Wednesday, January 1, 2014

DeLonghi ESAM5500M Perfecta Digital Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Metallic Blue

Coffee Maker DeLonghi ESAM5500M Perfecta Digital Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Metallic Blue Sale




  • Sales Rank: #68216 in Kitchen & Housewares
  • Color: Metallic Blue
  • Brand: DeLonghi
  • Model: ESAM5500M
  • Dimensions: 14.88" h x
    11.14" w x
    17.52" l,
    23.15 pounds

Features

  • Patented "Single Touch" hot milk system. Simply slide the milk tank onto front of the machine. Clean button makes it easy to maintain.
  • Easy-to-use digital control panel with programmable menu settings
  • Grinds beans instantly with the patented "Direct-to-Brew" system. Brewing system is compact and removable for easy cleaning.
  • No waiting between preparing espresso and cappuccino with the double boiler system
  • Professional-quality conical low-pitch burr grinder. Grind settings allow you to adjust the fineness for all types of beans.
  • Patented "Single Touch" hot milk system. Simply slide the milk tank onto front of the machine. Clean button makes it easy to maintain.
  • Easy-to-use digital control panel with programmable menu settings
  • Grinds beans instantly with the patented "Direct-to-Brew" system. Brewing system is compact and removable for easy cleaning.
  • No waiting between preparing espresso and cappuccino with the double boiler system
  • Professional-quality conical low-pitch burr grinder. Grind settings allow you to adjust the fineness for all types of beans.

Brew cafe-quality espresso, cappuccino, latte, and more with this super-automatic home espresso machine. The unit’s user-friendly control panel with digital programmable menu settings allows for choosing from five coffee-strength settings--extra-mild, mild, regular, strong, and extra strong, as well as the cup size, from small (ristretto) to large (American coffee). The electronic control panel also makes it easy to adjust the start time, one- to three-hour automatic shut-off, clock, temperature of the coffee, and water hardness. In addition, an integrated lower-pitch conical burr grinder offers 13 grind settings for adjusting the fineness for all types of beans, and the beans grind right before brewing to ensure consistently fresh, aromatic espresso or coffee. The unit's Direct-to-Brew System with Thermoblock technology ensures excellent heat distribution, while its 15 bars of pressure and double boiler with espresso boiler means no waiting between frothing milk and brewing espresso. Adjust the height of the coffee spout for brewing directly into espresso, demitasse, or 12-ounce cups.

For perfect cappuccino and latte, simply place the included 25-ounce milk container under the nozzle and press the button for quick frothing or steaming. The amounts of frothed/steamed milk and coffee can be adjusted, and the milk container can go in the refrigerator for storing leftovers. The espresso machine's removable 60-ounce water tank with a water-level indicator fills easily at the sink, and its removable used-coffee container and drip tray offers convenient cleaning and easy disposal of coffee waste (14 single espresso or 7 double espresso). Other highlights include a built-in water filter, an instant reheat function, a hot-water spout, a 7-ounce coffee-bean container, and a warming plate on top for preheating cups, as well as an automatic-decalcification indicator light, an automatic push-button cleaning function, and dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup. The 1350-watt espresso machine measures 17-1/2 by 11-1/7 by 14-7/8 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

From the Manufacturer

Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, and more, De’Longhi’s Perfecta digital super-automatic 1,350-watt espresso machine provides an array of convenient features. Height-adjustable coffee spouts make it easy to brew directly into espresso, demitasse, or 12-ounce cups, and its instant reheat function keeps the machine at an ideal temperature, no matter how long the interval between cups. The unit's easy-to-use control panel with digital programmable menu settings allows you to adjust start time, auto shut-off and clock. You can even adjust the temperature of the coffee and water hardness. Plus, there are five settings for coffee strength: extra-mild, mild, regular, strong, and extra strong. The rotary control panel allows you to easily choose the size of cup you want from small (risretto) to large (American coffee).

