Best DeLonghi Espresso Machine: 8 Great Options!

If you’re looking to up your home barista game, choosing the best DeLonghi espresso machine for your needs is key. In that vein, it’s also important to understand what your needs are. Hence, this guide to the best DeLonghi espresso machines.

I thought about trying to cram as many options as possible into this guide. However, I figured that would quickly get overwhelming. Instead, I’ve curated a list of what I believe to be the best fully automatics and home espresso machines the Italian manufacturer offers. I may reference alternatives options along the way, but I’ll try to stay on target!

The 8 Best DeLonghi Espresso Machines at a Glance

Here’s an overview of the best DeLonghi espresso machines that we’ll be looking at today:

Best DeLonghi Espresso Machine: Advantages and Disadvantages

Like anything mechanical, each DeLonghi espresso machine has its strengths and weaknesses. That said, some common themes run through the lot.

Advantages

Disadvantages of DeLonghi Espresso Machines

What Coffee To Use in a DeLonghi Espresso Machine?

DeLonghi Automatic Espresso Machines

There’s little doubt that DeLonghi is a big-hitter in the super automatic espresso machine world. These guys have been in the game for a long time, and have released some of the most popular machines around. In recent years, the Italian manufacturer has set about trying to dominate the mid-range sector. With that said, manufacturers like Gaggia are keeping the DeLonghi team on their toes!

DeLonghi Dinamica: Best Overall

The DeLonghi Dinamica has long been a favorite of mine. In fact, I’d go so far as to say there still isn’t another automatic espresso machine at this price point that can compete with the Dinamica.

In my DeLonghi Dinamica review, I grumbled a little about too much plastic having been used in the machine’s construction. However, components like the brew group, stainless steel conical burr grinder and buttons all feel durable and well designed. Anyway, plastic housing is to be expected from a sophisticated machine costing just $1,248.49.

The Dinamica’s intuitive user interface makes it easy to start getting good results right away. I mean, who really wants to spend hours poring over a user manual? There are plenty of settings to help you dial in espresso to your liking, and the impressive grinder has 13 levels. By the way, there’s also a pot function, although I’d recommend sticking to americanos. If it’s regular coffee you want, bust out the Chemex or fire up your drip coffee maker.

At this point, I should mention the DeLonghi Dinamica’s LatteCrema automatic milk system. Seriously, this integrated milk frother is one of the best I’ve ever used. Not only is the LatteCrema system super quiet, it also offers three consistency levels. Oh, and the Dinamica’s dual heating system means there’s no waiting time between espresso and milk foam delivery.

The Dinamica is a timeless classic that won’t break the bank, which is why I’ve awarded it “Best DeLonghi Espresso Machine.”

Check Out: DeLonghi Dinamica Review

DeLonghi Dinamica Plus: Best Performing

No one can accuse the folks at DeLonghi of resting on their laurels, which is why I wasn’t surprised by the release of the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus. Still, I wasn’t quite prepared for how awesome this machine actually is. In fact, I’d say that no other mid range automatic espresso machine is as big a threat to Jura’s sales figures.

The DeLonghi design team really outdid itself here. You’ll find the same awesome features as the original Dinamica, as well as tons of updated extras. For starters, there’s a 3.5 inch (9 centimeter) touchscreen display, replete with pretty color drink icons. Sure, this user interface might not be Jura-level impressive. However, we’re still talking about an intuitive display with menus that are easy to navigate.

For those of you who like to tinker with your espresso maker remotely, DeLonghi’s Coffee Link app is a big bonus. You can control settings, schedule tasks and prepare a latte macchiato from the comfort of your couch. And, with 16 drink recipes to choose from, there’s a lot to play with. Not only that, the Dinamica Plus offers three user profiles, so multiple users won’t have to fight over drink settings!

As you’d expect, the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is capable of producing excellent espresso and milk foam. What’s more, the TrueBrew Over Ice function brews at a lower temperature for tasty iced coffee.

Costing just $1,171.00, the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus represents incredibly good value for money. And let’s not forget that Brad Pitt starred in the machine’s promotional video. I mean, he can afford any coffee maker out there, so this one must be good!

Check Out: DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Review

DeLonghi Magnifica S: Best Value

The DeLonghi Magnifica S has been a benchmark automatic espresso maker here at Coffeeness for years. I know this machine inside and out, and I’ve seen several more expensive espresso makers fall short of what the Magnifica S can do.

Costing $649.95, the DeLonghi Magnifica S is packed with outstanding features. That said, the cheap-looking plastic housing and utilitarian user interface would have you believe otherwise.

Sure, you’ll need to spend time learning the machine’s quirks. After all, there’s no display and adjusting settings could hardly be described as intuitive. However, once you get the hang of things, the Magnifica S is capable of delivering truly memorable espresso.

There’s no automatic milk system, but the manual steam wand works really well. You’ll need to spend a little time practicing, but that’s half the fun right? To sum up, the DeLonghi magnifica S is a well-conceived and affordable machine that punches well above its weight.

Check Out: DeLonghi Magnifica S Review

DeLonghi Magnifica Evo: Loaded with Features

The most recent addition to the enduring Magnifica series, the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo is the manufacturer’s latest attempt to conquer the lower middle-class segment.

Costing just $674.99, the Magnifica Evo is already proving to be one of the most popular machines out there.

I can certainly see why – the Magnifica Evo has it all. I mean, this affordable super automatic is loaded with all the features you’d expect from a DeLonghi.

