De'longhi EC702 Review: What the Reviews Say About the EC702

 

The world of espresso machines can be pretty daunting for fledgling coffee lovers, especially if you are on a budget. You might be confused and slightly anxious about choosing the machine that will best suit your needs. Thankfully, buying a De’Longhi makes the process of choosing a machine so much easier.

Now, should you start your espresso journey with this low-cost machine? Well, check out our De'Longhi EC702 review and decide for yourself! Just be warned, once you are able to have shots of espresso with a touch of a button, your world will be forever changed.

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Qualities You Need In An Espresso Machine

The reason for having an espresso machine is to have the best coffee without too much stress. If you want to buy a machine like the De’Longhi EC702, here are some important qualities we believe you should consider:

Coffee Quality

Make sure that the espresso machine you choose doesn’t reduce or affect the quality of your coffee. It should produce a high-quality brew and not a watered-down, weaker drink, even if it's made for beginners. 

Noise-making Capacity

Espresso machines are typically noisy. If you have a young family, or you’re buying the device for a quiet working environment, you should consider less noisy types. 

Frothing

If, as a beginner coffee lover, you’ve always wanted to make artsy cappuccinos or lattes, you might want to go for a machine that has a good frother. Some espresso machines have automatic frothers that make them quite simple to use, although it gives you less control over the foam’s texture. Some also give the user a lot of control over the froth, but they’re more complicated to use.  

Ease of Use

How easy and straightforward to see and use are the machine’s controls? As a new espresso machine user, you’ll want to buy a device that is easy to use and gives you simple instructions on the entire coffee-making process. 

Reservoir

You’ll want to buy a machine with a water reservoir that’s big enough to produce the amount of coffee you need. At the same time, the reservoir should be discrete, so your whole space isn’t taken up by the machine. You should also find a machine with a reservoir that isn’t hard to remove. 

De’Longhi EC702 Review

If you don’t want to spend the whole article jotting down the pros and cons of the De’Longhi EC702, here’s a quick rundown of this espresso machine:

Advantages

• ✅ Produces high-quality coffee as either single or double shot
• ✅ Large and convenient-to-use water reservoir
• ✅ Works with ESE (Easy Serve Espresso) coffee pods as well as coffee grounds
• ✅ Extra beginner-friendly controls and processing
• ✅ High-quality and durable stainless steel
• ✅ Passive heating warms mugs and cups before you use them
• ✅ Rapid Cappuccino System cuts down brewing time
• ✅ Two thermostats to regulate the temperature of steam and water 
• ✅ Self-priming feature helps to brew the first coffee of the day faster
• ✅ Pressurized portafilter is a good investment for beginners who want fresh grounds but don’t want to buy a grinder

Disadvantages

• ❌ Restricted cup height
• ❌ Minimal control over the coffee-brewing process
• ❌ Difficult to make ultra-smooth lattes with this machine 
• ❌ Portafilter is a little messy to empty since a flipper secures the basket 
• ❌ Might leak

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Features

That’s the summary of the De’Longhi EC702’s features. Keep reading for an in-depth breakdown of this espresso machine’s features and how they work. 

44 Ounce Water Reservoir 

The removable water reservoir of the De’Longhi EC702 appeals to us because of its positioning and its capacity. A coffee maker's reservoir is usually located at the back of the brewing unit. It makes the machine a lot more aesthetically pleasing, but it can be difficult to remove the reservoir to check how much water is left in it or to refill it. 

The tank is located to the side of the brewing unit, making it simple to detach and refill. It also makes reading the water level indication much more accessible, giving you a good idea of how much water is remaining. 

In terms of capacity, 44 ounces isn't bad. It's one of the largest you can find on a machine that was made for beginners. 

Dual Thermostats and a Stainless Steel Heater

The reliance on a single heater is one of the most prevalent issues you'll find with an entry-level espresso machine. That kind of setup isn't our favorite because it means the milk is heated at the same temperature as the coffee shot. 

The De’Longhi EC702, on the other hand, features two separate thermostats. As a result, the espresso is brewed at the proper temperature while the milk maintains its ideal temperature. 

In the end, you'll have brewed high-quality coffee. This is especially necessary if you wish to make drinks other than espresso shots, such as cappuccinos and lattes.

Manually-Operated Milk Frother

The manually-operated Panarello milk frother is a fantastic feature on this entry-level equipment. This frother has two redeeming qualities. Firstly, a coffee maker frother allows you to add milk to your beverages. Second, because the frother is manual, you may froth your milk in any way you like and obtain the foam you desire. 

