Making Espresso Drinks with DeLonghi Espresso Maker

[@robertmills6772]

Really well done! Your step-by-step instructions were very easy to follow. Thank you!

[@SarahAmin-jl1bz]

I was recently gifted the ECP 35.31 - My first ever espresso maker! I was searching for 'how to' videos but nothing quite hit the mark until I came across your video. I know it's for the ECP 3240 BUT I think that it is pretty similar to the ECP35.31 in functionality. Thanks -just what I needed - A simple no technical jargon approach! :)

[@joeyborbe12]

This is the exact video guide I need. I get confused with these pro- terms some poeple are using. Thanks!

[@kevjames]

So glad to have helped you and a few others! All you have to do is practice! Practice makes progress!

[@memyselfi967]

Love your video. Thank you for being so detailed and showing everything you use as well as sharing where your got it. You made it seem easy. I want to try this drink now.

[@espressoyourself8679]

I bought this same machine! I love it so much and decided to start a KZbin channel making very nice drinks with it! You did a great review! My videos are coming soon!

[@allysonwyatt1780]

Yay I just ordered this espresso machine and loved watching your video! Thanks for the tips!

[@kevjames]

Awesome! So glad to hear and I hope you are enjoying your espresso drinks!

[@karlywallace2914]

Just got this machine! This video was exactly what I was hoping for! Thanks so much

[@rxonmymind8362]

The video was enjoyable. You didn't make it complicated. Thank you.

[@SteveK139]

Just got this machine as a gift and had no idea how to use it. This was great!

[@shirleywells2087]

Loved it thanks.

[@PaperLovenote]

Thank you so much for this video!!! Really helpful, and super easy to understand.

[@kevjames]

You're so welcome! So glad this was able to help you!

[@robingibson8494]

Im purchasing the Delonghi 15 bar espresso maker! Thank for the tutorial. My favorite drink is the White Chocolate Mocha.

[@sweettooth9435]

robin gibson hi, that is my favorite drink. I just purchased this machine. Can your share how you make it?

[@kevjames]

Awesome! Hope it's working out for you!

[@rgb2066]

The reason why your milk gets too foamy is because of how much air you’re letting into it when steaming…The more air you let in, the foamier it gets. If you want it to be more like a Latte or Mocha, don’t air your milk for more than a few seconds and try to create a little tornado by holding your pitcher sideways (we call it “microfoam”), otherwise you’ll end up with a cappuccino, which is alright, but if you’re aiming for a latte or a mocha, you basically want your milk to get this silky texture similar to fresh paint. I’m a barista and yes, our machines are extremely fancy and they’re meant for commercial use. When it comes to latte we only air the milk for 1-2 seconds for 8oz and 12oz, and 3-4 seconds for 16oz and 20oz (assuming we’re using regular milk), mainly because of how powerful our steam wands are, but for personal use machines it’s a whole different story. I personally don’t have a espresso machine at home, but I’m planning to get one soon (hence why I’m watching this video haha). I was actually looking for a Delonghi cos I’ve heard plenty of good things about them. Pro tip: If you want your steam wand to be way easier to handle and get better results, you might wanna take off that little tube thing that covers the wand. It isn’t really useful and it won’t let you have proper control of the way you air the milk

[@margljacoway]

Thank you so much fo the tutorial. I am new to making coffee drinks at home and this was a huge help

[@roniurbelo]

Good video, thanks for the tips... little cup under the milk pitcher and the spoon on top of the pitcher so that the foam does not come out 👍

[@kevjames]

Hi there! Glad you found that amusing / helpful! Anything to help us spare a few minutes while we multi-task with other important things in our lives!

[@tejidofacil]

You are a smart cookie😅. Thanks for that tip. I will also try it!

[@SwiftSean11]

This guy could sell anything with that hip voice.

[@drygordspellweaver8761]

Lol I can tell you’re a practical coffee drinker. Some things to point out: Gotta tap the porta filter to disperse the grinds evenly, then tamp it once and get it flush and even. Looks like you overfilled it here. The milk frothing - gotta purge the liquid out first- that’s why you’re getting huge bubbles. wand should be a little deeper too so it doesn’t stretch too intensely. Once the foaming is maximized, then submerge the wand so it stops stretching and let it run until it’s 65C. You are scorching the milk for sure here, which turns it into a cheesy admixture. This machine tends to pull really fast. A finer grind or smaller dose might help you get a fuller extraction.

