When choosing the right Coffee Machine, it is essential to understand the difference between different options. It is not enough to know how high the pressure or the temperature of the water should be to brew a good espresso shot using an espresso machine. There are many more things to consider. If you are a real espresso lover, you know that Moka pot and espresso machines are both good options, but the last one can simplify the process. 

In this article, we prepared an ultimate review of the DeLonghi EC 155. This article aims to tell you everything you need to know about this brewing machine so you can decide whether you want to have this countertop brewer or not.

What Is DeLonghi EC155 

If you are looking for a simple, convenient, compact, and budget-friendly espresso machine, DeLonghi EC 155 is exactly what you need. It is easy to use, so even a complete beginner can easily deal with it. Due to its small size, it is perfect for small kitchens and apartments with just a little space.

It has a limited set of functions, so if you look for some freedom and a variety of options, such as various features of Keurig 2.0, this coffee maker might not be an option for you. If you are looking for freedom, the simple interface of the Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System can be perfect for you.

The DeLonghi EC155 has lots of great benefits and, of course, its disadvantages. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this espresso maker. 

Benefits of Using DeLonghi EC155 

Ease of Use

When it comes to most professional coffee brewers, they tend to be rather complicated and may require extra skills. It is a big issue for most of us as, usually, we look for devices that can make our life easier instead of making us waste our time. 

This machine is as simple as possible, which is why it is absolutely perfect for most beginners who want to enjoy a good shot of espresso at home. You need just several seconds to understand how this machine works. It has 4 modes that can be set right on the front panel. The list of modes includes a milk steaming, water heating, espresso brewing, and turning the machine off. Right next to the dial, there is a temperature indicator that is easy to understand. 

Moreover, the machine is equipped with a self-priming feature, so you don’t need to worry about getting it ready. 

Less Hassle

The water tank has a great capacity, so you don’t need to worry about refilling it after each brew. It can hold as much as 1 liter of water enough for about 8 cups of espresso. 

Also, you can easily remove the water tank to refill or clean it. The same goes for a drip tray.

Compact

The greatest thing about this machine is its size. It is only 21 cm wide, 28 cm high, and 25 cm deep. It needs just a little space in your kitchen. Moreover, it weighs just a little, only about 3 kg. Considering its size and weight, you can easily move it around and even carry it with you while going on vacation somewhere. 

Versatile Filter Holder

The machine is equipped with a 3-in-1 portafilter. It means that you can choose if you want to brew one or two espresso shots in one go using ground coffee. Also, you can brew your coffee using Bestpresso coffee pods which is perfect for those who want to avoid the mess.

Powerful Pump

The machine has a really powerful pump for its size. There is a 15 bar pump which means that it can exert pretty high pressure to brew your coffee. This pressure is more than enough to make water move through coffee grounds during the brewing process. Proper pressure lets extract maximum flavor from your coffee so you can enjoy your espresso.

Milk Frother

With this machine, you can easily make espresso and a delicious cup of cappuccino as it is equipped with a built-in frother. Using this rotating frother, you can easily make the thick milk foam required for lattes and cappuccinos. 

How Does DeLonghi EC155 Work

As we mentioned before, the DeLonghi EC155 coffee maker is a brewer designed for making espresso and cappuccino. It is compatible with coffee pods and coffee grounds, so you have an opportunity to choose what you like better. 

The machine has a water reservoir that can hold as much as one liter of water. The reservoir can easily be removed for refilling or cleaning. The powerful pump takes the water from the reservoir and moves it through the system. The water under high pressure goes through the portafilter with coffee grounds that allow brewing a delicious espresso shot. The pressure pump is a vibratory one, so it may struggle with fine grounds while being pretty powerful. 

Speaking of the portafilter, it is equipped with two baskets that can be easily changed – one for one espresso shot; the second is used for two. The first basket can fit as much as 0,2 ounces of ground coffee, while the second one is designed for a double portion of grounds – 0,4 ounces.

Speaking of operating the machine, it is absolutely easy to do. One selector knob on the machine’s front panel allows you to choose one of 4 setting options – heating, brewing, steaming and resting. Also, near the knob, there is a water temperature indicator. It is green when the water is hot enough and red when it needs to be reheated. 

To froth some milk, you need to use a frothing wand. To increase or decrease the steam pressure in the wand, you need to use a steam controller located on the machine’s top. 

Pros and Cons of Using DeLonghi EC155 

Pros

• The machine is tiny, so it can easily fit in any kitchen.
• It is not only simple and user-friendly but also has a good price.
• This brewer allows you to make not only espresso but a variety of espresso-based drinks such as latte and cappuccino.
• This machine will for sure serve you for many years.
• It is equipped with a cup warmer which helps to keep your espresso shot temperature.
• The machine’s pump can produce pretty high pressure that is more than enough for espresso.

Cons

• The brewer can hardly provide you with a hot enough brew, and only the first short has a rather good temperature.
• While using light or medium roast coffee, you will get a rather poor espresso shot, but you can use stronger coffee; for example, Cafe Bustelo has more strength than flavor.
• It can be pretty slow, especially when you need to brew several espresso shots in one go.
• The machine gives you only a little freedom when it comes to settings and brewing different drinks.
• While being pretty compact, the machine can hardly be described as elegant or beautiful.

Things to Consider Before Buying DeLonghi EC155

Brewing Capability

This machine is great for people who like espresso and espresso-based drinks as it allows you to brew espresso and froth milk. It means that you have an opportunity to enjoy not only espresso but also americano, cappuccino, and latte. 

‘Make Life Easy’ Features

The DeLonghi EC155 is designed to be as convenient as possible. The machine is equipped with a make-life-easy feature. The brewing cycle is as simple as possible. Moreover, the machine has a self-priming feature that means you do not need to do anything special to get your machine ready as the brewer will do it independently. 

Milk Frothing

As we mentioned before, the machine is equipped with a built-in swivel jet frother. It is easy to use and can provide you with a pretty good milk froth. Moreover, it is designed so that you can easily froth some milk as it has a perfect angle for making milk froth.

Cleaning

As well as operating this machine, cleaning it is a simple process that requires almost no effort. There is a special indicator on the machine’s panel that indicates when you need to descale it.

The descaling process is manual as the machine only informs you when you need to do it but doesn’t do it automatically. Nevertheless, the process is straightforward.

Build Quality

While being rather good for its price, the DeLonghi build quality can hardly be considered extraordinary. The machine is made of hard plastic and the elements that touch the coffee are made of stainless steel. 

While having some disadvantages, the machine is very popular and is on the market for more than 15 years. It proves its popularity and quality and means that the manufacturer improved everything that could be improved.

Features of DeLonghi EC155

Pressure

As we mentioned before, the DeLonghi EC155 is known for its high pressure. Considering the small size of this machine, the pressure of 15 bars is really great for this small brewer. Usually, it is larger machines that you can see in cafes that use this amount of pressure for espresso brewing. It means that this machine can easily provide you with an authentic shot of espresso. 

However, there is a consequence of equipping such a small machine with such a powerful pump. As a result, the machine is less reliable than other small machines that have smaller pressure.

Heating Element

Usually, the DeLonghi EC155 needs about 45 seconds to pre-heat and start the brewing process after you switch it on. As soon as the machine is ready to start the brewing process, you will see the indicator light up. 

One of the most important things you need to consider is that the first shot tends to be the hottest. Every shot tends to be colder as the machine cannot draw enough power to keep the temperature on the same level. 

Pods, Grounds and Beans

The DeLonghi is known as one of those unique espresso brewers that can use both coffee grounds and coffee pods to make a shot of espresso. You can consider trying Kopi Luwak, for example. It is a great feature to have as using Bestpresso pods or other options reduces the mess and the time required for getting your coffee. 

Just keep in mind that there is no built-in coffee grinder, so you need to have a separate one if you prefer grinding coffee beans right before the brewing process. 

Capacity and Shots Bandwidth

The DeLonghi EC155 is equipped with a high-capacity water tank, so you don’t need to refill it after each brew.

The machine can brew one or two espresso shots in one go. However, when you brew two shots simultaneously, you can get a less lustrous drink than when brewing only one. Nevertheless, it is a great option to have when you need to brew several shots and have just a little time. 

Ease of Use

You need just a few skills to operate the DeLonghi EC 155, so it will hardly be challenging. You just need to switch it on, fill the portafilter with ground coffee and start brewing. 

Also, the machine is very easy to clean as we already mentioned. You can easily remove the drip tray and portafilter and just put them into a dishwasher. 

Accessorize

The machine is equipped with a built-in milk frother and a cup warmer and a simple cup and filter system. The last one is really well-constructed so that it will serve you for many years with no issues.

The frother wand is also pretty good, but if you are picky about your milk froth, you should consider getting a separate milk frother that can provide you with thicker and creamier foam. 

Last but not least is a cup warmer that is for sure the best feature of this brewer. The most important thing about this feature is that a cup warmer easily compensate because the machine tends to brew colder shots after the first cup. 

Water Reservoir

The machine is designed specifically for espresso brewing which means that having a big water reservoir can provide you with plenty of shots before refilling it. The machine has a reservoir with a capacity of about 1 liter that is enough for about 10-12 espresso shots. 

Swivel Jet Frother

The DeLonghi EC155 is equipped with the so-called Swivel Jet  Frother. It is a special wand that is used to froth milk so you can make some latte, cappuccino, and a bunch of other espresso-based drinks with milk froth. 

To start using it, you just need to switch the frothing function on, place the wand into a jar with milk so its tip just below the surface, and start frothing milk. 

Because different temperatures are required for brewing coffee and frothing milk, the machine is equipped with two thermostats to adjust the temperature depending on the process. 

Aesthetics 

When it comes to aesthetics, there is nothing spectacular the DeLonghi EC155 can offer you. The machine is pretty simple but still good-looking, so you can place it on your countertop and don’t worry that it will become an eyesore.

Differences Between DeLonghi EC155 and Other Models 

Several espresso makers are similar to DeLonghi EC155. To help you understand the difference between those machines, we compared them with our DeLonghi brewer. Or you can check the premium pod coffee machine. For example, you can consider brewing coffee by using Nespresso Vertuo or Original.

DeLonghi EC155 vs Gourmia GCM6500

The Gourmia GCM6500 One Touch Automatic Espresso Cappuccino & Latte Maker has a higher price than our DeLonghi brewer. Also, it is known for its more exquisite design, but the quality of the brewed espresso is lower. 

One other significant difference is that Gourmia is compatible only with coffee pods and you cannot brew a shot of espresso with ground coffee. Moreover, this machine’s heating element is weaker, so it needs about 60 seconds to heat up. One more difference is the pressure produced by the machines. The Gourmia brewer produces lower pressure than the DeLonghi.

However, if you aren’t a fan of DeLonghi and look for something with a little bit more elegant design and innovative interface, you may consider Gourmia brewer as a great option. 

DeLonghi EC155 vs BESTEK 3.5

BESTEK 3.5 Bar Steam Espresso and Cappuccino Maker Coffee Machine has a lower price than DeLonghi EC155. That is the main reason why it is known as an alternative option for DeLonghi brewer. 

The machine is known for its unpleasant design and rather poor tech specifications, especially compared to the DeLonghi machine. This brewer is equipped with a pretty weak heating element. Moreover, the pressure produced by the machine doesn’t meet the standards required for espresso brewing as it can produce only as much as 3.5 bar. 

Nevertheless, some users may like this machine as it is great for dorms. Also, it is perfect for customers who have a small budget and aren’t peaky about the quality of their espresso. However, if you want to get a good espresso shot, it is better to look for other options. 

How to Brew Coffee in DeLonghi EC155

Step 1 – Get ready

Unpack your machine and place it on a countertop. Make sure there is enough space for the brewer and plug it in. It is better to choose a flat space away from water sources like a sink.

Step 2 – Fill the reservoir with water

Remove the water tank from the machine. To do it, you just need to lift the lid and take the reservoir. Pour some clean water into the tank till it reaches maximum capacity. After it, place the tank in its place and close the lid. 

Step 3 – Preheat the system

Turn the machine on and start the heating process. Usually, the machine needs about 15 minutes to preheat the system and heat the water to the required temperature. As soon as the machine is ready, you will see a green signal on the panel. 

Step 4 – Prepare your cup

As soon as the machine is ready, put the cup on the drip tray right under the spout. 

Step 5 – Measure and grind coffee

Now it’s time to measure the right amount of coffee. After it, you need to grind the beans. If you use ground coffee, just measure the required amount of coffee and place it into the portafilter. 

Step 6 – Temper coffee

Brush the extra coffee off, so there are no grounds on the rim’s edges. Use a temper to press coffee grounds lightly. Also, make sure coffee grounds are evenly spread throughout the portafilter. 

Step 7 – Place portafilter in place

Take the portafilter and place it in a special holder by twisting it carefully till it is securely locked in place. The handle of the properly placed and locked portafilter should be right on the front of the machine. 

Step 8 – Start brewing process

To start the brewing process, you need to turn the knob to the right and place it on the brewing option. As soon as it is done, the machine will start the brewing process and you will see how the coffee is poured right into your cup. 

