Capresso EC100 Espresso Machine Review: Is It Worth It?

Hi there, I'm Sam, and today I review Capresso. Our shop near Di Fara Pizza taught me to judge pump espresso machines on consistency first.

The Capresso EC100 is a small semi-automatic pump espresso machine from the Capresso line. It has a 15 bar pump, a ThermoBlock heater and a 46 oz (1.4 L) tank.

The machine heats in about 60 seconds and runs from one knob. A dual frother makes cappuccinos and lattes. Pressurized baskets give crema easily. Shots taste simple, and they drift after the third drink.

The sections below cover controls, shot quality, milk frothing, cleaning, the warranty and rivals such as the De'Longhi Stilosa. The price runs $130 to $170. I show the Capresso EC100 and the De'Longhi Stilosa side by side on controls. No brand deal exists. A clear verdict closes the review.

What Is the Capresso EC100 Espresso Machine?

The Capresso EC100 espresso machine is a small semi-automatic pump machine that brews espresso and steams milk for lattes and cappuccinos. Its model number is 116. It runs on 110-120 V power and draws 1350 W.

Semi-automatic means the machine and the user share the work. A vibration pump supplies the pressure, and the user starts and stops each shot. The pump pushes water through at up to 15 bar (217 psi). That figure is the pump's peak. Espresso is traditionally extracted near 9 bar (130 psi).

The water must be hot before it reaches the coffee. A stainless steel lined ThermoBlock heats it. A ThermoBlock is a metal block with a water channel inside, and it heats water as it flows through. A boiler works differently, because it heats a full tank before the shot. A 46 oz (1.4 L) removable tank sits on top of the machine and feeds the heater.

The machine is built to be light and compact. It stands 11.75 in (29.8 cm) tall and 8.25 in (21 cm) wide. It weighs under 9 lb (4 kg). The front panel is stainless steel, and the frame under it is plastic.

The EC100 has no grinder and no automatic shot stop. The user stops each shot by hand. That manual step makes the machine a good fit for beginners who make one or two milk drinks a day.

Key Specs:

Spec	Value
Pump	Vibration, 15 bar (217 psi)
Heater	ThermoBlock, 1350 W
Water tank	46 oz (1.4 L), removable
Portafilter	Pressurized
Power	110-120 V
Warranty	1 year limited

Who Makes the Capresso EC100?

Capresso makes the Capresso EC100 as the budget line of the Swiss firm JURA. Capresso launched in 1994 and joined JURA Inc. soon after. JURA is known for expensive superautomatic machines.

The ThermoBlock, which is the unit that heats the brew water, comes from JURA engineering. Capresso lines it with stainless steel. The design keeps brew water from touching aluminum.

Capresso handles warranty service itself, so a buyer deals with the maker and not a third party. During the one year warranty, the company covers shipping to and from the factory service center inside the contiguous United States. Capresso also sells factory refurbished units.

What Comes in the Capresso EC100 Box?

The Capresso EC100 box comes with the machine, a portafilter, two pressurized filter baskets and a combined scoop and tamper. A thin instruction booklet comes with them. The portafilter handle is plastic with a chrome finish.

One basket makes a single shot and one makes a double. A third sieve fits pre-ground coffee or pods. All three sieves are pressurized.

In the Box:

• Espresso machine with removable tank
• Portafilter with plastic handle
• Two pressurized baskets, single and double
• Third sieve for pods and pre-ground coffee
• Combined scoop and tamper
• Instruction booklet

The tamper is the weakest part of the kit. It is hollow, light and barely wide enough to level the grounds.

Setup takes about ten minutes. Rinse the tank, fill it, then run two cycles of plain water through the group head and the steam wand. New machines taste like warm plastic for the first two shots.

How Does the Capresso EC100 Work?

The Capresso EC100 works by pumping water through a ThermoBlock heater and then through the coffee in the portafilter. The ThermoBlock heats only the water each shot needs. The machine reaches brewing heat in about 60 seconds.

Moving water through the heater and the coffee takes force. A vibration pump supplies that pressure. The pump is rated at 15 bar (217 psi). Some listings round that to 16 bar, but the maker and most spec sheets say 15.

After a shot stops, the machine pushes a little steam through the heater. That clears the leftover water into the drip tray. The drip tray needs emptying after a few cups.

