Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

My absolute love of the Delonghi Maginfica ESAM3300 is hard to describe. It has been a faithful crema steeped friend and morning ritual for at least 8 years, and the current unit I bought as a replacement last week (another ESAM3300) is a testament to why I give this well built Italian Stallion "super automatic" espresso dream machine a SOLID 5 star rating. Yes - my old unit finally gave out it seems. But 8 years of duty + the fact that I am ordering the exact same model should provide a clue as to the reliability and proven quality engineering of this model. Yes there are many newer models - but for this price point, the ESAM3300 is a champ all the way. Bottom line: with very few adjustments and some good Italian or locally roasted whole beans, the Magnifica consistently puts out shot after shot of delicious espresso that will FAR exceed anything you could get at most coffee shops. I always used many of the yummy Lavazza beans including the "Super Crema.' "Gold Selection" and others that work really well with this machine. The Illy beans are also a nice pairing for this superb machine. The key is you want non-oily and fairly dry beans (as other reviewers have said here already). Setting the machine up is a fairly quick affair after a short priming of water and setting the water hardness based on a test trip included with the Magifica. Although this machine does not have fancy LED/LCD read-outs, the unit offers easy to use and effective controls for the strength of the shots as well as the size and fine-ness of the grind (I recommend turning the grind down a bit from the factory setting). The quality of the espresso shots achievable with the Magnifica will make you smile every morning - as it did for me for 8+ years. In those years I had sent the machine in for minor repairs twice - typically for an overhaul of the O rings and gaskets. Our family used the machine 365 days a year and we probably made at least 7-8 shots output per day. The Magnifica will let you know when it is time to de-scale and it is an easy 30 min process. I would say that with normal everyday use this wonderful machine should last 2-3 years before needing a more thorough servicing at a dealer for O rings etc - at a cost of around $250. - $300. For me this was a no brainer as the Delonghi Magnifica was a flawless performer and the Lattes and espresso it could make were exceptional! Positives: GREAT COFFEE!!!! OK I already mentioned that, but I promise you that the coffee you can achieve with the Maginifica will be exceptional. The machine heats up quickly when turned on - about 3 min. The milk steamer is simply excellent and can create very fine "mico bubbles" with some practice for perfect espresso drinks. The warmer at the top of the unit works well and keeps up to 3 shot cups at the ready. The machine lets you know when you are out of water, when the dregs are ready to be thrown away, and when the unit needs de-scaling. Cleaning the machine is also fairly easy. The main brewing unit unit pops out easily and is simple to wash, as is the inside of the machine. Negatives: The only negative I have ever felt was that the unit is a little loud, especially when grinding the beans. Other than that - nada. So in summary let me state that there is not a finer super automatic machine out there for the price point. This bad boy is made in Italia - it is a proven and VERY reliable design - and it will bring you and your family untold caffeinated happiness for many years. I have NEVER felt so passionately about a kitchen appliance. The Delonghi Magnifica is truly Magnificent.