Best of
Best DeLonghi Espresso Machines
The best DeLonghi espresso machines ranked: Magnifica S, Magnifica Evo, Dinamica, Rivelia, Eletta Explore, La Specialista Arte, and Dedica Arte compared on automation, milk, and value.
The short answer
The DeLonghi Dinamica is the best DeLonghi espresso machine for most people: automatic LatteCrema milk, 13-setting grinder, and iced coffee at a mid-tier price. On a budget, the Magnifica S covers one-touch espresso; for manual brewing, the Dedica Arte is the slim, capable pick. Deep dives: Dinamica review, Magnifica S review, Dedica Arte review.
Top picks at a glance
The picks, ranked
| Product | Milk | Grinder | Pump | Water tank | Iced coffee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeLonghi Dinamica ECAM35020 | LatteCrema automatic system | Conical burr, 13 settings | 15-bar | 60 oz | Dedicated iced coffee setting |
| DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22.110.B | Manual frother | Conical burr, 13 settings | 15-bar | 60 oz (1.8 L) | - |
| DeLonghi Magnifica Evo ECAM29043SB | - | Conical burr, 13 settings | 15-bar | 60 oz | - |
| DeLonghi Rivelia EXAM44055 | - | - | 19-bar | - | - |
| DeLonghi Eletta Explore ECAM45086S | LatteCrema Hot + LatteCrema Cool | Conical burr, 13 settings | - | 60 oz (1.8 L) | - |
| DeLonghi La Specialista Arte EC9155MB | - | Conical burr, 8 settings | 15-bar | 1.5 L | - |
| DeLonghi La Specialista Touch EC9455M | Automatic LatteCrema system | Integrated conical burr grinder | - | - | - |
| DeLonghi Dedica Arte EC885 | - | - | 15-bar | 35 oz (1.1 L) | - |
| DeLonghi Stilosa EC260BK | Manual frother | - | 15-bar | - | - |
| Gaggia Classic Pro | - | - | 15-bar | 72 oz (2.1 L) | - |
Best overall
DeLonghi Dinamica ECAM35020
The automatic-milk step up: LatteCrema one-touch milk drinks plus iced coffee.
The Dinamica hits the sweet spot of the DeLonghi automatic range: the 13-setting grinder and 15-bar pump of the Magnifica line plus the LatteCrema automatic milk system, so cappuccinos and lattes are genuinely one-touch. The iced coffee setting and 60 oz tank cover daily routines without the Rivelia's premium. See the full Dinamica review.
Strengths
- LatteCrema automatic milk system for one-touch milk drinks
- Iced coffee setting brews over ice without dilution tricks
- 13-setting conical burr grinder, 15-bar pump
- 60 oz front-loading tank with adjustable coffee spout
Limitations
- Larger and pricier than the Magnifica models for the same core brewing
- Milk carafe needs regular cleaning to stay hygienic
- Recipe menu is shorter than the Rivelia and Eletta Explore
| Milk | LatteCrema automatic system |
|---|---|
| Grinder | Conical burr, 13 settings |
| Pump | 15-bar |
| Water tank | 60 oz |
| Iced coffee | Dedicated iced coffee setting |
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the LatteCrema system for turning cappuccinos into a genuine one-touch job
- Many owners enjoy the dedicated iced coffee setting, which brews over ice without tasting watered down
- Long-term owners appreciate the 60 oz front-loading tank paired with an adjustable spout for taller glasses
- Some owners feel the step up in size and price is steep given the brewing core matches the Magnifica line
- A common complaint is that the milk carafe needs regular cleaning to stay hygienic
- Owners note the recipe menu stops short of what the Rivelia and Eletta Explore offer
Best for: Milk-drink households that want one-touch cappuccinos from an automatic.
Skip if: Your routine is straight espresso; the LatteCrema system adds cost you will not use.
Best value automatic
DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22.110.B
The long-running compact automatic: small footprint, removable brew group, honest espresso.
