DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890 Review: Better Than the Dedica Arte?

Without a doubt, the DeLonghi Dedica is one of the most popular home espresso machines of all time. So, when the Italian manufacturer releases a new version, I can’t help but pay attention.

In today’s DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890 review, I’ll be looking at the latest addition to the Dedica series. Having tested the other three models in the Dedica lineup, I pretty much know what to expect from the Dedica Duo EC890. Still, this new machine does bring a few upgrades to the table, so I’ll be interested to see whether it’s worth the upgrade.

Let’s jump right into my DeLonghi Dedica Duo review and see what this compact espresso machine is all about!

DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890

Good machine but sometimes misses the mark

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All specifications

DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890
Manufacturer	De’Longhi
Model number	EC890
Product category	Manual espresso machine
Housing material	Plastic with stainless steel parts
Color options	Pistachio Green, Rosé Pink, Stainless Steel, Vanilla
Milk frother	Steam wand
User interface	Buttons and dials
App
User profiles	Memo function only
Portafilter size	51 mm
Tamping	Manual
Removable water reservoir
Water reservoir capacity	37.2 fl oz / 1.1 l
Number of boilers	1
Pump pressure	15 bar
Maximum cup height	4.8 in / 12.2 cm
Grinder	N/A
Grind adjustment levels	N/A
Bean hopper capacity	N/A
Specialty drinks	3
Pre-infusion
Adjustable coffee temperature
Adjustable milk foam temperature
2-cup function	Yes (non-milk drinks only)
Hot water function
Hot milk function
Milk foam only option
Water filter
Power consumption	1450 W
Weight	9.6 lb / 4.4 kg
Dimensions	12.0 x 5.9 x 13.0 in 30.5 x 15.0 x 33.0 cm
Warranty	1 year
Notes	Included Accessories: User manual, coffee scoop, metal tamper, milk pitcher, cleaning pin, 2 x filter baskets, water hardness test strip
Current price on Amazon	$298.94
All specifications

DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890 Review Overview

Released in mid-2025, the DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890 currently retails for $298.94, making it the most expensive Dedica machine. As it happens, the Dedica Duo most closely resembles the Dedica Arte in that it’s equipped with a professional steam wand rather than a panarello frother. Sure, there are small cosmetic differences, like a new drip tray design and a redesigned portafilter. However, the machines are almost identical to the untrained eye.

Look a little closer, though, and you’ll see that DeLonghi has abandoned the three front-facing buttons in favor of what looks like a touchscreen interface located up top. What’s more, the Dedica Duo proudly announces that it’s equipped with the manufacturer’s proprietary Cold Extraction Technology. Don’t worry, I’ll discuss both new additions later in this DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890 review.

Before going any further, I should point out that as with its siblings, the DeLonghi Dedica Duo is unlikely to satisfy those looking to take up espresso as a hobby. As I mentioned in my DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe review, you’re much better off going with something like the Gaggia Classic Pro if you want to make authentic espresso on a limited budget.

However, those who don’t care about pressurized portafilters and limited opportunities for experimentation will likely love this small espresso machine. Besides, if you invest in single-walled filter baskets and a really good espresso grinder, there’s no reason why you can’t get great espresso from this machine.

DeLonghi Dedica Duo Features

Size and Design

There’s no denying the fact that the Dedica Duo is an attractive espresso machine. Slim, streamlined and sophisticated, the Dedica Duo actually won more than one international design award. Plus, it’s available in four fashionable colors:

Suffice to say, this espresso maker will appeal to those who simply must find a coffee machine that’ll fit with their kitchen decor. Still, bear in mind that DeLonghi has used a lot of plastic in the Dedica Duo’s construction, with very little stainless steel in evidence.

In terms of size, the DeLonghi Dedica Duo is about as compact and lightweight as they come. Rising to around 12 inches (30 centimeters), and with a width of just under 6 inches, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding room for the machine. With that said, the 37-ounce (1.1-liter) removable water tank lifts up from the rear, so overhead cabinets might get in the way.

