The Cooks' Den » DeLonghi http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 DeLonghi Italian Espresso Coffee Machine | Burr Grinder | Magnifica Super Automatic ESAM3300 http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-italian-espresso-coffee-machine-burr-grinder-magnifica-super-automatic-esam3300/ http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-italian-espresso-coffee-machine-burr-grinder-magnifica-super-automatic-esam3300/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:55:31 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8808 DeLonghi Italian Espresso CoffeeThe ESAM3300 is known as a Super-Automatic for good reason. This style of machine is designed for absolute push-button convenience when preparing Italian coffee drinks.

Manufactured in Italy, this model features a burr grinder and will hold up to 7 oz. of coffee beans ready for automatic grinding right before the brewing commences. There is a 60 oz. removable water reservoir and a water level indicator for easily seeing when it's time to refill. For those that like to really dial in the details when preparing a cup, the controls allow you to set the quantity of coffee grounds and the water amount for each cup brewed. Also, the coffee spigot can be raised or lowered to accommodate different sized cups, a novel feature. The heart of any machine is the boiler -- in this case, two stainless steel boilers with an instant heat function that keeps the machine at an "ideal" temperature regardless of how much time has passed between brewing.

In my experience, the more automatic the machine, the more complicated to keep it clean and working properly. DeLonghi has built in some clever features to assist in this task. The stainless steel boiler actually snaps out for cleaning while the unit has its own automatic rinse and decalcification settings. The burr grinder is designed to expel all the grounds so no stale coffee remains to affect the flavor. There is a heated cup tray, and the unit features an automatic shut-off after 3 hours. This model from DeLonghi has been very well received by consumers since its arrival on these shores.

Also see the Jura Capresso Coffee and Espresso Center, "Best in Category" winner of the 2009 Houseware Design Award.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-italian-espresso-coffee-machine-burr-grinder-magnifica-super-automatic-esam3300/feed/ 0 DeLonghi Steam Driven Coffee Maker | Espresso Cappuccino Machine 4 Cup EC5 http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-steam-driven-coffee-maker-espresso-cappuccino-machine-4-cup-ec5/ http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-steam-driven-coffee-maker-espresso-cappuccino-machine-4-cup-ec5/#comments Sat, 06 Jun 2009 11:25:18 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=5015 DeLonghi Steam Driven Coffee Maker For those seeking espresso style drinks on a budget, DeLonghi has the machine for you. Although not up to the professional quality of their more commercial machines, this promises to deliver a decent cup at a modest price.

This model is a basic steam-driven coffeemaker. It differs from the more expensive pump-driven machines due to its inability to produce sufficient pressure to produce a true cup of espresso from the ground beans. That being said, many people would not notice the difference and just want a fast and potent cup of Italian-style coffee. That's why these machines are so popular in America. This features a frother for milk, and the filter will accommodate two espresso cups as an alternative to the included glass carafe. The unit sits compactly on the counter and has a removable drip tray and easy operation. If you enjoy frothed milk you will be a bit disappointed by the abilities here, as it will take a second round of steam pressure after the coffee is made to properly froth the milk.

Of all the comparably priced espresso makers available, this is not the best, and you will want to shop around and read all the user reviews before making a purchase. In my personal opinion, you would do better to invest in a little stovetop Italian coffeepot and a separate milk frother for half the price. Sorry DeLonghi.

Compare this with the Bialetti Mukka Express Cappuccino Machine.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-steam-driven-coffee-maker-espresso-cappuccino-machine-4-cup-ec5/feed/ 0 DeLonghi Espresso and Capuccino Coffee Maker EC140B http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-espresso-and-capuccino-coffee-maker-ec140b/ http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-espresso-and-capuccino-coffee-maker-ec140b/#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:09:52 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3399 DeLonghi Espresso and Capuccino CoffeeThe DeLonghi Espresso and Capuccino Maker comes equipped with a self priming pump and stainless steel boiler which makes one or two shots at a time. The sempre crema filter holder will create authentic crema with just the right color and thickness.

An adjustable steam emission knob, a swivel jet frother, and two thermostats for water and steam are just a few of the features. The unit comes with a built in tamper for leveling grounds. Three switches control power to the unit, espresso and water delivery, and steam, making the process very uncomplicated. The thirty five ounce water tank is removable for easy cleaning or filling. The machine goes the extra mile, preheating the cups and filter holder with hot water. The drip tray can be removed for cleaning and the DeLonghi comes with a one year warranty .

