DeLonghi ECP3420 Review (2023) – Should You Buy It?

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use espresso maker that won’t break the bank, then you must have bumped into the DeLonghi ECP3420. Is it any good? Is it worth the money? Should you get this espresso machine?

I had the pleasure of trying out ECP3420 a while ago. Although it is not going to blow your head off with the ability to make super-rich espresso crema or make velvety microform, I was pleased with the ease of use, the taste of the espresso, and the overall espresso-making experience.

The conclusion was that ECP3420 is a great entry-level espresso machine. One of the best you can get for under $200, for sure. So should you get it? Keep on reading to learn more before you decide.

In this DeLonghi ECP3420 review, I’ll look at everything from design to performance so that you can decide if this little espresso machine is right for you.

DeLonghi ECP3420 Overview

As a longtime home espresso enthusiast, I’ve tested countless machines over the years. So when I decided to give the DeLonghi ECP3420 a try, I was sure that this was just another cheap low-Q espresso maker.

Well, I have to admit, I was wrong.

The first thing that impressed me as soon as I turned it on was the fast heating time. This machine can go from cold to ready-to-brew in under a minute!

But, that wasn’t enough to blow me away, so I started making the espresso.

When it comes to making espresso, the ECP3420 can brew a surprisingly solid shot. It won’t have the perfect crema you’d get from a high-end machine, but it still tastes great.

The reason is that the boiler and pump are small so they can’t give you enough pressure to extract the espresso from the fine grind sizes, so keep that in mind when choosing your beans.

Perhaps the biggest downside of the ECP3420 is the steam wand. It’s a bit weak, making it difficult to get a good microfoam. As someone who loves a well-made cappuccino, this was disappointing.

But if you’re more of a straight espresso drinker, this may not be a big deal for you.

All in all, the DeLonghi ECP3420 is a solid starter machine for home espresso drinkers. It’s affordable, fast, and capable of making a tasty shot of espresso with ease.

If you decide to go for it, be aware of its limitations and adjust your expectations accordingly. For more info, keep on reading my Delonghi ECP3420 review.

Build Quality & Design

I must say, I am impressed with the machine’s build quality and design. The ECP3420 is made with durable ABS plastic, which lends it a sturdy feel.

One of the things that stood out to me was the machine’s compact size. It’s lightweight, weighing only 9 pounds, and measures 9.6 x 7.25 x 11.9 inches, making it perfect for small kitchens.

Despite its small size, the machine feels quite sturdy and well-made.

The ECP3420 espresso machine is also user-friendly due to its straightforward design. It comes with a large selector on the front of the machine that controls its functions (on/off, steam/brew), making it easy to use, even for beginners.

Additionally, there are two indicator lights, one comes on when the machine is on, and the other one comes on as soon as the machine is heated up and ready to brew.

And of course, it comes in three colours: black, stainless steel and a combination of black and stainless steel. Now, off to the main features and in-depth breakdown in the next part of the DeLonghi ECP3420 review.

Main Features

Heating System

The DeLonghi ECP3420, like most of the espresso machines in this category, uses a single boiler heating system for brewing and steaming.

While the heating system is not as powerful as some more expensive models on the market, it still gets the job done. However, it’s important to note that it might not have enough power to go through a fine grind every time or steam a perfect microform.

I would recommend using a medium-sized grind to ensure that your espresso comes out just the way you like it.

On the bright side, one of the benefits of the DeLonghi ECP3420’s heating system is its fast heating time. In just about 30 seconds, the machine is ready to brew espresso and froth milk for a yummy latte or cappuccino.

Also, the super-fast reheating system lets you pull multiple espresso shots one after another or switch to steaming in a jiffy, which is a great feature for a low-budget machine.

Portafilter

One of the standout features for me is the 3-in-1 pressurized 51mm portafilter that allows you to make more than just a single shot of espresso. You can also make doubles, which is great when you need a little more coffee to get through your day.

And on those busy mornings when you’re in a rush, you can just pop in an Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pod for a quick and easy espresso.

If you prefer pods, you can also investigate the Nespresso machines.

On the functionality side of things, the pressurized portafilter design helps to get a consistent extraction and crema production. However, due to a bit weaker boiler, this might not be possible every time.

Nonetheless, the little guy is capable of making a great-tasting espresso. More about the brewing performance soon in this DeLonghi ECP3420 review!

Steam Wand

The DeLonghi ECP3420 espresso machine comes with a steam wand that allows you to create frothed milk for cappuccinos, lattes, and more. It’s the same steam wand that you get on DeLonghi Dedica.

