Do you wonder why MilkFrotherTop is going to review this model? A good question. You are right, the DeLonghi EC702 traces back to ’00s, but it is still popular on the market.
What is the reason that allows this coffee machine to remain in demand with lots of users? This model boasts multiple functions and features, which make it so recognizable. Let’s analyze its characteristics in detail to find the answer.
Design and Key Features
The DeLonghi EC702 looks like a professional coffee machine, and it is used by many coffeehouses. If you are fond of stainless steel household devices, this model will also draw your attention. Its cup warmer and the front panel are made from stainless steel. This adds durability and gives the machine a sleek and modern look. The rest of the housing is silver-painted plastic.
This is a unique dual model that incorporates a patented double function of the filter-holder for those who like both pods and ground coffee. Per your preference, the three-in-one filter holder allows you to make single or double espresso, or to serve espresso pods. You can experiment with the taste testing various coffee beans and customize your beverages.
The machine features a stainless steel boiler, which holds 180 ml/6 oz. of water, and a 15-bar pump. This is the biggest capacity among budget-class coffee makers, and it allows you to prepare more portions of coffee. DeLonghi is the only brand that still produces boilers from stainless steel, while other manufacturers have already switched to aluminum ones.
The EC702 includes two different thermostats with separate temperature control over brewing and steaming. This means you can brew coffee and steam milk simultaneously.
The device is easy to operate and features a simple control panel on its left corner. There are three switches – ON/OFF, Coffee/Hot water, and Steam. The corresponding light indicators show when the function is ready.
The coffee machine has a very convenient milk frother, which is located on the right side of the unit. The steaming doesn’t interfere with the brewing. This is a manual Pannarello steam wand able to swivel up to 180°.
The device is well-constructed. Its portafilter locks securely, and its removable catch tray fits tightly into the base and provides a cup clearance of 2.75’’/69 mm. If you have taller mugs, you can remove a drip tray and add extra height.
It has a built-in tamper, which is not very convenient. If you are going to buy an external one, choose a 51mm tamper.
Thanks to a dual dispenser system, you can fill up two mugs at the same time. This is a useful feature if you are serving a group of people.
The water tank is located on the right side of the machine, which is more convenient than a rear-sitting one. It is able to hold 44 fl oz. (1.3L) of liquid.
The reservoir is removable and makes filling the water very simple. It is transparent and contains a yellow floater, which indicates the level of water.
The machine comes with an integrated filter. This feature is not optional, and the filter requires a regular refining.
Included Accessories
This machine comes completely assembled and is ready to operate. It includes a portafilter, a coffee scoop, and three separate filters. There is also a helpful user guide and a bottle of a descaling solution in the box. You can easily understand how the unit works and prepare your first cup of coffee.
This model is not new, but 90% of its internal parts are interchangeable with modern models of DeLonghi coffee machines.
Advantages & Disadvantages
In comparison with the new DeLonghi models, the semi-automatic EC702 has some downsides but they are not deal breakers. On the contrary, this device has a number of outstanding functions and characteristics, which modern machines lack.
- Cup-warmer prepares mugs by warming them up (hotter than in other models)
- Compatible with pods and ground coffee
- Attractive design
- The catch tray is large (17 fl oz./500 ml)
- The side-sitting container for water is very convenient
- Solid metal body
- Less vibration during operation, which entails fewer scratches from the cups on the cup stand
- Two thermostats for hotter coffee
- Simple in use thanks to a limited number of control switches on the panel
- 15-bar pump for truly authentic coffee flavor
- Smart positioning of the frother
- Uses a water filter to soften water
- Self-priming operation
- Low noise level (70 dB)
- No temperature control
- No auto shut-off
- The integrated tamper is not comfortable for most users
- The machine is not compact and takes a lot of space on the countertop
- There is a little space under the portafilter even with the drip tray removed
This is your choice to decide which disadvantages are not important or irritating for you. Overall, this coffee maker is a durable appliance, which is worth its price.
How to Use the DeLonghi EC702 Coffee Maker ☕?
The EC702 is an entry-level coffee machine, which creates a quality espresso with minimal hustle. Either you use ground coffee or insert a soft coffee pod, you will get a rich-flavored drink similar to beverages prepared by super-automatic devices, which are sold for thousands 💰.
Espresso Machine
Some coffee experts may doubt the exclusiveness of coffee made by the EC702, because with pressurized portafilters, you may lose some customization from your shot. This may lower the ceiling of how perfect your coffee can be. However, the quality of coffee beverages created by the EC702 is very high.
Reservoir for water
The water container of the EC702 is larger than its predecessor’s, the EC155. A bigger reservoir (44 fl oz.) means it needs fewer refills so that you can focus on other things rather than tracking the water level.
The container is easy to remove from the side with no need to move the whole unit. Pull it sideways and lift the intake tubes out of the water. Fill it with fresh cold water and place it back in the housing. Check that all the tubes are in the water. You may also pour water in the tank directly from the jug.
