If you’re looking for an espresso machine that can make delicious drinks, the Delonghi EC155M vs ECP3420 are two great options. Both devices are feature-packed and offer a great espresso experience. I’ll compare the two machines and explore their features and differences.
The Delonghi ECP3420 stands out for several reasons. It produces consistently high-quality pressure-brewed espresso and cappuccinos, thanks to its 15-bar pump that ensures optimum espresso extraction for full flavor. Additionally, it has a larger water tank and cup clearance, making it a superior option to its competitors.
The Delonghi EC155M is not without its advantages, though. It is lightweight and portable, making it easier to move around or store away. Aside from that, its dual thermostats are highly appreciated. However, the EC155M also has some drawbacks, which will be explored in this post.
Delonghi EC155M Vs ECP3420: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi EC155M vs ECP3420: Differences
In this comparison, the Delonghi ECP3420 is the preferred espresso machine, due to its larger water tank and cup clearance, with a 1-0 win and one tie.
Coffee flavor & brewing system
Tie!
Heating system
The Delonghi EC155M and ECP3420 models boast a stainless steel boiler and dual thermostats, which provide precise temperature control and consistent heat distribution for the perfect brewing conditions. Although there may be a slight wait for heating, the stainless steel boiler ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, while the dual thermostats enable control over steam and water pressures.
Brewing
Both machines using 15 bar pump pressure offer several benefits, such as ensuring proper extraction of coffee, maintaining consistent flavor and aroma, and creating a rich and creamy crema on top of the espresso shot. This high-pressure system can also help produce a higher quality and more flavorful cup of coffee or espresso.
Besides, I’ll share some personal tips with you about grinding. Both machines seem to be sensitive to this aspect. If your coffee grounds are too coarse, brace yourself for a weak, crema-heavy espresso that might not satiate your coffee cravings. Conversely, if you’ve ground your coffee too fine, you’ll be in for a strong shot of espresso that might take longer than usual to brew.
Milk system
The EC155M has a cool feature that lets you tweak the amount of steam you use to froth your milk through the steam knob. This means you can get the perfect texture and temperature for your drink but must also work for it.
You need to get your frothing pitcher or cup and hold it at the right angle to make the milk swirl around like a tornado. This is the secret to getting that smooth microfoam that makes your latte look like a masterpiece. The problem is that the steam wand is super short and close to the counter, which can be a pain in the neck. You might end up with a mess on your hands.
On the other hand, the ECP3420 has a simpler milk system that doesn’t give you much choice. You just flip the steam dial to the steam sign position and watch it do the job. The milk comes out hot and bubbly in a snap. However, the quality of the microfoam might be difficult to achieve. The steam wand is a bit longer than the EC155M, but still not very handy to use. You might need a smaller pitcher to avoid making your milk too airy.
Design and convenience
The winner: Delonghi ECP3420
Build quality
Both of the models are primarily composed of plastic, with a few metal components. Considering their prices, this is acceptable.
Looking at the EC155M first, I was not impressed with the built-in tamper. It lacked the ergonomic design necessary for an easy and effective tamp. I struggled to apply the correct pressure due to the awkward positioning on my kitchen countertop. My advice? Save yourself the trouble and opt for an aftermarket tamper like Terry’s.
Switching gears to the ECP3420, the scoop/tamper supplied with the machine a bit disappointed me. The plastic material and the strange lip-type design near the base made it a little challenging to handle. Tamping the espresso was uncomfortable, bordering on painful, making the overall process rather irksome.
Weight and dimension
In terms of weight, the EC155M takes the lead, weighing in at a mere 3.5 pounds. This lightweight design makes it a breeze to move around and ensures it won’t take up too much valuable counter space in your kitchen. On the contrary, the ECP3420 is a bit heavier, tipping the scales at 9 pounds. While it’s not overly burdensome, it has a more substantial presence and may require more effort to relocate.
When it comes to dimensions, both machines have fairly similar measurements. The EC155M boasts compact proportions, measuring 7.4 x 9.5 x 11 inches. This streamlined design allows it to fit snugly in small kitchens or cramped corners without sacrificing performance. Accordingly, the ECP3420 measures 7.28 x 9.45 x 12.01. Although it’s slightly taller, it still maintains a compact footprint.
Capacity
The larger the tank, the more cups of coffee you can prepare before the need for a refill arises. This factor becomes even more crucial when you have guests over or if you indulge in multiple cups of coffee throughout the day.
With its 35 oz water tank, Delonghi EC155M ensures you can make several cups of coffee before the tank needs refilling. It balances size, affordability, and convenience for coffee enthusiasts.
However, for those who desire a slightly larger water tank capacity, the Delonghi ECP3420 is the clear winner. With its 37 oz water tank, this model offers a subtle advantage over its competitor.
Cup clearance
Cup clearance is the gap between the spouts that deliver the espresso and the tray where you put your cup. The EC155M has a maximum cup height of only 66 mm, and it’s inconvenient that some of my cups don’t fit under it. I have to use shot glasses and then pour the espresso into a bigger cup, which is sloppy and wasteful.
The ECP3420, on the contrary, has a spacious cup clearance of 127 mm, which means that I can fit almost any cup under it, even tall ones. This makes making my espresso drinks much simpler and quicker, and I don’t have to stress about spilling.
Delonghi EC155M Vs ECP3420: Similarities
While the Delonghi EC155M vs ECP3420 has some differences, they also have some similarities that make them both attractive options for espresso lovers. Here are some of the features that they share:
Removable drip tray
One of the most annoying things about making espresso is dealing with the spills and drips that can occur during brewing. That’s why both machines have a removable drip tray that catches any excess liquid from the coffee. This makes cleaning and maintaining the devices easy and prevents messes on your countertop.
Three-in-one filter holder
Another thing that can affect your espresso experience is the type of coffee that you use. Some people prefer to use ground coffee, while others like the convenience of ESE pods. That’s why both machines come with a three-in-one filter holder that allows you to use either option. The filter holder is easy to insert and remove.
Quick Rundown of Delonghi ECP3420
- Item Package Dimension: 14.79L x 12.79W x 10.19H inches
- Item Package Weight - 12 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - COFFEE MAKER
Last update on 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Delonghi EC155M
- Metal: top, control panel and drip tray. Stainless steel boiler. Transparent water reservoir (capacity: 1 l.)
- Self-priming system means machine is always ready for use. 2 separate thermostats to control water and steam temperatures
- “Cappuccino System”: it mixes steam, air and milk, producing a rich, creamy froth for great cappuccino
- Single selector knob for on/off, espresso and cappuccino with indicator lights. Adjustable steam emission
- Special filter holder for ground coffee and “Easy Serving Espresso” pods with crema device( 2 different filters with crema device)
Last update on 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/manual-espresso-machine-ecp3420/p/ECP3420
- https://www.delonghi.com/en-ca/manual-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker-ec155m/p/EC155M
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.