The DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 is an easy-to-operate super-automatic espresso machine that combines superb reliability with every feature you need (plus a couple nice extras).

It isn’t the flashiest model espresso machine on the market, but it’s a fantastic option in its entry-level price range and has been a fan-favorite since it first debuted in 2001.

Yes, you read that right. This machine has existed in almost the same form for nearly 20 years. Why?

Because it just works.

Of note, the Magnifica ESAM3300 has 2 separate thermoblock boiler systems

1. One for your espresso
2. One for your steam wand

This ensures rapid heating without any unnecessary waiting.

I’ll detail some of my favorite features below in our full DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 review, but as you saw above, this machine scores highly across the board.

No wonder it's one of the best-selling super-automatic coffee machines on the market.

Nespresso has two lines of capsule-based espresso machines:

• OriginalLine: Their original line (duh) that used a 19 bar pump to extract shots from capsules
• VertuoLine: Their new line that uses Centrifusion (rapid capsule spinning) to extract shots from barcode-enabled capsules but also brews standard coffee up to 17 oz

For our money, OriginalLine machines are better than VertuoLine machines because their pump produces more authentic espresso, the coffee tends to be hotter, and there's no barcode scanning system meaning you can find less-expensive third-party capsules.

And no series of OriginalLine brewers tops the Creatistas, which includes the following 3 models:

• Creatista Uno
• Creatista (discontinued)
• Creatista Plus

Originally, the Creatista (now discontinued) was the sole representative of this series. Then Nespresso created the Uno (more basic) and the Plus (more premium).

The Creatista's draw is its swivel frothing arm, which gives you total control over your milk foam — something Lattissima Series doesn't offer. Instead, Lattissima machines are about one-touch convenience for people who want hands-off cappuccinos and lattes.

Note: You don't need to froth your milk manually! The Creatista is fully capable of frothing your milk for you. Just leave the milk frothing pitcher on the temperature sensor below the frothing wand and let the machine do its thing.

If that control appeals to you, take a look at one of the 3 Creatista models.

What are the differences? We'll cover that in the Buyer's Guide below.

The Cadillac of espresso machines — at least that’s what someone once told me they called this model.

True, it costs as much as an old Cadillac, but you might get more utility out of this than a used car anyway!

The DeLonghi ECAM28465 boasts just about every premium feature that a top-of-the-line super-automatic espresso machine should:

• True one-touch brewing
• Espresso, coffee, and hot water for hot chocolate or tea — you name it, this model brews it
• Remembers your settings so you don’t have to, because mornings are tough enough!
• Patented Single Touch Lattecrema system for easy, rich cappuccino and latte foam
• Progammable start time, auto-off, temperature, strength, and even water hardness

Afraid of feeling overwhelmed with a do-it-all espresso machine?

DeLonghi includes a DVD instruction manual so you can get the most of your machine and truly understand why the designed it the way they did.

DeLonghi’s Magnifica ECAM22100 is similar to the Magnifica ESAM3300, except smaller and more compact.

(The “XS” in the model name stands for “Extra Small.”)

Yup, compact convenience is the calling card of this model.

That compact design does come at a small price, however, as DeLonghi had to go with a single boiler for the ECAM22110 instead of the dual boiler systems used in the ESAM3300 and Prima Donna ECAM28465.

On the plus side, this ECAM22110 is a newer version of the ESAM3300, and that means more programmable functionality and additional features.

For example, you’ll enjoy these upgrades:

• Brew as little as a single shot or as much as two long coffees
• Programmable water hardness setting
• Energy saving mode for up to 77% lower energy costs

Really, the biggest annoyance is the way the bean hopper is designed. Sometimes the beans don’t fall into the grinder and need a little help.

Honestly, this is something I’d classify as minor, but for others it’s a real deal-breaker. Your mileage may vary.

This entry-level model has a lower price point and limited features, but DeLonghi did that with one goal in mind:

To make an affordable, fool-proof espresso machine.

Pull single or double shots with the included pressurized portafilter, or pop in an E.S.E. soft pod to get a rich, hot espresso with minimal hassle.

The Pannarello steam wand is a great addition on an entry-level machine — just submerge the wand in your milk and activate steam mode with no manual frothing required — and the whole unit is compact and durable.

The one feature I find sort of useless is the attached tamper. I’ve never been a fan of the up-press tamper affixed to the espresso machine.

One of the best espresso machines you can routinely find for under $100, the DeLonghi EC155 is a great starter model.

But let me restate what I said in the intro:

Espresso machines truly are a product where you get what you pay for, and there’s no chance this $100 model will seriously challenge machines pushing (or exceeding) $1,000.

It just isn’t going to happen.

But that doesn’t mean the DeLonghi EC155 doesn’t deserve mention.

First, it pulls a great shot for its price point. Sometimes the shot varies in quality, ranging — almost a random — from slightly watery to slightly over-extracted, and it’s near impossible to control for that.

Second, it’s very small but still has enough heft to sit firmly on your countertop when you’re twisting in the portafilter.

Third, it costs less than $100.