This coffee maker features a convenient water level indication. The floating ball shows when the amount of water has dropped, and the container requires a refilling.
Heating
Thanks to two thermostats, the EC702 controls the temperature of steam and water independently and guarantees the perfect temperature of every drink. However, this model has a boiler but not a thermoblock or thermocoil like in more expensive models. Don’t expect the machine to be very quick. Firstly, wait for 10-15 minutes until it preheats the water. Wait for at least 5 minutes if you need to make frothed milk.
Tamping of ground coffee
The portafilter of the EC702 is specially designed to use both ground coffee and pods. People who don’t want to spend time on grinding beans and tamping coffee can opt for using pods. Usually, pods are advised for users who are not serious about the coffee brand or type of grinding. If you are a coffee connoisseur, with ground coffee, you may select the type of beans and control the grinding process.
The machine comes with two ground coffee filters. Use a smaller one if you need a single shot and a bigger filter for two coffee shots. Dose the ground coffee into the portafilter, distribute it evenly, and press it down with a built-in tamper.
This device is fixed to the machine, and some users find this useless. Put 0.24 oz. (7 g) of coffee to make a single coffee and a double portion to prepare two espressos.
The correct tamping is essential to get a cup of good coffee. Excessive tamping causes dark crema and slow coffee delivery. Too light tamping leads to light crema and too rapid coffee delivery.
This coffee maker works best with extra fine and fine ground coffee.
Extracting
Position the portafilter under the brewhead with the handle towards the left. Rotate the handle towards the right until it locks in its position. Press the ON/OFF button and wait for 10 minutes. Place a preheated cup or two cups under the spouts. Press the button for making coffee. A thick espresso stream will flow into your cup/cups. When the necessary amount of coffee is obtained, push the Coffee button again to interrupt the liquid delivery.
This coffee machine is designed to prepare Italian espresso. It brews 2-3 oz./60-90 ml of coffee. If you like a classic americano, dilute the delivered amount of espresso with hot water.
Milk Frother
If you are a fan of milk-containing beverages, this DeLonghi model is right for you because it comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making frothed milk. This unit mixes milk and steam into a creamy and velvety froth, which will be a perfect addition to your cappuccino. This procedure takes less than a minute and eliminates the need for buying a separate frothing device.
To make frothed milk, press the Steam button and wait until the water in the boiler reaches the required temperature. Its light indicator will illuminate. Fill the jug/cup with cold milk. Don’t use hot milk because the frother will heat and froth it at the same time. For one cappuccino cup, you will need 3.5 oz. (100 ml) of milk. Take a larger vessel as the milk will increase its volume by 2-3 times.
Immerse the wand in the milk jug observing the line on the wand. Turn the knob located above the wand counterclockwise. The steam will be supplied to the milk. Rotate the cup slightly to get the best froth. When the frothing is over, interrupt it by turning the knob clockwise and pressing the Steam button.
How to Clean 💧 DeLonghi EC702?
The EC702 doesn’t take much time to clean, but regular cleaning procedures are compulsory for its proper functioning. The daily and periodic cleaning routine is easy and allows the machine to stay in a working condition.
Daily Using
The water reservoir and catch tray are dishwasher-safe but they can be easily washed by hand as well. Before cleaning the device, unplug it and let it cool.
Wipe its metal housing with a soft damp cloth to maintain its shine.
Detach the portafilter and empty the coffee grounds. Rinse it with warm water. Clean it with a brush and check that its holes are not clogged.
Detach the catch tray and wash it under running water with a soft sponge to get rid of a film left by coffee.
Clean the frothing wand after each use. Firstly, press the Steam button and discharge some steam. This will help wash off the milk residue left inside the tube. Unscrew the frother and remove its nozzle by pulling it downwards. Wash the wand and the nozzle with pure water. Make sure that all its holes are not blocked. Clean them with a pin if necessary. Attach the frothing device onto its position.
Regular Service
Some parts of the machine don’t require daily cleanup.
Clean the water tank and let it dry. This model uses a water filter that should be replaced regularly.
The machine should be descaled every 200 cups of coffee or once in 1-3 months. This depends on how many mugs you make every day and on your water hardness.
Most users become scared of decalcifying; however, this is an essential procedure if you want to prevent the inner mechanism from calcium deposits. The instruction manual explains how it should be done correctly.
Fill the reservoir with pure water (34 oz./1000 ml) and pour a bottle of a descaler, which comes with the machine (8.4 fl oz./250 ml). Detach the portafilter from the brewhead. Press the ON/OFF button and wait until the device heats the water. Press the button for coffee making. Empty the water tank 1/4 and turn the steam knob. Let some amount of the liquid run through the frothing system as well. Leave the solution in the system to act for 5 minutes. Repeat these steps several times until the water container is empty. Rinse the water tank and pour fresh water. Run the whole reservoir of pure water through the system and repeat this cleansing procedure one more time to eliminate the descaling residue.
