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If you’ve already narrowed down your choice to one brand, congratulations: you’re one step closer to your first espresso shot!
But let’s make things even easier for you by showing you the reviews of the very best De'Longhi espresso machines currently on the market, from the fanciest models to budget-friendly options.
Which one is the right barista side-kick for you?
AT A GLANCE: OUR TOP PICKS
De'Longhi Dinamica Automatic - Runner Up
- Premium and highly customizable machine
- Fast bean-to-cup experience
- Iced coffee setting
De'Longhi Espresso Machines Buying Guide: One brand, so many options
There are a few things that you must consider to figure out which of the best De'Longhi espresso machines is right for you, but… first things first:
Is De’Longhi a good brand?
Yes, De’Longhi is a very good brand!
Even though they don’t only make coffee machines, their range of models is varied and high-quality, and De’Longhi has even established itself as a leader in the super-automatic espresso industry over the past few years. (1)
Type of espresso machine
The best De’Longhi models fall within these two categories:
- Semi-automatic/automatic espresso machines: you take care of the grinding, tamping and steaming side of things, and the machine will brew a shot of espresso at the touch of a button;
- Super-automatic espresso machines: all you need to do is press a couple of buttons and these bean-to-cup machines will grind, tamp and brew the coffee for you, as well as facilitating the steaming process. Keep in mind that they’ll obviously be more expensive.
Integrated grinder or… nah?
Here’s the thing with coffee (2):
“Once those beans touch air, the oxygen begins to zap their flavor and make them smell different almost immediately by causing coffee solubles to either degrade and oxidize.” J. Calderone, Business Insider
So, if you want to make the very best coffee with your De'Longhi espresso machine, you must grind it yourself:
- A De'Longhi espresso machine with an integrated grinder will speed up the process and save you some countertop space. However, it also means that you can only grind beans for your espresso;
- If you already have a separate grinder, save yourself some money by choosing a De'Longhi machine without one. Alternatively, if you haven’t got one but you’ve realized that you wish to grind fresh coffee for your automatic dripper and French press too, choose one of the best burr grinders that can grind in different sizes.
Size
Like with all espresso machines, some De'Longhi models can get fairly big, so be sure to check both your available countertop space and that underneath your cupboards before settling for one.
Don’t worry: we’ve included a few compact and slim models, too.
Best De'Longhi Espresso Machines of 2021 [Top 4 Reviews]
There are several De'Longhi espresso machines on the market, but these are our top favorites:
Best Pick  | Best Pick | De'Longhi EC680 |
| View on Amazon |
Runner Up | Runner Up | De'Longhi Dinamica Automatic |
| View on Amazon |
Also Great  | Also Great | De'Longhi EC702 |
| View on Amazon |
 | De'Longhi EC155 |
| View on Amazon |
Which of these four machines hits your espresso spot? Let’s find out in our best De'Longhi espresso machine reviews.
1. De'Longhi EC680 Espresso Machine - Top Pick
FEATURES
Type: pod-compatible, semi-automatic espresso machine
Size: 12.99 x 5.9 x 12.99 inches
Best for: a versatile brewing experience
If in your household there’s both a ground-coffee advocate and someone who can’t resist the practicality of pods, this De'Longhi machine will end all espresso-related arguments! Thanks to its 3-in-1 filter holder, you can use it to make a classic espresso, two shots in one go, or to fit a pod.
You can make frothy drinks too thanks to its steaming wand, always evenly textured regardless of whether you fancy a latte or a cappuccino.
PRO TIP: Use steamed milk and only a small layer of foam to make a latte, but more froth for a cappuccino (aim for ⅓ espresso, ⅓ steamed milk, and ⅓ froth).
The sleek design of this De'Longhi espresso machine isn’t only incredibly stylish on any countertop, but extremely practical too. For example, it includes a removable drip-tray to brew directly into taller latte glasses and, by being less than 6” wide, it won’t take over your kitchen.
Bottom line: A handy, compact machine for several espresso-based drinks.