The machine also protects itself when no one is using it. An auto shut-off turns it off after 2 hours of idle time. Indicator lights show power and the coffee or steam mode. The power cord is short by design.

How Do the Capresso EC100 Controls Work?

The Capresso EC100 controls work through one selector knob, one power button and two indicator lights. Turn the knob left to the cup symbol for coffee. Turn it right to the steam symbol for steam. The center position stops the flow.

The green light shows the machine is ready. It goes dark while the ThermoBlock reheats, and that is normal during brewing. Wait for the green light before the next shot.

The machine has no dosing, no programming and no pressure gauge. The user watches the cup and turns the knob back to center to stop the shot.

A shot takes five steps. Check the water. Lock in the filled portafilter. Warm the cups. Turn the knob to the cup symbol. Stop the flow at the wanted volume.

Steps:

1. Check that the tank holds enough water.
2. Lock the filled portafilter into the machine.
3. Warm the cups.
4. Turn the knob to the cup symbol.
5. Turn the knob back to center to stop the flow.

Why Does the Capresso EC100 Use Pressurized Baskets?

The Capresso EC100 uses pressurized baskets so that crema forms even when the grind or tamp is imperfect. A small outlet hole in each basket builds pressure on its own. The basket, not the barista, controls the flow.

That crema is pressure foam. It does not prove a good extraction. Shots from pressurized baskets taste simpler than shots from a standard basket.

The grounds still affect the cup, even with the basket doing the work. The best grind sits between drip and espresso fineness. A harder push with the tamper pulls more flavor from the grounds. A fresh, fine grind still improves the cup.

These traits explain who the baskets fit. Pressurized baskets suit beginners and stale supermarket coffee, since the basket makes up for weak grounds. They limit what a skilled user can do. Anyone who wants to dial in a shot will outgrow them.

Does the Capresso EC100 Make Good Espresso?

Yes. The Capresso EC100 makes good espresso for a machine at this price, though the shots taste simple. The pump extracts true espresso under pressure. A steam driven machine with a glass carafe does not do that.

The first shot of a session is usually the best. The machine loses steady temperature and pressure as it works, so by the third or fourth drink the shots drift. A busy morning with many drinks shows that weakness.

Owners also report brews that vary from shot to shot. Some say performance fades with age. Regular descaling, which removes mineral buildup, slows that decline.

Milk drinks hide these weak points. A cappuccino or a latte from the EC100 tastes better than a straight shot. The milk covers the simple flavor. Black espresso drinkers who chase origin flavors will notice the limits.

Does the Capresso EC100 Brew Hot Enough?

No. The Capresso EC100 does not brew extremely hot, so the cups need warming first. Heat up takes 60 seconds at the least. Some mornings it takes 2 to 3 minutes.

The machine uses a ThermoBlock, which heats water on demand instead of storing it. Because the water is heated fresh for each shot, the temperature can drift across back-to-back shots. A cold cup then pulls more heat from the espresso. A pre-warmed cup keeps the espresso hot longer.

The machine has a way to warm cups built in. A stainless steel cup warmer sits on top and heats passively. It measures 5 by 6.25 in (12.7 by 15.9 cm). The maximum cup height under the portafilter is 3.25 in (8.3 cm).

Drinkers who like scalding coffee will find the EC100 mild. Milk drinks lose less heat, because steamed milk adds its own warmth.

Can the Capresso EC100 Use Pods and Ground Coffee?

Yes. The Capresso EC100 uses pods and ground coffee in its pressurized sieves. A sieve is the filter basket that holds the coffee. The machine has three:

• Single basket: This basket holds ground coffee for one shot.
• Double basket: This basket holds ground coffee for a larger shot.
• Third sieve: This sieve holds pre-packed pods or pre-ground coffee.

The choice depends on whether the owner wants pods or ground coffee.

The machine accepts ESE paper pods. ESE stands for easy serving espresso, a paper pod standard. Seattle Coffee Gear found that the EC100 needs smaller pods, 40 mm across, rather than the standard ESE size. Nespresso capsules do not fit.

Pods give convenience and a clean counter. Fresh ground beans give better flavor. The cost of choosing fresh beans is an extra step, because the EC100 has no built-in grinder.

