DeLonghi BCO430 Combination Pump Espresso and 10-Cup Drip Coffee Machine with Frothing Wand, Silver and Black

This machine is a Godsend for our family that has immense disagreement over what to d. The Grandfather loves straight, simple brewed coffee. The Grandmother loves hot tea. The Mother loves iced tea. The Father enjoys hot chocolate, and the Son loves espresso. For $150, you get a machine that can pretty much make any beverage at a Starbucks. There are two water tanks- a removable one for the espresso/hot water/frothing wand and an innovative front loading one for the coffee. This works well for our kitchen shelf, which with other machines has involved pulling the unit out of the shelf before poring into a small space in the corner. Nearly everything with this unit can be done from the front, except changing the water filters. Machine is a great value for the benefits of two separate units, and cheaper than many espresso machines. The machine controls the water temperature, but user is responsible for starting and stoping the water flow. The ESE (Easy serving espresso) pods are super easy to use, and completely optional. The open source standard keeps prices down and they are available in all different brands of coffee from cheap to gourmet. We originally started with loose coffee, but then switched to the pods after issues with grounds getting everywhere during the tamping process. The milk frother is straight forward to use and doubles as a hot water outlet for americanos, tea and instant coffee. Keep in mind that the machine does not come with a frothing pot (get a good quality cone shaped one for better foam) or espresso glasses, but does include a combined tamper/coffee measure. If you decide not to use pods, be sure to invest in a better tamper instead of the plastic one that is included. The 16 bar pump pulls good shots with suitable crema and strength. Comes with two portafilters, for short/pods or long shots. Bear in mind that the coffe scoop that is included is larger than the portafilter. If you have no idea how to froth milk, basically pour the cold milk into the cup and leave it in the milk while swirling the milk around for wet foam, or move it up and down near the top for dry foam. When you feel the milk getting to the same temperature as Starbucks, pull it out. The machine is simple to clean- just bang the handle on the side of the garbage to dump out the coffee, and run the frother under the tap for a few seconds. Every week or so, empty the (removable) drip tray and clean out the handle, portafilters, and area where the handle is locked in. Every few months, de-scale the unit and switch out the filters. About the drip coffee unit, pretty standard. Programmable brew times and auto-stop. Carafe is sturdy and has a well designed spout that prevents any dripping and fits perfectly into the port for the water tank. If you are only making a few cups, definitely turn on the 1-4 cups button. It does something patented that really improves the flavor. So far, there has been no mechanical issues but I will update if anything happens.

I am leaving my original review below so you know I’m not just a negative person...That said we have not moved, relocated the machine, or did anything other then almost daily coffee brewing and monthly cleanings by brewing a batch with a vinegar and water blend.In less than two years the coffee maker simply stopped working. When you pay over $200 for a coffee maker and it doesn’t even last two years after taking great care of it, I don’t feel like that’s a good purchase.I spoke with the company and the most they want to do is give me 20% off a new one since it was past it’s one year warranty. Why would I want a 20% coupon for another expensive coffee maker where based on my track record, won’t last more than two years.I am an EXTREMELY loyal person. When I find a brand I like, I tend to stick with that brand for life... I have always bought the same brand of car, TVs, computers, bikes... and I was prepared to stick with DeLonghi had they handled my situation better. I would have been happy if they would simply repair it. Probably only needs a new pump or something.Anyway, DeLonghi lost a customer for life and even after I told them that (the manager that I requested to speak to), they apologized and let me walk away. That’s not who I want to do business with.Still in the hunt for my next coffee maker brand...Hope this helps!I was hesitant but took the leap and bought it.It works great but I agree with some of the other comments... it's a "starter" espresso machine.. not what you get in a coffee shop.It is still decent though as long as you actually buy espresso grind. if you try to make espresso with coffee grinds, it just doesn't quite taste right.Also, do not make an espresso and walk away as it will keep brewing and overflow your now watered down espresso. You actually have to start and stop the espresso. Kind of a bummer but I can deal with it.Over all, good quality for what you are paying for. Worth it if you don't want to drop $500 plus on an espresso machine and it makes great coffee as well.