For us, espresso machines have always been intimidating. There are too many buttons, the labels are confusing, there are too many parts that we can’t tell if we can remove or not, and each machine is operated differently.
There are too many things going on at the same time. This is why we would sometimes rather grab an overpriced venti from that ubiquitous coffee shop. Enter the DeLonghi ECO310BK 15 bar espresso machine. It is from a reputable brand, affordable, and simple.
We are excited to take a look at it because we have heard a lot of good things about it and we have tried other DeLonghi espresso machines before and had a nice experience.
Key Features of the DeLonghi ECO310BK Espresso Machine
Stylish Look
The Delonghi ECO310BK looks very sleek. The great thing about it is that it does not look cheap at all even though it is! It is also not as bulky as other espresso machines. It has a streamlined design, and it measures only 10 x 11 x 12 inches and weighs 8 lbs. You should find it easy to store anywhere in your kitchen or put it in and out of your cupboard.
Durable Stainless Steel
It is not all physical appearance, though. The boiler of the Delonghi ECO310BK is made of tough, high-quality stainless steel that can stand heavy use. This is great news because having your espresso machine break down on you right when you are craving a nice cup of joe and having to shop around for a new machine can be annoying.
15-Bar Pump Pressure
Okay, so we did mention that this product is geared towards novice home baristas. The “15-bar pump pressure” they keep talking about here refers to the pressure at which hot water is pushed through the grounds (15 times sea-level atmospheric pressure). Basically, the bigger that number, the better the taste.
Self-Priming Operation
This feature, in our opinion, is what really sets the Delonghi ECO310BK apart from other machines in its price range. Starting up an espresso machine can be irritating and frustrating, and we are glad we do not have to deal with that with the ECO310BK. It has a so-called self-priming operation feature, which eliminates those pesky steps you have to do when all you really want is coffee.
Two Brewing Options
One more thing you may like about the ECO310BK is the fact that it gives you the option to use fresh grinds or go for the more convenient option of using pods. It has a patented dual-function filter holder, which is designed to make the process simple regardless of which one you use.
Milk Frother
You may love the patented cappuccino system frother that the Delonghi ECO310BK comes with. It is very simple but makes a lot of difference, especially if there are days when you would rather have a cappuccino or a latte instead. Simply steam some milk and you got your custom cup.
Temperature Control
The ECO310BK is equipped with two separate thermostats. They control the water and steam pressure separately. This is a nice feature that not a lot of machines at this price point have.
Cup Warming Tray
The ECO310BK has a cup warming tray on top, which we think you will love because nothing is more frustrating than drinking from a cold cup.
Removable Water Tank
The 48 oz water tank of the ECO310BK is completely removable, which makes this espresso machine a lot easier to clean and refill than many of the other machines on the market today.
Compare DeLonghi ECO310BK Icona vs. DeLonghi EC680M Dedica Espresso Machine
First things first, the Delonghi EC680M is more expensive than the ECO310BK but only by a few tens of dollars. It is also a bit heavier than the Icona, weighing a little over 9 lbs. When it comes to appearance, they are not too different in our opinion. It is the stainless steel body of the Icona versus the metal body with chrome finishing of the Dedica.
They have the same pump pressure (15 bar), but the Dedica has the smaller tank (33 oz). Other features, such as the warming tray, are found in both models. You may be wondering: why the price difference?
Apparently, the reason DeLonghi is selling the Dedica EC680M at a little higher price is that it has thermoblock technology and electronic systems that enhance performance, ease of use, quality, and coffee customization.
Ultimately, it really all depends on what you like. To some, the advanced technology on the Dedica may justify spending a little more on their espresso machine. But you may also wish to stick to something that gives you more coffee with the same 15-bar-pumped taste.
What Users are Saying About the DeLonghi ECO310BK Espresso Machine
We have been using the ECO310BK for a few months now, and we must say we are generally pleased with it. We have not had any broken parts or encountered features that are not working. However, apparently, not all users got the same results that we did.
Some say their ECO310BK did not last very long or had to be shipped to the service center a few times. The most common complaint we have heard so far is the taste of the coffee. Numerous customers say they get different results each time despite using the same brands and settings.
We are not really sure how this happens. Maybe DeLonghi products are made in several different places or maybe there were really just some unlucky batches that got out of the assembly line. Anyway, we are quite satisfied with our unit.
Is the DeLonghi ECO310BK Worth It?
Very much so! If you are new to brewing your own coffee at home and are looking for a nice-looking espresso machine that is not hard or intimidating to use, we think the ECO310BK is a good buy for you.
It is built well and should last a long while. It also comes with just the right features that you need for making several great shots a day.
Final Verdict
Overall, we think the DeLonghi ECO310BK Espresso machine is a good option if you are on the lookout for a nice entry level coffee maker (that looks like a sophisticated high-end machine!). The features provide just enough convenience and flexibility for making your daily cup of coffee, and the price is justified well in our opinion.