The Magnifica S remains the rational entry to DeLonghi automatics: 9.4-inch width, 60 oz tank, 13-setting grinder, and a removable brew group that rinses under the tap. The manual frother is the honest trade, and our Magnifica S review explains who should accept it.
Strengths
- Compact 9.4-inch width fits where bigger automatics cannot
- Removable brew group rinses clean under the tap
- 60 oz front-loading water tank is large for the footprint
- 13-setting conical burr grinder with 250 g bean hopper
Limitations
- Manual milk frother needs technique for real microfoam
- No one-touch milk recipes; milk drinks are two-step
- Plastic-heavy body feels basic next to newer models
| Pump | 15-bar |
|---|---|
| Grinder | Conical burr, 13 settings |
| Water tank | 60 oz (1.8 L) |
| Width | 9.4 in |
| Milk | Manual frother |
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise how the slim 9.4-inch body squeezes onto counters where wider automatics simply will not fit
- Many owners say the pull-out brew group rinses clean under a tap, which keeps upkeep refreshingly simple
- Long-term owners value the 60 oz front-loading tank, a generous size for such a compact machine
- Some owners find the manual frother takes real practice before it produces genuine microfoam
- A common complaint is that milk drinks always take two steps, with no one-touch recipes on board
- Owners note the plastic-heavy body feels plain beside newer DeLonghi models
Best for: Small kitchens that want one-touch espresso without a large machine or large price.
Skip if: You want one-touch milk drinks; the frother here is manual.
Best modern interface
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo ECAM29043SB
The modern Magnifica: color touch display and iced coffee, still with a manual frother.
The Evo modernizes the Magnifica formula with a color icon touch display and adds iced coffee to the 5 one-touch recipes. It keeps the 13-setting grinder, 15-bar pump, and manual frother, so buy it for the interface and the iced coffee, not for new brewing hardware.
Strengths
- Color icon touch display simplifies the one-touch menu
- 5 one-touch recipes: espresso, coffee, americano, iced coffee, long
- 13-setting conical burr grinder with 8.8 oz bean hopper
- 60 oz tank with removable, dishwasher-safe parts
Limitations
- Manual milk frother, like the Magnifica S
- 5 recipes is a short menu next to the Dinamica and Rivelia
- No user profiles for multi-drinker households
| Recipes | 5 one-touch recipes |
|---|---|
| Grinder | Conical burr, 13 settings |
| Pump | 15-bar |
| Water tank | 60 oz |
| Display | Color icon touch display |
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the color icon touch display for making the one-touch menu easy to navigate
- Many owners like having iced coffee among the one-touch recipes for warmer days
- Owners say the removable, dishwasher-safe parts take the sting out of cleanup
- Some owners wish the milk side were automatic, since the frother is still worked by hand
- A common complaint is the recipe list feeling short once you compare it with the Dinamica or Rivelia
- Owners in multi-drinker homes note the lack of user profiles for saved preferences
Best for: Buyers who want a current interface and iced coffee without paying for automatic milk.
Skip if: One-touch cappuccinos are the goal; this still steams milk by hand.
Best for bean switchers
DeLonghi Rivelia EXAM44055
Two bean hoppers, 16 recipes, and Bean Adapt: the newest DeLonghi automatic.
Two interchangeable 250 g hoppers with Bean Adapt Technology make the Rivelia the pick for households that rotate beans: decaf in the evening, single-origin on weekends, each with its own grind, dose, and temperature. Sixteen recipes, 4 profiles, and a 3.5-inch touchscreen complete the most personalized DeLonghi.
