mjackson ♦ Stacy,
Not sure exactly what you mean by all the questions. Here is what i can help with, Lock the basket in place using the thumb slide right near the basket, In your manual it is picture 13. I do not think it is defective and the holes lining up is not important. I hope this helps

11-12-2012 8:33am |

Michael Rosso ♦ Caitlyn...Thank you for your interest in the DeLonghi EC155. This machine is not really designed to make "regular coffee". However you can make Cafe Americanos, which I believe taste better that regular coffee. Thanks

08-01-2012 9:44am |

Michael Rosso ♦ Jug...Thank you for your interest in the DeLonghi EC155. It does not come with a permanent water filter. It does use metal brew baskets in the brewing process. I hope this information helps, however if you have any other questions please contact us directly at 1-888-411-5282 option 1. Thanks.

02-06-2012 3:14pm |

mjackson ♦ Kristin,

You may want to buy a reasonably priced good espresso machine like the Gaggia machines, You can then make a great espresso and steam milk. You can make an Americano using the Gaggia as well . An Americano is espresso poured on top of hot water in order to dilute it some and it is then just like a cup of coffee. Some people even like them better then regular coffee. You can get hot water form the Gaggia, or even microwave a cup . By reasonable cost I assume you mean under 200 dollars. If you are considering spending more then there are other options such as a super automatic which start at around 400 dollars and they can do both. I hope this helps and let us know if you have any more questions.

01-10-2012 8:31am |

mjackson ♦ Eric,

Congratulations on your new purchase and your new machine.The Delonghi will use a 54 mm tamper. I hope this helps and have fun with your new machine.

04-19-2011 9:21am |

Michael Rosso ♦ Richard... You will need to brew your espresso first. Then wait a few seconds before you froth and steam your milk. Remember you will need to purge your steamwand of residual water before you start to steam. Thanks.

02-25-2011 11:17am |

Michael Rosso ♦ Barbara...It sounds like the steam wand valve needs to be replaced. Looking at your price range for a new machine I would suggest either the Gaggia Color or the GAggia Pure with a pressurized brew basket. Thanks

01-31-2011 12:23pm |

mjackson ♦ Russell,

I am sorry there is no way to extend the wand. It is ideal for a 12 or 20 oz pitcher. It is designed to create foam easily. You should not have to put down the wand rally far in the pitcher. It should work well and I hope this answers all your questions.

01-18-2011 8:27am |

MikeR No, with a machine like this, that does not have a 3 way solenoid valve, it is perfectly natural to have a 'mud' of sorts, or water on top of the grounds after brewing.

10-12-2010 8:52am |

mjackson ♦ Dorothy,

There will probably always be a little water left in the filter. The important thing is your shot timing and how the espresso tastes. You may want to try adding a little more coffee in your basket. That will decrease the amount of space between your coffee and the bottom of the grouphead. If your grind is to fine your shot will come out to slow. I hope this helps and let us know if we can be of any more help.

10-12-2010 8:52am |