What’s the Best DeLonghi Espresso Machine? Reviewing Six Great Options

If you’re looking for an espresso machine to buy, you’ve probably come across DeLonghi. They are one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of espresso machines and have been in business for over 120 years, so you know they’re doing something right. 

However, it’s difficult to know which one to choose with more than 20 models available. My top three choices are:

• Best Overall: DeLonghi Dinamica
• Perfect Budget Super-automatic: Magnifica ESAM 3300
• Best Semi-automatic: DeLonghi EC702

I’ve compared features across all the models after using some myself and reading DeLonghi espresso machine reviews. I’ve narrowed it down to the six best ones, including different types of machines that will fit every home barista.

I’ll provide an in-depth review of the best DeLonghi machines currently available, including a buying guide and everything else you need to know. You’ll be completely equipped to choose the best DeLonghi espresso machine.

About DeLonghi

DeLonghi was founded in 1902 in Italy. The company got its name from the founding family, and Giuseppe DeLonghi is still the chairman. 

DeLonghi started manufacturing small industrial parts and branched out to kitchen appliances, such as air fryers, heaters, and of course, espresso machines. As DeLonghi says, “coffee machines currently represent the heart of the brand” and are why the company is so well known.

Nowadays, DeLonghi is the biggest manufacturer of coffee machines in the world, generating over $1 billion in annual sales with millions of users worldwide. 

DeLonghi coffee devices are popular because they are reliable and well-manufactured. Most of them have a warranty of two years, so you’re covered if something happens. They have a huge range of espresso makers — more than 20 — so you can find something for your needs and budget.

Before we go into more detail, here is the summary of our picks.

The Best DeLonghi Espresso Machines

Image	Product Name	Features	Price
Top Overall	DeLonghi Dinamica	Super-automatic machine Brews iced coffee Can make up to 18 coffee drinks	Check AmazonCheck Seattle Coffee Gear
Perfect Budget Super-automatic	DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300	Super-automatic machine Separate steaming and brewing boilers for a short wait time between these actions Patented cappuccino system creates rich froth	Check Amazon
Best Semi-automatic	DeLonghi EC702	Semi-automatic machine Automatic self-prime for fast start-up time Uses both capsules and ground coffee	Check Amazon
	DeLonghi Dedica	Semi-automatic machine Compact size Cup warmer on top	Check Amazon
Ultra Budget Option	DeLonghi ECP3420	Semi-automatic machine Affordable price 15 bar pump creates good crema	Check AmazonCheck Williams Sonoma
	DeLonghi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine COM532M	All-in-one machine Can brew coffee and espresso simultaneously Steam wand has two options for heating and frothing milk	Check AmazonCheck Williams Sonoma

Different Types of DeLonghi Espresso Machines

Before choosing a DeLonghi, get to know the three types of espresso machines to know which is best for you.  

Super Automatic

A super-automatic espresso machine is the most convenient machine you can get. These are “bean to cup” machines, which means you can get your coffee by pressing a button. They grind the coffee beans, tamp the puck, and brew espresso. The machine does it all for you.

DeLonghi super-automatic machines come with an integrated burr grinder. All you have to do is add coffee beans to the hopper, and the machine will grind them for you. 

They also have a milk frothing system, so you get an espresso and cappuccino machine in one. The milk frothing system can be automatic, where the machine froths the milk for you, or with an attached steam wand, where you have to steam the milk yourself.

Some super-automatic machines also have programmable functions, so you can customize the size and strength of your drink, as well as milk consistency. Also, some machines will remember your preferences for future use, so there’s no need to adjust the settings every time you use the machine.

Super-automatic machines are typically the most expensive. Also, you’ll have to experiment a little at the beginning. For example, you’ll need to choose how finely the machine should grind the beans. That learning curve is far shorter than other options. And, once you set up the machine according to your preferences, you’ll only need to press a button to get an espresso and cappuccino.

Semi-Automatic 

A semi-automatic espresso machine is a good choice if you want to improve your barista skills. These machines let you have much more control over the brewing process compared to super-automatic. 

A semi-automatic coffee maker has a higher learning curve compared to a fully automatic one and will require more work from you. You’ll have to grind your beans, tamp the coffee grounds, lock in the portafilter, hit the button to start brewing, and steam the milk. 

All of DeLonghi’s semi-automatic espresso machines come with a steam wand, so you can heat and froth the milk. There’s no need to buy a separate milk frother.

