bit-tech Shopping: Delonghi EC5 Espresso Machine

• Frother
• Heat Control

Rating: 2

Time with product:

Strengths: Great espresso, fast and simple to use.

Weaknesses: Doesn't work for cappuccinos.

Summary: This machine works fine for espresso, but in order to make cappuccinos I'd recommend another machine. This one is very uncomfortable for frothing milk, spills everywhere no matter you follow the manual directions. I HAD to return it, because my main goal was to make cappuccinos at home.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Unique safety cap; exceptional frother

Weaknesses: Frother arm much too short

Summary: The DeLonghi EC5 is a reasonably good espresso/cappuccino maker; however, it has a few quirks worth noting.The frothing attachment does work better than the ones on other machines I've owned. Unfortunately, the frother arm is much too short and close to the machine. I like to froth milk right in my coffee cup, which can be difficult with this machine (particularly when using a tall latte mug--the arm won't even reach a normal level of milk!). Also, after frothing, milk inevitably drips onto the drip tray. It can't easily be wiped up, so the tray must be removed and rinsed after each use along with the frother arm tip, which has to be unscrewed.And I suppose it's a sign of the times that the filter holder is made of plastic--that's a first for me, as all my previous machines had a metal holder. Since the instructions state to "knock it repeatedly" to remove the used grounds, it might conceivably not hold up as well as metal.The instructions also recommend running the machine through a couple of cycles to get rid of the "new" smell. With my machine, many cups later, there was still a lingering aroma that affected the taste of the coffee. I traced it to the unit's safety cap, which had a slight chemical scent to it. The instructions say not to use detergents, but rinsing the cap repeatedly didn't help much. The smell improved only after an overnight soaking in soapy water. Otherwise, though, the patented safety cap is a true innovation--when the machine is in use, the cap can't be unscrewed. Very impressive!Overall, it's an adequate machine that rates 3-1/2 stars. I'd probably recommend purchasing it, because it makes very good coffee for the price.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 8

Strengths: It makes coffe with a strong flavor and nice blend

Weaknesses: It has no match capacity in the coffe jard

Summary: Good choice for a low price. It's easy to use and clean. I recomend it centpercent. It's good to make 2 cups of coffe and makes delicious capuccinod with the complement por the milk.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1

Strengths: makes great espresso, fast, safety cap, easy to clean up

Weaknesses: awkward to steam milk, not enough steam for 16 oz of milk

Summary: Just got this espresso machine for Christmas, and have made several cups of espresso and steamed milk. Compared to other machines, I found this one very easy to use and clean. Being able to clean up easily helps me enjoy my espresso even more. One thing I really appreciate is the safety cap, you can not take the cap off if there is steam still in the machine. Very much appreciated with children around who may not understand just how hot it gets.The only down side is that it's a little hard to get a cup under the steam nozzle, as it points directly down. The machine didn't provide enough steam for a full 16oz of steamed milk propably because I had to do two cups rather than one big cup.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Weeks

Strengths: quick to make coffee

Weaknesses: water does not get hot enough

Summary: I believe that this is one of the best espresso makers I have purchased for the price. It is easy to use and I had no complications with the first use. I would recommend this to my friends because it is a fairly good value.