Crew Review: DeLonghi BAR32

[@frankhoffman3566]

I found one of these at a thrift store. I expected it had scaling issues, so I first sent some diluted white vinegar through it and then a tank of distilled water. I have been using distilled water since then for my espressos. Seattle is right about the foam - good quality. It also produces a fairly good layer of crema in a double shot - so my cappuccinos have a great look. If I have a complaint it's that the espresso tastes a bit weak. I've tried a bunch of different methods, but I can't get it as strong as my non-pressurized machine (which produces only a dribble of crema). Overall, if you want to begin experimenting with espresso coffees, this machine is pretty good. It does however leave you wanting a few more settings - like shot strength.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

To diagnose, I'd try the following: Run water through the brew head without anything engaged - what is the water flow like? If the water flow is coming out just fine, I'd put the portafilter in (no coffee) and see how that flow is - markedly changed? If it's super slow, something is up with the basket; if it's just fine, I'd try it with coffee ... if that is super slow, then it's your grind. - Kat

[@cweric]

i gotta say that i'm really satisfied with this machine, i've bough it almost 10 years ago and still running pretty fine. got it once to repair for a loose welding inside after about 4 years then running fine. and you still able to find some on the internet so it's a good deal i'd say.

[@danjv]

I just watched a vid on how to convert this to non-preasurized pretty easily. If you wish you can return to preasuruzed. So perhaps Delonghi though to offer a little bit more with this very reasonability priced machine. I believe the conversion will work with all Delonghi preasuruzed portafilters

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Most machines under the $500 mark are going to have pressurized portafilters and it'll be tough to get great, amazing shots from them. We actually just did a huge round of comparison tests on all our low end machines and we got pretty good results ... but we were admittedly using high end grinders (that's the most important element). Check the Saeco machines which you can upgrade to non-pressurized ... or get into a Silvia or CC1. - Kat

[@AaronScoones]

Speaking of recycling, somebody left one of these on the side of the road in front of their house, so I scooped it up, gave it a clean and just brewed a couple shots. It works perfectly!! (or as it should, anyway, lol) Realize now that its missing the double shot basket... wonder if those are available somewhere... but yeah! thanks for the great video! I feel that I can now do more good than damage with it!

[@helpfulnatural]

Great score!

[@esod8285]

It's really easy to get a regular 8mm head and put it on the milk steamer and it actually makes a pretty good wand

[@razvan43]

I have a DeLonghi EC190,almost like this one with 15 bar pressure and I use it from 2008.Not a problem so far and I really use it every day.So for me it works and seems pretty durable.

[@MsKitchenaid]

You should talk more about the COFFEE HOLDER -- the inside FILTER TRAY got a nob underneath which need to be unscrew/open a little bit, so the liquid can drain down -- I cleaned the thing and screwed back tide (which should be slightly untied) - when I brew coffee, no coffee liquid come out - finally my handy-husband figured it out that I twisted the nob too tied The machine I got is a passed down one - and I don't have the machine manual. I called Delonghi, they said that they will call back getting someone to help me ... NO ONE CALLED BACK the next 2 days. I hope with my little experience will help someone to trouble shoot his/her coffee machine.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yeah, you don't really dial them in the same way because they have pressurized baskets. We have a video about dialing in your shot for a pressurized portafilter which you might want to check out re: improving your shot's flavor, etc. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@cweric That is great to hear!!! Thanks for sharing that with folks :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@domjenick These are really small boiler machines so you could be trying to steam too much and over heating the machine. You generally need to do each drink uniquely -- steam milk, cool it down, pull shots, then go again. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@browala You could try switching brands of coffee and also tweaking the tamp you're doing a bit; the freshness of the coffee will be the big thing, too. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@tadoubleg Wait, you said that the shots come out both quickly and slowly? The excess steam sounds wrong to me but the post shot 'explosion' is normal on these machines unless you let the PF sit in there for awhile and slowly depressurize. But excess steam may be something up with the element - machine is too hot - Kat

