Five reviews of the De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
1、I’ve had this espresso maker for about two weeks now, and my husband and I absolutely love it! I have to admit, I have a serious iced mocha habit which has gotten pretty pricey. We bought a Senseo a few years ago to try to save money, but I found that my homemade mochas weren’t very good, so I still had a daily coffee shop habit. We finally bought this espresso maker as a step up from the Senseo, and I’m so glad that we did! I can finally make delicious mochas and chai lattes at home. We buy good quality espresso beans, grind them with a burr grinder just before brewing, and end up with great double shots of espresso. It doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of the pricier machines, but it’s perfect for anyone looking for an entry level espresso maker that makes delicious drinks for an extremely reasonable price.
Here are some things that might be helpful for you to know:
Pros:
- Consistently creates a thick layer of crema
- Consistently makes great shots of espresso
- Good pressure from the steaming wand – easy to make very tasty lattes
- Heats up quickly (about a minute)
- Small footprint on the counter
- Very inexpensive for a pump driven machine
- Clear window on the front lets you see the water level
- Quiet
- Easily keeps up with our demand (about 4 drinks/ day)
- Removable drip tray for easy clean up
Cons:
- It would be nice to be able to fit a bigger glass under the steaming wand
- It’s a little cumbersome to use the built in tamper
Some Tips:
- Invest in a good conical burr grinder – this has a huge effect on the quality of espresso you’ll brew!
- Use high quality beans and adjust the grind as needed. We originally tried using Starbucks espresso with a very fine grind and ended up with a soupy mess and rather bitter espresso. Once we upgraded to better quality espresso beans and used a slightly courser grind, we end up with a nice dry puck after every shot and espresso with a delicious complex flavor.
- It’s easier to use the built in tamper if you squeeze the filter basket up against the tamper and then put the basket in the portafilter.
- The filter basket is pressurized. This makes it easy to get consistent crema without much practice. It also makes it take longer to pull a shot. Unlike with traditional filter baskets and portafilters that aren’t pressurized, there’s no need to time your shots. You just stop brewing once you’ve pulled the volume that you want.
- There’s not a ton of space between the portafilter and the drip tray. You may want to invest in a small espresso pitcher if you don’t already have one. We use a little 3.5 oz ceramic cream pitcher which works great.
2、I was skeptical when I first saw this machine, but it actually does what I need it to do. I was worried the frothing arm is too low and my milk pitcher wouldn’t fit, but I use a glass measuring cup as my pitcher and it fits fine. I’m not a coffee expert, but the tamper seems to work fine to me. I read some other reviews that mentioned the tamper wasn’t very good. Overall, I’m very happy with this machine. I make my one latte in the morning and it turns out great every time!
3、When our cheap steam espresso machine recently broke I did a little research and ordered this machine. I must say that our old machine breaking is the best thing that could have happened to our morning coffee! After using a pump machine I don’t think I can call the stuff I made in the old machine espresso.
I would recommend a separate tamper as the built in one is hard to use as others mentioned. Also make sure to get some espresso glasses if you don’t already have some, I use 3.5 oz size which work great. You’ll also want a small stainless steel cup for steaming milk.
When I first received the machine I didn’t like how close the frothing wand was to the counter and the grounds basket was to the tray. Once I got the right size espresso glasses I actually like how close it is. Our old machine dripped quite a ways to the glasses and always splashed a little on the counters.
After about 3 weeks of daily use the only negative thing I can say is the machine vibrates quite a bit when pulling shots so you have to hold the glasses in place. I haven’t used other home pump machines so this may be normal. It’s a very minor complaint and that being my only one shows how great this machine is.
4、This is a great little machine at a wonderful price! I had been using small steam-driven machines for many years and when the last one finally gave up the ghost, I decided to try this DeLonghi to move up to a pump-driven machine. I read all the reviews before buying it and was aware of the design problems. It took a little time getting used to the right amount of tamping and right grind for the coffee, but once I got that down, it’s been a dream! I waited a couple of months to write this review to be sure I really liked this machine, and I certainly do. Yes, the spouts for espresso are low – so I use short shot glasses. Yes, the frother is also low – so I use the machine at the edge of the counter to use a larger frothing container if I need to do that. If DeLonghi fixed these two things in the next model, it would be the absolutely perfect, inexpensive espresso maker! Given the price, though, I just don’t think you can beat this great little machine. I have already recommended it to a number of friends.
5、This is exactly what I wanted, at the price I was able to afford. I wanted a pump machine for under $100.
I thoroughly read the various reviews here before I chose which machine to buy. It took a variety of methods of tamping the grounds before I came to the method which works best for me.
I had lived most of my life in Miami, FL, so I was used to walking up to a window on almost every block of every street, and getting a cafe’ cubano (50 cents) or a cafe’ con leche (75 cents). So that is the flavor I like in my espresso; thick and rich, but I do want a nice layer of crema.
