Looking for a quick answer? Our two favorite DeLonghi espresso machines are the DeLonghi Dinamica and La Specialista Prestigio.
If you are looking for an espresso machine, you have probably come across the DeLonghi brand. DeLonghi is one of the most popular espresso machine brands and they offer a huge selection.
With more than 30 different models available, choosing the right espresso machine can be overwhelming. But, we are here to help. After testing some of the machines ourselves and doing some user experience research, we have put together this list of the 7 best DeLonghi espresso machines. Keep reading to find the best DeLonghi espresso machine for you. If you are in a hurry, these are our top 2 picks.
The 7 Best DeLonghi Espresso Machines
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
most affordable  | Semi-automatic Grinder: None Milk frothing: Manual Display: Knob Pre-programmed drinks: None Heating system: Single boiler Price: $$ | ||
best entry level  | Semi-automatic Grinder: None Milk frothing: Manual Display: Knob Pre-programmed drinks: None Heating system: Single boiler Price: $ | ||
best for small spaces  | Semi-automatic Grinder: None Milk frothing: Manual Display: Buttons Pre-programmed drinks: None Heating system: Thermoblock Price: $$ | ||
BEST budget all-in-one  | All-in-one semi-automatic Grinder: None Milk frothing: Manual Display: Buttons Pre-programmed drinks: None Heating system: Dual heating system Price: $$ | ||
best budget super-automatic  | Super-automatic Grinder: 13 settings Milk frothing: Automatic Display: Buttons Pre-programmed drinks: 7 Heating system: Thermoblock Price: $$$ | ||
best automatic  | Automatic Grinder: 8 settings Milk frothing: Manual Display: Buttons Pre-programmed drinks: None Heating system: Dual thermoblock Price: $$$ | ||
best super-automatic  | Automatic Grinder: 13 settings Milk frothing: Automatic Display: Buttons and LCD display Pre-programmed drinks: 18 Heating system: Dual thermoblock Price: $$$$ |
1. Stilosa EC260BK – Most affordable
Feautures:
- Semi-automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Display: Knob
- Pre-programmed drinks: None
- Heating system: Single boiler
The Stilosa EC260BK is an inexpensive entry-level semi automatic machine ideal for those just getting into espresso making at home or that only plan to use the machine occasionally.
This espresso machine offers great value for the money. You will be able to make espresso, lattes and cappuccinos for a very affordable price. The machine will also give you the option to brew one or two shots of espresso and it is also compatible with espresso pods. The Stilosa also uses pressurized portafilters as a lot of people going for these affordable machines are using pre-ground coffee.
Do not expect any customization options for the espresso extraction process such as temperature and pre-infusion. This machine is meant to be simple and easy for beginners to use so the extraction process will be the same every time.
The Stilosa EC260BK features a single knob that you use to turn the machine on and off and to switch between brewing and steaming modes. The Stilosa has a narrow design that makes it ideal for a small kitchen. This espresso machine also features a removable and dishwasher safe water tank and drip tray.
The milk frothing system uses a manual steam wand. You can start the steaming process using the same single dial that is used for brewing. We need to mention that you will not get a pitcher included with this machine so you will need to purchase one.
Who is this for? The Stilosa is a very affordable espresso machine. We recommend this machine for beginners on a budget trying to get their first espresso machine. Also, it is a good option for people who are not looking to make espresso as a hobby and just want an affordable machine that can pull a decent shot.
2. ECP3630 – Best entry level
Feautures:
- Semi-automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Display: Knob
- Pre-programmed drinks: None
- Heating system: Single boiler
The DeLonghi ECP3630 is a great starter semi automatic machine for home espresso enthusiasts. It is more expensive than the Stilosa but you are getting better quality. The ECP3630 has a stainless steel body and it has a faster heating time than the Stilosa.
The DeLonghi ECP3630 is easy to operate as it features a single dial that you can use to power the machine and to switch between brewing and steaming. You can choose to brew either single or double shots and the machine is also compatible with ESE pods.
We also need to mention that this machine comes with pressurized portafilter baskets which is pretty common in entry level machines. Pressurized portafilters help create a beautiful crema even if the grind size or tamping is not the best.
The ECP3630 has a self-priming setting that will have the machine heated up and ready to use in a minute. This machine is also very compact so it will be easy to fit in your kitchen.
