PLEASE NOTE: If you want to try the Gaggiuino on this, you will need to do it largely on your own. The Discord works only with Silvia and GCP. So, while it is possible, there are lots of things you will need to do on your own as the two found out who completed it. Even without it, there are great kits you can find online to add a PID controller and other fun additions that are more straightforward. Thanks for watching! Make sure to hit that like and sub ;) Cheers!
Where would you suggest someone look for guidance on doing that mod? I got gifted this machine with a screen, decent tamper, and a few other accessories. I haven't modified the machine itself yet but I would love to make it a better machine. I already depressured the stock baskets, but it also was given by my brother with a decent portafilter that is all I've used anyway. I feel like I have friends that could make me a brass tube for the steam. hhhmmmmmmm...
I’ve done the mod. The spring limits the low limit to pressure. The spring is the spring and plug above the portafilter. Removal of it leads to a lot of dripping out of the boiler. I’ve also taken one and just added a pot I.e. dimmer to the pump and a xmt7100 pid. I think that is the best and cheapest/quicker. Edit: I did the mod back in beginning of 2023 using the older arduino. Nothing in the code depended on solenoid at that time. You can mount ssr on sheet of AL at bottom of machine. There is as noted tight spaces, but you can get the components in there. I’ve not followed things since move to stm processor, so code changes were minimal under arduino, but sounds like not the case now if can find the older code. As I said xmt pid is way to go imo since I didn’t find watching pressure a big deal and sourcing all the fittings and transducer probably wasn’t worth it…other than just something to do.
Where I come from, remarking that someone is 'looking healthy ' is a back handed complement that means you're still looking fat but appear to have lost weight. 😃
Honestly, thank you Lance for making a video for the very large number of us people who are running cheap setups and are aiming for "serviceable" espresso without breaking the bank. $500+ on coffee gear is definitely not something easy to justify when you are getting started. I hope you find a gem cheap grinder too, hand grinding is the way to go on a budget but it IS very annoying when it's your only option. I run 1 modded Delonghi ECP 3630 (basically the same internals) with an AliExpress naked portafilter and a super cheap Kingrinder P2 and get much better espresso/espresso based drinks than most of my local cafes. For those interested, the Rancilio steam wand, dimmer switch and pressure gauge mods are super easy/cheap to do and there's tons of tutorials out there. I feel like it will be impossible to get a better machine for less than $500+. The money will be better spent on upgrading your grinder.,
I bought on of these 3 years ago with full intentions of replacing it if I enjoyed home espresso. Well, long story short I did enjoy espresso very much but fell in love with the simplicity if this machine. I did buy a naked porta filter that fits it and a IMS basket and puck screen (as well as a matching sized tamp) but my home brewed espresso is better than I ever expected.
You could try and buy a bottomless or spouted stain less steel portafilter and not drink off plastic anymore. For me it’s done a big change when it comes to cleaning after use, and the espresso looks better in my eyes. Taste is similar but still better.
I just bought an ECP3420 about a month ago for $100 here in the states, and I absolutely love it. A few upgrades are needed for sure but I still came out under $300. I got the Kingrinder K6 for my grinder. Got bottomless portafilter, tamper, puck screen, timer/scale and magnetic funnel. The only thing left to do is add the better wand. You can still steam by taking off the tip of the panerello wand leaving just the rubber nozzle, putting a zip tie on it so it doesn't fly off. I was happily surprised how good the espresso is. Also for anyone wondering the K6 is a super easy to use hand grinder. It really surprised me how easy it grinds.
I really appreciate these types of videos. Even though I am fortunate enough to have a fairly good midrange endgame machine, I only became that fortune very recently. However for a solid 20 years of my life, I was always making due with budget options, so I totally remember how much I always loved watching people review the more affordable side of espresso machines/grinders. Plus this gives me another amazing option to recommend to my friends who can't really afford more expensive gear. Amazing work!
Your closing note is something I've been embracing with my Breville. I've been using it for just over 2 years and kept blaming the machine. But I've been putting the work in, buying better beans, refining my process, refining my skills. Let me tell you. The quality is incredible. Great latte art, amazing crema, delicious shots.
Same here, getting awesome shots with my Bambino Plus. Hours of RUclips videos, freshly roasted coffee delivered to the doorstep from the local roaster, decent IMS basket along with a Normcore naked portafilter, and ultimately 1Zpresso J-Ultra is what it takes 😅
Hi from Denmark I love that you went back to basic espresso brewing, to me its all about enjoying a good cup of espresso. I love great espresso that is kept simple. Great video thank you so much.❤❤❤
I absolutely love this as a starting thing as almost a proof of concept for my family and friends who are buying things to try to short cut espresso and unhappyily realizing you cannot.
definitely. and, best part is, it doesn't have to just be a starter. it is starter price, but the quality, if taken care of, is enough to last a long time. I genuinely love the coffee I make with it!
How long already there is Dedica on the market and barely ever taken into account by serious reviewers is so unbelievable... and shots coming out from Dedica for that price point, better than 90% of average cafes... glad you did this review of Stilosa!
What a moment when we get this kind of I don't know how to call it, enlightenment or something, when all the hard stuff about espresso goes to the corner and you just pull great shot from machine like this. Once again big bravo for this video! 🎉
@@alexthomson7465 exactly the same experience... and I tried numerous of 1-2k eur machines and Dedica won over them every time. I just couldn't accept truth that 200 eur machine is making better shots and new machines in that 2k range is coming to the market and still do not make better espresso and we are all buying them constantly...
