3 Comments on “De’Longhi ECP3420 15″ Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black Review
  1. 83 of 84 people found the following review helpful
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Espresso Machine, August 29, 2015
    By 
    Tom T (wisconsin) –
    (VINE VOICE)
      

    This review is from: De’Longhi ECP3420 15″ Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black (Kitchen)
    Vine Customer Review of Free Product (What’s this?)
    The De’Longhi ECP3420 15″ Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino machine works very well. I have been making lattes for several years with various machines. I started with a very cheap machine that made passable lattes and then got a De’Longhi EC702 and now the ECP 3420. All three would not be termed expensive or high end espresso machines.
    This new machine, the ECP3420, is about 3/4 of the cost of my earlier machine and is much easier to use. There are less settings so that slight changes in the strength and flavor are not easily made, but the ease of making a latte makes up for it. The flavor quality is about the same. My favorite vanilla lattes come from a regional coffee place (Caribou Coffee) and I find that the De’Longhi approaches their quality, but does not quite get there. It could be the beans, the pressure or something else, or me.
    One thing that I noticed about this new machine is that even if I pack the ground espresso very hard, it does not seem to impede the pump action. The flow of the espresso is very dark and even. There is not an overabundance of foam in the espresso itself. The milk “frother” works very well and makes a nice even froth.
    I have always ground my own beans at the time of making the espresso so that I can get the fineness of the grind that I find the best. The ECP 3420 handles any of the grinds. The water tank is very handy and easy to add water. The unit will also take the prepackaged espresso packets.
    One thing to note is the instruction booklet…It is in color, has clear pictures and written directions. It is extremely clear and concise. This might be the best instruction booklet I have ever used. Especially if you are new to making espresso, you will have not problem with this machine and the instructions. The is good moderately priced machine.
    September 30, 2015 I regret to have to revise my review of this machine. After only one month of use, the pump stopped working rendering the machine useless. I really liked this unit and the flavor of the espresso, but alas, it doesn’t work after only about 35-30 espressos.

    October 2015 – Running the risk of loosing review credibility, I must revisit the review of this product for the third time. I do this in fairness to De’Longhi as well as this product. As covered in my previous review – The reason that the pump was not working is that the water storage container was not completely seated in the bottom of the unit. If it is up even a 1/16 of an inch it will not function. The water tank must be firmly pushed down into the unit. I discovered this really by accident.
    I found this out when I had decided to try to find out why it didn’t work prior to disposing of it. I am now using it again without any problem. Sorry De’Longhi.

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  2. 87 of 93 people found the following review helpful
    3.0 out of 5 stars
    Decent Entry Level Espresso Machine, September 1, 2015
    By 
    R. Garrelts (St. Louis, MO) –
    (VINE VOICE)
      
    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
      

    This review is from: De’Longhi ECP3420 15″ Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black (Kitchen)
    Vine Customer Review of Free Product (What’s this?)
    Before I get into the meat of my review I’ll preface by saying that I own the Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine and while the De’Longhi ECP3420 is quite a bit cheaper than that machine I will be making some direct comparisons. I’ll also go ahead and state that for an entry level espresso machine this is a pretty nice little espresso machine that can make some excellent drinks… but there are some not so great areas too.

    ——————-
    PRODUCT DESCRIPTION & USE:
    ——————-
    ►Ease of Use:
    If you’ve used a semi-manual espresso machine or even if you’re new to the joys of making your own “fancy coffee” De’Longhi has really made the process of using the machine simple and easy to understand. One large dial-selector at the front of the machine turns on the power and serves as your selector for boiling water for the frothing wand. A red/green LED indicates the status of the machine; red = warming, green = ready to brew or steam. High marks here and this is truly a machine that a newbie can use.

    ►Build Quality:
    The overall build of the ECP3420 is a bit of a concern even at this price-point. You’re getting mostly plastics here and there’s no mention of the materials used on the most important components including the portafilter, grouphead on either Amazon or De’Longhi’s own website. The portafilter feels just ‘okay’ a bit light but should be up to the job. The body of the ECP3420 is mostly plastic with some metal trim here and there.

