The DeLonghi EC702 and the Saeco Aroma both fulfill a needed market: high functioning espresso and coffee machines for under $250. With lots of former boutique coffee shop regulars now settling down after university and looking for a less expensive option for daily espresso or cappuccino, it’s no surprise that both have exploded in popularity.
Both machines offer lots of features useful in an espresso maker/coffee brewer, and like most models in this price range an increase in price (the Saeco is $50 more expensive than the DeLonghi at $249) leads to more parts being made out of metal rather than plastic. Besides that, the difference mostly lies in smaller features, which were the deciding factor that led us to favor the DeLonghi EC702.
Form and Appearance
The Aroma is 9 by 11 by 12 inches, while the EC702 is a similar size at 8 by 11 by 12 inches. The EC702 is the lighter of the two at 11.1 pounds compared to the Aroma at 12.9 pounds (giving it a more stable feeling on a counter or table).
Both machines look very professional, with metal finishes, knobs, and parts. The Saeco Aroma feels slightly sturdier due to its weight, but the difference between these two is slim compared to other machines in the price range.
Brewing Features
Both machines can easily brew high quality drinks, and while the EC702 offers more advanced control over brewing it can’t compete with the Aroma’s easy operation. Both can brew from prepackaged pods, and feature a high-quality milk frother for cappuccino drinks as well as filter operation for traditional as well as pressure brewing (both machines can create pump pressure of 15 bar).
Other Features
While the two machines both offer similar options for brewing, the EC702 boasts more additional features, making it a better choice for those who want more control over their cup at the price of simple use and setup. DeLonghi’s model includes a removable drip tray for larger cups and a built-in cup warmer, but Saeco’s water tank dwarfs DeLonghi’s at 85 ounces to 44.
Flavor
The taste of the two machines is subjective, but someone new to espresso/cappuccino makers might be able to create better brews with the Aroma until they learn the more advanced methods. For an experienced coffee maker, the EC702 will likely create more enjoyable drinks thanks to its more advanced control and setup in addition to its extra features.
Conclusion
The DeLonghi EC702 is both cheaper and offers more functionality than the Saeco Aroma, but its advanced controls and complex setup procedure might make it baffling if it’s going to be your first espresso/cappuccino/coffee brewer. Unless you’re experienced with this class of machine, the extra $50 of the Saeco Aroma will make your brewing experience much simpler and well worth the cost—but the advanced features of the EC702 will give it a significant advantage if you intend to use its more advanced features in your brews.
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