De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM3300 Review

De’Longhi ESAM3300 Review Summary

The De’Longhi ESAM3300 is a high-spec espresso maker that brews excellent coffee time after time. Besides straight espresso, use it to make cappuccinos, lattes, and more with the incorporated steam wand.

We all know how expensive it is to buy cafe coffee daily. While this model is priced slightly higher than average, when it comes to coffee makers, the adage “you get what you pay for” holds true. After a few cafe-quality coffees at home, you’ll begin to see the unit’s true value.

You don’t need a lot of espresso experience to turn out perfect coffee either. The user-friendly knobs and buttons make it easy to adjust your coffee’s intensity, milk foam, and more. Plus, as this model is programmable, you can pre-set it for your favorite beverages.

A built-in burr grinder results in the freshest, tastiest espresso, as beans are ground when you’re making the drink, not beforehand. The manual milk frother allows you to customize your drink with as much or as little foam as you want.

Stainless steel double boilers heat water quickly. There’s also an instant reheat function, so there’s no waiting for the machine to reheat.

De’Longhi is an Italian company that designs and manufactures small kitchen appliances and other items. De’Longhi espresso makers have excellent reputations, and the company has a worldwide presence.

Features and Benefits of the De’Longhi ESAM3300

Let’s take a closer look at some of the features that set this unit apart.

Simple Control Pad

De’Longhi’s ESAM3300 is user-friendly, even for beginners. Just adjust the knobs for temperature, coffee strength, and cup size. You can also program the unit to remember your preferences meaning speedier coffee on those mornings when it matters.

The control panel features dials and push buttons, rather than a digital display. Five settings for espresso strength and four for cup size mean plenty of options. Each time the beans are changed, set your preferences with the volume and brew-strength knobs.

To start brewing, just choose a single or double shot and the intuitive brew unit adjusts the amount of coffee automatically. To stop expressing before the entire shot is complete, just press the button again.

15-Bar Pump Pressure

The key to great shots of espresso is the perfect amount of pressure. If there’s not enough pressure, espresso is weak and under-extracted. On the other hand, too much pressure over-extracts the grinds resulting in bitter brews.

Eight bars is the minimum amount of pressure needed to make espresso, with most espresso makers boasting at least nine bars of pressure.

There is some debate about whether 9 or 15 bars is the ideal pressure, but I’m firmly on the 15-bar side of the divide, along with the ESAM3300 and most baristas I know.

Double Boiler System

The De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica’s secret to consistent temperature is the double stainless steel boiler. There’s one boiler for the coffee side of things and another for the steam wand — your espresso won’t suffer because you’re simultaneously fluffing foam.

With a powerful 1350 watts, the unit takes just 75 seconds to heat up. And thanks to the double boiler system and instant reheat function, there’s no wait time in between cups. So making two, three, or even four cups one after the other is a breeze.

In-Built Burr Grinder

The De’Longhi ESAM3300 has a patented direct-to-brew system; beans are ground instantly for the freshest espresso possible. A professional-grade burr grinder has 13 settings for the perfect grinds.

Holding 8.8 ounces, the generously sized hopper means you can make multiple shots of espresso before a refill is necessary.

Removable Brew Unit

The ESAM3300’s brew unit is compact and is easily removed for thorough cleaning. Simply squeeze the red tabs on each side and slide it out. Taking proper care of your machine, and this crucial part, will prolong its lifespan and you’ll enjoy top-shelf coffee for years to come.

Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

De’Longhi designed this espresso maker so that it’s a cinch to clean and maintain. It’s not just the brew unit that’s removable; the 60-ounce reservoir, drip tray, and the used grounds container can all be pulled away from the machine for easy cleaning.

A handy indicator light comes on when it’s time to descale the espresso maker. Just fill the water tank with the recommended amount of descaling solution and let it run through. After that, rinse and refill the tank and flush the machine with water. It’s that simple.

If something goes wrong after the warranty period, accessible parts mean it’s easy to complete basic repairs yourself and to replace common parts if needed.

Additionally, De’Longhi has fantastic customer support, and they can help with everything from choosing the right beans to cleaning the appliance.

De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine FAQs

Can The ESAM3300 Brew Americanos?

Yes, the De’Longhi espresso machine can brew any espresso drink, including Americanos.

What Kind of Beans Should Be Used?

We recommend medium roast beans for the best tasting espresso.

How Do I Descale the Espresso Machine?

We recommend using De’Longhi’s descaling solution, which was designed for use with De’Longhi units. Instructions are included in the manual.

Can I Make Tea With This Device?

Yes, the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica can heat water for tea.

Is There a Water Filter for This Espresso Maker?

No, there is no water filter included with the machine, nor can one be used in the water reservoir tank.