12 часов назад+3
My first machine was ECP 3420(a copy of Stilosa) and it was awesome machine for the money, only 100EUR, fast heating boiler, easy access to insides, etc. I added 9 bar OPV, PID, IMS shower screen, IMS basket, dimmer... and all of that for just 240 euros total. This allowed me to dedicate 600 for the good Eureka grinder, and make a better coffee, than most of coffee shops in Portugal. Then I moved, sold everything and bought Gaggia Classic. For me, the only advantage of Classic is the 58mm group head, which gives you more accessories available on the market, but I would say, this is changing, and more and more things become available....
I’ve got the cheaper plastic version of the 3420 for about 2 years. $35 used delivered. Cut off bottom to make it bottomless, Hugh basket and pulled thousands of shots. Total cost for KinGrinder K4, scale, stainless tamp, WDT, milk pitcher, Silvia wand … everything is well under $200. BTW the 3420 series also has IMS shower screens available. Great shots at an incredible cost. Only issue I’ve had is gasket for water tank leaks if the tank is more than half full. I chuckle when people say you need $$$$ to make good espresso and lattes. Glad to see some love for these
Same here, I’m more of a pour over guy buy i wanted to scratch an espresso itch so bought mine a couple of years back for £30 off some guy on facebook with a half decent tamper. Quick ranchillio mod, new IMS basket, and cut the bottom off of the stock portafilter so it’s bottomless. I use it daily now for my wifes caffeine hit while my filter is drawing down! Now if only my water wasnt so insanely hard here!
I was asking myself for so long how is that possible that Tom's channel is the one of few that is filming Dedica, I couldn't find answer on that and it's so long on the market...
@sgc603 definitely! I was going to get that instead but the main differences are steel panels instead of plastic and a slightly bigger reservoir (3.7 instead of 3.4L). I saved the money and went cheaper since the internals are the same
Lest louts lapse their listening, Loquacious Lance’s lexicon lends a luxe laxity to Delonghi learning. (My other impulse was to try to make something of “The Lance of Delongainus” but decided to spear you the pain.)
For roughly 7 months I have to had a DeLonghi machine. It is an ECP series, a seamlessly popular one. After 5 months, I got myself a Kingrinder P2. Best deal ever! My friend who got a gaggia pro and he is jealous. Definitely a decent machine. Soo glad to see you review one of them.
Delonghi have so many machines it's very difficult to go near them with any kind of certainty so it's great to get a demo of a Delonghi that can actually give good results.
I just bought one of these from Goodwill for $40 to give to a friend (literally arrived today lol). A descale and a wipe down and it’s good to go. I’ve only ever used a Europiccola and was impressed with what it could do.
My Guy! Holy Geez, you look GREAT Lance! keep up the hard work. Love the content! you got me into modding for my coffee XD albeit i think modding was in my future anyway as a PC builder enthusiast lol. Thanks again for all the SOLID info and findings you provide.
Just got a Casabrews machine from amazon, think it was 120 dollars. Have to say I am impressed. A little playing around with it ,and its pulling some nice shots. not bad steam as WELL, Lance as always you are the man. thanks
On the subject of the shower screen, you can buy a gasket and shower screen for the ECP 3420 and swap them in. Works wonders. I bought a used one of these for $25, and pulled better shots on it than I have on a Gaggia classic pro that I was given. I love this little machine so much.
Cool review on this amazingly cheap machine, I was gifted the ecp3420 based on your recommendation this Xmas and finally have my machine dialed in to my liking. 😊 thanks for the tips, and also look fit mannn! Keep up the progress! 🤘🏼
i had a similar model from delonghi and it served me for many years i installed a pid and a few other modifications you mentioned in the video. These machines are really underrated, and you can make excellent coffee, especially if you're just starting out the hobby.
Absolutely! And can be your final machine with how well constructed the insides are. Especially if you spend the extra 20 bucks or so for the 3420 with stainless paneling
Thank you for this video! I got a Delonghi machine to make my wife lattes and rapidly fell into the espresso rabbit hole. I decided to focus on up-skilling rather than spending multiple car payments worth of money on a hobby I might fizzle out on. I’ve gradually upgraded my kit since then, purchasing a Baratza Sette 270 grinder, bottomless portafilter, IMS basket, WDT tool, a quality scale, and some other accessories. Now that I’ve been on this path for two years, I feel like it’s about time to upgrade, or at least modify my Delonghi. But the machine has been a great way to get into espresso on a budget, and your video has given me ideas to use it better.
Just a warning on the depressurisation step at 4:00 - I did exactly this a while back, and I destroyed one of the bottom plates due to a choked pull, it bowed down enough such that it won't seal in the basket any more. I had grounds forcing itself around the rubber gasket! Removing that plastic piece below the bottom plate also removes important structural support that keeps the whole thing together. I ended up removing the inner spring and valve from the plastic piece, and then assembled the whole thing together again, and that seems to work much better now.
That was a such a fun watch. I have a delonghi ecp thanks to toms coffee corner's review. It's a such a good machine with the rancilio steam wand mod. I wish you showed how to steam milk with the 3 hole steam wand cause I'm only able to steam with the 1 hole steam wand properly. Anyways, awesome video. Keep the low budget content coming that doesn't discourage people from getting into coffee.