In addition, the espresso machine offers a unique direct-to-brew system that includes an integrated burr grinder with adjustable fineness settings that automatically grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. The unit also comes equipped with a patented single-touch cappuccino/latte system, which includes a 25-ounce milk container and a detachable container and lid. It can easily froth milk for cappuccinos or steam milk for lattes. Place the cup under the nozzle and press just one button, the unit will automatically deliver a perfect cappuccino or latte every time. The amounts of frothed/steamed milk and coffee are adjustable, and the entire container is detachable, so it can easily be placed in the refrigerator. A unique automatic cleaning function cleans with the push of a button and dishwasher-safe parts provide quick cleanup.

Another unique feature is the statistics function that displays lifetime use of the machine: how many coffees have been brewed, cappuccinos made, liters of water used, how many times you have decalcified the unit. Other highlights include a cup warmer, a 7.1-ounce bean container, 60-ounce removable water reservoir with a water-level indicator, 1-3 hour adjustable automatic shut-off, a hot water spout for tea or hot chocolate, and decalcification system indicates when it’s time to clean the machine. Designed and engineered in Italy, the espresso machine measures 15 by 11 by 14 inches and carries a two-year warranty.

Features & Specifications

  • Digital Programmable Menu Settings: Allow you to adjust start time, auto shutoff, clock, temperature of the coffee, and water hardness.

  • Variable Coffee Strength: Five choices--extra-mild, mild, regular, strong, and extra-strong.

  • Three Cup-Size Choices: ristretto (small), espresso (medium), and large (American coffee).

  • What You Grind Is What You Brew: The compact and patented Direct-to-Brew System with Thermoblock technology provides excellent heat distribution, and it’s removable for easy cleaning. The beans are ground instantly to ensure the freshest espresso or coffee.

  • Serious Pressure: 15 bars of pressure.

  • Patented Single-Touch Cappuccinos and Lattes: The system includes a 25-ounce milk container and a detachable lid and container. It can froth milk for cappuccinos or steam milk for lattes. It also includes a unique automatic cleaning function with the easy push of a button. Plus, the entire container is detachable, so it can easily be placed in the refrigerator.

  • Easy Cleanup: All parts are dishwasher-safe.

  • Professional-Quality Conical Burr Grinder: Integrated burr grinder produces consistent, fresh, and aromatic espresso or coffee. Grind settings allow you to adjust the fineness for all types of beans.

  • Instant Reheat Function: Heats the core of the machine, ensuring that Perfecta maintains an ideal temperature for brewing.

  • Decalcification System: Automatic decalcification indicator lets you know when it’s time to clean the machine.

  • Cup Warmer: Warming plate on top of the machine preheats your cups for the best results.

  • Hot Water Spout: Ideal for tea or hot chocolate.

  • Removable 1.8-Liter (60-Ounce) Water Tank: With water level indicator, allows for convenient filling and easy cleaning.

  • Coffee Bean Container Capacity: 200 grams/7.10 ounces.

  • Removable Used Coffee Container and Drip Tray: For convenient cleaning and easy disposal of coffee waste. 14 single espresso; 7 double espresso.

  • Height-Adjustable Coffee Spouts: Adjustable spouts let you brew directly into espresso, demitasse, or 12-ounce cups.

  • Non-stick grill plate is easy-to-clean

Brewing Unit: The "Heart" of Perfecta

The Perfecta features the smallest removable brewing system available on the market. Because DeLonghi’s new stainless-steel double boiler is so compact, the excellent heat distribution guarantees a perfect espresso at the ideal temperature every time. And, thanks to the removable brew unit, cleaning the inside of the machine is easy. Even areas normally difficult to reach can be easily cleaned. And because regular maintenance helps prolong the life of the machine, DeLonghi’s reliability is second to none.

Direct-to-Brew System

One of the secrets to making a high-quality espresso is using freshly ground coffee beans. Because of the direct-to-brew system, the Perfecta offers you coffee that has a delicious aroma. The coffee is freshly ground and no traces are left in the machine. Perfecta is the only super-automatic machine that delivers the freshest results.

Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

26 of 30 people found the following review helpful.
5Great Machine!
By Thomas
I am surprised that I am the first reviewer of this great machine. I just received mine yesterday. I bought it from another vender, but since I typically do most of my shopping via Amazon I thought I would share my experience thus far. Overall, this Super-Automatic is simple to use and makes great coffee, lattes, and cappuccino's. My advice though....WATCH THE DVD BEFORE USING!!! I thought I had this thing in the bag.. how difficult could it be to use??....Well it isn't difficult to use, but there are a few things I did that had I watched the video all the way through I would not have done. For example, when setting how fine or coarse you want the beans you have to adjust the dial one notch at a time while the grinder is running (still doesn't make sense to me). I paused the video before waiting for the lady to finish talking on the topic and just moved it a few notches towards fine...oops! Oh well, doesn't seem to have adversely effected anything, but now I know. Contrary to reviews I have read of super-auto's, the burr grinder on this one is quiet when running. On a scale of 1-10 where 10 is extremely loud and 1 is basically silent I would rate this machine a 5 and my Cuisinart Grind and brew (the one that hold like a pound of beans) an 8. I was actually expecting something much louder.Build Quality- I would have to say I am impressed with the looks of this machine and its fit and finish. I am sure some people will complain of the amount of plastic, but seeing how this thing already weighs over 20lbs. why add more weight. I thought about the Gran Dama, but honestly this machine is better.Coffee- I was also considering the Jura Z5 because I read good things, but the price was a stretch. Granted, this machine isn't cheap either. I believe that I made the right choice. The espresso is great. I do wonder though what it tasted like from the factory, but since I changed the settings prematurely I will never know...ha! The Milk pitcher is ingenious...BRAVO! Latte's and Cappuccino's are a breeze and let me tell you this machine makes both very well. Sure a semi-auto can do better, but really I do not want to do the extra steps. As it is, Starbucks does not compare. I have read reviews that state the Gran Dama latte's can be cold. I have to admit, the first one I made was, but after I made a couple and utilized the cup warmer they were perfect. I bought the Cinnamon Dolce syrup from Starbucks and I downed to many lattes....probably explains why at 0209 EST I am still up and writing this review.My Opinion- If you are in the market for a super-automatic I would say give this one a consideration. I bought this machine from a place that has probably the best return policy of all retailers, so if something does go wrong I will take it right back for another. Regardless, the people at Delonghi are great and I was amazed that as soon as I pushed (1) I was talking to a person almost immediately. I will probably just purchase the extended warranty from the manufacturer and extend the 2 years to 4...Extra $150. That is all for now. Look for an update in a couple months.**UPDATE** 3/24/10Well I overworked the first one, but the place I bought it from gladly took it back and ordered me another one. I made nearly 2,000 cups of coffee in 4 months with the first one. I have made nearly 1000 with the one I have now, but it seems to be holding up fine. As far as recommending it I still would. I love this machine. It is so nice that I can make everything Starbucks does without having to pay them $4 for every cup. I have basically every syrup they have and all my guests rave about the Delonghi. It is a lot of money to spend on a coffee maker, but I would do it again.**UPDATE** 8/14/12Well my Perfecta has been perfecta to date. No real issues to report yet.**UPDATE** 1/2/2014Still going strong! See the comment section for my current count. I had thought about getting a Saeco Xelsis, but this machine is great. I intend to stay loyal to DeLonghi. This year I was able to buy the pumpkin sauce from Starbucks..SCORE! Since purchasing this machine I have saved around $12k in coffee cost (cost of machine included), so recommending it is a no-brainer. Like every product out there you will have lemons, but I am confident there are more machines that have functioned as mine has.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