Pair this machine with a good burr grinder and milk thermometer and you will be set to prepare your own espresso. It also works with prefilled pods. People often start with a steam version and graduate to a pump as they give better results. This model is a perfect home machine- affordable while still standing up to long term daily use. People find the frothing wand works very well and the machine rarely if ever clogs. While most users find it takes a few tries to get used to the machine and make small adjustments in their process, they find it is possible to make a perfect capuccino or espresso at home.

Here's another DeLonghi model you might like.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-espresso-and-capuccino-coffee-maker-ec140b/feed/ 0 DeLonghi Digital Control Toaster Oven | 4 Slice DO400 1400 Watt http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-digital-control-toaster-oven-4-slice-do400-1400-watt/ http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-digital-control-toaster-oven-4-slice-do400-1400-watt/#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:58:31 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3014 DeLonghi Digital Control Toaster Oven The DeLonghi model DO400 Toaster Oven is a slick looking thing, very modern in its lines, in black with chrome accents. The one third cubic foot capacity offers fourteen hundred watts of power to bake, broil, toast or warm food items. The controls are digital and very user friendly, with a shade selector for toast, an adjustable temperature control, and automatic shut off features. A quick check button immediately tells you the oven temperature. The crumb tray drops down for cleaning. A baking pan, broil rack, and a one year limited warranty are included.

People have found the unit a failure at the most basic of functions, toasting bread, as it tends to char on even the lowest settings. This seems to be due to the tendency of the oven to run hotter than the temperature setting. Once known, adjustments can be made. It can also annoy, thanks to the tone which sounds at the press of every button. If you've become accustomed to racks which automatically pull out as you open the door or a tray which can be removed to clean crumbs, you'll miss them in this oven.

With this toaster oven, you can skip heating a larger oven, save counter space, plus enjoy the combined benefits of several individual appliances in one. A nice alternative for spaces where a full sized oven isn't convenient. The oven broils nicely, equipped with a pan just for that purpose. The DeLonghi is well made and offers such a number of options for preparing food that it will earn its place on the counter in spite of the small differences between it and other models.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-digital-control-toaster-oven-4-slice-do400-1400-watt/feed/ 1 DeLonghi Digital Toaster Oven | Kitchen 4 Slice 1400 Watt DO400 http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-digital-toaster-oven-kitchen-4-slice-1400-watt-do400/ http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-digital-toaster-oven-kitchen-4-slice-1400-watt-do400/#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:14:24 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-digital-toaster-oven-kitchen-4-slice-1400-watt-do400/ DeLonghi Digital Toaster Oven This is a very smart little oven for your kitchen counter from DeLonghi in Italy. It has a very quick heat up time and simple digital controls, with a large easy to read display.

I really don't know why manufacturers still refer to these as toaster ovens. I don't know anyone who relies on one of these for toasting bread, when the cheapest of toasters tends to do a better job. Broiler oven would seem a better title.

This oven is no exception. It has 1400 watts of heating power, fully electronic digital controls, and a cool red digital display like your parents' first microwave oven. It comes with the usual settings for baking, broiling and toasting with an automatic shut off. Here's a bonus, though: Being electronic, the timer doesn't tick down like those old mechanical timers. That "ding" still makes me jump.

The novel feature to this model has to be the quick-check button. When you press this during cooking, it shows you the current oven temperature. The internal electronic thermostat is rather handy for more than just that. If the oven is already hot when you set the cooking timer, it will adjust the time accordingly.

There is a drop down crumb tray for easier cleaning, and the oven comes with a bake and broil pan. Unfortunately, this oven does not feature the rack that slides out with the opening of the door. That makes it a bit more of a challenge to retrieve the items, and allows the door to thunk open onto the counter if not held. Users have reported being less than impressed with the bread toasting function, claiming most settings burn the toast. Hmm. Told you- broiler oven.