However, if you prefer an automatic milk carafe to a manual frother, the De'Longhi EC860 is an entry-level machine that will provide you with that pleasure.

Manual Frother

A manual frother is included with the De’Longhi EC702 coffee machine, and it sits to the side. It doesn't interfere with the brewing process at all. One disadvantage is that it doesn’t exactly hang over the drip tray, resulting in a small mess. 

The steam wand used by the frother is called a Pannarello steam wand. This plastic wand regulates the air entering the milk, which maintains a steady froth and steam pressure. 

The only issue is, the bubbles it generates are rather large. That's fine for cappuccinos, but it can’t make the microfoam required for latte art.

Pressurized Portafilter

The De’Longhi EC702 uses what's known as a pressurized portafilter. This prolongs the contact time between the water and the coffee grinds, resulting in better-tasting coffee. 

This, like the milk frother, has been included to assist newcomers. It makes the home brewing process a lot easier, and it means you can get exceptional results with just a basic grinder. 

To put it another way, you're giving up flexibility in exchange for simplicity. All of this is in keeping with the machine's design brief, which aims to provide better coffee to beginners. 

The De’Longhi EC702 isn’t the only espresso machine that ships with a mediocre tamper. Nonetheless, we would recommend purchasing something more durable with the machine.

For the features, we rate this machine as a 4.5 out of 5. 

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Performance 4.5/5 ⭐

We can safely say that the De'Longhi EC702 makes excellent coffee drinks for an entry-level espresso machine. However, if you are incredibly particular about things like espresso crema and foam thickness, this is not the machine for you. Even the most inexperienced baristas can make superb espresso coffee at home with devices like the EC702. 

The pump runs at a pressure of 15-bar. This is a great feature to consider whenever you’re looking for high-quality espresso makers. The coffee the EC702 makes is hot and high-quality, with a fantastic crema. For a machine of this caliber, it's some of the best coffee available. It also includes separate filters in the box for creating a single or double-shot coffee. 

The EC702 comes with a great three-in-one filter holder. This espresso filter holder can make one or two espresso shots at the same time. Also, you can use ESE pods with this coffee maker, which is convenient for when you want coffee quickly. 

To make the coffee taste delicious, the De'Longhi EC702 employs a 15-bar pressure. To make the coffee, use pre-ground coffee, a separate grinder to grind fresh coffee beans, or an ESE pod. After that, place the coffee in the portafilter and wait for the machine to finish the job. 

The De'Longhi EC702 uses pressurized portafilters, so even if this is your first time using a coffee maker, you won't have any trouble brewing coffee.

During the brewing process, these machines are known to create a lot of noise. The EC702's pump, however, is put in a different part from the rest of the mechanism to reduce this. That means less noise and vibration. It also prevents the drip tray from rattling about. 

As a general rule, the less expensive a machine is, the more likely it is to break down in the long run. However, the EC702 is one of the most reliable machines in this category when compared to others. It should last you at least a couple of years.

For its performance, our ratings are at 4 out of 5.

Design and Build Quality 4/5 ⭐

The front of the De’Longhi EC702 is finished in brilliant, high-quality stainless steel. It looks great in the kitchen, but keep in mind that some of the less visible parts are plastic. 

In terms of size, it's not the world's tiniest espresso machine, but it's also not the world's largest. Its dimensions are 11 x 9.1 x 11.6 inches on the counter, and its weight is a little over 11.5 pounds. First, make sure you measure and leave enough room around the sides and on top to clean out and remove the water reservoir.

Cup sizing is one of the few instances where the De’Longhi EC702’s design is slightly below the bar. Even without the drip tray, you only have about 4½ inches of space to work with when it comes to cup size. You have a little over 2½  inches with the tray in place. 

Of course, you can make a shot in a smaller glass and then transfer it, but cup size is something to keep in mind. The De’Longhi EC702 comes with a warming tray to help prime your cups for hot coffee.

For its design, this machine rates at 4 out of 5. 

Ease of Use 4/5 ⭐

At Black Ink, we believe that a machine’s ease of use is one of its most essential features, which is why we like the De’Longhi EC702. 

The De’Longhi EC702 is a beginner-friendly machine, so you shouldn’t expect it to feature many brewing options and controls. After all, the machine's primary goal is to give excellent coffee to beginners. 

There are just three options for coffee: brewing, hot water, and steam. The hot water option is an excellent addition because it allows you to make hot chocolate with the machine. However, we believe it is a pity that the EC702 lacks an Auto On/Off option.

