DeLonghi ESAM3300 Review

The DeLonghi ESAM3300 is not new to the coffee maker market. It appeared more than 15 years ago, but it still receives high ratings from customers. The company manufactures a number of super-automatic masterpieces, but this particular model is one of the least returned and best-selling coffee machines that continues to stand the test of time. With low rates of failure, it can offer daily hassle-free coffee consumption for years.

Keep reading this detailed DeLonghi ESAM3300 review if you want to buy a quality device that works and features a modern design.

Design and Key Features

The DeLonghi Magnifica is a very compact brewing system. In spite of its small size, this model is big on other things like power, capability and value. This is a fantastic appliance that delivers delicious espresso shots without fail. It features a programmable control panel and makes the process of coffee making very simple.

With one button touch, you can put its integrated grinder to work, get amazing frothed milk, and measure out an ideal shot of the perfect strength and amount.

This beautiful machine has an external plastic casing that looks like stainless steel. The appliance is manufactured only in silver. Its design is sleek and makes a good addition to countertops.

This model belongs to the automatic class of coffee machines. The features that can be programmed include rinsing and decalcification, water hardness and brewing one or two cups at a time.

This model doesn’t have a modern digital display, but most customers like this simplicity. The ordinary dial controls are more reliable and don’t break.

The appliance is easy to use, and it has no areas that are hard to reach for cleaning. It can work with either whole coffee beans or with coffee that is already ground. Its built-in conical grinder has various settings that allow users to make rough or fine grinds. The bean hopper is pretty large and able to hold half a pound of coffee beans.

The machine features a stainless steel dual boiler. This means you don’t need to wait for the water to reheat before making one more beverage. This system is removable, which is good for cleaning procedures.

There is a built-in milk frother that makes fantastic foam, mixing milk with steam.

The coffee maker has a cup warmer located on top of the device to preheat your mugs.

The reservoir for water holds 60 oz. of liquid. As you see, the device has a front-loading water container which is accessed from the front of the appliance.

In the upper row of the control panel, there is an on/off button, two buttons to select one or two shots and a button for hot water.

Below, there are two programmable knobs which denote:

The five illuminated buttons beneath are responsible for such functions as:

You see that this small machine packs the biggest features. Its control panel looks like the dashboard of an expensive car so that you have total control over the process. The machine is unique and can be adjusted to make coffee with different tastes for different members of your family.

Included Accessories

This coffee maker comes with a set of the following accessories:

The replacement parts can be ordered from DeLonghi.

Advantages & Disadvantages

As the ESAM3300 review shows, this machine has a great number of features to admire. Here are its strongest and weakest points grouped by MilkFrotherTop in one list. This information shows what this machine can do and what it cannot. It will help you make the right purchasing decision.

As you see, none of these flaws are a deal breaker. One more point can also be considered negative. The coffee maker is manufactured in Italy. If you are in the United States, it may be tough to have it serviced or repaired.

How to Use the DeLonghi ESAM3300?

As this model is programmable, you need to adjust the grinder setting, the amount of ground coffee, and the amount of water. Play with the machine to determine the best coffee flavor. In fact, it is easy to master. You just pull the appliance out of the box, assemble all the parts and prime it, plug it in and enjoy your favorite coffee in a few minutes. Each step of the operation is described below in details.

Grinder

The built-in grinder is highly rated by users because they have an opportunity to drink freshly ground coffee. This is a stainless steel burr grinder which can be programmed for seven grind settings.

It features the patented and compact “direct-to-brew” system which allows the device to grind coffee beans instantly.

Hopper filling

The bean hopper is located on top of the machine. It is capable of holding 8 oz. (1/2 lb.) of coffee beans. Open the lid, place the beans in the grinder and let it do the work. Under the lid, there is a dial so you can turn it in the direction you need – you will get a finer grind if dial it towards the smaller beans and vice versa.

The espresso from the beans, which are freshly ground, cannot be beaten for aroma, taste and freshness, but this appliance doesn’t limit you to using whole coffee beans. If you want to use pre-ground coffee, load it in a separate compartment next to the hopper and press the button. You will need to use one scoop for a standard espresso shot and two scoops for a double espresso (but not more, otherwise, it may jam up). This compartment is also useful if you want to drink decaf coffee.