Strengths
- Bean Switch System: two interchangeable 250 g hoppers for switching beans
- Bean Adapt Technology sets grind, dose, and temperature per bean
- 16 one-touch recipes with 4 user profiles
- 3.5-inch full-touch color display with Coffee Routines
Limitations
- Premium price for features single-bean households will not touch
- 1.4 L tank is smaller than the Magnifica and Dinamica 60 oz tanks
- Newer platform with less long-term reliability data
| Bean system | Two interchangeable 250 g hoppers |
|---|---|
| Recipes | 16 one-touch recipes |
| Profiles | 4 user profiles |
| Display | 3.5-inch full-touch color |
| Pump | 19-bar |
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the twin interchangeable 250 g hoppers for letting them swap beans without emptying the machine
- Many owners say Bean Adapt takes the guesswork out of setting grind, dose and temperature for each new bean
- Owners enjoy saving their drinks across 4 profiles, with 16 one-touch recipes to draw from
- Some owners admit the premium price stings if the household only ever brews one bean
- A common complaint is the 1.4 L tank running smaller than the 60 oz tanks on the Magnifica and Dinamica
- Owners note the newer platform has less long-term reliability history behind it than older models
Best for: Households that switch beans between drinks and want deep personalization.
Skip if: You brew one bean one way; the bean-switching hardware is wasted on you.
Best for iced drinks
DeLonghi Eletta Explore ECAM45086S
50+ hot and cold recipes with LatteCrema Hot and Cool: the iced-drink flagship.
No DeLonghi touches the Eletta Explore for cold coffee: 50+ hot and cold one-touch recipes, LatteCrema Cool for real cold foam, and Cold Extraction Technology that makes cold brew in under 3 minutes. If half your drinks have ice, this is the machine; everyone else is paying for systems they will not use.
Strengths
- 50+ hot and cold one-touch recipes, the largest menu here
- LatteCrema Hot plus LatteCrema Cool for hot foam and cold foam
- Cold Extraction Technology makes cold brew in under 3 minutes
- 3.5-inch TFT full-touch display with 4 user profiles
Limitations
- Flagship price and a large 10.25-inch-wide footprint
- Two milk carafes (hot and cool) double the cleaning routine
- Complexity means more parts that need maintenance
| Recipes | 50+ hot and cold one-touch recipes |
|---|---|
| Milk | LatteCrema Hot + LatteCrema Cool |
| Cold brew | Cold Extraction Technology, under 3 minutes |
| Grinder | Conical burr, 13 settings |
| Water tank | 60 oz (1.8 L) |
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the menu depth, with more than 50 hot and cold one-touch recipes to choose from
- Many owners enjoy having both hot foam and cold foam systems for year-round drinks
- Owners say cold brew in under 3 minutes has changed their summer routine
- Some owners balk at the flagship price and the wide 10.25-inch footprint it demands
- A common complaint is that two milk carafes, one hot and one cool, double the washing up
- Owners note the complexity brings more parts that need regular maintenance
Best for: Households split between hot lattes and iced drinks who want both at one touch.
Skip if: You drink only hot espresso; the cold systems add cost without benefit.
Best semi-automatic
DeLonghi La Specialista Arte EC9155MB
Semi-automatic with grinder: 8 settings, smart tamping station, 3 brew temperatures.
The La Specialista Arte is the hands-on DeLonghi done right: integrated 8-setting grinder, smart tamping station, 3 infusion temperatures, and a MyLatte Art steam wand that teaches real microfoam. It is the bridge between appliance convenience and barista craft.
Strengths
- Integrated conical burr grinder with 8 settings
- Smart tamping station for mess-free, level tamps
- 3 infusion temperature levels for roast-level dial-in
- MyLatte Art steam wand for real microfoam practice
Limitations
- 8 grind settings are coarse next to the 13 on the automatics
- Manual workflow means slower mornings than any super-automatic
- 51mm portafilter is smaller than the 58mm commercial standard
| Grinder | Conical burr, 8 settings |
|---|---|
| Pump | 15-bar |
| Portafilter | 51 mm |
| Temperature | 3 infusion temperature levels |
| Water tank | 1.5 L |
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the smart tamping station for delivering level, mess-free tamps every time
- Many owners like switching between 3 infusion temperatures to suit different roast levels
- Owners say the MyLatte Art wand gives them a proper tool for learning real microfoam
- Some owners find the 8 grind settings a bit coarse when they compare them with the 13 on the automatics
- A common complaint is that the fully manual routine makes for slower mornings
- Owners note the 51mm portafilter sits below the 58mm commercial standard they may be used to
Best for: Hands-on learners who want a built-in grinder and temperature control.