One of the standout features of this steam wand is the plastic sheath that extends the nozzle. This innovative design makes it easy to create milk foam without any splattering or mess.

However, you should keep in mind that DeLonghi is not going to blow your mind away with this feature on ECP3420. More about its performance in the later sections of this review.

Drip Tray

The drip tray on the DeLonghi ECP 3420 is located at the base of the machine and it catches any excess liquid that is produced during the brewing process. This includes any coffee that may spill or drip out of the filters, as well as any water that is used to flush out the machine.

What I love about this drip tray is that it is completely removable, making it easy to clean and empty. All you need to do is slide it out from the bottom of the machine and give it a quick rinse.

Water Tank

I’ve experienced the frustration of trying to fill up a non-removable water tank while trying not to spill water all over my kitchen counter. That’s why I appreciate the DeLonghi ECP3420 and its removable water tank.

The convenience of this feature cannot be overstated. With a removable tank, you can take it to the sink and fill it up without any hassle. You don’t have to worry about getting water all over your machine or my counter.

It’s such a small detail, but it makes a big difference when it comes to everyday use and maintenance.

As for the capacity, it can hold up to 37oz (1.1l), which is quite enough for making about 4-5 cups of espresso before needing to refill the tank.

Cup Holder

A cup holder is a cool addon on top of all the features of the ECP 3420. Its main function is simple – to hold your espresso cups in one place.

Not only does the cup holder keep your espresso cup in place, but it also has a preheat function that warms up the cup holder before brewing. This ensures that your espresso stays at the optimal temperature and doesn’t get cold too quickly.

Brewing Performance

The DeLonghi ECP 3420 is capable of brewing a good shot of espresso consistently. One of the key features in the brewing process is the 15-bar pressure pump, which ensures that the coffee grounds are extracted evenly and efficiently.

The pressurized portafilter also plays a crucial role in the brewing process, creating a more consistent extraction, even when using pre-ground coffee.

You can make single or double shots, whichever you prefer or need. If you don’t know how to use an espresso machine, here is a short guide:

To start brewing, fill the water tank first. After filling the tank, turn the machine on. Wait for the READY indicator light to illuminate, as this indicates that the machine is fully preheated and ready to extract the espresso at the optimal temperature.

Then, grind your coffee beans and tamp them nicely into the portafilter. This is a crucial step, as the consistency of the grind and the pressure applied during tamping can greatly impact the flavour of the espresso.

Since the DeLonghi ECP3420 is not the most powerful espresso machine on the market, I highly recommend grinding your beans anywhere from medium-fine to medium to get the best results.

Once you are ready to brew, place the coffee-loaded portafilter into the brew head and turn the selector to the coffee symbol. This activates the brewing process.

Make sure to keep a close eye on the espresso as it pours from the machine, and stop the extraction process as soon as the desired amount has been poured into your cup.

Once you are done, you just have to take your cup, empty and rinse the portafilter and turn the machine off. And now, you are ready to drink espresso brewed freshly by the DeLonghi ECP 3420.

Milk Frothing Performance

If you are in the mood for a cappuccino or a latte, you can use the steam wand on the ECP 3420 to froth some milk and mix it with your freshly brewed espresso.

During my performance test, I concluded that the steam wand is certainly capable of heating the milk, and it does so quickly, but it fails to produce the microfoam that is the hallmark of a good cappuccino or latte.

No matter how you position the milk pitcher, the milk ends up with a thicker and bubbly texture, rather than the silky and creamy microfoam that I was looking for.

I tried using different types of milk, ranging from whole milk to oat milk, and varying the amount of milk I used, but the results were the same. The steam wand just couldn’t produce the same quality of milk foam that I have come to expect from a coffee shop.

It’s worth noting that the DeLonghi ECP3420 is a budget-friendly espresso machine and its steam wand’s performance is quite satisfactory for its price range.

However, if you’re looking for a machine that can produce coffee shop-quality milk froth, then the DeLonghi ECP3420 may not be the right choice for you. You will have to step up to units like LaSpecialista or Breville’s Bambino Plus.

Despite its shortcomings in milk frothing, the DeLonghi ECP3420 espresso machine still has a few redeeming features, particularly in its compact size and easy-to-use interface.

It’s also worth mentioning that it produces great espresso shots.

Cleaning & Maintainance

Don’t worry, cleaning and maintaining your DeLonghi ECP3420 espresso machine is pretty straightforward and simple. Here are some tips that can help you keep your device in top-notch condition.

To begin with, there are several parts of the ECP3420 that require regular cleaning. These include the drip tray, water tank, and filter baskets. All are easily accessible and removable.

