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KitchenAid is best-known for its food mixers, fridges, and microwaves. However, this American brand also has 3 coffee grinders to its name- and they all have an incredible track record of performance and reliability. Of the 3, the KCG0702CS is the top-rated. While this may seem objective, CoffeeVerdict believes this is one of the best solidly-built grinders in 2019.
The Delonghi EC702 was among the pre-flagship espresso and cappuccino machines of Delonghi in the 2000s. This unit is still one of the most sought after and reviewed models in 2020 nearly two decades after its debut.
This is a solidly built unit boasting the lowest price on Amazon. It also has an impressive feedback as far as the quality of its shots is concerned.
In this Delonghi EC702 review, CoffeeVerdict sheds light on this machine’s strengths and a few usability issues that are worth knowing beforehand.
Delonghi EC702 is Best For:
- Beginners- this product’s ease of use makes it ideal for espresso and cappuccino lovers who are learning the ropes.
- Anyone looking for an inexpensive super-automatic espresso machine with primer qualities.
- Household users who prefer the versatility of using ground coffee as well as espresso pods.
- Non-commercial uses with minimal espresso and cappuccino production needs.
Delonghi EC702 Specs:
| Brand | Delonghi |
| MPN | EC702 (USA), EC710 (in Europe) |
| Size | 11 (L) by 9.1 (H) by 11.6 (W) inches |
| Weight | 11.5 pounds |
| Pressure | 15 Bar |
| Coffee Type | Compatibility Grounds, ESE Pods |
| Portafilter size | 51mm |
| Heating Element | Stainless Steel boiler |
| Reservoir size | Yes |
| Size of water tank | 44 ounces |
| Beverage Type | Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte |
| Frother | Yes, Pannarello |
| Price | Budget |
Check Delonghi EC702 Price on Amazon
No assembly necessary
Most coffee machines come fully assembled and ready to use right off the bat. The Delonghi EC702 isn’t any different. This model will arrive nicely packaged and heavily protected in Styrofoam to minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
Besides the espresso machine, the package will also include;
- A pressurized portafilter
- 2 easy-serve espresso (ESE) holders (for 1 and 2 espresso shots)
- A scoop
- Cleaning solution
- Manual
Above-average construction design for its price tag
As we reviewed the Delonghi EC702 espresso maker, the very first thing that grabbed our attention was its approx. 80% metal and 20% plastic construction materials. Honestly, this hardy build does not come easy in most cheap espresso machines.
This machine’s sturdy construction extends to its internal components too. The Delonghi EC702 uses pretty much the same internals that you’d find on a modern super-automatic device such as the Delonghi ESAM3300.
Most of the significant components, including the group head, boiler, and filter basket, are made of metal. Importantly, the EC702 uses a metallic tube to get steam from the boiler to the frothing wand, while most of Delonghi’s newer and way pricier models use plastic tubes. Although both of these work just fine, the metallic tube of the EC702 speaks volumes about its construction quality, especially at its price.
Check Delonghi EC702 Price on Amazon
Size Considerations- how big is it?
The Delonghi EC702 espresso maker measures 11 (L) by 9.1 (H) by 11.6 (W) inches and weighs around 11.5 pounds. It’s not the bulkiest machine in the market, but you still need to double-check the available space on your kitchen counters.
Of most importance, this model’s 44-ounce water reservoir is on the left panel. When adding water, you’ll need to slide the tank out diagonally since it can’t be accessed from the top. So, as you consider its width space requirement, ensure that there is an additional 4-6’’ space on the left for easy refills. In short, you need to have 16-18’’ of width space wherever you intend to place it.
Going through the hundreds of reviews on Amazon, our review team didn’t find any complaint directly linked to the size of this machine. So, it’s safe to argue that it’s a non-issue for most current users.
Key Features of the Delonghi EC702 Espresso Machine
Fresh Grounds or Espresso Pods- what do you prefer?
It’s a well-known fact: the only way to a perfect espresso shot is by using freshly ground coffee beans in the first place. That’s why any serious espresso and cappuccino lover will want to accompany this machine with the best burr coffee grinder in 2020 reviews.
