Description
After extensive testing, we’ve found the DeLonghi Dedica strikes an impressive balance between simplicity and capability.
This compact espresso maker proves itself equally valuable for casual coffee lovers seeking straightforward operation and budget-conscious home baristas requiring reliable performance.
Key Features at a Glance:
- 1.1 L Water Tank
- Thermoblock Heater
- Panarello Steam Wand
- Pressurised Portafilter
- Panarello Frothing Wand With Two Settings
While it may not claim the crown as the absolute finest home espresso machine available, our testing reveals it offers exceptional value for its price point.
We’ve found it significantly outperforms many similarly priced alternatives on the market.
In our comparisons, it comes close to but doesn’t quite match the Gaggia Espresso, which benefits from superior temperature stability thanks to its PID temperature controller.
Similarly, it sits just behind the Sage Bambino and Bambino Plus, primarily due to their 9-bar over-pressure valve (compared to the Dedica EC685’s 12-bar) and low-pressure pre-infusion capabilities.
The Bambino Plus adds further advantages with its 3-way solenoid and automatic steaming functionality.
The Sage Bambino Plus ReviewHowever, our hands-on experience shows the Dedica EC685 clearly outshines many competitors in and below its price range, including offerings from Swann, Cookworks, and Salter.
The Dedica line now includes several models, but we find the EC685 remains the most cost-effective and, for most users, the most practical choice.
The range includes the Dedica Arte with its professional steam wand, and the Dedica Maestro, which introduces notable upgrades like a PID temperature controller and automatic milk frothing.
For those prioritising ease of use, we recommend the EC685 over the Arte model.
Its dual-setting panarello steam wand stands out as exceptionally user-friendly while still delivering impressive milk texture – in fact, it’s the most capable panarello steam wand we’ve tested.
This clever steam wand design incorporates air-intake holes that, while simple, prove remarkably effective.
Most panarello wands produce only thick, cappuccino-style foam, but the EC685’s innovative two-position system offers both cappuccino and hot milk settings.
The cappuccino setting opens the air intakes, while the hot milk setting closes them.
This design allows precise control over foam consistency – simply adjust how long you keep the air intake open before switching to the closed position.
Once you’ve found your preferred timing, you’ll achieve consistent, customised milk texture for your favourite coffee drinks.
For aspiring home baristas, the Arte version might be more suitable, especially when paired with upgrades like a third-party unpressurised portafilter, bottomless portafilter, and enhanced shower screen.
The Delonghi Dedica ReviewOur durability testing shows these compact machines offer impressive build quality for their price point.
While better options exist at higher price points, the DeLonghi Dedica represents outstanding value for those seeking a reliable, budget-friendly espresso machine.
