reviews before purchasing this, I decided that the negative reviews were given for two main reasons. Using too hard of water and not descaling it regularly enough, and not cleaning the frother and steam assembly parts well enough. Whether you spend $40 or $1300 you will still need to deal with hard water in your machine. Use the provided cleaner or make your own solution and you will solve most of the potential problems. It is a more complex machine than a regular coffee maker. Also, it isn't much fun to clean right after making your drink, but if you just remember clean the steam and frothing parts it will take only a few seconds instead of a frustrating few minutes later. Or worse having the parts clog up when you want to use it next. The baskets that come with it are much like any expresso baskets around. They need cleaned out immediately too, or they will be a problem. Much harder to clean later on. Bottom line, is that this is a special type of drink maker and cannot be treated like your normal coffee maker. This model looks very sharp on the counter, all of the parts on the outside that are visible are brushed stainless or stainless. Easy to clean, and like any other stainless appliance can get spotted up but is easily cleaned to look like new. The water heats up fast, as fast as any home machine I have used. Friends have commented on how the espresso is much richer than their lower priced steam powered machines can produce. I have honestly say I might not know the difference in a blind taste test, but the espresso this makes is very good. The steam wand also seems to be a point of controversy for some people. I think it works great and have never once had the thought it needed to be changed. It slips off easy and cleans up quickly. Makes plenty of high powered steam. If you are trying to make coffee drinks for a dinner party of twenty, you will be working the machine pretty hard, and will spend more time than you like, but I don't think that would be the intended use of this unit. I've had mine for a year and have never descaled it, as I am using reverse osmosis water in it. I believe this makes a difference but do not know why. Keep it clean and clean it right after using and I believe this machine will be just what you are looking for.

Pros: (Easy setup, easy operation, easy cleanup. Easy, easy easy) This is a great little espresso machine that I got for my fiance's birthday. After about a month or so of use I'd have to say I have almost no issues. It makes great espresso and that's what I was looking for. Setup is easy. Making espresso is easy. Using the steamer is easy. Everything is easy to operate. It's just a matter of pushing one button or another or adjusting a lever. Piece of cake. Cleaning is easy enough, but I try to do a good job which means I spend 15 minutes from start to finish cleaning everything. That doesn't seem bad to me, but I'm inexperienced at this stuff anyway. I do like how everything pretty much comes apart and easily. I don't feel like I have to force anything apart or together. Cons: (Noisy. Loud. Light) This machine is pretty noisy when it's pumping the water. Fortunately, the noise doesn't last too long; each cup only takes 30 seconds, tops, to make. Using the frother is quite noisy as well and a much higher pitch. We don't use that thing too often so, baring the noise every now and then isn't a big issue. We ended up buying a separate tamper as per other customer suggestions and I'm glad I did. The machine is very light and trying to tamp with a decent pressure would either have you lifting the machine as you do so or holding it down which is kind of ridiculous. Also, locking the filter into place causes the machine to move as well since there is no real locking mechanism. You essentially force it into the correct position. I'm not sure if that could have been helped, but it might irk some people out there. I'm fine with it. I just hold the machine by the tray and everything stays put as I move the handle to the correct position. Summary: If you've never owned an espresso machine before like me, and spending hundreds of dollars seems kind of asinine on something that simply spits out coffee-zilla for your leisure, then I can say that this machine is a good choice. It's not bank breaking (I bought it for $170) and it seems to be a good quality product. Just be prepared to endure a quick round of noisiness when you make your coffee.

