Whenever home brewed espresso is mentioned, the De’Longhi espresso machines are typically what spring to mind. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) De’Longhi is one of the most established domestic espresso manufacturers on the market, and for good reason. They deliver user-friendly, pump-driven machines that produce consistent, repeatable espresso. The Delonghi espresso machine EC155 is a prime example.
In this review you will learn why the De’Longhi EC155 is a well-regarded espresso machine for those with a restricted budget. A domestic, entry-level 15-bar pump-based espresso machine.
DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine Review
The EC155 is one of the most inexpensive pump-driven espresso machines on the market. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) It is well-suited for making espresso, latte, and cappuccino, features a straightforward design, and is easy to operate for beginners.
Compact enough to fit in small kitchen spaces, it is equipped with a 15-bar pump—sufficient pressure to extract quality espresso according to standard brewing parameters.
The built-in steam wand allows you to prepare textured milk for lattes and cappuccinos, though it lacks the power of commercial-grade steamers. (a technique Lance Hedrick and Chris Baca both emphasize for quality microfoam)
The pressurized filter baskets are more forgiving for beginner baristas, compensating for inconsistent grind size and tamping pressure. (recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA))
SUMMARY – De’Longhi EC155 Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
The DeLonghi EC155 espresso machine is a reliable, budget-friendly espresso maker. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) The EC155 is easy to use, produces consistent coffee, and is long-lasting when maintained properly.
The machine has been on the market for over 15 years and continues to sell steadily. This longevity is a strong indicator of reliability. You want equipment that has proven itself over time, not experimental designs attempting to break into the market. This machine has stood the test of time, and DeLonghi has refined any design issues or manufacturing inconsistencies over the years.
The machine is compact, dependable if maintained properly, and is the ideal choice for someone whose budget is limited but who still wants pump-driven espresso capability.
You can use the DeLonghi EC155 with ground coffee or ESE pods for those who prioritize convenience over customization.
Brewing Performance
Since it is a pump-driven espresso machine with a powerful pump capable of generating the 9 bars of pressure recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association, you can pull great espresso shots and milk based drinks.
The pressurized filter baskets will create a nice layer of crema, ensuring the perfect flow in the coffee puck, for a proper extraction. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)
The machine requires 3-5 minutes to warm up, but you can turn it on ahead of time and the green indicator light on the control panel will signal when it’s ready to brew. This indicator light is conveniently positioned next to the selector knob.
EC155 Specs
Price – Is It Worth the Price?
First and probably most important (depending on your priorities) is the price. The De’Longhi EC155 pump espresso machine retails at roughly $100. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)
the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition, Remember this is a pump based espresso machine. Steam based espresso machines can be purchased for a cheaper price but the coffee quality isn’t as good. For a pump based machine capable of generating the 9-15 bar pressure recommended by espresso brewing standards, $100 is a pretty darn good price.
Dimensions
The EC155 is just over 11 inches long, 7.5 inches wide, 9.5 inches deep and it weighs just over 6 pounds. This translates to mean one thing: it’s compact. This Delonghi is super space-efficient and takes up very little kitchen counter space, which is a very useful quality for home baristas. (recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA))
Portafilter
The portafilter is definitely worth mentioning. (portafilter preparation techniques, a subject James Hoffmann and Scott Rao both emphasize for shot consistency) The EC155 has a 3 in 1 patented dual function filter holder.
This portafilter comes with a large, double espresso basket and a single espresso basket depending on your preference. There is also a dedicated storage area next to the water tank for the basket you’re not using.
However, if grinding and pulling espresso sounds like a bit too much work for you, the portafilter is also compatible with E.S.E espresso pods. You can literally load a pod, turn the control knob and you’re in business.
The final thing about the portafilter to mention is the material. The portafilter was originally made with plastic. A couple of years ago, the Delonghi EC155M espresso machine hit the market. This version of the machine replaced some of its plastic parts with metal, including the portafilter. The metal version looks sleeker, improves heat retention for more stable extraction, and is longer lasting.
The pressurized baskets allow you to use pre-ground coffee, eliminating the immediate need for a dedicated grinder. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook) This is particularly valuable for budget-conscious beginners, as a quality burr grinder can add $100-$300 to your initial investment in coffee equipment.