[@lifeintravel]

lovely review from lovely ladies. thanks

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

It's really just a design decision; they perform the same. If you check out our blog and search for delonghi, you'll see a side by side table comparison review we did a couple of months ago. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@emmansadorra It could be that the pre-ground is not fine enough? That's the only thing I could think of changing to increase the coffee flavor. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Of these smaller machines, they're all very similar in regard to sound. They use the same pumps and are similar sizes, so the noise they make is almost indistinguishable from each other. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

It will work with ESE pods, yes; the shots aren't exceptional, but if you're mixing with milk, etc., you probably won't notice much of a difference. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@marcin97 I think it's a tough call; it's mostly aesthetics, larger water reservoir, etc. Otherwise, they seem to perform very similarly re: shot/steam quality. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Practice practice practice :) the loud noise is really just a virtue of wand positioning. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Crema issue is most likely your coffee; if isn't super-fresh, that's the cause. Machines are not the crema-factor :) Try getting something super freshly roasted and experimenting; you might find that it is much better at producing a shot that way. Let me know how it goes! - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@DansaMinCancer Oh yeah? How are you liking yours? Any tips/tricks you can share? - Kat

[@catduqu83]

I'm excited! I ordered this machine and i think it's being delivered today! Yippy! & I'm only going to be paying $53 after the $20 from delonghi. :)

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Hello John, The Delonghi EC155 and Delonghi BAR32 are very similar machines and choosing one over the other is more of an aesthetic personal preferences, as the BAR32 looks a little retro while the EC155 has more of a traditional look. Information on the EC155 can be found here: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/delonghi-ec155-espresso-maker and info on the BAR32 can be found here: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/delonghi-bar32-retro-pump-driven-espresso-maker. I hope this helps! - Sarah

[@miked1120]

+Seattle Coffee Gear; Have you had a chance to try the Delonghi EC220.OD? It seems similar to the Bar 32 and EC155.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@DOitTOtheCROWD You definitely want to have cold milk for your frothing; it will result in better microfoam. If you can chill your pitcher, too, that will also be beneficial. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

We have played with a lot of the DeLonghi superautos ... they're nice! I don't know about that specific model but in general the DeLonghi supers are ... well, super (sorry) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@therealFranzpan Yeah - it's just the size of the boiler, not that it's single, it's just tiny. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

No; you don't need to tamp unless your grind is too coarse or if the coffee is older ... as it ages, you might need to. In general, you don't need to - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Small footprints ... Delonghi EC155 (really any of their single boilers), Saeco Aroma, Saeco Via Venezia, Saeco Poemia, Breville 840XL ... they all have the smallest footprints. Or you could go with a capsule espresso machine -- the Nespresso Citiz or Pixie models are tiny. - Kat

[@laurenfrancisco5812]

I received one as a hand me down. Video helped so much. Thank you!

[@scottadler]

The problem turned out to be the thousand or so TINY holes below the basket. They filled with tiny particles. I had to use a needle to poke through all of the holes by hand. It now works!

[@mzdivadonna27]

I really appreciate you post. I'm new to making espresso, so I figured for the price this was a good machine to start with. However, I didn't realize the crema dispersion was not automatic kinda like a coffe maker. My question is how do you know when to turn the machine off or how much is enough for a shot? Thanks again!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@GreekNastyBoy Practice practice practice! :) Gail has been frothing milk for years -- so have a little patience with yourself ;) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@mzdivadonna27 A single shot is 1 - 1.5 oz (depending on your preference, really). Let me know if you have any other questions - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Johanvideo525 Yeah, they are good for what they are, definitely! :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

It's common that this is their lifetime and they're built around that expectation -- also that people will replace rather than repair, so they don't even sell parts for these smaller machines. - Kat

[@reneegonzalez6005]

Thank you for saying that is half way or a bit lower than half to use the brother..

