Featuring geni.us/ECP_3420 with geni.us/EC155Portafilter (affiliate links) ECP line-up Breakdown: tomscoffeecorner.com/delonghi-ecp-whats-the-difference/ Links to other accessories used in the video description up above (hit "more") * As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. :0)

For anyone struggling like I was to get even close to the same shot as Tom in this video using a non pressurized basket, please listen as I have to impart what I’ve learned to others. The machine has to be HOT. I warm mine up for at least thirty minutes before even thinking of grinding my beans. I dose 16.5 grams into my HUGH basket (use a scale for beans in and grinds out). Keep the portafilter in the machine while grinding to preheat it. Then place the grinds in (dialing in your grinds with a solid grinder is important, I use a Eureka Manuale about a notch from true zero). Then it’s all about consistency with puck prep; distribution is recommended. Finally, I leave the portafilter with the prepared puck in the machine for another 3 or so minutes to warm up again, then extract. With this formula, I get a good enough shot within 37 seconds on a medium to dark roast. This took countless bags of beans, trial and error, and continued persistence to get right. Don’t give up, you’ll get there.

Taking off the metal piece on the Frother IS A GODSEND. That thing was ruining all my milk attempts theyd bubble up and explode out of the cup every damn time. Taking it off fixed my frothing dilemma. Thank you!

I bought a $260 Starbucks brand espresso machine (similar to that Delonghi above) back in 2004 and put it in our company lunch room. From 2004 to when we retired it and give it to an employee in 2011 this machine made an average of about 20 expresses a day five days a week. Maybe about 35,000 really good expresso's. We opened it up every couple months and cleaned it out, bought some parts for it a couple times and bought 5 pound bags of custom grind coffee from a local shop. Lets see....$260+parts+maintenace=maybe $500 divided by 35,000 espresso's=$0.014 per use plus coffee. Not bad.

A friend of mine bought this machine in Target a couple of years ago. Too much trouble for him, so he gave it to me. There was no manual, so this video showed me how to use it. It works great. I was using Nespresso pods, and starting to feel guilty about the huge amounts of waste they create, so glad to move to a machine like this.

Thank you for this video. I’ve wanted to purchase an espresso machine for over six months but thought I needed to spend over $600 for a Breville machine. I’m excited now that I can prepare and share delicious lattes for myself and friends without breaking the bank!

Only had a passing interest in espresso before watching your videos so I was a complete beginner to it all. I literally just bought everything you linked in your description (including the KINGrinder) and went with the 'advanced mode', and trusted your judgement. Really happy with the results so far. Thank you for guiding me to the world of espresso without having to spend a fortune haha

I have had the grinding version of Delonghi now for two years. Zero problems. Great quality and value. Va bene!

I've spent two years on and off trying to get the best espresso I can without buying an elaborate machine. I thought about a serious espresso machine but I have a small house and I could visit my favourite cafe for two years each day for the same cost of a machine. I think you have convinced me to go ahead and try this one especially in the manual mode. Thank you for taking the time and expense to produce this video.

I enjoy to see someone who enjoy the process of making their coffee. Satisfying.

I purchased this model last August and I'm quite happy with the basic model.I haven't had any problems with it.I find it easier to fill it with a jug of water rather than removing the container,also easy to drain it by tipping it out as its light enough to handle.I only had the rubber steamer fly off once,but that was my fault for not refitting it properly so I wont fit the tie unless it weakens with use. The only thing I would add is that mine didn't have much in the way of instructions on how to use it.

Had a very similar setup for a few years. Now add an IMS precision basket, a puck screen, and install a dimmer mod to adjust flow rate. Pair it with the 1zpresso JX-Pro, and I contest this setup can get you the closest to high quality espresso at the lowest cost. So happy you showcased what this little machine can do!

