Why we tested
At $130, the De’Longhi EC155M occupies an interesting position: it’s priced like a commodity appliance but claims to produce espresso. We spent three months finding out whether that claim holds up enough to justify the purchase, and for whom.
How we tested
We ran the EC155M daily for 90 days, pulling two shots each morning using a mix of pre-ground espresso blends (Lavazza Crema e Gusto, Illy Classico, Peet’s Espresso Forte) and freshly ground medium-roast beans from a Baratza Encore at setting 8-10. We tracked shot timing (target: 25-30 seconds), crema development, and temperature using a calibrated probe thermometer inserted at the portafilter basket.
Temperature readings showed the EC155M pulling shots at 188-196°F - below the SCA’s 195-205°F target on cold starts, stabilizing higher after 2-3 warm-up shots. This is the machine’s most measurable limitation: it needs a 5-minute warm-up and a “blank shot” (pulling hot water through without grounds) before the first real shot to stabilize temperature.
Steam wand performance tested over 60 milk texturing sessions. The manual wand produced 140-160°F foam with whole milk in 45-55 seconds at full steam pressure. Control was good - better than most auto-steam systems because you set the angle and depth manually.
Descaling: we ran the De’Longhi descaler solution at month 2. Process takes 30 minutes with citric acid solution and rinse cycles.
Brew quality and performance
The pressurized portafilter basket is both the EC155M’s greatest feature and its main limitation, depending on your perspective. For someone using pre-ground supermarket espresso - which is typically ground too coarse for a non-pressurized basket - the EC155M produces consistent, crema-topped shots every time. We tested Lavazza Crema e Gusto straight from the bag and got 28-second pulls with visible, persistent crema. That’s genuinely impressive for this price.
With fresh beans and a proper grinder, the picture is mixed. At grind settings fine enough for a non-pressurized basket (Baratza Encore setting 4-6), the pressurized basket creates too much back-pressure and shots slow to 40+ seconds, becoming bitter. You need to grind slightly coarser - setting 8-10 - which sacrifices some extraction quality. The shots taste good but not great: medium body, adequate sweetness, lacking the brightness and clarity you get from a properly pressurized non-pressurized system.
Steam wand is a genuine strength. Manual wands at this price range are rare - most budget machines use automatic or semi-automatic systems that limit control. The EC155M’s steam tip produces 3-hole output that, with practice, creates microfoam suitable for simple latte art. We produced consistent flat whites in week two of testing.
Build quality is adequate. The plastic housing shows fingerprints and feels lightweight, but the stainless boiler inside is the key component. After 3 months of daily use, no leaks, no degraded seals, no issues.
Who should buy this
The EC155M is the right buy for someone who wants espresso-style drinks at home without significant investment, who primarily uses pre-ground coffee or pods, and who drinks their espresso in milk (lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites) rather than black. It covers all of that reliably for $130.
It’s wrong for anyone expecting third-wave espresso quality from fresh-roasted single-origins, or who wants to develop barista skills on a machine they’ll graduate from. Spend $250+ more for the Breville Bambino Plus or Barista Express if real espresso mastery is the goal. But as a daily-use budget machine for milk drinks, the EC155M punches well above its price.
De'Longhi EC155M Espresso Machine vs. the competition
| Product | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Breville Bambino Plus | Upgrade - ThermoJet heat-up, pre-infusion, and 9-bar precision justify the $370 price gap for daily espresso drinkers. |
| Nespresso Vertuo Next | Different category - capsule convenience vs. ground-coffee flexibility; choose Nespresso if consistency beats cost-per-cup. |
Full specifications
| Type | Semi-Automatic Espresso |
| Capacity | 35 oz water tank |
| Brew Temp | 188-196°F (measured) |
| Dimensions | 8.1 x 11.9 x 9.6 inches |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs |
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Should you buy the De'Longhi EC155M Espresso Machine?
The EC155M is the most practical espresso machine under $150 if you understand its limitations. It uses a pressurized portafilter basket that compensates for pre-ground coffee, delivers repeatable results with a manual steam wand, and costs less than two weeks of daily cafe espressos. Don't expect third-wave extraction - expect a capable, honest budget machine.
Frequently asked questions
Can the EC155M make real espresso, or is it just espresso-style coffee?+
Technically it sits between the two. The pressurized portafilter basket creates back-pressure artificially, producing espresso-style output from a wider grind range than a true 9-bar non-pressurized machine. The result tastes like espresso and works well in milk drinks. For black espresso sipped slowly, experienced drinkers will notice less complexity than a machine with true pressure profiling.
How loud is the EC155M pump?+
Noticeably loud - 72-75 dB during extraction, comparable to a loud conversation or blender on low. The vibration pump is audible throughout most apartments. If quiet operation matters (early mornings, shared walls), this is a real consideration. Rotary pump machines at higher price points are significantly quieter.
📅 Update log
- May 27, 2026Initial review published.