Troubleshooting Tips
The table shows some common problems that you may face using this coffee machine.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The coffee is cold. |
|
| The pump works too loudly. | Check if there is enough water in the reservoir. Refill it. |
| The delivered crema is too light. |
|
| The delivered crema is too dark. |
|
| The steam wand produces no foam. |
|
| The coffee has an acidic taste. | This aftertaste may appear after improper rinsing of a descaling solution. Rinse the device with pure water one more time. |
If you have other questions or problems concerning the maintenance of the EC702, contact the DeLonghi customer service center.
Where to Buy Manual EC702 Maker by DeLonghi?
The modern world is shopping 🛒 online, and the EC702 is available from the official website of DeLonghi. Most supermarkets and stores for household appliances also have their websites and offer the same product for sale – Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Costco, Williams Sonoma, Best Buy, and others. There are also internet-trading platforms like Amazon and eBay where you can get this coffee machine.
The online purchase is very convenient if you don’t want to leave the house or talk to salespeople. Make it in several clicks and have this machine delivered to your address. Testimonials from other clients will help you know all upsides and downsides of the model.
Price Range
In the coffee industry, this brand is known for its quality and affordable espresso machines. DeLonghi does a good job and can be found in many coffeehouses.
The EC702 is versatile and features a number of functions necessary for a good entry-level coffee machine. This is an excellent product in the category of devices in the price range under $200. Thanks to its stainless steel cover, frothing wand, solid heating mechanism, and 3-in-1 filter holder, you will get decent quality for the price.
Other Key Details You Need to Know
In addition to all outstanding features, the DeLonghi EC702 Esclusivo espresso machine features a self-priming operation. This means it doesn’t consume a lot of time to start operation. This is a good option for impatient users who are irritated that their coffee maker requires time to wake up as well. This device is ready to brew coffee in no time.
The EC702 uses “old” type filter baskets. They require more cleaning, but they produce better crema. Both the holders and filters are interchangeable. You can purchase new baskets and use them in this model.
Comparison Table
This table shows five descriptions of similar coffee makers. This will allow you to judge each machine and determine which is preferable for you. A closer look at all these devices helps understand their main differences and advantages.
| Model | DeLonghi EC702 | DeLonghi EC155 | DeLonghi ECP3630 | Breville ESP8XL The Café Roma™ | Mr. Coffee® Café Barista |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review | | | | | |
| Material | Stainless steel and plastic | Plastic | Stainlesssteel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel and plastic |
| Dimensions | 11 x 9 x 12 inches | 12.2 x 19.3 x 15 inches | 10 x 7 x 12 inches | 12.2 x 11.6 x 14.8 inches | 12.6 x 8.86 x 11.22 inches |
| Cup Capacity | Single and double shot | Single and double shot | Single and double shot | Single and double shot | Single and double shot |
| Water Tank Size | 44 oz. | 35 oz. | 37 oz. | 40.6 oz. | 54 oz. |
| Wattage | 1100 Watts | 1100 Watts | 1100 Watts | 800-1000 Watts | 1040 Watts |
| Voltage | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V |
| Built-In Milk Frother | Pannarello steam wand | Steam wand | Steam wand | Professional-grade steam wand | Automatic milk frother |
| Built-In Grinder | No | No | No | No | No |
| Color | Metal | Black | Metal | Metal | Silver/black, red/black, white/black |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Features | Dual thermostat; removable container for water; cup-warmer; compatible with both ground coffee and pods; water level indicator; metal housing; stainless steel boiler. | Stainless steel boiler; uses pods and ground coffee; 15-bar pumpdriven; dual thermostat; easy adjustable controls; space-saving design; removable tank for water. | Sleek and compact design; dual thermostat; stainless steel boiler; removable reservoir for water; double catch tray; compatible with both ground coffee and pods. | Metal housing;15-bar-pump espresso maker; compatible with both ground coffee and pods; comes with a milk jug/coffee scoop/cleaning tool; dual-wall filter system; removable tank for water; thermoblock heating system. | Removable milk and water reservoirs, 15-bar pump system; fast operation; one-touch controls; 26’’ electric cord; works with ground coffee; programmed cleaning cycle; comes with a recipe book. |
| Price | Check Here | Check Here | Check Here | Check Here | Check Here |
Thanks to multiple useful functions, these coffee machines have high ratings and receive positive reviews from users.
Final Thoughts
The EC702 is an ideal pick if you are searching for a decent coffee maker in a mid-budget. It may lack some flexibility that expensive high-end machines have, but it incorporates all features to make a cup of quality espresso or cappuccino. This model is rather old but this doesn’t mean it is outdated. In fact, there were no considerable improvements in the construction of DeLonghi coffee makers for the last decade.
This device has the same internal parts as the modern appliances of this brand. In addition, it is well-built, has a metal housing, and makes amazing froth. If you are ready to put up with some usability issues like its big dimensions, small cup clearance, and a little slow operation, opt for this unit.
References
- Manual Espresso Machine – EC702 – https://www.delonghi.com/
- DeLonghi EC702 Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine – https://www.youtube.com/