As for an integrated grinder, it depends. Some DeLonghi semi-automatic machines have it, while others don’t. 

Overall, semi-automatic machines will require some education and work to get the coffee right. You’ll have to practice dialing in your coffee. But, if you want more control over your coffee at a lower price, semi-automatic machines are a good choice.

All-In-One Options

An all-in-one espresso maker allows you to brew espresso or a pot of coffee. These machines are usually not programmable. 

All-in-one machines allow you to brew any kind of drink — coffee, espresso and cappuccino, latte, and more. You get everything in only one machine. This means there’s no need to buy an espresso machine, plus a separate coffee maker.

Nespresso

DeLonghi partnered with Nespresso in 2016. This means they are a third-party manufacturer of Nespresso coffee machines.

Nespresso specializes in coffee and not in coffee machines, so when you see a DeLonghi or another brand name, it means this machine wasn’t manufactured by Nespresso but by another company.

Nespresso machines are pod only. You insert the capsule into the machine and press a button. The machine pierces the pod, and hot pressurized water is pushed through it to extract the espresso flavor. 

DeLonghi Nespresso machines have a “Hot Milk” system, a detachable milk tank where the milk is heated and frothed for you.

Overall, a Nespresso machine is the easiest to use and generally the most affordable.

Our Favorites DeLonghi’s: Individual Reviews

DeLonghi Dinamica ECAM35025SB TrueBrew Over Ice Fully Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine

DeLonghi Dinamica Highlights:

• Super-automatic machine
• Brews iced coffee
• Can make up to 18 coffee drinks

Check Amazon

Check Seattle Coffee Gear

DeLonghi Dinamica is a super-automatic espresso machine that can brew up to 18 espresso and coffee drinks with a push of a button.

Dinamica has a conical steel burr grinder with 13 settings. The grinder grinds the beans to a uniform size, and 13 settings give you plenty of opportunities to experiment and find the optimum extraction for your espresso.

There is a tubeless grinding chamber, which has minimal grind retention. That means there won’t be any leftover coffee grounds for the next shot, which means you’re next shot always has fresh beans.

This DeLonghi espresso machine is a single boiler system. Thanks to the rapid steam technology, it takes 40 seconds from the moment you press the button until the machine is ready to brew. 

The machine has a Panarello steam wand for milk frothing. It’s not automatic, but you can choose between three consistencies when making lattes and cappuccinos. The wand also doubles as a hot water outlet, so you can make tea and hot chocolate.

The DeLonghi Dinamica has an easy-to-use touch backlit display. You can choose the espresso strength on a 1-5 scale, drink type, milk frothing, or hot water. The display requires a little learning initially, but it’s straightforward afterwards.

Finally, what makes Dinamica stand out is the True Brew Iced Coffee function. This means it’ll brew iced coffee for you. The machine uses a longer preinfusion, longer grinding time, and a higher coffee dosage, so you get a full-bodied iced coffee that isn’t diluted by the ice.

This is a great option for users who want coffee with a press of a button and want to have a variety of drinks.

Here’s our in-depth Dinamica review for the full feature breakdown.

DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine

DeLonghi Magnifica Highlights:

• Super-automatic machine
• Separate steaming and brewing boilers for a short wait time between these actions
• Patented cappuccino system creates thick foam.

Check Amazon

Magnifica ESAM 3300 has been available for more than 20 years, and it’s still one of the coffee lovers’ favorite automatic machines. I love this one because it’s user-friendly and affordable compared to other automatic espresso machines. 

It has the same grinder as Dinamica — a steel conical burr grinder with 13 settings. It has storage for 8.8 oz of coffee beans and a used coffee grounds container that can hold 14 pucks, so there’s no need to empty it after every use. However, be warned that the grinder is extremely loud, which can be problematic in the early morning when you’re the first one awake.

Magnifica has two boilers, one for steaming and another for brewing. However, you can’t do these actions simultaneously. Still, Magnifica switches between them within seconds, so there’s a short wait time. You’ll have hot water quickly with the double boilers and can make several cups of coffee in succession thanks to its 60oz water tank.

Magnifica’s stand-out feature is the patented cappuccino system. It mixes steam and milk, so you’ll have a rich froth. The Panarello wand can be rotated to 180 degrees, so you can use it with any milk container. 

Magnifica is a good choice if you want an affordable automatic espresso machine that doesn’t need much work and can create a good espresso. 

