I actually bought this machine at Starbucks and also tried the 3200 unit. The machine is great and great looking and worked as advertised. Except, I like Lattes made with steamed milk and just "a little" bit of foam. This unit does not really have a steam wand, it has a "frother" attachment which produces lots and lots of foam. I used less milk and I used more milk but I could not get it right--the frother with its foam just overtook the milk pitcher. The problem is you cannot take off the frother and use a steam wand because under the frother is a plastic tube that is held in place by (you guessed it) the frother. I actually took off the frother to see if I could just use the plastic tube and very quickly the steam pressure blew it off the machine into my pitcher. If you like really large quantities of foam this will do it for you. I returned the Delonghi and bought the Saeco Vspresso machine. . It has all the features of the Delonghi plus you can remove the frother and the steam wand is available to use alone. It also has a stainless steel boiler and my wife loves this part--it is more compact on the counter than the Delonghi. Again, this machine worked as advertised and would please most people.2 WEEK UPDATE: The steam/froth knob stopped working on the Saeco V spresso today. Not acceptable on a $1000 machine. I returned it for the Delonghi 3200 and saved about $250. So far, so good.
We spent the money because I had a good impression of Delonghi and thought they built quality product. Because of their "we can't help you and don't care" attitude I will NEVER purchase another delonghi product, and will take every opportunity to trash them. Too bad there isn't a negative star rating!
Prior to the 3400 we had a Gaggia Super Auto (Symphony) and it lasted six years and cost a LOT less. (and its Cafe Crema was superior)
Buy DeLonghi Magnifica EAM 3400 Super Automatic Espresso Machine Now
The Delonghi EAM3400 Magnifica is likely the finest home-use espresso machine on the market today. The company has upgraded their line, which now is characterized by a handsome brushed aluminum finish. Designed and manufactured in Italy, the EAM3400 is a joy to operate. This machine replaced a year-old Starbucks Italia Espresso Machine made by Saeco, and it is superior in many respects:* EAM comes with detailed instruction manual as well as a DVD that provides visual instruction, a package of descaler and a water hardness test strip that can be used to custom tailor the machine to your household tap water.
* Sleek and thoughtful design, including integrated compartment for espresso beans, a separate compartment for ground coffee with a built in measuring spoon, and a 60-oz water container that is easily removed from the front of the machine.
* A control menu that is easy to use for setting the time, auto start time, strength of coffee, and temperature of coffee, personal adjustment of shot sizes and preferred language-English or one of several others.
* The steam mechanism is different from most machines in that the wand is fitted with a frother-device. That requires one extra step in cleaning the nozzle, but the trade-off is an exceptional "head" of creamy foam on top of the steamed milk. You will find yourself using less milk in the container due to the huge expansion of the foam. It's impressive!
This is an expensive home appliance-retailing for $1200.00 in the U.S. But if you are a "starbucksfreak" like me, it's very much worth the investment. Plus it is discounted for a limited time to just under $1K at Starbucks and some other retailers.
Read Best Reviews of DeLonghi Magnifica EAM 3400 Super Automatic Espresso Machine Here
I am a Seattleite and a serious coffee consumer. I recently purchased this machine at Starbucks for $999.99 and it was worth every penny.I was at first worried that it would be too cumbersome and difficult to be a worthwhile investment. I was very happy to find that it as as easy as brewing a pot of coffee to use. The digital screen tells you when to add more coffee, water or to empty the grounds bin. It rinses intself during the heating process (which you can program to be automatic)and during shut off. You really only have to presteam and post to keep the nozzle clear. Beans are easiest to use. Preground is an option, but it can only load enough for two brews. Place your cups on top for warming on the preset option -what a joy to wake up to on a rainy morning.
Purchase a taller stainless steamer and a thermometer and you'll be all set.
January 2010 repairs were expensive ($350) whe the central interior compenent misaligned itself. And it took months to get it back.
Want DeLonghi Magnifica EAM 3400 Super Automatic Espresso Machine Discount?
I bought my magnifica in 2007 and am still just as in love with it today as I was back then. Although it is automatic, you can adjust the espresso setting to your own personal taste (I like mine strong!) and you can also steam your own milk unlike other delonghi machines that steam the milk for you.To the reviewer who said they cannot adjust the amount of froth...you can! I actually never use the frothing attachment. I have more control over aerating my milk without it and I always end up with the most beautiful foam on my lattes (better than any coffeehouse I have been to).
One word of caution about the steam wand: Make sure the black tip is SECURE on the steam wand. I'm not talking about the frothing attachment, I'm talking about the black piece that is under the frothing attachment. If it is not secured onto the steam wand properly it will pop off. It's not only scary when this happens but messy as well. Also, if it comes off when your milk is nearly steamed you could also potentially burn yourself. That is the only thing I am not entirely pleased with in regards to this machine...but other than that I love it. It's expensive but well worth the money :)
No comments:
Post a Comment