2I wanted to love it, but...
By Steve-O
After spending a couple of weeks in Sydney with my wife and enjoying great lattes and cappuccinos while there, we decided we wanted to change from morning drip to espresso drinks.I was drawn to the Perfecta because people said it automatically makes authentic european style espresso drinks (as opposed to Starbucks style espresso drinks). I also thought my wife would enjoy a one touch coffee experience. I was concerned about reviews that said it did not make hot enough drinks. I took a chance thinking that maybe those reviewers were comparing to 170-180 degree F drinks from Starbucks when you want to keep the temperature at 160 or below. I downloaded and read the manual to investigate what temperature I could expect a milk drink to be made, but there was no information other than that you could adjust the temperature of the espresso shot and to use cold milk for the frother. So I could keep my options open for returning the machine, I purchased from Costco online for $1200.This machine is really cool and a great piece of engineering. I like the interface and the overall appearance. It pulls a pretty good shot of espresso. It has an okay amount of creama an comes out at about 190 degrees on the hot setting. It looks a bit watery during the last 5 seconds of extraction, not creamy.The problem with this device is with the milk. You'll notice that there is a cappuccino button on the front. You make a latte by adjusting the amount of aeration with a little slide on the jug. This is how you make a latte according to the manual. It really only does cappuccinos. Either the milk has big bubbles or none at all. If that was the only problem with the milk, I would have kept the machine.Those who say the milk is not hot enough are correct. In order to get an acceptable latte or cappuccino you go from super automatic to almost as manual as pulling a shot from a portafilter and frothing your own milk. If you want warmer than luke warm you must 1) fill your cup with hot water. if you use the Perfecta, you'll have to use a different attachment where you connect the jug, 2) run water through the infuser right before you pull a shot, 3) run the cleaning cycle through the milk jug right before you froth milk. At this point you are ready to 4) hit the "cappuccino" button to get a 1:1 ratio of milk to espresso So I, 5) hit the "cappuccino" button two times quickly to get just the milk frothing for about a 2:1 milk to espresso ratio. Even with steps 1-3, your drink will be about 135 degrees, so if you don't plan to drink your cap within 5 minutes, you'll want to 6) put your drink in the microwave for 10-12 seconds.And there you have it, a super automatic cappuccino or latte with mediocre milk in 6 easy steps - not including filling the hopper with beans, the water tank, attaching the milk jug, emptying the spent espresso bin one or more of which you will have to do while making your cafe.I still like the machine, I just don't want to drink the coffee it produces. A couple of other things I DO like - 1) The water reservoir is in the front which is important given the height of this machine. 2) The drip tray is big enough to last through 14 drinks (after which you have to get inside the machine to get the discarded espresso before you do anything else).A couple of other complaints. 1) The plug is not grounded. Really, a $1200 appliance with machinery, electronics, heating elements and water without a grounded plug? 2) The milk jug is a bit of a pain to attach and remove. 3) The DVD they included was formatted for European TVs.After returning it to Costco, I went with the Breville Barista Express BES860XL with grinder (available here at Amazon). It automatically grinds a pre-measured portafilter full of espresso (adjustable). You have to tamp it and hit the button to dispense 1 or 2 shots (the volume of which is also adjustable). You froth your own milk and get the texture and temperature you want. I got mine from Bed Bath and Beyond with the 20% off coupon for the same price as Amazon offers. I'll be giving it a 5 star review. It's no more trouble than the Perfecta but it's more fun and I get the results I want.

