DeLonghi PrimaDonna Elite ECAM650
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I found out what is causing the tripping of the RCD. In the end I could not even make a coffee, even a black one. This was a year after my extended warranty ran out, so my machine is 4 years old. It's a PrimaDonna Elite 650. I pulled the sides of and long story short, the boiler has stainless steele flutes inserted into an alloy body. This alone… Read more
causes corrosion with two separate metals being together under pressure and heat. It's a very bad design flaw. I spen 3200AUD on my machine and to only get 4 years out of it is outrageous to say the least. And this is a well known issue from what I can see on this forum. I've orded an OEM part that came from Italy and will not arrive until Jan 27th 2026, I orded it on December 23rd 2025. The issue of not completing the descaling began 2 years into owning the product. My water is a 1 on the hardness level and several measurements over the years proves that this has not changed in my area. But because the machine was still making all sorts of coffees with no issue, I thought it was power draw in an old house that was the issue. When the issue got worse in another old house we moved into I thought that was still the case. Old wiring and high draw. But when it started tripping the RCD (this is late last year, 2025, 4 years of ownership) when making a simple expresso, I had to check out what was going on. Corrosion on the boiler at the egress end due to mixed metals under high heat and pressure.
I've spent 65aud to purchase the new boiler, but will only expect to get another 4 years at the most out of it. I will only descale with plain water as the citric acid used will only speed up the corrosion issue in the boiler.
Delonghi, You need to understand that you have a design flaw in these units using these boilers. Mixing metals in a high heat and pressure environment is metallurgy 101, and your designers should have known this. And if they didnt', you need to get a new team in.
You have sold us some very expensive coffee machines, only to find out that they lasted no longer than any other coffee machine, but with a hefty price tag that has only gone up in the last couple of years.
NOT HAPPY JAN!!!!
Reviews with attachments
Best Christmas present – Best Christmas present 5,000 coffees, still going strong and yet to have a problem. Any questions, the 1800 number has trouble shooters waiting to help and get this any replacement parts are free! I just had it serviced by Bravo in St Peters and walked away with their custom blend beans, cleaning products and so thrilled with their service too I… Read more · 2
own a venue with dozens of appliances both domestic and commercial and this machine is by far my most favourite Thank you DeLonghi for your outstanding dedication to great products, great service and great suppliers One very happy customer xoxo Ho, Ho , Ho
- +1
Great coffee - must be calibrated though - Milk not hot enough – I've had this machine for a few years and it is the best Super automatic I've ever owned . But you need to have the right settings. Just a few tips , (if you are going to purchase), to get the best espresso based drinks out of this machine. Well worth it to calibrate it (As the preprogrammed recipes are not very good) 1. Use FRESHLY roasted… Read more · 2
beans (no supermarket beans!)
2. Don't use Oily Dark roast / Flavoured beans, this will clog up the grinder eventually.
3. Preheat your cups with hot water from a kettle (no need to use the cup warmer from the machine , hot water from a kettle works better)
4. Use fresh FILTERED water (either from your own filtered water jug) or use a Delonghi filter to put in the water reservoir.
5. For a quality cafe style rich espresso - dial in the grinder to the FINEST setting possible "Grinder setting No 1" ... If you find the machine is choking too much to make an espresso (only drips are coming out or nothing coming out at all), dial it back 1 click at a time towards "Grinder setting 7" (only adjusting grinding settings while machine is in use) until you get a nice smooth SLOW pour of Espresso out of the nozzles.
6. Use the Delonghi coffee link app (connected via Bluetooth) to customise the drink. Trying to customise the drink on the actual machine doesn't give you the precise measurements, always use the App to customise.
7. Customise the "Espresso" recipe to the following settings ... ========== Aroma - MAX STRENGTH (always use max strength for a super automatic machine to achieve a barista style full rich espresso coffee, anything less and the espresso is weak and watery)
Amount of coffee - 30 or 35ml or 40ml (try not to go over 40ml for a shot of espresso as this will end up extracting the bitter unwanted flavours from the beans) If you need more coffee just do a double shot.
Temperature - MAX TEMPERATURE =========
Now that you're using Freshly roasted Beans, set the grinder to its finest possible setting (without choking the machine), preheated your cups, using filtered water and used the following espresso settings , you can make any drink out of this like a pro !
For milk based drinks ... Use 1 to 2 shots of espresso and add desired amount of milk. (COFFEE FIRST, MILK SECOND - the CappuccinoMix recipe is the one I use then alter in the app)
With Delonghi machines I have found that the MILK is NEVER HOT ENOUGH when using the Lattecrema system carafe. You always need to put it in the microwave for 10-20 seconds afterwards.
