The road to brewing the best coffee is long and filled with decisions. What might be the perfect DeLonghi espresso machine for one person may not be the best choice for someone else. Buying the best DeLonghi espresso machine is much like shopping for the ideal shoe; the right one will depend on your activities, style, comfort, and budget.
What Kinds of Features Come with a DeLonghi Espresso Machine?
DeLonghi has a long history of quality machine craftsmanship, and its espresso machines are regarded as some of the finest in the world.
From semi-automatic espresso machines for the hands-on type to super-automatic machines for the push-a-button-and-go type, DeLonghi makes making exceptional coffee achievable for people of all skill levels with several machine styles offering a wide range of unique features. Here are a few worth looking into as you explore DeLonghi espresso machines.
Integrated Grinder
Once ground, coffee beans have an extremely narrow window for optimal freshness. The only way to truly achieve the perfect cup of coffee is to grind your coffee beans, and for this, you will need a coffee bean grinder. Some DeLonghi espresso machines, like the Delonghi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine, come with integrated coffee beans grinders. Otherwise, you can buy one separately, but a coffee bean grinder is a must-have espresso machine accessory.
Delonghi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine (EC9355M)
Milk Steamer
If your preferred espresso beverage includes milk or foam, consider DeLonghi espresso machines with milk-steaming capabilities. The Delonghi Eletta Cappuccino Super Automatic espresso machine is equipped with an integrated milk container and dual-boiler so you can heat your milk and pour your espresso shot at the same time.
Delonghi Eletta Cappuccino WHITE Super Automatic Espresso Maker
Dual Boiler
On the topic of dual boilers, you’ll need to decide if this is a feature you want or need because it comes at a cost; dual-boiler machines are more expensive than their single-boiler counterparts. The benefit of investing in a dual boiler espresso machine is the ability to perform two functions simultaneously; you can pull your espresso shot while steaming your milk.
Also Read: Buying a DeLonghi Coffee Machine Online: What You Need to Know!
If you prefer your espresso drinks black or want to save a few dollars, the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe is an excellent, compact, entry-level espresso machine able to deliver the kind of exceptional coffee you would expect from DeLonghi at a much lower price point.
But don’t worry, if you ever need to make the odd cappuccino or latte, the Dedica still comes with a steam wand. After pulling your shot, you’ll just need to wait a short time for the boiler to heat up again.
Programmable Settings
Some coffee enthusiasts like the creative control a semi-automatic espresso machine provides; you grind, load, and tamp your shot while the machine takes care of pressure, temperature, and timing. Other coffee lovers want it all at the push of a button, and for those individuals, a super-automatic coffee machine is where it’s at.
When we talk about optional bells and whistles available with various models of DeLonghi espresso machines, we are talking about things like programable settings and input-free espresso pulling. The Delonghi Eletta Cappuccino Super Automatic espresso machine does it all. It has a programable milk menu for all your custom creations, a sensor touch control panel, and a timer – just set it and forget it.
Iced Coffee Feature
There’s nothing like refreshing iced coffee on a hot summer day. But making them at home is another story. Sure, you can pour an espresso shot and add ice, or you can buy a Delonghi Dinamica Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine. The Delonghi Dinamica Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine is one of the only automatic espresso machines with iced coffee technology. By brewing at a lower temperature, watered-down ice coffee is a thing of the past.
Delonghi Dinamica with LatteCrema Automatic Coffee Machine with Iced Coffee Coffee and Espresso
Sometimes, you just want a cup of brewed American coffee. Thankfully, choosing between a perfect espresso shot and great-tasting coffee doesn’t have to be a one-or-the-other choice because the DeLonghi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso does both. In fact, with a dual boiler system, the DeLonghi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso allows you to brew a pot of coffee and pour espresso at the same time. If you are a frequent party host, this might be the machine for you.
Ultimately, there is no wrong choice when it comes to Delonghi espresso machines as the only decisions you have to make involve your must-have list of features and your budget. But regardless, no matter how you choose, you’ll never regret bringing barista-quality coffee into your home with a DeLonghi espresso machine.