Besides the better built quality, the other upgrade from the Stilosa is the milk frothing function. The steam wand features the Adjustable Cappuccino System which lets you make thick and creamy foam perfect for cappuccinos. However, the steam wand is not powerful enough to make microfoam for latte art.
Who is this for? The DeLonghi ECP3630 is a great entry level machine for the new at home barista that loves cappuccinos.
3. Dedica Arte EC885M – Best for small spaces
Feautures:
- Semi-automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Display: Buttons
- Pre-programmed drinks: None
- Heating system: Thermoblock
If you are looking for a very compact espresso machine that can still deliver great quality espresso and includes all the necessary accessories, the Dedica could be the ideal machine for you. This machine is only 6 inches wide and 13 inches deep but it can deliver good quality espresso. This machine uses the Thermoblock heating system which provides better temperature control for better espresso quality.
The Dedica can brew single or double shots of espresso or you can also choose to use single-serve espresso pods. The best part is the flow stop feature. The Dedica will stop the brewing process automatically after the right amount of espresso has been extracted. So, that is one less thing to worry about.
A very nice feature in the Dedica EC885M is the cup warmer. You can use it to preheat your cup or to keep your espresso warm while you are frothing the milk.
The frothing system features a manual steam wand. You will have total control over the frothing process but will also need to practice your milk steaming skills. Another nice feature is that the steam wand can also dispense hot water in case you feel like making an americano or just some tea.
The downside of the Dedica is that it does not give you the option to adjust the brewing temperature or the pre infusion time. But, this may not even be important for you. This is an entry-level machine so the process is pretty straightforward giving you less variables to think about. If you want to have more customization options, you can take a look at La Specialista instead.
Who is this for? This is a solid choice if you are looking for a very compact machine that can still deliver great espresso without breaking the bank. The Dedica Arte does not give you the option to customize the different brewing variables. But, if you are not too much of an espresso nerd and just want to be able to pull a good enough shot you will enjoy this machine.
4. Coffee and Espresso maker COM530M – Best budget all-in-one machine
Feautures:
- All-in-one semi-automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Display: Buttons
- Pre-programmed drinks: None
- Heating system: Dual heating system
The DeLonghi COM530M is definitely a big upgrade compared to all the machines we have mentioned so far. This is an all-in-one machine, which means it will brew both drip coffee and espresso. What is more, thanks to its dual heating system, this machine is capable of brewing both coffee and espresso at the same time.
One of the best features is the 24-hour programmable timer. You can choose a time for the machine to make some coffee for you. You will be waking up to a freshly brewed cup. Unfortunately, this function is only available for drip coffee and not for espresso or espresso drinks. This is because the espresso brewing process with this machine is a bit more manual.
When it comes to espresso brewing, this machine operates in a semi automatic way. After you have grinded and tamped your coffee, you can start the espresso brewing coffee by pressing a button. However, the COM530M does not have an auto shut off function, so you will have to stop the espresso brewing process yourself.
The DeLonghi COM530M includes a steam wand with an option to choose the desired froth level for your milk. You can choose the micro-foam setting for lattes or thicker foam for cappuccinos. Then the machine will steam the milk to the chosen texture. This is great to have especially if you have no experience with milk frothing.
This machine has a pretty large water reservoir which means you will not have to refill it as often. Even better, the tank can be filled from the front which makes the process a lot easier.
A few things to keep in mind if you are considering buying this machine is that it does not include a tamper or a milk pitcher. You will have to purchase these accessories separately.
Who is this for? This is a great machine for those looking for a machine that can make both espresso and coffee. Considering the machine offers this dual function plus the ability to make milk based espresso drinks, it is a great value for the price.
5. Magnifica Evo with frother – Best budget super-automatic
Feautures:
- Super-automatic
- Grinder: 13 settings
- Milk frothing: Automatic
- Display: Buttons
- Pre-programmed drinks: 7
- Heating system: Thermoblock
The DeLonghi Magnifica is an all-in-one super automatic machine with a relatively affordable price. This machine can brew both espresso and coffee and it will do all the work for you. With the Magnifica Evo, you can get any of 7 pre-programmed drinks just by pressing a button. It is truly a bean to cup machine.