Initially, I read the reviews of this machine, and had to shake my head. First observation ... if you are struggling to get good results with any espresso maker, the fault lies with two things: you and your grinder. You can buy the most expensive, tricked out machine (not including the automatic machines that do everything but wipe your rear end), and they STILL won't work right without properly ground coffee. Sure, buy the pre-ground Italian stuff (because it's politically correct) and know the moment coffee is ground it starts to lose it's essential flavor components, irrespective of how it is stored, because the purpose of grinding is to increase surface area (aerate) which, in turns, draws in water (moisture berry berry bad for coffee, until you make it, of course).. Spend you money on a GRINDER, such as the Rencilio Rocky, which is probably the most for the least; industrial quality, small foot print and built like the proverbial tank. From coarse grind for French Press, to super fine for espresso and all points between ... it can coax great results from modest machines. Now as to the "you" part ... it's COFFEE. You are not bound to religious dogma. Use your taste buds and experiment. That's half the fun. And (gasp) you don't have to use espresso roast to make espresso. I use a blend of Yemen Mocha (med.- light roast) and a bit darker city roast, Papua New Guinea from the nice folks at Coffee Bean Direct, and this is perfect for me. Your mileage may, and should, vary. Keep your machine clean and maintained. Filter the water (don't care what you think your ambient water quality is ... the more particulates you remove the longer your machine will last and the better your coffee will taste), and don't top up the reservoir ... rinse and fill fresh. Now to the machine. Looks great ... stainless where you need it, and not where you don't (to keep it under $200.00). Heats very fast for a boiler machine. Operation is simple (unless you are), and straightforward. I like the fact the frothing wand cover comes off so you can actually get it CLEAN. Yes, you will need to use a smaller pitcher. If you are making coffee for more than two or three people, move up to one of the megabuck behemoths ... and enjoy the bragging rights. No it's not automatic. You actually have to push buttons, watch the coffee being made (which I love to do ... seeing that creama form ... sensual), and pay attention. If this chafes ... buy one of those four-figure auto-machines and save yourself the arduous task of pushing a couple of buttons. The DeLonghi is a great buy ... and works perfectly. Save yourself some dough and buy a good grinder and find a good roaster. Experiment ... it's all Arabica ... the differences are subtle (beyond how the coffee is roasted). Paying more only guarantees you will pay more. Spring for some samples of Kona or Blue Mountain, and see for yourself if they are worth the huge surcharge. This is a great machine at a great price.