20 of 25 people found the following review helpful.
3Good and not so good
By TNutt
The Good - This espresso machine is very easy to use but can be intimidating at first. My husband and I use it several times a day and we have had no problems with it since we bought it at least 6 months ago.The Bad - It doesn't make a hot cup of coffee. It makes a warm cup of coffee. I take coffee with me to work every day in a travel cup and by the time I get to work (15 minutes) I have to heat it in the microwave because it is cold. My last cheap espresso maker would make a cup of coffee so hot that I could savor it for an hour. Very frustrating to me.

See all 35 customer reviews...


DeLonghi ESAM5500M Perfecta Digital Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Metallic Blue

In Stock! Go to STORE Now !
11.14" w x
17.52" l,
23.15 pounds

Features

  • Patented "Single Touch" hot milk system. Simply slide the milk tank onto front of the machine. Clean button makes it easy to maintain.
  • Easy-to-use digital control panel with programmable menu settings
  • Grinds beans instantly with the patented "Direct-to-Brew" system. Brewing system is compact and removable for easy cleaning.
  • No waiting between preparing espresso and cappuccino with the double boiler system
  • Professional-quality conical low-pitch burr grinder. Grind settings allow you to adjust the fineness for all types of beans.
  • Patented "Single Touch" hot milk system. Simply slide the milk tank onto front of the machine. Clean button makes it easy to maintain.
  • Easy-to-use digital control panel with programmable menu settings
  • Grinds beans instantly with the patented "Direct-to-Brew" system. Brewing system is compact and removable for easy cleaning.
  • No waiting between preparing espresso and cappuccino with the double boiler system
  • Professional-quality conical low-pitch burr grinder. Grind settings allow you to adjust the fineness for all types of beans.

Brew cafe-quality espresso, cappuccino, latte, and more with this super-automatic home espresso machine. The unit’s user-friendly control panel with digital programmable menu settings allows for choosing from five coffee-strength settings--extra-mild, mild, regular, strong, and extra strong, as well as the cup size, from small (ristretto) to large (American coffee). The electronic control panel also makes it easy to adjust the start time, one- to three-hour automatic shut-off, clock, temperature of the coffee, and water hardness. In addition, an integrated lower-pitch conical burr grinder offers 13 grind settings for adjusting the fineness for all types of beans, and the beans grind right before brewing to ensure consistently fresh, aromatic espresso or coffee. The unit's Direct-to-Brew System with Thermoblock technology ensures excellent heat distribution, while its 15 bars of pressure and double boiler with espresso boiler means no waiting between frothing milk and brewing espresso. Adjust the height of the coffee spout for brewing directly into espresso, demitasse, or 12-ounce cups.

For perfect cappuccino and latte, simply place the included 25-ounce milk container under the nozzle and press the button for quick frothing or steaming. The amounts of frothed/steamed milk and coffee can be adjusted, and the milk container can go in the refrigerator for storing leftovers. The espresso machine's removable 60-ounce water tank with a water-level indicator fills easily at the sink, and its removable used-coffee container and drip tray offers convenient cleaning and easy disposal of coffee waste (14 single espresso or 7 double espresso). Other highlights include a built-in water filter, an instant reheat function, a hot-water spout, a 7-ounce coffee-bean container, and a warming plate on top for preheating cups, as well as an automatic-decalcification indicator light, an automatic push-button cleaning function, and dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup. The 1350-watt espresso machine measures 17-1/2 by 11-1/7 by 14-7/8 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

From the Manufacturer

Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, and more, De’Longhi’s Perfecta digital super-automatic 1,350-watt espresso machine provides an array of convenient features. Height-adjustable coffee spouts make it easy to brew directly into espresso, demitasse, or 12-ounce cups, and its instant reheat function keeps the machine at an ideal temperature, no matter how long the interval between cups. The unit's easy-to-use control panel with digital programmable menu settings allows you to adjust start time, auto shut-off and clock. You can even adjust the temperature of the coffee and water hardness. Plus, there are five settings for coffee strength: extra-mild, mild, regular, strong, and extra strong. The rotary control panel allows you to easily choose the size of cup you want from small (risretto) to large (American coffee).

In addition, the espresso machine offers a unique direct-to-brew system that includes an integrated burr grinder with adjustable fineness settings that automatically grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. The unit also comes equipped with a patented single-touch cappuccino/latte system, which includes a 25-ounce milk container and a detachable container and lid. It can easily froth milk for cappuccinos or steam milk for lattes. Place the cup under the nozzle and press just one button, the unit will automatically deliver a perfect cappuccino or latte every time. The amounts of frothed/steamed milk and coffee are adjustable, and the entire container is detachable, so it can easily be placed in the refrigerator. A unique automatic cleaning function cleans with the push of a button and dishwasher-safe parts provide quick cleanup.

