Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3630: Should You Purchase Such Cut-price Espresso Machine?

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There have been many discussions on Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3630 since they are nearly too similar to compare. But I can tell you from experience that ECP3420 comes out on top.

Espresso made with the ECP3420 has a full-bodied texture and complex taste from the very first cup. It functions quietly, making it the perfect choice for households with young children or generally shared flats. With this one, you may anticipate getting creamy milk foam as well.

The coffee flavor is strong, and the crema is outstanding with the runner-up ECP3630. This type is also simple to clean. However, users must thoroughly clean the tank to get the perfect espresso flavor. Learn more below.

Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3630: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
De'Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15", Black
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
De'Longhi Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15", Stainless Steel
Model
Delonghi ECP3420
Delonghi ECP3630
Dimensions
9.4 x 7.2 x 12 inches
9.4 x 7.2 x 12 inches
Color / Material
Black and silver / Plastic, Stainless steel
Silver / Plastic, Stainless steel
Water Tank Capacity
33.8 oz
33.8 oz
Power / Voltage
1100W / 120V
1100W / 120V
Heating system
Single boiler
Single boiler
Weight
8.99 Pounds
8.99 Pounds
Cup warmer
Water level indicator
Removable drip tray
Removable water tank
Milk frother
Steam wand
Steam wand
Heat-up time
Under 1 minute
Under 1 minute
Bar pump
15 bars
15 bars
Interface
Selector knob
Selector knob
Integrated grinder
None
None
What I Like
Price
$139.95
$136.42
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
De'Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15", Black
Model
Delonghi ECP3420
Dimensions
9.4 x 7.2 x 12 inches
Color / Material
Black and silver / Plastic, Stainless steel
Water Tank Capacity
33.8 oz
Power / Voltage
1100W / 120V
Heating system
Single boiler
Weight
8.99 Pounds
Cup warmer
Water level indicator
Removable drip tray
Removable water tank
Milk frother
Steam wand
Heat-up time
Under 1 minute
Bar pump
15 bars
Interface
Selector knob
Integrated grinder
None
What I Like
Price
$139.95
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
De'Longhi Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15", Stainless Steel
Model
Delonghi ECP3630
Dimensions
9.4 x 7.2 x 12 inches
Color / Material
Silver / Plastic, Stainless steel
Water Tank Capacity
33.8 oz
Power / Voltage
1100W / 120V
Heating system
Single boiler
Weight
8.99 Pounds
Cup warmer
Water level indicator
Removable drip tray
Removable water tank
Milk frother
Steam wand
Heat-up time
Under 1 minute
Bar pump
15 bars
Interface
Selector knob
Integrated grinder
None
What I Like
Price
$136.42
More Info

Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3630: Differences

Delonghi ECP3420 wins 1-0 and ties twice against ECP3630. Both can brew delicious cups, but ECP3420 tends to remain quieter when it operates, which is the only major win it gets. Other than that, they have equal footing in every other aspect.

Espresso flavor

Tie

Since these machines are semi-automatic without inbuilt grinders, you must dose and tamp the coffee grinds to your preferences and monitor the brewing process personally. When I find that there is a good coffee volume for my preference, I switch off the machine and shut down the flow.

About the grind size, I recommend using medium to slightly fine ground, but not too fine, because that will put too much work on the electric pump of these budget espresso machines.

Regarding tamping, I advise against applying excessive pressure to the coffee grounds because these machines’ 15 bars pump mechanism could have trouble soaking the puck and extracting espresso, which was why I failed to pull rich shots when I first got these machines. However, entry-level users can manage this pair with a little practice.

Delonghi ECP3420 can brew delicious espresso
Delonghi ECP3420 can brew delicious espresso

Milk frother

Tie

There is a difference in these machines’ milk frothers designs, but the final milk texture is the same. While ECP3630 comes with an adjustable steam wand that is supposed to froth hot milk or cappuccino with its 2 textures, Delonghi ECP3420 is equipped with a 100% manual frother, which means users have to maneuver the milk pitcher manually to get whatever texture they desire for their drink of choice.

After testing their performance, I’m equally impressed by how these devices can get the milk to a creamy, airy milk foam texture that will fit perfectly with a latte or cappuccino. At such a low price, I need help finding many other espresso machines that can bring the foam to such a high-quality, almost microfoam texture.

What Delonghi ECP3420 and ECP3630 struggle with sometimes is bringing the milk temperature up higher. This is because they only employ a single boiler system and the heating element needs a quick purge and a minute to recover the temperature. So it would be best if you did that to ensure that the milk foam comes out as hot as possible.

Delonghi ECP3630 can froth milk foam
Delonghi ECP3630 can froth milk foam

Noise level

Winner: Delonghi ECP3420

When these machines brew and froth, I notice that ECP3420 is slightly less noisy than ECP3630. The noise mostly comes from the electric pump when it applies pressure, and the steam wand produces a screeching noise when air and steam are dispensed simultaneously. Of course, it´s very common for espresso machines to make noise. But if you are sensitive to loud noises, I recommend ECP3420 more.

Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3630: Similarities

There are 2 points that I want to highlight: the ideal consumers that these models will serve well and their price and value.

Target consumers

Judging from their price and 33.8 oz water tank, these machines are best fit for users, or couples, who just started getting to know how to use espresso machines and are looking for a cut-price yet decent start. I don’t recommend purchasing the devices to entertain a larger group of over 3-4 users because it will wear off the machine fairly quickly, and the water tank requires more frequent refilling.

Price and value

For their prices, Delonghi ECP3420 and ECP3630 make a great deal. They can extract delicious espresso with a notable layer of crema, and they can even froth very impressive dry foam. I will gladly recommend this machine to any user who doesn’t mind a semi-automatic espresso maker, wants to play around with extraction and has a tight budget.

Quick Rundown of Delonghi ECP3420

Sale
De'Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15", Black
  • Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use

Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Quick heat-up time for an efficient home-barista experience
  • Can brew delicious espresso that is hot and steaming
  • Good manual frother that can froth creamy to dry foam
  • Height-adjustable with a two-tier drip tray
  • Price for value
Cons
  • Milk not hot enough sometimes

Quick Rundown of Delonghi ECP3630

Sale
De'Longhi Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15", Stainless Steel
  • Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use

Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Price for value
  • The machine produces amazing lattes
  • Design that is compact and ideal for studio spaces
  • Heating up the boiler is rather rapid
  • At 15 bar, the pump’s performance is strong and reliable
Cons
  • Noisy operation
  • Milk not hot enough sometimes

Product Videos

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5/5 - (2 votes)