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Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

De'Longhi EC221.B Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£95Type:Fully Automatic Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:1.000 LPump Pressure:15 barBuilt-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:no

De'Longhi EC221.B Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

95%

5.7

Technical score

5%

8.1

Review score ( 3 · 1)

Review score 5% · 8.1 · based on 4 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▼Worse than 85% of coffee-machines
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

35%

5.5

Performance

25%

5.5

Coffee Preparation

25%

6.1

Features

15%

5.9

Design

▼Worse than 87% of coffee-machines
8.1

Review score

Review score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Grades by review (4)
3 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
≈ estimated
1

30.8%

7.0

101coffeemachines.info

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▲Better than 56% of coffee-machines
  • delonghi-ec-221b
delonghi-ec-221b

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of coffee machine De'Longhi EC221.B

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

35%

5.5

Performance

25%

5.5

Coffee Preparation

25%

6.1

Features

15%

5.9

Design

5.7
Review score
Review score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Grades by review (4)
3 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
≈ estimated
1

30.8%

7.0

101coffeemachines.info

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 65% of models
Popularity:
De'Longhi EC221.B has a popularity of 8.4 points, which is higher than 65% of coffee machines.
8.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components:

60%

5.8

Overall score

40%

9.7

Price

7.0
Power
1,100 W
Power
1,100 W
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
This coffee machine provides 1,100 W of heating power, which is lower than the power of 78.1% of coffee machines and equal to that of 8.5% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
1 L
Water Container Capacity
1 L
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 1 L in its water tank, which is smaller than 71.1% of coffee machines and equal to that of 9% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
15 bar
Pump Pressure
15 bar
▼ Worse than 30% of models
Market range: <15 bar – >19 bar
This coffee machine delivers 15 bar of pump pressure, which is higher than the pump pressure of 9% of coffee machines and equal to that of 61% of coffee machines.
The listed pump pressure is not necessarily the same as extraction pressure.
Heating Time
45 s
Heating Time
45 s
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <20 s – >60 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 45 s, which is slower than 65.1% of coffee machines and equal to that of 16.4% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
Boiler
Show more
What reviewers say
Type
Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
no
Works with Beans
no
▼ Worse than 38% of models
This coffee machine does not accept whole coffee beans. 38.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
yes
Works with ESE Pods
yes
▲ Better than 76% of models
This coffee machine accepts ESE pods. 76% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
▼ Worse than 29% of models
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
no
Water Level Indicator
no
▼ Worse than 60% of models
This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator. 60.4% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
no
Water Filter
no
▼ Worse than 36% of models
This coffee machine does not have a water filter. 35.9% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
no
Descaling Program
no
▼ Worse than 67% of models
This coffee machine does not have a descaling programme. 66.8% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
no
Cleaning Alert
no
▼ Worse than 60% of models
This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed. 60% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
▼ Worse than 22% of models
This coffee machine does not clean its milk circuit automatically. 21.7% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
Built-in Installation
no
Color
black
Vintage Look
no
Vintage Look
no
▼ Worse than 13% of models
This coffee machine does not have vintage styling. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Plastic
Drip Tray Material
Metal
Show more

