Best Delonghi Espresso Machine

Quick Answer: The best Delonghi super-automatic espresso machine is the Delonghi Dinamica. The best Delonghi manual espresso machine is the Delonghi ECP3630.

If you’ve been trying to find the best Delonghi espresso machine, you’ve likely found that:

• Each Delonghi model has several variations that seem, from looking at the machine alone, basically the same.

• There are often wild swings in price between these submodels despite their lack of obvious differences.

I’ve figured out these minute differences between each model to tell you what the best Delonghi espresso machine is for your needs and budget.

I’m also going to warn you of some overpriced or poor-quality Delonghi espresso machines that you should avoid.

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What Types of Espresso Machines Does Delonghi Make?

Quick answer: Delonghi makes super-automatic, semi-automatic, and combination espresso and drip coffee machines. Their super automatics are excellent across the board. Their entry-level semi-automatic espresso machines are great, but I don’t recommend their premium models. Their all-in-one machines are acceptable but nothing to write home about. 

Delonghi makes three types of espresso machines:

• Super-automatic espresso machines 
• Semi-automatic espresso machines (manual machines)
• Combination espresso and drip coffee machines

Super Automatic Espresso Machines

Super-automatic espresso machines can brew coffee at the touch of a button.

There is no need to dose out, grind, and tamp your ground coffee beans. They have an integrated grinder and brew unit to do that for you.

Delonghi calls these machines “automatic espresso machines” on their website. However, they are more often called super-automatic espresso machines (or sometimes “bean-to-cup” machines). 

I’m going to refer to them as “super-automatic espresso machines” in this article.

All Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines come with some sort of a milk steaming system so they double as an espresso and cappuccino machine. They either have a:

• LatteCrema automatic milk frother: A separate milk container attaches to the machine and your machine automatically froths milk from this container at the touch of a button.

• Steam wand: This allows you to steam your milk manually. It’s the same as what you’d find on a semi-automatic machine.

Delonghi manufactures excellent super-automatic machines at every price point. All their super automatics make a delicious-tasting espresso and offer excellent value for money, regardless of the model.

Delonghi is the second-best manufacturer of super automatics, after Jura.

Bear in mind that you’re generally paying 70% more for Jura machines than you are for  Delonghi coffee machines with equivalent functionalities. 

For more information on how these two manufacturers compare please see my article on Jura vs Delonghi.

My top recommendation for a Delonghi super-automatic espresso machine is the Delonghi Dinamica.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines (Manual Machines)

These are espresso machines where you have to dose and tamp your ground coffee manually in a detachable portafilter.

Delonghi calls them “manual espresso machines” on their website (even though they’re not true manual espresso machines). 

For the rest of this article, I’ll refer to these types of machines as “manual espresso machines”.

I’d only recommend a Delonghi manual espresso machine if you want a cheap machine to dip your toe into brewing espresso at home.

Delonghi makes some of the best entry-level manual espresso machines out there.

I wouldn’t recommend Delonghi’s more premium manual espresso machines, however.

They’re simply not as good as similarly priced models made by Breville and Gaggia.

My top recommendation for a Delonghi manual espresso machine is the Delonghi ECP360.

Combination Drip Coffee and Espresso Machines

These are machines that can make drip coffee and espresso.

Their espresso and milk systems are equivalent to an entry-level Delonghi manual espresso machine.

Their drip coffee brewing system is…fine. Nowhere near as good as the best automatic pour-over coffee makers.

Still, if you want a Delonghi espresso machine that can also make a large pot of coffee then this is for you.

My top recommendation for a Delonghi combination machine is the Delonghi COM532M.

For the rest of the article, I’m going to be talking about these three types of Delonghi espresso machines separately as they are too different to compare to each other in any meaningful way.

(It’s also worth noting that Delonghi also manufactures Nespresso machines. I am not going to talk about these in this article.)

Jump to:

Best Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines

Best Delonghi manual espresso machine

Best Delonghi combination espresso machine

Best Delonghi Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Here are the three best Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines.

Best Overall Super Automatic: Delonghi Dinamica

Functionalities

The Delonghi Dinamica can make single and double espresso and allows you to steam milk manually to whatever texture you desire. It’s also one of the cheapest espresso machines that let you make iced coffee.

The Delonghi Dinamica lets you make the following drinks:

• Espresso
• Lungo
• Drip coffee (though I’m not convinced by its drip coffee brewing system)
• Iced coffee

The machine also has a 2x button that lets you make a double serving of all the above drinks.

