Delonghi Bean to Cup coffee machine £199

Glebee · 28-05-2014 08:23AM

Suzuki_TL1000R wrote: »

So this is the best bargain B2C out there at the moment yeah?

As far as I can see yes and have been keeping a watch for the last 12 months..

keith_d99 · 28-05-2014 12:24PM

Still getting the hang of it ... and finding Cappaccinos too weak.

Using a large mug - I have strength set to highest, grinder set to finest, volume to fairly high (over 3/4 way).
Would I be better turning the volume of water down, and going for a double shot (the 2 cup symbol).

Also I reckon my beans are fairly average (Lavazza Qualita Rossa), but want to get technique right before buying fresh beans.

illdoit2morrow · 28-05-2014 12:45PM

keith_d99 wrote: »

Still getting the hang of it ... and finding Cappaccinos too weak.

Using a large mug - I have strength set to highest, grinder set to finest, volume to fairly high (over 3/4 way).
Would I be better turning the volume of water down, and going for a double shot (the 2 cup symbol).

Also I reckon my beans are fairly average (Lavazza Qualita Rossa), but want to get technique right before buying fresh beans.

Now i'm far from an expert when it comes to making anything that requires using the frother but i think it may be down to you using a big mug, the taste of coffee is getting lost in all that milk. Going for double shots could help as you mentioned, or try making it in a cup.

The coffee beans themselves might now be that strong which could be another reason.

Sub430 · 28-05-2014 01:06PM

keith_d99 wrote: »

Still getting the hang of it ... and finding Cappaccinos too weak.

Using a large mug - I have strength set to highest, grinder set to finest, volume to fairly high (over 3/4 way).
Would I be better turning the volume of water down, and going for a double shot (the 2 cup symbol).

Also I reckon my beans are fairly average (Lavazza Qualita Rossa), but want to get technique right before buying fresh beans.

I have mine a few weeks now and finally getting great espressos from it thanks to this amazon review.

It's for a different machine but the basics are the same.

As for beans, this is a good starter offer.

For my espresso, I have the water dial at say a quarter to, the coffee dial at a quarter past, grind at 2, one cup button.
For a double, I press the one cup button again.

Stick with it and you'll soon get the hang of it.

cruhoortwunk · 28-05-2014 02:56PM

Sub430 wrote: »

As for beans, this is a good starter offer.

.

Seems a good deal with the free postage, while discountcoffee is out of the 1kg bags

keith_d99 · 28-05-2014 03:12PM

Sub430 wrote: »

I have mine a few weeks now and finally getting great espressos from it thanks to this amazon review.

It's for a different machine but the basics are the same.

As for beans, this is a good starter offer.

For my espresso, I have the water dial at say a quarter to, the coffee dial at a quarter past, grind at 2, one cup button.
For a double, I press the one cup button again.

Stick with it and you'll soon get the hang of it.

Excellent review ... and nice deal on the starter pack!
Will try your settings - they look more what it should be .... too much water in too big a mug seems to be my issue alright!

the_pod · 28-05-2014 04:41PM

I've been using Bailies on and off for a while, the beans are good and pretty good value too.
I'd like to try those ones from discount but I'm not buying 4 kilos.
Pact is worth trying but they're quite expensive after the initial offer and I've found them a bit hit and miss - always have something new if that's your thing but I'd prefer a bit of consistency myself

unkel · 28-05-2014 08:53PM

Sub430 wrote: »

For my espresso, I have the water dial at say a quarter to, the coffee dial at a quarter past, grind at 2

Similar enough here. Water at 8 o'clock, coffee at 3 o'clock (grinder at 2.5) and then push the 2 cup button. 3 times in a row. For a small mug with a 6 shot espresso. Does me for the morning, sometimes for the whole day

BofaDeezNuhtz · 29-05-2014 08:58AM

Do-more wrote: »

Yes, by a long shot!

All blocks of my hardness test thingy also just stayed green, they must be a faulty batch. If you are concerned about warranty issues it might be an idea to contact Delonghi.

Glebee wrote: »

As far as I can see yes and have been keeping a watch for the last 12 months..

