DeLonghi ESAM5500M Perfecta Digital Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Metallic Blue Review

I am surprised that I am the first reviewer of this great machine.I just received mine yesterday.I bought it from another vender, but since I typically do most of my shopping via Amazon I thought I would share my experience thus far.Overall, this Super-Automatic is simple to use and makes great coffee, lattes, and cappuccino's.My advice though....WATCH THE DVD BEFORE USING!!!I thought I had this thing in the bag.. how difficult could it be to use??....Well it isn't difficult to use, but there are a few things I did that had I watched the video all the way through I would not have done.For example, when setting how fine or coarse you want the beans you have to adjust the dial one notch at a time while the grinder is running (still doesn't make sense to me).I paused the video before waiting for the lady to finish talking on the topic and just moved it a few notches towards fine...oops!Oh well,doesn't seem to have adversely effected anything, but now I know.Contrary to reviews I have read of super-auto's, the burr grinder on this one is quiet when running. On a scale of 1-10 where 10 is extremely loud and 1 is basically silent I would rate this machine a 5 and my Cuisinart Grind and brew (the one that hold like a pound of beans) an 8.I was actually expecting something much louder.

Build Quality-I would have to say I am impressed with the looks of this machine and its fit and finish.I am sure some people will complain of the amount of plastic, but seeing how this thing already weighs over 20lbs.why add more weight.I thought about the Gran Dama, but honestly this machine is better.

Coffee- I was also considering the Jura Z5 because I read good things, but the price was a stretch.Granted, this machine isn't cheap either.I believe that I made the right choice.The espresso is great.I do wonder though what it tasted like from the factory, but since I changed the settings prematurely I will never know...ha!The Milk pitcher is ingenious...BRAVO!Latte's and Cappuccino's are a breeze and let me tell you this machine makes both very well.Sure a semi-auto can do better, but really I do not want to do the extra steps.As it is, Starbucks does not compare.I have read reviews that state the Gran Dama latte's can be cold.I have to admit, the first one I made was, but after I made a couple and utilized the cup warmer they were perfect.I bought the Cinnamon Dolce syrup from Starbucks and I downed to many lattes....probably explains why at 0209 EST I am still up and writing this review.

My Opinion-If you are in the market for a super-automatic I would say give this one a consideration.I bought this machine from a place that has probably the best return policy of all retailers, so if something does go wrong I will take it right back for another.Regardless, the people at Delonghi are great and I was amazed that as soon as I pushed (1) I was talking to a person almost immediately.I will probably just purchase the extended warranty from the manufacturer and extend the 2 years to 4...Extra $150.That is all for now.Look for an update in a couple months.**UPDATE** 3/24/10

Well I overworked the first one, but the place I bought it from gladly took it back and ordered me another one.I made nearly 2,000 cups of coffee in 4 months with the first one.I have made nearly 1000 with the one I have now, but it seems to be holding up fine.As far as recommending it I still would.I love this machine.It is so nice that I can make everything Starbucks does without having to pay them $4 for every cup.I have basically every syrup they have and all my guests rave about the Delonghi.It is a lot of money to spend on a coffee maker, but I would do it again.

