For the longest time, purchasing an espresso machine for home use has meant spending a fortune. But then that’s not the case anymore today. All thanks to brands like Delonghi that design both high-end and low-cost coffee makers.
A great example is Delonghi EC155M vs ECP3420. Both are budget-friendly, simple to use, and prepare rich, delicious espresso with creamy foam.
But then how do you go about choosing the better option between the two? Is there even a better option to begin with? Let’s find out!
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi EC155M vs ECP3420: Only Minor, Very Few Differences
Let’s start with the weight and size of the two machines…
- Delonghi EC155M – The More Lightweight Espresso Machine: Dimensions – 11.4 inches x 9 inches x 13.8 inches, Weight – 6.7pounds
- Delonghi ECP3420: Dimensions – 9.6 inches x 7.2 inches x 11.9 inches, Weight – 10.6 pounds
Apart from size and weight, there’s the knob of the two coffee makers. In EC155M, the control knob is made of plastic while the ECP3420 model has a more wear-resistant metal knob.
Then another minor yet noticeable difference is the steam wand. With the EC155M, the diameter of the milk frother is wider, hence thicker, heavier foam. While ECP3420 has a narrow wand, which means it gives you a creamer, velvety-smooth foam.
With both machines, you can remove the drip tray to fit taller mugs. But on closer inspection, I found the all-metal drip tray of Delonghi ECP3420 to be much sturdier than the part-metal, part-plastic drip tray of EC155M.
Delonghi EC155M vs ECP3420: Similarities
There are way more similarities between the two than there are differences, that’s for sure. But the fact that both espresso coffee makers are simple to use means beginners also have plenty of options to choose from depending on their budget.
What’s similar…
- Professional, Barista-quality 15-bar pressure system
- Removable water tank with a 1L or 37-ounce capacity
- Cappuccino System for creating a rich and creamy froth
- 3-in-1 filter holder – single shot, double shot, and espresso pods
- Self-priming operation offers quick start-up
- Steam wand with a separate thermostat for pressure control
Quick Rundown of Delonghi ECP3420
- 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.
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: The Advanced Cappuccino System with 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 a holder for one espresso shot, a holder for two shots, and one for an easy-serve espresso pod – whatever your preference.
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Yet another entry-level or beginner espresso and cappuccino machine for at-home brewing enthusiasts. Here too you get a 15-bar extraction pressure system for rich, delicious espresso. Ask just about any user of Delonghi ECP3420 and they’ll attest to the fact that this model allows you to brew like a pro, whatever your preferences (latte, cappuccino, or espresso).
This machine by Delonghi is also compact with a narrow footprint, thus the best for small kitchen spaces. But don’t let the compact design fool you into believing that it’s not a high-performing espresso machine. You even get a manual frother for pampering your taste buds and coffee cravings with creamy, rich foam.
A 3-in-1 filter holder makes way for single-shot and double-shot espresso, along with espresso pods. On top of that, you can also adjust cup size and other controls to make sure that your personal preferences and freshly brewed coffee are one and the same.
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 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The most obvious assumption is that this one’s the upgraded, more refined version of the EC155 model. And that’s true given the similarity of features between the two, along with the improvements also incorporated into the EC155M.
For example, the drip tray now has a grill with longer draining holes. Then you have the linear-textured cup warmer and ergonomic dials for controlling everything, including the steam wand. Even the portafilter received an upgrade – it’s lined with metal for better resistance to coffee acidity and the ill effects of water.
Moving on to functionality, EC155M offers high 15-bar pressure and a steam wand. You also get the convenience of preparing double shots because of the 3-in-1 filter holder, which also accepts coffee pods by the way.
Then there’s the tamper tool, visible water level (1L water tank capacity), and two separate thermostats (one for brewing, one for steaming).
So, on the most basic level, Delonghi EC155M seems like the perfect espresso machine and cappuccino maker with a compact footprint and easy-to-use features.
Product Videos
So Which Machine Should You Choose? – Final Note
It’s pretty self-explanatory why the ECP3420 unit is slightly more expensive than its EC155M counterpart. Although both are very affordable espresso and cappuccino makers. So if you’re new to the whole process of using an espresso coffee maker at home, you can choose either one based on what your budget is.
With the more expensive ECP3420, there’s only a slight variation in the drip tray design, manual milk frother performance, etc. Apart from the size and weight differences between the two (with EC155M being the more lightweight option).
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I am a passionate coffee drinker. Since I left my job as a barista a few years back in 2012, I’ve been sharing my expertise on coffee and buying the best coffee equipment online. That’s how Wild Boar Coffee came to life.
I write about everything coffee-related under the sun. Where to buy the freshest coffee beans from? How to test coffee beans based on texture, aroma, and acidity?
I know all this from scratch – all thanks to my years and years of experience as a barista. So I’ve gotten real up-close-and-personal with coffee beans and different brewing techniques.