Since I am coffee lovers and "DeLongi" one of the leading manufacturers of fully automatic coffee machine, the unit had to be easily tested ... Handling is relatively simple (although you have to take one to two seconds in the very comprehensive manual to really understand everything). So the tank filled, coffee / beans in and start! Only when one is dissatisfied with the Ergenis, the lengthy search begins for a solution in the extensive manual! The result in both the coffee and the espresso (espresso powder here) can see / can taste! Wonderful "crema" and each a taste of not only convinced me. But the best things first ... A bit disappointing the appearance of the machine is (especially the "Resteauffänger" looks very much like "Made in Taiwan" from), but there except for a few items, all made of shiny plastic! The water tank removal is fairly straightforward, but is hampered by a cover, which one again has to take separately from the tank. The cover does have an opening, but here is "target water" demand! Now the choice is yours (or like me follow the circumstances), ground coffee or beans? The instant coffee loading is again very simple, it is just take care to use the supplied Kaffeedosierlöffel only once (ie, for each new cup of coffee or espresso to be reloaded). It is very beneficial / pleasant that you desired regrind (for coffee beans) and water quantity (cup size) can be set on the two space provided regulators (so you can create its special coffee making). But unfortunately, you have to remember the current settings, as no good scaling at the controls is available and thus on several users, an adjustment is inevitable. Now one remains the choice (always pay attention to the regrind, otherwise there is very thin espresso with 2 cup of setting) if 1 or two Tässchen are to be filled (with espresso). "Latte Macchiato" For fans of the ESAM has a separate milk frother (superheated steam heater), which produces in the shortest possible time with his really powerful steam jet a very pleasant froth. Unfortunately, it is the nozzle move only in the horizontal, so you pretty closely is your 45 ° angle to the machine and problems with larger vessels arise. After several brewed coffee should be the "marc" Empty and clean vessels for! Easier said than done ... A little small lever next to the height-adjustable coffee dispenser opens the front half of the machine, now you have the whole unit (consisting of Resteauffänger and pulp container) Carefully pull out. Is this done, you can also remove the "brewing". This should be done at regular intervals, because after a few applications, the interior is very dirty! The "marc" in the tank looks quite good, and the various powder sizes (espresso powder is fine milled) seem to have been well-pressed, with a stronger pressure desirable for me would be (the stronger the pressure at the "Espresso", the better the enjoyment -Result). The unit has only on your back an on / off switch, you can use an "Eco" switch, set the time after which the machine automatically (completely) off. This is important because the machine has no operating status display, you are still consumed in "Stand By" 0.2-0.3 Watt (silent power-hungry). Conclusion: As a beginner model or as a "business machine" quite good usable, advanced coffee connoisseurs not exactly brilliant ...
Addendum: There were 3 stars, now moves to 1ner! The machine is now for a little over a month in our workshop and thanks to another DeLongi-owner, we have some tips and tricks to get there: grinder on 4 and (sorry advertising) Eduscho Gala Crema - beans = very good coffee! Also by the "duration of use" (increasingly colleague suddenly find their way into the workshop), the handling become easier (or one has become accustomed to the machine to operate). As a final tip: Always make an empty glass or a cup under the dispensing, because the machine has on standby a cleaning function and then it's either clean the "catch area thoroughly, or just the glass empty ...