De'Longh EC685M Espresso Machine - Review 🏆

The De'Longhi EC685M is an attractive, mid-range pump espresso machine designed for home use. This semi-automatic machine allows you to brew rich, barista-quality espresso drinks with ease.

With its compact size and sleek stainless steel exterior, the EC685M will look great on any kitchen countertop without taking up too much space. It features a 15-bar pressure pump, a manual milk frother, and convenient dual spouts to pull both single and double shots. The machine also has removable water and coffee reservoirs that are easy to fill and clean.

Overall, the De'Longhi EC685M aims to bring the coffeehouse experience into your home. Its simple interface and quality construction make it accessible for beginners, while still offering flexibility for experienced baristas to dial in their perfect shot. This espresso machine hits a sweet spot between price and performance.

Design and Build Quality

The De'Longhi EC685M has a sleek and modern design that looks great in any kitchen. It's made of brushed stainless steel that gives it a premium, durable feel. The metal parts feel solid and sturdy, with no loose or flimsy pieces.

The buttons and knobs have a smooth, quality feel to them. The portafilter locks into place securely, and the steam wand moves smoothly yet stays firmly in position. It's clear that high-grade materials were used in the construction.

Visually, the chrome and metal finish looks elegant and sophisticated. The metal body is fingerprint resistant. Overall, the build quality is excellent for a home espresso machine in this price range. It looks and feels like it will hold up well over years of daily use.

Another popular home espresso machine with excellent build quality is the Sage The Bambino Plus. This machine features a compact footprint that saves counter space. The exterior uses stainless steel for durability. It has precise temperature control for optimal espresso extraction.

The 3 second heat up time means you can go from off to espresso in seconds. No need to wait around. The intuitive controls let you adjust between a 1 ounce or 2 ounce shot. The 54mm portafilter and automatic steam wand simplify the process for beginners.

Inside, a 15 bar Italian pump delivers the right amount of pressure for rich, flavorful espresso. The thermal coil heating system maintains a consistent temperature. A dry puck feature automatically adjusts the water for ideal extraction.

Owners praise the Bambino Plus for its fast heat up time, ease of use, and consistent results. It's a well-made model that should provide many years of reliable service. The stainless steel exterior is fingerprint resistant to maintain the sleek aesthetic over time.

While more expensive than the De'Longhi, the Bambino Plus is an investment that pays off through thousands of drinks. It's the ideal choice for someone wanting cafe-quality espresso at home without a complicated machine. Both the De'Longhi and Bambino Plus exemplify excellent build quality and durability.

Ease of Use

The De'Longhi EC685M is very easy to use thanks to its simple interface and intuitive controls. Setting up the machine is straightforward - it comes with clear instructions and took me less than 10 minutes to get it ready to brew.

The control panel has buttons for espresso, steam, and hot water so you can easily select your desired drink. There are also buttons to adjust the coffee strength and volume. The steam dial allows you to control the milk frothing process.

I found the portafilter easy to insert and remove, and switching between ground coffee and pods is seamless. The water tank is easy to access from the front and has clear markings to monitor the water level.

Overall, the De'Longhi EC685M couldn't be simpler to use on a daily basis. The steps to make coffee, steam milk, and clean the machine are all very intuitive even for beginners. I think the simple interface and controls are one of its major strengths.

If you're looking for an even more premium and customizable experience, you may want to consider the De'Longhi EC9355.M. This higher-end model allows you to adjust the coffee grind size, dose, tamping pressure, temperature, pre-infusion, and volume for ultimate control over your shots. The EC9355.M has an LCD display with drink menus and guided instructions. You can create and save customized espresso and milk-based drink recipes that will be consistently replicated every time. While the EC9355.M requires some learning to master all of its advanced settings and functions, it ultimately provides an unparalleled level of personalization for your brewing.

Espresso Performance

The De'Longhi EC685M performs very well when it comes to pulling espresso shots. It uses a 15-bar pump to generate enough pressure for proper espresso extraction. 15 bars is the ideal and standard pressure for espresso machines.

The thermoblock heating system provides consistent temperatures, which is important for repeatable results. You don't want the temperature fluctuating shot to shot. The EC685M delivers water at the optimal 195°F for espresso brewing.

The quality of the crema produced is excellent. The tiny CO2 bubbles that make up crema are an indicator of proper extraction and freshness. The crema from the EC685M is thick and persistent, with a tan color and slight tiger striping, which is ideal. This shows the coffee oils are emulsifying well and the pressure is in the right range.

Overall, the EC685M creates traditional, full-flavored espresso with a rich, lingering crema every time. The pressure, temperature control, and brewing process allow for excellent espresso shot quality that rivals much more expensive machines.

Milk Frothing

The De'Longhi EC685M comes with a single swivel steam wand that makes frothing milk easy. The steam wand has a powerful steam output that rapidly heats and aerates milk for creamy, microfoam topped drinks.

The steam wand is easy to use - just point it toward the edge of your milk pitcher and let the steam do the work. The angle and depth can be adjusted as needed, allowing you to find the sweet spot for your preferred foam texture. Within about a minute, you can achieve silky smooth microfoam on par with high-end espresso machines.

The steam wand continues producing steam until you turn it off, so there's no problem stretching the milk for multiple drinks. The metal construction also stays cool to the touch on the outside, preventing accidental burns. Overall, the steam wand delivers excellent milk frothing capabilities for home use.