The Dinamica has a manual milk frother which gives you more freedom when steaming milk compared to machines with automatic steaming systems.

It can therefore make whatever milk-based coffee drink you want (other than ones that have cold foam). It all depends on the quantity of milk you use and how you texture it.

Functionalities rating: 8/10

User Friendliness

The Delonghi Dinamica has a basic user interface. It’s easy to use but lacks the wow factor of a touch screen.

The Delonghi Dinamica uses a button-operated control panel. Buttons are labeled with symbols that are, for the most part anyway, self-explanatory.

I can’t see anyone struggling to make an espresso or steam milk with this coffee machine.

While this UI is a bit basic, you have to pay an extra $400 to get a Delonghi model with a touch screen (I’m referring to the Delonghi Dinamica Plus if you were interested). 

I’d rather keep the money. 

Any ambiguities in the machines’ button labeling can be solved by going through its manual (and it’s pretty clear to begin with anyway).

User Friendliness Rating: 7/10

Value for Money

The Delonghi Dinamica offers superb value for money and is one of the best super-automatic espresso machines under $1,000.

The Delonghi Dinamica’s value for money can be best demonstrated by comparing it to other manufacturers’ similarly priced super-automatic machines.

• Similarly priced Philips machines are far less durable than the Dinamica so don’t offer you as much use for your money.

• Similarly priced Jura machines cannot steam milk.

• Similarly priced Gaggia machines don’t make as good an espresso as the Dinamica.

In short, you’re getting an excellent deal with this machine.

Value for Money Rating: 9/10 

Delonghi Dinamica Pros

Offers amazing value for money and is the best super automatic under $1,000

It’s one of the cheapest espresso machines to offer iced coffee

It has a noticeably better build quality than the cheaper Delonghi super automatics

Its 2x button makes it really easy to make strong milk-based drinks.

Delonghi Dinamica Cons

Its user interface would be improved with a screen.

See also: Delonghi Dinamica review

Best Affordable Super Automatic: Delonghi ESAM Magnifica 3300

Functionalities

The Delonghi ESAM Magnifica 3300 can only pull single espresso shots and steam milk.

Although the machine has a button for a double espresso, it only brews these with one puck of coffee and twice the amount of water. 

I’d therefore avoid the double shot button altogether – it’s going to produce a watery espresso.

The machine has limited functionalities, however, it can brew single shots and steam milk to the same standard as all other Delonghi super automatics (the most expensive of which costs 5x the price of the ESAM 3300).

So what few things it can do, it does very well.

Functionalities Rating: 5/10

User Friendliness

The Delonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 feels a bit cheap and is annoyingly loud when heating up. It makes up for these problems with its performance and reliability.

The ESAM 3300 has a super simple button and dial operation system.

One dial controls coffee strength (how much ground coffee you brew with), and the other controls your espresso’s size (how much water you brew with).

The whole exterior of the machine feels cheaply built, far more so than the Dinamica.

Despite this, the interior of the machine is really well built. 

I found a lot of the machine’s users on Reddit praising its reliability and longevity. You can see a thread that talks about this here. 

Like I said earlier, the 3300’s internal brewing system is identical to Delonghi’s most premium models, so it should last you as long as these more expensive machines.

One thing I hate about the machine is how loud it is. 

All Delonghi espresso machines have loud grinders, but the ESAM 3300 makes an intermittent blaring noise as it heats up. This feels like it goes on forever each time you turn the machine on.

This loudness is by far the machine’s biggest weakness.

User Friendliness Rating: 6/10

Value for Money

You’re not going to get a better super-automatic than the Delonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 for under $500.

Most manufacturers don’t sell super automatics at such a low price.

The fact that the ESAM 3300 is reliable and actually makes good espresso is almost a bonus at this point.

Value for Money Rating: 10/10

Delonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 Pros

It’s pretty much the best super automatic espresso machine under $500.

A lot of the machine’s users say that it’s lasted them well over five years.

Its simplicity makes it easy to dial in.

Delonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 Cons

It can only make single shots of espresso (no other coffee types)

It is very noisy when warming up.

See also: Delonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 Review

Baller Option: Delonghi Eletta Explore

Functionalities

The Delonghi Eletta Explore can make pretty much any espresso drink you can think of, including iced versions of all these coffee drinks.

The Eletta Explore has over forty menu items. If it’s a drink that’s made out of espresso and milk, then the Eletta Explore can probably make it.

The Eletta Explore is the only Delonghi espresso machine that can create cold milk foam. 

This allows you to make iced lattes (and other iced milk-based drinks) without your ice melting into a weird watered-down milky mess.

