Be a coffee pro in your own home (DeLonghi BAR-M 390)

Member Name: nickn5

Product:	DeLonghi BAR-M 390
Date:	26/07/09 (79 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Authentic tasting cappucino, great milk frother

Disadvantages: Cleaning is tedious, can leak if not used properly

This particular machine was not something I purchased, but my wife and I received as a wedding present - unlike many wedding presents though, we do actually use this!

Even if you are thinking of spending your own money, these espresso coffee machines for the home user are very enticing purchases indeed, especially after seeing the professional versions in use at restaurants. After my experiences with this one I can say that on the whole they are worthwhile, but you need to be prepared to but a bit of work into it too.


IN THE BOX:
The machine here is easy to set up - supplied with it you get a pair of sturdy metal coffee filter holders, one which holds enough coffee for one cup, one which does enough for two cups, the overall device with handle in which they are placed and which you clamp to the machine, and a nozzle which can dispense steam for doing your frothy milk.
You get an instruction pamphlet, not really a book, which just about tells you enough to get you started. At least the quality of the English wording is pretty good.
There were also some espresso coffee pods with my machine, designed for one cup use only, and which suit quite well as a way of familiarising yourself with how it works before you invite those guests round.


HOW IT WORKS:
It is important firstly to press the ground coffee into the filters firmly by using the round compacting disc, but not too much, and then to clamp the handle on well, otherwise you'll end up with coffee dribbling everywhere except your cup. This part does take some practice and you'll be getting better everytime you use the machine.

A fairly large water tank on the back holds the cold water - another important step is to preheat the water and your 'flow tubes' before use to get better tasting coffee - a simple procedure which only takes a minute to do. This is all explained in the instruction pamphlet.

Once the water is at the right temperature the machine will let you know with a light, you can then start dispensing, and the quantity is entirely up to you, you tell it when to stop, which is excellent. Even when the 'OK' light goes out, you can still dispense water with no problems.

Another button will then start the steam production for the cappuccino milk frother nozzle, while a round knob allows you to control how much steam comes out. The buttons feel a little plasticky and I'm not too sure how they'll be working in a few months time - one of the drawbacks to this 'budget' type of machine.

There is a drip tray at the front to stop spills covering your worktop. It is easy to pull this section out for cleaning in water.


IN USE:
The machine is a little noisy but only when dispensing the water (it's the pump which rattles a bit). It does also use up a fair chunk of worktop space in the kitchen, but at least it's nice to look at!

One word of advice - if you use a coffee bean grinder make sure it's one which will grind very finely, mine doesn't unfortunately, and so I have to buy espresso ground coffee in packets.

Although with mine I received some handy little pods for use in the filters, there was nothing else other than the basic equipment to make it work, and a coffee scoop. So you will need to get yourself a suitable little jug for doing the frothy milk, and some nice cups which (make sure) fit underneath the coffee spout!

I paid £99 for my machine brand new in box.

Summary: Great for the price

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