Because Delonghi is an Italian company and the Italians like their milk lattes lukewarm! ... I have contacted Delonghi Australia about this and they said there is nothing they can do to alter the machine to make the milk hotter. You can always use the steam wand to froth milk manually but who's got time for that?
For a LONG BLACK ... Fill your glass with 3/4 cup of hot water first then and add 2 shots of espresso. (Never use the long coffee function on the machine, always make long coffee drinks using espresso + hot water).
As I said once you get the Espresso shots down pat with this machine you can make any drink possible you can get at a cafe. The key is all in the espresso. For milk based drinks pop it in the microwave afterwards for 10-20 seconds.
DeLonghi ecam 650 – lHello, everyone. Regarding the power tripping with the De'Longhi coffee machines when descaling, I found that it was the actual water tank De'Longhi themselves do not want you to know this. There is a magnet inside the water tank that raises and lowers with the water level. What happens is that when the tank runs empty, the magnet drops, and it… Read more
tells the system the tank is empty. But what has happened a lot, that I have found, is that water seeps its way into where the magnet container is, and it must form maybe corrosion or something like that on the magnet.
So the machine does not know when the tank has run dry, which is what happens when it's descaling. It gets stuck in a loop because it doesn't understand that the tank is empty.
As soon as I replaced the tank after a lot of trial and error and a lot of conversations with De'Longhi and their service centers, who did not want to help me whatsoever except for bringing it in and charging me a fee.
You can also test this out yourself by letting the tank run dry and trying to use the machine. If the machine does not say to you "fill tank," then there's a problem with the sensor. You can also test this with this magnet by placing it inside where the magnet should fall.
The tank cost me $39.00 cheap easy fix
Cheers, all.
CANMAN
Dear Canman, Thank you for contacting Delonghi Group… Read more
In-depth reviews
All In One Saviour – We purchased this machine as avid coffee lovers and it does not disappoint. The features on this device is impressive- aside from the Bluetooth function, the fact that we can create personal profiles and make our favourite drink at a touch of a button is pretty cool! It has a fairly wide range of selections, and we even make Espresso Martinis… Read more · 1
(yes- you read that right!). It gives the nice froth, just like you'd expect when you'd order this yummy cocktail at a Bar. Always use good quality beans and you'll find your coffee will be consistently good. The hot chocolate also comes up amazing, a great little treat for the kids without the fuss. Temperature wise, I find that if the machine has been on for some time, the coffee will come out hotter, however this is all dependant on personal taste as I prefer mine piping hot and anything less is considered to be lukewarm in my opinion (my husband thinks the temperature is always pretty good, so again, it comes down to personal preference). It is a sleek-looking machine and cleaning is a breeze; the drip tray and grounds container are easily removable and the accessories are easy to clean. The only downside I can say about this machine is that during the 2nd descaling we did, something went very wrong. It shut down 15 minutes into the descaling process and the machine was very hot to touch. As it was under warranty, we returned it to the store we purchased it from who then sent it to be looked at/repaired. This process took approximately 6 weeks. I had to constantly chase up the store for updates as what was meant to take one week dragged out for over a month. In the end, we requested a report outlining what the problem was and it turned out it had an internal leak and some parts needed replacing. We are probably due to run another descale shortly so we shall see if this time around it goes smoothly. Price wise, yes it was a bit on the expensive side, however I can safely say that when comparing it to the amount we'd spend on take-away coffee, this machine has paid itself off.
Used hard for over two years! – Love this machine. Can't imagine life without it tragic as that sounds. My wife and I were slightly terrified at the price of the coffee machine when we bought it, but really wanted to move off pod machines and be able to just put the coffee grounds in the food waste. Coffee every morning for the both of us, a couple each on the weekend… Read more · 1
days...then lockdown came along and workdays at home. Well the poor machine has been hammered and working hard and has yet to skip a beat. We've programmed it just the way we like, found a couple of sources of beans that are consistently good and just really enjoy the coffee at home, or in a reusable cup to take with us.
So yeah, after all of that, it costs a lot of money compared to a pod machine, but wow it makes great coffee. Feel like we've actually saved money over the couple of years with better coffee than we get at most cafes and no pods in the bin.
Back when we first got it we did think the coffee wasn't hot enough. Well my wife did, for me it is fine since I drink black coffee. Haven't heard a word about that in the last year so maybe it was just getting used to it not being burning hot...but then the beans aren't burned and sour either.