User Interface

At first glance, it looks very much like the DeLonghi Dedica Duo is equipped with a touchscreen. However, the machine’s user interface is actually capacitive buttons with pretty color pictures and lights.

Here, you’ll find icons for single espresso, double espresso, cold brew and steamed milk. Oh, and there’s a dial on the side of the machine for engaging the steam function. As with the other machines in the series, the Dedica Duo EC890 has volumetric control and three temperature settings.

However, accessing these settings requires pressing and holding certain buttons in the correct sequence. So, you’re going to have to study the user manual before attempting anything. And you’re going to wish that the machine really did have a touchscreen interface with menus!

Thermoblock Heating

The DeLonghi Dedica Duo is heated by a single thermoblock, meaning the machine will be ready to go in well under a minute. And while thermoblocks are fast and effective, they do have limitations.

For starters, a thermoblock won’t take care of heating the group head and portafilter. So, you should run hot water through both before pulling a shot. Furthermore, there’ll be a significant wait time when switching between brewing and steaming. And when you want to make espresso after using the steam wand, you’ll likely need to perform a cooling flush to help the machine recover.

Cold Extraction Technology

If you’ve checked out my DeLonghi La Specialista Arte Evo review, you’ll know how I feel about DeLonghi’s proprietary Cold Extraction Technology.

Listen, I understand that espresso machine manufacturers feel a desperate need to include “cold brew” functions these days. However, there’s no getting around the fact that making actual cold brew involves steeping coffee grounds in water for around 12 hours. So, claiming that your machine can make cold brew feels a little dishonest to me.

Anyway, the Dedia Duo EC890 achieves a cold extraction by turning off the heater, lowering the pressure and extending the extraction time to around five minutes. You may like the results, but I found the DeLonghi “cold brew” to be watery and bitter. In my opinion, you’ll get a way better-tasting drink by pulling a shot of espresso over ice and adding a little cold water.

Portafilter

As I mentioned earlier, the DeLonghi Dedica Duo’s portafilter has an updated design. However, it’s essentially the same as what you’ll find on the Dedica Arte. Featuring 51mm pressurized baskets, you’ll get the best results using around 14 grams of coffee in the portafilter. However, it’s an unfortunate fact that you won’t be able to get truly good espresso using these baskets.

With that in mind, I’d strongly encourage you to invest in a new portafilter if you want to pull good shots with the Dedica Duo. That is, as long as you also have a burr coffee grinder that’s capable of grinding for espresso.

Because I care, I did a little research and found this Normcore bottomless portafilter on Amazon for $0.00. Trust me, if you want to get the best out of this machine, the upgrade will definitely be worth it.

Professional Steam Wand

While the DeLonghi Dedica Duo’s commercial-style steam wand is a definite step up from a panarello frother, I wouldn’t get your hopes up too high.

Sure, the cool-touch steam wand looks the part, and it’s mounted on a ball joint for ease of movement. However, the machine can’t produce sufficient steam power to do the wand justice. So, it’s going to take quite some time to make your morning latte.

I was just about satisfied with the Dedica Arte’s steam power, and I was able to create nice microfoam. However, I’ve heard rumors that the Dedica Duo EC890 can’t match its sibling’s capabilities in this regard.

Adjustable Drip Tray

DeLonghi has definitely improved the Dedica drip tray for this new machine. The grille looks more professional and there’s more room for larger cups. However, the top-notch design remains the same. In saying that, I’m referring to the fact that the Italians have created a clever height-adjustable drip tray, wherein you can remove the top half if you’re brewing into a taller latte glass.

Incidentally, the drip tray itself is rather small, so you should empty it on a regular basis. Fortunately, there’s a red pop-up indicator that’ll let you know when the thing is full.

How Do I Use the DeLonghi Dedica Duo?

While there’s a learning curve with all the best home espresso machines, getting to grips with the DeLonghi Dedica Duo should be a straightforward affair. Fortunately, the machine comes with most of the accessories you need, including a stainless steel milk pitcher and a decent espresso tamper.

