DeLonghi EC155 Review (2023) – Is It Still a Good Choice?

If you have seen my post about the beginner espresso machines, you’ll notice that I didn’t include the EC155 model from DeLonghi on my list. Now, I’m trying to find the reason why not.

Over the years, this entry-level pump espresso maker has become increasingly popular due to its affordability and ease of use. If you need something reliable, without all the bells and whistles found on more expensive machines, the DeLonghi EC155 could be it!

It’s affordable, compact, good-looking, and most importantly, it makes a fine espresso – all of which are qualities of a machine that I would recommend to beginners.

I recently put this popular home espresso maker through its paces and I’m here to give you our full rundown on the good, bad, and ugly. Join me as we dive into our comprehensive DeLonghi EC155 review!

DeLonghi EC155 Overview

So, I’m someone who really enjoys a good cup of espresso and likes a good deal too.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I wanted to check out the DeLonghi EC155 espresso machine. After giving it a thorough inspection, I can confidently say that this machine is a solid choice for beginners who want to try their hand at making espresso.

One thing I really liked about the DeLonghi EC155 is its 15-bar pump, which is a big step up from other steam espresso machines in under $200 price range. It helps create that perfect layer of crema on top of your espresso shots, giving them an authentic touch.

Now, I have to admit that the shot quality isn’t always on point with this machine, but that’s pretty normal for machines in this price range. With a bit of practice and some experimenting, though, you can definitely improve the consistency of your shots.

Another selling point for the DeLonghi EC155 is its compact size and easy-to-use design. It doesn’t take up too much counter space and the simple button layout makes operating the machine a breeze.

One thing to note is that the DeLonghi EC155 does have its limitations. For example, it doesn’t come with a built-in grinder, so you’ll need to purchase pre-ground espresso or invest in a separate grinder.

Also, the steam wand can be a little finicky and might not create the best milk froth. But these are typical issues for beginner machines and shouldn’t be deal-breakers if you’re just getting started.

I’d suggest going for the DeLonghi EC155 if you’re a beginner looking to try your hand at espresso-making on a budget. It might not be the fanciest or most reliable machine around, but it definitely gets the job done and serves up a decent cup of espresso.

In the rest of my DeLonghi EC155 review, I will give you a bit more details about a few main features, as well as its brewing and steaming performance so keep on reading!

Main Features

Build Quality

The body of the EC155 is made of plastic, which might be a downer for those who prefer a sturdier material. But, when you take a closer look, you’ll see that the plastic used is actually really high quality and built to handle everyday use like a champ.

Plus, the drip tray and steam wand are made of metal, which adds some serious durability to the important parts of the machine.

When it comes to practicality, the EC155’s compact design makes it easy to store and move around (W12.2 x D19.3 x H15 inches). It won’t take up much space in small kitchens and you can easily tuck it away when you’re done using it.

Ease Of Use

One of the things that impressed me most about the DeLonghi EC155 is how easy it is to operate the espresso machine. It’s clear that the manufacturer has designed this unit with complete espresso beginners in mind.

The focus is on simplicity, without many extra features.

With its self-priming system, you can start brewing with just the touch of a button. There’s no need to fiddle with complicated settings – it’s as simple as turning the machine on and starting to brew.

The interface of EC155 is incredibly easy to use. With just one small dial, you control the entire brewing process and stop when you have enough espresso for your needs.

Boiler

One of the most important parts of the DeLonghi EC155 machine is its stainless steel boiler.

The stainless steel boiler is specially designed to distribute heat efficiently and effectively. It ensures that the water reaches the ideal temperature for brewing espresso, so you can get a perfect shot every time you use the machine.

And get this, It’s got two thermostats. One for monitoring the temperature when brewing and one for keeping an eye on the temperature when steaming. Pretty nifty, huh?

Water Tank

Firstly, the water tank of the DeLonghi EC155 espresso machine can hold 34oz, which may not be the biggest compared to other machines, but it’s enough for a small or single-person household.

The tank is also removable, making it easier to refill and clean. With the removable feature, you can keep the tank free from bacteria and other nasty stuff that can build up over time.

Another cool thing about the EC155’s water tank is that it’s transparent. This means you can easily check the water level and see if there are any impurities. It’s great to have a transparent tank to make sure your coffee is made with clean and safe water.