I started on a De’Longhi ECP 35.31, sort of the same machine, but the Stilosa has the smaller shower screen. I loved making espresso on it! The only reason I was tempted to upgrade was the workflow when making milk drinks. I am now running a dual boiler
Thanks for the video! I’m actually surprised you were able to pull a tasty shot from a light roast with this setup. It’s Funny also to compare your Video to the one from Hoffman with the Aldi machine.
I have a Delongi for my coffee bar. I have been looking for perfection. I removed the pressurized filter and now I want to change the steam wand for a Rancilio type.
I have a similar Sunbeam machine, which has been going strong for almost 10 years. No repairs needed. It does have a solenoid valve though, and a metal steam wand.
Ran one of these for 3 yrs, decent grinder, bottomless, and a good bag of beans... then i found a dedica for $20 at my local thrift store... sometimes its nice to not have to monitor the output precisely...LOL the water dosing of the dedica is pretty darn accurate, as long as your grind size is correct...
Just to add to this, there are the ECP series like the 3420 or 35.31 outside low voltage countries. Very similar but with the larger shower screen. Paired with a budget grinder like the Baratza Encore ESP it works pretty well.
Looking good, Lance! And rocking the WHOOP too. You should do a video on caffeine and sleep/recovery. You would probably get a lifetime of referral months.
Wow great timing! I just bought a “like new” resale ECP3630 which is basically the same as this with the stainless steel boiler. I got it for $85 with Prime. I already put a better basket and bottomless pf and so far the shots have been pretty good. I use a Niche grinder and also have a Lelit MaraX so I can compare the shots between those two machines and so far not a huge difference. Still playing with it. I maybe I need a precision basket. Thanks Lance for these type of videos!
Nice to see a review on a low cost machine. It looks like my US version ecp3630. Works fine with a DF54 grinder. Actually with the DF54 I'm getting more consistent shots than I did with a Rancillio Silvia and Rocky grinder. I'd love to put on a Rancillio steam wand. Hoping you'll demonstrate how to make that change.
My budget-friendly setup: De'Longhi Stilosa or dedica paired with a 47mm Italmill burr hand grinder (upgraded with a DIY electric kit). I’m very satisfied with the price and the delicious coffee it produces.
I used to had a Gaggia Viva with bottomless portafilter,IMS basket,puck screen and a 53mm motta tamper. I also used a 3d WDT and a motta leveller. I had an 10 euros scale.I always bought specialty coffee from my 100 years old coffee roaster down town where I live. I hit very good extractions using poor man’s temperature surfing all the time. I used an 1zpresso Jmax hand grinder. All the costs were about 130 for machine,180 for grinder and and 100 for the rest. I loved my coffee. Everyone who came to my home for coffee loved it. After 2-3 years I was ready to go to Gaggia Classic while I was saving money. Now and after 1 1/2 years I make the best espresso I had for my 44 years old life. Everybody, learn,check your wallet and then go for a little more. No much more. You will be happy after those you’ve learned. Remember that coffee is a journey. Lans stay healthy and happy new year to everybody. Ps: sorry for my English.
I love these machines. I would recommend spending the extra $20.00 and getting the 4320 or 30. You can fit bigger cups and you get a bigger shower head that is also upgradable. Right now, I am using a Delonghi all in one, which is a 34 series with a drip maker glued to the side.
I've been using the Delonghi Stilosa for a year. Great for small footprint in a small kitchen with limited counter space. Makes a descent latte. Only complaint i have is that there is not much space for a coffee cup. Have to remove the spill tray to fit my coffee cup lol.
Me after upgrading to the ascasco steel duo from the stilosa 😶🌫️ Butttt I will say it was after a LOT of experimenting and watching this channel that I felt confident enough to take that step :-)
I have this wee machine, for the price it's definitely doing a decent job in all fairness. I bought a bottomless portafilter though, couldn't cope with the one that came with the machine Lol! Looking great too bro, keep going man!
@@LanceHedrick If you want to be blown away by an entry-level machine, which in my opinion beats the Stilosa, pick up a Hamilton Beach 40729. It's unfortunately discontinued, but it's a 58mm machine with incredible attention to detail, single all-aluminum boiler, and it retailed for only $70.
@@LanceHedrick Hiya, silly question, but is the Stilosa easy to clean/descale? I've heard that boiler machines are more difficult to descale, but I don't really understand the details. Still, it's great to see a 'big voice' in the coffee community extolling the virtues of cheaper machines, makes the hobby more accessible
I also think that, finally we are talking about perfect shots from 51mm and cheap machines... but so much money spent on expensive gear in the mean time it's hilarious
Had this kind of setup 2 years ago when I got into brewing at home. Had that exact grinder, I did no-steps mod and put a bellow on it. Great pairing with the flair pro 2 (for light and medium roasted coffee only). Changed its purpose to a filter grinder, then the filter coffee it produced wasn’t pleasant tasting. Sold it away and upgraded to a Fellow Ode v1.1 + SSP MP burr.
@@LanceHedrick haha yeah, back then SSP didn’t have 60mm burr yet. I also didn’t do slow feeding, so that could probably contribute the taste being bright and bitter at the same time (maybe). Have you tried the grinder for filter?