Grind setting

Adjust the required setting on the dial for rough or fine grinding. Choose the amount of the ground coffee. To start, press the main switch button on the backside of the device and the on/off button on the control panel.

Grinding coffee beans

After all the settings are set, the machine grinds automatically. The manufacturer recommends using medium roast beans. The dark roast beans are too oily and cannot be used in automatic machines because they gum up the burrs. Use medium espresso roast for optimal strength and taste of your beverage.

Dispensing

This is an automatic coffee maker, and dispensing is carried out inside the machine. It is a true set and go system. Just sit back and watch as the device grinds and extracts automatically.

Espresso Machine

Thanks to a solid construction and a variety of functions, the ESAM 3300 makes delicious coffee with a thick and creamy foam. Read more about how to make the best espresso with the Magnifica.

Water reservoir

The water tank calls for special attention. It is huge. It contains 60 oz. of water and doesn’t require frequent refilling. You don’t need to monitor the water level often.

Most coffee machines have a water reservoir that are back loaded, which is not very convenient. You can access the Magnifica’s water tank from the front without moving the device.

Heating

The Magnifica features two stainless steel boilers made in Italy and a 1,350W motor. Being equipped with two boilers is a very impressive feature. This means that the device can brew coffee without pauses to heat the water.

The boilers also preheat the cups on the top tray, so they don’t bring down the temperature of your coffee. This helps maintain the temperature of your coffee as it brews.

Tamping the ground coffee

The brew unit is located right behind the front service door. It performs the tamping, as well. The automatic tamping ensures the correct pressure for proper coffee extraction. This machine component is easily accessible and can be disassembled for cleanup.

Extracting

To extract coffee, press one of the programmable buttons in the upper row. Choose one cup or two cups. If you prefer coffee that is not strong, use more water, and add less water for a stronger espresso.

Place your mug under the spout. The machine will start working and pour coffee into your cup.

Milk Frother

Before frothing milk, press the button for hot water in the upper row and let the steam purge for several seconds. The wand may contain some condensation inside, and you don’t want it to be in your milk. Let the wand purge in a spare cup and wait for the steam.

Pour milk into the pitcher and insert the steam wand. Switch on the wand by turning the steam knob on the control panel. The frother makes a thick foam, so some space should be left in the milk pitcher to create this foam.

If you don’t need thick foam, hold the wand deep in the milk.

This machine uses the Pannarello steam wand. The frother is rotated 180 degrees and can also be adjusted to the height of your mug (either standard or a taller one).

The Pannarello attachment is easily removed for cleaning. Unfortunately, it is prone to breakage. You can buy cheap replacements which are also fine without a costly repair.

How to Clean DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300?

The ESAM 3300 requires daily and periodic cleanup to remain in working condition. The cleaning routine is very simple and takes little effort and time. Let’s talk about each type of cleaning procedure.

Daily Using

A proper daily cleaning is of paramount importance to the Magnifica. Cleaning improves general hygiene and makes the quality of the drink better. You don’t need any strong detergents.

Disassemble the milk frother:

Do this every time after frothing, otherwise milk residue can stay stuck. Be careful of the hot steam and don’t burn your hands.

Regular Service

The brew unit should be washed regularly. Open the front service door and remove it by squeezing two red tabs. This should be done when the machine is in its off position. You will hear some cycling, and the brew group will drop down, and you can remove it. It should be cleaned once a week in the sink with warm water.

The device has a compartment for ground coffee. Don’t forget to clean it as well, if you use it.

Clean the water reservoir and let it dry completely. This machine is not compatible with water filters. Use filtered water if you want to diminish limestone deposits and don’t want to do frequent decalcifying.

If you use tap water or if you live in the area with hard water, keep in mind that this water contains more calcium which can damage the internal components.

Luckily, you don’t need to inspect your machine. The appropriate warning light will illuminate.

To perform this cleaning procedure, pour a special cleaning solution in the water container and press the button for descaling on the control panel. This should be done once every three months.

