Check out the debate of Delonghi ECP3630 vs EC155 for the crown of the best cut-price espresso machine for making cappuccinos. After weighing all the features, including the steam wand, espresso extraction, and design, I can confidently say that I’m happier purchasing Delonghi ECP3630.
The EC3620 is made of stainless steel and has a more durable structure. The steam wand is also a little more sophisticated and easier to control. Amazingly, the Delonghi EC3630 can increase your home espresso-making experience for just a bit more money.
In contrast, the EC155‘s refillable tank is 2 ounces smaller and has a plastic shell. This product is also more affordable, lighter, and often enough for customers who want a basic home barista experience. However, its short milk wand will put you in a frustrated state because it’s very hard to work with.
Delonghi ECP3630 vs EC155: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi ECP3630 vs EC155: Differences
The Delonghi ECP3630 wins 1-0 against the Delonghi EC155 in terms of the milk system. These two machines tie in other categories, including coffee flavor and brewing system, design and convenience, and maintenance.
Coffee flavor & Brewing system
Tie!
Coffee input
Both the Delonghi EC155 and ECP3630 use ground coffee (pre-ground or freshly ground) and ESE pods. So, they give you multiple choices for preparing your coffee, depending on your routine.
Pre-ground coffee or ESE pods are good selections if you don’t want to buy an extra grinder and spend much time dialing in the right grind size. But if you have a hectic day and don’t feel like enjoying tamping and dumping the coffee ground, the ESE pod comes in handy for you.
Heating system
Both the Delonghi EC155 and ECP3630 have a single-boiler heating system. This means they cannot steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously, making them slower to transition between these processes. However, using the boiler heating system has a benefit in temperature consistency, enabling you to brew espresso with consistent flavor. Besides, for me, they can heat up fairly fast, usually in around 5 minutes.
Brewing system
- Portafilter & Tamper
The Delonghi EC155 and ECP3630 come with pressurized portafilters, including single and double baskets. The pressurized portafilters are common for low-level espresso machines like these two because they help increase the extraction pressure as the machine’s pressure buildup is not strong enough.
However, you should take note of the grind size when using their dual-wall filter baskets. If the coffee ground is too fine, the water steam cannot get through the coffee pack, meaning that you can not extract the coffee.
In terms of the tamper, the Delonghi ECP3630 has a plastic scoop/tamper, while the EC155 has a built-in tamper. I personally do not like these two included tampers because they are awkward, and I often fail to do proper tamping. Therefore, I prefer buying a separate stainless steel tamper.
- Espresso extraction
The brewing function of the Delonghi ECP3630 and EC155 is basic. They do not have any settings to program or any special technology like the higher-level espresso machines. The espresso flavor is good but not truly nuanced compared to what I get from the Breville Barista Express. But for me, the flavor is good for making latte and cappuccino drinks.
However, I noticed that the EC155 pulled a more consistent and thicker crema on top of the espresso than the ECP3630. I can’t really figure out what is the variable resulting in the difference.
Besides, after finishing brewing my shot, the coffee is still dripping from the portafilter because these machines do not have pressure-release valves. Thus, I do not remove the portafilter right after stopping the brewing and wait until the dripping is over. In this way, it is easier to remove the coffee puck with less mess.
Design & Convenience
Tie!
Drink options & Programmability
The EC155 and ECP3630 do not offer any drink preset, and they do not stop the brewing automatically, meaning that you have to stop it manually once you get the desired espresso volume.
Their controls are simple knob selectors and quite straightforward to dial in. You just need to turn on the machine, turn the knob to select brewing or steaming, and wait for the boiler to heat up. You will know that the machine reaches the optimal temperature when the ready light turns green.
Capacity & Dimension
The size difference between the EC155 and ECP3630 is not much, and both of them are lightweight and compact units that can fit every small counter. The water tank capacity of the ECP3630 (~37 oz) is a bit larger than that of the EC155 (~34 oz). Their water reservoirs are in the back, and it is easy to observe the water level from the front without opening the lids to check.
However, you should ensure that their water reservoirs are pressed in place properly after taking them out for cleaning and refilling. If the water tanks are not attached well enough, the machines will not function, which is often mistaken as an operation error.
Additionally, both of the machines have a small tray next to the water tank to store the unused filter basket. The ECP3630 also offers the option to store the filter baskets by attaching them to the bottom surface of the lid.
Milk system
Winner: Delonghi ECP3630
I prefer the Delonghi ECP3630 over the EC155 when it comes to milk steaming. The ECP3630 has a milk wand featuring a Cappuccino System that gives me more control over how I texture the milk. Particularly, it has a rubber connection on the milk wand that lets me regulate the amount of air that goes into the milk to create foam.
When pulling that rubber down to select the Cappuccino, the milk is frothed, and more air will be infused to create more microfoams and a thicker texture. In the Flat position, the steam wand just does what it is supposed to do: steaming hot milk.
I can manage to produce smooth froth every time with the ECP3630’s milk wand. Additionally, if I notice that the milk froth is too foamy, I can remove the milk steam nozzle and use only the inner tube for the texturing process. When trying this way, I got a smoother texture of milk froth, perfect for my lattes.
The Panarello milk wand’s design of the Delonghi EC155 is different from that of its rival. The milk texturing I got from using the EC155’s steam wand is way foamier. It may be attributed to the little holes on the top of the wand nozzle, allowing more air to be introduced to the milk in the jug. For me, the milk wand of the Delonghi EC155 is good at making milk foam but limits my control over the milk frothing texture.
However, I found that both machines’ steam wands were quite short to reach the bottom of my milk jug. Thus, sometimes the milk is splatted all over. Besides, their steam wands often shoot out hot water before releasing steam only. Thus, I always get such an amount of water released into a cup and then put the steam wand into my milk jug. In this way, I can manage to get a thick and smooth milk-froth texture.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Tie!
The Delonghi ECP3630 and EC155 have the same cleaning and maintenance procedures. They both come with a descaling liquid in the box for your convenience. To ensure your machines have optimal performance for heavy uses, you should use the descaler as instructed in the manual and use the water filter if you are in a hard water region.
In addition, you need to clean the removable drip tray, the portafilter, and the steam wand after each use. To clean the steam wand, wipe off any milk with a damp microfiber cloth, then purge it manually to get rid of any milk residue. You can also detach the milk tube of the ECP3630 and wash it thoroughly.
Quick Rundown of Delonghi ECP3630
- Item Package Dimension: 14.2L x 12.4W x 9.9H inches
- Item Package Weight - 11 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - COFFEE MAKER
Last update on 2023-09-22 / 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 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Videos
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References:
- Delonghi ECP3630: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/manual-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker-ecp3630/p/ECP3630
- Delonghi EC155: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/manual-espresso-machine-ec155/p/EC-155
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.