DeLonghi ESAM3500.N Magnifica Digital Super-Automatic

Product Description

,Breville Barista Express BES860XL machine ,Capresso 464.05 CoffeeTeam GS 10-Cup Digital Coffeemaker , The Breville One-Touch Tea Maker ,Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker, Brushed Stainless/Black ,DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker, Stainless Product Description Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccinos, latte drinks, and more, this super-automatic 1,150-watt machine provides an array of convenient features. Its height-adjustable coffee spouts make it easy to brew directly into espresso, demitasse, or 12-ounce cups, and the instant reheat function keeps the machine at an ideal temperature, no matter how long the interval between cups. The espresso maker also comes equipped with digital programmable menu settings that allow for setting the clock, start time, and one- to three-hour automatic shutoff, as well as adjusting the water hardness and temperature of the coffee. There are five settings for coffee strength--extra-mild, mild, regular, strong, and extra-strong. Plus, three buttons allow for easily choosing the cup size--ristretto (small), espresso (medium), and large (American coffee).
The espresso machine also offers a unique beans-to-brew system that includes an integrated conical burr grinder with adjustable fineness settings that automatically grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. In addition, the unit comes equipped with a patented single-touch cappuccino/latte system, which includes a 25-ounce milk container and two detachable lids, one for frothed milk for cappuccinos and the other for steamed milk for lattes. Place the cup under the nozzle and press the button for a perfect cappuccino or latte every time. The amounts of frothed/steamed milk and coffee are adjustable, and the entire container is detachable, so it can easily be placed in the refrigerator. A unique automatic cleaning function operates with the push of a button, and dishwasher-safe parts provide quick tidying up.
Other useful features include a 7-ounce bean container, a 60-ounce removable water reservoir with a water-level indicator, two stainless-steel boilers for faster recovery and durability, a hot-water spout for tea or hot chocolate, and decalcification system lights that indicate when it's time to clean the machine. Designed and engineered in Italy, the espresso machine measures 15 by 11 by 14 inches and carries a one-year warranty.
From the Manufacturer
Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, and more, this super-automatic 1,150-watt machine provides an array of convenient features. Height-adjustable coffee spouts make it easy to brew directly into espresso, demitasse, or 12-ounce cups, and its instant reheat function keeps the machine at an ideal temperature, no matter how long the interval between cups.



This review is from: DeLonghi ESAM3500.N Magnifica Digital Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine (Kitchen)
I bought this machine in August 2007. I was buying about 2-3 lattes per day before this machine (spending $10-$15 a day on coffee), and after the machine I was buying maybe 2-3 a WEEK (if I wasn't home to make my own). That saved me at least $50 per week. $200 a month... so in 6 months or so - the machine paid for itself!

It's great because you can set it to auto-start (as it takes about 5 mins to "warm up") and it's ready and waiting for me each morning before I leave for work. It also has an auto-off if it's not used after 1, 2, or 3 hours. (If you want to extend the off time - just press any button within that timeframe and the countdown clock resets - I do this when I'm just not sure if I want another coffee later in the day...)

Like other reviewers have said, you can set your coffee strength (always strong for me!) and the amount of "shots" that you make at a time (single or double). I really like the preset latte button. You can memorize your settings for your favorite coffee (strong, three shots, xxx amount of milk/froth), and then it's just one button to press & it does it all.

The only reason I don't give this five stars is:
1) The milk never seems to get that hot even though I have it set to the highest temperature. This I've noticed is because the milk is coming directly from the fridge (nice and cold) and the automatic frother/steamer just doesn't get it hot enough. However, if I let the milk come to room temperature first, then the result is a nice hot cup of coffee.
2) The decalcifying process is a little cumbersome. I think it's great that the machine keeps itself nice & clean, but I can never seem to find a container big enough to fit on the little shelf to hold all the water that gets passed through. I have to watch & do a quick switcheroo when the container fills. It's not an issue at all - just an inconvenience (that only happens like once a year - so no big woop). There's also the hassle of buying the decalcifier online as I've yet to find any store that carries it. Again, no big deal - but shipping costs for a $13.99 item is ridiculous (so I'll usually bundle it with another order to make it worth it).
3) Cleaning out all the coffee grounds is a pain! A few times a year I'll give my machine a thorough scrub-down and vaccuum, but let me tell you those grounds get everwhere! Get yourself a little brush, a wire cleaner thingy, and a small vaccuum (like a dustbuster with small "nose" attachment"). The machine is heavy, so tipping it won't work well - so all the little cleaning gadgets will really come in handy.
4) It's loud. Of course, there's no way to grind beans quietly! But after my baby was born I realized that making a latte after he went down for a nap isn't always a good idea! Otherwise I don't care about the noise.

Some of the best things about the machine are:
1) Quick-fast latte (or espresso or cuppacino - whatever you prefer) right at home in less than 5 minutes! Can't beat that!
2) The ability to use ground coffee as well. I always keep my regular beans in the bin of course, but I use the ground spot for decaf if I have a jonesin for a coffee at night.
3) It's so EASY. You don't have to do anything other than put your cup under the spout & hit buttons. You don't even have to hold the milk container when frothing!
4) Has a hot-water spigot for those moments when you just need hot water
5) It LASTS! I've had this for nearly 2 years now with not a single issue! I use it at LEAST once a day - sometimes up to 3 times (if I have company - forget it! I'm a home-barista!) and it withstands all that use with no issue.
6) The internal clock is wonderful! I had the power go out twice (storms) and the machine still kept it's time. So when the power was back on, I still had my coffee in the morning. Nice!

A few things to consider:

1) You MUST take care of this machine. C'mon folks - it's $1500 - wouldn't you want to take care of something that costly? Clean it regularly with a quick wipedown, but definitely do a good thorough cleaning about twice a year to suck out all the grinds and whatnot.
2) Do NOT forget to clear out your milk frother hose after EVERY USE. It's so so important. Otherwise the milk will dry & clog in the tubing and your next latte may not be so tasty. Also, it can reduce the life of your milk container & tubing. It's a few seconds to hit the "clean" button - so don't forget!

I know I've said a lot - but I rarely review anything! I would honestly spend the $1500 over and over again! This machine is a MUST HAVE for anyone who's a coffee fanatic like me. It doesn't matter what kind of coffee you like - you can grind anything (Starbucks brand, Folgers, Kona, you name it! Your coffee will only be as good as the beans you use...).

Buy it! You won't regret it!