For starters there’s the classic 13-level stainless steel conical burr grinder. What’s more, the amazing DeLonghi LatteCrema system has been given an “on-demand” upgrade, making it cooler than ever.

During my DeLonghi Magnifica Evo review I was impressed by the colorful and intuitive user interface, as well as how easy the machine is to operate. Add in the fact that cleaning is a breeze, and you know you’re onto a real winner!

See Also: DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Review

DeLonghi Manual Espresso Machines

DeLonghi insists on marketing its espresso makers with portafilters as “manual machines,” which really irks me. In reality, the DeLonghi espresso machines we’ll be looking at are semi-automatic.

A true manual espresso machine features a lever that you have to pull down on in order to create pressure for espresso extraction. Hence the term “pulling a shot.” Alternatively, a semi-automatic machine uses a pump to create that all-important 9 bars of pressure.

To complicate things further, DeLonghi La Specialista series machines are neither manual nor semi-automatic. In fact, these are what I call “hybrid machines.” You get an on-board grinder and the machine doses and tamps the coffee for you. Of course there are loads of ways for you to get involved, but a hybrid machine is definitely helping you out along the way.

Delonghi La Specialista Prestigio: Exceptional Value for Money

If you’re an aspiring home barista with a passion for learning the espresso preparation ropes, the Delonghi La Specialista Prestigio will really float your boat. You’ll like the price, too – the La Specialista offers exceptional value for money at just $789.00.

Even though this hybrid espresso maker has a stainless steel conical burr grinder on board, it’s far from a super automatic. In fact, you’ll need to put quite a bit of work in to get good results from the La Specialista Prestigio. Incidentally, the Delonghi La Specialista Prestigio is an undeniably beautiful piece of kit, with classy retro stylings that are further heightened in the red version.

One side of the machine is dedicated to grinding, dosing and tamping, while the other comprises the group head and steam wand. Speaking of that, the steam wand is somewhere between automatic and manual. More importantly, it creates stunning milk froth with next to no effort on your part.

On the other hand, preparing good espresso takes time and patience. There’s a lot to get to grips with, and I got frustrated more than once during my review. Still, stick with it, and you’ll reap the benefits of what this machine is capable of.

Check Out: DeLonghi La Specialista Review

DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro: Best for Espresso

Hot on the heels of the La Specialista comes the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro, a bigger, more sophisticated and all around more badass hybrid espresso machine.

For starters, the La Specialista Maestro offers a further two grind settings. Not only that, there’s a more advanced user interface to deal with, featuring a pair of digital displays for monitoring dosing and drink selection. The DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro is bigger than its predecessor, and also offers more room under the portafilter dispensing spouts. That means brewing into a travel mug or latte macchiato glass won’t be an issue.

What really stands out is the addition of a LatteCrema automatic milk system. That means you can use this machine like a fully automatic coffee maker instead of manually steaming milk. However, the question only you can answer is whether the La Specialista Maestro is worth paying $1,199.95 for.

I guess that if you want all the benefits of a manual machine with the perks of a super automatic, the answer is yes. That said, if you’re in it to fine tune your latte art and geek out on espresso preparation, you’ll be better off with the more affordable original La Specialista.

See Also: DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro Review

DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe: Best Budget

If you’re looking for a solid entry-level espresso machine with just the right amount of hand holding, the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe will be right up your alley.

This is a compact and attractive espresso machine that’ll serve you well as you’re finding your barista sea legs. What’s more, the $236.50 price tag is more than reasonable for what you get.

Speaking of what’s included, pressurized filter baskets, adjustable temperature settings and customizable volumetric control are all there to assist you in getting great results.

And I haven’t even mentioned the awesome manual steam wand yet – this thing is truly marvelous! There’s an adjustable panarello attachment that can be switched between Cappuccino and Hot Milk settings. The former setting is excellent for creating silky microfoam, whereas the latter setting won’t create bubbles at all.

Check Out: DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe EC685 Review

DeLonghi All in One: Versatility Master

I’ve included the DeLonghi All in One on my list of the best DeLonghi espresso machines because of its sheer versatility. Seriously, for just $399.95, you get a high quality coffee maker and espresso maker in the same package.

As if that wasn’t enough, the All in One comes equipped with the same nifty pannarello steam wand as the Dedica Deluxe.

Sure, you won’t get high end pour over style drip coffee from this machine. However, there are plenty of bells and whistles like a 24 hour programmable timer and a sleek digital display. Moreover, thanks to its dual boiler system, you can prepare drip coffee and espresso at the same time. That sounds like the ideal scenario for lovers of red eye coffee!

See Also: DeLonghi All in One Review

DeLonghi: A Manufacturer in Competition With Itself?

Even if you’re just starting to investigate espresso machines, DeLonghi is probably already on your radar. That’s because the Italian brand not only has a huge global footprint and distribution network but is also a strong contender in almost every price category.

There really isn’t another manufacturer that comes close to DeLonghi in terms of value for money. Sure, brands like Jura and Miele are heavyweights when it comes to elegant and refined super automatics. However, the prices involved make those machines inaccessible to many folks.

I like to poke fun at DeLonghi for its habit of releasing seemingly endless variations on a theme. But at the end of the day, that’s inconsequential when searching for the best DeLonghi espresso machine. If DeLonghi feels like it needs to be in competition with itself, we just get a wider range of awesome machines to choose from!

Best DeLonghi Espresso Machines FAQ