In the debate over which is the best machine for beginners, between the Delonghi EC155 vs EC260, I would say the winner is the EC260. The following article will explain why I came to this conclusion.
After much testing and reviewing the features on both machines, I found the EC155 to be a worthy investment. You can enjoy its lightweight and small-scale design, dual thermostat system, and easy-to-use mechanism. In fact, it is not a weak opponent at all.
With EC260, the price is such a “chef kiss,” and you even get more value for what you pay. This machine offers an auto-shutoff mode, a manual steam wand, supports tall cups, has a compact design, and so on. Also, the espresso tastes amazing, while the milk foam is perfect for cappuccinos and lattes.
Delonghi EC155 vs EC260: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi EC155 vs Delonghi Stilosa EC260: Differences
EC260 wins 2-0 and ties 2 in the battle against EC155 due to its more compact design and supplementary utilities. Read the analysis below for more details.
ESPRESSO EXTRACTION AND TECHNIQUE
Tie
Heating system
Both EC155 and EC260 employ a stainless steel boiler, which is durable and engineered to last long. I bet that many users will wonder if this single boiler system can maintain a constant temperature for both brewing and steaming.
But be assured! In addition to the boiler, this pair is also equipped with dual thermostats to serve each purpose of brewing and steaming. One checks the hot water temperature for espresso shots and another thermostat for your milk frother. This is a useful feature as it shortens the transition time between steps while the temperature remains constant.
Brewing technique
Both machines are good at extracting coffee by using a 15-bar pump for optimal pressure. The espresso tastes amazing with a thick and creamy layer of crema. With espresso machines in this price segment, such coffee quality is a plus.
I don’t find any major difference in the brewing technique or the coffee flavor between the two machines, but I have some advice for you. During use, after a few times of brewing and steaming, the machine may be overheated, which will give you a warning signal. At such times, you need to cool down the device by running it with water. This process will only take a few seconds, and after the green light comes back, the machine is ready to serve your needs again.
milk system
Tie
The milk frother of EC155 and EC260 work the same. The steam wands are very powerful and easy to use. Put the milk jug underneath the wand, start the steaming process, and let the wand do its work.
You can adjust the frothing time and the jug’s height as well as combine rotating the jug while the milk is whisked to adjust the foam from creamy to dry. It will take a bit longer than a commercial espresso machine to froth milk, but you know, this is a case of “you get what you pay for.” In fact, the steam wand works pretty decently. The foam is creamy, smooth, and good for cappuccinos or lattes.
design
The winner: Delonghi EC260
In terms of design, let’s first review the specifications of both machines from the comparison table above.
Delonghi EC260: this machine’s dimensions are 8.1″ x 13.5″ x 11.2″, and it weighs 9.5 pounds
Delonghi EC155: this machine’s dimensions are 12.2″ x 19.3″ x 15.0″, and it weighs 6.7 pounds.
Thus, in general, both these machines are quite compact and do not take up much space. However, while the EC260 has a more compact design, the EC155 is lighter, so it seems to be more portable.
Regarding materials, both machines have a body made of plastic, but the EC260 features more stainless steel details than its opponent.
utilities
The winner: Delonghi EC260
Besides the features that are somewhat similar to its competitor, EC260 even gives users other interesting utilities.
If the maximum cup height on EC155 is only 66 mm, the maximum cup height on EC260 is 110 mm. In addition, the machine also offers an auto-off function, which is convenient and power-saving.
In addition, the simple user interface design with only one selector knob makes it easy for anyone, even a new to an automatic espresso machine, to use it for the first time.
Quick Rundown of Delonghi Stilosa EC260.BK
- Unleash your inner barista and create all your coffee shop favourites at home
- 15-bar pump espresso maker with a strainless steel boiler for perfect coffee extraction
- Steam arm to create frothy cappuccinos and smooth lattes
- Filter holder for ground coffee, 1 or 2 cups plus E.S.E pods. Removable 1lt water tank and removable drip tray for glasses upto 110mm.
- Combination of matt and glossy black finish with a stainless steel control panel and stainless steel drip tray. Anti drip system.
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Delonghi EC155
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- EVERY CUP TO YOUR LIKING: 15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences.
- BREW LIKE A PRO: Whatever your preference – single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte – the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffeehouse.Input power (W): 1050
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them.
- ONE ESPRESSO SHOT OR TWO. The three-in-one filter holder, included with the unit, has filters for one espresso shot, two shots, and one for an easy-serve espresso pod – whatever your preference.
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Delonghi EC155: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/manual-espresso-machine-ec155/p/EC-155
- Delonghi EC260: https://www.delonghi.com/en/ec260-bk-stilosa-manual-espresso-maker/p/EC260.BK
I am Ralph Mason and I am a passionate coffee drinker. I worked as a barista for a few years and since 2012 I have been trying to convince as many people as possible of good coffee.
I started writing on the barista blog on RepublikCoffeeBar in 2018. It was a pure hobby site and I tested coffee products like coffee machines, beans, mug, and other accessories. After the first year, my blog is becoming a well-known coffee site with about 100 thousand visits per month.
In 2019 I decided to focus on RepublikCoffeeBar only. I became a full-time coffee blogger and was declared crazy by many.