Another unique feature is the statistics function that displays lifetime use of the machine: how many coffees have been brewed, cappuccinos made, liters of water used, how many times you have decalcified the unit. Other highlights include a cup warmer, a 7.1-ounce bean container, 60-ounce removable water reservoir with a water-level indicator, 1-3 hour adjustable automatic shut-off, a hot water spout for tea or hot chocolate, and decalcification system indicates when it’s time to clean the machine. Designed and engineered in Italy, the espresso machine measures 15 by 11 by 14 inches and carries a two-year warranty.

Features & Specifications

  • Digital Programmable Menu Settings: Allow you to adjust start time, auto shutoff, clock, temperature of the coffee, and water hardness.

  • Variable Coffee Strength: Five choices--extra-mild, mild, regular, strong, and extra-strong.

  • Three Cup-Size Choices: ristretto (small), espresso (medium), and large (American coffee).

  • What You Grind Is What You Brew: The compact and patented Direct-to-Brew System with Thermoblock technology provides excellent heat distribution, and it’s removable for easy cleaning. The beans are ground instantly to ensure the freshest espresso or coffee.

  • Serious Pressure: 15 bars of pressure.

  • Patented Single-Touch Cappuccinos and Lattes: The system includes a 25-ounce milk container and a detachable lid and container. It can froth milk for cappuccinos or steam milk for lattes. It also includes a unique automatic cleaning function with the easy push of a button. Plus, the entire container is detachable, so it can easily be placed in the refrigerator.

  • Easy Cleanup: All parts are dishwasher-safe.

  • Professional-Quality Conical Burr Grinder: Integrated burr grinder produces consistent, fresh, and aromatic espresso or coffee. Grind settings allow you to adjust the fineness for all types of beans.

  • Instant Reheat Function: Heats the core of the machine, ensuring that Perfecta maintains an ideal temperature for brewing.

  • Decalcification System: Automatic decalcification indicator lets you know when it’s time to clean the machine.

  • Cup Warmer: Warming plate on top of the machine preheats your cups for the best results.

  • Hot Water Spout: Ideal for tea or hot chocolate.

  • Removable 1.8-Liter (60-Ounce) Water Tank: With water level indicator, allows for convenient filling and easy cleaning.

  • Coffee Bean Container Capacity: 200 grams/7.10 ounces.

  • Removable Used Coffee Container and Drip Tray: For convenient cleaning and easy disposal of coffee waste. 14 single espresso; 7 double espresso.

  • Height-Adjustable Coffee Spouts: Adjustable spouts let you brew directly into espresso, demitasse, or 12-ounce cups.

  • Non-stick grill plate is easy-to-clean

Brewing Unit: The "Heart" of Perfecta

The Perfecta features the smallest removable brewing system available on the market. Because DeLonghi’s new stainless-steel double boiler is so compact, the excellent heat distribution guarantees a perfect espresso at the ideal temperature every time. And, thanks to the removable brew unit, cleaning the inside of the machine is easy. Even areas normally difficult to reach can be easily cleaned. And because regular maintenance helps prolong the life of the machine, DeLonghi’s reliability is second to none.

Direct-to-Brew System

One of the secrets to making a high-quality espresso is using freshly ground coffee beans. Because of the direct-to-brew system, the Perfecta offers you coffee that has a delicious aroma. The coffee is freshly ground and no traces are left in the machine. Perfecta is the only super-automatic machine that delivers the freshest results.

Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

26 of 30 people found the following review helpful.
5Great Machine!
By Thomas
I am surprised that I am the first reviewer of this great machine. I just received mine yesterday. I bought it from another vender, but since I typically do most of my shopping via Amazon I thought I would share my experience thus far. Overall, this Super-Automatic is simple to use and makes great coffee, lattes, and cappuccino's. My advice though....WATCH THE DVD BEFORE USING!!! I thought I had this thing in the bag.. how difficult could it be to use??....Well it isn't difficult to use, but there are a few things I did that had I watched the video all the way through I would not have done. For example, when setting how fine or coarse you want the beans you have to adjust the dial one notch at a time while the grinder is running (still doesn't make sense to me). I paused the video before waiting for the lady to finish talking on the topic and just moved it a few notches towards fine...oops! Oh well, doesn't seem to have adversely effected anything, but now I know. Contrary to reviews I have read of super-auto's, the burr grinder on this one is quiet when running. On a scale of 1-10 where 10 is extremely loud and 1 is basically silent I would rate this machine a 5 and my Cuisinart Grind and brew (the one that hold like a pound of beans) an 8. I was actually expecting something much louder.Build Quality- I would have to say I am impressed with the looks of this machine and its fit and finish. I am sure some people will complain of the amount of plastic, but seeing how this thing already weighs over 20lbs. why add more weight. I thought about the Gran Dama, but honestly this machine is better.Coffee- I was also considering the Jura Z5 because I read good things, but the price was a stretch. Granted, this machine isn't cheap either. I believe that I made the right choice. The espresso is great. I do wonder though what it tasted like from the factory, but since I changed the settings prematurely I will never know...ha! The Milk pitcher is ingenious...BRAVO! Latte's and Cappuccino's are a breeze and let me tell you this machine makes both very well. Sure a semi-auto can do better, but really I do not want to do the extra steps. As it is, Starbucks does not compare. I have read reviews that state the Gran Dama latte's can be cold. I have to admit, the first one I made was, but after I made a couple and utilized the cup warmer they were perfect. I bought the Cinnamon Dolce syrup from Starbucks and I downed to many lattes....probably explains why at 0209 EST I am still up and writing this review.My Opinion- If you are in the market for a super-automatic I would say give this one a consideration. I bought this machine from a place that has probably the best return policy of all retailers, so if something does go wrong I will take it right back for another. Regardless, the people at Delonghi are great and I was amazed that as soon as I pushed (1) I was talking to a person almost immediately. I will probably just purchase the extended warranty from the manufacturer and extend the 2 years to 4...Extra $150. That is all for now. Look for an update in a couple months.**UPDATE** 3/24/10Well I overworked the first one, but the place I bought it from gladly took it back and ordered me another one. I made nearly 2,000 cups of coffee in 4 months with the first one. I have made nearly 1000 with the one I have now, but it seems to be holding up fine. As far as recommending it I still would. I love this machine. It is so nice that I can make everything Starbucks does without having to pay them $4 for every cup. I have basically every syrup they have and all my guests rave about the Delonghi. It is a lot of money to spend on a coffee maker, but I would do it again.**UPDATE** 8/14/12Well my Perfecta has been perfecta to date. No real issues to report yet.**UPDATE** 1/2/2014Still going strong! See the comment section for my current count. I had thought about getting a Saeco Xelsis, but this machine is great. I intend to stay loyal to DeLonghi. This year I was able to buy the pumpkin sauce from Starbucks..SCORE! Since purchasing this machine I have saved around $12k in coffee cost (cost of machine included), so recommending it is a no-brainer. Like every product out there you will have lemons, but I am confident there are more machines that have functioned as mine has.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
2I wanted to love it, but...
By Steve-O