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

To cool the machine down between the steam temp and the brew temp - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@catduqu83 Awesome! Hope you enjoy it :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I don't know specifically, as we shot this awhile ago .... we cycle through a lot of different local roasters, though. - Kat

[@countingthecosttofollowChrist]

The water tank ran out, and I didn't realize it until there was no water. I put in more water but now nothing comes out . I think this is called a dry run. Can you tell me what to do? I love, love my machine. Please tell me that I didn't break it.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Awesome! - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@marcin97 The BAR32 has about an inch more clearance than the EC155. - Kat

[@DOitTOtheCROWD]

I just got this machine. I've never made the stuff at home but I'm open to learning. My first attempt was a dismal failure at best. I used a cold cup and poured WAAAAY too much of a shot into it. Thanks for posting this and putting noobs like me on the proper path. One question though: when you froth the milk, should the milk be cold, or warmed up to room temp before frothing?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@mnix96 We don't carry that machine, so no demo - sorry! - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@skoredreng I agree! It just takes some practice I think :) - Kat

[@theblackrosexx]

Please please please do a video on how to froth with this machine! I'm having a hard time figuring it out & just keep ending up with hot milk!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yay!!! Great to hear :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheTraumaFactor Ha - nice ;) - Kat

[@scottadler]

I would also raise the cup by at least an inch by placing the cup on something like an upside down tuna can -- it will result in hotter coffee. (Espresso loses heat very, very rapidly as it drips from the spout.)

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I don't know either of these machines so I can't give you any feedback on them - sorry - Kat

[@AlohaMilton]

I just got the EC220CD and would love a review of it. I am wondering, why does it have pressure valves on its baskets? A guide on pressurized vs. non pressurized baskets and a how to on depressurizing baskets such as the Delonghi would be a great help to many new budget Espresso makers. I suspect it would eventually lead to many new midrange customers. If they can get a good pull from a machine like this they will start thinking about upgrading soon after that. I know I am. Pulling the valve assembly out allowed me to start adjusting grind size and tamping for extraction flavor and crema production. Before that the machine was seriously !#!@!!!! me off! I suspect a pressurized basket can kill crema by crushing the bubbles of CO2 extracted from the coffee. I imagine the fluid dynamics are that the pressurized fluid expands leaving the screen and makes bubbles in an unpressurized basket, and in a pressurized one the fluid leaves the screen without expanding as much and loses pressure at the flat slot of the open valve producing almost no crema. After I removed the valve on my 2 cup basket, I have crema. Like, allot. 2-3 times seen in this video. So happy I am going to buy a spare portafilter and make a naked one for my machine to see what is really going on. I use a Breville DCP grinder, it cost twice what I paid for the EC220, worth every penny. A 5-7 setting is nice on the EC220CD, I am still dialing it in but this evenings cup at home was awesome. Chocolate and cream and hint of something like a pure ripe lemon extraction cut with spring water to be just perfectly bitter and sweet without sugar. The first few cups I made with the EC220 were absolute bilge, thrown in the sink, the second days attempts were all over the place, this is the third day and thankfully I have found a sweet spot and am starting to love the machine. But a cheaper machine means far more work to get it right, it seems. Even overcoming some very odd design features like the pressurized basket, that seems to make everything awful and wrong as the espresso comes out :o/ Am I mistaken on that? What the heck is the reason for the pressure valve on the baskets on this machine?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

IMHO, it's a design decision ... their functionality is almost identical. - Kat

[@coolcoolcool8916]

👍 thank you very much

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Coffee makers or espresso machines? - Kat

[@samashley1859]

Thank you so much for this video. I just purchased the Bar32 at Macy's as it was on sale for Black Friday. Your steam came out MUCH better than mine. When I turn the steam on the machine makes a high-pitched screaming noise and some steam DOES come out, but milk was not frothy. By the time I was out of steam, the milk was just a little more than "milky". Any ideas?

[@Lilmomo991]

Thanks Gail.