Cleaning is pretty easy. Mostly just the trays, bean waste holder and of course regularly cleaning out the milk carafe. There is a piece that needs to be pulled out the side once every couple of weeks and rinsed, and somehow grounds seem to make their way inside the machine but it doesn't take long to keep it clean.
Descaling is easy and the machine does all the work. Solution bought from the supermarket.
Will we buy again if this one falls over...absolutely.
Customer Service Masterclass – I would just like to offer some positive feedback on a customer service experience I had today. I was a long-time Breville coffee machine supporter but when my most recent one delivered its last brew - I knew it was time to look at a new machine. On a recommendation I was encouraged to look at the La Specialista. I had two weeks of wonderful… Read more · 1
coffee and then on the weekend my coffee dream came crashing down...Lights were flashing and the coffee wasn't grinding...so I followed the care instructions, but still was not able to get the machine to work...so this morning I packed it up and took it back to Domayne at Bundall, where the Sales Person - Storm - was very helpful, and put a call into to the Delonghi Sales Executive Suzy Harper.
Suzy offered to visit the store and have a look to see if she could figure out what was going on. I received a call from Suzy to say she had resolved the issue and the machine was working perfectly...now here is the bit which then really made the Delonghi experience even more impressive...Suzy offered to drop off the machine to me on her way home...and THEN she made me a coffee, and showed me around the machine - just WOW!
At a time where customer service seems to be on the wane in most industries - this experience will go a long way to restoring my faith in what customer service should be. BRAVO Suzy, Domayne & Harvey Norman!
Positive reviews
Ours broke within one year (Edited to update review since it has now been fixed) – UPDATE: Delonghi reached out via direct message here on Product Review and after some phone tag and back/forth we were able to send it off for repair. It has since been fixed and returned to us - and is back to making those perfect coffees we love. ORIGINAL REVIEW: We loved our machine but it broke within 8 months. Getting Delonghi on the phone… Read more · 3
to claim our warranty has proved impossible. We also submitted an online enquiry and no response. Disappointing given how long we saved for and how much we spent on the machine. :-(
4 years and 3000 coffees later and it is still a pleasure to use – I bought this machine as an anniversary gift for my wife. It is a machine that gets used quite a bit as each member of the family uses it for their own coffee preferences. During the first year we had a problem with the milk jug. Without any questions the Delonghi service team sent out a new one. The second time we had an issue they sent out a… Read more · 2
service technician who was helpful and fixed it.
Now 4 years later we are out of warranty. The machine had an electrical issue and I was expecting to spend a great deal to have it fixed. However, the Delonghi team were kind enough to fix it without any extra charge. The best part is it only took 1 day to get it fixed, so we were not denied our caffeine fix for too long.
Yes the machine is more expensive but it is a quality appliance that I expect to last for another decade. I am also happy with the Delonghi team on product review who were very helpful.
Coffee is Life – I absolutely love this machine. It is easy to use. Most of the selections are self explanatory. You can set up strengths through a USER selection Like Mum, Dad etc. program that selection like Flat white cappuccino to the level of milk and strength of coffee. It is easy to clean. The only reason I didnt give it 5 Stars as when you get an alert to… Read more · 1
run descale which goes for about 45 min. The request to descale didnt turn off when complete. So I just "ESC" then goes to menu for selection. Over 20 years this is my 3rd Delonghi coffee machine and the noise level alot quieter. I will admit I am a Delonghi fan I have used Sunbeam but I keep coming back to the Italian makers. You will not be disappointed in this product. I paid $2,500 but I believe they have reduced the price to around $1,900. Snap it up
Negative reviews
great coffee but – ... it trips the circuit breaker during descaling, which can't be completed. Others have reported the same problem. Purchased 4 years ago and has been terrific until now Our previous primaDonna elite lasted over 9 years so we expected a longer life than this. Just 4124 coffees (2-3 per day) and 13 descalings - always done immediately after notification. Show details
Good coffee but with issues just outside the warranty limit – Machine started to tripp our electrics and has become more often recently to the point where I could not longer use it Show details
Hi Daniel, Thank you for your message and we are sorry… Read more
Garbage Build Quality – First machine did not work, had to be replaced. Second machine broke in less than 2 months. Plus, needs to be de-scaled every 4 to 5 days. Good coffee, but not worth the trouble. Show details
Find out how DeLonghi PrimaDonna Elite ECAM650 compares to other Fully Automatic Coffee Machines
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Recent reviews
Good easy to use machine – Seems to be the same story. Purchased mid 2019. Had it serviced in 2021 within warranty for tripping power circuit during descale. It's now doing the same thing outside of warranty and the same repairer has quoted $80 assessment and $300 for the service. A real kick in the guts, $400 on a $2000 machine for what appears to be a known/common issue… Read more
based on all the posts here!
