DeLonghi PrimaDonna Soul Bean to Cup Coffee Machine

Description

After weeks of intensive testing in our coffee lab, we can confidently say the DeLonghi PrimaDonna Soul stands as the crown jewel in DeLonghi’s automatic bean-to-cup collection. This sophisticated machine combines luxurious design with cutting-edge features, including an extensive one-touch drink menu, customisable user profiles, an intuitive touchscreen interface, and smart connectivity through its dedicated app.

Our hands-on experience confirms this is DeLonghi’s most advanced coffee maker to date, offering exceptional build quality and a stunning aesthetic that would grace any kitchen counter. While it sits at the premium end of the price spectrum, the technology and craftsmanship packed into this machine make it a serious contender for coffee enthusiasts seeking the ultimate home brewing experience.

While the PrimaDonna Soul remains DeLonghi’s flagship model, we’ve noticed that recent additions to their lineup – particularly the Rivelia and the Eletta Explore – offer similar capabilities at more modest price points. This raises some interesting questions about value for money, which we’ll explore in detail.

Features and Benefits

18 One-Touch Drinks: The comprehensive menu includes espresso, coffee, long, doppio+, coffee pot, Americano, cappuccino, latte macchiato, cappuccino mix, caffe latte, flat white, cortado, and espresso macchiato

Integrated Milk System: Features a convenient one-touch milk carafe for perfect dairy drinks

Precision Grinding: 12 grind settings for optimal coffee customization

Practical Specifications:
– Water Tank Capacity: 2.2 L (front-accessible)
– Maximum Cup Height: 14 cm
– Dimensions: 26.2 x 48.5 x 39 cm (WxDxH)

In our comparison testing, we found that while the Rivelia doesn’t quite match the premium feel of the PrimaDonna Soul, the Eletta Explore comes remarkably close in both build quality and functionality. This begs the question: what exactly justifies the price difference?

The machine’s smartphone app integration, particularly with the Bean Adapt feature, shows promise as DeLonghi’s approach to barista assistance. During our testing, we found Bean Adapt helpful for optimising results with different coffee beans, though it’s more of a guidance system than true dialling-in. The interface is straightforward and user-friendly.

However, like many coffee machine apps we’ve tested, its practical utility has limitations. The remote wake-up feature, for instance, triggers an automatic rinse cycle – meaning your pre-placed cup might collect cleaning water rather than fresh coffee. In our experience, most users tend to reduce app usage once the initial novelty fades.

When we consider value for money, particularly against DeLonghi’s more affordable options like the Dinamica and Eletta Explore, the PrimaDonna Soul’s premium pricing pushes into diminishing returns territory. However, we’ve found its robust construction and reliable performance suggest excellent longevity – especially if you can secure it during a sale period.

For your reference, you can explore more detailed information about various DeLonghi machines here: