Review Of The DeLonghi EC152 Home Espresso Machine
The DeLonghi EC152 does all that can be asked of a straightforward but capable espresso machine. Operation is simple, just no-frills coffee brewing and it won’t do too much harm to your bank balance either.
That DeLonghi have been able to put the package together for such a price is amazing. One look at the machine will tell you that you will be having a proper-looking espresso maker sitting on your counter – you will certainly give the impression of being a real coffee specialist! But is it all really for show, with no substance? What are the main functions of the machine?
- Stacks of power – 1100W heating element for rapid warm-up and steam generation, and 15 bar pressure for good espresso production. The crema that results is café-quality (just be careful to do the espresso basics correctly!)
- A conventional steam wand and milk frother for cappuccinos and lattes. Again, follow the instructions and be ready to do a bit of experimenting and you won’t go wrong.
- Enough capacity in the coffee filter for one or two cups of espresso. Alternatively you could brew one large cappuccino if you want.
- Very small footprint – smallest possible space on the counter-top.
- Very competitively priced – you should be able to get the DeLonghi EC152 for £55 – £60 ($80 for the US equivalent EC155). Superb value for a machine that will do so much.
A few points do arise however:-
- It’s important the the coffee is firmly tamped down. The built in tamper is fine, but you will not be able to get a lot of force onto the grounds. It might be worth buying a heavier hand tamper. It’s well known by those with a bit of experience that if you want a good crema on your espresso, you have to be careful to tamp the coffee grounds down well.
- Since it is a single boiler, the machine will take a moment or two to get up to steam temperature after brewing, and a similar time to cool down afterwards before you can make more espresso.
- There’s not a lot of room between the filter head and the drainer – adequate for espresso cups but not for anything much larger. Some people recommend just taking out the drainer grating.
Generally speaking, the evaluations of the EC152 are very positive. For the money, the DeLonghi EC152 is a first-class home espresso machine, and is an ideal way to get into home-made espresso without laying out too much expense.
You can read more about the DeLonghi EC152 and many more kitchen aids and appliances at Tern Kitchen Reviews
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