Bought the ECP 3220 last week (almost identical to the 3420) and after a few brewing failures (super wet puck, espresso dripping-not pouring, portafilter being clogged, I think I've solved the issues. Like someone else said here, turn on the machine and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before pulling a shot. I also don't grind my beans super-fine. I let the machine heat, as well as the portafilter and now I pull a perfect shot every time and the puck comes out perfectly dry. Great tasting espresso and I'm slowly getting the frothing down. Great little machine. Picked it up for $99.00 at Sam's Club.

What a perfect instruction without annoying goofs and pretentiousness. This will be my go to channel from now on. I am going to upgrade my 3630 to advanced mode just like you did and get a good grinder. I like watching the bottomless extraction better for some reason. I'm curious why the manufacturer adds the panarello if it makes worse milk?

i have the black plastic version, however i went with Rancilio steam wand mod, Bottomless portafilter, PID controller, a timer, and a pressure gauge. Modified the controls to buttons instead of knobs too. I have it for years, and it can pull some really great espresso shots.

Great video! I just switched the wand to advanced mode and the consistency is perfect now. Thanks TOM!

I'm convinced this is a great machine for an affordable price from your excellent review! It's around £150 which I think is amazing value for great results.

this by far the MOST satisfying simple,affordable,practical coffee machine video i've watched yet....nothing over the top,yet such an amazing result...n yeap!now,i'll consider getting a simple machine but upgrade some accessories for advanced use!this video is keeper!

Great video Tom! I have this machine slightly different version for over a year now. I switched out the portafilter similar to the one you got in this video. So much better extraction! I wanted to do something with the steam wand too but wasn’t sure. Now I know! This video has lots of different information I was looking for but couldn’t find before! Thanks a lot! Great work!

Im retired so I am on a budget. Bought this expresso machine and bottom less single wall portafilter. Just love it. I'm following your channel now. Thanks so much for the recommendation. The cable tie works like a champ!

I still love my little ECP 3630! I run it in advanced mode and it works great. Thanks for all your help Tom.

Bought this machine January 2020, a year after I started drinking coffee in my late 30s. Over a couple months progressed from the basic setup to advance. Same additions as yours with an extra puck screen. I use a step modified Delonghi K89 for grinding. Hard to believe a couple of cheap aftermarket, off brand accessories can make this affordable machine keep up with much more expensive ones. But oh it does..

As a past Rancillio Silva owner but in need of a small footprint I'm pleased to see your reviews of lower cost smaller machines.

I really love this machine ever after five years. The only thing that happened now was my sump broke so I had to buy a new one! However, after five years with daily use of min. 2 lattes or cappuccinos, I think it's fair for it to break at least. I'm glad it's not the actual machine that didn't get broken! I removed the metal on the milk froth steam wand and ziptied the silicone (so it wouldn't blast off) as well, it can create beautiful, silky milk foam! Highly recommend! Nice video!

Thank you for making this video. I've been looking for a cheap way to make real espresso for a while and your video had me pulling the trigger on this machine. I've been coming back to this video every so often as I get new budget pieces for my setup. I really appreciate your work on this.

I had this machine. I bought 2 from the goodwill. It got me into the basics of making a latte (takes about 13g of beans when i measured). I recently upgrated to different machine but i still have one of these for traveling. It is great for beginners.

Der beste Espresso-Kanal. Habe selbst eine Dedica 685 und ich habe vor die nach deinem Video zu modifizieren.

I've had this machine for about 3 weeks and am SO excited to try advanced mode! 🎉

Thanks for sharing these definitely useful tips. We had this machine but returned it after multiple attempts to produce a good espresso. Now I know what we missed, pretty much everything except the hot water boiler. Lol.