[@g.e.1432]

I think you are supposed to purge the steamer wand to get the water out before frothing, so it is not watery. Those flavour syrups, though delicious, they pack a lot of calories 80 or more per serving.

[@chelanwilder2673]

How do you purge the steamer? Thank you!

[@g.e.1432]

@@chelanwilder2673, hi, sorry I'm not sure, I heard about it but don't know the exact process =(

[@lemon11227]

@@chelanwilder2673just steam it on a lower setting for a couple seconds with it pointed at your counter or an empty glass etc

[@annaczytanka4528]

Great video! BTW I love De'Longhi design. Perfection

[@elifykt]

This, sir, by far the best video I've ever watched on this topic 👍🏻

[@kevjames]

Wow that is the most surprising feedback I've ever expected to hear when I recorded this video.

[@Wilteevee]

Got 1 for Christmas 2021, followed written instructions and videos. Made noises and never made expresso! Oh yeah, the ONLY way to get the cup holder/handle fit was to have very few grounds in it...in the process of returning that lemon.

[@VideoIzzy]

Thanks, Kevin!

[@shannonandmattsopenmic3257]

many thanks, helped me out!

[@nxdboi]

Look up the "pro" method of use for this machine. It involves making a couple of inexpensive easy modifications to the machine, as well as slightly changing the method used. It performs much better using these techniques. Give it a try!

[@therealest57]

That’s physics for ya! I’m buying lol

[@LindseyDonfrio]

What type of espresso beans do you use? I have the same machine but can’t find the right beans that are strong enough.

[@Jescam187]

Love the review btw

[@jaimevalencia909]

Does milk get burnt if frothing that long.

[@AlexTapisevic]

Nice machine also very cheap for a Delongi, but that so not the way to steam milk you are supossed to use your hand to first feel the temperature, this cannot go up 65 degrees celcius, or the molecular structure of the milk changes altering its flavour and texture, second you have to put it in a 15 or 20 degree angle to form a little swirl that makes the milk to circulate, the point is making the milk silky and shinny and a bit thicker, but you dont want to create foam or bubbles, thats the barista way to do it, but at the end its your coffee.

[@joanniesoucy9440]

As a Barista, I completely agree with this. Also, swirl your milk after you finish steaming. This incorporates all the milk and foam together so it creates that nice "paint like" texture you're looking for ( If steamed correctly, the microfoam will coat the sides of the jug ) Happy steaming! :)

[@haynesdarlington792]

Thanks for your sharing. I too am beginning to make home brew espresso. I want to move on to bottomless portafilter brewing but not sure if the ECP 3420 can handle it.

[@danzorig2086]

Thanks!💕🌻

[@chianti95]

It’s not a great idea to leave the steamer running unattended. You get better results purging it first to eliminate any water buildup and then steaming at an angle. Also, delonghi says to not exceed one minute steaming. The water in the tank will dissipate and the boiler can overheat.

[@russellkeaton8702]

Well done.

[@kevjames]

Thanks Russell! Hope it was somewhat helpful!

[@josephbaker707]

I suppose your espresso was cold when you finally put it in your to go cup.

[@jessicafigueroa822]

On this specific model ( I just got mine yesterday) when placing the filter holder into the boiler outlet, how far do you have to turn it and is the handle supposed to be twisted all the way until it’s straight ? Because if I do that it gets harder to turn it in place and I’m afraid I’ll break it

[@kevjames]

You can trying packing the espresso a little tighter or use a little less espresso, and the wand will fit easier when turning. I generally turn the filter wand as tight as possible without applying too much pressure. Depending on how much espresso is in the filter, the wand doesn't always get turned all the way straight.

[@CourtneyinSF]

I love how straightforward this is! Thanks!

[@Christopherj1225]

I did your technique and didn’t realize that wand pushed down. Oops. I didn’t have an extra glass, so I used this metal tamper we had to put under the jug. It worked. Next time I’ll remember to push the wand down. How often are you changing out your coffee bags? I think my coffee is too old.