[@DoWuatYaWant]

Oh and i just bought the machine. Your video helped to figure it out. Also ill b doing shots ofnespresso and it came out light. Any suggestion on coffe brands?. I see alot of dofferent coffee at wholefoods.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Hello DoWuatYaWant, We offer a variety of locally roasted coffee here: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/coffee-tea. It all depends on your taste too. If you like a darker roast, I suggest Middle Fork Roaster's Full City Espresso: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/middle-fork-roasters-full-city-espresso-whole-bean. If you like a lighter roast, I suggest Velton's Coffee Bonsai Blend Espresso: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/velton-s-coffee-bonsai-blend or Equator Coffee Tigerwalk Espresso: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/equator-coffee-tigerwalk-espresso. I hope this helps! - Sarah

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@domjenick Really just design; they seem to perform very similarly in regard to frothing and shot production, it's just a design decision IMHO - Kat

[@emmansadorra]

Hi Kat and Gayle! I got this machine for Christmas and I'm a bit frustrated because I can't seem to pull a strong enough shot for my latte. I use Lavvazza brand espresso pre-grund coffee. I try to mimic everything Gayle does in this video but the end result just tastes like hot milk :/ I like really bold, strong-tatsing coffee. Any tips? Is it the brand of coffee I'm using?

[@TheTraumaFactor]

Delonghi makes some GREAT machines, plus its italian, like me!. except im more jersey shore Italian ;)

[@mattweeks]

at Macy's site it says: "Works with illy brand and other E.S.E. pods, or regular ground coffee" - what is your assessment? Will it work with those? That would make it a much more convenient item for, say, a small office. -thx Matty

[@mnix96]

Nice but can you please please do the delonghi ec702? I just bot it ad I was wondering how good it will work

[@waltherpfive]

I just bought this machine, hope I can learn to work it as well as you. I have read that the plastic frother tip is easy to strip, is there any way to replace it with something better?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

It's a double; we always pull doubles :) - Kat

[@ivperri4148]

Very useful!

[@AndrewLee1]

I have seen your review of this machine along with many others, but I don't get a sense that you'd like to compare them. I am looking at buying an inexpensive machine for my desk at work, and saw this, and the Capresso 303 that you reviewed. Could you give me an idea of which is a better machine, or the one that gives a better crema from the coffee?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Hello Andrew Lee, We actually did film a comparison video on machines under $300 that you might find helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ-9iGeKjMiZmNU. However if you are deciding between the Delonghi BAR32 and Capresso 4-cup (303), I would go with the BAR32 if you want true espresso. The Capresso 4-Cup is more like Moka pot coffee; it's not true espresso and it's not true drip coffee. ~ Sarah

[@marcin97]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Is there any other difference than cosmetics between these two units (BAR32 and EC155)? I'm torn between the two. Which would you recommend? Thank you!

[@eblocrock]

Great video! Which coffee did you use to get the crema? I have this machine and have tried several different blends and grinding-levels but I can never seem to produce much crema.

[@burakb1317]

Hi Gail, My Bar32 's ok light is turning off 20 seconds after i start to brew. Is itok?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I've never been able to get it right on this guy ... - Kat

[@bullitt773]

Is it required that you tamp with a pressurized system? The reason I ask is because I purchased a ground espresso that seems to be so fine that it just barely drips out.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yeah, these little machines can take a lot of practice and patience! :-) Check out the comments from BurntFossil on the EC155 crew review video (go to our channel and search for EC155 to find it). He does an excellent job explaining how he foams milk on the EC155, which is very similar to this machine. -Kaylie

[@bipolarchick26]

what's the difference btwn the EC155 and the Bar32? I'm planning to buy an espresso machine, that is affordable, and i'm so lost on what to get...

[@niacal4nia]

I've switched to a hand held frother with rechargeable batteries. I use the microwave to heat the milk to 160 and then froth which takes less than 2 minutes. Do you have anything against those hand held frothers? By the way my Italian Delonghi is made in China.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Hello niacal4nia, We have nothing against the hand held frothers and actually offer the Bodum Schiuma on our webiste: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/bodum-schiuma-milk-frother. - Sarah

[@arkasza2007]

Ok and one more question :P Ariete Roma Deluxe 1329 VS Zelmer CM-2004M I know that both can be unpopular in America but if you can help please :))

[@bullitt773]

Kat, in this video is that a single or double shot?

[@scottadler]

Yeah, well mine doesn't work at all. It takes up to five minutes for coffee to fill half of an espresso cup, and the rest of the coffee has seeped into the handle and dripped onto the counter. It happens whether I tamp or not, whether I use coarse or fine grind. What's the problem?

