Choosing the right espresso machine can feel overwhelming, especially with a brand like DeLonghi that offers so many great options. We’ve spent weeks testing their most popular models, from compact starter machines to feature-rich premium units, to help you cut through the noise. Our goal was simple: to find which DeLonghi espresso machine delivers the best combination of performance, ease of use, and value for your money. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home barista, our hands-on experience will guide you to the perfect choice.
Our testing process was thorough. We evaluated each machine on key factors like espresso quality, milk frothing capability, build quality, and how intuitive they are to use daily. We looked at everything from the temperature consistency of the shots to the texture of the microfoam. After pulling hundreds of shots and steaming countless pitchers of milk, we’ve narrowed down the list to the top performers. Here are our expert picks for the best DeLonghi espresso machine models available right now.
Our Top Picks for the Best DeLonghi Espresso Machine
DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro
If you’re serious about your home espresso, the La Specialista Maestro is a fantastic choice. This machine gives you an impressive amount of control without being overly complicated. We were particularly impressed with the Dual Heating System, which allows you to pull a shot and steam milk simultaneously without any drop in temperature or pressure. The integrated tamper is a clever feature that ensures consistent pressure every time, and the advanced milk frother produced silky, barista-quality microfoam with minimal effort. It feels solid and well-built, designed for daily use.
During testing, the espresso it produced was consistently excellent. The My Menu feature lets you save your favorite custom drink settings, which is a huge time-saver for your morning routine. While it has a higher price point, the quality and range of features justify the cost for anyone who wants a near-professional experience at home. It’s not a super-automatic, so you still get the hands-on involvement of grinding and tamping, but it provides all the tools to make the process foolproof. This machine is a true workhorse that can easily become the centerpiece of your kitchen.
Pros
- Dual Heating System for simultaneous brewing and steaming
- Integrated tamper for perfect, consistent pressure
- Produces exceptional, cafe-quality espresso and milk foam
Cons
- Higher price tag may not fit all budgets
- Larger footprint requires significant counter space
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo
For the ultimate in convenience, the Magnifica Evo is De’Longhi’s top-tier super-automatic machine. It literally does everything for you: it grinds the beans, tamps, brews, and even froths the milk at the touch of a button. We found the one-touch cappuccino feature to be incredibly consistent, delivering a well-balanced drink with good layering every single time. The bean hopper is large, and the integrated burr grinder offers a wide range of settings to dial in your preferred strength. If you want a great espresso with zero fuss, this is the machine for you.
Our testing confirmed that it’s remarkably easy to maintain. The milk container is removable and dishwasher safe, and the machine prompts you through descaling and cleaning cycles. The espresso quality is very good, though purists might argue it lacks the nuance of a semi-automatic machine. However, for busy households or offices where speed and convenience are the top priorities, the Magnifica Evo is hard to beat. It’s an investment, but it saves you a significant amount of time and effort every day.
Pros
- Fully automatic operation from bean to cup
- Excellent one-touch cappuccino system
- Easy to clean and maintain with clear prompts
Cons
- One of the most expensive models in the lineup
- Less hands-on control over the brewing process
DeLonghi Stilosa
The DeLonghi Stilosa is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a reliable espresso machine. This compact and simple model is perfect for beginners or anyone with limited counter space. It features a 15-bar pump pressure system, which is more than capable of producing a solid shot of espresso with a nice crema. During our tests, we found it heated up quickly and was straightforward to operate. It’s a no-frills machine that focuses on the essentials, and it does that job very well.
It comes with a manual frother for steaming milk, which gives you the basic ability to make lattes and cappuccinos. While the frother isn’t as advanced as those on more expensive models, with a little practice, you can get decent results. The Stilosa’s small size is a major advantage for apartments or small kitchens. If you’re just getting into home espresso and want to test the waters without a big financial commitment, the Stilosa is an excellent starting point that delivers good value.
Pros
- Very affordable entry-level price
- Compact design is great for small spaces
- Simple to use with a quick heat-up time
Cons
- Manual frother requires more skill to get good foam
- Build quality is functional but not as premium as other models
DeLonghi Dedica Arte
The Dedica Arte strikes a perfect balance between style, size, and performance. Its sleek, ultra-slim profile is a standout on any countertop, but it’s not just about looks. This machine packs a powerful ThermoBlock heating system that heats water in seconds, making it one of the fastest machines we tested for both brewing and steaming. We appreciated the three programmable beverage buttons, which let you save your preferred settings for a single or double espresso. The milk frother is improved over previous models, offering better control for creating microfoam.
In our use, the Dedica Arte proved to be a reliable daily driver for making everything from straight espresso to larger milk-based drinks. It’s more capable than the Stilosa but remains compact and user-friendly. The main limitation is that it requires pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder, as it doesn’t have one built-in. However, if you already have a grinder you like or don’t mind using pre-ground, the Dedica Arte delivers excellent quality and speed in a very attractive package.
