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Delonghi La Specialista Maestro bean to cup espresso machine

Pros
ESE pod compatible, 5 temperature profiles, dual thermoblock heating, auto shut-off, espresso cup holder
Cons
Large countertop footprint, brewing and steaming needs to be done separately.

What is the De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro like to use?

Setting this machine up is a cinch. Its 250g-capacity bean hopper and drip tray are both ready-fitted. After filling the hopper and its water tank, the machine runs you through the set-up steps, during which it rinses its system and components.

There's a separate spout for hot water which is practical for tea or hot chocolate lovers. This flushes on first use so do pop a cup below to catch it. On loading, the brew head preheats and rinses the empty filter basket.

The controls are a tactile combination of buttons, handles and dials which add to the hands-on experience. Water hardness level, coffee temperature, auto-shut off time and its energy-saving modes are all settings that can be adjusted, so keep hold of the manual.

De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro performance

Brewing and steaming must be done separately, so once the grinder level is set, it doses to the correct level for the number of cups required. 'Smart tamper' technology referred to in the booklet refers to the tamping lever which you pull to manually compress the coffee grinds into a flat, even layer.

We loved the guidance of the milk wand's dial-control, which is adjustable depending on the level of froth desired for the coffee.

When set to brew single espresso, there was a pause before the coffee began flowing. The two-cup setting dosed the espresso evenly and produced a rich-tasting shot of coffee.

Is the De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro worth your money?

This machine is a modern classic. Its construction is robust, every component has a hefty quality feel and with its guidance, you can go from a coffee beginner to barista at home. This is an investment espresso maker that encourages creativity, as well as bringing flair to a kitchen.

De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro EC9665.M Manual espresso maker specifications

Weight: 16kg
Wattage:1450
Pump pressure: 19 bars
Materials: Stainless steel
Water tank capacity: 2.5 litre
Functions: Latte Macchiato, Hot milk, Automatic Cappuccino
Dimensions: 36 x 35 x 45cm (including hopper)

Anya GilberteCommerce and Reviews Editor

De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro bean-to-cup espresso machine review

Pros

Cons

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