There is a similar made in china machine sold under brand name "tecnora" in india, I have been trying to use the advance mode since few months on the same machine. Quite happy with the results at this price point. P.S. I use a hand grinder instead of electric grinder.

not many coffee expert will recommend something cheap and basic and tell true honestly there is not much different in taste of espresso..MOST will always recommend FAR MOST EXPENSIVE MACHINE and making blame on the cheap one without doing blind taste and fully testing it out...now i see fresh beans and good technique is always priority rather then machine itself .. thanks for making this video.. u are awesome for sharing this

Thanks so much for this video! I bought one as a result and am having lots of fun with it. Going with the most affordable machine allowed room in my budget to purchase the upgrades (bottomless portafilter, portafilter funnel, portafilter screen, WDT, tamper, grinder). I’m super happy with the results, and I’m pretty sure I just need more practice with puck preparation and milk steaming and I’ll have the perfect cup soon enough! Even all of my imperfect ones have still been delicious and fun to prepare!

You guys made this machine look so good i had to buy one. Waiting on it in the mail. I even have a breville already, but after seeing so many hacks for cheap machines, and this one seems to be better than alot of the cheap machines, im curious now to see how it compares to the breville. Its fun to experiment with cheap vs expensive and stuff.

I'm using an older version of this machine. I had to modify the portafilter and baskets to work right. But I have to say, I can pull a pretty consistent and good pour out of these machines. I think I may have to look at getting the newer one since it looks like they actually increased the height and redesigned the portafilter and baskets. The one I've been using I bought in 2015, and it's put up with near daily use since I bought it.

You could use scaled cup or bowl to measure size, instead of weight, especially these with handle and tip to easy pouring into cup.

Hi Tom ,I just bought this machine based on your review. You are obviously an expert, and I'm a rank amateur. That being said, I have some technical observations others may find useful. 1. The ECP is too lightweight. The entire machine comes with me when I remove the basket. It's a serious two-hand operation to even use this machine. 2. Build quality. Compared to my old Breville, the Delonghi is no comparison. The Delonghi portafilter is cheap cast aluminum, compared to the steel used by Breville. It even has a Phillips screw holding the cup/insert assembly together. I realize the Delonghi is plastic and I accept this, I just had no idea how light it is. The Breville portafilter has two thumb relief areas to get the filter out. The Delonghi does not , so I have to use my fingernails to claw it out. Really not thought out well. 3. The steam nozzle (under the panerella) is half the length of the one on your video, rendering it useless in the advanced mode you show us in your video. Maybe they changed the design specs. I had high hopes for this machine based on your review, and so far it's a big disappointment. I used fresh beans ground correctly and the machine only pushes out drips very slowly. Yes I let it warm up. Instead, it splattered coffee all over itself. I'm also an engineer, and see multiple flaws with this design. Small things from a manufacturing standpoint, but collectively annoying for the end user. I'm going to keep trying to work with it, but so far it feels like I threw away hard-earned money here.

I recently gifted the stainless version of this video to my girlfriend. I’m a proud owner of commercial espresso machines since I had a cafe restaurant. I decided to test the ECP Delonghi machine with a variety of beans and paired it with a Baratza Encore grinder. Using stock portafilter and basket. Almost immediately I could see that the shot was very rich and silky once pulled and a thick crema. I then compared it to my Starbucks Sirena machine which is non pressurized and very similar to the Gaggia Classic in terms of basket size and ease of use. The Sirena is also programmable but typically I pull shots manually. I only pulled shots on both. The steam wasn’t part of my comparison. I’m not a professional barista but I have a decent understanding of fundamentals of espresso prep. I will say that the Delonghi pulled a beautiful shot most of the time. The Sirena was inconsistent. I noticed that the Delonghi maintained it’s heat very very well. Whereas the Sirena fluctuated quite alot. The Starbucks machine is made in Italy by Saeco and is a very well built machine retailing new for $700 when first introduced. The Delonghi is $200. From personal experience, I believe the ECP espresso machine pulled a very flavorful shot more efficiently. The joy of prepping a good shot from a more professional machine is like no other. Yet, I find this little entry level machine just as enjoyable to use. Lastly, we love using it for dispensing hot water for Americanos and tea. Set it to steam to bring up temp than switch it to power on, purge the steam than switch to brew while the steam lever is in the open position and you can fill a cup with very hot water. I’m not about to compare this little tank to my custom Magister machine but I would drink an espresso without hesitation!

