I have the ECP3420 which is really similar to the Stilosa (though you have a better steam wand on that model). I bought it several years ago to fill in the gap till a new dual boiler machine came in. Once that did, I lent the Delonghi to a friend who never really use it and once he did, never really went beyond the pressurized basket (though I'd given him a standard basket and naked portafilter). He finally gave up on it and I took it back. I'm really glad I saw this video (and one from Lance H), as I'm making really superb espressos on it doing a bit of preinfusion (and now profiling). They really are nice little machines. I'm deciding if it's good enough stock or if I should mod it.
Had this machine doing a great job until now with bottomless unpressurized. With your little pre infusion tip i got rid of sour shot amazing! Sweeter shots as well
A more controllable alternative to on/off pulses would be to use the steam knob during extraction. I suggest you try this: 1. Start the pump 2. When the basket is saturated stop the pump and pause for a few seconds 3. Turn the pump on again to resume the shot and ramp up to full pressure 4. When you reach half of the target weight, gradually open the steam knob to ramp down pressure. You may want to put a pitcher or a mug under the steam wand, to collect water Note that boiler temperature will reduce due to more fresh water entering it, as some water is lost through the steam wand. But this only starts midway through the shot, so not a huge deal. Also, if the boiler here is really 250 ml it won't lose as much heat as, say, a 110 ml boiler used in a Gaggia Classic "Pro".
I've tried this and TBH it works out harder IMO. You have to get the level of opening steam valve just right or you lose too much or not enough pressure. It's easier just to do the on/off method.
I use a ECP3630 in the US which is almost identical except for pressurize baskets and a panarello as you pointed out . I bought a non pressurized portafilter and just steam through the rubber tube using a small zip to keep it attached. I underestimated these little machines. They make good espresso, are very simple uncomplicated machines with a small footprint and very low cost. A DF54 grinder has really helped immensely so thanks for your previous review. 😊 I'd love to see an ECP model with a metal steam wand (way too much work for me to do a Rancillio upgrade) and. non pressurized baskets. Another comment from the UK says they are now coming with 54mm baskets. Please Delonghi send some here
You can modify these with the xmt7100 pid quite easily for better temp control (including ability to drop temp). Also have done a Gaggiuino type mod on one. The one issue is they have a spring above the group head to prevent dripping which limits the ability of mod to drop pressure since stock spring won’t release until approximately 5 bars. Best is just adding the pid and pot on the pump.
@@tefiiii143 Won’t be back home until September, but did find wiring diagram on tablet that is with me if you like. Can’t post here since don’t see way on UA-cam.
Thank you for shining a light on this machine. I will definitely check it out. I already bought the J-ultra because of your review so you've been pretty influential on me haha
I have the delonghi dedica. Before I brew, I always flush it to heat up the machine. When brewing, I start the pump until I see coffee drops in the bottom of the basket, and then let it drip until about 5g. Once 5 grams have hit, I let it rip until I am about 8g-5g away from my target weight, which allows it to ramp down in pressure. So far, this has resulted in excellent espresso.
Hi. What did you mean by "let it rip until I am about 8g-5g away from my target weight"? Did you mean off the machine and let whatever water in the puck to flow out? Would like to try with my Dedica later. Thanks.
I've used a good few of the DeLonghi machines, including this 230BK. It belonged to a friend who was just getting into home espresso. While the machine is a bit finicky, I think it is a great entry item with great return. Easy to experiment with, upgrade, and of course, get a good range of profiles. I had a bit of trouble pulling some turbo shots because of the restricted flow rate. But good nonetheless for a beginner. I still use a Flair 58+ when profiling. So reliable and easy (once you get a feeling for it).
There is a valve between the head and the boiler in these to stop dripping when the water gets hot (boiler goes to 2-3 bar pressure at full temperature) That valve opens at 5-6 bars which makes it hard for me to calculate the real pressure hitting the coffee puck. I have one of these modded with pressure gauge and a pump dimmer but finding a way to stabilize temperature would be good.
@@coffeechronicler There is channel going by Justin Bouchard who modded this machine to like full gagguino spec, he have a lot of videos, he started out like me but then went so hard his Delonghi is now kinda like a Decent.