After spending a couple of weeks in Sydney with my wife and enjoying great lattes and cappuccinos while there, we decided we wanted to change from morning drip to espresso drinks.I was drawn to the Perfecta because people said it automatically makes authentic european style espresso drinks (as opposed to Starbucks style espresso drinks). I also thought my wife would enjoy a one touch coffee experience. I was concerned about reviews that said it did not make hot enough drinks. I took a chance thinking that maybe those reviewers were comparing to 170-180 degree F drinks from Starbucks when you want to keep the temperature at 160 or below. I downloaded and read the manual to investigate what temperature I could expect a milk drink to be made, but there was no information other than that you could adjust the temperature of the espresso shot and to use cold milk for the frother. So I could keep my options open for returning the machine, I purchased from Costco online for $1200.This machine is really cool and a great piece of engineering. I like the interface and the overall appearance. It pulls a pretty good shot of espresso. It has an okay amount of creama an comes out at about 190 degrees on the hot setting. It looks a bit watery during the last 5 seconds of extraction, not creamy.The problem with this device is with the milk. You'll notice that there is a cappuccino button on the front. You make a latte by adjusting the amount of aeration with a little slide on the jug. This is how you make a latte according to the manual. It really only does cappuccinos. Either the milk has big bubbles or none at all. If that was the only problem with the milk, I would have kept the machine.Those who say the milk is not hot enough are correct. In order to get an acceptable latte or cappuccino you go from super automatic to almost as manual as pulling a shot from a portafilter and frothing your own milk. If you want warmer than luke warm you must 1) fill your cup with hot water. if you use the Perfecta, you'll have to use a different attachment where you connect the jug, 2) run water through the infuser right before you pull a shot, 3) run the cleaning cycle through the milk jug right before you froth milk. At this point you are ready to 4) hit the "cappuccino" button to get a 1:1 ratio of milk to espresso So I, 5) hit the "cappuccino" button two times quickly to get just the milk frothing for about a 2:1 milk to espresso ratio. Even with steps 1-3, your drink will be about 135 degrees, so if you don't plan to drink your cap within 5 minutes, you'll want to 6) put your drink in the microwave for 10-12 seconds.And there you have it, a super automatic cappuccino or latte with mediocre milk in 6 easy steps - not including filling the hopper with beans, the water tank, attaching the milk jug, emptying the spent espresso bin one or more of which you will have to do while making your cafe.I still like the machine, I just don't want to drink the coffee it produces. A couple of other things I DO like - 1) The water reservoir is in the front which is important given the height of this machine. 2) The drip tray is big enough to last through 14 drinks (after which you have to get inside the machine to get the discarded espresso before you do anything else).A couple of other complaints. 1) The plug is not grounded. Really, a $1200 appliance with machinery, electronics, heating elements and water without a grounded plug? 2) The milk jug is a bit of a pain to attach and remove. 3) The DVD they included was formatted for European TVs.After returning it to Costco, I went with the Breville Barista Express BES860XL with grinder (available here at Amazon). It automatically grinds a pre-measured portafilter full of espresso (adjustable). You have to tamp it and hit the button to dispense 1 or 2 shots (the volume of which is also adjustable). You froth your own milk and get the texture and temperature you want. I got mine from Bed Bath and Beyond with the 20% off coupon for the same price as Amazon offers. I'll be giving it a 5 star review. It's no more trouble than the Perfecta but it's more fun and I get the results I want.

20 of 25 people found the following review helpful.
3Good and not so good
By TNutt
The Good - This espresso machine is very easy to use but can be intimidating at first. My husband and I use it several times a day and we have had no problems with it since we bought it at least 6 months ago.The Bad - It doesn't make a hot cup of coffee. It makes a warm cup of coffee. I take coffee with me to work every day in a travel cup and by the time I get to work (15 minutes) I have to heat it in the microwave because it is cold. My last cheap espresso maker would make a cup of coffee so hot that I could savor it for an hour. Very frustrating to me.

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Sale  DeLonghi ESAM5500M Perfecta Digital Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Metallic Blue Coffee Maker



  • Patented "Single Touch" hot milk system. Simply slide the milk tank onto front of the machine. Clean button makes it easy to maintain.
  • Easy-to-use digital control panel with programmable menu settings
  • Grinds beans instantly with the patented "Direct-to-Brew" system. Brewing system is compact and removable for easy cleaning.
  • No waiting between preparing espresso and cappuccino with the double boiler system
  • Professional-quality conical low-pitch burr grinder. Grind settings allow you to adjust the fineness for all types of beans.




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