Pros
- Slim, stylish design that saves counter space
- Rapid heat-up time with the ThermoBlock system
- Improved milk frother for better texture
Cons
- No built-in grinder
- Water tank capacity is on the smaller side
Best Delonghi Espresso Machine: Tested By Our Experts
After spending weeks with a lineup of De’Longhi machines, we have a good handle on what makes each one stand out. The “best” machine really depends on what you are looking for. Are you a beginner who wants a simple, one-touch experience? Or are you ready to get more hands-on with your coffee making? Here is our breakdown to help you decide.
For the person who just wants a great, consistent espresso with minimal effort, the De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro is our top pick. This machine does a lot of the thinking for you. It has an integrated grinder with smart technology that automatically adjusts the dose and grind settings. The Tamper Station ensures a perfectly level tamp every time, which is a common hurdle for beginners. We found it produced remarkably balanced shots with a rich crema, and the steam wand is powerful enough for silky milk. It is the closest you can get to a barista-assisted experience at home.
If your budget is a primary concern, the De’Longhi Stilosa is an excellent starting point. It is a simple, compact machine that focuses on the essentials. You will need to buy pre-ground coffee, but it still makes a solid shot of espresso and has a manual steam wand for frothing milk. It is not fancy, but it is reliable and gets the job done without taking up much counter space.
For those who want more control without going fully manual, the De’Longhi Dedica is a perennial favorite. Its slim, brushed metal design is a huge plus for small kitchens. It uses a traditional portafilter but operates with simple buttons for single and double shots. The Thermoblock heating system is fast, meaning you are not waiting long for the machine to heat up. While the steam wand is a bit slower than on higher-end models, with a little practice, you can create good microfoam for lattes.
Finally, if convenience is your absolute priority, a super-automatic machine like the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo is the way to go. This is a true bean-to-cup machine. You pour beans in the top, press a button, and get everything from an espresso to a latte macchiato. It even has a milk carafe that froths milk automatically. We were impressed by its consistency and the sheer number of drinks it can make. It is an investment, but it saves a significant amount of time and cleanup.
Our main takeaway is that De’Longhi offers a solid machine for every skill level and budget. Think about how much involvement you want in the process, and you will likely find a model that fits your needs perfectly.
FAQ
What is the main difference between a super-automatic and a manual De’Longhi machine?
The difference comes down to how much work you want to do. A super-automatic machine, like the Magnifica Evo, handles everything: it grinds the beans, tamps the grounds, and brews the espresso at the touch of a button. Some even froth milk automatically. A manual machine, like the Dedica, requires you to grind the coffee yourself (or use pre-ground), dose it into the portafilter, tamp it, and then brew. Super-automatics are about convenience and consistency, while manuals offer more hands-on control over the final result.
Are De’Longhi espresso machines difficult to clean?
They are designed to make cleaning relatively straightforward, but the routine varies by model. All machines have removable drip trays and water reservoirs that need regular washing. Super-automatics have internal systems that prompt you to run a cleaning cycle, and the milk carafes are usually dishwasher safe. For manual machines, you will need to clean the steam wand after each use and backflush the group head with a cleaning tablet periodically. It is not difficult, but it is essential for keeping your machine in good working order.
Can I use my own coffee beans in a De’Longhi grinder?
Absolutely. In fact, we strongly recommend using fresh, high-quality beans for the best flavor. All De’Longhi machines with built-in grinders are designed for whole beans. You can use any roast level you prefer, from light to dark. Just avoid using oily beans for extended periods, as the oils can clog the grinder over time. Sticking with drier, high-quality beans will keep your grinder running smoothly.
Why is the crema on my espresso sometimes weak or non-existent?
A weak crema can be caused by a few things. The most common reason is using stale coffee beans or pre-ground coffee that has lost its freshness. Coffee needs freshly roasted beans and a recent grind to produce the gases that create crema. Other factors include a grind that is too coarse, an insufficient amount of coffee in the portafilter, or not tamping with enough pressure. If you are using a super-automatic, check the grinder settings; a finer grind often helps.
How long does it take for a De’Longhi machine to heat up?
Most modern De’Longhi machines use a Thermoblock heating system, which is much faster than a traditional boiler. In our tests, machines like the Dedica and La Specialista were ready to brew in under a minute. Super-automatic models might take a minute or two longer for their initial startup as they prepare the entire internal system. The wait time is generally very short compared to older machines.
What should I do if my machine is not producing enough pressure?
If the coffee is flowing through the portafilter too quickly and the resulting shot is weak, it often points to a pressure issue, usually related to the coffee grounds. First, try adjusting your grinder to a finer setting. If the grind is too coarse, water will pass through too easily. Also, make sure you are using enough coffee and tamping it firmly and evenly. If you are using a super-automatic, run the grinder adjustment to a finer setting and ensure the internal brew group is clean and properly seated.