Beans must be ground first, either by a separate grinder or at the store. Ground coffee should land between drip and espresso fineness.

A burr grinder improves the cup far more than a blade grinder. The Capresso Infinity is an entry-level conical burr grinder that sells for about $100. Reviewers find it better for drip than for espresso.

How Well Does the Capresso EC100 Froth Milk?

The Capresso EC100 froths milk well for cappuccinos through a dual frother with a removable sleeve. The frothing sleeve is a Pannarello style sleeve that pulls air into the steam. That air builds a dense foam on top of the milk.

Steam starts within 10 to 15 seconds of turning the knob to the steam symbol. Steaming 8 oz (240 ml) of milk takes about 120 seconds. The pump makes an intermittent noise during that time.

Skim milk makes the most froth. Whole milk makes less than half as much. Cold milk always works best.

A 6 to 8 oz (180 to 240 ml) pour in a steel pitcher makes enough froth for 2 or 3 cappuccinos. The sleeve should dip about two thirds into the milk. It should stay off the bottom.

The steam wand has a usable length of only 2.5 in (6.4 cm). That short reach is a common complaint. The Pannarello style sleeve also blocks real latte art.

Can the Capresso EC100 Make a Latte?

Yes. The Capresso EC100 makes a latte once the black frothing sleeve comes off the steam tube. The bare tube injects steam only, with no air. The milk heats with little foam, which suits a latte.

A latte has one or two espresso shots plus an equal or larger amount of steamed milk. The espresso goes first because the milk is poured into it. It is brewed into a large pre-warmed cup that has room for both parts.

The milk is steamed after the espresso and then poured in. The wand gets extremely hot during steaming.

Milk can also be frothed straight in the cup before the shot. The cup then sits under the portafilter, and the espresso is pulled onto the milk. That way no milk goes to waste.

How Do You Clean the Capresso EC100?

The Capresso EC100 needs a short cleaning routine after each session and a deeper clean every few weeks. The short routine handles the parts that get dirty fastest. Empty the drip tray often. Clean the steam wand and the frothing sleeve after every use.

The water parts need their own care. Rinse the water tank, the support grid and the tray with fresh water. The tank is not dishwasher safe, so wash it by hand.

Unplug the machine and let it cool before any wiping. Use a damp cloth, never an abrasive pad. Never soak the machine in water.

Coffee oils collect inside the brew head. Unscrew the brew head screen for a thorough clean. Water also drips when the tank comes off. After removing the tank, wipe the water droplets from the valve seat so they do not run down the back.

How Often Does the Capresso EC100 Need Descaling?

The Capresso EC100 needs descaling often, after 200 to 300 uses or every 6 months. Hard water calls for a shorter gap. Filtered or spring water slows the scale buildup.

A commercial descaler such as Urnex Dezcal works if its label steps are followed. A home mix works too. It uses 4 tablespoons of citric or tartaric acid dissolved in 30 oz (900 ml) of water.

Vinegar is not allowed. It wears down the interior seal of the brew head and shortens the machine's life.

Pump one third to one half of the solution through the brew head. Let the machine rest for about 10 minutes. Then run fresh cold water through to rinse.

How Long Does the Capresso EC100 Last?

The Capresso EC100 lasts as long as three to six years with light daily use and regular descaling. Heavy use shortens that range. Descaling is the single biggest factor in its length of life.

Stainless steel covers the front, but plastic forms most of the frame. That is a fair build, not a premium one. Light use is fine for it. Family sized volume is not.

Owners report that performance fades over time. The portafilter handle and tamper are plastic.

Refurbished units from Capresso come with their own warranty. They cost less, and they are a sound way to buy an older design.

How Does the Capresso EC100 Compare With Its Rivals?

The Capresso EC100 compares well with rivals at its price and loses to machines that cost more. Three rivals matter most. They are the De'Longhi Stilosa, the CASABREWS 3700 and the Breville Bambino Plus.

Price sorts these machines into two groups. The Stilosa costs about the same as the EC100. The CASABREWS 3700 costs less and has a 20 bar pump. The Bambino Plus costs about three times as much.