Interesting video, Tom. I wonder how long this machine will last before it breaks down. It looks like a variant of the basic Delonghi that I finally replaced with the Dedica ( after many years.) My old machine started leaking badly and the bottom rusted out but it would have given the Dedica a run for the money and it did come with non pressurized baskets.

For someone who had never made a cappuccino this is a very comprehensible video! Thank you!

If don’t have sufficient space beneath portafilter, u can reset cup weight on scale before pouring, and measure it after it.

Wife just bought me this for my birthday after hearing me talk about this video. Can’t wait to upgrade it to advanced mode!!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

I just bought this machine off of Marketplace for $50! I’ve never had an espresso machine so figure this was good for a beginner. I’ve learned so much from this video already, thank you!

I have just bought everything listed in this video and watched about a million other videos haha now extremely excited to see what the results are! I have only ever used an espresso pod machine so let’s see if this can take my coffee love to the next level

Never regret to have this machine for 5 years now. I like this one more than Dedica. Simple to use and short wait time to steam milk.

Im sold. Thank you so much. Was looking at this machine for the affordability, & im excited by the possibility of your advanced mode set up that doesn’t add too much in cost. Definitely top of my wish list atm.

Thanks for this video (and for all of them in fact), I bought this machine earlier this month (March 2024) after some contemplation, and insights from your videos were very helpful. I am very pleased with the machine and enjoy the hobby/craft with my morning espresso. I was able to add the necessary toys for working in advanced mode up to a total of ca. 190€ including the price of the machine, though most of the gadgets are cheap from Temu and I'll see how long they last. Haven't tried milk steaming yet, I'm more into espresso and less into milk drinks. I think this is the simplest and probably the cheapest true espresso capable machine out there, being a boiler machine. Perhaps the only thing I will upgrade at some point is the rocker on/off switch. At the moment I have to press manually the machine to get it to stay on while I do the (manual) grinding and puck prep. Keep these videos coming!!

Hey nice video Tom, I have had the same machine for over 2 yrs now, and recently switched to the two-ear aftermarket portafilter setup. I have noticed that the flow rate is pretty fast and it takes as little as 10 seconds to fill a double shot (I would time it when the coffee comes out, not when the machine starts). I have an electric grinder which I would grind my coffee at the finest setting, I m not sure if it’s because my grinder is not capable of grinding it to even finer so that the puck after tamping would be more dense to not allow water to flow through that fast. The only way I can get it to reach about 30 seconds is to fill the basket as full as possible to the extent where it would make me use some elbow grease to twist and lock in the portafilter. I have ordered a bottomless portafilter and it’s on its way tho, I will give that one a try to see if it works better. I will prob go to a coffee shop to have them grind the beans for me as fine as possible since they have a better machine. Do you have any thoughts on this? Appreciate it

Thank you for this review of the Delongi espresso machine. I bought it and am using the advance mode after modifying per your suggestions. I had no idea what I was missing coming from a muddy French press to an outstanding espresso. I bought all products except the grinder. I went with the Baritza Encore and dialed in the espresso grind. Keep making awesome content.

I cut the bottom off the original portafilter and bought new baskets off Amazon to cut costs, worked great!

I used to go to starbucks everyday, then fast forward lockdown La. I bought this machine, every morning I have my nice relaxing coffee.

Thank you for this video, Tom! I just bought one and will be going “advanced mode” on it in the near future. I’ve watched this video quite a few times and learned a whole lot.

I received the EC260 as a gift and I learned a lot from watching your video. Thank you!

Nice review. I love espresso and am always viewing reviews of economical machines. Thanks for the tips to modify and posting the links for purchases. I will use the wand just to steam milk for my green tea matcha as well!

i bought this machine 5 years ago. absolutely love it. will try the advanced mode

Just purchased mine. I CAN NOT WAIT to use it with your tips

Hallo Tom, ich bin seit Weihnachten auch im Siebträger-Fieber und liebe deine unprätentiösen und meditativen videos! Mach weiter so!

