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.
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:
DELONGHI DINAMICA
Excellent espresso and milk froth
Good price-performance ratio
Two thermoblocks
DELONGHI LA SPECIALISTA MAESTRO
High-quality appearance
Steam wand with plenty of power
Heats up quickly
DELONGHI DEDICA DELUXE
Compact and affordable
Easy to use
Makes great espresso and milk froth
Very quiet operation
Intuitive user interface
Makes great milk foam
Makes drip coffee and espresso
Fantastic steam wand
Great value
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
DeLonghi espresso machines are designed with quality in mind.
The DeLonghi brand has been around for a long time and isn’t going to disappear.
When included on specific models, the built-in grinders produce consistent results.
DeLonghi’s LatteCrema milk system generates terrific microfoam.
The user interfaces on most DeLonghi machines are easy to understand.
DeLonghi espresso machines offer a lot of freedom to adjust essential features such as the grind quality, coffee aroma, coffee strength, water volume and temperature.
DeLonghi espresso machines have user profiles, or at least a memo function, so you can save your preferences.
The results in the cup are superb.
Built-in cleaning functions, removable brew groups and removable parts make machine maintenance a breeze.
The life of DeLonghi espresso machines is long, so long as you perform regular preventative maintenance.
The overall price of DeLonghi products is competitive and offers a lot of value for your money.
Disadvantages of DeLonghi Espresso Machines
The majority of the components on DeLonghi coffee machines are plastic, which is not good for the environment.
Sometimes a plastic smell is present on new machines until they’ve been used a few times.
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
Timeless classic
DeLonghi Dinamica 350.75.SI
Upper-class function for a middle-class price
Dual heating system
Easy to use
Superior drink customization
Easy to clean
Great value
Too much plastic
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 $1,149.99.
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 Hands On Review 2024
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus: Best Performing
Strong mid-range machine
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus
The Upgrades Everyone Wanted
LatteCrema Milk Frothing System
Color touchscreen display
Coffee Link app
Tons of adjustable settings
Easy to clean
Pot function is disappointing
Limited user profiles
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 $1,325.00, 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 Hands On Review 2024
DeLonghi Magnifica S: Best Value
A solid performer
DeLonghi Magnifica S
Not the best, but it’s definitely the best in its class
Exceptional value
Very compact
Thoughtful details
Easy to clean
Good cup results
No digital display
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 $769.95, 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 Hands On Review 2024
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo: Loaded with Features
For foam individualists
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo
An ordinary machine with a trick up its sleeve
Clever milk foam system
Easy to use
Solid espresso and milk froth
Very compact
Good value
No display screen
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 $646.95, 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 Hands-On Review 2024
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: Exceptional Value for Money
high performance hybrid
DeLonghi La Specialista
Wakes you up to the art of good espresso — but makes you work for it
High-quality, super automatic and espresso-machine combo
Intuitive setting options and functions
Fuss-free, fantastic milk froth
Easy cleaning and operation
Very quiet
A lot of work to fine-tune settings
If you’re an aspiring home barista with a passion for learning the espresso preparation ropes, the DeLonghi La Specialista will really float your boat. You’ll like the price, too – the La Specialista offers exceptional value for money at just $839.99.
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. Incidentally, the DeLonghi La Specialista 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 Hands On Review 2024
DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro: Best for Espresso
wonderful hybrid espresso machine
DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro
A solid upgrade
High-quality appearance
Steam wand with plenty of power
Heats up quickly
Produces fantastic milk foam
Requires constant cleaning due to splashes when making 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 $1,159.95 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 Hands-On Review 2024
DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe: Best Budget
simple and affordable
DeLonghi Dedica EC685
Delivers all you can expect for the price
Compact and affordable
Useful settings
Easy operation
Good espresso and milk froth
For beginners only
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 $249.99 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 Hands On Review 2024
DeLonghi All in One: Versatility Master
makes coffee and espresso
DeLonghi All in One
The best of all worlds
Compact design
Versatile steam wand
Dual heating system
Good value for money
No milk pitcher included
Flimsy plastic espresso tamper
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 $299.99, 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 Hands-On Review 2024
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!
I hope I’ve helped you find the best DeLonghi espresso machine for your needs. Is there a model I’ve overlooked that should be on the list? Tell me all about it in the comments section!
Best DeLonghi Espresso Machines FAQ
Thanks to its intelligent design, quality build and reasonable price point, a DeLonghi espresso machine is definitely worth the investment.
Whether or not the best DeLonghi espresso machine is better than a Breville machine comes down to personal preference. That said, DeLonghi machines do tend to be more affordable.
As long as you use high quality coffee beans and a good coffee grinder, your DeLonghi espresso machine is capable of producing excellent espresso.
Choosing the best DeLonghi espresso machine really comes down to how much you can afford and what features you need. Still, the DeLonghi Dinamica is generally regarded as the best DeLonghi automatic espresso machine.
