The DeLonghi Pump Espresso/Cappuccino Maker EC701 is a stylish and sophisticated machine capable of brewing single shot, double-shot or pod espresso coffee quickly and efficiently.

This unit is styled in stainless steel with a combination of matte and glossy finishes for an absolutely stunning effect. A few components (control panel, drip tray, and top trim edges) are made from plastic. This unit utilizes a stainless-steel boiler heating system, which holds the water at a constant temperature.

The machine consists of a 9-1/10-inch wide by 11-1/10-inch deep by 11-3/5-inch tall base; removable 44-ounce clear water tank; removable front-access drip tray; swiveling steam frothing wand; attached tamping device; regular and pod-filter holders; and built-in cup warming area. Three pushbutton control switches activate the heating (On/Off); turn on the pump (Brew); and start a steam preheat cycle. A separate rotary dial switches the machine to steam mode.

For all functions, you first need to preheat the boiler system. The recommended preheat time for this unit is 15 minutes and we achieved the best results when we allowed the unit to fully warm up. This yields the hottest espresso with the maximum amount of crema. If you are in a hurry, there is a rapid preheat cycle. This takes about a minute and a "ready" indicator light signals that the correct temperature has been reached.

Using pump pressure, the DeLonghi EC701 delivers a steaming (170 degrees Fahrenheit) cup of dark, rich espresso in about 20 seconds. A double shot (or two single shots) takes about 35 seconds. The pump makes a low rumbling noise but certainly nothing we'd consider bothersome. We liked the press-and-release control buttons, which give you the ability to start and stop the pump as needed. Each button clicks into position and remains in the locked position until you release it by pressing the button again.

There are two filter holders -- one for regular ground espresso coffee and one for E.S.E. pods. The ground coffee filter holder comes with a dual-function filter sieve, which can be filled with one scoop of ground coffee (to produce a single shot of espresso) or two scoops (to produce two individual cups or a double shot). We obtained the best results when the sieve was filled to the top (approximately 12 grams) and gently tamped using the machine's special tamping tool.

For cappuccinos, lattes and other coffee beverages, the unit has a patented frothing wand. An extra preheat step is required to deliver steam through the frother. Once the system is properly heated for steam (less than two minutes), the ready light glows. To generate steam, you need to turn the steam release dial after immersing the top of the frothing wand in a pitcher of cold milk. Frothing is quick and easy with the special wand. You can also dispense a very hot (175 degrees Fahrenheit) cup of water by opening the steam nozzle and pressing the pump button at the same time.

Other features include dual thermostats so the brew and steam functions always operate at the correct temperature, and a handy cup warming rack at the top of the machine.

The DeLonghi Pump Espresso Maker EC701 is an attractive and functional machine that produces delicious espresso, cappuccino and other specialty coffee drinks with considerable ease.


Pros: Pump driven system with stainless-steel boiler, two filter holders (ground coffee & pod coffee), separate thermostats for steaming and brewing, expert frothing wand
Cons: Longer preheat time (15 minutes)

Warranty
1 year, limited