Both the Delonghi ECP3630 vs ECP3420 are among the most popular espresso machines for those who are on the lookout for budget-friendly options. If you’re just starting your journey into home espresso brewing, either of these machines is a fantastic place to begin.
Their fast heat time, stainless steel boiler, and more are all features that will make daily use and pulling espresso shots simple. But if you’re new to frothing milk manually, there might be a bit of a learning curve initially. You’ll also need to invest in a separate grinder, as these machines don’t come with one built-in.
After all, the Delonghi ECP3630 is slightly better than the Delonghi ECP3420 because of its upgraded wand, which allows a bit more control over the texture of the milk foam.
Delonghi ECP3630 Vs ECP3420: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi ECP3630 Vs ECP3420: Differences
The ECP3630 edged out the ECP3420 with a score of 4-3. I’ll dive into the features of both and offer my personal insights right here!
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Tie
Built-in Grinder
Both are non-grinder machines, so you’ll need to buy a good burr grinder unless you’re happy with going the easy route with pre-ground coffee or ESE pods. Let’s be real – nothing beats the aroma and taste of freshly ground beans.
Investing in a quality grinder is the key to a great experience, so you should literally splurge on a good gadget. Get started with a quality grinder, and it‘ll be your faithful companion long after, even if you decide to upgrade to a more powerful machine.
I said both are compatible with ESE pods, right? If you’re on the fence about what Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods are, they come with pre-ground coffee in a paper filter, perfect for those days when time is not on your side or you just can’t be bothered to play barista. Good, but not quite the full, rich experience of freshly ground beans.
Dosing & Tamping
Both come with a decent-made 51mm portafilter and pressurized/dual-wall baskets. These baskets are great for beginners since they are more forgiving with the grind size and tamping pressure.
I recommend switching to a single wall/non-pressurized basket if you can buy one that’ll fit the portafilter, as it leads to a richer and more flavorful espresso. Still, the non-pressurized basket requires a finer and more consistent grind, which is why you should get a good burr grinder.
Both come with a plastic tamper as their default accessory, which might be okay for a start, and you don’t really need to spend extra bucks on a separate tamper. Now, let’s talk about the not-so-great side of plastic tampers. Durability isn’t their strong suit, not to mention that it doesn’t generate sufficient pressure in most cases.
This is why I’m all for upgrading to a stainless steel tamper. A quality stainless steel tamper not only feels better in your hand but also gives you the heft and stability needed to apply just the right amount of pressure. It’s an investment in your coffee ritual that you’ll thank yourself for every morning.
Heating System
These machines have no dual boiler systems, but they’re still robust choices with a single stainless steel boiler. While a stainless steel boiler doesn’t heat as quickly as a thermoblock or thermojet, it’s quite satisfactory for the price. I’d say they can be ready in about five minutes or less, which is fairly quick, especially compared to some manual espresso makers that may take ten minutes or more to preheat.
Brewing System
Both models boast 15 bars of pressure for extraction, hitting the sweet spot in the realm of espresso making. In fact, a pressure of 15 bars is ideal for creating heavenly-tasting espresso. Anything above 9 bars is great for espresso preparation, but exceeding 20 bars is generally considered overkill. Unfortunately, they don’t have a pre-infusion feature, which should be a must-have for an espresso machine.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Tie
Dimensions & User Interface
| Delonghi ECP3630 | Delonghi ECP3420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.6 x 7.3 x 11.9 inches | 9.6 x 7.3 x 11.9 inches |
| Weight | 11 lbs | 10.8 lbs |
Both models boast a space-saving design. They’re so compact that fitting each of them into a small kitchen or a dorm room is a breeze. It’s a relief knowing you don’t have to sacrifice your love for a good espresso due to space constraints.
The ECP 3630 sticks to a traditional stainless steel finish, which fits into any kitchen aesthetic. But if you’re someone who loves a bit of color, the ECP3420 has got you covered since it comes not only in classic stainless steel but also in sleek black and vibrant red options. There’s even a white aluminum ECP3420, which will definitely make a statement in your kitchen but show stains a bit more.
