DeLonghi ECP3420 has been creating some vibes in the market. This automatic machine is compact and has a small footprint. If you don’t have much space available, this machine is a good choice to invest in.
But you won’t get a consistent taste and texture in your final cup. To get the maximum results you will have to keep it clean as much as possible. Still, it won’t provide you with a cup that a semi-automatic machine can manage.
In this review, we will compare it with DeLonghi EC155 and the BCO430 coffee machines to find the right fit for you.
So let’s begin with our ultimate DeLonghi match-up!
Pros
- 15-bar pressure pump.
- Two-tier drip tray.
- Removable water tank.
- Self-priming function.
- Compact footprint.
- User-friendly.
Cons
- The machine doesn’t feature an inbuilt grinder.
- Underwhelming froth.
Fully-Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic Coffee Machine
Semi-automatic machines are best suited for baristas. If you like the details associated with your final cup, you need to go for such a machine. You can control the coffee and water content in each of your shots and you can alter the temperature and pressure at will.
You can only achieve that if you know how to make a cup of coffee. So these machines require your coffee-making expertise to provide you with the best results.
On the other hand, a fully automatic coffee maker is geared towards those people who don’t have any experience in making coffees. All the settings including the pressure, temperature, and the volumetric dodge of coffee are pre-programmed.
You just have to push a button or two to get your final cup. There is no hassle at all in using these machines, it’s just as if you are using your smartphone.
Comparison Chart
| Features | ECP3420 | EC155 | BCO430 |
| Taste | Smooth textured coffee with rich aroma but inconsistent taste | Rich and saturated flavor with a creamy texture | Rich and aromatic coffee with a creamy texture but slightly inconsistent taste |
| Brewing capacity | ~4.5 cups (37 fl oz) | ~4.5 cups (35 fl oz) | 6 cups (47 fl oz) |
| User-friendliness | Easy to access dial and knob | Just a dial | Conveniently accessible front access buttons |
| Design & materials | Brushed stainless steel accents with ABS plastic body | ABS plastic body with brushed stainless-steel accents | ABS plastic body with brush stainless steel accents |
| Cleaning & maintenance | Easy to clean and descale | Extremely simple cleaning and maintenance | Simple to clean or descale |
| Frothing | Less creamy and more airy froth | Not very creamy forth | Manual frothing that is not very airy but a lot creamy |
| Grinding | No grinder | No inbuilt grinder | Comes without a grinder |
| Additional features | Dual tier dripping tray, 15-bar pressure pump, self-priming operation | 15-bar pump pressure, Dual operation filter holder, double thermostat separate for steam and water | Drip stop, 15-bar pump pressure, 24-hour timer, active carbon filters |
| Value for money | Cheap | Cheap | Meets the value |
DeLonghi ECP3420 Review 2021
Taste:
A fully automatic machine can never be consistent in its final taste and texture and similar is the case with the ECP3420. But that doesn’t mean that you cannot get a good cup of coffee using this machine.
The aroma and taste will be there if you use quality coffee beans. It can also create a creamy froth that can add flavor to your cup. The only issue is the machine won’t be consistent and you will have to keep it clean and maintain it properly.
The EC155 also has a similar issue. It does feature a double filtration system and you can either use coffee grounds or pods and capsules with it. But the taste that comes from pods and capsules are always milder even if you use coffee grounds the result will not be different.
The BCO430 however, is much better than these two and a lot of credit goes to its manual brother. This frother can produce a creamy froth that can add a lot of flavor to your final cup. The inconsistencies you can expect from an automatic machine will be there, but that creamy froth covers a lot in the end. So in terms of taste, the BCO430 is the winner of this round with the ECP3420 being a close second.
Brewing Capacity:
The ECP3420 coffee maker is more focused on serving an individual. Therefore, it only has a brewing capacity of approximately four and a half cups. Maybe a couple of friends can join in with you but you will have to go through a few refills.
The EC155 also comes with a similar amount of brewing capacity of four and a half cups. So it won’t cater to any groups of people besides a couple of your friends.
On the other hand, the BCO430 coffee maker is slightly better at six and a half cups. And even if someone joins in, this machine will get you through a day with only a few refills. Still, it won’t allow you to host a coffee party.
User-Friendliness:
DeLonghi is loved by many as a coffee maker brand. The machines it makes are user-friendly and the ECP3420 is no different either. As it is an automatic machine, you don’t have to do much for your final cup.
There are just a dial and a knob. The water tank is very easy to remove and everything is conveniently accessible.
The EC155 has a simple-to-use dial to make your cup of coffee. It makes your life even easier if you are used to drinking coffee pods and capsules. The water tank is conveniently placed as well.
The BCO430 has a bit of complication if you compare it with the other two coffee machines. There are simply more buttons to deal with, but you have a more versatile machine as well. You just have to select the setting you want and go with it.
Design & Materials:
These machines are budget-friendly and you don’t get stainless steel bodies and components. All these three machines feature decent quality materials. Still, DeLonghi hasn’t compromised on the resilience and longevity of these machines.
The durable ABS plastic bodies can stand the test of time. DeLonghi has also used stainless steel accents to make these machines look good and give them a bit of a style. Therefore, if you have a modern kitchen, you can place these machines on your kitchen counter.
Another advantage of these plastic bodies is lightweight. If you are the one who likes to redecorate your kitchen, you won’t be disappointed with the compact footprint and lightweight of these machines. You just need to treat them with care and they will continue to serve you for a long time.