The device is easy to clean thanks to the stainless steel finish, but ensure to descale it at least once every three months —and more often than that if you live in an area with hard water. If you do not take good care of your espresso machine, the quality of your espresso will deteriorate with time. It's also a good idea to clean the steam wand after each use since it can accumulate debris quickly!

All in all, in terms of ease of use, this espresso machine gets a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. 

Value For Money 5/5 ⭐

The De’Longhi EC702 15-Bar Pump Espresso Maker is a machine specifically designed for beginner coffee-brewers who still want to drink high-quality coffee. It gives you a quickly made, barista-quality cup of coffee on a great budget. 

This De’Longhi product is perfect for use in small to medium-sized offices and the average family. It doesn’t have enough power to work on a commercial level, but it satisfies the needs of families and small offices with its high-quality coffee. 

We believe you receive your exact money value with this machine. On the value for money front, it scores a 5 out of 5. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do You Clean and Descale Your EC702?

There are two ways to descale your machine: 

Firstly, many dealers provide a descaling solution or powder with the espresso machine. In addition, the user manual will include a step-by-step guide similar to the one below that explains how much to use. If this is the case, use this remedy when you first buy the machine and then every 200 drinks after that. 

Instead of buying the solution when it runs out, you can start using a vinegar-based descaling solution that will work just as well. This brings us to the second option: 

Combine one portion of white vinegar and two portions of cold water in a glass that’s large enough to extract a double shot. After that, extract the shots and repeat the process.

After that, turn off the machine for a few minutes and clean the water reservoir before refilling it. 

Restart the machine and run a couple of only-water cycles to ensure that everything is thoroughly rinsed. And just like that, your device has been de-scaled. If you need to clean the outside, all you need is a little damp napkin or paper towel.

What Are ESE Pods and What Do They Do?

ESE is the abbreviation for Easy Serve Espresso. These pods are made up of two circular fabric or paper-based filters bonded together and sandwiched with fine coffee grinds. We feel the same way about these pods as we do about other pre-ground coffee. The problem is that they aren't always as fresh as other coffee choices. 

You should buy whole beans and grind them yourself if possible. If it isn't possible, the next best thing is to get freshly roasted ground coffee. That's coffee with a roast date.

ESE pods don't usually have this, which is a sign of staleness, which will show in your brew. Furthermore, single-serve pods are more wasteful than other alternatives. ESE pods can still be helpful when you have a super hectic schedule. It's terrific to have that choice on a machine aimed at novices like this one.

What Is a Pressurized Portafilter?

Pressurized portafilters retain the water in contact with your grounds for a more extended amount of time. The brew is filtered through an internal screen into a holding compartment with a small opening at the bottom. 

Because of the presence of this holding area, pressure can build, and the coffee is eventually brewed into your cup. So, what's the result? Inconsistent grinds yielding a better-tasting coffee. This portafilter will be easier for beginners because there is a longer contact time and a gradual pressure rise in the holding region. A non-pressurized portafilter, on the other hand, demands greater skill and precision.

What Does Nice Crema Have to Do With A Machine’s Quality?

Nothing! The crema on top of your espresso is affected by several factors. Both the bean type and the extraction procedure impact the tan and a little sour froth. 

You want a lovely, medium to thin foam on top, not a massive, frothy head like you'd get with a beer. This can be obtained from high-end espresso equipment. The issue with this machine is that it makes a decent crema, but despite its appearance, it isn't as rich as other cremas. The reason for this is its pressurized portafilter.

A fake crema can be created with pressurized portafilters. It's an aeration product because of being driven through the little hole at the bottom, rather than carbon dioxide being released from the beans during the high-pressure extraction. 

That isn't to say that the machine isn't useful. This is just a reminder that the bar you use to measure espresso machines, in general, should not be crema.

What Sort of Tamper Should I Buy If I Want to Change My EC702’s Tamper?

If you’re thinking of changing your espresso maker’s tamper to a stronger one, you should consider buying a 51mm tamper. 

Conclusion

The De’Longhi EC702 is one of the company's best espresso machines. It includes all of the features found in coffee makers in this category. It's composed of high-quality stainless steel and may be used to produce single or double coffee shots. You can easily prepare coffee for the rest of your family thanks to its large water reservoir. 

The De’Longhi EC702 has straightforward controls that are easy to operate. Two thermostats allow you to make two cups of coffee at the same time. There's also a milk frother so that you can whip up those delectable cups in no time.

Have you used the De’Longhi EC702 before? Do you plan on trying this espresso maker out soon? Let us know your experience in the comment section below!

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