Steam Wand

The steam wand of the EC155 espresso machine is placed conveniently next to the portafilter. It is ideal for frothing and steaming milk for the cappuccino or latte.

But what I love most about this steam wand is its flexibility. It has a swivel joint that enables you to adjust the angle of the wand to your preferred position.

Whether you are frothing a small amount of milk for a cappuccino or a large amount for a latte, the steam wand can handle it all. More about the performance later in this DeLonghi EC155 review!

Tamper

The plastic tamper that comes with the EC155 is right, but it might not give you the results you’re aiming for. It’s a bit lightweight, so it might not apply enough pressure to properly tamp your espresso grounds.

That’s why I really suggest upgrading to a pro-tamper made from high-quality materials like stainless steel. Not only is it more durable and long-lasting, but it also gives you better precision and control when tamping.

Getting a good tamper might seem like a small thing, but it’s actually a key part of getting that perfect shot of espresso.

Portafilter

The 3-in-1 portafilter on DeLonghi EC155 lets you brew a single or double shot of espresso, or even two single shots at once. It comes with two double-walled baskets for smooth extraction and crema stabilization.

And if you’re into easy and convenient brewing, you’ll be happy to know it works with Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods too.

The 54mm diameter is pretty generous, so you can pack a good amount of coffee grounds in there. It’s really handy for brewing double shots since you need more coffee to get that full flavour.

But I have to admit, the plastic handle does feel a bit flimsy. It doesn’t give the same confidence and sturdiness that a metal handle would. But hey, it’s just a minor issue that doesn’t mess with the portafilter’s overall performance.

Drip Tray

The drip tray is right down there at the bottom of the machine, directly under the brew head. It’s made of sturdy plastic and metal material that’s smooth as can be, so it’s super easy to wipe and wash.

The best thing about the drip tray is how easy it is to take out. It just slides right out of the machine, making clean-up a breeze.

Brewing Performance

Before getting into the brewing performance, it’s important to note that this machine is designed for beginners. It’s not going to produce the same quality of espresso as a high-end machine, but that’s okay.

Despite that, I was pleasantly surprised by the brewing of the DeLonghi EC155. The 15-bar pressure pump does a good job of extracting the coffee beans, giving you a well-balanced cup of espresso almost every single time (more about this soon).

Once the machine is turned on, it takes a few minutes for the boiler to heat up properly. Although it might be tempting to start brewing your coffee as soon as you see the green light, it’s best to wait for at least 8-15 minutes.

I noticed in my DeLonghi EC155 review that this waiting time allows the boiler to reach the right temperature range for making the perfect shot.

PRO TIP: You can use the waiting time to weigh, grind and tamp coffee grounds, and prepare the milk jug if you are in the mood for any of the milky espresso drinks.

Once the machine is ready to brew, simply insert the portafilter loaded with freshly ground coffee into the brew head, and turn the know all the way to the right to start brewing. Once you have enough espresso, turn it back to the left and you’re done.

It’s important that you manually control the start and complete the brewing process since the EC155 is a semi-automatic espresso machine.

As I mentioned before in my review, the DeLonghi EC155 has a bit of inconsistency in the quality of the shot – sometimes it’s a little watery and other times it’s a tad over-extracted. But honestly, it’s pretty random and hard to control.

Even with that tiny flaw, I can totally say that the DeLonghi EC155 gives you a pretty satisfying espresso experience that’s perfect for people who just casually enjoy their coffee.

Milk Frothing Performance

The EC155’s milk frother works very well. It’s easy to use, too – simply pour your milk into the frothing pitcher (which is NOT included, by the way), stick the frothing wand in, and turn the knob to start the frothing process.

Once you turn it on, the steam pressure builds quickly and efficiently, creating voluminous foam that’s good enough for lattes, cappuccinos, and more.

Sometimes, if you start steaming right after brewing, the machine might lose steam quickly so you will have to steam your milk in two cycles. And keep in mind that you can’t brew and steam at the same time due to a single-boiler setup.

Now, before you slap down your cash and run out to buy the DeLonghi EC155, let’s be clear: This machine is not going to produce the same kind of microfoam that you get from a $1000 espresso machine.

But for the price, it’s pretty darn good.