However, when convenience is the key word, an espresso maker that uses easy-serve Espresso (ESE) pods is hard to beat.
Good news, despite having the lowest price on Amazon, the Delonghi EC702 offers both of these options. As such, you can take your time and grind your coffee to perfection when you badly need a nicely pulled barista-quality espresso shot. When time is not on your side, simply throw in a single or double-shot pod and enjoy your beverage with minimal hassle and with less cleaning to do.
Pressurized Portafilter
A key selling component that we can’t fail to highlight in this Delonghi EC702 review is the pressurized portafilter. What is that?
Now, espresso coffee machines can use a pressurized or non-pressurized basket. Although these portafilters look very similar, the pressurized model lets the coffee through a tiny hole at the bottom. As such, it requires a lot of pressure to push the coffee out of the holding area.
The chief advantage here is that the water stays in contact with the grounds a little longer. This leads to better flavor extraction and richer crema. Also, our review team finds this portafilter much more ‘forgiving,’ especially when using a blade or a low-end burr coffee grinder that’s not so good on consistency.
On the other hand, since a non-pressurized portafilter brews directly into the cup, inconsistent coffee grounds easily lead to poor flavor extraction.
Professional 15-Bar Pressure Pump
This espresso machine’s pressurized basket wouldn’t mean anything if it didn’t have a powerful pump to match. As such, its 15-bar pressure pump is a noteworthy component here.
Pannarello Milk Frother- ill-positioned but functional
For such an inexpensive espresso and cappuccino maker, it’s awe-inspiring that there is a milk frother on board. For starters, this eliminates the need for purchasing a standalone milk frother.
What’s more appealing in this review, however, is that the Delonghi EC702 uses a separate thermostat for the steamer and water. The essential advantage here is that your espresso will be brewed at the perfect temperature each time. Also, thanks to the 2 thermostats, you can froth your cold milk as your espresso brews, thereby saving time.
The major downside of this wand is that it’s positioned right on the edge of the drip tray. So, after frothing, the milk drops will fall either on the body of the machine or on your table.
Some reviews on Amazon also claim that the wand has a limited angle. While this is true, we don’t think it will pose a lot of problems as there is plenty of space around the frother.
Delonghi EC702 Review: Pulling Your Shot
Another critical highlight in this review is that the Delonghi EC702 uses a boiler element as opposed to thermocoil or thermoblock heating technology. Let’s explain.
In a boiler, the machine has to heat all the water in the reservoir first before proceeding to the actual brewing process. Basically, it could take 10-15 minutes for the entire process.
On the other hand, machines with thermocoil and thermoblock heating elements heat only the required amount of water for each shot. Consequently, they are considerably fast and only take a couple of minutes (if not seconds).
To cut the time the Delonghi EC702, consider putting less water in the reservoir. Alternatively, you could simply turn it on and do something else as you wait for the water to heat up. Luckily, with the entire water in the reservoir heated, you’ll need a few seconds between successive shots.
Delonghi EC702 Pros & Cons
Pros 👍
✔ Pressurized portafilter
✔ Uses grounds and ESE pods
✔ Large and removable water reservoir
✔ Sturdy metallic construction
✔ Makes relatively minimal vibrations
Cons 👎
✘ Minimal brew customization
✘ Tamper is almost useless
✘ Uses a boiler
Our Verdict
The Delonghi EC702 may not be perfect, but it has a lot worth going for. This is a solidly-built, entry-level espresso maker for starters on budget. Its affordability aside, you’ll like that it accommodates both fresh grounds and ESE pods and it creates rich crema with each shot. It’s very easy to use too.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 51mm tamper will be ideal.
We believe so. Although its boiler takes up to 10 minutes to boil all the water in the reservoir, successive shots require a few seconds only. This allows you to brew several shots fast between each refill.
The frother has steaming function. So, always start with cold milk for excellent results.
This is a pump machine, so a bit of noise is to be expected. However, very few people find its noise output overwhelming.
Yes. You’ll get a 1-year warranty for a brand new model and 90 days for a refurbished one.