Cheers lads

keith_d99 · 29-05-2014 09:59AM

Sub430 wrote: »

I have mine a few weeks now and finally getting great espressos from it thanks to this amazon review.

It's for a different machine but the basics are the same.

As for beans, this is a good starter offer.

For my espresso, I have the water dial at say a quarter to, the coffee dial at a quarter past, grind at 2, one cup button.
For a double, I press the one cup button again.

Stick with it and you'll soon get the hang of it.

Worked a treat! Much more like I expected ... delighted!
Still some minor tweaking to be done ... must pick up some proper cappuccino mugs also.

Thanks for help and to illdoit2morrow!

illdoit2morrow · 29-05-2014 10:42AM

I got the following reply from DeLonghi when i asked about the water hardness test issue....

Dear Mr XXX
Thank you for your email.
As you are in Ireland, I believe the water is quite hard there, therefore I would recommend your machine is on the highest setting of 4.
Kind regards
Donna Bramich
Customer Experience Advisor
[IMG]https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/x-tkc5TR16V0_65dHmMX219ySbAmHQEpFpqLkMfGlqgCVY08sTZ-FfHdxXRTC4VeXDiKeBNzkJHap40Ae3oQpYuunE9Ln0V5wmDlroPXt9JD=s0-d-e1-ft#<a href=http://eg3440prl.egain.net/system/customImages/delonghi.gif target=_blank>[/img]http://eg3440prl.egain.net/system/customImages/delonghi.gif</a>
De’Longhi, New Lane, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 2NH, United Kingdom
Phone: 0845 600 6845
customer.experience@delonghi.co.uk
www.delonghi.co.uk

unkel · 29-05-2014 11:40AM

illdoit2morrow wrote: »

As you are in Ireland, I believe the water is quite hard there

What a load of ignorant bollocks. Depends completely where you are. The vast majority of people in the Dublin region get their water from the Ballymore Eustace water treatment plant, which produces soft water.

2smiggy · 29-05-2014 11:45AM

if you are in a limestone area, generally your water will be hard. easy way to check if you are not reassured by the paper test, does your kettle last long before limescale builds up in it. Mine does , so i know the water is hard, also life in a limestone area.

Glebee · 30-05-2014 10:33AM

Machine arrived this morning in the post. Will be buzzing around the house later....:D Now to get it set up..

Done the hard water test and its giving me 3 red squares..

vibe666 · 30-05-2014 11:00AM

looks fairly normal until I tell you that the spoon is a dessert spoon and that's 10 shots of espresso in my 1 litre mega mug.

it definitely lives up to the name anyway!

Xzen · 30-05-2014 11:44AM

illdoit2morrow wrote: »

I got the following reply from DeLonghi when i asked about the water hardness test issue....

In this case, Delonghi were very general and not quite correct.

In fact, hardness is very variable through-out Ireland even within the same city or county. If you're not using a well or a private water scheme, you should check your relevant council's water quality report.

What you are looking for in such a report is the amount Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) there is in the water.

The hardness scales is this:

1) Soft Up to 50 mg/l CaCO3 (none or barely any change on 1 of the squares on the Delonghi test)
2) Moderately Soft 51-100 mg/l CaCO3 (barely any change on 1 of the squares on the Delonghi test)
3) Slightly Hard 101-150 mg/l CaCO3 (1 on the Delonghi test)
4) Moderately Hard 151-250 mg/l CaCO3 (2 on the Delonghi test)
5) Hard 251-350 mg/l CaCO3 (3 on the Delonghi test)
6) Excessively Hard Over 351 mg/l CaCO3 (4 on the Delonghi test)

If you have lived in your house for a while, you will know you're in a hard-water area by signs of scale build-up (a whiteish crusty build up). This can be seen under your tap, in a kettle, dishwasher, washing machine. Especially on a shower head or any place water has to squeeze through small spaces (assuming you don't de-scale).

For Cork City water north and south, I last heard that we have a range of 50-60 mg/l CaCO3. So moderately soft water here.

For everyone else, check your local council's website and see if a water report is there. The EPA may also have a report.

magentis · 02-06-2014 01:27AM

its gone up to £321!Just about made it.

onform · 02-06-2014 08:39AM

magentis wrote: »

its gone up to £321!Just about made it.