In that spirit of not letting old machines die... I recently picked up a 2010 Gaggia Baby 06 Class D (for free!) and I've been dreading everything that I should do with it before I can start using it. It's a little rusted in a few places and apparently has been known to get moldy inside. And I never had an espresso machine so I really have no idea how to approach it! 😅 But I've been reading and watching videos, so hopefully I'll get up the courage soon enough. But looking forward to your next vid, maybe it will help!
These low end Delonghi machines can also do ESE pods. This is what I use and it is quick and easy, as the name implies. Illy makes a great decaf ESE pod.
Have a look at the Satrap Espresso XA. I'm sure it's some white label machine for a swiss retailer. It did very well in tests and produces fire coffee.
I have that same cheap scale. It works great, and I have taken it traveling with my aeropress. The only thing that drives me nuts is the tare button being in the middle for some reason.
Hah... got this as my first machine after watching the Tom's Coffee Corner vid.... "Advanced mode." With a 1zspresso JX pro hand grinder. It was a nice beginner setup but a little inconsistent. Now I've got a Profitec Go lol
I have ECP3630 which is just a Stilosa with a stainless body, but the chassis and internals are identical. I have been pulling daily shots for about a year now. I got bottomless portafilter, IMS precision basket, and use the Normcore puck screen. And I've been making some delicious shots out of this little thing. I do the pressure profiling by pulsing the switch on and off. Usually run the pump for 5 seconds to get the bloom started and then just burp the switch one pulse a second till about the 15 second mark and then go full pressure. Then, when I get about 5-10 gram from my target dose I start pulsing the switch again to bring the pressure back down slowly. A local Tarrant County TX roaster called Avoca makes a Costa Rican single origin they call the "Puro Tico". It is just soooo gewd. Like I go to bed and I'm already looking forward to waking up and pulling a shot. It's just so syrupy with this nice thick foam. And it's got this nice touch of sweetness with milk chocolate and little hint of nuttiness. I make a latte and I have to fight the urge to just pour the whole thing down my throat.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
PLEASE NOTE: If you want to try the Gaggiuino on this, you will need to do it largely on your own. The Discord works only with Silvia and GCP. So, while it is possible, there are lots of things you will need to do on your own as the two found out who completed it.
Even without it, there are great kits you can find online to add a PID controller and other fun additions that are more straightforward.
Thanks for watching! Make sure to hit that like and sub ;)
Cheers!
Where would you suggest someone look for guidance on doing that mod? I got gifted this machine with a screen, decent tamper, and a few other accessories. I haven't modified the machine itself yet but I would love to make it a better machine. I already depressured the stock baskets, but it also was given by my brother with a decent portafilter that is all I've used anyway. I feel like I have friends that could make me a brass tube for the steam. hhhmmmmmmm...
thanks for the nice video. what size is the basket? are the recommendations on your amazon storefront?
@@vizzo7 It's a 51mm portafilter and it has a single and double shot pressure basket included.
Without the solenoid Gaggiuino won’t work. Machines without solenoid are not compatible at all without code editing like you mentioned
I’ve done the mod. The spring limits the low limit to pressure. The spring is the spring and plug above the portafilter. Removal of it leads to a lot of dripping out of the boiler. I’ve also taken one and just added a pot I.e. dimmer to the pump and a xmt7100 pid. I think that is the best and cheapest/quicker.
Edit: I did the mod back in beginning of 2023 using the older arduino. Nothing in the code depended on solenoid at that time. You can mount ssr on sheet of AL at bottom of machine. There is as noted tight spaces, but you can get the components in there. I’ve not followed things since move to stm processor, so code changes were minimal under arduino, but sounds like not the case now if can find the older code. As I said xmt pid is way to go imo since I didn’t find watching pressure a big deal and sourcing all the fittings and transducer probably wasn’t worth it…other than just something to do.
Dude! Looking so healthy! Let’s go!!!
Been working hard! Thank you!
@@LanceHedrickIt shows!!!
great work! And great video! Watching from Argentina 🇦🇷
Where I come from, remarking that someone is 'looking healthy ' is a back handed complement that means you're still looking fat but appear to have lost weight. 😃
@@TheMcspreadertouch grass
Lance, I haven't watched the video, but you look awesome dude. You should be proud of all the hard work you've been putting in.
Thank you so much!
What about all the hard work maintaining that regal AF mustache? Bring back the Mo Lance!
Honestly, thank you Lance for making a video for the very large number of us people who are running cheap setups and are aiming for "serviceable" espresso without breaking the bank. $500+ on coffee gear is definitely not something easy to justify when you are getting started. I hope you find a gem cheap grinder too, hand grinding is the way to go on a budget but it IS very annoying when it's your only option.
I run 1 modded Delonghi ECP 3630 (basically the same internals) with an AliExpress naked portafilter and a super cheap Kingrinder P2 and get much better espresso/espresso based drinks than most of my local cafes. For those interested, the Rancilio steam wand, dimmer switch and pressure gauge mods are super easy/cheap to do and there's tons of tutorials out there.
I feel like it will be impossible to get a better machine for less than $500+. The money will be better spent on upgrading your grinder.,
I bought on of these 3 years ago with full intentions of replacing it if I enjoyed home espresso.
