selig wrote: ↑30 Jan 2023
I’ve always used vinegar, not sure there’s any down side except for being sure to remove the water filter first (or replace it if it’s due to be replaced). I currently have a 6 yr old Breville which is just starting to show signs of age (some cycles don’t always stop at the correct time), and have always used vinegar as a cleaning/descaling agent.
But I’ve started looking at machines like the DeLonghi for a more ‘automated’ coffee experience, so would love to hear details about that family of machines and what to expect, in addition to specific recommendations if anyone is willing to do so!
I haven't used a water filter yet, though found a cheap one to try and see if it makes any difference for taste.
Vinegar is said to be heavy on aluminium parts - when I once used it on a cheapo coffee machine, the parts became green, and screws went rusty. So, gotta be careful. But 100 ml 20% vinegar + 1-2 L water should be very light on this machine. Plus this hopefully has quality parts for the price.
I use the DeLonghi Magnifica S. It had everything needed. Coffee bean grinder, as well as storage for 200 g. And can do both espresso and long coffee. The amount of used coffee beans can be set on a wide range. It supports pre-ground coffee. Turns off automatically, if forgotten. Has both 1-2 cups option for whole beans. It automatically squeezes the freshly ground coffee; and throws the rests in its own container.
You can also set the grinding roughness (it's rather on the quiet side, by the way).
The annoying thing - turn on, then it first washes. Make a coffee. Turn it off - it washes again. x D - As of late, I let the washing water in my mug and mixed it with an espresso amount.
It has other features, like setting water temperature; or pressing the selected coffee button so that it lets out more water; you can pre-calibrate how much water the selected program lets out; then making hot air for making cappucino (manually), or letting out hot water for a tea or instant coffee through the same pipe.
It's glossy. We got it in black, and even with microfiber cloth, it's full of fine scratches. Dust is very visible. I wanted a white one, but wasn't available. On white, scratches and dust are the least visible, surprisingly.
Monthly, you have to take out the coffee making head and submerge in water. It's a bit odd to clean, but kind of fun and interesting.
And again, it has a cleaning cycle, which is a bit of a chore to do - and you definitely need the manual and do steps correctly.
Likewise for calibration, you need the manual.
All in all, kind of convenient, and a bit less messy.
Around 300-400 EUR/USD.
Other models might make cappuccino automatically, and maybe have better aroma-preserving containers ~ this one basically has just a lid on top of it, and that's it. Though the coffee didn't get any worse, so it works.
I already have an excellent device for foaming milk up, so I don't care for that feature. And on top of that, I almost hate cappuccino. x D
I perhaps miss the timer and morning automation. : D I think there were models with that feature, but for twice or trice the price (not sure about now).