Comparison De'Longhi ECAM 23.460.S silver vs De'Longhi Magnifica Pronto Cappuccino ESAM 4500.S silver

The material from which the millstones are made in a coffee machine with a built-in coffee grinder (see above).

Millstones are the working part of the coffee grinder, they directly provide grinding of beans; so the properties of the material from which these parts are made are very important. Nowadays, you can find two types of millstones:

— Metal. The oldest and classic version, is not losing popularity today. The key advantages of metal millstones are high strength, reliability and resistance to foreign objects; at the same time, this option is also cheaper than ceramics. However there is an opinion that such millstones tend to give the beans an extraneous taste — especially after long work (due to the strong heating of the metal). Such situations can really arise, but most often they have other reasons: cheap low-quality materials in the design of the coffee maker, negligent attitude towards cleaning and maintaining the mechanism, etc. On the other hand, millstones are usually made of durable refractory materials, which, during the grinding process, are almost impossible to heat up to such an extent that they begin to noticeably affect the taste of the beans. So most modern coffee grinders (including built-in coffee machines) are equipped with this type of millstone.

— Ceramic. Millstones made of special high-strength ceramics. This is a relatively new option, which is generally considered more advanced t...han metal: it is believed that ceramics are in no way capable of affecting the taste of the ground beans. However this is due not only to the real properties of this material, but to the overall quality of the coffee makers (they are generally more expensive than models with metal millstones). In addition, the psychological factor also has an impact: the taste perception of coffee is largely subjective. So the information that the beans were ground with ceramic millstones can affect the attitude towards the product and the final impression of the finished drink. Anyway, ceramic millstones are quite popular among lovers of quality coffee. Another advantage is their lower noise level than metal ones. However, you need to keep in mind that such mechanisms are very sensitive to the ingress of foreign objects (even small ones) and are not suitable for any products other than coffee.

— Grinding degree. Choosing the degree of coffee grinding is crucial for achieving the desired strength and consistency of the final coffee. Different types of coffee drinks require varying degrees of grinding. For espresso and related drinks like cappuccino and latte, a fine grind is necessary. Turkish coffee requires an extremely fine grind, almost like "dust." Cream coffee and filter coffee are best with a medium grind, while a coarse grind works well for French press.

— Pre-wetting. One option available in some coffee makers is the ability to pre-moisten the ground coffee with hot water before brewing the drink. This feature allows users to customize the duration of coffee wetting, although there may be exceptions. Pre-wetting plays a crucial role in enhancing the taste and aroma of coffee, resulting in a more intense and flavorful beverage. Automatic coffee makers often include this feature.

— The strength of the drink. Coffee enthusiasts have the option to manually adjust the strength of their beverage. This adjustment can be achieved through various methods, such as changing the coffee-to-water ratio, adjusting the water temperature, or controlling the brewing speed. The number of available settings may vary, ranging from a basic choice between "strong" and "mild" to more advanced options. Regardless of the number of settings, this function allows...individuals to personalize the taste of their coffee according to their preferences, providing additional customization features.

— Drink volume. Coffee makers offer the feature of selecting the desired volume of the final beverage according to individual preferences. Different models may have varying methods for making this choice. Some machines provide fixed settings (20 mL, 35 mL, etc.) from hich users can select their preferred option. Other models allow for manual adjustment of the volume, sometimes even allowing users to gauge it visually. This feature enables users to customize standard programs to their liking and provides opportunities for experimenting with unique recipes.

— Temperature control. Coffee makers offer the ability to regulate the water temperature for brewing coffee. The taste of the final beverage is heavily influenced by this factor. Higher temperatures result in a brighter and more intense flavor, but excessive heating (96 °C and above) can release compounds from the coffee that add bitterness. The optimal brewing temperature is generally considered to be within the range of 92 — 95 °C. However, coffee makers may provide a wider range of temperature adjustments. Some believe that even a difference of just 1 °C can significantly impact the properties of the coffee, making this adjustment essential for those who appreciate the subtle nuances of taste and aroma in their coffee.

— Steam pressure. Coffee makers offer the feature to adjust the steam pressure coming out of the panarello nozzle. This nozzle is used for frothing milk, especially when preparing cappuccino, as well as for heating milk. By modifying the steam outlet pressure, users can control the intensity of the steam and achieve varying foam densities. It also allows them to omit foam altogether if the intention is solely to heat the milk.

— Foam volume / density. For coffee and milk beverage enthusiasts, the ability to adjust the volume and thickness of the foam "cap" is highly useful. This feature is particularly valuable when preparing drinks like cappuccino, latte, and macchiato. The quality of the final beverage is influenced by the quantity and density of the foam. By customizing these parameters, users can tailor the drink to their personal taste preferences.