De'Longhi EC221.B vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • 20 cm longer power cord
    Cable Length
    120 cm
    ▲ Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <78 cm – >120 cm
    This coffee machine provides longer electrical reach than the average coffee machine (120 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    120 cm vs 100 cm
  • 60 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    270.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (270 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    270.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 31.1% lighter body
    Weight
    3.100 kg
    ▲ Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is lighter and easier to move than the average coffee machine (3.1 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    3.100 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 6 min quicker shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    9 min
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine powers down sooner to conserve energy than the average coffee machine (9 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    9 min vs 15 min
  • 20 mm shorter body
    Height
    305.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine has a lower profile under overhead cabinets than the average coffee machine (305 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    305.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 68.4% cheaper
    De'Longhi EC221.B is cheaper than the average coffee machine (£95 vs £160).
    £95 vs £160
  • 9.9% more popular
    De'Longhi EC221.B is more popular than the average coffee machine (8.37 vs 7.6).
    8.37 vs 7.62
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • 6 min quicker shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    9 min
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine powers down sooner to conserve energy than the average coffee machine (9 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    9 min vs 15 min
  • 20 cm longer power cord
    Cable Length
    120 cm
    ▲ Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <78 cm – >120 cm
    This coffee machine provides longer electrical reach than the average coffee machine (120 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    120 cm vs 100 cm
  • 60 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    270.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (270 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    270.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 31.1% lighter body
    Weight
    3.100 kg
    ▲ Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is lighter and easier to move than the average coffee machine (3.1 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    3.100 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 20 mm shorter body
    Height
    305.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine has a lower profile under overhead cabinets than the average coffee machine (305 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    305.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 10.7% more compact volume
    Volume
    19,764 cm³
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <0.7 cm³ – >2 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up less overall space than the average coffee machine (19764 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    19,764 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³
  • 300 W lower power
    Power
    1,100 W
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (1100 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,100 W vs 1,400 W
  • No descaling programme
    Descaling Program
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a descaling programme, while the average coffee machine does. 66.6% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
    A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
  • No cleaning alerts
    Cleaning Alert
    no
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed, while the average coffee machine does. 59.8% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
    A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
  • No water level indicator
    Water Level Indicator
    no
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator, while the average coffee machine does. 60.3% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
    A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 43 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    89.00 cm
    ▼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (89 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    89.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 0.4 L smaller water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.000 L
    ▼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • 5 s sec slower heat-up
    Heating Time
    45 s
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <20 s – >60 s
    This coffee machine takes longer to heat up than the average coffee machine (45 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    45 s vs 40 s
  • 3.5% worse value for money
    De'Longhi EC221.B has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (6.98 vs 7.2).
    6.98 vs 7.22
  • 300 W lower power
    Power
    1,100 W
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (1100 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,100 W vs 1,400 W
  • 0.4 L smaller water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.000 L
    ▼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • 5 s sec slower heat-up
    Heating Time
    45 s
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <20 s – >60 s
    This coffee machine takes longer to heat up than the average coffee machine (45 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    45 s vs 40 s
  • No descaling programme
    Descaling Program
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a descaling programme, while the average coffee machine does. 66.6% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
    A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
  • No water level indicator
    Water Level Indicator
    no
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator, while the average coffee machine does. 60.3% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
    A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
  • No cleaning alerts
    Cleaning Alert
    no
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed, while the average coffee machine does. 59.8% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
    A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 43 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    89.00 cm
    ▼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (89 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    89.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 16 mm wider body
    Width
    240.00 mm
    ▼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (240 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    240.00 mm vs 224.00 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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What reviewers agree on

Based on 5 · 1

Reviewers like the coffee and the milk frothing, but several find it awkward to use day to day.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about De'Longhi EC221.B

  • Excellent value for money and highly affordable
  • Simple, straightforward 3-button operation
  • Compact footprint fits easily into smaller kitchens
  • Versatile use with both ground coffee and E.S.E. pods
  • Equipped with a built-in coffee tamper for convenience
  • Removable water reservoir and drip tray make cleaning easy

What we don't like about De'Longhi EC221.B

  • The integrated steam/frother nozzle is notably short and struggles to reach deep into milk jugs
  • Can be louder during operation compared to alternative models
  • The portafilter (siebträger) can occasionally be stiff or difficult to attach securely
  • Water flow is easily restricted if the coffee is ground too finely or over-tamped
  • The manual espresso-making process can be time-consuming

Verdict

The De'Longhi EC221.B is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine featuring an 1100 W stainless steel boiler, 15-bar pump pressure, and a 1-litre transparent, removable water tank. Main characteristics include a 2-in-1 professional filter holder equipped with a crema device that accommodates both pre-ground coffee and E.S.E. pods, alongside a built-in coffee tamper and a manual milk frothing wand. Key pros include its capability to brew one or two cups simultaneously, an automatic shut-off feature for energy savings, and a self-priming system that ensures the unit is always ready to use. However, notable cons include an outdated plastic-heavy design, manual milk steaming operation, and mixed user feedback regarding weak crema or lukewarm coffee temperatures.

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