Customer Reviews

DeLonghi EC701 Espresso Maker

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

After using an inexpensive Krups machine for 2 years, my wife gave in and we agreed to buy this Delonghi EC701. The 1st machine we got had a cracked plastic water tank and a broken tray. DeLonghi customer support is outsourced and worthless andreplacement parts were out of stock and backordered. We exchanged it for another and the power button did not work-to keep the unit on, you had to physically hold down the power button. Finally, the third machine we got was totally DOA! It wouldn't even turn on.
Finally we were told that they were getting alot of these machines back, and customer service told us to steer clear. Buyer Beware. We went back to our $50 Krups so far.

I purchased this espresso maker about 2-1/2 months ago. I have used it about 2-3 times per week. My first disappoinment was the frothing wand. Not only is it placed in a place in which it is difficult to get a mug of milk or water for cleaning without first sloshing some on the counter. Second, the shape and style of the wand does all the frothing itself. If I wanted an automatic frother I'd have bought something cheaper. This allows no proper room for style. For someone who has not operated as a professional barista this may be fine, but I prefer to have more control over how much and what type of foam I create, thus I purchased a "nicer machine" or so I thought.

For the most part I am pleased with the espresso itself. I most often get a healthy creme, and when I don't I'm sure it's operator error (improper tamping or whatever).

One week ago I made a latte and left to run some errands. I returned to find all my incoming and outgoing mail sopping wet. Perplexed I took a good look around the counter, and noticed that the water carafe in my espresso maker was empty. I always fill it after making the last latte and remembered doing so before I left. I have absolutely no idea how this managed to get cracked.

I called the customer service for Delonghi and requested a replacement. I was not asked many questions and the item will be shipped at no charge, however - they tell me that it won't arrive for 5-8 weeks. In the meantime, I am only able to put enough water in the tank to make one latte.

I had thought this was the machine to last me for years, but now I am wondering how long it will really hold out.

I currently own a Briel which has been working fine and I thought I would try a DeLonghi in my summer home. The Delonghi broke on me in a week. Getting a new one shipped out and sending the broken one back was easy, but it was a week wasted.

I've owned one of these for a few weeks now, and I have to say it's really a nice little machine. It's well-designed, takes up no more counter space than a standard coffee maker, and produces a really superb cup of espresso - complete with a thick bronze layer of crema like you get in coffee shops. The only complaint I have is that sometimes the coffee is not quite as hot as I would like it, but I find that it helps to make sure the cups are good and warm before you fill them.

I also have to take exception with a previous reviewer who claimed that De'Longhi doesn't stand behind its products. I previously owned a De'Longhi BAR42E, with which I had problems (stay away from that model). I contacted their customer service by e-mail at customerservice@delonghiusa.info and had a replacement upgrade (the EC-701) sitting on my doorstep in less than a week.

Some reviews make it sounds like every EC701 is defective out of the box. So far, I've made 40 shots of espresso and 10 steamed ciders, and I've been very pleased with the product. I've been working on improving my technique and now I think the espresso is excellent. I prefer my homemade shots to the stuff I buy at Starbucks and most other cafes, though this could be due to delusional pride in my own amateur baristaship. Also, I may be over-excited because I'd wanted an espresso machine for so long. The negatives (so far) are that it looks like there are is a fair amount of ongoing maintenance cleaning of the machine, though I doubt that this is unique to this brand. Also, as others have mentioned, the espresso spout is low, so I drink my coffee out of ceramic ramikins (although aren't low spouts authentic?). Also, I haven't gotten the steamer working quite right and I always end up with cappuccinos (all foam) even if I'm trying to make a latte. Hopefully I'll get better with time. As for reliability, I've only made 40 shots, so I can't speak to the long-term quality, but so far, so good. And heck, 40 espresso drinks at Starbucks would've cost me over $120 by now, although making it at home still isn't free -- if you use the convenient pods, it's still about 50 cents a shot, and Illy beans are expensive (right now, I'm using an unground dark-roasted Kona, which is deep and very smooth).

Great and easy to use, However there is limited space between the filter head and the drip tray so only small cups will fit in the space.

I have purchased the refurbished model of this machine around two weeks ago and the below is my review:

Appearance: First thing you notice about this machine is its sleek beauty. It would suit any countertop and every morning I feel a little excited about making a cup of cappcino with this machine. It may take a little bit more space compared to the smaller models, but this machine has a place to warm your espresso cup etc. As other reviewer has mentioned, I hoped that the wand would be a little longer. However, if I tilt the mug a little, I can take care of it.

Espresso: This machine will give you a nice cup of espresso with consistant crema on top without fail. The espresso doesn't taste too bitter but with much of aroma. It may be a personal preference, but I enjoy this. The espresso doesn't stop by itself and you have to press the button to stop it. The single shot of espresso is approximately 30cc - and the indicator goes off and let you know when to stop.

Frother: Frother of this machine is great! It can form very fine froth in 10 seconds. Some reviewer has mentioned that the machine always produce cupccino-like froth - this is true but probably you can control the amount of milk and froth when you pour them into the cup.

Overall: it was a bit more than I expected to spend for the machine but so far I really enjoy this. Every morning I enjoy how this creates nice cup of cupccino every morning. This is one of the best espresso machiens I have ever owned!

I waited to write a review based on the quality issues written about the EC701, but now that I have had it for this long I feel I can chime in. This is a great Espresso Machine. My family and I use it almost every day for 4-10 shots a day plus steamed milk on occasion. It has held up extremely well. I have periodically gauged the shot temperature and it has been constant from day one. The built in tamper is a great feature. The removable 44-ounce water tank makes this so easy to use. This is as close to commercial quality you will get at this price. I didn't expect this machine to be as solid and long lasting as it has been. The negatives are the placement of the frothing wand, it is a little awkward, and the small vertical space under the dispenser. The picture is deceiving because there is a little nipple under the dispenser that makes it very hard to get a cup under it. This is easily overlooked though for the durability and price.

I bought my DeLonghi EC701 a year ago on EBay. It was a floor sample. I even purchased a 3 year warranty after reading the BAD reviews. This machine is the GREATEST! My espressos are very hot and the creme is outstanding! The frother works just as good. Nothing leaks or just breaks off. It is a high quality machine. I have owned Krups in the past. This machine beats them hands down. I am by no means sorry about my purchase. I haven't had one single problem. Want good espresso? This is the one for you!

As a long-time home espresso brewer, I was delighted to receive the EC140B as a holiday 2004 gift. It was a nice upgrade from my existing machine.

Well, it's been less than 2 months and I'm glad I didn't toss the old machine when I got the deLonghi because without it I'd have no morning brew. The rubber grommet that holds the screen snugly within the filter head has completely fallen apart rendering the EC140B unuseable for want of this little piece of rubber.

I've visited deLonghi's website, but it's incomplete (doesn't appear to have been updated since it went online in March 2004) and the Customer Service phone number in the documentation that came with the machine is "No longer in service." I'm willing to accept a percentage of product failure, but deLonghi can't or won't stand behind their product quality. Beware.