Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simple and flexible - makes fantastic espresso, April 9, 2009
Not purchased via Amazon or this seller - this is just a review of the machine.
I used to use the Breville Die Cast Espresso machine, and I actually loved it. It made good, consistent espresso (once you figured out the nuances). But it was ultimately the nuances and the manual operation that led me to seek out a good super-automatic machine.
DeLonghi was at the top of my list because of a friend of mine who owned one (this exact model, actually). He spoke highly of it, being a pretty serious coffee drinker himself. I have found that the machine has lived up to the expectations he set.
The setup was very simple - the LCD display guides you through the process (supplementing the manual, of course). Starting with all of the default settings for water temperature, grind size, and shot volume, even the very first shot from the machine was good (though the manual warns you may not be satisfied until it has produced 4 or 5). I have been increasingly impressed as I've pulled a few more shots (though probably less than 20 so far)
The automatic timer allows the machine to turn on and warm up at a pre-determined time. So if your morning routine is pretty consistent, you can typically walk straight up to the machine and press a button, and enjoy your coffee 30 seconds later. I've seen people complain that it doesn't automatically make the shot, but this wouldn't be possible considering how the machine works. Before you can pull a shot, it pre-rinses the internal plumbing to ensure that only fresh, hot water is used for the first shot. You wouldn't want that water in your espresso :)
I can't really review the steam wand's operation - I've only used it to add hot water to make an Americano (which worked well).
Cleanup is ridiculously easy. The machine tells you that it needs to be cleaned, which requires you to
- Move the steam wand aside
- Open the door
- Remove the drip tray and waste bin together
- Dump and clean both the drip tray and waste bin
- Re-assemble
It takes like 5 minutes, and you do it once every few days. I believe they quote you 14 shots, more or less.
Overall, I haven't found a single flaw in this machine yet. I'm very impressed.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
the one to get, August 12, 2009
I agree with the other reviews. I have two of these, a his and hers. We drink a lot of espresso, and had an earlier model that developed a leak at the steam valve. We have had several of the Jura machines, which had short lives and were not easily user serviceable. The coffee from them wasn't as hot and they were more expensive. And that's the real beauty of the DeLonghis. Turn the unit off but still plugged in, open the door and squeeze the two red buttons, out comes the brewunit. So easy! Rinse it with your fingers and pop it back in. Clean everything every couple of weeks and it gives beautiful hot pulls with great crema <crema strongly dependent on the coffee used, for reasons unknown to me. Caffe Vita especially good, my family's choice. I like the more bitter beans>. As with any superautomatic, it seems important to avoid oily beans. They cause trouble. And the ideal grind seems to be within one click of the midpoint on the grindcontrol, otherwise the brewfilter will start to clog if too fine, or give weak brew if too coarse. The long shot gives a good Americano. The wand makes lattes very quickly.
Other points: Even if your water is almost distilled-soft, its not a bad idea to use the Swiss Durgol decalcifier from time to time. Once you set up the hardness number, the machine will let you know when. But the manuals don't say how much water to use. About a quarter of a tank incl cleaner seems correct. The little tape they give you to measure your hardness is tricky. It measured 2-3 yet we know the water here is very soft. In order to keep your warranty, however, you have to set the hardness by what the tape says however. Sigh.
Since I always use a double shot ("strong flavor") the pucks need emptying every seventh time. Easy, because it tells you to. Clean the crud in the bottom of the little bucket so mold doesn't start in. And çlean the tray, fill the water while you're at it, then you don't have to wait when it's low.
With the lesser machine, we noticed trouble when the brewspigots started pulsing a little forward and there was coffee leakage behind it. Then water started appearing below the tray. Have not had those problems with the 4400. Cleanliness seems essential to longer life.
Always leave a cup under the spigot, since the automatic rinse water will fester in the tray.
Overall, it still seems to save money over the local barista, and the convenience (it is ready whenever you have it set for) and taste are terrific. I see no reason to spend more for needless features. For us, this was the machine to get.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Espresso Machine!, October 31, 2009
I had used a couple of smaller Espresso machines that were manual operation. Nothing too fancy, but they were pump driven at least. After my last one broke quickly I decided to seek out a very nice machine. I figured if I was going to get a machine that I should step it up to a Super Automatic Machine. It became quite tiresome to keep emptying, grinding coffee, adding and tamping when trying to create a venti iced doubleshot at home. I found this machine and I must say I am so impressed with it. It's quality is quite amazing. The espresso it produces is incredible. Clean up is easy and maintenance is simple. The wand works extremely well and steams milk to 160 Degrees quite quickly. It's also super easy to clean up the wand. It comes apart and allows you to clean it with just a simple wipe down. The machines I have had before you had to really put some elbow grease in because the milk would cake on it. This machine definitely carries a premium pricetag, but it is a premium machine of high quality. It is absolutely worth it if you are a cafe enthusiast.
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