That price is for a marketplace seller called Buy on Line, there is no option now to buy direct from Amazon so they must be out of stock?

blackplum123 · 02-06-2014 10:41AM

Expecting mine to be delivered tomorrow . There seems to be fairly good reviews alround. Looking forward to decent coffee in the mornings !

2smiggy · 02-06-2014 11:08AM

Just turned it on now, the one and two cup is flashing alternatively, while the eco button and second button from the left stay on solid, any ideas?

phog · 02-06-2014 01:23PM

2smiggy wrote: »

Just turned it on now, the one and two cup is flashing alternatively, while the eco button and second button from the left stay on solid, any ideas?

Did you follow the instructions for using the machine for the 1st time, pg9 and the water hardness test/settings pg15

2smiggy · 02-06-2014 02:15PM

phog wrote: »

Did you follow the instructions for using the machine for the 1st time, pg9 and the water hardness test/settings pg15

The water hardness light is staying on, I got 3 on the hardness test, not sure how to set it, I was at a wedding the last few days so am a bit shook and the instructions are like double Dutch to me

Glebee · 02-06-2014 02:37PM

I seem to remember its set to 4 as standard. I got a 3 reading as well from the hardness test buts just left it on 4. I had to read the instructions a few times myself to make sence of them. Dont know if I done ithem right in the end but the coffe coming out is very good indeed.

2smiggy · 02-06-2014 07:12PM

Got it going, was missing the drip tray, it would not work without it.

Anyway it makes a fine espresso, I will have to mess with the settings a bit, but it is plenty hot enough, but i did not add milk. I may a triple with some boiling water to see how strong it is.

blackplum123 · 03-06-2014 05:43PM

I got 1 red box on the hardness test for clontarf.

I didnt think we had soft water here?

Xzen · 03-06-2014 06:11PM

blackplum123 wrote: »

I got 1 red box on the hardness test for clontarf.

I didnt think we had soft water here?

1 red box would indicate you've slightly hard water on the scale:

A) Soft Up to 50 mg/l CaCO3 (none or barely any change on 1 of the squares on the Delonghi test)

Moderately Soft 51-100 mg/l CaCO3 (barely any change or slightly pinkish on 1 of the squares on the Delonghi test)
C) Slightly Hard 101-150 mg/l CaCO3 (1 red on the Delonghi test)
D) Moderately Hard 151-250 mg/l CaCO3 (2 red on the Delonghi test)
E) Hard 251-350 mg/l CaCO3 (3 red on the Delonghi test)
F) Excessively Hard Over 351 mg/l CaCO3 (4 red on the Delonghi test)

onform · 03-06-2014 08:57PM

Used this for the first time today, really impressed so far. I used water filtered through a brita jug(maxtra filter) and the water hardness came up with 2 squares. Set up was easy enough but worth taking your time and reading the instructions. And don't forget to register to get a free double pack of descaler. On the subject, where's the cheapest place to get the delonghi descaler? Amazon won't ship to Ireland as it's a chemical...

phog · 03-06-2014 10:21PM

onform wrote: »

Used this for the first time today, really impressed so far. I used water filtered through a brita jug(maxtra filter) and the water hardness came up with 2 squares. Set up was easy enough but worth taking your time and reading the instructions. And don't forget to register to get a free double pack of descaler. On the subject, where's the cheapest place to get the delonghi descaler? Amazon won't ship to Ireland as it's a chemical...

I ordered it when ordering the machine and got it. There's a box that comes with the machine too.

onform · 04-06-2014 12:27PM

There's a used one of these (Probably an open box or returned item) available at the moment for £184.28 in amazon warehouse deals, condition is termed as good and you have the 30 day amazon guarantee etc (Buyer beware though, it is not a new item):

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B002ID1XXK/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

unkel · 06-06-2014 09:52AM

vibe666 wrote: »

looks fairly normal until I tell you that the spoon is a dessert spoon and that's 10 shots of espresso in my 1 litre mega mug.

Nice! My own cup is a bit smaller:

I have 3 of these double! espressos early in the morning and sometimes 1 or even 2 after lunch. I like my coffee strong

Delonghi Bean to Cup coffee machine £199

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