Well, long story short I did enjoy espresso very much but fell in love with the simplicity if this machine. I did buy a naked porta filter that fits it and a IMS basket and puck screen (as well as a matching sized tamp) but my home brewed espresso is better than I ever expected.
Heck yeah! The capability of slowly upgrading it and knowing it'll last is incredible.
Great! I have a Delonghi for two years. This is the first time I have an espresso using your "un-pressurized" setup. A big change . Thanks!
You could try and buy a bottomless or spouted stain less steel portafilter and not drink off plastic anymore. For me it’s done a big change when it comes to cleaning after use, and the espresso looks better in my eyes. Taste is similar but still better.
It’s super motivating seeing you getting more and more in shape. I wish I would be as consistent as you are!
Thank you! You can do it! Each time I upload, make it a point to hit the gym! Baby steps
I just bought an ECP3420 about a month ago for $100 here in the states, and I absolutely love it. A few upgrades are needed for sure but I still came out under $300. I got the Kingrinder K6 for my grinder. Got bottomless portafilter, tamper, puck screen, timer/scale and magnetic funnel. The only thing left to do is add the better wand. You can still steam by taking off the tip of the panerello wand leaving just the rubber nozzle, putting a zip tie on it so it doesn't fly off. I was happily surprised how good the espresso is. Also for anyone wondering the K6 is a super easy to use hand grinder. It really surprised me how easy it grinds.
I really appreciate these types of videos. Even though I am fortunate enough to have a fairly good midrange endgame machine, I only became that fortune very recently. However for a solid 20 years of my life, I was always making due with budget options, so I totally remember how much I always loved watching people review the more affordable side of espresso machines/grinders. Plus this gives me another amazing option to recommend to my friends who can't really afford more expensive gear. Amazing work!
Your closing note is something I've been embracing with my Breville. I've been using it for just over 2 years and kept blaming the machine. But I've been putting the work in, buying better beans, refining my process, refining my skills. Let me tell you. The quality is incredible. Great latte art, amazing crema, delicious shots.
Same here, getting awesome shots with my Bambino Plus. Hours of RUclips videos, freshly roasted coffee delivered to the doorstep from the local roaster, decent IMS basket along with a Normcore naked portafilter, and ultimately 1Zpresso J-Ultra is what it takes 😅
That sassy "yes, I can" about light roasts earned my sub.
beans, not machines! Love the look Lance and thank you for another great video for budget espresso lovers
Hi from Denmark I love that you went back to basic espresso brewing, to me its all about enjoying a good cup of espresso.
I love great espresso that is kept simple.
Great video thank you so much.❤❤❤
Giant flaming words in front of you: "Don't let snobs tell you, that you can't get good coffee with cheap machine". Love you man!
I absolutely love this as a starting thing as almost a proof of concept for my family and friends who are buying things to try to short cut espresso and unhappyily realizing you cannot.
definitely. and, best part is, it doesn't have to just be a starter. it is starter price, but the quality, if taken care of, is enough to last a long time. I genuinely love the coffee I make with it!
How long already there is Dedica on the market and barely ever taken into account by serious reviewers is so unbelievable... and shots coming out from Dedica for that price point, better than 90% of average cafes... glad you did this review of Stilosa!
I'm honestly embarrassed it took me this long tbh
What a moment when we get this kind of I don't know how to call it, enlightenment or something, when all the hard stuff about espresso goes to the corner and you just pull great shot from machine like this. Once again big bravo for this video! 🎉
I have a dedica and it honestly gives me better coffee than all the chains in my town (London) and I haven't got bottomless filter etc yet.
@@alexthomson7465 exactly the same experience... and I tried numerous of 1-2k eur machines and Dedica won over them every time. I just couldn't accept truth that 200 eur machine is making better shots and new machines in that 2k range is coming to the market and still do not make better espresso and we are all buying them constantly...
My first machine was ECP 3420(a copy of Stilosa) and it was awesome machine for the money, only 100EUR, fast heating boiler, easy access to insides, etc. I added 9 bar OPV, PID, IMS shower screen, IMS basket, dimmer... and all of that for just 240 euros total. This allowed me to dedicate 600 for the good Eureka grinder, and make a better coffee, than most of coffee shops in Portugal. Then I moved, sold everything and bought Gaggia Classic. For me, the only advantage of Classic is the 58mm group head, which gives you more accessories available on the market, but I would say, this is changing, and more and more things become available....
How did you do the 9 Bar OPV mod?
Dude how did you get opv 9bar? I have a stilosa
I’ve got the cheaper plastic version of the 3420 for about 2 years. $35 used delivered. Cut off bottom to make it bottomless, Hugh basket and pulled thousands of shots. Total cost for KinGrinder K4, scale, stainless tamp, WDT, milk pitcher, Silvia wand … everything is well under $200. BTW the 3420 series also has IMS shower screens available. Great shots at an incredible cost. Only issue I’ve had is gasket for water tank leaks if the tank is more than half full. I chuckle when people say you need $$$$ to make good espresso and lattes. Glad to see some love for these
Another happy 3420 owner here ✌️ Which IMS screen do you use? The DL200NT? TIA
Hey, thats my machine.. lol. 86 bucks,, shes a beast.
It's seriously no joke. Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?!?!?!?!