— Water hardness. Coffee makers offer the capability to adjust the settings based on the hardness of the water being used. Over time, the heating element of the coffee machine accumulates scale and requires regular cleaning or descaling. The rate of scale buildup increases with harder water, necessitating more frequent cleaning. However, the coffee machine evaluates the condition of the heating element not based on the actual scale amount, but by considering the water hardness setting and the duration of operation since the last cleaning. Therefore, it is crucial to correctly set the water hardness settings to receive timely notifications for descaling. Coffee machines equipped with this feature often include a water hardness indicator with four settings: very soft, soft, hard, and very hard.

The amount of coffee that can be loaded into the built-in coffee grinder at one time (see above). The larger the capacity of the coffee grinder, the less often it will have to be “reload” and the more coffee can be prepared at one “filling”. For ease of evaluation, we recall that it takes 7 g of coffee to prepare one standard portion of espresso.

— Heating cups/coffee pot. Some coffee makers have a heater for cups or a coffee pot. The purpose and design of this function vary depending on the type of coffee maker. For espresso coffee makers, the heater is in the form of a platform on the top of the machine, where cups are placed to be preheated before pouring espresso or espresso-based drinks. This is believed to enhance the taste and experience of the coffee. In filter coffee makers, the heater is integrated into the stand for the coffee jug, ensuring that the brewed coffee remains hot and ready to serve for an extended period of time.

— Self-cleaning. The coffee maker is equipped with a self-cleaning function, which automatically removes scale, coffee bean residues, and other impurities. The process and effectiveness of self-cleaning may vary between different models, but overall, this function significantly simplifies the maintenance and upkeep of the coffee maker.

— Water filter. Coffee makers may include a built-in water filter to purify the water used in the coffee preparation process. These filters operate similarly to filter jugs, with a filter cartridge installed in the water tank. The water passes through the cartridge, ensuring improved water quality before reaching the brewing unit. It's important to note that the presence of a filter is specific to coffee makers that are originally equi...pped with such a cartridge. The capabilities of the filter may vary, but it is particularly useful if you have concerns about the water quality or want an extra layer of assurance. However, it's important to keep in mind that the filter elements need to be replaced periodically, which incurs additional costs.

— Display. A small external screen enhances the visual operation of the coffee maker. This screen displays various service information such as the active brewing program, the completion time, the remaining water volume in the tank, or the coffee level in models with a built-in grinder. It can also provide warnings about any emergency situations that may arise during the brewing process. The inclusion of this external screen allows for more convenient monitoring and control of the coffee maker's functions. We emphasize that in this case we are talking about traditional displays; touch screens are listed as a separate feature (see below).

— Touchscreen. A touch-sensitive screen, similar to those found in smartphones and tablets, is incorporated into the coffee maker. This screen not only displays various information about the device's operation but also serves as the control interface. The use of a touch screen often enhances convenience and visual appeal compared to traditional control methods such as buttons or knobs. The screen can dynamically display a wide range of visual elements, including buttons, sliders, and counters, depending on the current task. However, it's important to note that touch screens are typically found in high-end coffee makers due to their higher cost and extensive feature set.

— Touch buttons. The coffee machine's control panel features touch buttons, which offer several advantages over traditional mechanical buttons. Firstly, they require only a light touch instead of applying force. Secondly, the touchpad contributes to the coffee machine's sleek and modern appearance. Thirdly, the absence of gaps or protruding parts on the panel makes it easy to clean. However, it's worth noting that touch buttons can be more expensive and are typically found in advanced models, particularly in the middle to high-end range. It's also important to mention that touch buttons can be combined with a touch screen, although in many cases, coffee makers with touch buttons may feature a regular display.

— Control via the Internet. The coffee maker offers the convenience of remote control via the Internet. This feature can be accessed through a dedicated smartphone or tablet application or by accessing a specific webpage on any browser. With this function, users can control the coffee maker from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. It allows them to monitor the coffee maker's status, such as the current program in operation, remaining coffee or water levels, and error messages. While controlling the coffee maker via the internet may not be necessary when traveling to a different continent, it can be beneficial for various scenarios, such as pre-ordering a favorite drink on the way home from work or checking coffee supplies and purchasing more if needed. The coffee maker typically connects to the internet via Wi-Fi.

— Smartphone control. The coffee maker offers the convenience of remote control from a smartphone or other compatible device through a dedicated application. By installing the application on their device, users can turn their gadget into an interactive remote control for the coffee maker. This allows them to not only give commands to the coffee maker but also monitor its operation parameters and receive notifications. The advantage of this function is its convenience, as users no longer need to physically approach the coffee maker. The connection between the device and the coffee maker is typically established via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, enabling reliable communication within a short range, even through walls. It's important to note that this function is distinct from control via the internet (as mentioned earlier), as it involves a direct connection between the coffee maker and the control gadget.

