For use with either coffee beans or ground coffee, this fully automatic espresso machine features an integrated conical burr grinder with various settings for adjusting the fineness of all types of beans. The unit’s direct-brew system grinds beans instantly before brewing to produce the freshest espresso or coffee. Plus, it delivers 15 bars of pressure and Thermoblock technology for even heat distribution. For added convenience, the machine’s digital programmable menu settings all…
Buy DeLonghi ESAM6600 Gran Dama Digital Super-Automatic Espresso Machine at Amazon
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First of all, this machine is physically superior to all other super-automatic brands I checked out. The top line Jura, Saeco, and Krups are all wrapped in plastic with steel accents in front while the Delonghi is fully encased in steel. The engineering is very solid and it has a gorgeous presence in the kitchen.
If you like Cappuccino, you will love this machine and its truly one touch operation. However, you must use proper sized Cappuccino cups to get the full experience. The machine is tuned to froth the milk and add the espresso shot so that froth extends about 1/4 inch above the edge of the cup. You can change these settings, but out-of-the-box it is perfect. I have never had a better Cappuccino anywhere – even Italy. (I use Illy medium roast beans). The milk container is incredibly convenient. I have placed the machine near my fridge so I simply store the milk container in the fridge after each use. It snaps in and out of place very easily.
The espresso shots are wonderful. It is important that you take note of the grind setting when you open the box before you change it. They set the grind setting at the factory for each machine and it is unlikely that you will find a better mark. People say that super-automatics can’t make a shot as good as the manual machines but think this machine defies that rule.
To really enjoy and understand this machine, you need to read the manual and take some simple extra steps before and after you use it each day. First of all, use the rinse feature often. It takes 1/2 second to push the button. If the machine has been sitting for a while, hit rinse before you use it so the infuser will heat up. After your last cup for the morning etc, hit rinse. It is a quick and simple way to keep the machine working well. Second, before and after you use the milk container, hold the CLEAN button for 5 seconds. It blasts steam through the internal parts that transport the milk. There is no other way to clean the milk that enters the machine. If you don’t do this, the milk will harden in the machine and cause problems. You do not need to CLEAN after every cup, just when you are finished for that period of the day. Again, it is quick and simple and makes a big difference. Finally, prep your machine based on your usage. Don’t let the machine tell you to empty the container, fill the beans, or fill the water. Get ahead of it so that your coffee making sessions are not interrupted by these messages. Once every day or so, depending on usage, just check everything before you start so you don’t waste time or coffee.
Here is an important point. If you are drinking alone, this super- automatic is as much work or more than a manual machine. You need to prep and clean it more than a manual machine. The super-automatic only pays off in terms of convenience when you make the second cup and beyond. With this machine, you can just hit CAPPUCCINO 10 times in a row and you will have 10 cups – it’s that simple. But after 14 cups you refil the water, empty the grounds container, top off the beans, clean the milk and rinse the infuser. To me, its all worth it because it makes a great cup of coffee and it is just so damn cool.
In summary, I am so pleased with this product that I was motivated to write this review. What else can I say?
I had to return two of these machines – on the first, the milk pitcher was almost impossible to install on the machine – it worked a few times, then started sticking terribly. Then it stopped recognizing that the pitcher was installed at all, thereby making a latte impossible. On the second machine it only worked once. I spoke with DeLonghi and they acknowledge that they had heard about this problem from other people. As with the earlier DeLonghi models, the milk doesn’t get hot enough. With this added quirk, I’d avoid this machine until they get it straightened out.
I am a bit of a coffee snob and always wanted a high powered espresso machine, but my wife was put-off by the complexity of the commercial machines. We bought the Gran Dama because it is so automatic that making great latte and cappuccino is now a breeze for her and I love the real espresso taste.
The instructional DVD and intuitive programming got us off to a fast start. Watching the DVD a couple of times before plugging in machine helps set-up go smoothly.
Like any espresso machine this requires some maintenance. However, even the maintenance is semi-automatic. There is a message to fill the water tank, add beans and empty the grounds. I have already gotten in the habit of doing all that and emptying the catch tray when the “fill tank.” message comes on. It automatically goes into a rinsing cycle when its turned off/on. It’s also recommended to push the rinse cycle button after several consecutive uses. There isn’t any message to clean the steam/milk nozzle on the milk tank, but all you have to do is hold the CLEAN button on the tank down for several seconds and you’re done. The milk can dry hard as concrete onto any steam nozzle, so I recommend cleaning it after every use to avoid problems. Don’t be put-off by the maintenance, it’s easy and you won’t even get your hands dirty.
There are a couple small things that could be improved. The height under the espresso nozzles is about 3″ and tall cups or glasses can’t be used. So we bought a 12 ounce stainless pitcher to catch and transfer drinks. The other nuisance is connecting the milk tank can become difficult. It occasionally requires a detailed cleaning and I use a little canola oil to lube the connections.
We highly recommend the Gran Dama to anyone who wants real espresso/milk flavor without all the hassle. It is worth every penny.
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