Functionalities Rating: 10/10

User Friendliness

The Delonghi Eletta Explore has a touchscreen user interface and also gives you the option to control it with buttons. This makes the machine easier to use than the Dinamica, especially when it comes to customizing your coffee drinks.

You can see how the Eletta Explore combines buttons and a touchscreen user interface in the image below:

The big benefit of having a touch screen is that customizing your drinks is much easier on the Eletta Explore than on the Dinamica (or any other Delonghi machines for that matter).

On the Dinamica you have to get your machine to dispense a certain amount of coffee and press the “stop” button when it hits your desired size.

On the Eletta Explore you can just increase or decrease your size by adjusting a slider on its touch screen:

This alone gives the Eletta Explore a significant jump up in user-friendliness compared to the Dinamica.

User Friendliness Rating: 9/10

Value for Money

The Delonghi Eletta Explore still offers terrific value for money even though it is the most expensive machine listed here.

To put the Eletta Explore’s price tag in perspective, the only super-automatic machine that matches its level of functionality is the Jura Z10.

The Jura Z10 costs over twice as much as the Eletta Explore.

Granted, the Z10 makes slightly better-tasting espresso than the Eletta Explore, but the differences between these two machines do not warrant a 100% price hike (or anything close to it).

I think that Delonghi’s super-automatic espresso machines are just very good value generally and the Eletta Explore is no different in this regard.

Value for Money Rating: 8/10

Delonghi Eletta Explore Pros

Its touch screen makes customizing your coffee much easier than on other Delonghi espresso makers.

It’s the only Delonghi machine that can make cold milk foam.

It’s much cheaper than other coffee machines with similar functionalities.

Delonghi Eletta Explore Cons

It has lots of accessories that you’ll need to find space for (I’m reaching out here, there’s little wrong with this machine).

What to Look Out For When Choosing a Delonghi Super Automatic Espresso Machine?

Here are the questions you should ask yourself when choosing a Delonghi super-automatic espresso machine.

What is Your Budget?

Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines range from around $500 to around $2,500. In my opinion, you get the best value for your money with machines under $1,000.

I think you get better value with cheaper Delonghi machines because they all make the same quality espresso, regardless of their price.

Instead of making better coffee, the more expensive Delonghi super automatics have:

• More menu options
• A better user interface 
• More automated milk steaming

Their actual quality of espresso and steamed milk is the same, however.

The table below shows the three super automatics featured in this article, their user interface, milk frother type, and a number of menu options, as well as their price:

Do You Want to Steam Milk Manually?

Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines either come with a LatteCrema automatic milk steaming system or with a panarello steam wand.

Machines with a LatteCrema milk-steaming system have a detachable milk container.

When you attach the container to the machine and select a milk drink the machine will steam the milk according to one of three textures. You set this texture on a dial on the milk container itself.

You can see a video of someone using the LatteCrema system below (watch from 2:40 – 3:30):

LatteCrema Automatic Milk System Pros

It takes less effort to steam your milk compared to a steam wand.

There is absolutely no learning curve to it.

The Delonghi Eletta Explore’s milk system lets you make cold milk foam. You cannot do this with a steam wand.

LatteCrema Automatic Milk System Cons

Machines with this system are more expensive.

You have less control over your milk’s texture than with a manual milk frother.

It’s more effort to keep clean than a steam wand.

Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines with steam wands use a Panarello-style steam wand.

This means that the steam wand itself has a plastic sleeve around it that pumps extra air into your milk.

This reduces the learning curve involved in steaming milk, but it also puts a cap on how finely bubbled and silky you can texture your milk (latte art will be a struggle).

You can remove this sleeve if you want to make silkier steamed milk, however, this will make it more difficult to control your milk’s texture.

You can see a video of someone explaining how Delonghi Dinamica’s panarello steam wand works below (watch from 2:50 – 3:35):

Steam Wand Pros

Machines with steam wands are cheaper than ones with automatic milk frothers.

You have more control over your milk’s texture with a steam wand than with an automatic milk frother.

Steam wands are easier to keep clean than automatic milk frothers.

You can, with enough practice, make latte art.

Steam Wand Cons

There is more of a learning curve with a steam wand than with an automatic milk frother.

You cannot rely on preset textures so you tend to get less consistency with your milk foam.

I’d only recommend coffee machines with a LatteCrema system if you are interested in making drinks with cold milk foam. Only the Delonghi Eletta Explore can do this. You cannot make cold milk foam with a steam wand. If you have no interest in making drinks with cold milk foam then I’d recommend models with a steam wand as these are cheaper, give you more control over your milk texture, and are easier to keep clean.