Still, for the best results I always recommend picking up a good coffee scale. Oh, and you’d do well to invest in a solid espresso grinder. For entry-level options, consider something like the Baratza Encore ESP or the Breville Smart Grinder Pro.

I won’t go into great detail about the ins and outs of using the Dedica Duo. However, I can give you the lowdown on how to pull a double shot if this is your first espresso machine.

Coffeeness Medium Roast Espresso

Well-balanced with chocolate & hazelnut notes

Freshly roasted in Brooklyn

Very low acidity

To the Coffeeness Shop

How Do I Clean the DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890?

To keep the DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890 in good working order, you’ll have to get serious about cleaning. In saying that, I’m not suggesting that cleaning your machine will take up half your life. It’s just that you should get into the habit of taking care of a few things at the end of each day’s use:

This regimen won’t take long, and it’ll make a big difference to the taste of your coffee. Plus, you’ll feel good about yourself!

Once a month or so, you should give the water tank a deep clean with mild dish soap. Trust me, algae will grow in there otherwise.

As for the dreaded descaling, I’ll leave it to the user manual to explain what to do. Don’t worry though – it’s not that bad and it really will prolong the life of your espresso machine.

DeLonghi Dedica Duo vs Dedica Deluxe

Costing $159.99, the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe has long been one of the best espresso machines for beginners. It’s essentially the same machine as the Dedica Duo, but with some significant differences.

The first thing you’ll notice is that the Dedica Deluxe has a unique pannarello steam wand featuring DeLonghi’s Adjustable Cappuccino System. This nifty wand has two settings – one for cappuccino and one for hot milk. It’s no match for a professional steam wand, but it’s easy to use if you don’t care about microfoam and making latte art.

Elsewhere, the Dedica Deluxe has actual buttons instead of a fake touchscreen and doesn’t have a cold extraction function. Personally, I prefer the real buttons and I can do without the cold brew function.

See Also: DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe Review

DeLonghi Dedica Duo vs Dedica Deluxe Comparison Chart

Verdict: DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890 Review

DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890

Good machine but sometimes misses the mark

CHECK PRICE

All specifications

DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890
Manufacturer	De’Longhi
Model number	EC890
Product category	Manual espresso machine
Housing material	Plastic with stainless steel parts
Color options	Pistachio Green, Rosé Pink, Stainless Steel, Vanilla
Milk frother	Steam wand
User interface	Buttons and dials
App
User profiles	Memo function only
Portafilter size	51 mm
Tamping	Manual
Removable water reservoir
Water reservoir capacity	37.2 fl oz / 1.1 l
Number of boilers	1
Pump pressure	15 bar
Maximum cup height	4.8 in / 12.2 cm
Grinder	N/A
Grind adjustment levels	N/A
Bean hopper capacity	N/A
Specialty drinks	3
Pre-infusion
Adjustable coffee temperature
Adjustable milk foam temperature
2-cup function	Yes (non-milk drinks only)
Hot water function
Hot milk function
Milk foam only option
Water filter
Power consumption	1450 W
Weight	9.6 lb / 4.4 kg
Dimensions	12.0 x 5.9 x 13.0 in 30.5 x 15.0 x 33.0 cm
Warranty	1 year
Notes	Included Accessories: User manual, coffee scoop, metal tamper, milk pitcher, cleaning pin, 2 x filter baskets, water hardness test strip
Current price on Amazon	$298.94
All specifications

Having reached the end of my DeLonghi Dedica Duo EC890 review, I think it’s safe to say this will be another big seller for the Italian brand. After all, DeLonghi has included some clever marketing strategies here, including fashionable colors and cold extraction technology.

As for the “digital touch display,” I can’t help but feel like it’s a cynical move given the fact that it resembles a real touchscreen interface but doesn’t come close in reality.

At the end of the day, I still recommend either the Dedica Deluxe or Dedica Arte over this machine. In particular, I think the Dedica Arte is a little bit more rugged and robust, and it has more steam power.