If you are new to espresso, the De’Longhi EC702 Semi-Automatic Espresso maker gives you plenty of space to expand as you learn how to brew espresso at home.
The world of specialty coffee, especially espresso, can sometimes be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Also, total beginners will enjoy the thrill of espresso and specialty brewing with machines like the De’Longhi EC702.
With this unit, the possibility of over-extraction is almost non-existent. Another aspect that we liked about this coffee maker was the proprietary dual-function holder.
DeLonghi EC702 Espresso Maker is a pump-driven espresso machine designed with a unique dual-function filter holder with 2 attachments.
- Unique Sempre Crema Filter used for pods and
- “ESE” Filter used for ground espresso.
If you don’t have time to grind your beans in the morning, you can pop in an espresso pod. That being said, we’d like to remind you that the best-tasting coffee is always made with freshly ground coffee, so the extra two minutes you spend grinding will be well worth it.
It consists of the patented adjustable Cappuccino System Frother that will mix milk with steam and create a nice foam for the coffee thanks to its special chamber.
Furthermore, the machine can produce different types of coffee quickly and effortlessly with the self-priming operation without any disturbing start-up preparation. Users can easily fill and easily clean their removable 44-ounce (1.3 liters) water tank and large removable drip tray.
Also, the machine includes an anti-drip design, indicator light, a stainless steel boiler, and two separate thermostats to control steam pressure and the water level separately to make your cappuccino and espresso at the best temperature.
Pros:
- Starts quickly
- One thermostat for brewing and the other for steaming at the best temperature
- No disturbing start-up preparation
- It mixes steam and milk to create great froth
- Cleaning is really easy thanks to the removable drip tray
- Sexy stainless
- Convenient, easy to clean and use, no mess
- Attractive look all at a good price
Cons:
- It is much more plastic
- Removable water tank not easy to reach in a tight counter space
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions : 11 x 9.1 x 11.6 inches
- Weight: 13.4 pounds
- Input Power: 1100 watt
- Combination of Stainless Steel and Plastic construction
- Steel boiler
- 15 bar pump pressure
- Self Priming function
- Dual thermostats for independent frothing and brewing
- Rapid Cappuccino System
- Three in one filter holder for one or two cups of ground coffee as well as pods
- Cup Warmer
- Removable 44 oz water tank
- No Drip Design
- Dishwasher-safe water tank and drip tray
The Brewer with 15 Bars
The De Longhi EC702 espresso machine has a 15-bar pump (an industry standard for home machines). That’s more than enough force your high-quality stainless steel boiler produces to force water through your ground coffee!
The water reservoir is sufficient to support the power of this machine. It’s also really well designed (more on that later). Water is then sent to the boiler, separated by two thermostats: one for coffee and one for milk—amazing capabilities for a machine with only one boiler.
When you’re brewing, If your photographs feel suffocated, you may put too much into your filter basket. If your shots are too quick, you may put in too little, or your grind size is too coarse.
Consider using pods if you’re experiencing trouble with consistency. The De Longhi EC702 is compatible with E.S.E. pods to make brewing easier. Of course, it’s always a plus to have dual functionality!
If you, like me, like pre-ground beans, 15 bars of pressure is plenty for most fine grinds. The DeLonghi EC702 allows you to produce as many black and milky drinks as you like.
Quality of Brew
The coffee you can brew with the Delonghi EC702 is fairly good, given the machine’s additional control capabilities. But, of course, some knowledge of temperature, pressure, and even bean selection is required to get the most out of this machine.
While the recommended elements, such as 15 bar of pressure and appropriate temperature control, are present, keep in mind that brewing the perfect espresso also necessitates some fine-tuning on your side.
So, while this machine is simple to use, slight changes can yield superior results. Nonetheless, the quality for the price is exceptional.
Water Tank (44 oz.)
The size and location of the replaceable water tank on the DeLonghi EC702 appeal to me.
It’s pretty usual for a coffee maker to have a tank at the back of the machine. That’s wonderful for the device’s appearance, but it can be difficult to remove for refilling (or even to see how much water is left).
Because the tank is located to the side of the brewing interface, it is very easy to detach and refill. It also means that the water level indicator is easy to read, giving you a clear idea of how much is remaining.
In terms of capacity, 44oz isn’t too shabby. It’s one of the largest I’ve seen on a computer of this caliber.
Dual Thermostats and a Stainless Steel Boiler
One of the most typical issues with entry-level espresso machines is their dependency on a single heater.
That setup bothers me since it implies the milk is heated at the same temperature as the coffee shot.
However, the DeLonghi EC702 includes two different thermostats. That means the espresso is brewed at the proper temperature while the milk is heated to its optimal temperature.
Overall, the result is a much better drink. This is especially crucial if you wish to produce beverages other than espresso shots, such as lattes and cappuccinos.
Manually-Operated Milk Frother
The Panarello milk frother is a terrific addition to this entry-level piece of equipment. However, this frother has two redeeming characteristics. To begin, a coffee maker frother allows you to add milk to your drinks. Second, because the frother is manual, you may froth your milk any way you please and get the foam you want.
If you prefer an automatic milk carafe to a manual frother, the De’Longhi EC860 is an entry-level machine that will satisfy you.
The De’Longhi EC702 coffee machine has a manual frother that sits to the side. Therefore, it does not affect the brewing process at all. One downside is that it does not precisely hang over the drip tray, resulting in a minor smear.
The frother’s steam wand is known as a Pannarello steam wand. This plastic wand controls the amount of air that enters the milk, ensuring a consistent froth and steam pressure.
The only problem is that the bubbles it creates are quite huge. That’s good for cappuccinos, but it won’t produce the microfoam needed for latte art.
Pressurized Portafilter
The De’Longhi EC702 employs a pressurized portafilter. This increases the time the water has contact with the coffee grinds, resulting in better-tasting coffee.
This, like the milk frother, was added to help newbies. It simplifies the home brewing procedure and allows you to achieve amazing results with a basic grinder.
To put it another way, you’re trading flexibility for simplicity. This is consistent with the machine’s design brief, which intends to give better coffee to novices.
The De’Longhi EC702 is not the only espresso machine with a subpar tamper. Nonetheless, we would recommend pairing the machine with something more sturdy.
Maintenance and cleaning
Many fear this step, although it is the most important for consistently producing a perfect espresso. After each use, the EC702 can be wiped clean. To keep the machine in good working order, clean the frothing wand, brew head, and drip tray. Descale after 150-200 uses or once a month, whichever comes first, as it cleans the machine from the inside out.
Who Should Purchase It?
The Delonghi ec702 started in the preceding portion of this article, is an entry-level espresso maker. This should be a decent place to start if you’re just getting started.
It’s a feasible alternative at this price point, with cutting-edge technologies like self-priming, dual-thermostats, and a dual-function portafilter.
You’ll see how simple the machine is to operate. Next, assume you are a specialist in several brewing processes and are looking for a way that would deliver next-level espresso.
In such a scenario, you might consider options such as the Breville Barista Express or the De’Longhi La Specialista, which may cost a little more but do an excellent job of preparing espresso. Overall, if you are a newbie, the Delonghi ec702 will never disappoint you.
Why Is It a Good Option?
You might be asking what makes it so special to buy. To begin with, this is an excellent beginner-friendly and reasonably priced alternative for producing high-quality espresso.
It also includes intriguing features like a dual-function portafilter for pods or ground coffee, dual-thermostats for precise control of steam and water, and self-priming technology for pre-heating the machine before you start brewing.
In addition, you will receive a one-year limited guarantee from the date you purchase the item. This guarantee is only valid for the original purchaser.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
Editorial Staff
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