Same here, I’m more of a pour over guy buy i wanted to scratch an espresso itch so bought mine a couple of years back for £30 off some guy on facebook with a half decent tamper. Quick ranchillio mod, new IMS basket, and cut the bottom off of the stock portafilter so it’s bottomless. I use it daily now for my wifes caffeine hit while my filter is drawing down! Now if only my water wasnt so insanely hard here!
Awesome. Looking forward to the repair/restoration video. And yes, invest in great beans over fancy machines
Bro I’ve only watched your recommended videos from years prior and wow dude you’ve had an insane glow up. Congrats
Thank you so much!
Great video…Tom’s coffee corner has been preaching this for years! 🤓 Lance send him some luv
I have in a previous video! And I invited him to collab.
I was asking myself for so long how is that possible that Tom's channel is the one of few that is filming Dedica, I couldn't find answer on that and it's so long on the market...
Tom is a big ECP 3420 proponent, which is another great machine and similar to the Stilosa.
@sgc603 definitely! I was going to get that instead but the main differences are steel panels instead of plastic and a slightly bigger reservoir (3.7 instead of 3.4L). I saved the money and went cheaper since the internals are the same
@@LanceHedrick The 3420 advantage is that it is taller, and the shower screen is bigger. IMS makes a shower screen for the 3420.
2:29 “As a brief excursus…” you can take the boy out of academia but you can’t take the academia out of the boy. Love you man ❤️
Hahaha! I apparently said a priori in another video recently. Can't stop it lol
Lest louts lapse their listening, Loquacious Lance’s lexicon lends a luxe laxity to Delonghi learning.
(My other impulse was to try to make something of “The Lance of Delongainus” but decided to spear you the pain.)
For roughly 7 months I have to had a DeLonghi machine. It is an ECP series, a seamlessly popular one. After 5 months, I got myself a Kingrinder P2. Best deal ever! My friend who got a gaggia pro and he is jealous. Definitely a decent machine. Soo glad to see you review one of them.
As someone with “gear acquisition syndrome” I’m loving the tone in Lance’s videos lately.
Its so awesome to see this hobby becoming more and more accessible
Delonghi have so many machines it's very difficult to go near them with any kind of certainty so it's great to get a demo of a Delonghi that can actually give good results.
I just bought one of these from Goodwill for $40 to give to a friend (literally arrived today lol). A descale and a wipe down and it’s good to go. I’ve only ever used a Europiccola and was impressed with what it could do.
My Guy! Holy Geez, you look GREAT Lance! keep up the hard work. Love the content! you got me into modding for my coffee XD albeit i think modding was in my future anyway as a PC builder enthusiast lol. Thanks again for all the SOLID info and findings you provide.
Great video. Love the perspective for budget items. I'm past this now but this is absolutely how to bring more people into this world.
Yes man, that's the way, this is powerful video!!! And you are looking GREAT!
Currently eyeing some ECP models on ebay to do a shitload of mods to. Love seeing these machines get some love!!
This is it! (been Waiting for this). Thank you Lance for the great review. God bless you man!
Just got a Casabrews machine from amazon, think it was 120 dollars. Have to say I am impressed. A little playing around with it ,and its pulling some nice shots. not bad steam as WELL, Lance as always you are the man. thanks
On the subject of the shower screen, you can buy a gasket and shower screen for the ECP 3420 and swap them in. Works wonders.
I bought a used one of these for $25, and pulled better shots on it than I have on a Gaggia classic pro that I was given. I love this little machine so much.
Love this vibe. Down to earth, relatable, and kind. 🙏
Cool review on this amazingly cheap machine, I was gifted the ecp3420 based on your recommendation this Xmas and finally have my machine dialed in to my liking. 😊 thanks for the tips, and also look fit mannn! Keep up the progress! 🤘🏼
i had a similar model from delonghi and it served me for many years i installed a pid and a few other modifications you mentioned in the video. These machines are really underrated, and you can make excellent coffee, especially if you're just starting out the hobby.
Absolutely! And can be your final machine with how well constructed the insides are. Especially if you spend the extra 20 bucks or so for the 3420 with stainless paneling
I haven't watched a video of yours for a few months and was surprised to see what you look like now!
Hey! I have one of these, I got it as my intro level espresso machine last year. Thanks for the mods and the review! Lookin' good as well. Peace.
Thank you for this video! I got a Delonghi machine to make my wife lattes and rapidly fell into the espresso rabbit hole. I decided to focus on up-skilling rather than spending multiple car payments worth of money on a hobby I might fizzle out on.
I’ve gradually upgraded my kit since then, purchasing a Baratza Sette 270 grinder, bottomless portafilter, IMS basket, WDT tool, a quality scale, and some other accessories.
Now that I’ve been on this path for two years, I feel like it’s about time to upgrade, or at least modify my Delonghi. But the machine has been a great way to get into espresso on a budget, and your video has given me ideas to use it better.
Just a warning on the depressurisation step at 4:00 - I did exactly this a while back, and I destroyed one of the bottom plates due to a choked pull, it bowed down enough such that it won't seal in the basket any more. I had grounds forcing itself around the rubber gasket! Removing that plastic piece below the bottom plate also removes important structural support that keeps the whole thing together.
I ended up removing the inner spring and valve from the plastic piece, and then assembled the whole thing together again, and that seems to work much better now.
Lance at his best! Love the content, brother!