5/25/16 You can read below my previous review and update, but I posted this at the top for good reason. I've changed my rating to a 1 star this time (4 star originally then 2 then 1...and none if I could have). This is our 5th EC702 in ~4yrs and it died a horrible watery death after 6 months AGAIN. Amazon was kind enough to honor the return of the 2nd one below but the third showed up, lasted a month and the heater died with a big POP and burnt insulation smell. The third arrived in a wet box, water in the tank and lines and the seals looked used! They sent me another right away. This last one lasted just past 6 mo. dying with the same issue of the "Horrible Boiler Seal Design" giving way once again and running water everywhere, even on the counter from behind the machine. I must give great Kudos to Amazon customer service for their kindness and putting up with my rants a few times over this thing...but at least They stepped up the to Plate for me. DeLonghi Customer Service on the other hand is NOT Service, it's misdirection and outright shameful at best and I won't mention what might be at worst. All of my dealings with them directly have been unbelievably painful, misleading, misdirected and a waste of time to the point I am sure they want, which would be to toss the machine in the landfill and buy another. I went back today after it's painful death and read about half of the 1-2 star and half the 4-5 star reviews here. I also Thanked a bunch of them for being Helpful comments. Over and over again in the 1-2 stars people are saying the same things I have and more, about leaks, heaters, frother issues (I had one disintegrate), receiving used units, early death and horrible customer service. And this product is still on the shelf for a $50 higher price than I paid for my first one...and this product still rates 4.5 stars over all, with all the dead units and 374 frustrated customers with hardly any plausible recourse. I find it hard to contact Amazon again about this as they have been kind and it is not their fault the machine is badly designed, poorly manufactured with poor quality components and a great lack in QA. However Amazon should IMHO not expose their customers/consumers to this product or its planned obsolescence without a proper warning. Additionally after seeing these on some home improvement shows repeatedly (wonder if they are working or Props?) I will probably write a letter to consumer affairs regarding this product! OK I'm Done, my experiment didn't work as the ROI even with Amazons graciousness is still less than running to Bux or my local coffee house for an espresso a few times a day for this period. Where has the quality gone in manufacturing? Is it Shame on me Now for trying to have faith in a very old company? ------------------------ I have been enjoying Espresso since the mid 70's and for about the last 10 years I only drink espresso, so I know what I am looking for when it comes to the perfect cup. Having gone through several, much more expensive machines in the the last 6-8 years, I was pretty tired of plunking down big bucks for a machine, only to have them die a horrible painful death in a year or two and have no logical or monetary recourse than to buy another machine. I seriously considered going all the way back to a Lever Style Press machine which are pretty bullet proof in the long run and give the best espresso shot(my opinion), but again the price now for these machines is exorbitant, especially for such a simple mechanical machine. As an old engineer I find it appalling when a company designs a machine that is not that complex, that only lasts a year or two, then puts a customer through the ringer to get it fixed at more than half the cost of the original to only last another 6mo. or a year. I did an extensive search as usual, reading reviews, consumer reports, blogs and specs., etc., trying to find the right machine and price point, until I couldn't take any more. Some of the things I appreciate about Amazon is their reviews from a broad spectrum of users and their good sale price and return policies which is why I ended up changing my thinking about another "High End Machine". I figured I could buy 2 of these machines for the price of a medium Breville or 3.5 for a La Pavoni press. The big question is; "Would it make good espresso"? In this case I would say this machine makes a Very Good Espresso. It took a while to get it "broken in" but after an initial 2 tanks of water through it and about a week of getting the tamping/grind right it started making pretty good cups. It took an other week to dial in getting a perfect Crema and now it has settled in to making Very Good cups every time. As for the machine itself, I find the only real irritant is the Porta-filler Body and Porta-filter a Pain to "Knock". The lever to hold the porta-filter barely grasps it and the far end of the porta-filler has a notch in it to allow the detents in the filter to fit inside. If they would have put a slide locking lever to better grab it, it wouldn't fall out when trying to empty it. One other issue with the filter is there were burrs on the edges from the stamping process. The first note on an engineering drawing is to "Remove All Burrs and Sharp Edges". I touched it up with a little 400 wet and dry sandpaper and all is good now. Regarding the rest of the machine I really like the short warm up time. It only takes about 8 minutes to come up to temp from off, and settles in and is ready to produce the first cup. I find the temp controller could be better, in that I get about 2/3 of a double shot before the light goes out but find the initial temp of a single is above 190 and the Crema isn't as good...so this balance the pump refill to temp and Crema when I make the double. Temp recovery is good at <90 seconds. The pump is good other than being a bit noisy, probably due to the way its mounted and stamped sheet metal housings being pretty thin. The cup warmer works well by placing the cup, lip down, and warms it in a few minutes. I also really like the water bucket and filtered hose feeding the reservoir from the bucket. Overall I am very satisfied and happy with this machine and hope that it last at least 2 years before any major issues. If it does I will buy another one. I hope this review helps others with their dilemma on the purchase of a good quality espresso machine for a reasonable price. ------------------- Update 2/19/15: This first machine finally died a watery death from the tank seal giving way. Upon disassembling it, found the issue to be a small diameter silicone O-Ring that had gone flat and hard. Since it had made great coffee and relatively trouble free for 2yrs & 5mo. (September 30, 2012), I decided to purchase another based on my justification above. This was delivered on 2/27/15 and now this one died a Watery Death today...8/23/15, after just under 6 months of use. I am pretty fanatical about cleaning and descaling my machines and only use filtered water in it. With my first one I contacted their CS about 2mo. after purchase and ended up going up the tree to get a part that need replacing which took almost 8 weeks to get. It was centered around a "Warranty Requirement" of cleaning the Boiler Outlet screen...Duh! The problem was the Philips screw seems to weld it self to the jet fitting it screws into. They sent me a "New" nickle plated jet fairly quickly but the screen that got damaged trying to get the Phillips out & took 8 weeks to get here. All this was NC but took hours of my time in email and phone calls to fix it. I also replaced the Phillips with a SS socket flat head (4mm) so I could use a hex to get it out safely. First thing I did on the new one was replace that screw so I could clean it regularly without issue Per "Warranty Requirements". When I took apart the old, first one I realized that this was and Engineering issue with the boiler design. That O-Ring is tiny (maybe 4mm) and sits between the flanges of the 2 Halves of the boiler/reserve hot water. Those flanges are at least 3/8" wide and during assembly it must be quite a jig they made to hold everything in alignment and keep the seal in place while trying to torque everything evenly!!! As an engineer for 25 years with 40 products under my belt, this IS A Poor Design, made to last a few years (if that) then toss it into the waste stream or spend big bucks, wait 6 weeks for it to be repaired and sent back at your expense. At this point the options are to fight city hall, wait for however long, spend inordinate amount of "My TIme" or fix it myself with a flat Silicone Gasket or maybe Food Grade silicone sealer...OR MOVE ON AGAIN to some other unit. None of these are right in my book. The only thing I would accept from them is a NEW unit replacement Free of Charge...right away, which might give me some time to save some $$$ and move to the Old Style Hand Press before this one dies again...I'm Done with Throw aways!! I would like to hear from DeLonghi Directly through Amazon though, as IT IS Still Under Warranty!! I just hope they understand I haven't had my morning Espresso Yet and may be cranky!