Their user interfaces both have a large selector dial, which is responsible for everything from powering the machine on to dispensing that rich, aromatic espresso into your cup. Alongside this, there are a couple of indicator lights that provide straightforward feedback on what the machine is doing.
No complex buttons or confusing settings. Their simple user interfaces are perfect for someone just starting their home barista journey or for anyone who prefers a no-fuss, straightforward approach to their morning coffee.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Delonghi ECP3630 | Delonghi ECP3420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 5 inches | 5 inches |
Both have a fixed cup space of 5 inches and for some, this might raise a concern about fitting larger mugs or glasses. I’d say most cups fit perfectly fine, but if you need something a little bigger, just slide the drip tray out for more room.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Delonghi ECP3630 | Delonghi ECP3420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.1 liter | 1 liter |
| Bean Hopper | None | None |
No matter how compact or lightweight your espresso machine is, let’s be real – who wants to lug around their espresso machine just to fill it with water? Luckily, their water tanks are removable. This not only makes refilling water a breeze, but it’s also a huge plus for maintenance and cleaning.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Delonghi ECP3630
As you can see, their steam wands are not really the same, although they both require a little practice from you to create creamy milk foam for latte art.
The ECP3630 comes with a dial right on the wand, making it a bit more user-friendly, especially if you’re still honing your milk-frothing skills. This dial has two settings: one for regular steamed milk and another for the frothy foam that’s essential for a good cappuccino.
One thing to note, though, is that these machines, being the budget-friendly options they are, don’t come with a milk pitcher. So, if you’re planning to make the most of these steam wands, you’ll need to get a stainless steel pitcher separately.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Tie
Drink Options
| Delonghi ECP3630 | Delonghi ECP3420 |
|---|---|
| Espresso Hot water | Espresso Hot water |
Speaking of preset drinks, both only serve up espresso or hot water at the push of a button. So if you’re craving something a bit more on the milky side of the coffee spectrum, you’ll need to awaken your inner barista! We’re talking about a dash of elbow grease and a sprinkle of patience to whip up those milky-based specialties.
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Delonghi ECP3630 | Delonghi ECP3420 |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | No | No |
| Coffee Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Texture | Yes | No |
Unlike their high-end counterparts, they don’t allow you to play with the brewing temperature as well as the extraction process. Still, when paired with a quality coffee grinder, they still excel at extracting the best flavors from the beans.
Oh, by the way, you do have control over the shot length. To start the extraction, turn the knob towards the Coffee symbol. And when you’re satisfied with the shot volume, simply stop the flow by turning it back to the ON position.
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi ECP3630
- EVERY CUP TO YOUR LIKING 15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences.
- BREW LIKE A PRO Whatever your preference – single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte – the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffeehouse.
- Cappuccino or Latte? With an integrated Premium Adjustable Frother, you can create Italian classic cappuccino with a dryer texture milk-foam or choose Hot Milk setting for your latte.
- ONE ESPRESSO SHOT OR TWO? The three-in-one filter holder accommodates the included filter baskets for single espresso, double espresso, and easy-serve espresso pods – whatever your preference.
- NO WAITING BETWEEN CUPS The Advanced Cappuccino System maintains the optimal temperature so you can brew cup after cup instantly.
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi ECP3420
- EVERY CUP TO YOUR LIKING 15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences.
- BREW LIKE A PRO Whatever your preference – single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte – the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffeehouse
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY The Advanced Cappuccino System with manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them.
- ONE ESPRESSO SHOT OR TWO? The three-in-one filter holder, included with the unit, has a holder for one espresso shot, a holder for two shots, and one for an easy-serve espresso pod – whatever your preference.
- SLEEK SPACE-SAVING DESIGN With a sleek profile, compact design and narrow footprint, each model fits beautifully on a kitchen countertop – without taking up too much space.
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Delonghi ECP3630: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/manual-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker-ecp3630/p/ECP3630
- Delonghi ECP3420: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/manual-espresso-machine-ecp3420/p/ECP3420
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.