Love the video, watched it for the knowledge as I already have a good espresso machine but still learning on many levels
That was a such a fun watch. I have a delonghi ecp thanks to toms coffee corner's review. It's a such a good machine with the rancilio steam wand mod. I wish you showed how to steam milk with the 3 hole steam wand cause I'm only able to steam with the 1 hole steam wand properly. Anyways, awesome video. Keep the low budget content coming that doesn't discourage people from getting into coffee.
Been using a stilosa and slowly upgrading parts for a year now, a great little machine
Thanks for sharing and showing that almost everyone, despite of the limitations of budget, can get a nice espresso.
I had one of these machines as my first. I loved it, sleeper for sure. I honestly regret throwing it away. I've debated getting one for the office.
I started on a De’Longhi ECP 35.31, sort of the same machine, but the Stilosa has the smaller shower screen. I loved making espresso on it! The only reason I was tempted to upgrade was the workflow when making milk drinks. I am now running a dual boiler
Thanks for the video! I’m actually surprised you were able to pull a tasty shot from a light roast with this setup. It’s Funny also to compare your Video to the one from Hoffman with the Aldi machine.
This is great, love to see really affordable coffee machines!
Other screens say to use them flipped - having the larger holes on top for the better distribution across the enter puck screen.
Your cut is going phenomenal the change on a weekly basis is so clear!!!
thank you!!! still a long way to go.
I have a Delongi for my coffee bar. I have been looking for perfection. I removed the pressurized filter and now I want to change the steam wand for a Rancilio type.
Lance you look amazing! and thank you for the content as always
I have a similar Sunbeam machine, which has been going strong for almost 10 years. No repairs needed. It does have a solenoid valve though, and a metal steam wand.
Great to see this type of machine in your videos. 🎉
Ran one of these for 3 yrs, decent grinder, bottomless, and a good bag of beans... then i found a dedica for $20 at my local thrift store... sometimes its nice to not have to monitor the output precisely...LOL the water dosing of the dedica is pretty darn accurate, as long as your grind size is correct...
Just to add to this, there are the ECP series like the 3420 or 35.31 outside low voltage countries. Very similar but with the larger shower screen. Paired with a budget grinder like the Baratza Encore ESP it works pretty well.
It doesn't matter if the machine is very expensive or cheap, what matters is that the barista masters the preparation techniques
Looking good, Lance! And rocking the WHOOP too. You should do a video on caffeine and sleep/recovery. You would probably get a lifetime of referral months.
Still can’t get over that restoration 🔥
That music drop with the espresso coming out... 😗🤌🫴
I got mine for around 69 dollars at the secondhand market as my first espresso machine, one of my best purchases✨
This makes me want a Lance and Tom (tomscoffeecorner) collab even more than I already do.
Yo yo bro….getting fit AF! 💪🏽
Keep up the grind (no pun intended) and great coffee content per usual 👍🏼☕️
Wow great timing! I just bought a “like new” resale ECP3630 which is basically the same as this with the stainless steel boiler. I got it for $85 with Prime. I already put a better basket and bottomless pf and so far the shots have been pretty good. I use a Niche grinder and also have a Lelit MaraX so I can compare the shots between those two machines and so far not a huge difference. Still playing with it. I maybe I need a precision basket. Thanks Lance for these type of videos!
Whoa whoa whoa, you're kinda blowing my mind here Lance and making me think this might be a value pick
Nice to see a review on a low cost machine. It looks like my US version ecp3630. Works fine with a DF54 grinder. Actually with the DF54 I'm getting more consistent shots than I did with a Rancillio Silvia and Rocky grinder.
I'd love to put on a Rancillio steam wand. Hoping you'll demonstrate how to make that change.
Looking good, G! Love that for you
Hey man, looking amazing with the cut, congrats!
thank you so much!!
This series is really helping me get into espresso
My budget-friendly setup: De'Longhi Stilosa or dedica paired with a 47mm Italmill burr hand grinder (upgraded with a DIY electric kit). I’m very satisfied with the price and the delicious coffee it produces.
I used to had a Gaggia Viva with bottomless portafilter,IMS basket,puck screen and a 53mm motta tamper. I also used a 3d WDT and a motta leveller. I had an 10 euros scale.I always bought specialty coffee from my 100 years old coffee roaster down town where I live. I hit very good extractions using poor man’s temperature surfing all the time. I used an 1zpresso Jmax hand grinder. All the costs were about 130 for machine,180 for grinder and and 100 for the rest. I loved my coffee. Everyone who came to my home for coffee loved it. After 2-3 years I was ready to go to Gaggia Classic while I was saving money. Now and after 1 1/2 years I make the best espresso I had for my 44 years old life. Everybody, learn,check your wallet and then go for a little more. No much more. You will be happy after those you’ve learned. Remember that coffee is a journey. Lans stay healthy and happy new year to everybody. Ps: sorry for my English.
Workout review next?! Looking good Lance! Makes me want to start working out again
I love these machines. I would recommend spending the extra $20.00 and getting the 4320 or 30. You can fit bigger cups and you get a bigger shower head that is also upgradable. Right now, I am using a Delonghi all in one, which is a 34 series with a drip maker glued to the side.
I've been using the Delonghi Stilosa for a year. Great for small footprint in a small kitchen with limited counter space. Makes a descent latte. Only complaint i have is that there is not much space for a coffee cup. Have to remove the spill tray to fit my coffee cup lol.