I just used my new DeLonghi EC702 espresso machine, and I have to say I am absolutely delighted with this machine. I have owned a Starbucks Barista for over 17 years, so I have experience with making cappuccinos and mochas at home. I finally decided the Barista needed to be retired after making 4 drinks daily for ten of those years, and since at least 1-2 drinks daily. Since I still cannot justify a high-end machine especially for just myself I was looking for something in the range of the Barista. My extensive research led me to conclude if you read reviews across multiple sites not only will it result in a severe headache, but it is very difficult to really access the performance of a product. Many reviews seem to reflect lack of experience with the product, or failure to read the instructions. So, keeping in mind the basic requirements I had, (pump driven, 15 bars etc.) I finally selected the DeLonghi EC702 espresso maker. First, the instructions included with the machine are excellent. There are full diagrams of the machine and its controls, and each step of making an espresso and subsequent clean-up and maintenance is fully depicted. The water reservoir is much easier to access from the side of the machine and has a floating ball to see the water level. My previous Barista filled from either the top (which usually meant I spilled on the machine) or you had to remove the 4-part drip trays to fill directly into the reservoir. I turned on the machine and let it warm up the 15 minutes while I cleaned ash from my wood stove. I set the metal espresso cup and my coffee cup on the cup warmer, so they were good and warm when I made my drink. Some reviews I read indicated the machine vibrated, a concern for placing the cups on top, but I did not notice any vibration at all. I was also surprised how much quieter this machine was by comparison. I have a Capresso burr grinder set at the lowest “fine grind” setting and used the large coffee filter. I filled it almost to the top and tamped it firmly. I did use my existing metal tamper rather than the built-in tamper. My espresso came out perfect. Normally I would froth the milk directly into my oversized coffee mug, but this frother worked so well I had to use my metal frothing cup. The instruction booklet does indicate to use skim milk, but I used 2% refrigerated milk and did not notice any lack of froth. Again, based on some reviews I fully expected to make several drinks before getting one I liked, but the first drink was excellent, and I dare say even better than the Barista made. Overall the actual process of making my drink after the warm up time was much faster. And the ability to remove the frother parts to clean was great! In clarification to some reviews I read the machine is in fact entirely metal except for the bottom of the 2-part drip tray, which is plastic. As my Barista had developed spots of rusting under its drip tray I think the DeLonghi is much better designed. I highly recommend this product, and really feel this is an upgrade from my previous machine. Very pleased!

I have been making espresso at home for 30 years and have gone through 3 machines prior to purchasing the DeLonghi. The first was purchased in Rome in 1978 when home-brewed espresso in the US was a rarity. That machine lasted 10 years before the pump blew out and looking back it just made 'acceptable' coffee. I next purchased a Krups (from Amazon) and ran that one to death in 10 more years. It was a fine machine but not surprisingly, it did wear out. A good value for the price and I got a lot of service from it. Then I got a Braun which was totally serviceable for yet another 10 years....do these things all last 10 years? I guess so. When it was time to purchase another espresso maker, I chose the DeLonghi EC702. What a nice surprise! It heats up really quickly, and despite the owner's manual that says let it warm up for 15 minutes before you brew the first cup, I find you can get a perfect cup after only about 3 minutes of warm-up. Then, hit the 'milk steamer' button and in just one more minute it's hot enough to do the milk for a great cappuccino. The steamer nozzle is the first I've seen that can be EASILY dismantled (two small pieces to pull off) and rinsed. Former models had to be scrubbed with a scouring pad occasionally to scape off the residue left on the nozzle. This DeLonghi setup is far better and the steamer nozzle is always clean and ready for your next cappuccino. The drip tray (plastic with a metal grid) pulls off for easy cleaning too. Being a coffee-hound, I use the double-filter basket to make a single cup, although the photo shows two demitasse cups being filled side-by-side. Really, I'd recommend this machine without reservation. It's good-looking, easily cleanable, warms up super fast, quickly steams the milk to a lovely froth, and filling the water reservoir is a snap because it pulls out like a small drawer so you can squirt more water in from the sink's dish sprayer without needing to remove the entire reservoir from the machine (at least that's how I do it). A full reservoir makes about 4 good-sized cappuccinos with frothed milk before needing refilling. All in all, a GREAT machine at a GREAT price. Buy it!