After cleaning, wipe all the components with a dry cloth and attach them to their places.

Don’t put plastic parts in a dishwasher because it may scratch and damage the cover.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some tips that can be helpful for Magnifica users facing the most commonly occurring problems. DeLonghi also provides a support service center to help customers set up their coffee machines.

Where to Buy Magnifica ESAM3300 by DeLonghi?

The internet offers a great opportunity to buy any kitchenware at the best possible price. The DeLonghi ESAM3300 can be purchased from the manufacturer’s official website. It is also available in various online stores offered by world-known retailers like Walmart, Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond, Williams Sonoma, Best Buy and many others. It can be found on trading platforms like eBay and Amazon, too.

These suppliers guarantee the same warranty period. Sometimes, they offer a price that is lower than in regular brick and mortar shops. Generous refund policies and free delivery are one more bonus for online customers.

Price Range

This DeLonghi model has been on the market for quite a while. It is considered one of the best-selling automatic coffee makers for mid-budget users. It is inexpensive and has fantastic features for the price.

Of course, it lacks some modern functions that we see in contemporary household devices, but this simplicity makes this machine more durable and reduces its chances to break down. It makes tasty espresso and cappuccino. It is a worthy player in the world of coffee-making.

Other Key Details You Need to Know

These extra features give the ESAM 3300 a feeling of refinement and polish:

This machine allows you to know how many cups of coffee you have made. This information is important because the warranty is sometimes based on a number of drinks made and on the number of years in operation.

Comparison Table

This comparison table shows the basic information and technical characteristics of five similar coffee machines. This is quite handy to have all them in one list when you are choosing among several alternatives.

Model	DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300	DeLonghi Magnifica ECAM22.110.SB	DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3500	Jura A1	Gaggia Brera
Review
Material	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Stainless steel/ABS
Dimensions	11 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches	9.4 x 17.0 x 13.8 inches	17 x 9.4 x 13.8 inches	9.4 x 12.7 x 17.5 inches	10 x 15.5 x 11.5 inches
Cup Capacity	Selection of 1 or 2 cups	Selection of 1 or 2 cups	Selection of 1 or 2 cups	1 cup capacity	Selection of 1 or 2 cups
Water Tank Size	60 oz./1.8L	60 oz./1.8L	60 oz./1.8L	36.8 oz./1L	40 oz./1.2L
Wattage	1350W	1250W	1150W	1450W	1250W
Voltage	110/120V	110/120V	110/120V	110/120V	110/120V
Built-In Grinder	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Color	Silver	Silver and Black	Silver	Piano Black, Piano White	Silver and Black
Warranty	2 years	2 years	2 years	1 year	1 year
Features	Super-automatic, removable water container, milk frother, dual boiler, 3-hour automatic shut-off, patented cappuccino system, cup warmer, “smart” memory setting, decalcification program.	Integrated filter, 13 grind settings, milk frother, sleep mode, automatic cleaning, 10 coffee strengths, power saving mode.	Full-featured automatic machine, small footprint, double boiler system, telescopic coffee spigot, integrated system with a front-loaded milk carafe, adjustable start time, auto shut-off timer, clock setting.	Preinstalled descaling, cleaning, and rinsing program, water filter, patented pulse extraction process (P.E.P.®), sleek design, programming touch screen display, patented zero-energy switch.	Super automatic machine, Mavea water filter with four stages of filtration, low energy consumption mode, programmable settings, LCD, ceramic grinder, milk frother with the stainless steel steam wand, descaling program, removable brew unit.
Price	Check Here	Check Here	Check Here	Check Here	Check Here

Compare these models and choose the one that is suitable for you.

Final Thoughts

The DeLonghi Magnifica is a great choice. The machine can make not only straight espresso, but also a number of milk-containing drinks like americanos, lattes and cappuccinos. This is the cheapest offering that combines a variety of fully programmable functions including grinding whole beans and frothing milk.

This super-automatic espresso/coffee machine will replace your expensive trips to coffee shops and help you brew the beverage you prefer. You can determine the size of brew, amount of water, strength and creaminess of the milk.

The manufacturer offers and delivers luxury. Make this luxury a part of your everyday life.

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