I purchase either Bustelo or Pilon, already ground, in the can. (Miami Cuban coffee). Call me lazy and plebian if you wish; I love the flavor, and the grind is just perfect.
I make two espresso cupsfull at the same time.
First I preheat the espresso maker about 15 minutes. Turn it on, and go do something else for a bit. I use the two cup holder of the machine. Insert it, and dispense the hot hot water into the two cups I am going to use. This preheats the holder, and the cups. Dry the grounds holder – careful, is HOT! Then I fill the holder with one scoop of coffee grounds, tap tap it down to settle the grounds, then press firmly with an old tamper that I have from my last machine by someone else, I dont even remember whose machine it was.
I don’t use the tamper that is attached to the machine. (following what all the reviews on here said!) Then I add the second scoop of grounds, tap tap it to settle it down, and tamp that down as well. Clean off the edge so there are no grounds to interfere with the seal. It is filled just below the rim. I insert the holder tightly into the machine, and dispense the espresso into both my preheated little cups at the same time. The left nozzle seems to give a little bit more, a little faster; maybe because the water holder is on that side?
YES, you have to hold the cups still, or they will dance. Actually, I fold a paper napkin on the grate under the cups, and they stay still. YES, it makes noise. So what?! This is NOT a $5,000 machine! I want it to make the coffe I like. Let it dance and moan, I dont care!
I find that I am able to get two well-flavored strong cups of espresso, with a nice layer of crema. I had to play around with the firmness of tamping down until I got it right.
To me, for this price, it is a great machine. If it falls apart after a year, I will have gotten my money’s worth, and will get another.
You just have to fool around with the pressure of tamping and amount of grounds to suit your taste.
5 reviews of the Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine
1、Going on 2 years. Doesn’t make creaa on top of the espresso but still makes very good espresso. Excellent cappuccino maker with plenty of foam. Easily makes hot milk. Quick to bring water to boil. Buy a coffee tamper to compress the grounds in the portafilter basket(Terry’s tamper works great and is cheap) because it can make all the difference in the taste of the espresso.
Espresso Tips: Pour filtered water into reservoir then leave cap loose and power it on while preparing to get the coffee ground. Measure the coffee into the filter then tamp it down. (Italian coffee grounds is much smaller than American grounds.) Put the filter and carafe into place and the water should be making a rumbling boiling sound. (To prevent burns, if you see steam is already coming out of the top then turn power off and wait until the steam stops then screw cap tight and turn on.) If you don’t see steam yet, quickly screw the water reservoir cap tight. If you put Italian coffee in, it will take more time for the espresso to flow through than American sized grounds. out.
Cappuccino Tips: I make mine in directly in a coffee cup. Put skim or up to 2 percent milk into cup about 1/2 or 3/4 full. Whole milk doesn’t foam as well. Sugar as sweetener tastes better than honey. I submerge the steam team in the mug before turning on the steam. After 15 or 20 seconds, the milk is hot then I raise it until the steam tip is just below the surface and the foam is rapidly forming. Shut off then pour espresso into the milk.
2、I received this machine as a gift in advance of a family get-together. Said family member who gifted it is a self-admitted espresso addict, so expectations were high that this machine could perform as well as her $300 machine back home. And for around $30 you’re probably as skeptical as we were. But skeptics will be delighted.
No, this doesn’t make an authentic espresso or latte, but it makes a pretty darn close beverage for a fraction of the price. The espresso addict and the former barista family members were very pleased with the ease of use and the end result. When the coffee addict’s $300 machine at home broke after a couple of years of use, she bought one of these to replace it.
It doesn’t come with a tamper or a frothing pitcher, and in my honest opinion, neither are needed. We just steam and froth the milk in the cup we’re going to drink out of, then add the brewed coffee in. I’ve always found you tend to waste an obscene amount of milk with a frothing pitcher anyway. We just have a 12oz glass mug, about 1/3 we fill with milk, steam and froth away…then add the coffee in on top. For a tamper, save $14 and use an appropriately sized spice jar from your cupboard.
Ours has been going through multiple uses a day for nearly 8 months without a problem thus far. My only complaint is the plastic frother doohickey is useless and just makes more hassle to clean things up. You don’t need it to get a good froth, just play with it a few times and you’ll get the knack of frothing.
3、I really wanted to get into making espresso at home as I always found myself going to Starbucks or other local coffee places multiple times every week. I investigated buying an Illy Pod machine, however when I went to visit a friend in L.A. she has this exact machine and made me some espresso and it was wonderful. So instead of spending $150+ on a pod machine or a super fancy machine I decided to give this little guy a chance since she loved hers so much. I am glad I did an I will tell you why:
Design:
This is a really nicely designed espresso machine, it is small, simple, and overall looks nice sitting on the counter. It isn’t fancy as it just has a turn nob to make espresso or use the steamer. The top of the machine can be used to hold anything, I put a few small espresso cups on top and it looks nice.