My 1st espresso machine. Delonghi stilosa ec230.bk with neouza naked portafilter. Now upgraded to Lelit Bianca.
Stage 1 Lance is back, awesome 😊
Haven’t watched in a few months damn, you’re looking good! Not sure if you did anything to other than haircut, but you’re looking polished haha
Me after upgrading to the ascasco steel duo from the stilosa 😶🌫️
Butttt I will say it was after a LOT of experimenting and watching this channel that I felt confident enough to take that step :-)
By the way, there is a similar machine, delonghi ec230, it comes with unpressurized basket and no ponarella stock
Lance, you look 10 years younger! well done mate
I have this wee machine, for the price it's definitely doing a decent job in all fairness. I bought a bottomless portafilter though, couldn't cope with the one that came with the machine Lol!
Looking great too bro, keep going man!
Bottomless is the move but it's like a third of the cost of the machine, so I kept stock for the video haha!
And thank you!
Looking fuego my man 😎. Now, about the machine... now I'm thinking of getting one for work :D
The value is in the simplicity. Keep on keeping on
I'm glad you're giving the Stilosa some attention! This machine is the best in its price-point.
oh it's the best for a couple price points in the budget realm. I'll take this over most anything up to maybe $250 any day!
@@LanceHedrickbetter than the Dedica?
@marcorreialmeida not saying better. But I personally would take it over dedica
@@LanceHedrick If you want to be blown away by an entry-level machine, which in my opinion beats the Stilosa, pick up a Hamilton Beach 40729. It's unfortunately discontinued, but it's a 58mm machine with incredible attention to detail, single all-aluminum boiler, and it retailed for only $70.
@@LanceHedrick Hiya, silly question, but is the Stilosa easy to clean/descale? I've heard that boiler machines are more difficult to descale, but I don't really understand the details.
Still, it's great to see a 'big voice' in the coffee community extolling the virtues of cheaper machines, makes the hobby more accessible
I think you are triggering a revolution and not just in coffee! Fit Bro!
Thank you so much!
I also think that, finally we are talking about perfect shots from 51mm and cheap machines... but so much money spent on expensive gear in the mean time it's hilarious
That has to be the cutest boiler I have ever seen!
The one in the machine is also very nice
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I thought you have a little brother who will run this episode 🤣
Congratulations on your fitness journey!
Had this kind of setup 2 years ago when I got into brewing at home.
Had that exact grinder, I did no-steps mod and put a bellow on it. Great pairing with the flair pro 2 (for light and medium roasted coffee only). Changed its purpose to a filter grinder, then the filter coffee it produced wasn’t pleasant tasting. Sold it away and upgraded to a Fellow Ode v1.1 + SSP MP burr.
Yeah! I did the stepless on this and am working on modifying the carrier for ssp burrs for fun. Lol
@@LanceHedrick haha yeah, back then SSP didn’t have 60mm burr yet. I also didn’t do slow feeding, so that could probably contribute the taste being bright and bitter at the same time (maybe).
Have you tried the grinder for filter?
In that spirit of not letting old machines die... I recently picked up a 2010 Gaggia Baby 06 Class D (for free!) and I've been dreading everything that I should do with it before I can start using it. It's a little rusted in a few places and apparently has been known to get moldy inside. And I never had an espresso machine so I really have no idea how to approach it! 😅
But I've been reading and watching videos, so hopefully I'll get up the courage soon enough. But looking forward to your next vid, maybe it will help!
Lance looking fit! Hats off to you.
These low end Delonghi machines can also do ESE pods. This is what I use and it is quick and easy, as the name implies. Illy makes a great decaf ESE pod.
For sure. Very easy coffee prep
Have a look at the Satrap Espresso XA. I'm sure it's some white label machine for a swiss retailer. It did very well in tests and produces fire coffee.
I have that same cheap scale. It works great, and I have taken it traveling with my aeropress. The only thing that drives me nuts is the tare button being in the middle for some reason.
I bought an ecp 3220 for $45 brand new on clearance a year ago and I’ve already spent double in accessories to improve the shots and workflow lol
Hah... got this as my first machine after watching the Tom's Coffee Corner vid.... "Advanced mode."
With a 1zspresso JX pro hand grinder. It was a nice beginner setup but a little inconsistent.
Now I've got a Profitec Go lol
I have ECP3630 which is just a Stilosa with a stainless body, but the chassis and internals are identical. I have been pulling daily shots for about a year now. I got bottomless portafilter, IMS precision basket, and use the Normcore puck screen. And I've been making some delicious shots out of this little thing. I do the pressure profiling by pulsing the switch on and off. Usually run the pump for 5 seconds to get the bloom started and then just burp the switch one pulse a second till about the 15 second mark and then go full pressure. Then, when I get about 5-10 gram from my target dose I start pulsing the switch again to bring the pressure back down slowly. A local Tarrant County TX roaster called Avoca makes a Costa Rican single origin they call the "Puro Tico". It is just soooo gewd. Like I go to bed and I'm already looking forward to waking up and pulling a shot. It's just so syrupy with this nice thick foam. And it's got this nice touch of sweetness with milk chocolate and little hint of nuttiness. I make a latte and I have to fight the urge to just pour the whole thing down my throat.
You looked 10 years younger! Great job