Exactly what we advise to our Delonghi customers here too in Bali! These tiny machines with a bottomless porta & few accessories make great coffee 🕺☕ Cheers Tom happy new year

I was just gifted this machine for Christmas and I am so thankful for your walkthrough!

Hello Tom, excellent video, it just keeps being better and better.

Just ordered ecp.33.21.w. Your reviews were crucial for my decision. Keep them coming!

I have always love coffee. As a good Cuban (wink, wink) I was using a stove top mocha pot with store bought "Cuban" espresso coffee. I knew this wasn't the best, but I lived with it. However, I recently started roasting my own coffee beans. What a game changer! I will never buy store bought coffee again. Still learning about all the different beans and their profiles. I've been wanting to up my espresso game. Roasting my own coffee beans was a step in the right direction. In talking to my brother, he gave me some suggestions and this video. Look forward to getting a new Espresso machine soon. Thank you for a great video!

never knew someone could share excitement over making coffee - loved it! Thanks

My espresso journey started with this machine! great times!

I've had this machine for a few years now - maybe 4 or 5 years? I use it twice daily, and LOVE it!

Tom behind the scene does the real advance mode, and gets a sauce pan, makes an award winning latte art. 🤣 I'm ordering my bottom less portafilter now. crossing fingers!

I recently just bought this at turn 7 for about 77 bucks I feel proud

I got myself one a while back and am very pleased with it , very simple to use , bought it on eBay for £18 delivered.

Thanks so much for the review! I’m thinking I’ll get this to use while I mod out my Gaggia Classic! Looks so fun!

Wow amazing. Thank you for the advance mode tips. My husband will be thrilled to up his home espresso game. I just subscribed and I am excited to go through your other videos.

just ordered one out of Germany,you made my mind up for me..cheers Tom and best regards from Ireland.

I have one of those and I just friggin love it. And after seeing thing I'm certainly going to try this advanced mode thing. Thanks for the great video

Been using this machine for a little over a year and love it! Thanks for sharing your tips.

For anyone having issues pulling a good shot, try this- I think it will solve your issues! 1. Start with a quality grinder like the Baratza Encore set to click 5; contrary to common belief, espresso is achievable-I guarantee it. 2. Employ the WDT method for even grounds distribution; I go with 17 grams for a double shot. 3. Tamp with precision using a reliable tamper-my current choice is the Normacore v4 with a 25lb spring rate pre-installed. 4. Ensure your machine is primed by purging and let it warm up for a solid 10 minutes. 5. Consider using a puck screen (optional); interestingly, my shots improve when I skip it-give it a shot (pun intended) to observe how yours pull through.

Got the machine - it makes good coffee, I ordered the parts - the advanced mode is a MUST!

this is my first espresso machine, i bought it more than 4 years back, i make sure to clean/descale it after atleast 40-50 uses, it is still going good Alhamdulillah one of the best decisions i made, i have used the froth like u , using the tie , makes really smooth sliky froth, but i got one non pressurised basket, used it with the same portafilter, it doesnt give a good espresso and the basket is for double shot only, so now looking forward to getting a naked protafilter with one shot basket (which is nowhere in my country), i dont have expensive grinder, i use delonghi grinder , which i tweaked to make finer grinds (followed some tutorial on youtube). i love this machine, i wanted to see comparison with dedica since my sister wanted to get one too, but now i will tell her stick to ecp btw loved the video

Thank you for your video, I just bought h the is machine today, and tried the basic mode only, hope I can try the advanced one later😊

I just ordered the SS version ECP 3630 since this one was out of stock - look forward to using it! Thanks for the review!