Here’s our in-depth DeLonghi Magnifica review.

DeLonghi 15 Bar Pump EC702

DeLonghi EC702 Highlights:

• Semi-automatic machine
• Automatic self-prime for fast start-up time
• Uses both capsules and ground coffee

Check Amazon

The first semi-automatic DeLonghi espresso machine on this list is EC702. 

This machine self-primes automatically, which means there’s a shorter processing time, and you don’t have to wait long before having your espresso. The machine regulates the temperature internally, so you’ll consistently have a good espresso.

The rapid cappuccino system makes it great for brewing cup after cup without any wait time. This is also possible thanks to the two thermostats, one for water temperature and the other for steam pressure. 

Its removable water tank is 44oz, and it’s dishwasher safe. However, one thing I noticed is that it’s difficult to pull it out. I had to pull hard, which sometimes jarred the machine and resulted in spilled water.

The patented filter holder makes it easy to use both capsules and ground coffee. This will let you try different tasting pods. However, there’s no auto-off feature, which means the machine will keep pouring until you stop it.

While this is an affordable espresso and cappuccino machine, it doesn’t come with a grinder.

This is a good option for you if you’re a beginner barista. The pressurized portafilters and a Panarello wand make it easy to use. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for a budget stainless steel machine.

DeLonghi Dedica EC680M

DeLonghi Dedica Highlights:

• Semi-automatic machine
• Compact size
• Cup warmer on top

Check Amazon

If one of your main requirements is a compact espresso machine, Dedica could be the answer. As this machine needs only 6 inches of your countertop, you’ll have plenty of counter space left.

One thing to note, as the machine is light (9.3 pounds), you won’t be able to detach the portafilter one-handed, or you risk tipping it over. You’ll have to hold the Dedica with one hand and attach the portafilter with the other.

It can pull a single or a double espresso shot or use it with ESE pods. It has a manual milk frother which creates creamy, thick foam. However, it doesn’t come with a grinder.

I loved that Dedica has a cup warmer on top, which will make your espresso even hotter and keep it warmer for longer. 

Dedica comes with thermoblock technology, and it’ll be ready to brew in 40 seconds. By the time you pour the milk and load the freshly ground coffee, it’s ready to go. The automatic flow feature means Dedica will dispense the exact amount of espresso while maintaining brewing temperature. 

This is a solid espresso machine if you’re looking for something that’s a compact size.  It also brews a quality shot of espresso without breaking the bank. The smaller water tank size makes it perfect for a household of one or two coffee drinkers. 

DeLonghi ECP3420 15-Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

DeLonghi ECP3420 Highlights:

• Semi-automatic machine
• Affordable price
• 15 bar pump creates good crema

Check Amazon

Check Williams Sonoma

ECP3420 is an entry-level semi-automatic espresso machine that’s very budget-friendly. This is one of our favorite budget machines if you want to try espresso without spending much.

It has a 15-bar pressure pump and a pressurized portafilter, so you’ll get optimal pressure to extract the full flavor and get the best espresso crema. One thing to note is that ECP3420 doesn’t have a grinder.

ECP3420 has a self-priming setting, so there’s quick heat-up time thanks to the stainless steel boiler. You’ll have to wait less than a minute for the machine to heat, and you can also pull several shots in quick succession.

ECP3420 can brew several coffee drinks — one or two espresso shots, espresso pods thanks to the 3-in-1 filter holder, or milk-based drinks, with the manual frother. However, the steam wand isn’t powerful. Oftentimes, I have to stop the frothing, wait for it to reheat, and then complete the froth, which is frustrating.

The machine is easy to use. Its 37oz water tank is easily accessible and removable, which makes refilling and cleaning easy. There’s a second-tier drip tray that will give you enough space to place larger cups. The drip tray is dishwasher safe, so the cleaning is easy as well. 

I would prefer if the build was stainless-steel, such as some other DeLonghi semi-automatic machines. However, the ECP3420 is really affordable, which makes up for the plastic parts.

Overall, this coffee maker is good for users who want a machine that doesn’t take up too much space and is beginner and budget-friendly. It’s also a good option if you already have a grinder or plan to get one.

Here’s our in-depth DeLonghi ECP3420 review.

DeLonghi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso, COM532M

DeLonghi COM532M Highlights:

• All-in-one machine
• Can brew coffee and espresso simultaneously
• Steam wand has two options for heating and frothing milk

Check Amazon

Check Williams Sonoma

COM532M is different from all the other espresso makers on this list. This is an all-in-one machine, which means it’ll brew coffee and espresso for you. 

