When you talk about the term DeLonghi coffee machine, you might as well say something like Starbucks’ coffee. The term is so general as not to really offer anything concrete to hang your thoughts on. When I say that, I mean that a DeLonghi coffee machine could really mean anything from a 4 cup coffee maker all the way to the ultimate hands free espresso maker. There are practically DeLonghi coffee machines for any type of coffee connoisseur or coffee lover that I’ve had the privilege of meeting.
So in this article, I want to give you an overview of the DeLonghi coffee makers that are out there. Many of you will perhaps be familiar with some of them, as Starbucks up until recently carried a couple of versions of the DeLonghi coffee maker, or more specifically the DeLonghi espresso machine.
Background on the DeLonghi coffee machine company
But first a quick little background on the DeLonghi company. It was founded, as one would hope for a coffee maker in Italy by the De’Longhi company as you would imagine. Originally they were formed as a small industrial parts company, and even when they were incorporated shortly after the war in 1950 they were still best known for their portable heaters and air conditioners. They’ve obviously since expanded to become a well known home appliance manufacturer and especially renowned for their DeLonghi espresso machines. In fact, being Italian, you’d expect great design from them and you’d be right, especially if you’ve had a look at a DeLonghi coffee machine lately. Their head designer Giocomo Borin was recognized in 2006 as one of the 50 most influential designers in the world.
In 2001 they acquired the British company Kenwood and now produce most of their appliances in China, although design is still headquartered in Italy. I have mixed feelings about this, but that’s not what you really came to read about. So let’s get to the crux of the DeLonghi offerings.
The many options of a DeLonghi coffee machine
You can get a DeLonghi coffee machine to fit just about any budget and family size. For bachelors and couples without kids there is the DeLonghi 4 cup coffee maker which looks like one of those little coffee machines you’ll find in hotels. Though it’s a DeLonghi and the design is obviously better!
For larger families and folks who like to entertain a lot you can get the DeLonghi coffee machine in varieties such as the previously mentioned 4 cup coffee maker, but also the DeLonghi 10 cup coffee maker, 12 cup coffee maker and the big daddy of them all the DeLonghi 14 cup coffee maker. I’m not sure I could drink that much coffee, though it is tempting. The DeLonghi 10 cup coffee maker is an excellent example of their design skills. Not only that, but it comes with a permanent gold coffee filter for your use and a decalcification light so you don’t have to guess when it’s time to decalcify your coffee machine.
Both the DeLonghi 12 cup coffee maker and the 14 cup coffee machine also offer permanent gold coffee filters and they both come with 24 hour programmable timers so you can wake up to the enchanting smells of your favorite roast already percolating away.
With the DeLonghi espresso machines you have a variety of choices. There are literally over a dozen types of espresso machines that DeLonghi offers, from steam driven to the more elaborate pump driven espresso maker to the all inclusive leave-me-alone-you-can’t-make-espresso-I’ll-do-it-all-for-you idiot proof espresso machines that grind, tap and pour your espresso and foam your milk while you watch espresso robots!
Many a DeLonghi espresso machine will take espresso pods which is handy if you don’t want do deal with the mess of ground coffee beans and you don’t want to worry about the coffee grind either. And of course, no article on DeLonghi espresso machines would be complete without mentioning their hugely popular Artista series. The DeLonghi Artista espresso machines are actually DeLonghi Perfecta espresso machines that have the work of renowned artists laser engraved onto their faces. These machines are made in limited quantities and auctioned off to the public and the proceeds go towards Oxfam America. If you can score one of these beauties, don’t tell me, I’ll be green with envy, and you’ll be a lucky espresso dog!
That my friends, is the DeLonghi coffee machine in a nutshell. So many choices for ever budget. You can get their coffee makers for anywhere between $25 and $100. Their espresso machines can be yours for anywhere from $50 to $2500 and up. God knows what an Artista will cost you, one very fine DeLonghi coffee machine.