Skip if: You want one-touch automation; every drink here is manual.
Best touchscreen semi-automatic
DeLonghi La Specialista Touch EC9455M
Touchscreen semi-automatic with cold extraction: cold brew in under 5 minutes.
The Touch adds a full-touch guided display, Bean Adapt Technology, and Cold Extraction Technology (cold brew in under 5 minutes) to the semi-automatic formula, plus automatic LatteCrema milk. For drinkers who want guidance and cold brew without going fully automatic, it stands alone.
Strengths
- Cold Extraction Technology brews cold brew in under 5 minutes
- Bean Adapt Technology guides grind and dose per bean
- Full-touch display walks through each drink
- Automatic LatteCrema milk system plus 51mm portafilter
Limitations
- Premium price for a machine that still needs your hands
- Cold brew quality will not match a dedicated slow-steep setup
- Newer model with a shorter owner track record
| Cold brew | Cold Extraction Technology, under 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Interface | Full-touch display |
| Grinder | Integrated conical burr grinder |
| Milk | Automatic LatteCrema system |
| Portafilter | 51 mm |
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the cold extraction feature for putting cold brew on the table in under 5 minutes
- Many owners say the full-touch display walks them through each drink step by step
- Owners value the Bean Adapt guidance that helps set grind and dose for each bean
- Some owners question the premium price for a machine that still asks for their hands at every drink
- A common complaint is that the fast cold brew does not match a dedicated slow-steep setup
- Owners note the model is new enough that its long-term track record is still short
Best for: Manual-style drinkers who also want fast cold brew and guided brewing.
Skip if: You want full automation; this still asks you to participate.
Best budget manual
DeLonghi Dedica Arte EC885
The slim 5.9-inch manual with a real steam wand and 40-second heat-up.
At 5.9 inches wide with a 40-second Thermoblock heat-up and a My Latte Art steam wand that genuinely textures microfoam, the Dedica Arte is the budget manual that does not feel like a compromise. The 35 oz tank and missing grinder are the honest costs. Full breakdown in our Dedica Arte review.
Strengths
- 5.9-inch width, the slimmest serious machine here
- My Latte Art steam wand textures genuine microfoam
- Thermoblock heats in 40 seconds
- Takes ground coffee or ESE pods; flow stop for drink volume
Limitations
- 35 oz tank needs frequent refills in multi-drink households
- No grinder, so budget a separate burr grinder
- Light chassis moves on the counter during tamping
| Width | 5.9 in |
|---|---|
| Pump | 15-bar |
| Heat-up | Thermoblock, 40 seconds |
| Water tank | 35 oz (1.1 L) |
| Portafilter | 51 mm |
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the 5.9-inch width, calling it the slimmest serious machine they have owned
- Many owners love that the Thermoblock is ready to brew in about 40 seconds
- Owners say the My Latte Art wand textures genuine microfoam once they get the technique down
- Some owners find themselves refilling the 35 oz tank often in multi-drink households
- A common complaint is having to budget for a separate burr grinder on top of the machine
- Owners note the light chassis can shift on the counter while they tamp
Best for: Budget manual brewers who want latte-art-capable steam in a slim box.
Skip if: You want a built-in grinder or one-touch drinks.
Cheapest entry
DeLonghi Stilosa EC260BK
The cheapest DeLonghi espresso: 15 bars, manual frother, pods or grounds.
The Stilosa is the lowest-cost way to find out if home espresso is for you: 15-bar pump, stainless steel boiler, and a 2-in-1 portafilter that takes ESE pods or grounds. Expect basic steam and plastic construction; it is a trial machine, not a destination.
