DeLonghi - PrimaDonna Soul ECAM610.75.MB

I bought a DeLonghi PrimaDonna Soul when it was on price match at John Lewis, around £850 from memory? Used an awful lot over the last few months and still feels like a treat to have a “proper” coffee at home

I have the Ena8, I love it, but the milk drinks are not hot. The coffee itself is, but milk foam is really lukewarm. I don't mind this, but someone who despises lukewarm drinks will not be impressed. The milk from DeLonghi is much hotter, especially on the new models, for example DeLonghi primadonna soul has really hot milk drinks.

I'm in Perth - but what I did was went to a couple of Italian/continental grocers near me and had a look at the machines they sold - and went with the one that suited me (and my bench space) best - so worth checking if there's any place over there that does similar. I went with a De'Longhi machine (the Primadonna, I think), but it's pretty automatic, grinds beans, and is skinny enough to not take up too much width on my bench. Had it a good while - close to 10 years, and with the occasional service, has been great. (Looks like they're all touch screen now though, which would put me off, but YMMV)

We’ve got a Delonghi Prima Donna which makes excellent flat whites. We had a Jura before that which was just as good but the Delonghi has a removable brew group and easy internal access for cleaning. I believe Delonghi make the Jura mechanisms and those of some other top end brands.

Best delonghi primadonna series

Got one too, Works great, The amount of water it rinses through on startup and turnoff is immense though.

Disagree with that My Delonghi been to cup must have made over 10000 coffees without any issues.

That's subjective. I've been more than happy with the coffee from our Delonghi bean to cup

Well, the choice depends on several factors, first being your budget. With the espresso machines, you need to get other stuff for them to make a decent coffee. A good grinder, some distribution tool, tamper, scale... That's gonna cost you some more money. The auto machine does not need any other "investment". Other important thing is: what do you want the machine to do? If you want to have a great espresso and are willing to take some time, experiment... The espresso machines are awesome. But if you want a decent tasting coffee without having to invest too much time then get the auto. We have this Phillips at my job and those machines don't really break down, make good coffee, and the brewing unit can be simply cleaned (can't really say that about some other brands). And if you want to go with the bean to cup option, I'd suggest looking for (used) DeLonghi machines. They are very easy to maintain and repair, don't look as cheap and flimsy as Phillips does, and are very reliable. Also you can find either ones with a steam wand or with the milk jug.

I have that machine. Maybe one shot as a break in. Delonghi seems ready to go on the first brew, at least that machine.

I looked at it. I ended up buying a DeLonghi super automatic instead. With the very convenient to use+clean milk carafe that comes with it for cappuccinos and milk-based drinks. I can't speak on the quality of espresso he makes. I've tried a few machines before buying mine and I was happy with the DeLonghi dinamica . Knowing then what I know now, and how much we enjoy and use the machine, I would have probably splurged and got a KitchenAid kf7. The big question is do you require a machine that makes milk-based drinks? Like cappuccino and lattes. Also looking after sales support. A lot of the gaskets o-rings, seals, etc. Will go after a few years of use. You want to make sure you get a machine that is easily serviceable by you or affordable to do by technician