DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker

Good machine but had to replace with warranty (2010-07-29) : 3/5
The machine worked fine for a couple of months but then it crapped out on me. I called the 800 number on the back and they sent me a new one, but I had to pay shipping. It works great otherwise.
love it (2010-07-24) : 5/5
I've had a steam espresso machine for years and it just went out on me so I was looking for a new one, i read the reviews on this one and i just love it. The coffee tastes great and the foaming of the milk for my latte is perfect. I would highly recommend this machine if you are looking for a reasonably priced machine.
Amazing Espresso, Great little Machine! (2010-07-20) : 5/5
This is my second day with this machine, and I am still learning the ropes of making great espresso! It took me around 5-6 tries to make a good espresso with thick crema, but I gotta tell you that this machine can make Starbucks quality shots or even better in my opinion. I have learned that you have to let the machine warm up for about 15 to 20 min before making espresso, and to accelerate the process you can run a couple of blank shots (just water) for the machine to heat up faster. I am using Pilon Coffee for espresso that I've got at Marshals for $4.50 for for a 16 oz package, and it makes great espresso with thick crema. I have also used the Starbucks espresso pods "bold" ($5.37 with tax for 12 pods) and it works really good as well. When you make a single shot use the smaller filter and fill it up up to the top with coffee and then tamp it good, you have to put some muscle into it, so it gets packed really good. The steam wand is a little too low and it makes it a little uncomfortable to place a milk jar under it, but if you can find a short jar that will fix that issue. Overall it's a great machine for the price, you won't be disappointed if you get it. Like I said it's my second day with the machine, so I will updated later - so far I have made around 5-6 great espresso shots and 3 lattes. Enjoy!
Best for Price - Excellent foam and taste (2010-07-20) : 5/5
This is the best and least expensive pump type expresso maker I have found. Produces consistently good expresso -- two cups at a time -- with lots of foam. Good size water container. I found that if one heats it up with the switch on steam and then quickly switch to expresso, one does not have to wait to heat it up or run an initial water run. Steam function is excellent. I have had it for six months and there have been no signs of mechanical problems. But we will have to see -- at this low price I would be pleasantly surprized if the pump lasted more than a few years. I buy distilled water to minimize possible corrosion - it is worth it at .89 a gallon. For price and quality, you cannot go wrong with this machine. I used to own a Krups pressure-type (no pump) expresso maker which really made sucky expresso and cost $30 more.
GREAT MACHINE FOR PRICE!!! (2010-07-10) : 5/5
For you people out there looking for an expresso machine for a good price, the EC 155 is the expresso machine to get. I have been looking for an expresso machine for months now and I have been reading really good reviews on this one. So far i have had my machine for almost 2 months now. The expresso's turn out great!! I prefer strong coffee so i buy Starbucks expresso beans to make my expressos and they turn out great! I also have my own grinder to get the beans to a FINE grind.


PROS:
- Makes really good expressos and cappuccinos
- Easy to use
- Steamer is great! (Does take some times to get used to)

CONS:
-Can't really say there isn't anything bad with this machine however it does take some time making expresso's. I tend to make about 4 shots every time, taking me about 12-15 minutes to do so.
-Machine comes with a built in plastic tamper, does the job for me, however i will definitely buy a metal one asap and would recommend the same for you guys to do the same. Pressing down the coffee grounds as much as possible puts out a better expresso!! So get a metal tamper if you want to assure a good cup of expresso!

Like i said before, for the price, i think this is a great machine and probably wont be able to find anything better. For the past couple years i have been going to Starbucks about 4 to 5 times a week, spending about $60 to $80 a month!!! After getting this machine i have been buying my own supplies and saving tons of money in the long run. To make some pretty good drinks just like how they make at Starbucks, all you need is Coffee Beans($10-$13) i prefer Starbucks beans since they have such a big variety, Any type of Flavored Syrup which you can either buy at your local grocery store or even at Starbucks!( Such as, Caramel,Hazelnut,Vanilla....etc.($6-$7)) and as a added bonus if you want perhaps some caramel or fudge drizzle($2-$3) and some whip cream($2). You add all that up and thats about $20 to $24 however depending how much you drink or use, that should last you a month or even longer! Usually the beans and the caramel drizzle are the first to run out, the flavored syrup tends to last the longest. In general your saving lot of money making your drinks, and thats why i got the EC-155 and recommend this machine to anyone out their.