Waking up in the morning and being able to enjoy a great cup of espresso is one of the best simple joys in life. A great shot of espresso can certainly clear your mind and make you ready for the day ahead. To do that, you will need a great espresso machine. The good news is, you can get an excellent espresso machine for just under $200. Now the question is, which espresso machine under 200$ should you go for? The answer is the DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker. To prove it, keep reading this article.
Main Characteristics
When it comes to espresso machines, the DeLonghi EC702 is the king of the hill. This full featured espresso machine is the epitome of budget friendly great espresso makers. It has two separate thermostats, which allow you to control water pressure and steam pressure separately. It also comes with DeLonghi’s patented dual function holder that allows you to use both pods and ground coffee beans. This feature makes brewing fast and easy. It is a versatile espresso maker that is perfect for a busy household that likes good coffee. It also comes with a self-priming operation that will brew coffee faster than most espresso machines under $200. The DeLonghi EC702 also has a very effective warming tray that will keep your cup warm and ready for you
This espresso machine has a durable, high quality, stainless steel boiler with 15-bar pump pressure that ensures the espresso maker produces proper espresso. It features an ESE filter which will help make brewing fast and hassle-free.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The 15-bar pump pressure for a truly authentic flavor and rich crema
- User friendly
- Easy to clean
- The frother will produce nice foam and is conveniently positioned on the side of the machine
- Has a self-priming operation
- Excellent heating cup tray that will keep your mugs warm
Cons:
- The first few shots produced might not taste great, but it will recover quickly
Design
At first glance, this espresso machine will look like a machine you’d find a coffee house. That’s how well designed it is. It has a stainless steel construction that is not only sleek and easy to clean, but will also add durability to the espresso maker. The 15-bar pump pressure will produce an authentic shot of espresso and a wonderfully thick crema. The boiler is stainless steel and is designed to heat quickly and evenly. On the side of the machine, you will see the frother. The first thing that came to our mind when we saw, this is that it was well thought of because it adds to the convenience. In most machines, they have a steaming wand or nozzle on the front of the machine, which isn’t always convenient and will mostly get in the way. That’s why we think that this espresso maker is well designed because the frother was off to the side, so you can brew your shot without having to worry about the pitcher getting in the way. Best of all, the frother will produce a nice foam, so you can whip up cappuccinos with ease.
Special Features
As mentioned above, what makes this espresso maker special is that it uses the DeLonghi’s patented cappuccino system frother that will allow you to make rich, creamy froth for cappuccinos and lattes. It also has a 44 oz removable water tank and anti-drip design. These features will make both re-filling and cleaning the espresso machine hassle-free. Plus, it has two separate thermostats built in that will allow you to separately control the steaming and espresso brewing functions. That means that you can brew a shot and steam at the same time. Or as another option, you can brew back to back without worrying about over-extraction. What makes this feature great is that it can be very convenient when you are entertaining guests.
Warranty
The DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker has a one year warranty that starts from the purchase date found on your receipt and applies only to the original purchaser for use. DeLonghi warrants the espresso maker to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Their obligation under this warranty is limited to repair at their factory or authorized service center of any defective parts or part thereof, other than parts damaged in transit.
Summary
The DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker is just like any other bar pump espresso machine in that you need to break it in, before you can enjoy a delicious shot of espresso. It’s a small, inexpensive and compact espresso machine that is well designed. All the features will allow you to brew espresso shots conveniently. It’s not overly fancy, but it does deliver a nice espresso and makes a good latte and cappuccino. It’s best espresso machine under $200.
Image Source: Amazon.com
