Buying an espresso machine is an investment. So you don’t want to just get any old thing.
Sure, coffee grounds play a huge part in making the perfect cup of coffee. But the espresso machine you choose will also make a huge difference.
Delonghi is one of the most popular brands when it comes to coffee machines. They are traditional and reliable machines.
To help you decide if this Delonghi is the machine for you, we have looked at all it has to offer. Here’s our review of the Delonghi EC702.
Delonghi EC702 Buying Guide
BARs
For an espresso machine, barometric pressure is important.
The BARs indicate the pressure put on the coffee as it is filtered. This means how forcefully the water is being pushed through the coffee grounds.
It isn’t something that you need to consider too much as all good espresso machines should have at least 14 BARs.
The Delonghi EC702 espresso machine has 15 BARs. This is a good amount but the higher the BARs doesn’t mean the better the coffee.
14 BARs is enough and anything higher would usually be too much. But 15 BARs is a good number.
Filter
The filter for this espresso machine is very standard. It has a classic portafilter with three filters. This includes filters for a single or double espresso.
There is also a filter specifically for teabags. And this machine, although it has a portafilter, can also use coffee pods.
This is a great range of abilities. This espresso machine isn’t the cheapest available. But with just these capabilities, it is relatively affordable.
The portafilter itself is made from strong metal with a protective silicone handle. This is ideal and will be super easy to use.
The filters twist and click into place easily and smoothly. They can be filled and emptied easily.
Milk Frother
The milk frother wand allows you to have complete control over your coffee. Some, more expensive, coffee machines come with automatic milk frothers.
These will usually froth your coffee in only one way or at only one temperature. With the milk wand, you are completely in control.
The milk frother is easy to use and is controlled using a dial. This is very standard for an espresso machine. But the Delonghi EC702 makes it even easier by adding an additional leaver. This will make turning the dial much smoother and less fiddly.
This is a useful and practical addition due to the positioning of the dial. Usually, the milk wand dial is placed on the front of the espresso machine.
But, for the Delonghi EC702 it is placed on the side of the machine, just above the milk wand. This would be a very awkward placement if it weren’t for the addition of the leaver.
Controls
This is a very simple espresso machine that is very simple to control. For the price, it is perhaps a little too simple.
As mentioned before, the filters are impressive and almost justifies the price. But the controls are a little too simple.
There are three buttons on the front of the machine. One button to turn the machine on, one for hot water, and one for steam.
As with simple espresso machines like this, it requires warming up. This means that the buttons must be pressed and then you need to wait for the light next to it to come on.
This milk wand will allow you to froth milk just how you like it. But because of this, this isn’t a coffee machine for when you’re in a rush.
This is a slow morning, easy Sunday kind of coffee machine. This coffee machine is easy to control with the press of a few buttons.
But it will require you to warm up the machine, fill up the filter with coffee grounds (or just pop in a pod if you’re in a rush), tamp down the grounds, press the button which starts the filter, warm up the milk wand, and then froth the milk.
This won’t take too long but it is a little longer than other coffee machines that only require you to press a few buttons.
But, if you enjoy the process of making a proper cup of coffee, then this is a great choice. We associate coffee machines with quickly making a coffee to give you a boost as you rush to get ready for work.
But, if you prefer a slower start to your day, then this espresso machine is ideal for you.
Water Tank
The water tank might not be the most important feature of an espresso machine but it’s something to consider.
How often you have to refill your coffee machine’s water tank and if it is easily removable is important.
This espresso machine has a good 1.3L capacity water tank. Of course, the regularity with which you have to refill the tank will depend on how much coffee you drink.
But this capacity is a good amount. Overall, this is a pretty large espresso machine, so it is not surprising that the water tank is sizable.
Overall Size
The overall dimensions of the Delonghi EC702 are 11.02” x 9.06” x 11.61”. This is a decent size for an espresso machine.
It will fit easily on your kitchen worktop but won’t get in the way. This is one of the benefits of buying such a simple machine.
You don’t have to worry about fitting it in your kitchen. You don’t want to invest in a new coffee machine, only for it to be kept away in a cupboard because it’s too big.
Aesthetic
The look of this machine is also very simple. It is almost entirely matte silver stainless steel with some black accents.
This is a great neutral style that will fit in with any kitchen. As mentioned above, a coffee machine is an investment.
So you’re not going to buy one very often. So it’s a good idea to buy something neutral that will be able to suit any style of kitchen.
A good, reliable coffee machine, such as this Delonghi EC702, will last many years. So it will likely last longer than several kitchen redecorations.
So buying something neutral means that you can display this machine in a kitchen of any style.
Cleaning
Although this is not a self-cleaning espresso machine, this is still an easy machine to clean.
Cleaning an espresso machine can be tricky due to the small parts and internal plumbing. But this is a very easy machine to clean. This is always a positive as cleaning up coffee can be difficult.
The cleaning mostly entails removing the drip tray and the water tank. If you want to be able to clean the internal plumbing, then you will need to buy descaling or cleaning products.
These can usually be placed in the water tank and will then pass through the machine.
But, you won’t have to clean the machine very often as, without a milk frother, the only substance that will pass through the internal plumbing is water.
No coffee nor milk will get inside the machine. So you won’t find yourself having to clean it very often.
Extras
There aren’t many additional features on this machine. As mentioned before, this is a very basic espresso machine.
Unlike some other machines, it does not come with a milk jug or espresso tamper. But, it is possible to buy this espresso machine with espresso glasses.
This is a nice addition as it can be frustrating to buy a new coffee machine, only to find that your coffee cups do not fit under the filter. This is a common issue due to the size and shape of portafilters.
Another extra that complements the espresso glasses is the glass/mug rack on top of the machine. This might seem like an obvious addition but it’s not a standard feature.
The rack allows for you to keep your espresso glasses or coffee mugs on top of the machine.
This is a nice touch and allows you to add a little of your personality to what is quite a professional and industrial looking machine. It’s a simple addition but it’s not necessary so it’s a nice little extra.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a great espresso machine. This is best suited for someone who enjoys the process of making coffee.
But not someone who needs to rush around and make a quick cup in the morning. This is a slow, take your time kind of coffee machine.
The price of this coffee machine is a little more expensive than would be expected for something so basic. But, it is a good, reliable machine.
It has also been made by a reliable and well-known brand. This is not a cheap coffee machine but it is very well made, reliable, and a reasonable price for a Delonghi.
If you are looking for an espresso machine that is reliable and doesn’t have too many complicated features, then the Delonghi EC702 is the one for you.