2. De'Longhi Dinamica Automatic - Best Super-Automatic
FEATURES
Type: super-automatic espresso machine with grinder
Size: 16.9 x 9.3 x 13.7 inches
Best for: a one-button brew
If you want to treat yourself and the rest of your household to a superior brewing experience and don’t mind investing a bit more money in it, look no further than the De'Longhi Dinamica.
First of all, it’s fast: it heats up in less than 40 seconds.
It also delivers the highest standards through every single stage of your drink preparation.
In fact, this bean-to-cup machine includes an adjustable burr grinder with 13 options, and you can customize all kinds of coffee drinks through different settings, from strength to size.
This is also the only De'Longhi espresso machine to include the TrueBrew Over Ice Coffee technology to make the perfect cold drinks (never weak or watered down!)
While you technically need to froth the milk manually, the premium frother is adjustable and will help you achieve the right texture, so no guesswork is involved.
Bottom line: A sophisticated De'Longhi espresso machine full of exciting customizable options.
3. De'Longhi EC702 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machine - Compatible with Pods
FEATURES
Type: pod-compatible, semi-automatic espresso machine
Size: 11.02 x 9.06 x 11.61 inches
Best for: focusing on pods
Just like the De'Longhi EC680, this model also lets you use both ground coffee and pods. However, since it’s fairly cheaper, it might be a better choice if you’re after a simpler machine.
You still get to brew espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes, of course (it’s actually one of the best latte machines!). Plus, thanks to the rapid cappuccino system and two separate thermostats, the De'Longhi EC702 won’t keep you waiting in the morning.
From dishwasher-safe parts to the removable water tank and drip-tray, this De'Longhi espresso machine is also easy to clean.
Still, if you’re only interested in its pod element, have you perhaps considered the best Nespresso machines instead?
Bottom line: A great-value-for-money espresso machine for grounds and pods.
4. De'Longhi EC155 Cappuccino Maker - Budget-Pick
FEATURES
Type: semi-automatic espresso machine
Size: 12.2 x 19.3 x 15 inches
Best for: simple espresso-based drinks
Don’t worry: not all of the best De'Longhi espresso machines require a bit of an investment!
If you’re happy to sacrifice customizability and coffee shop-style features in favor of a lower price tag, the De'Longhi EC155 will be a fantastic choice.
It’s compatible with pods, features two separate thermostats to waste no time, and includes a swivel jet frother to steam the milk. Sure, you won’t be able to make latte art, but you’ll get tasty lattes and cappuccinos every day.
Like most De'Longhi espresso machines, this compact model features a practical design with a removable water reservoir and drip-tray which make for easier cleaning.
Discover more about it in our De'Longhi EC155 review.
Bottom line: A humble but reliable machine without bells and whistles.
FAQs
1. Are De'Longhi espresso machines good?
Yes, De'Longhi espresso machines are really good!
This brand also offers a wide range of models, from simple budget-friendly machines to practical semi-automatic options and the most sophisticated bean-to-cup espresso makers.
2. What is the best De'Longhi espresso machine?
Overall, we think that the best De'Longhi espresso machine is the EC680: it involves a 3-in-1 filter that’s compatible with pods, a reliable wand, and a compact but stylish design.
However the best De'Longhi espresso machine for you is the one that matches both your coffee needs and budget, so be sure to go through our buying guide to identify it.
3. Which is better: De'Longhi or Breville?
Both De'Longhi and Breville are excellent brands, but one might be better than the other depending on what you’re after: De'Longhi offers more compact models and several affordable options, but they’re especially renowned for their bean-to-cup espresso machines; Breville is a better choice if you prefer higher levels of customizability and more manual control.
References
1. Blatchford, S. (2019, March 1). Industry Leader De’Longhi America Announces Significant Expansion with Coffee Product Launches across Brands, Setting the Standard for New Coffee and Espresso Machines. Retrieved from https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190301005059/en/Industry-Leader-De%E2%80%99Longhi-America-Announces-Significant-Expansion-with-Coffee-Product-Launches-across-Brands-Setting-the-Standard-for-New-Coffee-and-Espresso-Machines
2. Calderone, J. (2015, September 28). Here's why coffee gets stale if it sits out for too long. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/why-coffee-gets-stale-when-sitting-out-oxygenation-2015-9?r=US&IR=T
