DeLonghi EC11

The DeLonghi EC11 is the first espresso machine that I have owned, and I have to say that I am pleased with it. From day one it has made excellent espresso with a good, thick crema. The steamer wand, whilst not amazing, does produce a good froth with a little practice. It is, as mentioned elsewhere, a very compact machine, yet feels quite heavy and well-made. It reaches full temerature very quickly, meaning it doesn't take too long to make coffee.

It only has a couple of downsides, as far as I can see. It has a small water resevoir (only producing about 2 double-shot espressos) with very little steam left over for frothing milk. This can be overcome by refilling the resevoir after pouring the espressos (after first expelling excess pressure from the steam wand). The wand itself functions OK, but does take a little practice to master the knack.

Overall, though, the machine performs well - especially considering the fact that it only cost me about £10 second-hand from a popular auction site! As a basic/first-timer machine highly recommended!

This is a great machine, a wee bit fiddly but nevertheless great, and makes super espresso cogffee

DeLonghi EC11:

Good points, fast, great coffee, excellent frothing with a little practice and a steel jug, easy to clean, brilliant looks

Bad points, if you need to make more than two coffees at a time it can take a while as you wait for the tank to depressurise to allow refilling.

The DeLonghi EC11 makes a really good espresso and froths the milk like a commercial machine

We have too small a kitchen to accommodate big gadgets.

Having searched in vain for a frothing stovetop (as sold in US & Oz) and with only one member addicted to espresso, we found this little electrical alternative: DeLonghi EC11. Although no bracket is included, fabricating such to secure the main frame to a wall transformed an unwieldy frustration into a little gem.

Filling the filter produces sufficient (adding boiling water) for two cappuccinos in one hit.

Recharging is simpler than a stovetop ( the use of a small funnel helps) percolator and cold to drizzle took 2min 13s out of the box.

Not a very good espresso machine for two people, but on the whole a good coffee maker. If you do want it, shop around and you can get the machine for 31 pounds plus £4 package.

Makes a great cup of coffee. Perfect for small kitchen, great for one cup. Only really does one mug, annoying beep when the water has heated