To clean these parts, remove them from the machine and rinse them under warm water regularly. Wipe them with a clean cloth to get rid of any residues that might have accumulated over time. Place them back and you’re ready to brew again.

Apart from this, there is also a boiler outlet that needs to be rinsed once in a while. For this, you can flush the outlet with water and ensure that it is clean from any limescale buildup or residue.

Furthermore, DeLonghi recommends descaling your machine after every few months. Descaling is an essential process that ensures that your device stays free from any build-up, which can impact the overall quality of your coffee.

You can use DeLonghi’s descaling solution and simply follow the user manual.

Who Is DeLonghi ECP3420 For?

The DeLonghi ECP3420 machine is great for those on a budget, as it’s reasonably priced but still offers a decently high-quality cup of espresso. Plus, its sleek and compact design won’t take up too much space in your kitchen.

Additionally, this machine is perfect for beginners who are just starting out on their home barista journey.

It features a simple control panel that makes it easy to choose between a single or double shot of espresso, as well as a manual frother if you want to experiment with milk frothing and latte art.

Who Is DeLonghi ECP3420 Not For?

If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with different types of coffee and brewing methods, you may find the ECP3420 limiting in terms of customizability. It’s a straightforward machine that doesn’t offer many options for adjusting the extraction or dosage of your shot.

Furthermore, it’s quite small and has limited capacity so it is not ideal for offices or households that drink a lot of coffee in the morning.

If you fit any of the two profiles above, you might consider investing in a more advanced espresso machine. You can find great units for under $500.

DeLonghi ECP3420 Alternatives

DeLonghi Dedica

The major difference between ECP3420 and the Dedica is that the latter offers more customization options when it comes to brewing your coffee. It is also programmable.

Furthermore, the Dedica machine comes with a Panarello-style cappuccino frother that allows you to create a much better milk foam for your latte art.

In other words, DeLonghi Dedica is great for those of you who want a bit more freedom to experiment with different beans, grind sizes and milk froths without breaking the bank. It’s a bit more expensive, but it makes a big difference in performance.

Breville Bambino

First, the DeLonghi ECP3420 has a smaller water tank capacity of 37 ounces compared to the Bambino’s 64 ounces. And yet, both are equally compact.

In terms of performance, both machines can make great espresso shots.

However, I did notice that the Bambino’s shots seemed to have a slightly thicker crema than the DeLonghi’s, which could be a factor for some espresso aficionados. Also, Bambino is more consistent in terms of making quality shots over and over.

This is due to advanced features such as Thermojet heating technology, larger portafilter, low-pressure pre-infusion and most importantly, PID temperature control.

Plus, the Bambino has a more powerful and better steam wand, which means better chances of achieving that perfect microform for latte art.

Notably, the ECP3420 is twice as cheap, so that’s its major advantage. But if you want to step up, Breville Bambino is one of the best choices on the market.

DeLonghi ECP3420 Review – Verdict

My final verdict is that the DeLonghi ECP3420 is a solid, affordable option for beginners. Despite lacking some advanced features, it’s a fully functional machine that won’t break the bank.

One of the biggest selling points is the price. For under $150, you get an espresso maker that can also steam milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The manual milk frother takes practice, but you can achieve decent foam.

There are downsides to consider. The machine lacks consistency in terms of brewing and steaming due to a smaller boiler. The water tank is also small at 37 ounces, meaning frequent refills if you’re a heavy user.

But overall, I recommend the DeLonghi ECP3420 for beginners on a budget. It produces decent shots and milk froth with practice. Serious espresso enthusiasts may want to invest in a higher-end machine later.

Thanks for reading my review! PS. Credits to DeLonghi’s product page for images.

DeLonghi ECP3420 Review – FAQs

What is the brewing capacity of the ECP3420?

The DeLonghi ECP3420 has a 37-ounce water tank and can brew up to two shots of espresso at a time and 4-5 cups in a full tank.

What is the maximum pressure that ECP3420 can produce?

The DeLonghi ECP3420 can produce up to 15 bar pressure. 9 bars is enough for perfect espresso extraction.

Is the frother on ECP3420 automatic or manual?

The frother on the DeLonghi ECP3420 is manual and it is capable of warming milk and producing solid milk foam.

How easy is it to clean the DeLonghi ECP34200?

The machine is designed with ease of cleaning in mind, with removable parts that can be easily cleaned with soap and water.

What types of coffee can I use with the ECP3420?

You can use pre-ground coffee, freshly ground coffee and espresso pods for added convenience.