Ease of use:
It really doesn’t get any easier than this to make espresso. Simply fill the water up to the 2 or 4 (cup) line and pour into the top, and pack the espresso into the holder up to 2 or 4. The espresso holder simply lifts and locks into place. Turn the nob and it will start brewing, and once you no longer see espresso coming out you can turn it off.
Espresso:
I have used Fresh & Easy Espresso and also Lavazza espresso and it tastes great with this machine. I mix mine with a bit of soy half and half and I am good to go, or throw hot water in for an americano. Many people rate the espresso machine based on it’s ability to make that nice froth on top of the espresso and you will see a bit here when you make the coffee. It is complete steam based system and it seems to work fairly well. The froth on top of the espresso isn’t extremely thick and I am assuming higher end machines will do this better. I will say that once I bought a Tamper to pack down the espresso it helped a lot, so invest another $6 or so to get one of these and it will make a pretty decent difference, if not just for the ease of use.
Frother:
On the side of the machine is a milk frother/steamer. I didn’t read the directions so I honestly didn’t know how to use it until my friend from L.A. came to visit. All you have to do is add water to the little steam icon on the cup and pour it into the machine. Then turn it on and give it a minute. The steam is hot and pretty intense. It actually does a nice job of frothing milk or soy as long as you figure out how to use it. TIP: I like to turn the machine onto Brew after I am done frothing as there might be some water left over.
Summary:
This machine by far is the best bang for the buck. I have had it for around 2 months, and my friend has had it for a year and it is great. I still occasionally go to Starbucks, but it is great to just have it available right in my house. For $30 definitely give this little guy a try.
4、So, here’s the story. I love cafe mocha. I work at home. I spend $4.10 every couple of days at the local coffee shop for a “venti”. Plus a bit of gas to get there. It’s not a big deal, it gets me out of my chair.
One night, I see this in Wal Mart one night with my wife. $37 or thereabouts. She buys it (and a tin of coffee, some whipped cream, some hershey’s chocolate syrup, and a gallon of milk). All told, maybe $55. The tin of coffee looks like it will be good for 100 cups or so, really, the ingredients for a “venti” probably are in the range of 50 to 75 cents, at the very highest. So, the math looks favorable, I just need to brew a dozen or so cafe mochas and this thing pays for myself. I’m thinking, even if it is low quality, it’s worth the risk for the reward.
This device is far from cheap, and does the job wonderfully. I make great cafe mochas with this thing, all by myself, no need to leave the house now. It brews fast, the steamer works great.
I’ll still go to a coffee shop, as I’m not that much of a penny pincher. But I’m really glad I can stay at home and make my own now, and frankly, they could charge $100 for this maker and I would not hesitate to recommend it. Bravo Mr Coffee, I’ll be your fan on Facebook forever for making this device and selling it for such a fair price.
5、This is a very disappointing purchase and I do NOT recommend at all. As other reviewers have noted, the coffee produced is a VERY STRONG DRIP COFFEE, NOT ESPRESSO. It is acceptable to drink as long as you don’t try to think of it as true espresso. The picture is for marketing purposes and not an accurate representation. The “frother” is a disaster. It does steam but does not froth the milk no matter which method you use including the booklet’s minimal instructions. I used a frothing pitcher, the recommended 2% milk, moved the pitcher in the right direction (both circular and vertical) but GOT ONLY STEAMED MILK, NO FROTH. The frothing wand of the machine also has a tendency to spit the milk upward making a mess. I don’t need to start my day with these hassles and still not get espresso and frothed milk. Also mentioned by another reviewer is the design. It’s definitely a case of design for eye appeal not utility — form over function. Despite the appearance of metal, it is made of CHEAP PLASTIC. Look closely at the on/off knob and water compartment cap. That sloping contour is extremely smooth with no surface variation making it VERY DIFFICULT TO GRIP OR TURN. If you have any grip problems with your hands or weakness in your fingers, it’s nearly impossible to turn either of these. I’m not a newbie to espresso machines or to frothing the milk. I’ve had positive experience with another brand machines (no longer made) that is in the same price range. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t make the lower $$ machines anymore. I may have to reach deeper into my wallet to buy a better espresso unit but it won’t be Mr. Coffee brand (I still like their drip machines though). The reviews here on the Mr Coffee ECM160 4 cup Steam Espresso Machine were mostly positive which is why I bought the machine. In the end, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND it for anyone else and I regret my purchase. I’m returning it if permitted.
UPDATE: Amazon rules do not permit the return of this unit because it is now used and not new. I wanted to clarify also that extreme caution should be used when using the “frothing” feature. When we were using it, part of the spitting I mentioned resulted in droplets of steamed milk landing on the hand holding the pitcher. Your immediate reaction is of course to let go of the pitcher which would only cause greater problems spilling out steaming hot milk. Frothing with Mr. Coffee is not for children.
