Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3120: What You Need To Make Delicious Espresso At Home?

I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read more

Between the Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3120, which one would you choose? After putting these espresso machines to the test, we have concluded that Delonghi ECP3420 is the final winner. This coffee maker is affordable, easy to use, and can quickly deliver rich coffee with creamy foam. If you have a busy lifestyle and are desperately in need of an efficient coffee machine, you shouldn´t miss out on ECP3420.

The runner-up ECP3120 is a worthy opponent. This semi-automatic machine pays special attention to the milk foam. Its steaming wand will give your cup of cappuccino the most creamy and fluffy foam on top. ECP3120 will satisfy users with a strict palette.

Don´t miss our brief yet detailed evaluation of these two products.

Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3120: Comparision Chart

Image
The Winner (#1)
De'Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15", Black
The Runner-up (#2)
De'Longhi ECP3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System, 9.6 x 7.2 x 11.9 inches, Black/Stainless Steel
Model
De'Longhi ECP3420
De'Longhi ECP3120
Dimensions
9.6 x 7.25 x 11.9 Inches
9.62 x 7.25 x 11.87 Inches
Water Capacity
1 Liters
1 Liters
Power / Voltage
1100W / 120V
1100W / 120V
Material / Color
Black / Plastic, Stainless steel
Black / Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Plastic
Weight
8.99 pounds
10.53 pounds
Quick steaming wand
Second tier drip tray to accommodate larger cups
Pump pressure
15 bar
15 bar
3-in-1 filter holder
Easy to clean
Advanced Cappuccino System
Removable water tank
Removable Drip Tray
Compatible for ESE pods
Rating
-
-
What I Like
Price
$169.95
$149.95
The Winner (#1)
Image
De'Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15", Black
Model
De'Longhi ECP3420
Dimensions
9.6 x 7.25 x 11.9 Inches
Water Capacity
1 Liters
Power / Voltage
1100W / 120V
Material / Color
Black / Plastic, Stainless steel
Weight
8.99 pounds
Quick steaming wand
Second tier drip tray to accommodate larger cups
Pump pressure
15 bar
3-in-1 filter holder
Easy to clean
Advanced Cappuccino System
Removable water tank
Removable Drip Tray
Compatible for ESE pods
Rating
-
What I Like
Price
$169.95
More Info
The Runner-up (#2)
Image
De'Longhi ECP3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System, 9.6 x 7.2 x 11.9 inches, Black/Stainless Steel
Model
De'Longhi ECP3120
Dimensions
9.62 x 7.25 x 11.87 Inches
Water Capacity
1 Liters
Power / Voltage
1100W / 120V
Material / Color
Black / Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Plastic
Weight
10.53 pounds
Quick steaming wand
Second tier drip tray to accommodate larger cups
Pump pressure
15 bar
3-in-1 filter holder
Easy to clean
Advanced Cappuccino System
Removable water tank
Removable Drip Tray
Compatible for ESE pods
Rating
-
What I Like
Price
$149.95
More Info

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

Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3120: Differences

There are 3 major differences: taste, performance, and steaming milk. ECP3420 wins by 2 to 1 against ECP3120. ECP3420 has proved itself to be better at efficiency and coffee taste. With a quick priming start-up and consistent brewing process, this machine guarantees to bring you rich coffee cups after cups. Find out more below.

Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3120 – Taste 

Ask yourself – what is the most important function of an espresso maker?

To create rich, creamy, and flavorful espresso that you can drink with hot water or steamed milk. 

I don’t know about you but I have never liked the idea of combining instant coffee with frothed milk. The consistency and texture of the coffee is never right. 

But with espresso, it just fits, you know?

Taste of Coffee in Comparision
Taste of Coffee in Comparision

The Delonghi ECP3420 is a wholesome and user-friendly pick. I didn’t have to tweak anything for it to deliver delicious espresso cup after cup. It works so fast producing great-tasting coffee consistently with a thick crema on top. The self-priming feature on start-up surely makes things easier.

For the best results go for medium-coarse ground coffee. The self-pressurizing espresso maker does a great job of extracting a smooth and full-bodied espresso each time.

The Delonghi ECP3120 requires you to prep more before but that isn’t so bad once you know what you’re doing. The one thing that really stands out is the tamping. I need to tamp just enough so that it isn’t too hard nor is it too light. So the espresso doesn’t come out too watery or burnt. 

Like I said, I control the quality of espresso by making micro-adjustments with how I use the machine. 

Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3120 – Performance

Performance Of Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3120
Performance Of Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3120

The Delonghi espresso maker allows you to adjust the time and pressure while brewing espresso. To get more control out of your compact machine, consider investing in a grinder. There is a dial that controls the step-by-step process of the whole brewing experience.

Dial it in and wait for the machine to heat up – there’s a green light that indicates the machine is ready to brew. The machine dispenses hot water that you can use to rinse and heat up the portafilter/cup. 

This is where it gets interesting because in the ECP3420, the double-shot size is 13.5 grams which is good and ideal. In the ECP3120, the double shot filter basket is slightly smaller. 

The rest of the performance, which includes dialing in again once the espresso is done extracting to steam the milk. Once the indicator light turns on after 30 seconds, the wand is effective and user-friendly to use. 

That’s the extent of both espresso maker’s adjustable controls. You can brew two shots side-by-side. The machines feature a 3-in-1 filter holder for single, double, and coffee pods. And the steam wand is strong enough to heat up and texturize non-dairy milk as well as dairy milk.

Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3120 – Steaming Milk

The best thing about using a steam wand is that you can use it for any type of milk. Coconut milk, soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk. 

The ECP3420 does an outstanding job of frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos. On its own, it’s effective and useful for steaming milk daily. But when you compare, it does not match the precision and latte art quality texture of the ECP3120.

On the flip side, the ECP3120 takes a bit longer to froth milk. This is not a drawback but it is relatively slower than the ECP3420 to brew espresso and steam milk. 

I simply have to turn the dial knob to the steam option, wait for 30-45 seconds, and place the milk jug underneath the steam wand. For best results, I recommend tilting the jug a bit to get a balanced and well-textured cup of latte or cappuccino. It sits well with the crema and espresso that the machine makes.

Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3120: Similarities

The water tank, as well as the drip tray, can be removed for cleaning, and they are dishwasher-safe. Both have 15 pressure bars that ensure the highest quality output each time you brew your favorite drink.

The machine comes with double-wall filters that provide the highest quality crema each time. No matter what you prefer, whether it’s a double or single cappuccino, espresso or latte, this machine can make authentic barista-quality drinks just like your favorite coffee shop.

Quick Rundown of Delonghi ECP3420

Sale
De'Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15", Black
  • 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

Pros
  • Height adjustments with two-tier drip tray.
  • Quick self-priming function for faster performance.
  • The warming plate stays hot and is sturdy.
  • Fast and effective advanced manual frother.
Cons
  • You have to refill the water tank often.
  • Some plastic parts are included.

Quick Rundown of Delonghi ECP3120

De'Longhi ECP3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System, 9.6 x 7.2 x 11.9 inches, Black/Stainless Steel
  • 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
  • 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 a manual frothier mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them
  • 1 espresso shot or 2. The 3-in-1 filter holder, included with the unit, has a holder for 1 espresso shot, a holder for 2 shots, and 1 for an easy-serve espresso pod – whatever your preference
  • No waiting between cups: The Advanced Cappuccino System maintains the optimal temperature so you can brew cup after cup instantly

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

Pros
  • Adjustable, strong 15 bar pump performance.
  • Optimal temperature control with Cappuccino System.
  • It can accommodate taller cups with a removable drip tray.
  • Super-nice crema and full-bodied espresso flavor.
Cons
  • The portafilter is made up of a thin material.
  • Sometimes the frother produces really dense foam.

Product Videos

Final Thoughts

The Delonghi ECP3420 and ECP3120 are automatic espresso makers with great benefits for new and experienced users. Both offer a simple yet functional dial for espresso and steaming functions. And extra features like a warming tray, self-primer, adjustable drip tray, and a few others. 

So you can really make the most of your espresso maker without burning too deep a hole in your pocket. And brews delicious espresso and steam all types of milk, consistently, with just a touch of a button.

Related Articles to Delonghi Ecp3420

  1. Delonghi ECP3630 vs ECP3420: Compare 2 Worthy Cut-price Espresso Machines For Users With A Small Budget
  2. Delonghi ECP3620 vs ECP3420: Which Espresso Maker You Need To Buy Right Now?
  3. Delonghi ECP3420 vs ECP3630: Which Espresso Maker Makes Better Coffee?
  4. My Honest Take On The Delonghi EC155 vs ECP3420 Espresso Makers
  5. Delonghi EC155M vs ECP3420 – Both Are Affordable But Which One Is Better?
  6. Delonghi Dedica vs ECP3420 Comparison Review: What Should You Buy?
5/5 - (4 votes)