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Product Description:
Brew cafe-quality espresso, cappuccino, latte, and more with this super-automatic home espresso machine. The unit's user-friendly control panel with digital programmable menu settings allows for choosing from five coffee-strength settings--extra-mild, mild, regular, strong, and extra strong, as well as the cup size, from small (ristretto) to large (American coffee). The electronic control panel also makes it easy to adjust the start time, one- to three-hour automatic shut-off, clock, temperature of the coffee, and water hardness. In addition, an integrated lower-pitch conical burr grinder offers 13 grind settings for adjusting the fineness for all types of beans, and the beans grind right before brewing to ensure consistently fresh, aromatic espresso or coffee. The unit's Direct-to-Brew System with Thermoblock technology ensures excellent heat distribution, while its 15 bars of pressure and double boiler with espresso boiler means no waiting between frothing milk and brewing espresso. Adjust the height of the coffee spout for brewing directly into espresso, demitasse, or 12-ounce cups.
For perfect cappuccino and latte, simply place the included 25-ounce milk container under the nozzle and press the button for quick frothing or steaming. The amounts of frothed/steamed milk and coffee can be adjusted, and the milk container can go in the refrigerator for storing leftovers. The espresso machine's removable 60-ounce water tank with a water-level indicator fills easily at the sink, and its removable used-coffee container and drip tray offers convenient cleaning and easy disposal of coffee waste (14 single espresso or 7 double espresso). Other highlights include a built-in water filter, an instant reheat function, a hot-water spout, a 7-ounce coffee-bean container, and a warming plate on top for preheating cups, as well as an automatic-decalcification indicator light, an automatic push-button cleaning function, and dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup. The 1350-watt espresso machine measures 17-1/2 by 11-1/7 by 14-7/8 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
From the Manufacturer
In addition, the espresso machine offers a unique direct-to-brew system that includes an integrated burr grinder with adjustable fineness settings that automatically grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. The unit also comes equipped with a patented single-touch cappuccino/latte system, which includes a 25-ounce milk container and a detachable container and lid. It can easily froth milk for cappuccinos or steam milk for lattes. Place the cup under the nozzle and press just one button, the unit will automatically deliver a perfect cappuccino or latte every time. The amounts of frothed/steamed milk and coffee are adjustable, and the entire container is detachable, so it can easily be placed in the refrigerator. A unique automatic cleaning function cleans with the push of a button and dishwasher-safe parts provide quick cleanup.
Another unique feature is the statistics function that displays lifetime use of the machine: how many coffees have been brewed, cappuccinos made, liters of water used, how many times you have decalcified the unit.Other highlights include a cup warmer, a 7.1-ounce bean container, 60-ounce removable water reservoir with a water-level indicator, 1-3 hour adjustable automatic shut-off, a hot water spout for tea or hot chocolate, and decalcification system indicates when it's time to clean the machine. Designed and engineered in Italy, the espresso machine measures 15 by 11 by 14 inches and carries a two-year warranty.
Features & Specifications

• Digital Programmable Menu Settings: Allow you to adjust start time, auto shutoff, clock, temperature of the coffee, and water hardness.
  
• Variable Coffee Strength: Five choices--extra-mild, mild, regular, strong, and extra-strong.
  
• Three Cup-Size Choices: ristretto (small), espresso (medium), and large (American coffee).
  
• What You Grind Is What You Brew: The compact and patented Direct-to-Brew System with Thermoblock technology provides excellent heat distribution, and it's removable for easy cleaning. The beans are ground instantly to ensure the freshest espresso or coffee.
  
• Serious Pressure: 15 bars of pressure.
  
• Patented Single-Touch Cappuccinos and Lattes: The system includes a 25-ounce milk container and a detachable lid and container. It can froth milk for cappuccinos or steam milk for lattes. It also includes a unique automatic cleaning function with the easy push of a button. Plus, the entire container is detachable, so it can easily be placed in the refrigerator.
  
• Easy Cleanup: All parts are dishwasher-safe.
  
• Professional-Quality Conical Burr Grinder: Integrated burr grinder produces consistent, fresh, and aromatic espresso or coffee. Grind settings allow you to adjust the fineness for all types of beans.
  
• Instant Reheat Function: Heats the core of the machine, ensuring that Perfecta maintains an ideal temperature for brewing.
  
• Decalcification System: Automatic decalcification indicator lets you know when it's time to clean the machine.
  
• Cup Warmer: Warming plate on top of the machine preheats your cups for the best results.
  
• Hot Water Spout: Ideal for tea or hot chocolate.
  
• Removable 1.8-Liter (60-Ounce) Water Tank: With water level indicator, allows for convenient filling and easy cleaning.
  
• Coffee Bean Container Capacity: 200 grams/7.10 ounces.
  
• Removable Used Coffee Container and Drip Tray: For convenient cleaning and easy disposal of coffee waste. 14 single espresso; 7 double espresso.
  
• Height-Adjustable Coffee Spouts: Adjustable spouts let you brew directly into espresso, demitasse, or 12-ounce cups.
  
• Non-stick grill plate is easy-to-clean

Brewing Unit: The "Heart" of Perfecta
Direct-to-Brew System
One of the secrets to making a high-quality espresso is using freshly ground coffee beans. Because of the direct-to-brew system, the Perfecta offers you coffee that has a delicious aroma. The coffee is freshly ground and no traces are left in the machine. Perfecta is the only super-automatic machine that delivers the freshest results.

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