Delonghi ECP 3120, 3420, 3630, 31.21, 35.31 – What’s the Difference?

Delonghi ECP Models

I know it’s confusing, but just know that the above ECP models are all essentially the same! They use the same 150ml stainless steel boiler, same aluminum brew group, the same 51mm portafilters, the same body design, and so on.

Where they differ is in their trims, and in their milk frothers.

Just like an auto manufacturer, Delonghi has decided to offer their ECP line in several different trims, or materials, and in different countries, therefore all the model names.

North America vs Worldwide

Let’s get this right out of the way. The ECP3420 is the same as the ECP 35.31. The former is for the USA and Canadian markets, while the latter is for the rest of the world.

So, why did Delonghi create different naming conventions for the same model? Well, it has more to do with regulations. In Europe and elsewhere, there are regulations on energy consumption. So, not only is the naming a little different, but the worldwide models turn off after 10 minutes, while the North American models do not have a standby timer.

You’ll notice that the ECP3420 has no on/off button in the side, but rather it’s on the selector switch. So, once it’s switched on, it remains on. The ECP35.31 pictured on the right has a push button on the lower right side, which gives an impulse to the main board to turn on. If no action is carried out within 10 minutes (making an espresso for example), then the machine will turn off.

So, as you see, these two models are the same, except for the auto turn off feature on the worldwide model.

3 Main Trims (31, 34, 36)

The trims go from a lower, to a higher quality from low number to high. Therefore, the 31 models will have more plastic than the 36 models.

ECP3120, ECP31.21 (plastic)

The ECP3120 (North America) and ECP 31.21 (Europe, rest of world) have the most plastic.

• Plastic fascia (faceplate behind the selector switch)
• Plastic cup warmer
• Plastic housing
• Plastic drip tray cover (sometimes metal though)

ECP3420, ECP35.31 (metal)

The ECP3420 (North America) and ECP 35.31 (Europe, rest of world) have the more metal:

• Metal fascia
• Metal cup warmer
• Metal drip tray cover
• Metal backsplash

Keep in mind that in some markets like Canada, the ECP3220 is available, which looks to me to be almost exactly the same as the 3420. This model also has the metal fascia and metal drip tray cover.

• Metal fascia
• Metal cup warmer
• Metal drip tray cover
• Plastic backsplash

ECP3620, ECP3630 (more metal)

The ECP3620 and ECP3630 have the most metal:

• Metal fascia
• Metal cup warmer
• Metal drip tray cover
• Metal housing!

You will notice that the ECP3630 has an updated steam wand versus the ECP3620. The newer steam wand has an adjustable air flow switch, as designated “hot milk” or “cappuccino”. For me, it doesn’t matter though. I just remove the panarello either way, and steam with the rubber nozzle underneath.

Steam Wand Panarellos (ECP3x.2x vs ECP3x.3x)

Ok, so this is the last main difference. The models that end in 2x have the older steam wand panarello, that is just a straight piece of metal tubing. The models that end in 3x have the newer panarello, with an adjustable little switch for either more or less air to be pumped in via the panarello.

Delonghi ECP Model Summary

So, here are the models, from left to right, from the most plastic to the least plastic. Check the prices, because they vary SO much! Often times, the models with the most metal are cheaper than the more plasticy models. Go figure.

Espresso Baskets

You can elevate any of the above machines with a sweet IMS basket, as shown below. These are all 51mm baskets, and they fit inside the portafilter of the ECP series, as well as the Dedica series.

IMS makes some of the best espresso baskets out there. They are based in Italy, and their baskets are made there, too. VST is another good manufacturer of high quality baskets. For cheaper baskets, I like Capfei and Neouza.

Just know that for the Dedica, there is currently no single basket from IMS. The closest would be the H22 (depth of 22 mm). I use the H26 for my double shots, which comfortably fits 16 grams. The H32 can fit more like 20-24 grams of coffee, for a triple shot!

Check out the baskets below for examples for Delonghi machines.

All Delonghi machines by the way use 51mm baskets!