[@kevjames]

You got this Christopher! You learn as you go and as you practice. You definitely don't want to use old coffee... Ever... But the issue could be that you need to store it in an airtight container or a coffee bag that let's air out, but no air in. We go through one lb of espresso every 3-4 weeks I'd say and we are just storing it in the ice bucket you see pictured. I never feel the coffee tastes old or stale but we do buy the quality beans from Stone Creek out of Milwaukee.

[@a.hargrove1433]

So after you draw the espresso into the clear cup, are you turning the dial to "off" before steaming the milk? Thanks.

[@kaylaschregardus4062]

But how much water do you use for a shot?

[@ainelennon6098]

Where can I buy ese pods for same machine and which filter and what way do I put in pod. Thanks. Must have bought wrong coffee pods and can’t do it

[@Jescam187]

I thought you are supposed to put the milk first then the shot espresso. 🤔

[@Jlui83]

I just bought mine and started using it today. I noticed that when putting the portafilter into the slot it is very tight and take a lot of force to align it straight. Does it loosen up over time?

[@rileycrain5784]

I think it has to do with the coffee grind. I was using regular coffee from the store and it was super tight with 2 scoops, I switched it up and bought a grinder, I have a much finer grind now and it isn’t tight at all. Also I get better espresso now too.

[@kevjames]

Totally agree with Rileys comment here. The finer you go the less tight it feels, however I have found that going too fine can cause the machine to "jam" and not brew the espresso. I've had the best luck purchasing whole bean coffee and then grinding it myself at the finest grind setting on my Cuisinart burre grinder (must not be as fine as the coffee shops grind their beans for espresso)

[@LongTran-Spacebar]

For the same budget, would you recommend this or another one?

[@kevjames]

So sorry for the delayed response but for this budget this is the unit I recommend. It still works consistently.

[@JAVC1962]

What is the boiler made of; aluminium or stainless steel?

[@kevjames]

Hi J23, well I'm not sure I know what you mean of the boiler (I'm not an expert on this machine) but the frothing wand is made of stainless steel and so is the pitcher I use to hold and froth the milk. The canister that holds the water on this machine is plastic and I was assume when it heats up the water, the interior is stainless steel as well.

[@ainelennon6098]

Which filter is for the pods, no numbers on them. Where can I purchase pods for this machine. Thanks. Anne

[@bonniejohnson8730]

They're ese pods. I find on Amazon. Not many choices for these pods.

[@fredkerzic2568]

Whole milk or can I use 2% or soy?

[@franciscocollazo7863]

You can use either, but for best flavor, whole milk takes the gold.

[@kevjames]

I completely agree with Francisco on this one, however I typically use 2%. We have made drinks with soy, which works well also.

[@fredkerzic2568]

I just frothed a lactose-free, low sugar, high-protein chocolate milk by Fairlife...excellent!

[@Maroma5361]

So if I wanted to prepare two shots in two separate glasses at the same time, does that mean I need three glasses? So that I can use the third as a base for the frother ? And it still goes to the dishwasher afterwards? 😂😂 jk very informative video

[@kevjames]

Nice Mario! Haha! I know where you are getting at with this but for those who wonder... You can make a maximum of one 2oz shot of espresso or two 1oz shots of espresso simultaneously with this machine. 👌

[@mariaelenacamachonavarro9750]

Como puedo verlo en español

[@AjitPatel78]

Have you tried the Starbucks version white chocolate? Also in comparison, how does this compare to Starbucks peppermint white chocolate mocha?

[@kevjames]

Yes! That is why I decided to buy this machine. Starbucks Peppermint White Mocha is my favorite. Follow this method and use the Fontana brand White Chocolate Mocha sauce (with any Peppermint syrup... I use the Torani Peppermint) and you'll have a replica of the Starbucks version.

[@kevjames]

Hi Ajit, I reread your comment and realize you probably were referring to the Starbucks choice of White Chocolate sauce (brand name is Fontana). Yes, I have purchased this two different times now because it is very good, however Torani is half the price, I enjoy just as much, and it is easy to find. I buy it from a local grocery store. If you go fancy with the Fontana brand, you may want to store it in the fridge if you use the pump it comes with because air can get in and eventually mold will form if you don't use the sauce up within a month or so. Hope all is well!