The built-in burr grinder has 13 adjustable settings that will allow you to fine-tune your shot of espresso for different bean types. You also have the option to adjust the dose, volume and strength of your drink.
There is also a slightly cheaper version of this machine without the automatic milk frothing feature. But, we believe this version with the automatic milk frother is better value. Unless, you want to try your hand at latte art.
Even though it looks very compact, the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo features a pretty large 60 oz water tank which comes in handy if you drink lots of americanos. You will not have to refill the tank as often.
Who is this for? The Delonghi Magnifica Evo is ideal for you if you are looking for a relatively affordable super automatic machine. The Magnifica surely lacks some of the features you usually find in higher end bean to cup machines such as a touch screen or the option to save drink preferences. But it is very affordable for a super automatic machine. The price is more comparable to semi automatic machines in the market.
6. La Specialista Prestigio – Best automatic
Feautures:
- Automatic
- Grinder: 8 settings
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Display: Buttons
- Pre-programmed drinks: None
- Heating system: Dual thermoblock
DeLonghi La Specialista is an automatic espresso machine that, unlike many automatic and super automatic machines, still gives many options for customization in the espresso brewing process.
La Specialista includes a built-in burr grinder with 8 grind settings and dose control. The dose control function lets you select the desired output of ground coffee you want and the machine will grind just the amount of coffee. Moreover, thanks to a sensor the grinding process will automatically begin when you put the portafilter in place.
If you are concerned about your tamping abilities, good news you do not have to worry about this with La Specialista. This machine includes a smart tamper. All you have to do is pull down a lever and the smart tamper will perfectly tamp your coffee grounds every time.
When it comes to brewing, Delonghi La Specialista features pre-infusion technology for better espresso extraction. Pre-infusion helps reduce channeling which can lead to uneven extraction of coffee. La Specialista also uses an auto shut off function for espresso extraction. The machine will pull the espresso shot for 20-30 seconds and then stop automatically. You also have the option to stop the espresso brewing process manually.
DeLonghi La Specialista uses a dual boiler which means there will be no wait time between brewing and steaming. And talking about steaming, La Specialista Prestigio features a very powerful steam wand that will let you create good microfoam for lattes. The milk frothing process is manual so you will need to practice a few times to get the hang of it if you have not tried that before.
Who is this for? Delonghi La Specialist is for those who want the convenience of a hands-off brewing and drink making experience but also want to have fun tweaking their espresso shots. If you plan to use different kinds of coffee beans and do not want to deal with adjusting the dose every time, you may get impatient with this machine.
7. Dinamica with LatteCrema – Best super-automatic
Feautures:
- Automatic
- Grinder: 13 settings
- Milk frothing: Automatic
- Display: Buttons and LCD display
- Pre-programmed drinks: 18
- Heating system: Dual thermoblock
The DeLonghi Dinamica is a super automatic espresso machine that can brew different espresso drinks, drip style coffee and even iced coffee! Considering the many features it offers, the machine is still very compact and relatively affordable compared to other super automatic machines in the market.
This espresso machine has a built-in burr grinder with 13 settings available. The Dinamica will grind the exact amount of coffee every time and use all the grounds for that espresso shot. This means, the next time you brew a shot you will be starting with fresh coffee beans. The Dinamica also has a bypass grind function. This means you have the option to use pre-ground coffee which can be useful if you want to use some decaf grounds.
The DeLonghi Dinamica features a very user-friendly LCD touch screen. Using the screen you can select 1 out of 18 pre-programmed drinks options! Also, the machine gives you the option to choose between 5 strength settings and 4 temperature settings. This is a bean to cup machine, so after you select the drink the machine will do the rest of the work for you.
The DeLonghi Dinamica is definitely more compact and more affordable compared to other super automatic machines. This is because it uses a single boiler instead of a dual boiler, keeping the machine small and the cost down. However, thanks to rapid steam technology, the machine should still be able to start brewing in only 40 seconds.
The DeLonghi Dinamica uses a carafe system for milk frothing. At the top of the carafe you can select the level of foam you want on your drink. Once you fill the carafe with milk and lock it in place, the Dinamica will automatically steam and add the milk to your cup depending on the drink you selected. If there is any milk left in the carafe after you finish making your drinks, you can easily unlock it and put it back in the fridge. We also want to mention that there is a cheaper version of the Dinamica without automatic milk frothing. If you don’t mind doing that part of the process manually, you can save quite a bit of money by getting that one.
