Upgrading Our Coffee Game: From Nespresso to a Delonghi Bean-to-Cup Machine
At Links London, coffee is more than just a morning ritual—it’s the fuel behind our creative process. From designing jewellery to fixing up our workspace, coffee keeps the team going. Today, we’re sharing a new journey: our upgrade from a trusty Nespresso to the highly rated Delonghi Prima Donna Bean-to-Cup coffee machine. We’re excited to share the whole process, from finding a bargain on eBay to getting it up and running for that first cup of freshly brewed espresso.
The Coffee Journey So Far
Before we dive into the new machine, let’s take a step back and talk about our coffee journey at Links London. We started with a humble Nespresso, which served us well for months, churning out espresso after espresso. The convenience was unbeatable: no mess, no fuss, just drop a capsule in, and out comes a reliably decent coffee. However, as time went on, we knew it was time to take things up a notch.
Why Upgrade to a Bean-to-Cup Machine?
There’s something undeniably satisfying about brewing coffee from freshly ground beans. The aroma fills the room, and the flavor profile is so much richer than any capsule can provide. After some research, we settled on a Delonghi Prima Donna—a machine known for its quality and versatility. But there was a catch: we found it on eBay sold as ‘spares or repairs,’ meaning it wasn’t in perfect working order.
Repairing the Delonghi Prima Donna
Fixing the coffee machine became a project in itself. According to the eBay listing, the infuser was misaligned, and the drip tray wouldn’t fit properly. With the help of some trusty YouTube tutorials, we were able to diagnose the problem and get everything back in working order. After some initial hiccups, including a small scare when we thought the pump might be broken, we finally got it running.
The First Brew: Testing the Delonghi with Fresh Beans
Once we fixed the machine, it was time to test it. We loaded it with some Illy Classico coffee beans, adjusted the grind size, and let it work its magic. The first cup was a success! The crema was rich, the flavor was deep, and the entire process was automated. We’re already loving the hands-off nature of the bean-to-cup system—no more messing with grinders and tampers every morning.
Comparing Nespresso with Delonghi Prima Donna
So, how does the Delonghi stack up against our old Nespresso? There’s no denying the Nespresso’s convenience—it’s quick, easy, and consistent. But the Delonghi wins when it comes to flavor and freshness. If you’re a coffee enthusiast looking for the best cup, the bean-to-cup method is a clear winner. However, if speed and simplicity are your top priorities, the Nespresso might still be the way to go.
Final Thoughts: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
In the end, the upgrade to a bean-to-cup machine has been well worth it for us. Sure, there was some work involved in getting the Delonghi up and running, but now that it’s fixed, we’re enjoying better coffee than ever. The initial repair project made us appreciate the machine even more, and we’re excited to see how it performs in the long run.
Coffee as a Creative Companion
At Links London, coffee plays an integral role in our day-to-day operations. Whether we’re designing new jewellery pieces, fixing up equipment, or brainstorming new ideas, a good cup of coffee is always by our side. This new Delonghi machine has elevated our coffee experience, and we can’t wait to keep sharing more stories from our creative headquarters—complete with fresh, perfectly brewed coffee.