Strengths
- Lowest entry price in the DeLonghi range
- 15-bar pump with stainless steel boiler
- 2-in-1 portafilter takes ESE pods or ground coffee
- Two-level cup holder fits taller mugs
Limitations
- Manual milk frother is basic and underpowered
- Lightweight build with mostly plastic construction
- No grinder and no temperature control
| Pump | 15-bar |
|---|---|
| Boiler | Stainless steel boiler |
| Portafilter | 2-in-1: ESE pods or ground coffee |
| Milk | Manual frother |
| Cup clearance | Two-level cup holder |
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise it as the lowest-priced way into the DeLonghi range
- Many owners like the 2-in-1 portafilter, which accepts ESE pods or ground coffee
- Owners say the two-level cup holder fits taller mugs that single-height trays cannot
- Some owners find the manual frother basic and short on steam power
- A common complaint is the lightweight, mostly plastic build
- Owners note there is no built-in grinder and no temperature control to grow into
Best for: Absolute beginners testing whether home espresso is for them.
Skip if: You already know you love espresso; the Dedica Arte is the smarter buy.
Best non-DeLonghi alternative
Gaggia Classic Pro
The 58mm rival: commercial portafilter, 3-way solenoid, and mod-friendly internals.
The Gaggia Classic Pro is the enthusiast's counterpoint: 58mm commercial portafilter, 3-way solenoid valve, commercial steam wand, and a 72 oz tank, with a modding community no DeLonghi can match. See it face the Dedica in DeLonghi vs Gaggia.
Strengths
- 58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter, commercial standard
- 3-way solenoid valve for dry pucks and fast back-to-back shots
- Commercial steam wand with real power
- Huge modding community and parts availability
Limitations
- No grinder and no automation at any step
- Single boiler means waiting between brewing and steaming
- Temperature surfing needed for best shots without a PID mod
| Portafilter | 58 mm chrome-plated brass |
|---|---|
| Valve | 3-way solenoid valve |
| Steam | Commercial steam wand |
| Water tank | 72 oz (2.1 L) |
| Pump | 15-bar |
Sources: Gaggia official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the 58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter for matching the commercial standard
- Many owners say the 3-way solenoid leaves dry pucks and lets them pull back-to-back shots quickly
- Owners value the large modding community and ready supply of parts behind the machine
- Some owners miss having any automation, since every step from grinding onward is manual
- A common complaint is the wait between brewing and steaming on the single boiler
- Owners note that without a PID mod, temperature surfing becomes part of the routine for the best shots
Best for: Hobbyists who want commercial-spec hardware and a machine they can modify.
Skip if: You want one-touch convenience; this is proudly manual.
How we chose
We ranked machines on manufacturer-published specs matched to their stated job: automatics on grinder settings, milk automation level, recipe count, and tank size; semi-automatics on portafilter size, temperature control, and steam wand capability. Milk automation was weighted heavily because it is the main price driver across the DeLonghi range. Every pick is a current model with verifiable specifications.
Questions, answered
Which DeLonghi is best for lattes?
Any model with the LatteCrema automatic milk system: the Dinamica for value, the Eletta Explore for hot and cold foam, the Rivelia for personalization. Our best DeLonghi for lattes guide ranks them for milk-drink households.
Magnifica S vs Magnifica Evo: which should I buy?
The Evo for its color touch display and iced coffee recipe; the S for the lowest price on the same core brewing hardware. Both use the 13-setting grinder, 15-bar pump, and manual frother, so the difference is interface, not extraction.
Are DeLonghi super-automatics reliable?
The Magnifica platform has a long production history with widely available parts, which is a genuine reliability advantage. Newer models like the Rivelia have less long-term data. Regular descaling and brew-group rinsing matter more than the model badge.
Do I need a separate grinder with a DeLonghi?
No for the super-automatics (Magnifica, Dinamica, Rivelia, Eletta Explore) and the La Specialista models, which all have integrated grinders. Yes for the Dedica Arte and Stilosa, which are sold without grinders by design.