COM532M espresso and cappuccino machine has a dual heating system, so there’s no waiting time between brewing coffee and espresso. In fact, you can do it simultaneously, which is an excellent option when you’re hosting a party and your guests have different drink orders.

Another of my favorite features is the 24-hour programmable timer. You can set the time when you want the machine to brew for you and wake up to a freshly brewed cup.

This espresso machine also makes milk-based drinks. It comes with a steam wand, and there’s an adjustable cappuccino and steam milk option. By pressing the black indicator up or down, you can choose between the two, so you’ll have perfectly steamed milk every time.

One faulty feature is the preheat light indicator when you turn on the espresso maker. The light only worked about half the time, which was a little annoying. I also didn’t like how fast the drip tray filled up because of the water from the steam wand.

This DeLonghi machine is for coffee lovers who want an all-in-one combination coffee machine. If you want to drink espresso, regular coffee, and milk-based drinks, you’ll love this one.

How to Choose the Right DeLonghi Machine For You

Budget

DeLonghi machines come in a range of prices, and which one you’ll choose will depend on your budget. For example, the top super-automatic machines can go as high as $2,500, while an entry-level DeLonghi espresso maker can be as little as $150.

In general, the higher the price, the more features and better build the machine will have. However, you can absolutely have perfectly layered espresso beverages at a lower price as well.

Before choosing an espresso machine, we recommend asking yourself two questions:

1. How much do I want to spend?
2. What do I need?

There’s no need to look at things outside of your price range (you’ll end up spending more, trust me) nor should you waste money on a machine full of features that you don’t need. For example, if you don’t drink iced coffee and don’t need 18 different beverages, there’s no point in paying Dinamica’s price.

Lastly, take note if the machine includes a grinder. We recommend grinding coffee beans right before brewing, and you should have a standalone burr grinder if it’s not included with the espresso machine.

Drink Options

Another thing to consider is how much drink variety you need. For example, if you only drink espresso, you don’t need a machine with a frothing wand (that’s more expensive than just an espresso maker). In this case, you need a machine that can consistently pull good espresso.

On the other hand, if you drink a lot of milk-based drinks, you need an automatic or a manual machine with a good milk frother. In this case, the frother is even more important than the machine’s ability to pull a good shot, as the milk will dilute the espresso flavor anyway.

Durability and Espresso Quality

Durability is all about the kind of material the machine is made of. Stainless steel espresso makers last longer, but there are plenty of well-built plastic ones as well.

Also, DeLonghi espresso makers come with a warranty, so this can give you an idea of how long you can expect them to last. 

In general, highly automated machines have many electric parts, which will need more repairs compared to semi-automatic ones.

As for the espresso quality, many factors affect it: grind size, temperature, pressure, extraction time, pump, and more. Automatic machines will have touchscreen displays that let you control all or some of these. Semi-automatic machines give you more control, although it requires practice to produce quality espresso. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

How much time do you want to spend cleaning the espresso machine after you’ve pulled your shot? The rule is: semi-automatic machines have more cleaning required compared to super-automatic. 

The more features the machine has, the longer it’ll take to clean. For example, if it has a detachable brew head, you’ll have to take it out and rinse it periodically. The same goes for all the removable parts. Sometimes they are dishwasher safe, but not always, which means more work for you.

Nespresso machines are the easiest to clean. These capsule espresso machines only require getting rid of the pod and occasional descaling.

Ease of Use

If you want a machine where the process is automated, go for an automatic one. These machines are beginner-friendly and easier to use than semi-automatic ones and require very little input from you.

There are even machines that will make a complete cappuccino or a latte with a press of a button.

However, semi-automatic machines have more control and can make better espresso with practice. Consider how involved in the coffee and espresso-making process you want to be.

Best DeLonghi Coffee Machines: Final Thoughts

All of these DeLonghi machines will make barista-quality coffee. However, my top three choices are Dinamica, Magnifica, and EC702. Dinamica stands out thanks to its iced coffee feature, Magnifica is an excellent budget-friendly automatic machine, and EC702 lets you use both pods and coffee grounds. Lastly, shout out to the ECP 3420 as the ultra-budget option on this list.

If you’d like to check out something different, Breville machines are top-notch. See a comparison of two of our favorites: Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express.