One thing to keep in mind is that the EC155 does require a little bit of practice to get the hang of it. If you’re used to a more high-end machine, you might need to adjust your milk steaming technique a bit to get the best results.

But don’t worry – once you’ve got the hang of it, making perfect foam will be a breeze.

Cleaning & Maintaining

The cleaning process for the DeLonghi EC155 is relatively simple, but it is crucial to do it regularly to ensure the longevity of the machine.

Firstly, always remember to turn off your machine and unplug it before beginning the cleaning process. Removing any leftover water or beans from the machine is the first step towards cleaning your DeLonghi EC155.

To clean the brew head and portafilter from leftover beans, detach them from the machine and rinse them with warm water. Using a nylon bristle brush, gently scrub the inside of the brew head.

Don’t forget to clean the group gasket and shower screen, which is located just under the brew head and is responsible for evenly distributing the water during extraction.

For the portafilter, remove the filter basket and rinse it thoroughly. A deeper cleansing can be achieved for both the brew head and portafilter if you use a detergent specified for espresso machine cleaning.

Don’t forget to rinse these parts thoroughly after each usage.

Now, it’s time to remove the water tank, drip tray, and steam nozzle. All these parts must be washed with warm soapy water and rinsed thoroughly. It’s important to clean the steam nozzle with a small cleaning brush to remove any clogs.

Don’t forget to purge the wand after every use to prevent milk buildup on the tip.

Next, descaling your machine is an essential part of the cleaning process and is recommended to be done every 3 months or when the cleaning light indicator illuminates on DeLonghi EC155.

To descale, fill the water tank with the descaling solution and run the machine. The solution will run through the machine and remove any buildup. Once the cycle is complete, fill the water tank with fresh water and run another cycle to rinse the machine thoroughly.

And that’s it! Now, you are ready to brew again.

As you can see in my review, taking care of DeLonghi EC155 is an easy task and will guarantee you a perfectly brewed cup of coffee every time. Maintain your machine, and your tastebuds will not regret it!

Who Is DeLonghi EC155 Not For?

If you are looking for a machine that can be set up and started in a jiffy, this may not be the one for you. While all the features and settings of the DeLonghi EC155 are easy enough to operate, it does take a bit of familiarization and practice to get the hang of things.

If you’re looking for a plug-and-play machine that doesn’t require any thought or effort, you may want to look for something more straightforward like DeLonghi Magnifica.

On the other hand, if you are someone who takes your espresso very seriously and is looking for advanced features that can help you create the perfect cup, this machine may disappoint you.

While it does deliver solid espresso and cappuccinos, it doesn’t have some of the more advanced features found in higher-end models, such as temperature control, fast heat-up time, or the ability to create latte art.

For that, I recommend turning your attention to a bit more expensive models such as Breville Bambino Plus – our top choice for beginners. It even heats up in just 3 seconds!

DeLonghi EC155 Review – Verdict

The DeLonghi EC155 is a solid, budget-friendly espresso machine that should be on anybody’s list of potential purchases. Despite its small size and low price point, it provides consistent performance and quality drinks with minimal effort.

In my opinion, it really can be considered a complete package for those just starting out or even experienced espresso makers without spending too much money.

If you’ve been on the fence about getting your own home espresso machine but are hesitant due to cost – give the DeLonghi EC155 a try: you won’t regret it!

Thanks for reading my DeLonghi EC155 review! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. PS. Credits to DeLonghi’s product page for images.

DeLonghi EC155 Review – FAQs

What type of espresso machine is the DeLonghi EC155?

The EC155 is a semi-automatic espresso machine that uses ground coffee beans or pods to brew espresso.

What type of coffee grind should I use with the DeLonghi EC155?

The EC155 is compatible with any coffee grind, but the recommended grind is medium to fine. It allows for better extraction and ensures a smooth and creamy espresso shot.

How many cups of espresso can the DeLonghi EC155 make in one go?

The EC155 can make two cups of espresso at a time. Its double spout feature lets you brew two espressos simultaneously without compromising the quality.

Is the DeLonghi EC155 easy to clean?

Yes, the EC155 is effortless to clean. It comes with removable parts such as a water tank and drip tray for easy cleaning.

What is the water tank capacity of DeLonghi EC155?

The EC155 has a 34oz removable water tank that can be filled from the top of the machine.