For better toast, you're much better off with a regular DeLonghi toaster.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-digital-toaster-oven-kitchen-4-slice-1400-watt-do400/feed/ 0 DeLonghi Retro Espresso Machine | Coffee Maker Pump Driven 35 Ounce BAR32 http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-retro-espresso-machine-coffee-maker-pump-driven-35-ounce-bar32/ http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-retro-espresso-machine-coffee-maker-pump-driven-35-ounce-bar32/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:23:04 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-retro-espresso-machine-coffee-maker-pump-driven-35-ounce-bar32/ DeLonghi Retro Espresso Machine This is an adorable countertop espresso maker from DeLonghi, although why they refer to it as "Retro" I cannot figure out. Espresso makers from the past looked to me like little steam engines torn from tiny farm tractors. In any case, this model is a compact, fairly uncomplicated coffee making machine for your home kitchen.

It's a pump-driven unit, as opposed to the lower priced steam-driven espresso makers you find crowding the shelves at the discount retailer. A stainless steel boiler and dual thermostats add up to maximum pressure and precise temperature control for espresso drinks said to rival coffeeshop quality. This machine self-primes automatically, and when ready indicates its status with a little "OK" light. There are so many coffee choices and picky coffee drinkers, so DeLonghi has provided two filter handles- one that accommodates the ESE coffee pods, and another for your own ground beans. There is a plastic tamper onboard, and the plastic drip tray is removable for cleaning.

A couple of features indicate that the company is listening to user feedback from previous espresso maker models. The 35 oz. water reservoir is removable for filling at the tap, and this machine was designed with ample room under the filter to fit not only a pair of standard espresso cups but also a large cappuccino mug.

Users "upgrading" from drip coffee to an espresso maker such as this will have to make some adjustments, as espresso making is a bit more involved than just throwing in some grounds and water, and flipping a switch. The results are well worth it if you care to take the time.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-retro-espresso-machine-coffee-maker-pump-driven-35-ounce-bar32/feed/ 0 DeLonghi Retro Panini Grill | Stainless Nonstick Contact Griddle CGH800-U http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-retro-panini-grill-stainless-nonstick-contact-griddle-cgh800-u/ http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-retro-panini-grill-stainless-nonstick-contact-griddle-cgh800-u/#comments Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:08:08 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-retro-panini-grill-stainless-nonstick-contact-griddle-cgh800-u/ DeLonghi Retro Panini Grill This nice little grill allows you to make pressed Italian panini sandwiches easily in your own kitchen, or cook meat or vegetables. The hinged top allows you to cook food of any thickness and the nonstick bottom plate is angled to drain off oils and grease as your food cooks.

The interior design features an embedded heating element set inside die cast aluminum for even heat distribution. The wattage allows for fast cooking. Power and ready indicator lights and a temperature adjustment knob make navigating the unit simple.

The exterior features a mirror finish with a retro look and a large cool touch handle. For added convenience, there is a handy cord wrap and the unit can lock to store in a standing position. A one year limited warranty accompanies this item.

A very popular and well-used item, the DeLonghi Panini Grill heats well and makes delicious sandwiches and grilled items. Many people wish it had an off button, but I find it is safe and just as convenient to unplug the unit when finished cooking. Both grill plates are nonstick, which is lovely when it comes time to clean up, but the plates do not come out of the unit and must be cleaned in place.

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-retro-panini-grill-stainless-nonstick-contact-griddle-cgh800-u/feed/ 0 DeLonghi Extra Long Toaster | Kitchen Automatic Stainless w/ Warming http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-extra-long-toaster-kitchen-automatic-stainless-w-warming/ http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-extra-long-toaster-kitchen-automatic-stainless-w-warming/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:31:16 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-extra-long-toaster-kitchen-automatic-stainless-w-warming/ DeLonghi Extra Long Toaster This is a fully automatic toaster from DeLonghi. That means you just set the bread into the slots and the toaster activates, lowers the bread and toasts it to the preset darkness, and raises it back up with a beep to alert you that its ready.

Believe it or not, the fully automatic toaster is a very old concept. I had one, I think it was a Sunbeam, many years ago. I found it at a garage sale and marveled at the sophistication for something from the 50's. In the years since, we steered toward cheap and simple over cool and clever with our toasters and lost a bit of that fun in the kitchen. Thank DeLonghi for bringing it back in this super streamlined model.

If you crave a toaster with a dozen buttons and and complicated controls, then this is not the one for you. The makers here went for a sleek, minimalist look. There is a darkness setting on one end, and two discreet buttons on the top. One is the Cancel button, which glows when the toaster is working. The other activates the warming feature, which is unique. This toaster comes with a stainless wire attachment that sits over the top and holds toast, bagels or whatever you wish to keep warm. When activated, it turns on the toaster for the preset time to radiate heat up to the breads sitting there. Handy if your toast is always ready before your eggs, like mine.