Edit: repair was covered under warranty. Water tube had come loose/degraded.
With the exception of the tripping issue I would buy again.
Great coffee machine but has its flaws – We purchased this machine approximately 3.5 years ago. It's a solid machine, makes a decent cup of coffee and is easy enough to maintain and care for. Unfortunately, the machine started tripping our power whenever we descaled. Reading the reviews on this site, it's quite a common occurrence. Fortunately, speaking to Delonghi they came to the party… Read more
and fixed the machine under warranty. The machine had a leaking boiler and once the boiler was replaced, the power tripping was resolved. Pleased to have the machine all fixed and hopefully a few years to go before another coffee machine upgrade.
primadonna elite – After having one of these machine for years bought another one but the new one is crap repeatedly doesn't froth milk won't make cappuccino have sent for repairs but still no good ,for a $2,000 machine not good enough would not recommend this machine a waste of money
If you want the best, this is it – This machine produces the best cups of coffee to suit my tastes. The Bluetooth function means that I can make coffee from anywhere in the house, with just a click on my phone. The coffee this machine produces is consistent, and always of a high standard, if using good quality beans. I also use it to make hot chocolate, and use the water function… Read more · 1
to make tea. The user profiles are a great function as it ensures whatever I may be using it for, the machine makes it to my standard, as others in the house may not like the same aroma or amount of milk. Overall, it is well built, and a great investment. Looking back on how much I used to spend a day on store bought coffee, it quickly makes it worth the money and more.
Brilliant machine for the home office! – Good quality of coffee, very easy to use, quality easy to adjust for different beans. Have tried everything it does, Ice Coffees, hot chocolate, black coffee and cappuccinos. The frothing with soy and oat milk seems good as well. Happy with the product after 6 months of use. Only issue experienced is a regular air blockage in the system which we… Read more · 4
havent been able to clear ourselves but had to take the machine to a dealer. Update: Delonghi support kindly replied and it turns out I was not treating the filter appropriately under running water before putting it in. Really helpful support.
Ok luke warm coffee if it works – Had this POS for the past 2 years now. We get continuous errors with "water circuit empty". Took it to a service center and after two weeks they couldn't find anything wrong with it. They had no idea and neither did Delonghi. Now the machine is making all sorts of strange sounds, seems like the pump for the milk is cactus or on it's way out. … Read more
Problems started whilst this was under warranty within first year. When this did work it was ok, if you like luke warm milk. If you want hot coffee look elsewhere. Does anyone want this for parts?
GREAT WHEN IT WORKS – Have had issues with this machine about to go into service for the 2nd time, not even 2 years old, disappointing, milk jug replacement and seals in first 7 months, then 1st service before 12 months,and now again, noise when frothing milk. Don’t know if i would purchase a Delonghi again. Show details
Hi Andrea, Thank you for taking the time to write a… Read more (+2 replies)
Everything we ever wanted and more – Just love the way you can customise the coffee and create a profile name. You can adjust the temperature to create hot coffee or just how you like it. Saving your own personal settings is just perfect. I have to say having done so much research before buying this machine, we are not disappointed. Awesome! Show details · 1
Small machine but makes excellent coffee! – I highly recommend DeLonghi for their excellent products and after sales service. This is my first review about a product - I decided to do one because I've been so impressed with this coffee machine because it does not take up a lot of bench space, I've had it for over 3 years and it still continues to make excellent coffee. Also, customer… Read more · 1
service from DeLonghi is very impressive. I dealt with Agnes, and she promptly sorted out an issue I had in a friendly and professional manner.
Find out how DeLonghi PrimaDonna Elite ECAM650 compares to other Fully Automatic Coffee Machines
Know better, choose better.
No coffee shops open perfect answer – I bought this machine in June 2020, although we both feel coffee could be hotter (nothing 20 secs in microwave cant fix) it is easy to use with great menu options. As long as you do water test first, and in most places in Aus lowest setting for water hardness works, does not need descaling that often. Great easy to use and clean machine. Show details · 1
Poor design – A few years ago, I bought the previous model of this coffee maker. The design of this design looked then like a prototype, not a final product but at least worked. After 6 years of usage, the maintenance becomes too expensive so we have decided to purchase a new model. To my surprise nothing changes, the software is written as before by the… Read more
first-year student and it is poor quality e.g. checks ¬ requested components: coffee, milk, or water during beverage production not before. As a result of this “functionality”, the process has to be repeated. We have decided to purchase the most expensive model capable of chocolate production but the carafe is so poorly designed that is impossible to pure a chocolate without spillage. The device is quite pricy and should be designed with more attention to details.
