How to Make Coffee with a Fully Automatic Machine in Minutes

If you’ve ever wanted a decent cup of coffee without the hassle of grinding beans, tamping, and pulling shots manually, you’re not alone. Many people—especially in offices or busy homes—just want a fast, easy way to get espresso with steamed milk, without spending a fortune or mastering barista skills. But can a fully automatic machine really deliver?

Yes. The DeLonghi ECAM 22.110.B can pull a single or double espresso and texture milk into microfoam in under a minute—with the right setup and technique. Here’s how it works, what it can do, and how to get the best results without frustration.

What Is the DeLonghi ECAM 22.110.B?

The DeLonghi ECAM 22.110.B is a black, fully automatic espresso machine designed for both home and office use. It supports both coffee beans and pre-ground coffee, and can brew single or double espresso shots in both standard and large sizes. Its compact design includes a modular water tank and used coffee grounds container for easy cleaning. It also features a built-in steam wand for milk frothing, a water filter system, and multiple user-adjustable settings for grind size and coffee strength.

Where to Buy and What’s in the Box

Purchased directly from German Amazon, the ECAM 22.110.B costs just over ¥2000—including international shipping—compared to over ¥6900 on domestic resale platforms. Delivery took just five days and the machine works with universal voltage. The package includes the machine itself, a water filter cartridge, a descaling cleaning solution, a coffee spoon, and multilingual manuals (including an official English version via the DeLonghi website).

How to Set Up and Use the Coffee Maker

Before your first use, consult the manual—though the included Chinese-only version may require a translated copy (available online for a small fee or via the DeLonghi site). The machine is straightforward once set up. It allows you to choose between bean or ground coffee, adjust brew strength via a rotary dial (left for lighter, right for stronger), and select serving size (single or double, regular or large). The grind size is also adjustable inside the bean hopper. Important: when using pre-ground coffee, start with the selection dial turned fully left, or coffee will go straight into the waste container.

How to Froth Milk with the Steam Wand

One common complaint online is that the steam wand is hard to use—but it’s simpler than it seems. The black steam nozzle on the left side doesn’t require a special attachment. To froth milk: first, purge the wand by turning the steam knob fully open and letting water run out until steam flows continuously, then close the knob. Place the milk pitcher so the nozzle is just beneath the milk surface. Open the steam valve again to create microfoam. Froth until the milk volume increases roughly threefold. Be cautious—the steam is extremely hot. Most users report getting the hang of it after a couple of tries (and maybe a couple of wasted milk cartons).

Water Filter and Quality Settings

The machine includes a water filter cartridge that should be soaked in water before installation to activate it. A numbered ring on the filter helps track usage by month. With the filter installed, you can use tap water—but for best results, test your water hardness with the included test strips (if you have them) and adjust the machine’s internal water hardness setting accordingly. The ECAM 22.110.B defines water hardness across four levels. Alternatively, filtered or bottled water can be used, though refilling may be slower due to the narrow bottle neck.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The machine has a one-touch cleaning button that runs hot water through the internal pipes to clear residue. For deeper cleaning, use the included cleaning solution along with the cleaning function. The machine also auto-runs a hot water flush upon startup to help maintain cleanliness. Regular descaling is recommended but not covered in detail in this overview.

What About the Taste?

Taste depends almost entirely on the coffee beans used. The reviewer noted that budget-friendly beans around ¥20–¥30 per pack worked fine for everyday use. Darker roasts or espresso blends tend to perform better in fully automatic machines. For those who prefer black coffee, the simplicity still delivers a strong, no-frills shot. If you want to add milk, the steam function makes it easy to create café-style drinks at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make coffee with the DeLonghi ECAM 22.110.B?

From pressing the button to pouring a finished espresso—or pulling a shot and steaming milk for a latte—it takes under a minute once the machine is warmed up and ready to use.

Can I use pre-ground coffee in the ECAM 22.110.B?

Yes. You can use either whole beans or pre-ground coffee. If using pre-ground, ensure the selection dial is turned fully left before adding the coffee to avoid it going straight to the waste container.

How do I froth milk with the steam wand?

Purge the steam wand first by turning the knob to release water until steam flows. Then place the milk jug so the nozzle is just under the surface and turn the steam on again to create microfoam. Froth until the milk expands to about three times its original volume. Keep your hands clear of the hot steam.

Does the machine come with an English manual?

The physical package may not include an English manual, but an official English version is available on DeLonghi’s website. Some users have also found translated versions online for a small fee.

How often do I need to clean or descale the machine?

The machine has an automatic cleaning cycle that runs at startup. For thorough maintenance, use the included cleaning solution and follow the descaling instructions. Regular rinsing and occasional deep cleaning are recommended to maintain performance.

What kind of coffee beans work best in this machine?

The machine performs well with standard espresso blends. Darker, balanced roasts tend to extract better. Budget beans around the ¥20–¥30 range are suitable for daily use, especially for espresso or milk-based drinks.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk-Based Coffee

For making great milk coffee with the DeLonghi ECAM 22.110.B, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend, which offers nutty sweetness and smooth crema—ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. The Commercial Blend also performs reliably, with chocolatey notes and good body for milk drinks. Both are cost-effective, well-balanced espresso roasts that work smoothly in fully automatic machines. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.