Along with these clever features, the toaster has a removable crumb tray, and cord storage through the back. Not bad, DeLonghi.

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DeLonghi 4 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster DeLonghi 4 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster
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DeLonghi DTT312 2 Slice Toaster DeLonghi DTT312 2 Slice Toaster
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DeLonghi DTT720 Toaster DeLonghi DTT720 Toaster
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-extra-long-toaster-kitchen-automatic-stainless-w-warming/feed/ 1 DeLonghi Esclusivo Pro Metal Toaster | Kitchen Stainless 2 Slice CTH2003 http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-esclusivo-pro-metal-toaster-kitchen-stainless-2-slice-cth2003/ http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-esclusivo-pro-metal-toaster-kitchen-stainless-2-slice-cth2003/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:31:15 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-esclusivo-pro-metal-toaster-kitchen-stainless-2-slice-cth2003/ DeLonghi Esclusivo Pro Metal Toaster Something about the DeLonghi design lends itself to imitation. There are a few brands on the market now that share the look of this model. In the case of this Esclusivo Toaster, the look is so distinctive as to be more suited to a laboratory than a kitchen. My first thought when seeing this was that it sterilized test tubes, along with making toast.

This 2-Slice toaster is made of heavy brushed stainless steel. I'm not kidding- it weighs in at over 6 lbs. Part of that weight is in the buttons and knobs, which are all made from die-cast metal. A substantial package for sure. Add to that the standard controls for Cancel, Defrost, Reheat, and a Bagel setting that activates only one side of the heating elements in each slot. The settings are all clearly indicated when in use by blue LEDs.

The unit has an extra-deep crumb collection tray that slides out from the end and is dishwasher safe. The slots are not only wide but deeper than the average toaster, apparently. The thermostat is supposed to use sophisticated electronics to monitor temperature. Still, I would sacrifice a couple slices of bread to dial this in just right, as the control panel's six "Darkness" settings seem a bit ambiguous at first glance.

Hey, if you're not happy with the toast, try sterilizing a couple test tubes.

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DeLonghi DTT312 2 Slice Toaster DeLonghi DTT312 2 Slice Toaster
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DeLonghi DTT312 2 Slice Adjustable Toaster DeLonghi DTT312 2 Slice Adjustable Toaster
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NEW DeLonghi DTT312 2 Slice Adjustable Toaster NEW DeLonghi DTT312 2 Slice Adjustable Toaster
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-esclusivo-pro-metal-toaster-kitchen-stainless-2-slice-cth2003/feed/ 1 DeLonghi Stainless Steel Esclusivo Toaster, 4 Slice | Pro Metal CTH4003 http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-esclusivo-pro-metal-toaster-kitchen-stainless-4-slice-cth4003/ http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-esclusivo-pro-metal-toaster-kitchen-stainless-4-slice-cth4003/#comments Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:36:17 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-esclusivo-pro-metal-toaster-kitchen-stainless-4-slice-cth4003/ DeLonghi Esclusivo Pro Metal Toaster Let's face it: One of the benefits of life in the twenty first century has got to be the astounding selection of high-tech devices all designed to make a slice of bread hot and crunchy. Ah, the future.

This model, the Esclusivo Pro-Metal 4-slice Toaster, certainly satisfies the desire of those that like a heavy, all stainless steel machine. The case is extra thick and comes with solid die-cast metal levers and buttons. No plastic here. It carries the usual handy features such as adjustable darkness settings, and a Cancel and Reheat button. Settings are clearly displayed thanks to bright blue LEDs contributing to the sleek modern appearance of this toaster. It also accommodates the needs of bagel lovers with a bagel setting that only toasts the inside half. (Follow the instructions for the correct direction to insert the bagels, or you'll toast only the outside half.) Extra large and wide slots should accommodate the chunkiest slices of bread.

This advertises an advanced electronic sensor that monitors the internal temperature for consistent results. Some users have had great success with this toaster while others have had difficulty getting the toaster to produce the results they desired. As with anything, your mileage may vary.

Delonghi provides a one-year warranty with this toaster, and I would look for a free-shipping option if you order it online, as the shipping weight of this beast is 10 lbs. That is one heavy toaster!

For another 4-slice retro toaster design, see the KitchenAid Metal Toaster.

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