By pressing the size button, the LCD display cycles through the various options from short coffee through to extra long coffee (for long coffee the machine grinds two separate doses). On top of that, the machine is fitted with automatic cleaning, rinsing and descaling programmes – this is designed to ensure the upkeep is as simple as possible and the machine is always running at full capacity. You can also adjust the strength of your coffee by pressing the ‘Bean’ button and then pressing the arrows to either increase or decrease the size of your dose – obviously the higher the dose, the stronger the coffee. While we’re on the subject of the anatomy of the machine – the water reservoir is locate on the right hand side, and the tank pulls forward to release it from the machine and fill from the tap.

As a guide, the finer grain size, the stronger and more bitter the coffee will taste – so aim for a very fine grain for an espresso, but a more coarse one for longer drinks. As is the case with any automatic machine, you can set the coarseness level you want it to grind your beans. But if you like your coffee and want a straightforward way of getting your cuppa, then this definitely is worth considering.Owning this sort of coffee machine requires quite a cash investment, but also an investment of your time in maintaining it to keep it in tip-top condition.

Note: If you don’t need automated milk frothing and cappuccino, check out the cheaper Delonghi Magnifica ESAM4200. I do love a good coffee, and for a while I’ve been using a Cafflano Kompresso Handheld Espresso Maker.The milk carafe is also removable, so if you have milk leftover in there, you can take it out and put it in the fridge, ready for your next drink. So, you won’t have to top up the machine every time you use it, and your drinks will always taste amazing. However, if it is within your budget, and you like the idea of great coffee being made for you at the touch of a button, then this has to be on your shortlist. When the De Longhi Eletta is not needed you can power it off using the round button on the left of the buttons.

The De Longhi Eletta is a fully automated coffee machine, able to make a range of coffees with milk.A quick reference is the finer the grind the more bitter, and the more coarse the more watery the shot. o:p>

Your coffee your way

Having your coffee just how you like it is easy. Everything will be perfectly served too, as the cup warmer makes sure crockery is the ideal temperature for drinks. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.