De'Longhi ECOV311BG Espresso Machine - Review 🏆

De'Longhi is a well-known Italian brand that has been manufacturing coffee machines and other small kitchen appliances since 1902. Based in Treviso, Italy, De'Longhi started out making portable heaters and air conditioners. Over the years, the company expanded into making a wide variety of kitchen appliances including coffee makers, toasters, deep fryers and more.

Today, De'Longhi is considered one of the leading brands when it comes to espresso machines and coffee makers for home use. The company offers a range of products to suit different needs and budgets, from entry-level pump espresso machines to high-end fully automatic models. De'Longhi is known for making stylish, user-friendly machines that produce excellent coffee quality. Their designs often incorporate vintage or retro styling elements as a nod to their long history in the industry.

The ECOV311 is a vintage-style pump espresso machine that encapsulates De'Longhi's reputation for classic design and reliable performance. Let's take a closer look at how this model stacks up.

Design

The De'Longhi ECOV311BG has a sleek and stylish design with a vintage aesthetic. The machine is compact in size but makes a statement on your kitchen counter with its retro curves and polished chrome accents.

It has a mostly metal construction with plastic components on the back and bottom. The metal parts like the portafilter, drip tray, and cup warming plate on top have a brushed metal finish that adds to the retro flair.

The control panel on the front has chrome plated knobs and buttons that allow you to customize your coffee. There are dedicated knobs for selecting your espresso or steam output. The chrome and black color scheme looks clean and elegant.

At 9.4 x 8.3 x 12.4 inches, the ECOV311BG doesn't take up too much counter space but stands tall enough to accommodate taller cup sizes underneath. The vintage inspired design gives it a charming personality that livens up your morning routine.

The retro styling of the De'Longhi ECOV311BG is reminiscent of classic espresso machines from decades past. Yet it has modern functionality with 15 bars of pressure for rich espresso and a manual milk frother to craft lattes and cappuccinos. Its compact footprint saves space but still allows for taller mugs or travel cups. The polished chrome and sleek lines create an elegant statement piece for your kitchen decor.

If you prefer an espresso machine with more color, check out the De'Longhi Stilosa EC230.BK. This model comes in a vibrant red or gray tone with retro inspired lines. It shares a similar 15 bar pump system and manual frother as the ECOV311BG but has a slightly different control panel design. The Stilosa also utilizes more plastic components in its construction but maintains charm with 1950s diner style.

Both the ECOV311BG and EC230.BK De'Longhi models offer vintage appeal that enhances your kitchen decor. Their compact sizes make them easy to fit on most countertops without taking up too much space. And they deliver excellent espresso drinks with adjustable settings to customize your brew. If you love the retro look, either of these machines will be a stylish and functional addition to your home.

Features

The De'Longhi ECOV311BG espresso machine comes equipped with many useful features to help you brew cafe-quality espresso drinks at home. It has a 15-bar professional pressure pump that allows you to extract rich, flavorful espresso shots. The water tank has a 35oz capacity, so you can brew multiple drinks before needing a refill.

Some other notable features include:

• Stainless steel boiler for quick heat up times and consistency
• Manual milk frother wand to steam milk for cappuccinos and lattes
• Removable water tank for easy filling
• Adjustable steam emission to fine-tune milk texture
• Cup warming tray on top to preheat cups
• Detachable drip tray to accommodate larger cups
• Built-in tamper for compressing ground coffee
• Single and double shot filters included

With its combination of power, customization, and thoughtful design, the ECOV311BG provides an array of capabilities to help you achieve true cafe-style results in your own kitchen. If you're looking for an alternative espresso machine with similar features, the SWAN SK22110GRYN is also worth considering. It has a powerful 15-bar pump, removable 1.2 liter water tank, steam wand for frothing milk, and dual thermoblock heating system for quick warm up. The SK22110GRYN can brew single or double shots and has a built-in crema enhancer for rich, silky espresso. Its compact footprint takes up minimal counter space but still provides cafe-quality performance. So whether you opt for the De'Longhi or the SWAN, you'll be equipped to craft delicious espresso drinks at home.

When shopping for a home espresso machine, it's important to think about your needs and preferences. Consider how many drinks you'll be making at once, whether you want to manually froth milk or prefer an auto-frother, and your budget. Look for solid construction with metal parts rather than plastic, sufficient bar pressure (ideally 15 bars), and intuitive controls. Make sure the water reservoir and drip tray are easy to remove for cleaning and filling. And don't forget accessories like a built-in tamper and cup warming tray for the full cafe experience. With the right espresso machine, you can enjoy your morning ritual of creamy cappuccinos and rich lattes without leaving the house.

Brewing

The De'Longhi ECOV311BG produces excellent espresso with a rich, full-bodied flavor and a nice, thick crema on top. The 15-bar pump provides ample pressure for extracting all the oils and flavors from the coffee grounds.

The portafilter has a pressurized double filter that helps optimize the extraction regardless of the grind size or tamping pressure. This makes it more forgiving for beginners who are still dialing in their grind size and tamping technique.

The thermoblock heating system brings the water temperature up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process. This helps extract the best flavor from the beans.

The brewing is fast, taking just a minute or so to pull a shot. The volume can be customized by adjusting the length of the brewing time. The espresso flows directly into the cups or shot glasses placed under the portafilter spouts.

Overall, the brewing process consistently produces rich, aromatic espresso with a nice crema every time. The pressurized filter and thermoblock heating help automate much of the brewing process while still allowing customization of shot volume as needed.