— Cooking timer. The coffee maker features a convenient delay start function that enables users to program the device to begin the coffee preparation process at a specific time in the future. For instance, users can set the coffee maker in the evening to have freshly brewed coffee waiting for them in the morning. Some advanced models even offer multiple timer settings, allowing users to schedule coffee preparation at different times throughout the day or on specific days of the week. This feature provides added flexibility and convenience to suit individual preferences and schedules.

— Child lock. Introducing a lock feature for the coffee maker's control panel will prevent children from accidentally turning on the device or altering its operating mode. This lock can be deactivated through a method, such as pressing multiple keys simultaneously, that is easily accessible to adults but not to children.

— 2 boilers. The coffee maker is equipped with two separate boilers for heating water. This design allows for a more efficient and faster preparation of various drinks. One boiler is dedicated to heating water for coffee, while the other generates steam for milk frothing. Without this specialization, the process of making cappuccinos and similar drinks would be time-consuming, requiring waiting for the boiler to switch between modes. Having two boilers eliminates the need for mode switching and significantly speeds up the process. Additionally, some models use a thermoblock instead of a traditional boiler for heating small portions of water directly supplied to the holder during brewing, further enhancing efficiency.
Anyway, this design is especially convenient in coffee shops, restaurants, etc., where you have to prepare different drinks and the speed of preparation is important. But if the coffee maker is planned to be used mainly for coffee drinks without milk, this function will be rather redundant.

— Thermometer. Incorporating a built-in thermometer into the coffee maker design enables precise measurement of water, milk foam, and the final drink's temperature. This feature allows for accurate control of the brewing process, which is highly valued by professional baristas and coffee enthusiasts who pay attention to every detail of their favorite beverage. Some thermometers are mechanical, resembling a dial with an arrow. While they may not be as precise as digital thermometers, they add an interesting and stylish element to the coffee maker's aesthetics. These mechanical thermometers often indicate temperature ranges, such as "low temperature," "optimal," and "high," using different colors on the scale rather than specific numerical values.

— Manometer. An indicator that displays the pressure in the coffee maker tank. This function is found mainly in espresso coffee makers (see “Type”): an increased steam pressure is required to make espresso, while a pressure gauge allows you to control the status of the coffee maker and check whether it is ready for use. Also, such equipment will be useful from a safety point of view: you cannot open a pressure tank, you must first make sure that it has decreased to a safe level.

— Tamper. The built-in tamper is a special device for tightly compacting coffee in the holder of an espresso coffee maker. This step is essential for achieving the desired brewing quality, as proper compaction ensures optimal density and even extraction of the ground coffee particles. While separate tamper devices are available, resembling round seals, many professional baristas prefer the convenience of built-in tampers. The main advantage is that the tamper is always in a fixed position, reducing the risk of misplacement and ensuring easy accessibility. Some advanced coffee makers with built-in grinders even integrate the tamper into the coffee dispensing mechanism, allowing users to simply turn a lever after loading the holder to tamp the coffee. Such systems are not only user-friendly but also ensure consistent tamping quality regardless of the user's skill level.

— Increased thermal insulation. The presence of reinforced thermal insulation in the tanks of the coffee maker. The general principle of this design is that the tank is equipped with double walls, in the space between which there is a vacuum or a layer of special thermal insulating material. This design minimizes heat loss, ensuring that the contents remain warm for an extended period and preventing unnecessary energy consumption for reheating. The specific tank that uses additional thermal insulation depends on the type of coffee maker. In filtration models, this pertains to the container for the brewed coffee, while in espresso machines, it applies to the milk container. It is not necessary to provide additional insulation for the water boiler in espresso machines due to various reasons, such as the use of thermoblocks with flow heating principles in many espresso machines.

The highest height of a cup (or other container) that can be used with a coffee maker — a larger tank simply does not fit under the spout.

This parameter makes it easier to choose compatible cookware. The smallest value of this indicator is about 75 mm, and in some models the allowable cup height reaches 160 mm and even more. For comparison, the classic "demitasse" coffee cup used for espresso is about 60 mm high, a standard 200 ml disposable cup is just over 90 mm, and a 400 ml ceramic mug (standard proportions) is about 120 mm.

Removable or pull-out basket in the design of the coffee machine for collecting and storing ground coffee waste. Designed for a certain number of cups of grounds, their countdown is usually carried out by a counter. When the container is filled with used coffee, the device gives a signal to empty the container. Until it is empty, the coffee maker will not be able to make coffee.

Power consumption of the coffee maker. Usually, this indicator is comparable with the power of the heater installed in the device.

This parameter is selected by the manufacturer, taking into account other performance characteristics (type of device, tank volume, additional functions, etc.), so that the coffee maker can effectively cope with its tasks. Therefore, in fact, power is of secondary importance: it is worth deciding first of all on other practical points, and only then look at power when choosing. In general, a more powerful coffee maker (ceteris paribus) will quickly cope with the preparation of coffee, but it will also cost more.