Italian De'Longhi EC155 Pump Espresso Machine Review

If your espresso tastes more bitter than bold, it’s likely not the beans—it’s the brew. Over-extraction or overly dark roasts often cause bitterness, but even Italian-style roasts, when pulled right, should finish with a hint of sweetness, not charred harshness. The real issue? Timing, temperature, and equipment control.

The De’Longhi EC155 is a budget-friendly, pump-driven semi-automatic espresso machine that delivers consistent results for home users. Priced at ¥929 (~$130 USD), it includes a 1L removable water tank, dual thermostats for separate steam and brew temperatures, and a commercial-style portafilter—key tools to improve your espresso game without spending a fortune.

What Is the De’Longhi EC155?

The De’Longhi EC155 is a pump-driven semi-automatic espresso machine designed for home use. It features a stainless steel boiler, a metal top and control panel for durability, and a 1-liter removable water reservoir that’s easy to refill and clean. It’s manufactured in Italy and marketed as an entry-level machine capable of making true espresso and cappuccino.

Key Features and Specifications

The EC155 includes several functional components aimed at improving ease of use and brew consistency:

• Thermoblock heating system with continuous temperature stability for on-demand brewing.
• 1-liter removable water tank, large enough for multiple shots and easy to clean.
• Dual thermostats: One controls the water temperature for brewing; the other regulates the steam wand’s temperature.
• Adjustable steam nozzle for frothing milk to make cappuccinos or lattes.
• “Italian Espresso System”: Combines steam, air, and milk to create a rich foam layer.
• Commercial-style portafilter and pressurized filter basket for easier extraction with pre-ground or freshly ground coffee.
• Factory-tested pump pressure to ensure reliability right out of the box.

Why Bitter Espresso Happens (And How to Avoid It)

Bitter espresso typically stems from over-extraction or overly dark roasts. Italian-style roasts are the darkest commonly used in espresso blends, with beans heavily caramelized through the Maillard reaction—but when roasted properly, they yield a balanced cup with natural sweetness, not bitterness.

Over-extraction—pulling a shot longer than around 25 seconds, or using too fine a grind—draws out excessive bitter compounds. The same issue affects all coffee methods, not just espresso. With the EC155, dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp is crucial to avoid this common mistake.

How to Use the EC155 for Better Espresso

To get the most from the De’Longhi EC155, follow these steps:

• Use freshly ground coffee or a high-quality pre-ground espresso blend.
• Dose around 18–20g of coffee into the portafilter (adjust to your basket size).
• Tamp evenly with firm pressure (around 30 pounds).
• Aim for a 25–30 second extraction time with a brew ratio of roughly 1:2 (e.g., 20g in, 40g out).
• Preheat the machine and portafilter to stabilize temperature.
• Froth milk using the adjustable steam wand for cappuccinos or lattes.

The EC155’s pressurized filter basket helps produce crema even with pre-ground coffee, making it more forgiving for beginners. For better results, invest in a burr grinder and fresh espresso beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the De’Longhi EC155 best for?

The De’Longhi EC155 is ideal for home users wanting to make espresso and cappuccino with minimal setup. It’s suitable for beginners and those on a budget who still want a pump-driven machine with dual thermostats and a commercial-style portafilter.

Does the EC155 make real espresso?

Yes, the EC155 can produce true espresso when used with proper grind size, dose, and tamping. Its pump pressure and stainless steel boiler help achieve the 9-bar pressure needed for espresso extraction.

What grind size should I use with the EC155?

Use a fine espresso grind, similar to table salt. If you’re using pre-ground coffee, look for espresso-specific blends. For best results, grind fresh using a burr grinder.

How much coffee should I use per shot?

A standard single shot uses around 7–10g of coffee, while a double shot typically uses 18–20g. Adjust based on your portafilter basket size and taste preference.

Can I make lattes or cappuccinos with the EC155?

Yes, the EC155 includes a steam wand with adjustable steam pressure for frothing milk. This allows you to make cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks.

Is the EC155 worth buying in 2024?

At around ¥929, the EC155 is a budget-friendly option for home baristas who want a pump machine with essential features like dual thermostats and a pressurized basket. It’s a good entry point, though serious enthusiasts may eventually upgrade.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Espresso

For the De’Longhi EC155, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—a well-balanced espresso with rich crema, designed for home machines and milk drinks. Its smooth body and chocolatey notes make it beginner-friendly. Alternatively, the Black Cocoa Blend offers deeper tones with bold cocoa and a velvety mouthfeel, ideal for traditional espresso or cappuccinos. Both blends are optimized for home espresso setups and deliver consistent results. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.