Known for its durable and high-quality machines, De’Longhi maintains its tradition of excellent espresso-making with the EC155 model. This comprehensive review dives deep into its features, performance, pricing, and more.
Overview of the De’Longhi EC155
A sturdy machine, the EC155 is powered by a 15-bar pump pressure system, ensuring each espresso is perfectly extracted. The exterior, predominantly made of plastic, may not be aesthetically pleasing, but its functionality outweighs this minor shortfall.
The EC155 has a stainless-steel boiler engineered for durability and ease of maintenance. Its unique feature, the cup heating plate, passively warms cups as the machine heats water, ensuring your espresso stays hot longer.
Size and Design
Measuring 8 x 10 x 11 inches, this compact machine fits comfortably in most kitchen spaces.
It weighs just 6.68 pounds and is easily portable, making it a perfect companion for small apartments, offices, or travel.
Performance Metrics
When evaluating a semi-automatic machine like the EC155, the pump pressure is a critical factor.
With its 15-bar pressure system, this machine ensures a perfectly balanced espresso with a rich aroma, full flavor, and beautiful crema.
The stainless steel boiler adds durability while making maintenance a breeze. Dual thermostats for water and steam temperatures offer precise control, allowing for simultaneous milk frothing and espresso extraction – a boon when time is of the essence.
User-friendly Features
The EC155 has a self-priming mechanism that substantially reduces the manual effort needed to prepare the machine for brewing, particularly in those early morning rushes.
Despite producing slightly watery milk, the adjustable frother still delivers a satisfactory cappuccino. Its swivel feature ensures easy positioning for your mug.
The water tank, capable of holding up to 35 ounces, is easily removable, allowing quick refills and straightforward cleaning.
Its transparent design lets you monitor water levels without opening the cover.
Maintenance and Cleaning
The EC155 scores high on ease of cleaning.
The removable water tank and drip tray simplify regular maintenance, ensuring your machine lasts longer and performs better.
Pricing and Value
Despite offering many features and solid performance, the EC155 is surprisingly affordable.
Priced under a hundred dollars, it outperforms many other machines in the same price range, providing great value for the money.
Pros and Cons
The EC155’s key strengths include its pump-driven, 15-bar pressure system, dual boilers for increased productivity, self-priming feature for convenience, and an adjustable milk frother. The machine’s compact and lightweight design is another plus, as is its ease of maintenance.
On the downside, the milk frother may produce somewhat watery milk, potentially affecting flavor and consistency.
The plastic exterior, while functional, may not appeal to all users. The small drip tray might necessitate frequent cleaning.
Final Verdict
Despite minor drawbacks, the De’Longhi EC155 remains an excellent investment for any coffee lover. It delivers high-quality espresso and offers fantastic value for its price.
Whether you’re a beginner or an espresso aficionado looking for a reliable, budget-friendly machine, the EC155 is a worthy contender.