[@christinamartinez8547]

What kind of grounds did you use? 😋

[@kevjames]

Hi Christina, beans for espressos are actually just any dark roast coffee bean. I typically buy whole beans in a dark roast which often is called an "espresso" roast but doesn't have to be called espresso. The key to use a finer ground setting on your grinder.

[@DanielBholdin]

Ive seen a few videos on this machine and NO ONE is commenting on how much noise it makes! I just purchased this product and will be taking it back! No espresso machine should make so much noise I thought it was defective!

[@kevjames]

Hi Danny, I don't disagree that it's certainly not a machine you want to be on speaker phone talking to a friend while you make a drink, but for the price point of this machine, the noise level is a downfall I'm willing to live with. The machine has been going strong for 4 years for me now with nearly daily use. I don't expect any espresso machine to be quiet for the amount of pressure they push out, but for the under $150 price point I don't know which other machine can compare to the quality of this one. I'm open to suggestions as I haven't tried anything else but I think if I bought a new and upgraded machine, it would be to automate the process rather than pipe down the noise. Best of luck and feel free to share what you find out there!

[@gailetiquia]

You actually let the some steam out first before frothing the milk to let the inside of the wand clean out and remove excess water. And that is too much froth. Thats why you hold it and tilt them.

[@kevjames]

Thanks for your opinion! I am no expert on this subject but love how my drinks turn out. Not everyone has the same taste in how their drinks are made which is why this video is on how to make your own. You can cater your method to however you like. If you have some useful techniques, you should share them as well.

[@Thesimmer232]

Dude tap your milk jug.

[@blizzbee]

That particular jug milk was all dead, he froth far far far too long.

[@kevjames]

Thesimmer232 in regards to taping the jug, you are so right... Shame on me!

[@kevjames]

@@blizzbee Our household loves the froth! Not dead at all to us. Plus this machine doesn't heat up as hot as the higher end/more expensive models so it takes longer to froth a pitcher.

[@Thesimmer232]

@@kevjames as long as you're enjoying your coffee! 😁

[@giopalacios209]

How do you grind your coffee ?

[@kevjames]

I use a burr grinder; the Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill to be exact. I set it to the finest grind setting. If you have your local coffee shop grind, just let them know it's for an at home espresso maker.

[@giopalacios209]

Thanks so much! Just purchased this machine and your video was very helpful!

[@kevjames]

@@giopalacios209 Of course! So glad to help! Let me know if you have any questions about your new machine. Enjoy and good luck! Just remember it takes practice to make the perfect cup, but you'll get it in no time!

[@rolandaustria7926]

When you use the steamer on the right for too long, the steam runs out though. You’d just make your milk colder if you put it there for too long.

[@eightupsf]

You don't hold your Froth Pitcher??? Annnnnnd Zero Crema... Maybe you should watch some videos, before making videos.

[@littlemrdrummer]

I quite enjoyed his video. Most of us just want to make espresso...and looking into the finer details at first doesn't come natural, but later. However, please make a video better than this one so we could all watch. Thanks :D

[@kevjames]

When you have kids, you don't have time to do anything for yourself. Surprisingly, the minute or two I save by not holding my froth pitcher allows me the time to make these for myself and my wife. I don't know what Crema is but I don't need it in addition to how these drinks turn out... We love the way they taste as is! This video was to help my sister with making drinks for herself too. If you didn't find it of use, there are many other videos out there or maybe you can make some yourself and share them with with people that want to make drinks your way instead of the I-have-kids way.

[@kevjames]

@@littlemrdrummer thanks for this, and I agree! If others can do better... Share your work instead of bring down others!

[@subseeker]

A tutorial?????? 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 You basically made EVERY possible mistake in espresso making there's is in this video...

[@kevjames]

James T, please enlighten us with the proper ways instead of unhelpful remarks.

[@subseeker]

@@kevjames it's just sad, if you don't know how to use a simple machine like that, does it come from your daddy or your mummy

[@fher89]

I would like to know the correct way as well

[@ObviouslyDan5]

You could demonstrate in front of everyone if you are so professional with it.

[@robc7563]

What a great video. Very clear explanation. And now I am ready to buy that model. Thank you for the useful tips!