We'd been wasting money on coffee in cafes for far too long, so we finally decided to take the plunge and buy a coffee machine. I wanted something that would make a decent cup of coffee without requiring me to be a barista, and I was willing to invest in a machine that would do the trick.
Hello, everyone! I'm thrilled to share my thoughts on this amazing coffee machine.
We didn't want to break the bank, but we also didn't want to skimp on quality. Luckily, we were able to snag this Delonghi coffee maker for a steal – we paid 50,000 rubles, which is a great price considering it was already 55,000 and more a year ago.
As a coffee enthusiast, I wanted a machine that could handle whole-bean coffee and make a variety of drinks with ease. I was impressed by the machine's sleek design and user-friendly interface – it's clear that Delonghi put a lot of thought into making this machine accessible to everyone, not just coffee aficionados.
The machine arrives in a sturdy box, and setting it up is a breeze – even the most tech-phobic person can figure it out. After using it for a couple of months, I can confidently say that the machine is easy to use and maintain. Plus, it's really pleasant to interact with – it's like having a friendly barista in your own home!
I was worried that the machine would take up too much space, but it's actually really compact – it fits perfectly on my countertop between the fridge and the sink. And when you factor in the value for money, this machine is a total steal!
One thing to keep in mind is that this machine is specifically designed for whole-bean coffee, and using ground coffee can mess with the machine and the quality of the coffee. We've been experimenting with different whole-bean roasts, and I'm excited to see what other flavors we can try.
The quality of the coffee also depends on the machine itself – a good machine can make even mediocre coffee taste decent. And with this machine, I can confidently say that the coffee is always delicious.
I was pleasantly surprised by the selection of whole-bean coffee in stores, and I love that I can find everything I need online. Plus, the machine comes with a built-in grinder, so I can freshly grind my beans every time.
Now, let's talk about the screen – it's super user-friendly and lets you choose your coffee settings with ease. You can make a simple Americano or get fancy and make a cappuccino or latte – the options are endless!
When you first set up the machine, it asks how many users will be using it and lets you create a profile for each one. That way, you can customize your coffee settings in your profile – adjust the strength, add or remove crema, and the machine will remember your preferences so you don't have to reconfigure it every time.
I love that it comes with a special steam wand and a milk container that fits perfectly into the steam wand. The whole thing seals up tight, and I don't have to worry about any mess or spills when I'm frothing milk.
The milk stays cold in the container until it's heated up in the frothing tube, so I can just pop it back in the fridge when I'm done.
I've tried using regular milk, but also some alternative milks like oat milk – it's not my favorite, but the machine is smart and can still froth it up into a decent foam.
The milk container is super easy to insert and remove, and the best part is the automatic cleaning feature for the steam wand. I can adjust the foam volume with the dial, and when I'm done, I just flip the switch to clean the wand and it takes care of it for me.
Some drinks give you a single layer of foam, while others create a layered effect with the coffee and milk foam – it's really cool!
And let's not forget the built-in cappuccino system – it's a game-changer! You won't find this feature in many other machines.
I was blown away by how easy the cleaning process is – the machine does all the hard work for you, automatically rinsing out the coffee spouts. Your only job is to pop in a container to catch the water, and you're good to go. Even if water does spill into the drip tray, it's no big deal – it's easily pulled out, drained, and wiped clean, and you're back to brewing in no time.
One of the things I really appreciate is how low the coffee spouts are – it makes it super easy to fill up your cups, whether you're using tall glasses or a latte cup. And if you need to add a little more water, you can just lift the lid and pour it in.
The machine does a great job of guiding you through the process, too. It'll remind you when the water is running low, when it's time to add coffee grounds, and so on. It's all really straightforward. And if you need to refill the water container, you can just lift the lid and pop it in – easy peasy!
The machine is also incredibly quiet – it's just a gentle hum in the background. Sure, you'll hear a bit of noise when it's grinding the coffee, but it's not loud or jarring.
I'm a bit of a coffee snob, and I only use filtered water from an osmosis water filter. But hey, that's just me.
What really surprised me, though, is how chatty the machine is – after it's finished brewing your coffee, it'll throw in a little quip or two, like 'I've outdone myself' or 'Your favorite coffee is ready.' It's a small touch, but it's actually kind of nice. In a world where we're all staring at screens and talking to robots, it's nice to have a little human interaction – even if it's just with a coffee machine.
But it's not just those seven or eight drinks that come with it – you can mess around with everything to your heart's content. We started out experimenting with all sorts of syrups, but quickly lost interest. I mean, the calculations were that a Baileys-flavored syrup would make my coffee taste like the real deal – but it didn't quite live up to expectations. It was way easier to just buy a bottle of the real Baileys and add it to my coffee, and that was a game-changer.
And then there's the raspberry option – it's a total twist.
Of course, syrup selection is a whole different ball game now, so you can mix and match to your heart's content – from raspberry to Amaretto and everything in between. I add all the extras – syrups, sugar, spices, and flavorings – right to my cup before brewing, and then I just pop the cinnamon or hazelnut-topped cup into the machine and get the same great coffee, but with a totally unique twist.
Before we even thought about buying a coffee maker, we did our research and looked at all the options with our friends – and we decided it was worth splurging for a machine with all the bells and whistles, not just for the drinks, but for the overall experience.
✅ The interface is super intuitive – even a kid could figure it out.
✅ And the automatic cleaning function? It's a total game-changer. If you forget to do it, the machine will take care of it for you – it's like having your own personal cleaning assistant.
✅ I've gotta say, the selection of drinks here is way more extensive than other options. Plus, if you need to, the coffee machine can dispense just hot water, so you can go ahead and brew a cup of tea in a bag no problem.
✅ The water reservoir is pretty massive, which is a plus. I'm lazy, so I rarely fill it up fully, but if you do, you won't have to worry about running out of water for ages – and the machine won't start nagging you to refill it.
✅ The milk container is also super sealed, which is a must-have for me – I've seen other models where the milk foam just goes flying everywhere.
✅ And it's not just smart – it's also really pretty. We went for the black model since the other colors were on sale, but now I realize I wouldn't have wanted any other color. The plastic surface is easy to wipe clean, even when there are fingerprints all over it – which, let's be real, happens all the time.
I'd definitely recommend this thing to anyone – and it's not just about saving money. Having this little machine at home is a great conversation starter, and it's always a pleasure to whip up a cup of coffee for yourself or your friends.
We've had this machine for a while now, and I'm happy to say we've never gone a day without using it. The whole process is actually pretty mesmerizing, and the coffee is always delicious. I'd highly recommend it to anyone!