De'Longhi: | Filter Coffee Machine

Jan 30

Black filter coffee machine with 10-cup capacity
Permanent coffee filter and water level window on both sides
Drip-stop mechanism
Thermostatic hot plate and on/off switch with pilot light
Non-slip feet

You may have already gathered but I really do like De’longi. It’s not that their filter coffee machines are the best on the market, there are better machines out there, but not at the price that De’longhi are able to sell thier machines.

If you’re a seasoned filtered coffee drinker, if you know the difference between your arabicas and robusta’s, then this machine is probably not for you. But if you are new to filtered coffee and are looking for a cheap filter coffee machine to begin your journey with then this could be for you.

The Pros

Easy to use
Makes surprisingly good coffee!
A hot plate that actually works – you’ll be amazed at hom many don’t

The Cons

There is no getting away from the fact that there is a plasticy smell with this machine. Too many reviews mention this, but there are no reports of the smell tainting the taste of the coffee.
When pouring water into the water tank you may need to use a tea towel or something to stop water dripping. But this is only a minor inconveinience.

Overall Verdict 4/5

So, this machine is not going to set the coffee world on fire, but it is so reasonably priced that it it may just light the touchpaper for someone’s new journey into the joy of filtered coffee.

If you want to find out more, click here.

Technorati Tags: De'Longhi:, Filter coffee machine

Jan 18

De’Longhi Bar 14 Café Treviso

Filter coffee machine

Pumped Espresso / Cappuccino Maker
15 Bar Pressure
Swivel Steam Pipe
1 Litre Water reservoir
Filter Storage Compartment
Removable Drip Tray
Measuring Spoon
3 Button Operation

De Longi have a reputation for great coffee makers and this is well deserved especially for the price. Their machines are great value and the Treviso is no exception. But then again you probably already know this.

The Pros

This is a fantastically priced machine which brings affordable espressos to a wide range of people
Relatively simple to use, but operator skill is required (this is half the fun!)
Very easy to clean
thia quote from the review site says it all “I am a fully trained barista and have been for 3 years so deal with top of the range industrial machines all the time. For a domestic machine this is the best i have had or used!”

The Cons

This isn’t a machine designed for tall mugs – the flatter rounded ones will easily fit under the spout
Can be a bit noisy whilst the pump is in operation – but this is only for 20-30 seconds
There have been some reports that this can be a messy machine, but I do think that some if not all of this can be corrected with greater operator skill.

Top Tips

In order to get a great crema it is best to use a fine powder and as always you should compact it.
Another tip is to make sure you ‘pre charge’ the machine. Switch on and wait until red light comes on. Do a ‘blank’ espresso … filter bowl attached and pouring into the cup UNTIL the red light goes off. Everything gets fully warmed and the water is primed. Remove filter bowl and full with coffee. Tamp down. By this time the red light has gone on and you are ready to reapply filter bowl and pour your espresso.

If you want a machine that you can just flick a switch and get great coffee this machine is perhaps not the best machine for you. However, if you want to begin to develop your espresso skills and have great coffee as well this may just be the machine you have been looking for.

Click hereto find out more about this machine.

Dec 7

De’Longhi Nespresso Lattissima (Satin Chrome)

Nespresso Pod System coffee machine with automatic capsule ejection
Instant froth dispenser and removable milk Jug
19 Bar Pressure
1.2 Litre Water Reservoir
Energy saving function and adjustable drip tray
£40 credit with the Nespresso Club

This is the most expensive machine I have reviewed so far. I thought twice about including it as I like to think most of the machines on this site are affordable for most of us.

However, there is something about Nespresso. Have a look at thier site and you will see what I mean. They seem to have created a sense of exclusivity in owning a Nespresso – the Nespresso Club says it all.

So I thought I would indulge and let you see what you can buy towrds the top end of the Nespresso range.

The Pros

Great coffee each time.
The memory feature is excellent – set the machine to make YOUR coffee the way you like it!
Neat and compact with a sort of understated high tech feel about it. The indicator lights for example come in sequence and glow blue (does impact on the coffee but does look pretty cool in the kitchen)
In built, automatic milk heater/frother
Has a clean function, and the milk container and associated parts go in the dishwasher – no need for it ever to get mucky!

The Cons

It can be tricky to refill the milk tank without removing the whole assembly
Although it hs a clean function it can be difficult to get all the milk out of either the nozzle on the machine or the frothing unit – best to wash it fairly regularly (best if you flush it through after each use)
Froth adjustment – only one setting makes sense, the middle one. Otherwise you get a) warm diluted milk or b) a load of milky steam.