Cleaning & Maintenance:
The ECP3420, the EC155, and the BCO430 are very easy to descale. DeLonghi has made sure these machines can be disassembled and reassembled conveniently.
The BCO430 is a bit easier to clean because it comes with an inbuilt cleaning cycle as an indicator. It also comes with active carbon filters. The ECP3420 and the EC155 come with dishwasher safe components.
Make sure you go through the instructions manual that comes with your purchase. In this manual DeLonghi explains in detail the full cleaning and descaling process of your machine.
Frothing:
Frothing is one area where the ECP3420 underperforms. The froth it produces is not only airy but less creamy as well. In the end, you will be left begging for more. So if you are looking to buy a coffee maker for milk-based beverages, this is not the right option for you.
On the other hand, if you are not a huge fan of frothing, you may opt for this machine.
The EC155 does a decent job with its brother because you can get some creamy texture without any latter arts. So you can have a bit of cream in your coffee and this machine will do a slightly better job than the ECP3420.
If you are a huge fan of creamy milk-based coffee beverages, the BCO430 coffee maker would suit you well. The manual frother of this machine does a fine job when it comes to milk-steaming and latte art.
Grinding:
None of these coffee machines comes with an inbuilt grinder. You may choose any of these machines if you already own a grinder. And you can easily get over most of the weakness in taste, aroma, and texture of these machines.
But also make sure you use high-quality coffee beans if you want the best taste and aroma in your final cup. Your coffee machine can only achieve a limited amount of taste and flavor based on the features it has. Using premium quality coffee beans paired with a top-notch grinder will ensure the maximum flavor in your cup.
Additional Features:
One of the top features of the ECP3420 coffee maker is its self-priming function. You don’t have to go for any preparations before you start making your cup. It also comes with a 15-bar pressure pump for better flavor extraction during the brewing process. The machine can also accommodate larger cups if you remove the 1st tier drip tray to use the 2nd one.
EC155 coffee maker is a double functioning filter machine. You can either use its portafilter for the brewing process, coffee pods, or capsules. It also comes with a 15-bar pump pressure for the brewing process for maximum extraction. And there is a double thermostat to heat steam and water separately and simultaneously.
The BCO430 has active carbon filters with which you won’t have to descale your machine that much. The 15-bar pump pressure is there too and the machine can extract as much flavor as possible for a tasty brew. There is a 24-hour timer along with a drip-stop that won’t allow any spills to occur.
Value for Money
The ECP3420 is geared towards being a budget-friendly option. It is better suited for people who have a busy day-to-day schedule. They just need a cup of coffee to start or end their day. You don’t have to go through a lot to make your final cup.
Just like the ECP3420, the EC155 is also a budget-friendly coffee machine. It allows you to brew coffee using its portafilter but you can also go for pods and capsules to further simplify the process. If you don’t want to go for a machine that involves a lot of technicalities associated with your coffee, you may choose this one.
The BCO430 is slightly better than the other two in terms of taste and aroma but it stills isn’t a perfect choice for a barista. You need a quick cup of coffee and the BCO430 can provide you with just the push of a button. But it is a lot simpler to descale them, but you will have to pay slightly more.
Who Should Buy the DeLonghi ECP3420?
The ECP3420 is a good option if you need a decent cup of coffee instead of a taste. It is user-friendly and if you don’t have any prior experience, the ECP3420 will work just fine for you.
It is a good choice for anyone who doesn’t have much time in the day to prepare a customized cup of coffee. You can even use it to fulfill your coffee needs at your workplace.
It is also a good choice if you are looking for a machine with a compact footprint and lightweight design.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the DeLonghi ECP3420?
If you have some coffee-making experience under your belt, the ECP3420 is not for you. The froth it produces is underwhelming and the taste and texture of the final cup can be inconsistent as well.
Choose a semi-automatic machine if you prefer to be in full control of your cup. This coffee machine is only suitable for individual use and you cannot serve a group of coffee lovers with it.
FAQs for DeLonghi ECP3420
What kind of tamper does it come with?
It comes with a double-sided dual-purpose plastic tamper and is 49mm in size. You can use it as a tamper and a coffee scoop. A 51mm tamper can work as well because it is a pressurized machine and there is not much tampering required in the first place.
What size of a coffee cup can it accommodate conveniently?
The ECP3420 can easily accommodate a cup that is 3.25 inches in size if you have the drip tray installed. If you remove the drip tray the coffee machine can comfortably house a 4.5-inch cup.
What kind of coffee grounds should I use with this coffee machine?
You need to go with fine coffee grounds for the best flavor extraction. As this machine can produce milder tastes, you may go for medium to dark roast coffee beans for better flavor.
Should I buy the ECP3420 or not?
If you don’t get into too many details associated with your final cup and need a machine to fulfill your caffeine requirement, it would be a suitable choice for you. It also has a lightweight and compact design to fit in smaller cabinets. If these are your requirements you can buy the ECP3420 coffee maker.
The Verdict
The ECP3420 DeLonghi coffee maker is a good budget-friendly choice for individual use. If you don’t have expertise in making coffee, go for this machine. It is a compact machine that doesn’t weigh much either. The controls are very simple and its cleaning is no hassle either.
Even if someone else decides to join in, you can serve him/her with a cup or two. But for the baristas who prefer that cafe-like flavor and aroma in their cup, this machine is a no-go.
