DeLonghi EC702 Espresso Maker | Buy Cheap Now!

I got a great deal on this machine (refurbished unit) and it has significantly surpassed my expectations. I also have a Gaggia classic, which for those who don’t know is one of the choice semi manual machines you can buy and three times the price of this one. I’m having an espresso party at a congress and need two machines, one to pull the shots and another to steam milk, thereby avoiding the switching warmup time between the steamer and the main. So I chose this machine primarily for temporary milk steaming, not expecting much else. Well, after hooking it up, foregoing the directions, it turns out the steamer is much better than my Gaggia ever was. It produces rich, frothy milk in less than a minute, with minimal bubbles that ruin the consistency. Impressed with the milk I decided why not try out an espresso and I have to say it was one of the better shots I’ve had in awhile, and the first try! I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable and skilled at espresso making. I’ve had 4 machines, I use fresh roasted coffee, a nice gaggia burr grinder and have lots of practice making good cappuccinos and espressos. Friends of mine will drop by at random times declaring that they need there fix, a cappuccino or latte of the quality that they just can’t get at Starbucks. In my opinion this machine does a pretty decent job on all levels and when you factor in the price you can’t go wrong here. I particularly recommend it as an entry level machine, easy to use, nice design and quality drinks. I was going to pass it on to my brother after the congress but I’m really going to miss it and I’ve only had it a week.

The specs are very similar to my gaggia, 15bar pump, etc. The only drawbacks I can see is that it has a wet puck (the leftover coffee grinds in the portafilter after the shot has been pulled). This isn’t a big deal and is to be expected in this price range, unless you pay for a machine with a triple solenoid valve that sucks the water out post pull, of which my gaggia at 600 dollars is the cheapest machine that has this feature. This wet puck can be easily remedied by washing it down the sink (unless on septic), using a spoon or letting it dry for awhile in the portafilter by setting it on the drip tray. Also, the shots don’t have as much crema as the gaggia, but the gaggia is known for crema, you just can’t beat it. Crema doesn’t necessarily translate to flavor or quality, though. That being said there is crema and plenty of it.

All in all this machine is an amazing choice and unless you want to come up with 600 to 800 for a Gaggia baby twin, Gaggia classic or Rancilio Silvia I would go with this machine. Just make sure you get a decent grinder (burr grinder) or get your coffee ground wherever you buy it. Its nice to have fresh ground coffee, it makes a difference. Pick a burr grinder up on craigslist if you live in a decent sized city or town. I love my 400 dollar gaggia grinder I got on craigslist for 50 bucks. I found the machine was warmed up nicely at about 3-5 minutes.