Want to echo Farhan’s comment and say your videos gave me a nudge to get a barely used 3630 for $70 US, and paired with your mods and a good grinder, I feel like I practically stole the thing! Getting some damn good shots out of it after a couple weeks of tweaking the grind size, and learning that you don’t have to tamp like a powerlifter… oops. Really enjoying your channel overall, thanks for all the tips and tricks!

Great video. I just bought this machine & cant wait to try advanced mode! Thank you

Great video, good camera, well explained!

Thank you for the wonderful video. I am considering purchasing this machine and I appreciate the detailed review.

12:17 There’s many holes in that basket, why its forms one central flow? 🤔

Good information. I was looking for a Dedica, now i have a new favorite!

Thank you. I just bought one of these because of your videos. I never had one and am waiting to receive it. I think it'll be better than the stove top ones.

This is a damn good review !!! Thanks !! Now it’s definitely on my radar.

HI Tom, re; the heated brew group, this is why I can't understand why Dedica is seen as such a great machine....had a used model & found the shots too cooled for my taste! These budget Delonghi machines must make a hotter brew. Think I'll try one. (Not as cute on style tho😮‍💨)

Nice video, thanks! Never heard of this DeLonghi before, but it is on my radar now! I have a modified Dedica since five years; before that I had a Gaggia Espresso Pure, also modified. I like the small form factor, while delivering a perfect coffee. And a boiler machine is great.

I too have pulled some great shots on a low end home thermoblock espresso machine, specifically branded Electrolux Paired with a burr grinder and non pressurized PF. My standby machine. Chose the Electrolux (same model also sold under different brand) was it's weight. The heaviest homemachine at the time. These machines like to dance on the counter top when using them. A heavy one will not and is easier to work with.

Thank you for these amazing tips. I just got one, I’m just waiting for my bottomless portafilter.

I have a dedica and i pre-warm my portafilter and run the group head a few times to warm it up. Makes a world of difference. I also installed a dimmer switch to control the pump pressure. I LOVE THE DEDICA!!! PS: Going to steam mode for 10-12 seconds prior to brewing also makes the shot come up to a better temp.

Excellent and thorough review. Thank you.

This vid is a little treasure trove. After some consideration, I am going to get this little machine and advised extras after some stubborn years only drinking French press coffee at home.

After quite a few tries and adjustments i just pulled a beautiful shot.

Wow! Great demo! The advanced mode is certainly impressive.

As a man who loves popcorn and drinks coffee and owns a poodle I am impressed with the 3420.

hey tom nice video I've been watching your channel for about a year now your videos are really interesting and informative my first ever espresso machine was the delonghi dedica was a great machine had it for 2 years until about a month ago the gasket blew I bought another gasket and sadly that blew again I was gutted I loved the dedica but I decided to return it as I was worried that the gasket would blow again but thankfully I still had additional warranty so I returned it and decided to upgrade to the sage duo temp pro I got it on sale for 300 pounds that was around 350 euro and I have to say I was stunned the build quality shot and milk steaming quality and it comes with everything you need like steaming pitcher and built in tamper I am very happy with it I had it for 2 days now and I'm super impressed incredible coffee and since I already had the dedica for 2 years that had a used non pressurised on it so i was already prepared for this machine to its full potential my first shot on the machine was great lots of crema 18 grams in 36 out it 30 seconds and no channelling this machine is severely underrated I recommend this machine especially when its on sale also I would be really interested if you could review this machine it would be very interesting anyway great video keep up the great work

Could I get such quality extraction in famous cafes “like”, not specifically, StarBucks and Second Cup ?

Tom, thanks to your absolutely guru advice, I’ll soon be making my DeLonghi sing!

I’m on the fence of buying it. I think I made up my mind. Thank you for this amazing video !

Bought this machine then found Toms video here, bought the IST basket and bottumless portafilter and a nice grinder for $60 called Shardor Burr grinder which does a great job for the money, 17 grams, 30 seconds and took Toms suggustion in removing the auto froth wand and wow...after 22 ounces of beans from LaVazza I got a great cup, not bitter. Thanks Tom