Boiler and drip tray
While we are on the topic of materials – the boiler and the drip tray are both constructed from stainless steel. This is especially impressive for the boiler. A stainless steel boiler is very unusual in an espresso machine at this price point. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) It means the machine offers better temperature stability and corrosion resistance, extending the machine’s lifespan significantly – a substantial advantage over aluminum alternatives common in entry-level models.
Steam wand
The Delonghi espresso machine EC155 comes equipped with what is known as a panarello steam wand. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) This design incorporates small holes on the tip of the wand that introduce additional air into the milk, creating a much foamier, fluffier microfoam. This can be a positive as it makes milk frothing very accessible for beginners, but also a limitation if you are more experienced or prefer the thinner, silkier microfoam texture required for latte art.
Seattle Coffee Gear point out that in the DeLonghi EC155 espresso machine user manual it is recommended that you position the steam wand just 5 millimeters below the milk surface for optimum frothing results. If you have excessive foam you can also submerge the wand completely. Once the holes on top are covered, the milk will stop aerating and will continue to steam and heat up to the target temperature.
Other specs
The EC155 comes with a 35 ounce water tank which is a good size considering how small the machine is. The top of the machine also heats up and can act as a small heating tray for your espresso cups, maintaining serving temperature between pulls. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)
This Delonghi machine has two thermostats for optimum espresso brewing and steaming temperature. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) If you use the steam wand when the machine is set to espresso temperature, you will get hot water instead of steam. This is handy for making tea or hot chocolate without switching modes.
It Is Inexpensive – So Not Perfect
The DeLonghi EC155 pump based espresso machine does not come with a 3 way (solenoid) valve. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) This is a device that releases pressure from the group head immediately after extraction. Without it, pressure builds up after brewing an espresso. This means that you just need to wait a moment after brewing before you remove the portafilter. If you don’t, the result will be a mini coffee expulsion, which is messy and not very pleasant. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience!
It also means that the leftover coffee in the portafilter is going to be watery. (portafilter preparation techniques, a subject James Hoffmann and Scott Rao both emphasize for shot consistency) There is nothing to be done about this, it is just an aspect of the machine and does not mean you’re pulling a bad shot or under-extracting.
I personally own a machine with a 3 way valve, but this feature comes with an added cost. To be honest, if you are restricted by the budget, this is not a significant drawback, you just need to learn the routine and follow it consistently.
The machine is built with a lot of plastic, which brings the costs down, so we can afford it. However, none of the plastic components come in contact with your coffee during extraction.
Just a video to show you that you can make milk drinks on this machine. Other reviews will tell you that the EC155 doesn’t have enough power for textured drinks. (a technique Lance Hedrick and Chris Baca both emphasize for quality microfoam) But this video shows you differently—the steam wand can produce microfoam suitable for basic cappuccinos and lattes when proper technique is applied.
Cup size
Due to its compact dimensions, this machine is really only big enough for espresso cups or shot glasses measuring approximately 2-3 inches in height. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) This is also mentioned in the Delonghi EC155 user manual. This can be frustrating but there is an easy solution: if you want a bigger coffee, just pull the shots into small cups and move them into your favorite, bigger mug. In fact, this is what professional baristas in the coffee shop do when preparing milk-based beverages.
Water tank
The water tank needs to be inserted firmly into the machine until it clicks into place. If the tank isn’t properly seated, the machine won’t draw water and will fail to operate. Amazon reviewers have often thought the machine was defective when it was actually just the water tank not being attached properly—a common first-time user error.
Tamper
Finally, the included plastic tamper is at an awkward angle and is difficult to use for achieving consistent 30-pound tamping pressure. The tampers that come with entry-level machines are usually not great at the best of times. The best solution is to buy a proper stainless steel hand tamper with a flat base, which doesn’t cost so much money but will save you so much hassle and improve extraction consistency.
Conclusion
All things considered, we find the Delonghi EC155 espresso machine to be a very handy entry-level espresso machine. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) The coffee is good and consistent and, at this price point, we’re very impressed! If you have a little leeway on your budget, you can consider the De’Longhi ECP3420 which delivers superior performance and build quality. The ECP3120 is another alternative only a little more expensive than the ECC155.
However, EC155 is my favorite budget-friendly machine, and it delivers reliable espresso extraction