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Pros

  • A* energy star rating, dual-height drip tray, giro milk wand, great personalisation features

Cons

  • components aren't dishwasher-safe

De’Longhi Dedica espresso maker review summary

When it comes to style, the De’Longhi Dedica is one of the sleekest and most compact espresso makers out there, packed with 15-bars of pressure and boasting an A* energy rating. Best of all, it’s under £200.

Smart features like its dual-height drip tray and a giro milk wand mean it's capable of accommodating a variety of mug sizes; an underrated quality but quite crucial if your favourite can’t be accommodated. Three filter baskets for single, double and ESA-pods are also snug fitting. All this adds up to one diminutive but statement espresso machine that promises an espresso that’s as good as it looks.

Available from:
Amazon (£189)
De'Longhi (£182)
AO.com (£189)

What was the De’Longhi Dedica espresso maker like to use?

There are a few niggles on first uses to navigate, namely the stiffness of the portafilter to tighten. However, this loosens and becomes easier with use. Because of its slimline base, using the cup warmer grid on top feels a bit risky unless you remove everything ahead of loading the portafilter. There are non-slip feet but added counter-resistance to the twist and lock is required and it’s easy to accidentally touch a button whilst doing so.

Its three-button interface is simple to use and reading the manual unlocks some serious personalisation options, including water temperature for extraction and water hardness, which can affect flavour. An EcoDecalk descaler is provided in the box (unlike most others we tested) which comes in particularly useful if you live in hard-water areas.

The milk steam wand offered a better range of movement than any others included in this test, easily accommodating both a stainless-steel milk jug and a broad ceramic mug. A sliding selection ring allows you to tailor your froth depending on the drink; hot milk or cappuccino. It tucks in over the drip tray for mess-free storage and twists off easily for washing in hot soapy water.

Flavour-wise, the De’Longhi made some of the best tasting espresso out of all the machines we tested, including those four-times the price. When splitting between two espresso cups, the machine produced equal quantities in both. Its components aren’t dishwasher-safe, but with regular rinsing and washes in hot soapy water you’ll easily be able to look after its parts and remove oils left behind that can cause bitterness.

olive’s take: should you buy the De’Longhi Dedica espresso machine?

The De’Longhi Dedica ticks every box: combining style, performance and value for money in one petite little package.

Available from:
Amazon (£189)
De'Longhi (£182)
AO.com (£189)

De'Longhi Dedica EC685.M specifications

Wattage: 1350W
Product weight: 4.2kg
Ground capacity: single and double espresso filters plus ESE pod filter
Average pressure: 15 bar
Water capacity: 1.1 litre
Dimensions: 14.9cm x 33cm x H 30.4cm
Material: stainless steel
Auto shut-off: yes

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This review was last updated in May 2021. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at oliveweb@immediate.co.uk.

Authors

Anya GilberteCommerce and Reviews Editor
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