DeLonghi Review: Pump Espresso Machines

DeLonghi have been around longer than most of us can remember – or would like to admit. 42 years of Italian quality manufacturing gives us all that much needed reassurance of their calibre and standing in the market. Not only do they provide an exceptionally extensive range of Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines, Combination Machines and Drip Machines, they have a very interesting (albeit small, for now) range of non-automatic Espresso Machines. We review them below – grab a cuppa and enjoy 🙂

Home Espresso Machine: DeLonghi EC 850.M

This machine just has a sturdy, “can-do” look to it. It is modern looking with a sleek silver finish. It is not an automatic coffee machine; this means you will need to grind your own coffee beans and tamp that ground concoction into your removable brewgroup / porta-filter. The incredible news about this machine is that apart from ground coffee – it makes use of coffee pods, too! What sets this machine apart is the external milk frother cannister. Having mentioned less than a minute ago that this machine is not automatic – the cappuccino function IS. Your milk will be frothed and dispensed, then your ground coffee will be brewed and proportionately added to your milk to make a perfect cuppa-cinno (puns are back in 2016!) With only 6 external buttons, ease of use once you’ve been “shown around” the machine will be a breeze. If you are looking for a PERFECT addition to your home, your personal office (yes, not all of us like to share coffee machines with everyone else) or even in a boardroom – this little machine will fit in – stylishly – to most settings. If you are looking to service an office or anything larger than 5 users a day, really, then this is a bad choice. You’re going to end up spending more on product than the machine is worth at the end of the day. Personal, comfortable and home-based, this is a great way top get your Cappuccino Crisis under control. Sadly, this machine has been discontinued – so if you spot one at Hirsch’s home store grab it while you can!

Home Espresso Machine: DeLonghi Icona Eco 310.W

At first glance, this machine will never get the recognition it deserves. It looks very futuristic in it’s minimalistic design, but oh boy, it packs a punch! It has a pretty cool feature – the new crema filter holder. It is a porta-filter suitable for ground coffee and E.S.E. pods (which look a little like tea bags). The milk steaming wand is located to the side of the machine – making this a two-touch cappuccino system. Moreover, it contains two separate thermostats to control water and steam temperatures – meaning you won’t accidentally scorch your tongue on water heated to create pressurised steam. It contains an internal water cannister of just under 1.5 litres. For just under R 2 500.00 this can be yours, in either black or white. It will compliment your lifestyle by adding class and quality coffee to your home. If you’re looking for a one-touch cappuccino solution or a simple capsule machine style – rather consider your other options. This machine will take a bit of understanding and a wee bit extra work.

Non-Automatic Coffee Makers

Some people specifically seek out non-automatic machines. Why? They like to crate the art that coffee is, from scratch. I can understand that thinking – what could be more rewarding than drinking a mind-blowingly great cup of coffee, knowing that apart from harvesting and roasting the beans yourself – all the hard wok was yours.

We would love to know what coffee-related skill you’ve picked up, let us know 🙂

Prices,specs and rental terms were acquired at the time of the writing of this posted and can vary from company to company. Each supplier or DeLonghi operator reserves the right to vary prices, terms and conditions to his/her own discretion. DeLonghi is not a brand of Aquaspresso or affiliated to Aquaspresso in any way.