• Automatic espresso/coffee machine with integrated coffee grinder
• Beans-to-brew system; 2 stainless-steel boilers; 3-hour auto shutoff
• Electronic steam and coffee thermostat; adjustable-height coffee spigots
• Heated cup tray; removable water tank and bean container for easy filling
• Measures 17 by 13 by 18 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Reviwed By: Vatsug (Boston, MA)

One of the Best Super Automatics Out There for the Price

I have had the Delonghi ESAM 3300 for around a year now. These machines are the best in class for price and performance, produce a great espresso, and are maintainable in ways that other manufacturers models are not. The coffee from the Delonghi is just as good as from Jura and even some manual models such as Expobar and Rancillo. It is very close to what you find in Italy – not quite, but for the price it is worth it. Great crema, hot temperature, rich flavor. And the best part is you can pull out the brew mechanism and clean it – VERY key. This will ensure sound operation and function for many years.

In order to keep this machine is fine working order, you need to do a bit of upkeep each week and use the right beans.

1. Only use non-oily, 100% Arabica beans. If you use oily beans it will clog frequently and attract rancid flavors. It will also shorten the life of the machine. I use Illy, but any espresso will do (I actually get the Illy dark roast – it has more flavor when brewing a larger “americano” cup).
2. Clean the brew mechanism once a week. Just snap it out and run it under hot water.
3. Use spring water instead of tap water. This will keep any weird flavors from your tap entering the coffee. It may build up minerals, but…
4. De-calcify the machine when it asks for it – don’t wait.

I, for one, would rather have manual controls over coffee amount, strength, etc. You are not losing out on anything by not having digital controls – other than not being able to have the machine automatically on and ready to go when you first wake up. As for the other models ability to do milk-based drinks at the touch of a button – how often do you really want a cappuccino? If it is every day, then get the 3500. If you are like me and need real coffee in the morning, then get this model. The milk canister can only sit in the fridge for so long. If you are planning to serve cappuccino at dinner parties, then you are committing Italian heresy – cappuccino is only served in the morning.

CONS
1. The cup warmer does not work very well, but get double walled cups and the temperature of the product will not be an issue.
2. You can’t have it turn on automatically at a certain time. But it only takes a few minutes to get up to temperature.
3. It is NOISY.

My espresso settings – coffee amount at 10 o’clock, strength at 3 o’clock, single cup dispense. Super double espresso in an espresso cup. I may have 2 of these on a saturday.

My wife’s “americano” settings – coffee amount at 3 o’clock, strength at 3 o’clock, double cup dispense. Full cup of rich coffee in a normal cup.

Bean grind at 5.

Click Here For More User Reviews Of The DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Espresso Machine

Reviewed By: David C. Knieriem (Ballwin, MO USA)

It does the job, and does it well

I’m at the six month mark of using the Delonghi 3300. First, for context: I do not sip coffee out of a mug in the morning looking out over San Francisco Bay as I contemplate life’s wonders. Instead, I want my mocha latte in the morning (and just about every morning) before I go to work. In addition, I am not a frustrated barrista faling back on my Starbuck’s training; I don’t even use the frothing wand because it is too much of a pain in the rear to deal with. Instead, I bought something that does it automatically, which kind of fits the theme of this machine.

I used a Gaggia Classic until it died. I was happy with it, but in a sense, I think this machine has it beat for one very important reason: consistency. You get the same cup of coffee every morning with good crema. And that is, to me, the only upside that matters. Is it noisy? It is quieter than my burr grinder. Do you have to clean it? Sure, about once a week, but it takes about 30 seconds. Do you have to decalcify it? I only use distilled water, and I haven’t had to yet. Does it break down? Not mine, but I don’t leave it on all the time. I turn it on, it takes about a minute to get ready, I make my coffee, then I turn it off. No problems. Is it super hot? I use a double-walled Bodum cup, and it stays hot for 20-25 minutes with the foam on top. The trick is to either make the coffee right away, or pre-warm the dispenser (it can be done).

All in all, it does what it is supposed to do. What more can you ask?

- David

Click Here To Buy The DeLonghi ESAM3300 Espresso/Coffee Machine Through Amazon

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