    ►Froth/Steam Wand:
    The frothing/steam wand (which you’ll use to froth and warm milk) is a mixed bag. It absolutely does an amazing job building froth extremely quickly and almost stupidly easy to use. But (there always has to be a but), the froth tends to be what I call ‘fake froth’ or extremely large, light bubbly froth and not the super-dense thick and rich froth that I love. Make no mistake everyone can make froth with this machine and the wand is absolutely easier to use than the one on my Gaggia but the froth is kind of a letdown.

    ►Crema:
    Overall after putting in some quality time over the weekend making a variety of drinks (espresso, Americano, latte, etc) with my beloved Lavazza Gran Crema Espresso I have to say that this little machine does a decent job. The 15-bar pump does a terrific job pushing water through the packed portafilter and delivered beautiful, thick crema every time. Maybe I’m just easy to please.

    ——————-
    ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS & CONSIDERATIONS:
    ——————-
    ►Water Reservoir:
    You’re getting a nice, big 37-ounce (top-loading) water reservoir that’s a cinch to remove, fill and replace in the machine. Gaggia could learn something in this department as it’s a huge pain to remove the water reservoir in my Classic machine.

    ►Boiler:
    De’Longhi made the boiler stainless steel (this is a good thing) and not aluminum.

    ►Portafilter Inserts:
    You’re getting three portafilter inserts – double-shot, single shot and easy-serve pod. Plus De’Longhi designed the extra inserts to slide into grooves on the inside of the water reservoir lid. This is a small thing that I love about this machine and makes finding inserts easy.

    ►Hot Water:
    The steam wand can also serve up boiling water for tea and other uses with the selector.

    ——————-
    MACHINE SPECS & WHAT’S INCLUDED:
    ——————-
    ►In the Box:
    1) ECP3420 15-bar Espresso Machine
    2) Portafilter with three different inserts (double-shot, single shot, ESE pod)
    3) Plastic tamper with measuring cup
    4) Instructions and quick-start guide

    ►Dimensions:
    The machine has the following dimensions: 9.6″x 7.3″x 11.9″ (L x W x H).

    ►Weight:
    The assembled machine weighs (dry weight) about 9lbs.

    ►Input Power:
    1100 watts

    ——————-
    CLOSING:
    ——————-
    De’Longhi’s ECP3420 is a bit of a mixed bag. This is a decent enough entry level machine but a bit limited in some of the finer points. If you’re absolutely tied to a lower-end budget this is a good little machine. If you can spend a bit more I would recommend the Gaggia.

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  3. 32 of 36 people found the following review helpful
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    101 Things That Are Great About the De’Longhi ECP3420 15″ Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine. Okay, Eleven.., October 2, 2015
    By 
    E. Burian-Mohr (Los Angeles, CA USA) –
    (VINE VOICE)
      
    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
      
    (REAL NAME)
      

    This review is from: De’Longhi ECP3420 15″ Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black (Kitchen)
    Vine Customer Review of Free Product (What’s this?)
    When my beloved Nespresso machine died I was devasted. I mourned. I went through the stages of grief. And then I got a De’Longhi ECP3420 15″ Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine. And you know, it’s pretty cool.

    So here are things that are cool about it.

    1. You can use pods or you can use your own.

    2. It comes with three inserts: 1 cup, 2 cup, and pod and they store in the convenient storage space.

    3. It has a sleek modern look with smooth easily cleaned surfaces.

    4. It heats quickly and easily, with understandable controls.

    5. It holds about a quart so, depending on your coffee consumption, it can last you a while.

    6. It’s easy to refill the water.

    7. The steamer is awesome. It works well without fancy technique. Yoi just stuff it in your milk and it works fine.
    Also it comes aprt for easy cleaning.

    8. It has a small footprint; it fits easily on your counter.

    9. The top gets warm, making for a nice heating device.

    10. It heats quickly.

    11. It makes a fine espresso.

    Does anyone need about 93 Nespresso pods?

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