Delonghi ECP3630 vs ECP3420 has been causing lots of debates since they are almost too alike to compare. But from my experience, I can tell you that ECP3420 is the ultimate winner.
ECP3420 delivers wonderful from the very first cup of espresso with full-bodied texture and nuanced flavor. It operates without making any noise, making it ideal for families with newborn babies or shared apartments in general. You can expect to froth creamy milk foam with this one as well.
With the runner-up ECP3630, the coffee flavor is robust, and the crema is impressive as well. Cleaning this model also is an easy task. But to achieve the ideal espresso taste, users will have to clean the tank very thoroughtly. Find out more below.
Delonghi ECP3630 vs ECP3420: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi ECP3630 vs ECP3420: Differences
ECP3420 wins 3 to 2 against ECP3630 since the device brews rich coffee and operates without producing much noise. Most of all, ECP3420 is much cheaper while the operation is slightly better than the ECP3630, so this is a great deal for any user with little budget.
Coffee Flavor: ECP3420
Dosing + tamping
In the price range from 100$ to 200$, it is impossible to get our hands on fully-automatic espresso machines that are bran-new. So it is no surprise that Delonghi ECP3630 and ECP3420 are both semi-automatics.
With these models, you dose and tamp the coffee grounds according to your liking and you will have to keep an eye on the brewing process since the machine doesn’t control the coffee volume. Shut off the spout when you find enough coffee in your cup.
In terms of tamping, I suggest that you don’t put too much pressure on the coffee grounds since these machines’ 15 bars pump system might have a hard time soaking the puck and extracting the flavor and aroma evenly.
If you are wondering about the coffee dose, I think with around 13g of coffee grounds, you will get what you need from a cup of espresso: balanced flavor, good aroma, and a decent layer of crema. If you enjoy stronger coffee with a bitter tinge, don’t be afraid to throw in 3 or 4g more. The basket can hold up to 18g of coffee.
Heating system
The heating systems of Delonghi ECP3630 and ECP3420 are very straightforward. Both models are equipped with a single boiler so the brewing and steaming process can’t happen simultaneously.
When I first received these machines, I noticed that ECP3420 didn’t require a throughout first-time cleaning and the taste of coffee was great from the beginning. With the 3630 model, the espresso flavor and aroma were reeked of plastic smell. Only after the first 1 or 2 months that I got to get rid of the smell entirely.
About the heat-up time, the manufacturers claim that these machines are designed to prime themselves quickly for minimal start-up preparation. Some users say that they only need 30 seconds to heat the machines up. But after testing the operation myself, it is advisable to leave the machines heating up for at least 10 minutes to achieve a cup of espresso with optimum temperature.
If you don’t like waiting, prep the machine for 3 minutes with the espresso cup sitting in the cup warming tray, this will ensure that your coffee comes out at an ideal temperature and doesn’t cool off quickly with Delonghi ECP3630 and ECP3420.
Overall, personally, I think these machines are more ideal for users who don’t have to run quickly to work every morning since they aren’t designed to be time-saving. Nevertheless, for their exceptionally low price and stable operation, I recommend it to any first-time user with a small budget.
Addtional features: ECP3420
Silent operation
Not exactly an additional feature that the machine is designed with, but I find ECP3420 much better at keeping things quiet. During the preparation, the brewing, and the steaming process, the machine works smoothly without making noises like most espresso machines at the low price range do.
ECP3630 isn’t as quiet as ECP3420, but I wouldn’t say that it is noisy either. However, if you have babies and need extra quietness in your household, 3420 is the go-to option, without a doubt.
Cup height
With the removable drip trays, both machines can accommodate various cup sizes. With ECP3420, you can use 5 inches cups without a problem while with ECP3630, the maximum cup height is 4 inches. So, I think we can say with confidence that ECP3420 is more convenient in this aspect. You make a Lungo easily with a taller cup.
Milk system: ECP3630
ECP3630 is equipped with an adjustable steam wand that steams or froths milk according to your decision. By adjusting the knob situated at the base of the steam wand, you can either steam your milk until it turns into a creamy but liquidy texture or froth milk foam so airy and thick that you can make cappuccino or latte.
I have tried frothing milk by following the suggestions of the manuals and I find the milk systems on both machines stay very true to what the brand claims that they can offer.
ECP3420 can definitely steam and froth milk to a decent foamy texture, but microfoam is not its specialty. On the contrary, the microform that ECP3630 can offer impresses me a lot, especially for the machine’s price.
Cleaning & Maintain: TIe
Cleaning these machines is pretty simple. Since the drip tray and water tank are removable, you can put them in the dishwasher and let it do the work.
To clean the steam wand, simple wipe it right after each use then run hot water/steam through it using the boiler system, this should clean the milk path without any problem. For further deep cleansing, you should check out the instruction.
Design & Material: Tie
The design of both models is absolutely alike. Both are made of plastic and stainless steel, so we get fairly durable machines that don’t rust. At this price range, I can’t complain about the bodies’ materials. Also, since these machines are very lightweight and the water tanks are top-loaded, it will be a piece of cake refilling the reservoirs or moving the appliances to different spots.
But, since they are so lightweight, you should expect them to rattle a bit when you place in the portafilters to start brewing.
Delonghi ECP3630 vs ECP3420: Similarities
Delonghi ECP3630 vs ECP3420 is a tough debate since they are so similar, so why don’t we find out the major alike features? Check out the pump pressure system and cup warming trays of these beauties.
15 Bars pump pressure
15 bars pump has become a standard system nowadays. The high pressure will pull extra crema, so the coffee texture is creamy and has more mouthfeel. This is what you can expect from these cut-price espresso machines.
Here is my advice on how to make the most of the 15 bars pump system of THESE models: use a coarser batch of coffee grounds or avoid fine coffee grounds in general.
These machines’ portafilters come with 2 pressurized baskets and 1 non-pressurized one. If you use fine grounds with the pressurized baskets, alongside the 15 bars pressure, it’s most likely that the water won’t even pass the baskets. So I truly recommend coarser grounds with these machines.
Cup Warming Tray
If you want to brew a hot cup of coffee quickly, don’t miss the chance to heat up the cups when the machines are in the starting up mode. TThe warming trays are designed to sit on top of the boiler and actively heat the cup. By heating the cup, you can enjoy sipping down warm and refreshing coffee instead of a cup that runs cold in 15 minutes.
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
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi ECP3630
- 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
- 15 bar professional pressure assures quality results every time
- Second tier drip tray to accommodate larger cups
- Removable 37 ounce water tank. Full stainless steel housing
- Self priming operation for minimum start up preparation
Last update on 2023-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Delonghi ECP3420: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/manual-espresso-machine-ecp3420/p/ECP3420
- Delonghi ECP3630: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/manual-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker-ecp3630/p/ECP3630
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.