The one feature that makes the Dinamica stand out is the True Brew Iced Coffee function. You need to fill a glass with ice first and then the machine will brew iced coffee. You can expect the extraction time to be a bit longer than for regular coffee.
The Delonghi Dinamica also offers the “my menu” feature. This feature lets you customize and save your drinks preferences.
Who is it for? The DeLonghi Dinamica is ideal for someone looking for a super automatic espresso machine and is willing to sacrifice some features like automatic milk frothing and a dual boiler for a more affordable price. If you also love iced coffee this is another great reason to consider this machine.
Buying Guide – How to choose the best
As you see, there is a DeLonghi espresso machine for every budget. Of course, the feautures you get with each machine go up with price. But, how do you choose the best DeLonghi espresso machine for you? We will walk you through the factors you should evaluate before purchasing a DeLonghi espresso machine.
Budget
DeLonghi machines come in a broad range of prices from as little as $100 to as high as $2500. Although, we have not included the very high end machines in our list of best DeLonghi machines.
Of course, the higher the price, the more features you will get. However, if you are on a budget, there is no need to get more advanced espresso machines with features you may not even need.
As you go through this guide, think about your favorite drinks, how often you plan to use the machine and how hands-off you want the brewing process to be.
Drink options
You should think about your favorite drinks. Will you be using the machine to mainly brew espresso or are you more into milk-based drinks? If you only want a machine capable of producing a decent shot of espresso, then probably a lot of the entry-level machines such as the ECP3630 will work for you.
If you know you are going to be brewing lots of lattes and cappuccinos, then you want to look for a machine with a more powerful steam wand like the Dedica or consider one of the super-automatic machines like the Magnifica Evo.
Ease of Use vs. control
DeLonghi machines are available with different levels of automation. If you just want to get your drink by pushing a button and budget is not an issue, then go for a super automatic machine. If you want more control over the brewing process and to be able to tweak different settings for better espresso extraction, then a semi automatic or automatic machine would be a better choice.
Generally speaking, the more automation that a machine offers, the less control you will have over the extraction process. But there are some machines that offer a nice middle-ground such as La Specialista Prestigio.
Footprint
Espresso machines can get very big the more features they offer. Especially if they use a dual boiler or have a built-in grinder. It is important to consider how much space you have available in your kitchen before choosing an espresso machine.
Generally, the entry-level machines like the Dedica Arte tend to be more compact. But, there are also some machines that offer more automation while keeping the footprint small such as the Dinamica.
Built-in grinder
Do you already have a burr grinder? If you don’t, you should consider getting an espresso machine with a built-in grinder or buying a stand alone burr grinder. A blade grinder is never recommended for espresso brewing or any kind of brewing really. A burr grinder is important to achieve more uniformity in the grind size which leads to better espresso extraction.
Some machines on our list have built-in grinders. However, these tend to be on the more expensive side. If you are looking at more entry-level espresso machines, we would recommend you purchase a separate burr grinder for better quality espresso. The exception to this recommendation is if you are getting the Stilosa. Because this machine uses pressurized portafilters, there will be almost no difference in quality if you use fresh coffee beans or pre-ground coffee.
Milk frothing
Do you want to learn how to froth milk or do you just want to press a button to get your milk foam?
Some DeLonghi machines include automated milk frothing but you will be paying a premium for this feature. If you do not want to steam your milk manually and budget is not an issue, one of the super-automatic machines could be a good choice.
If getting a machine with automatic milk frothing is out of your budget, many of the DeLonghi machines still include the Cappuccino system. Even though the steaming process will still be manual, the machine lets you choose your desired froth level.
The Verdict
We have chosen the DeLonghi Dinamica as the best DeLonghi espresso machines. We think it offers great value for the price considering how expensive other super-automatic machines are. The DeLonghi Dinamica will let you make different espresso drinks and even iced coffee!
However, if you are looking for a semi-automatic or automatic espresso machine that will give you more customization options, the DeLonghi La Specialista is your best choice.
Do you want to explore other brands? We also have listed our Breville favorites and our Gaggia favorites.