Espresso Machine Review Center

For all of you cappuccino lovers out there. This will be a short lesson on what cappuccino is, where it comes from, and how a high quality espresso machine like the Delonghi ESAM 3300 makes it fun to have your cappuccino at home every morning.

The name cappuccino is said to derive from the Capucin monks because the drink – with its brown color and well known head of steamed milk foam – resembles the color of the Capucin monks’ robes set against their tonsured white heads.

Cappuccino is usually also topped off with cinnamon,  cocoa powder or nutmeg – how that fits in with the Capucin monks I am not quite sure.

Cappuccino is generally described as consisting of one third espresso, one third hot milk, and one third steamed milk foam which floats on the top of the drink. If you are wondering what happens to the espresso foam – known as crema - after you pour in the hot milk, I suppose that will have to remain an espresso mystery.

Cappuccino was developed at the beginning of the 20th century in tandem with the development of pressurized espresso machines. One can imagine a bored barista around the turn of the century inventing Cappuccino as a way of putting all that excess steam to good use.

It was primarily popular in Italy, but it became more well known during and after World War 2 with the popularity of large espresso machines, and especially after 1948, when Gaggia perfected the high pressure espresso machine.

Cappuccino Etiquette Tip:  Did you know that Cappuccino is only supposed to be served in a porcelain cup instead of glass, to retain its heat better? Did you also know that it is considered gauche to have Cappuccino at any time other than in the morning?

Make sure you let your favorite restaurant know they are committing a faux pas if they have it on the menu and serve it in a glass.

So how would you make cappuccino at home with your Delonghi ESAM 3300? To make cappuccino, you must steam milk in a small metal or ceramic pitcher, then pour the hot milk and possibly scoop the steamed milk foam into a glass of espresso.

The Delonghi ESAM 3300 has a specialized steam nozzle that remains tucked into the machine until it is needed. If you want cappuccino you first brew some espresso, then simply swing out the steam nozzle and run the steam into a small pitcher of milk. Pour the hot milk and steamed milk froth on to your espresso and then top it off with some cocoa or cinnamon if you like, and there you have it.

The steam nozzle for the Delonghi ESAM3300 can be easily cleaned by removing and rinsing two small pieces attached to the nozzle.

More details on the Delonghi can be found at this site at:  Delonghi ESAM3300 – Is This the One?, or check out the full review at:  Delonghi 3300 Review.

To see all the specs and get a great deal on a Delonghi 3300 bundle, go to the Amazon page at: Delonghi ESAM 3300 Bundle