I've seen way too many reviews from this product and everyone says it's disfunctional. After a month something will break. Either the on/off button or the boiler or it'll start leaking from the plastic etc.
I have had this one since July 2023 and haven't noticed any issues. Of course, it hasn't been my daily driver during that period, but it's seen plenty of use.
A few days ago I was looking forward for this machine ) Bare minimum, but still feels like better value than Flair Neo. Edit: Oh, wait that was Stilosa EC230. Looks the same. But what`s the difference ?
@@coffeechroniclerlever gives you a manual tactile feedback from puck resistence even if you dont have a pressure gauge...Is there any tactile feedback on the knob? Because if not one is flying completely blind...
*The full review:* coffeechronicler.com/delonghi-stilosa-yt
🇺🇸 *US/260BK* amzn.to/3Ve4sOA | 🌏 *Euro-Asia: 230BK* amzn.to/4dQNNbf
I have the ECP3420 which is really similar to the Stilosa (though you have a better steam wand on that model). I bought it several years ago to fill in the gap till a new dual boiler machine came in. Once that did, I lent the Delonghi to a friend who never really use it and once he did, never really went beyond the pressurized basket (though I'd given him a standard basket and naked portafilter). He finally gave up on it and I took it back. I'm really glad I saw this video (and one from Lance H), as I'm making really superb espressos on it doing a bit of preinfusion (and now profiling). They really are nice little machines. I'm deciding if it's good enough stock or if I should mod it.
FYI the newest version of this machine sold in Argos UK comes with a 54mm non-pressurised basket.
Had this machine doing a great job until now with bottomless unpressurized. With your little pre infusion tip i got rid of sour shot amazing! Sweeter shots as well
Never seen this technique before! Cool idea.
A more controllable alternative to on/off pulses would be to use the steam knob during extraction. I suggest you try this:
1. Start the pump
2. When the basket is saturated stop the pump and pause for a few seconds
3. Turn the pump on again to resume the shot and ramp up to full pressure
4. When you reach half of the target weight, gradually open the steam knob to ramp down pressure. You may want to put a pitcher or a mug under the steam wand, to collect water
Note that boiler temperature will reduce due to more fresh water entering it, as some water is lost through the steam wand. But this only starts midway through the shot, so not a huge deal. Also, if the boiler here is really 250 ml it won't lose as much heat as, say, a 110 ml boiler used in a Gaggia Classic "Pro".
It's only a 150 ml boiler, so much like GCP it will lose a lot of heat this way. But yes, it's worth experimenting with!
I've tried this and TBH it works out harder IMO. You have to get the level of opening steam valve just right or you lose too much or not enough pressure. It's easier just to do the on/off method.
I use a ECP3630 in the US which is almost identical except for pressurize baskets and a panarello as you pointed out . I bought a non pressurized portafilter and just steam through the rubber tube using a small zip to keep it attached. I underestimated these little machines. They make good espresso, are very simple uncomplicated machines with a small footprint and very low cost.
A DF54 grinder has really helped immensely so thanks for your previous review. 😊
I'd love to see an ECP model with a metal steam wand (way too much work for me to do a Rancillio upgrade) and. non pressurized baskets. Another comment from the UK says they are now coming with 54mm baskets.
Please Delonghi send some here
You can modify these with the xmt7100 pid quite easily for better temp control (including ability to drop temp). Also have done a Gaggiuino type mod on one. The one issue is they have a spring above the group head to prevent dripping which limits the ability of mod to drop pressure since stock spring won’t release until approximately 5 bars. Best is just adding the pid and pot on the pump.
Some instructions?
@@Mateon88 on vacation but could provide wiring diagram in future.
I am here for this. Waiting for the instructions
@@tefiiii143 Won’t be back home until September, but did find wiring diagram on tablet that is with me if you like. Can’t post here since don’t see way on UA-cam.
@@chuckv8838 would love to see this mod.
Thank you for shining a light on this machine. I will definitely check it out. I already bought the J-ultra because of your review so you've been pretty influential on me haha
Hehe, that's great to hear! This + J Ultra would be a very powerful entry-level combo
I have the delonghi dedica. Before I brew, I always flush it to heat up the machine. When brewing, I start the pump until I see coffee drops in the bottom of the basket, and then let it drip until about 5g. Once 5 grams have hit, I let it rip until I am about 8g-5g away from my target weight, which allows it to ramp down in pressure. So far, this has resulted in excellent espresso.