Rivals at a Glance:

Machine	Price	Strength
Capresso EC100	$130-$170	Easy for beginners
De'Longhi Stilosa	$135-$150	Better once dialed in
CASABREWS 3700	Under $130	Steady shots, 20 bar pump
Breville Bambino Plus	About three times the EC100	Automatic microfoam

The Bambino Plus wins on quality. It has automatic microfoam, a 3 second heat up and real control over extraction. Nothing Capresso sells competes with it.

The CASABREWS 3700 holds shot consistency better over several drinks. It has a stronger steam wand. It also looks more modern.

Is the Capresso EC100 Better Than the De'Longhi Stilosa?

No. The Capresso EC100 is better than the De'Longhi Stilosa only for complete beginners. The EC100 is easier to start with and has a more forgiving frother.

The Stilosa makes slightly better espresso once the user learns to dial it in. Taking off its Panarello sleeve gives a traditional steam wand. That helps real milk texture.

Both machines cost about the same. The Stilosa lists near $135 to $150, and the EC100 sells for $130 to $170.

Buyers who want to learn and improve should pick the Stilosa. Buyers who want simple results from day one should pick the EC100.

How Much Does the Capresso EC100 Cost?

The Capresso EC100 costs between $130 and $170 depending on sales. That puts it near the bottom of the pump machine market. A buyer pays less than two weeks of cafe lattes.

Buyers who want to pay even less can look at Capresso's own site, which sells factory refurbished units. These often run 25 to 35 percent below retail. Each one carries a warranty.

The machine price does not cover a grinder. A decent burr grinder adds to the budget. Pods avoid that cost because they come pre-ground, but they limit flavor.

After the purchase, the regular extras are small. Descaler and coffee are the main running costs. Urnex Dezcal is a descaler, and Urnex Cleancaf is mainly a coffee oil cleaner.

What Warranty Covers the Capresso EC100?

A one year limited warranty covers the Capresso EC100 against defects in materials and workmanship. It starts on the date of the first consumer purchase. It covers both parts and labor.

The warranty does not cover every machine or every situation. Commercial use is excluded. So is any machine bought outside an authorized JURA-Capresso dealer. Damage from accident, abuse or misuse is also excluded. Service by an unauthorized person voids the warranty.

When a covered machine needs repair, Capresso pays shipping to and from the factory service center. This applies within the contiguous United States. The model number sits on the bottom of the machine. Support is by phone and runs weekdays and Saturdays.

Is the Capresso EC100 Worth It?

Yes. The Capresso EC100 is worth it as a first espresso machine for someone who drinks milk drinks at home. It heats fast, runs simply and fits a small counter. It costs about $150.

The machine suits a buyer who wants to stop paying for cafe lattes and does not want a hobby. Its one knob keeps the controls simple. It heats in about 60 seconds, so a drink is ready with little waiting. The compact body fits under cabinets, which helps in a small kitchen. The dual frother makes both cappuccino and latte.

The same low price brings limits. The machine uses pressurized baskets, which are filter baskets built to force pressure for the user. They make shots easy, but they limit flavor. Shots also drift after the third drink, so the taste changes when several drinks are made in a row. The steam wand is short. The machine has no built-in grinder either.

These limits matter most to a buyer who wants true cafe level espresso. That buyer should spend more on a Bambino Plus.

Here is the full list of the machine's strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

• Heats in about 60 seconds
• One knob keeps the controls simple
• Compact body fits under cabinets
• Dual frother makes cappuccino and latte

Cons:

• Pressurized baskets limit flavor
• Shots drift after the third drink
• Steam wand is short
• No built-in grinder

Who Should Buy the Capresso EC100?

Buyers who make one or two milk drinks a day should buy the Capresso EC100 if they want to spend under $200 and value simplicity. Apartment dwellers, students and office break rooms fit that profile.

People who replace a pod machine fit well too. Cappuccino and latte fans get the most from the EC100. Milk covers the small weaknesses in the shots.

Three kinds of buyers should skip it:

• Straight espresso drinkers: Anyone who wants origin flavors in a plain shot should look elsewhere, because milk is what hides the weak spots.
• Busy households: A home that makes four or more drinks each morning should skip it.
• Latte art fans: Anyone who wants to pour latte art should skip it.

The EC100 is sold through Capresso and several retailers. Buying a refurbished unit direct from Capresso is the smartest route.

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