[@tadoubleg]

Hello. I just got a brand new one of these for christmas, and when I prime it, a ton of steam comes out of the grouphead area (even with the portafilter attached). When I try to pull the shots, it will take way longer than it did for Gail, and liquid will only come out after the OK light goes off. The "shots" come out really fast despite me using a properly fine grind and an actual tamper. There's also a steam explosion when I remove the portafilter. Am I doing something wrong or is it broken?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@antsp1 It is serviceable! :D - Kat

[@ragnarocking]

Im pretty new to espresso machines and just purchased a different model Delonghi. What was the reason for purging the steam wand prior to pulling the shot? Thanks

[@JohnVKaravitis]

This machine or DeLonghi's EC155?

[@GreekNastyBoy]

nice cream you did. I can't make it with my ec155 :(

[@SarmedQadeer]

When I make the espresso, the coffee comes out in a very light color and taste watery. After I pour it in the frothy milk it has no taste. What are possible explanations for the poor outcome? I am not pleased with the machine. If it is not to much to ask can you make a tutorial for make a latte or a cappuccino with the BAR32. Thanks, a new coffee drinker

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

This could be due to the coffee itself - change up the grind (finer), increase the dose and make sure that it's freshly roasted. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

We have a video about dialing in shots using a pressurized portafilter that you should check out … it uses another machine, but it is the same theory / approach as with your model. You will need to use coffee that is ground more finely than other coffee preparations, so if yours looks like what you might put into a drip coffee maker or french press, you need to go finer. Hope that helps! :) - Kat

[@GwenCoonen]

When you do want to add 'taste' to your frothed milk..halfway of the process you should push it in a bit deeper. This way it pushes the sugar of the milk in the foam..which makes it taste like you added sugar to it , does take some practise ;-) It's a bit of a hassle, although I have the predeccessor of this machine (DeLonghi Caffé Tosca), throughout the years I've had decent shots from it. For the money I'm pretty pleased with it, though like you say, it needs some practise to make the frothed milk and it isn't always concistent :)

[@DoWuatYaWant]

Hi. How many times could i use the ground coffe that is in the handle filter?. I mainly want it for espresso.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Hello DoWuatYaWant, For the best flavor, it is recommended that you only brew through each espresso puck once. - Sarah

[@domjenick]

whats the difference between this and eco310? better taste?

[@marcin97]

Is the clearance for the cup larger or the same as in EC155?

[@arkasza2007]

When I will take panarello off can I do a milk for latte art then?

[@aarazuk]

Nice cofeee!!!! I have this machine too!!!!

[@domjenick]

we bought delonghi ec820 today, but after i made coffee with frothed milk machine stops working, lights r flashing and it says in book that temperature is too high, then after few mins it cools down or if we rinse it, it always happen after uding frother especially when we make a really hot milk, is it normal, does it happen in many machines? or should i return this one, as if i will make one coffee with hot milk for me, then i need to wait few mins before i dont next one....

[@cicciottobiscotto5070]

Hi, my bar32 drips a lot of water out while waiting for the green light to turn on (hence while heating up the water). If I leave my portafilter on, then I get a water-ish coffee. However, if I wait for the heating to be done and then put the portafilter on, the machine runs fine besides the fact that the pipes (I guess) are now empty and the pump runs dry for the first 5 or 7 seconds, before actually pushing out some water. Any clue on how can I fix this? :)

[@gregson99]

yeah there is a spring up there that needs a little stretching out:) uncrew the part where water comes out and then unscrew the next part up. should be a flat head for that one. then a spring and stopper will fall out. find your best method for elongating that spring out some without damaging it by going too far. Worked for me so far.

[@scottadler]

I would heat the milk in the microwave before frothing. Otherwise, by the time the froth is ready, it's almost all water.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Probably too much! ;) - Kat

[@NetRolller3D]

AKA the EC155 in a new plastic shell

[@AttitudeXX0854961]

soooo.... EC155 or BAR32??

[@missbranchez]

A puzzle ring!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@waltherpfive Not that we know of, no. Sorry :( - Kat

[@lutfiramly4168]

Just found this video. Woww

[@Warrenff5]

My view of delonghi is partial. I bought a machine from the that didn't work.