Size and Footprint

The De'Longhi EC685M has a compact and slim design that won't take up too much space on your kitchen counter. It measures 14.2 x 8.1 x 10.6 inches (36 x 20.5 x 27 cm), so it has a relatively small footprint compared to some other espresso machines.

The sleek and modern styling means it won't look bulky or cluttered in your kitchen. The rounded edges and matte black finish give it an understated elegance. Despite its small size, it still has a 0.5 liter water tank which is decent capacity.

There is no storage compartment for accessories like some larger machines have. But the slim profile means you can easily tuck it away in a corner or cabinet when not in use. It's also lightweight at just 5.7 pounds (2.6 kg) making it easy to move around and store.

Overall, the size and footprint of the EC685M make it a great choice if you have limited counter space or want an espresso machine that won't dominate your kitchen. The compact design doesn't compromise on performance or quality.

Value for Money

The De'Longhi EC685M is priced at around £200, putting it in the mid-range for home espresso machines. For the price, it comes well equipped with useful accessories and features.

In the box, you get the main espresso machine along with a tamper, measuring scoop, and water filter. The tamper is a nice addition for properly compacting the coffee grounds, and the scoop helps with dosing the right amount. The water filter is also handy for reducing mineral buildup and optimizing the machine's performance.

When it comes to features, the EC685M has a 15-bar professional pump that provides excellent pressure for rich, full-bodied espresso. It comes with dual thermostats that allow you to brew espresso and steam milk at the ideal temperatures. The machine can make one or two shots at a time, and has a rapid heating system so you don't have to wait long between cups.

Overall, the EC685M provides very good value at its price point. The accessories and features allow you to pull consistent, high-quality shots in a relatively compact and easy-to-use machine. While more expensive models may offer greater adjustability and higher-end performance, the EC685M hits a nice sweet spot for home espresso on a budget.

Noise Level

The De'Longhi EC685M espresso machine operates at a reasonable noise level that is comparable to other home espresso machines in this price range.

The pump itself is not especially loud and produces a muted vibration rather than a high-pitched whine. You can hold a conversation over the noise without needing to raise your voice much. The pump noise is only heard when pulling a shot or steaming milk and does not run constantly.

Some users note the machine seems louder than expected at first, but this is partly due to the metal body amplifying noise. The actual decibel level is not excessive.

There are no major noise issues during regular operation. The machine is unlikely to disturb housemates or neighbors unless your kitchen shares a very thin wall.

Overall, while not silent, the EC685M should not be disruptively loud for most home settings. The pump noise is reasonable and the machine lacks any irritating high-pitched whining. Noise levels are typical and acceptable for an affordable home espresso maker.

Maintenance and Cleaning

The De'Longhi EC685M espresso machine requires some regular maintenance and cleaning to keep it operating properly.

Descaling

• Like most espresso machines, the EC685M needs to be descaled regularly to remove mineral deposits from the internal water lines. De'Longhi recommends descaling every 2-3 months depending on your water hardness.

• The descaling process involves filling the water reservoir with a descaling solution, running it through the brewing system, and rinsing thoroughly. De'Longhi provides detailed descaling instructions in the user manual.

• Using filtered or bottled water can help reduce mineral buildup and descaling frequency.

Cleaning

• The EC685M has a self-cleaning function to flush the internal brewing system after each use. This helps keep things clean between full cleaning sessions.

• Wipe down the exterior housing, drip tray, and other external parts as needed with a soft damp cloth. Do not submerge or soak the machine.

• The portafilter, filter baskets, and steam wand should be rinsed under running water after each use. Periodically backflush the group head.

• De'Longhi recommends a full cleaning every 200 coffees to remove any oily residue. Follow the detailed cleaning instructions provided.

Regular maintenance like descaling and cleaning is essential for proper functioning and longevity of the EC685M. But the procedures are straightforward and outlined clearly in the user manual.

Overall Rating

The De'Longhi EC685M is an excellent mid-range espresso machine that offers a high-quality espresso experience for home use. It has a solid stainless steel body and 15 bars of pressure for extracting full-flavored espresso shots. The De'Longhi makes it easy to pull consistent shots with its pre-infusion function and adjustable controls.

Milk frothing performance is also superb with the manual frother, producing silky microfoam. However, milk texturing requires some practice to master. The machine is relatively compact but has a 2L water tank for fewer refills. It is simple to operate with dedicated brew buttons and maintenance is straightforward.

Overall, the De'Longhi EC685M provides delicious espresso and milk drinks in a reliable and well-designed package. While not as customizable as prosumer models, it offers excellent value for money. The De'Longhi would be a great choice for espresso enthusiasts looking for quality espresso without the hassle.

Pros:

• Solid build quality and sleek stainless steel design
• 15 bars of pressure extracts full espresso flavor
• Pre-infusion and adjustable controls help optimize extraction
• Easy to use dedicated brew buttons
• Produces silky microfoam for milk drinks
• Large 2L water tank
• Relatively compact footprint
• Easy maintenance

Cons:

• Milk texturing requires practice to master
• Not as customizable as prosumer models
• Louder than some comparable machines

Final Verdict:

With excellent espresso shot quality, easy milk frothing, and solid build, the De'Longhi EC685M is a great choice for an mid-range semi-automatic espresso machine. It provides delicious cafe-quality espresso drinks at home.