Top, Top Top Tip

I’ve never done this before – so here goes:

DON’T BUY THIS MACHINE!!

Why? Unless you have a satin chrome themed kitchen you can have the same machine in cream or black for £70 – £100 less.

Verdict 4.5/5

If you’re really passionate about espressos, lattes, cappucinos and lungos then this is a great machine but please bew aware that you can get the same machine cheaper if you go for a different colour! Follow the links below for your machine of choice:

Nov 23

De’Longhi EC270 Pump Espresso Machine

Pumped Espresso / Cappuccino Maker
15 Bar Pressure
Swivel Steam Pipe
1 Litre Water reservoir
2 in 1 Crema Holder
Removable Metal Drip Tray
Measuring Spoon
3 Button Operation
Cup Warmer

Do you love your espresso? Do you know your macchiato from your latte? If you do then this machine is probably not for you. That’s not because of the quality of the coffee – no, that’s pretty darn good. Its the occassional faults that leaves a question mark over this machine. But if you are looking for a reasonably priced entry level machine then this may be the machine for you! First of all let me tell you about…

The Pros

Produces fabulous tasting coffee – just like the coffee shops!
Creates a lovely crema
The pump is particularly quite – yes you can hear it when it starts, but it is no where as noisy as more expensive models
Very stylish
Can use Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods as well as ground coffee

The Cons

There have been a few reports of water leaking from the water tank. However De’Longhi themselves say that it is to be expected that there is some water in the tray under the tank. You also have to make sure that if you have removed the tank to fill it (you can fill it left in-situ), you need to make sure you need to replace the tank by connecting the valve at the bottom of the tank with the hole in the base on the machine.
There have also been concerns about a strong plasticy smell comming from some machines which may taint the taste of the coffee. Again De’Longi do say that before we first use the machine there is a need to wash all the accessories in warm soapy water and rinse. For the best tasting coffee the internal circuits must be flushed through at least five times.

Handy Tip(s)

Make sure you ‘tamper’ the coffee correctly and then make sure the filter holder handle is pushed well over to the right when you prepare coffee – this will ensure a great ‘crema’ every time.

Just because this is a reasonably priced machine does not mean you can take it for granted. All espresso machines need some time to understand them – so please read the instructions and follow them.

Personally, for the price, I don’t think you can go wrong with this machine. Yes there are some question marks over this machine but you can get round these with a little understanding and patience.

For more information, click here

Nov 20

De’Longhi EC330S Pump Espresso Maker

Stainless Steel Pump Driven Espresso Machine
Can operate with Either Ground Coffee or Coffee Pods
15 Bar Pressure
Stainless Steel Boiler for Longer Life
Self Priming System
Cappuccino System
Cup Warmer
Crema Filter Holder
Adjustable Steam Emission.

De’Longhi are really pretty good you know. This espresso machine is proof of that. Firstly, this machine has previously come top of the list of Which? Best Buys for machines under £200 and this has really helped people with confidence in this machine.

The Pros

Stainless steel boiler is much better than the aluminium ones which corrode much more easily
Good build quality which results in a sturdy, professional feel
Excellent quality coffee
Very easy to use (although please make sure you read and understand the instructions)
Milk frother is very easy to use and produces really good light, frothy milk that provides for a great crema.
Comes with free Illy pods
Compact machine so won’t take up too much space on the counter top
Takes ground coffee as well as ESE pods

The Cons

Please make sure you read and understand the instructions. You don’t need to be a barista, but you do need to understand what you are doing
The pump is a little on the noisy side – but this is only for a few seconds and any way this can give you the feel of a real coffee shop experience in your own home!
You need to be pretty accurate when using the pods. When using pods it’s essential that the paper border surrounding the pod is away from the filter seal – if not the filter holder will leak
There is some vibration which can be a little off putting (the cup rattles a little whilst sitting on the machine).

Handy tip

When putting the steam nozzle back on, the offset portion of the nozzle should be facing the front or the nozzle shroud won’t be reseated properly.

Overall Verdict 4.5/5

The De’Longhi EC330S, is quite simply one of the best espresso machine for the price. It looks great (don’t under-estimate the importance of styling – there are many appliance that are banished to the cupboard, either because they are no good or that they look awful!). Believe me this wiill not me the case for the De’Longi. I’m sure that once you have bought it you will love it and the coffee it produces.

For more information, click here

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