Hi Haps Basset, thank you for taking the time to write a… Read more
milk frothing – After two years , my coffee was being made without much froth. I use descaler and milk clean. One of these reply’s Delonghi suggested cleaning the groove in the knob of the frother. I cleaned it with a tooth pic and it works like new again. Prompt reply and help from Delonghi. Show details · 3
Great machine but luke warm coffee – The machine is easy to use and looks so impressive. The only thing I can fault is the temperature is not hot enough. I have put it onto the hottest option and tried to heat up cups etc, but still not enough. It is still luke warm. Show details · 1
Big Thankyou to Harvey Norman Noarlunga SA & Eddie from Delonghi – Loving my new machine, I upgraded from a pod machine and absolutely love it! Love the wifi and the programming and how I can make a coffee from an app on my phone. Eddie from Delongi who came out and gave me an amazing Demo was fabulous, full of energy and such an amazing representative of the brand. Loving my new Delongi and can't imagine life without it. Show details · 1
Superb – Had a Delonghi fully automatic machine for 12 years prior to this new unit. Sadly, it died which is understandable after the use it had. With this new one, everything from the design & finish, to the easy operation makes this machine awesome. Once set up via the phone app, it is easy to use. Basically tells you what to do after use. Many coffee options & the coffee is always hot. Highly recommend this unit. Thank you Delonghi Show details · 2
Love this machine ! – This is my second Delonghi , had the previous one for 13 years , and this one is proving to be just as fabulous. Very happy with the consistent quality, and quantity of coffee. Love the fact we can setup our coffee profiles from the app, which has increased the temp of the coffee and produced the exact amount of coffee and milk for each of us at… Read more · 1
home. . Easy to clean, and better design features than my previous one, including easier emptying of the grounds.
A fantastic machine – I loved the quality and the amount of froth. It is very consistent. The one thing was that the temperature could be hotter. I also loved how simple it was to choose which style of coffee you wanted, The touch screen was great. Just like using an android mobile. Show details · 1
Simply Sensational..!! – I'm so happy with my purchase. I've had other coffee machines but this is the cream of the crop. Simple to use and the most delicious coffee. Total barista style coffee in my own home. Loads of different options and I love the way you can set the different ways each person likes their coffees to be made. The machine itself is aesthetically… Read more
pleasing as well. It's the first thing my friends comment on as they enter the kitchen. The in home Delonghi Elite Experience was fantastic. Joe showed me how to get the most out of my machine and how the different settings changes your coffee. He was so informative yet it was simple and not overwhelming. Thanks a million!
Top Grade coffee Machine – I have owned a Cafe many years ago and this is the closest machine I have found that nearly makes coffee as good as a cafe Industrial machine so much so I am thinking about selling my Rancilio which is a cafe one I use at home.i only bought this one for my caravan but is so good and easy to use. Im now using as my main machine and worked out if… Read more
my husband and myself Bought one coffee a day at $5.00 in one year would of well and truly paid for itself. I know I have only had a week and 1/2 but lov it.if there is anything negative abt this machine is that the water doesnt really get hot enough for the tea programme but in saying that its a coffee machine not tea
What a piece of rubbish! – Brought it and had it in the box for about 8 days. Set it up and worked well for a week then an error came up saying it needed cleaning (only had 7 cups of coffee out of it) cleaned it error remained, rang the customer service line only to be advised "don't know nothing about this machine" after 40 minutes on the phone and explaining wherein the… Read more
manual the error message and supposed solution was I gave up and told the customer service man I'd be returning it to which he advised you can't replace it, it has to be fixed by us. Delongi quality and customer service NON EXISTENT!!!!
Still no response from Delongi even more disappointing.
GAME CHANGER! – The Delonghi PrimaDonna Elite Experience has been an absolute game changer in my household. As a family that previously purchased takeaway coffee every day, this machine, and its barista quality coffees, has literally changed our routine as we now all happily make our own at home every day. The machine is fully automatic, meaning you can select… Read more · 1
your beverage style of choice and have a cafe style coffee in less than a couple of minutes. It looks sleek and makes amazing coffee, and it is also super easy to clean, making it both cost and time effective. A true kitchen ESSENTIAL for any coffee lover!
Never buying takeaway coffee again! – I have owned three coffee machines and this is by far the best! Love how easy it is to customise for each family member, and order from my the app while Im working. Easy to clean and follow prompts. Perfectly made coffee every time. I would highly recommend Show details · 1
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Hello Mike, We’re genuinely sorry to hear about your… Read more