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It seems appropriate that the DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Cappuccino Maker comes from an Italian based manufacturer. Cappuccino is a delightful espresso drink which originated in Italy several centuries ago, eventually evolving into the strong, creamy beverage we enjoy today.

In the 1990s the popularity of the brew spread across the ocean to the United States where at first the drink was only available in coffee shops, Italian bistros and a few fine restaurants. Now, with the DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Cappuccino Maker you can enjoy this incredible concoction in your own home.

Espresso, also an Italian invention, is a very strong shot of coffee which is brewed using pressure to force boiling hot water over a tablespoon of fine coffee grounds. Espresso can be made from any type of coffee, so you can grind your favorite beans to get the flavor you desire when using the DeLonghi Espresso Cappuccino Maker.

Sleek Design

The 1000 watt DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Cappuccino Maker comes with a black exterior made of durable plastic and a rust-resistant stainless steel boiler. This combination creates an attractive appliance that will grace any counter top. The 35 ounce water tank is removable for easy cleaning and filling; the warming trays are removable as well.

The unit measures 7.5 in x 9.5 in x 11.67 in, making the DeLonghi-EC155-Espresso-Cappuccino-Maker a compact machine which should fit easily under a kitchen cupboard. It is self-priming so there will be no time-consuming preparation standing between you and that invigoration shot of espresso.

The swivel jet frother used for steaming milk used in cappuccino and other espresso drinks is adjustable so you can determine the best steam level for your preferred taste. The unit also comes with a dual function filter holder so you can add two attachments. This way, there won’t be a fight over who gets the first cup.

The DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Cappuccino Maker is a great machine for beginners and comes with understandable, easy-to-follow instructions. Several recipes are included, though you can branch out to more adventurous drinks as you become comfortable with the machines and your emerging barista skills.

One word of caution for beginners; be certain your coffee beans are ground properly. If the grind is too fine, similar to powder, then the espresso will clog up and not produce the proper intensity of flavor. The grind should be a bit more granular, similar to the consistency of salt.

Pump Driven Motor

Real espresso has a frothy, caramel appearance, which can only be achieved with a pump-driven motor. The reason for this is the frothy foam on the top of the cup is created using a high level of pressure. Steam driven motors, while cheaper, can only produce 1 to 2 bars of pressure. The DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Cappuccino Maker has a high pressure 15 bar motor, something that can only be achieved with a pump.

Dual thermostats on the DeLonghi Espresso/Cappuccino Maker allow you to control the temperature of the steam and water separately. With this professional espresso maker you can make any latte or hot milk drink you desire.

Pros

• Price. This is one of the most affordable pump-driven makers.
• Pump-driven motor
• Removable water tank
• Quality of drinks
• Easy clean up
• Compact size
• Great appearance

Cons

• Frothing wand sits low to the counter
• Plastic threads on the frothing wand can strip easily
• Will not accommodate a standard coffee mug
• Ground holder size is small
• Frothing wand sits low, close to the counter requiring the use of a small milk container

What people are saying about the DeLonghi Espresso Cappuccino Maker

Satisfied customers claim that this Espresso/Cappuccino Maker is the most affordable pump-driven espresso machine on the market. It produces a high-quality drink and fits nicely on any kitchen counter. The self-priming feature is perfect for busy people with little time to fuss over making their morning coffee. The machine is versatile and can be used for cocoa and other milk drinks.

Some people express frustration that the machine is not designed to accommodate a large coffee mug, but that design is intentional. Espresso and cappuccino drinks are intended to be small, strong beverages. Using a grounds basket that could accommodate a large coffee mug could dilute the intensity of the beverage. People who have cleaned the inside of a standard coffee maker rave about the ease of refilling and cleaning the water tank. There is no fuss trying to protect the motor and base; just remove the tray, frothing wand and water tank, wash in the sink, and then reinstall the parts.

The one design flaw that creates the most problems is the threading on the plastic frothing wand. The threads are plastic, but they screw into stainless steel, a combination that makes it easy to strip the plastic threads. Once they are stripped, the wand will drip. Users have expressed a desire for the manufacturer to replace this piece with metal. One creative DeLonghi EC155 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker owner fixed this problem by drilling a hole into a stainless steel acorn nut and attaching it to the machine. This adjustment has fixed all the problems he had with his frothing wand.

With a retail price of around $140, the DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Cappuccino Maker is one of the most affordable pump driven espresso machines available. Shoppers who visit online outlets like Amazon.com can actually find the unit available at prices as low as $79, and in some cases, the shipping is included.