Step 9 – Froth milk

If you want to make some cappuccino, latte, or other espresso-based drink, you need to froth some milk. To do it, pour about 3.5 ounces of milk into the pitcher. Place the frothing wand into the pitcher right under the surface and turn the knob to steaming mode. As soon as the milk volume increases about two times, turn the machine off and add milk froth to your drink. By the way, black coffee consumption is positive during fasting, so you should consider drinking just espresso.

How to Clean and Descale DeLonghi EC155

As we told you before, the DeLonghi EC155 is easy to clean. There are three main processes that you need to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning your machine and dealing with coffee stains.

Step 1 – Clean separate parts of the machine

According to the user guide added to the machine, the machine’s filter needs to be cleaned after every 200 brewed shots of espresso. Also, it needs to be cleaned when you can see espresso dripping out of the filter. Also, it is the first thing you need to do if the machine’s pump doesn’t work. To clean it, remove the filter from the holder and wash it with clean water manually.

Unscrew the cap of the filter and take the filter out of the container. After it, remove the gasket and rinse all the elements with clean, warm water. 

The filter itself needs to be cleaned with a brush and hot water. Make sure all the holes of the filter are absolutely clean. Let all the parts dry completely and screw all the parts back carefully. By the way, there is a substitute for coffee filters.

Step 2 – Clean the boiler outlet

The DeLonghi Espresso Maker boiler outlet needs to be cleaned after every 300 shots of espresso brewing. Remember that you need to clean it only when all the parts are icy and the machine is unplugged. 

First of all, you need to unscrew the screw that attaches the boiler outlet to the machine. Take the outlet filter and clean it properly using hot water and a brush. Make sure all holes of the filter are clean. Also, never immerse the machine in water and let all elements dry properly before attaching them back. 

Step 3 – Descale the machine

As it is said in the user guide for DeLonghi EC155, you need to descale your machine after every 200 shots of espresso. It is recommended to use a special commercial descaling solution. However, if you have none, you can use citric acid instead. 

If you want to use citric acid or vinegar, fill the water tank with 17 ounces of water and add about 2 tablespoons of vinegar or citric acid. Use the knob to switch the “appliance on light” mode and wait till you see the OK light is on.

After it, remove the filter holder and place any container under the boiler outlet. Turn the knob to hot water delivery mode and wait until half of the tank’s mixture is used. After it, turn the knob to the O sign and let it sit for about 15 minutes, and start the process again. 

As soon as the process is finished, clean the water tank properly using clean water. It is better to rinse it several times to make sure there is no smell of vinegar. Add clean water to the tank and put it in place. Turn the knob to hot water delivery mode. After it, you can return the knob to the “appliance on light” position. 

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

In this case, the price of the machine has nothing to do with its quality. The only exception is fake products, so if you see a huge price difference for the same device, it is better to avoid such offers. In all other cases, a small price difference may be due to resellers’ pricing policies. 

Do’s and Don’ts With DeLonghi EC155

Do’s

• Do clean your machine properly after each brew.
• Do make sure to descale the machine after every 200 shots of espresso.
• Do use coffee grounds or coffee pods to brew your espresso.
• Do follow the rules described in the user guide.
• Do place the machine on a flat surface far from water sources.
• Do use clean water while brewing your espresso.

Don’ts

• Don’t leave the machine uncleaned.
• Don’t use finely ground coffee.
• Don’t forget to clean the portafilter after each brew.
• Don’t wash the portafilter and boiler outlet in a dishwasher. 

FAQ About DeLonghi EC155 

Are DeLonghi espresso machines good?

The machine is very simple and gives almost no freedom when it comes to coffee brewing, but it is easy to use. Also, the price is very good and you can get a good-quality espresso brewer for its price. In other words, it is a good machine verified by time, so you can even consider it as the world’s best automatic espresso machine.

What is the best DeLonghi espresso machine?

It depends on what you expect from your coffee brewer. Nevertheless, DeLonghi EC155 is known as one of the best coffee makers offered by the company.  

How long does a DeLonghi espresso machine last?

Usually, it can last for as long as five years, but this machine can serve you much longer if you take good care of it. 

How often do I need to descale my DeLonghi coffee machine?

According to the user manual guide, you need to descale your machine after every 200 shots of espresso that you brew. 

Conclusion

DeLonghi EC155 is a great combination of price, simplicity, ease of use, and quality. The machine has been on the market for many years and the company made a range of improvements to this model. It means that you can be sure that you get a good brewer for its price. 

Being perfect for beginners, this machine is easy to operate and doesn’t require any special skills. It is perfect for anyone who looks for a compact device that can deliver a good-quality espresso shot in the shortest period of time. 

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