DeLonghi ECP3420 Review

DeLonghi ECP3420
Overall Rating
78
Coffee Quality (40%)
75
Design & Features (20%)
80
Durability (20%)
78
Ease of Use (10%)
83
Brand Reputation (10%)
85
The Bottom Line
Espresso machines don't get much cheaper than the DeLonghi ECP3420. While these machines often are as good as their price tag, not everyone wants to break the bank to see if espresso is for them. If that's you, look here.
The Coffee Maven's editors select and review products independently. We may receive a commission if you purchase through one of our links at no additional cost to you.

Key Features of the DeLonghi ECP3420

Key Features of DeLonghi ECP3420

  • Type: Pump espresso machine
  • Pressure: 15 bars
  • Reservoir: 37 oz
  • Unit Size: 9.6″W x 7.2″D x 11.9″H
  • Unit Weight: 11.0 lbs
  • Warranty: 1 year

DeLonghi ECP3420 Overview

The DeLonghi ECP3420 pressurized portafilter comes with an attachment making it compatible with espresso pods.

Not Nescafe or Nespresso pods mind you, but rather the E.S.E. soft pods available by companies like Lavazza. These are the ones.

The pressurized portafilter is great for novices as it helps ensure optimal pressure for a rich creme, even when using the E.S.E. pods.

The departure from a capsule system necessitates the use of a real frother for cappuccinos, lattes and other specialty beverages, and the DeLonghi ECP3420 comes with one built-in.

More complicated than capsule-based foam? Sure.

Better? You bet.

Add in the stainless steel plated exterior and internal boiler plate, the ability to brew two espresso shots at once and the stainless steel plated exterior and boiler plate (did I say that twice?) and you get a pretty nice machine for an appealing price.

I know what you’re thinking:

“Bryan, this machine sounds so great! Why is it ranked fifth?”

Two reasons.

First, while the machine itself is competitively priced you’ll need to shell out a little extra to purchase some necessary, yet not included, accessories:

Second, the frother sometimes fails to froth. It got my milk nice and hot, but sometimes the foam wasn’t as foamy as I’d like.

Pros
  • Pump espresso machine for the price of a capsule machine
  • Compatible with espresso soft pods
  • Built-in frother
Cons
  • Water reservoir is finicky and must be pushed all the way down or the espresso machine won’t work
  • More cleaning required than capsule-based systems, particularly with the frother
  • Frother doesn’t make the best foam

Is the DeLonghi ECP3420 for you?

Are DeLonghi ECP3420 for you?

If you’re looking for an entry-level pump espresso machine, consider the DeLonghi 3420.

It definitely has its limitations — most notably the water reservoir that doesn’t want to stay put and the frother that sometimes doesn’t want to froth.

Overall, the EC3420 makes decent espresso for a great price.

DeLonghi ECP3420 Review: An In-Depth Look

Check out the DeLonghi ECP3420!

Check out DeLonghi ECP3420!

DeLonghi ECP3420
Espresso machines don't get much cheaper than the DeLonghi ECP3420. While these machines often are as good as their price tag, not everyone wants to break the bank to see if espresso is for them. If that's you, look here.

More DeLonghi Reviews From The Coffee Maven

DeLonghi Dedica EC680M

DeLonghi Dedica EC680M
Overall Rating: 85
A slim, sleek-looking, inexpensive espresso machine from DeLonghi, the Dedica EC680M is designed for compact espresso convenience. Its narrow profile tucks away easily and its two-button operation is easy to use.

DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro

DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro
Overall Rating: 91
The DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro builds upon the Prestigio's impressive list of features with a more robust, manual/automatic frothing system, more programmed recipes, more brew temp settings, and a truly awesome design.

DeLonghi KG89 Grinder

DeLonghi KG89 Grinder
Overall Rating: 84
A solid, inexpensive model with flat, stainless steel burrs that are great for getting a uniform grind size, the DeLonghi KG89 is a decent entry-level burr grinder. For our money, go with the DeLonghi Dedica instead.
About The Coffee Maven
bryan de luca
Bryan De Luca

I'm Bryan but most people know me as The Coffee Maven. I grew up outside Boston, Massachusetts and received my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Providence College. My first introduction to coffee was during my college days, when I used it as a source of caffeine to fuel late-night study sessions, but soon I became obsessed with the chemistry of coffee. How did changes to water temperature or contact time affect its taste? Why do beans from Africa taste fruity while beans from Indonesia taste spicy? I launched The Coffee Maven in February 2017 to explore these questions and help others brew their perfect cup. Welcome to my site, and thanks for reading!

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