Sounds like a solid "profile"!
Hi. What did you mean by "let it rip until I am about 8g-5g away from my target weight"? Did you mean off the machine and let whatever water in the puck to flow out? Would like to try with my Dedica later. Thanks.
@@belalang90 they mean turn it on and let it run like normal.
I've used a good few of the DeLonghi machines, including this 230BK. It belonged to a friend who was just getting into home espresso. While the machine is a bit finicky, I think it is a great entry item with great return. Easy to experiment with, upgrade, and of course, get a good range of profiles. I had a bit of trouble pulling some turbo shots because of the restricted flow rate. But good nonetheless for a beginner.
I still use a Flair 58+ when profiling. So reliable and easy (once you get a feeling for it).
What features make the Stilosa stand out as a manual espresso machine?
That's manual dimmer mod operation without the actual modification, XD.
There is a valve between the head and the boiler in these to stop dripping when the water gets hot (boiler goes to 2-3 bar pressure at full temperature)
That valve opens at 5-6 bars which makes it hard for me to calculate the real pressure hitting the coffee puck.
I have one of these modded with pressure gauge and a pump dimmer but finding a way to stabilize temperature would be good.
That sounds cool! Would love to see a photo/video of it.
@@coffeechronicler There is channel going by Justin Bouchard who modded this machine to like full gagguino spec, he have a lot of videos, he started out like me but then went so hard his Delonghi is now kinda like a Decent.
damn, wish I knew about the 230 version, would've gotten that instead
I have this one. Wanted to sell it but I think I will keep this baby for a little longer 😊
how long does it take to heat it up?
@coffechronicler 2 different things, but how would you compare the result in the cup between the Stilosa and the Outin nano?
With this method, do we really care about the extraction time or just targeted yield?
Yes, just disregard timing here
I've seen way too many reviews from this product and everyone says it's disfunctional. After a month something will break. Either the on/off button or the boiler or it'll start leaking from the plastic etc.
I have had this one since July 2023 and haven't noticed any issues. Of course, it hasn't been my daily driver during that period, but it's seen plenty of use.
I’ve had the knob on/off break but it’s under warranty so Delonghi will send you parts or a new machine if they don’t have parts
Had it for 2 years+ daily 1-2 coffee and no problem for mine. Insane value with unpressurized basket
A few days ago I was looking forward for this machine )
Bare minimum, but still feels like better value than Flair Neo.
Edit: Oh, wait that was Stilosa EC230. Looks the same. But what`s the difference ?
I have an ECP 35.31 at home. I can probably use the sams technique as showed?
Yes, should work with any machine that doesn't release pressure and excess brew water. So many cheap machines.
Does this method work with any machine without an OPV? For example a breville bambino.
Yes, should work with the regular Bambino, but not Bambino Plus.
@@coffeechronicler Will definitely try it next time!
Nice
If I were entry level, I'd buy that in a heartbeat. I'd almost downgrade for it now.
For sure a lot more fun than a Gaggia Classic!
Nooooooooo!
And I have just bought the Rancilio X Pro. 🤦♂️
😏
That is fine! You will still enjoy your shots!
LOL
I always feel weird when I see these ultra cheap machines. My handgrinder literally cost 3 times as much!
Link points to 260BK
Updated
Would prefer no slurping in a setting like this. Especially Espresso in this setting or Cappuccino in general. Anyway thanks for the video
Unfortunately, that's an occupational habit that's hard to unlearn :)
LOL clever. Manual PWM.
Title is misleading
Far away from manual levers ..would never opt for this
Even if there's no manometer to visualize it, the pressure is still changing. So if you try to control it actively, you're indeed "profiling"
This guy over here
@@coffeechroniclerlever gives you a manual tactile feedback from puck resistence even if you dont have a pressure gauge...Is there any tactile feedback on the knob? Because if not one is flying completely blind...
@@ishantsingh3366Yeah but you might get some curve with that. I got this machine for $60 equivalent and manual machines are at least x10 in price.
For god's sake just upload the la Pavoni video