Update: Feb 2020 Our trusty machine finally died today, after 8+ years of faithful service. We loved this thing. My husband made 1-2 daily americanos, and I loved how easy it was for me to adjust the brew time to make my preferred lungos. One note: we don't use the milk frother, per our original comment below. We just warm milk in the microwave and add the espresso to the warmed milk (hey, we have babies and toddlers at home. Life's full of compromises). Despite the issue with the frother, I definitely feel like we got our money's worth in this little machine. Original: We had a similar experience as many other reviewers -- the machine worked great for about 4-5 months, and then we started having problems. We loved the taste and the ease of creating lattes and espressos, and it had come to completely replace our regular coffee maker. Then, eventually, we started having the problem that no espresso would come out, as if there were no pressure. When it stopped working correctly, we tried everything -- thorough cleaning, running vinegar through, "resting" the machine -- nothing worked. Then, we figured out what was causing the problems through a lucky combination of circumstances, and now we can use the machine fine as long as we follow the steps. Is it "okay" that we had to fiddle so much with such an expensive kitchen item? Of course not, but it's better than having to mail the machine in and wait for a possible fix (we live overseas). See, in the beginning, I would get up and froth the milk, then make a couple of shots of espresso to combine into lattes. My husband started needing to go to work earlier than me, so he would get up, make a quick shot, and just drink it plain. I would get up a little later, froth the milk, and find that there was no pressure to make actual espresso. I kept trying to tell my husband the machine was broken, and he was like "I don't understand, it works great for me." One day, I skipped the milk step and just made the espresso...and voila. No problems. After a little more experimentation, we realized there's a leak between the milk frother and the espresso pump that only occurs when the frother has been heated up. We've observed a steam leak coming from the frother implement even after the machine has been turned off. In order to get the machine to work, you have to make all your espresso prior to using the frother function. This gets a little tricky on weekend mornings, when I want to get up early to make my lattes, but I know if I use the frother function, I'm keeping my husband from being able to use the machine at all later in the morning. It's not an ideal solution, and I would not recommend this machine to others as a result. But for those who have already sunk nearly $200 into the device, I hope this helps.

La calidad del café que prepara es muy buena. Hay que seguir las recomendaciones del fabricante en cuanto a agua, tipo de café y mantenimiento.

I am beyond thrilled with this product! I have never owned an espresso maker before and did a lot of research before buying one. There are a couple things I wish would be different: - there is no filter basket to put in the portafilter for cleaning, and I heard that they typically come with the machines - the froth wand is at an odd angle (it works, but it just takes a bit more effort) and it's shorter than I would have expected - so I need a very small frothing pitcher or I need to make more than necessary for one espresso... It's an easy enough fix - but something that I found frustrating... Although I have read that it is difficult to steam/froth cream - and I have successfully (on the first try) used half and half and coffee cream with no problems. The portafilter is difficult to twist into position, which is probably important to keep it sealed, but I have to hold onto the machine to keep the entire thing from moving) I have been using this 3-4 times a day, since I received the machine (early) :) It's easy to clean, and beautiful on my counter top/ I didn't have a tamper, so I was pleased to learn there was one attached to the machine that works fine until I can purchase one. Overall, this machine retails for $250, I paid $125 on here, despite the above, for my first espresso machine, I am beyond satisfied. Knowing the prices of these things, I would have been just as satisfied had I paid $250 for it, as I was paying $125 - although I likely wouldn't have been able to justify buying it for the higher price :) I hope this machine lasts a long time!

Llevo un año de uso y hasta el momento todo bien. No ha fallado.

This is the best 'cap' machine I have owned. It does everything VERY well. I am quite experienced with small home models and I am very satisfied with this machine. It's easy, fast, and economic, (uses about a third of the coffee that steam powered expresso does). If you have to use the instructions for making a latte then do so and I think you will be satisfied. If you Know better then do it right and you'll be even happier. I can't get over how fast I can have a good coffee in my hand. (less than 2 minutes). I love this machine and I'm thinking about buying the extended warranty that is available for 50 bucks cause I've had it three days and would be devastated if it broke down a year from now. (couldn't be without it). Oh what the hell! This is what's wrong with the directions: They say to make the expresso first then steam the milk and add it to the (old by now) expresso. Always make your expresso last and get it in the milk as soon as you can. By the way I've never had crema in my expresso as good as this machine makes.

No es completamente de acero inox, hay varias partes de plástico pintado de plateado en especial la charola de líquidos la cual tiende a rayarse bastante