Milk Frothing

One of the standout features of the De'Longhi ECOV311 is its excellent milk frothing ability. The machine comes with a panarello wand that lets you froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes with ease.

The panarello wand has a unique design that incorporates air into the milk to create that rich, creamy froth. It's easy to use - just immerse the wand into the milk pitcher and turn on the froth function. The wand will spin rapidly and incorporate air into the milk. You can adjust the froth to your liking by moving the wand up and down in the milk.

I found the frother consistently produced smooth, silky frothed milk with a nice microfoam texture on top. The key is to keep the wand fully immersed as you froth. Frothing only takes about a minute to achieve the right consistency.

The milk froth holds up well and lasts long enough to top your espresso shots without deflating too quickly. With the ECOV311's excellent espresso and steaming ability, you can easily make cafe-quality cappuccinos and lattes at home. The frother is simple to clean too - just purge it with steam after use.

Overall, if you want to make milk-based drinks, the panarello wand on the ECOV311 performs very well for an affordable machine. It's easy to use and makes consistently good froth.

Ease of Use

The ECOV311BG espresso machine is very easy to use, making it a great option for beginners.

• Setup is straightforward - the machine comes with clear instructions that walk you through the process of priming the pump and setting the filters. Everything is intuitive and tool-free.

• Cleaning is simple thanks to the removable parts like the drip tray, water tank, and portafilter. The steaming wand can be easily wiped down after use. Descaling takes just a few minutes following the manual's directions.

• Maintenance involves backflushing the group head every few weeks to keep it clear of coffee oils. The machine will also alert you when it needs descaling. Overall the ECOV311BG doesn't require much regular upkeep.

• The controls are simple with dedicated buttons for espresso and steam. Just press and the machine does the work. The steam knob makes it easy to adjust the froth.

• Swapping between 1 and 2 cup filters is seamless. The portafilter locks into place with a satisfying click.

So for new espresso makers, the ECOV311BG offers effortless operation with minimal maintenance required. Everything is intuitive enough for beginners but still gives experienced baristas control over their shots.

Customization

One of the standout features of the De'Longhi ECOV311 is its high degree of customizability for an espresso machine in this price range. You can tailor your espresso experience in several ways:

• The manual cappuccino system allows you to control milk frothing with the frother wand. You can customize the foam texture and temperature.

• Adjust the coffee strength with the two-level coffee presser. Choose between milder or bolder flavor.

• The adjustable cappuccino creamer lets you personalize the amount of froth in your cappuccino.

• Program how much water flows through the filter with the flow stop feature. Dial in the perfect amount for single or double shots.

• Control the coffee temperature with the adjustable thermostat. Set it higher for a hotter espresso.

The custom programs allow you to save your preferred drink settings. You can brew each coffee or espresso drink just how you like it, with your personalized options already dialed in.

Durability

The De'Longhi ECOV311BG espresso machine is built to last with its stainless steel exterior and solid internal components. The boiler and heating element are made of quality materials to withstand daily use for many years.

The portafilter and group head are chrome-plated brass which resists corrosion and wear over time. The metal tamper and measuring scoop included are also durable.

The buttons and knobs have a sturdy feel and should hold up well against regular use. The plastic exterior pieces seem durable enough for regular cleaning.

One area of concern is the steam wand which some users report can be flimsy and prone to breaking with rough handling. It's recommended to be gentle when moving the steam wand to preserve its longevity.

Overall, the De'Longhi ECOV311BG has a reputation for reliability and many users report getting 5+ years of daily service before any issues arise. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide excellent durability as a home espresso machine.

Value

The De'Longhi ECOV311BG Vintage Icona Espresso Machine offers excellent value for the price. At around £150, it's affordably priced for an entry-level pump espresso machine yet doesn't compromise on quality or performance.

You get a durable stainless steel boiler, 15-bar pump pressure for proper espresso extraction, and a manual milk frother to produce creamy cappuccinos and lattes. The brewing process is customizable with two programmable espresso buttons that let you adjust the amount of coffee dispensed.

Considering the attractive retro design, quality materials, and range of features like the cup warmer and removable drip tray, the ECOV311BG punches above its weight class. It makes restaurant-quality espresso drinks at home without breaking the bank. While more expensive machines have added conveniences like a built-in grinder or automatic milk frothing, the ECOV311BG provides professional results using a classic, user-friendly manual operation.

For those looking for an affordable, entry-level machine that doesn't sacrifice performance, the De'Longhi ECOV311BG is an excellent value purchase. You get premium espresso and milk beverages without overspending.

Conclusion

The De'Longhi ECOV311BG Vintage Traditional Espresso Machine is a high quality espresso maker that combines classic design with modern functionality. It's a great option for espresso enthusiasts who want an authentic experience in their home.

Some of the key pros of this machine are its excellent 15 bar pump pressure for rich espresso extraction, the dual thermostats that allow precise temperature control, and the manual milk frother that lets you create creamy cappuccinos and lattes. The metal construction and vintage styling give it a premium feel. It's also relatively easy to use once you learn the basics.

On the downside, the manual frothing wand can take some practice to master, and the size of the water reservoir is quite small. You'll need to refill it frequently. This machine also requires more maintenance like backflushing compared to super automatic models.

Overall, if you don't mind putting in the extra effort to brew cafe-quality espresso at home, the De'Longhi ECOV311BG is an excellent semi-automatic espresso maker that will satisfy both flavor and aesthetics. It's a worthwhile investment for espresso aficionados who appreciate a traditional machine.