The table below shows the type of milk steaming systems that each of the super automatics features in this article has.

What Types of Coffee Do You Want to Make?

Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines vary in their number of menu items, and they get more expensive as this number goes up. Try not to overspend on a machine that has lots of menu items you’ll never use.

While having dozens of different drink presets may sound impressive, it’s important to remember that the only difference between a lot of these espresso-based drinks is their volume of milk.

You can therefore recreate a lot of menu items just by adjusting milk volume.

Having a lot of menu items is therefore often an excuse for a manufacturer to overcharge for an espresso machine. 

I’d generally recommend not to pay too much attention to the number of menu items a machine offers and instead look at its more basic functionalities like:

• Number of milk textures offered.
• Number of black coffee styles offered.
• Can it make cold foam?

These variables more accurately describe what you can do with your machine than its number of menu items.

The table below shows the types of coffee and milk that each of the super automatics featured in this article can make:

What Type of User Interface Do You Want to Use?

Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines have one of three user interfaces:

• Dial operated: The dials are poorly labeled, generally using arbitrary notches to denote increases and decreases. You will need to go through the machine’s manual to work out how to use the machine (especially with regard to its more complex functionalities like descaling).

• Button operated: Buttons are labeled with symbols so you may well have to go through the machine’s manual to work out what they all mean. They look and feel nicer than the antiquated dial-operated UI however.

• Touch screen: These will have a touch screen and buttons. They are significantly easier to use than button and dial-operated machines but tend to add between $500 – $1,000 to a machine’s price tag.

I think that button-operated control panels offer the best balance between value and usability.

The table below shows the three super-automatic espresso machines featured in this article’s user interface:

Do You Care About User Profiles?

More expensive Delonghi super automatics will have user profiles that will adjust your default coffee customization based on the profile selected.

You only need this if there are going to be lots of you using the machine such as in a large household or office.

Additional user profiles tend to push up the cost of these machines, so be wary of not overspending on user profiles that you aren’t going to use.

The table below shows the number of user profiles that each of the super automatics featured in this article has:

What Do All Delonghi Super Automatic Espresso Machines Have in Common?

I’m going to run through what all Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines have in common so you don’t overpay for a certain feature that you can get on a cheaper machine.

Brewing System

All Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines use the same integrated burr grinder and brew unit. This means that they all make the same quality of espresso.

This is why I tend to recommend more affordable Delonghi models.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking a $2,500 model will make better-tasting espresso than a $500 model.

It probably won’t.

Available Milk Textures and Volume (If Using Automatic Milk Frother)

All Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines use the same LatteCrema milk-steaming system. This means they all produce the same quality of steamed milk.

All Delonghi espresso machines that use an automatic milk frother will:

• Steam milk to three textures
• Steam all the milk in your container, or until you press its “stop” button.

The only exception to this is the Delonghi Eletta Explore which can make cold milk foam (it’s the only Delonghi machine that can do this).

Again, don’t be fooled into thinking that a more expensive model will make better quality milk foam than a cheaper one.

Steam Wand Quality (If Applicable)

All Delonghi super-automatic machines with steam wands use the same type of steam wand. They all, therefore, produce the same quality of steamed milk.

They all use panarello steam wands. I’ve explained the advantages and drawbacks of these earlier.

Again, don’t be fooled into thinking that a more expensive model will produce better-steamed milk than a cheaper one.

Cleaning Process

All Delonghi super automatics automate rinsing the machine’s internal components.

This means that the only cleaning that you need to do is:

• Emptying and washing its used coffee grounds container (once every few days)
• Emptying the drip tray (once every few weeks)
• Descaling the machine (whenever the descale warning light goes off)

Models with automatic milk frothers also require you to clean their milk tanks after each use.

Durability and Warranty

Delonghi super-automatic espresso machines tend to be very durable and all come with two-year warranties.

This warranty extends to three years if you register the machine.

Delonghi super automatics seem to be much more durable than those made by Philips, for example.

I could find lots of Delonghi espresso machine reviews on Reddit that said that their machines lasted over five years.

Best Delonghi Manual Espresso Machine: Delonghi ECP3630

Espresso Quality

The Delonghi ECP3630 can make decent, but not amazing espresso. It’s a step up from Nespresso espresso, but nowhere near coffee shop quality.

The ECP3630’s lack of pump pressure and use of pressurized portafilter baskets means that it was designed to brew a consistently decent espresso with pre-ground coffee.

You’ll always get an above-average shot with the ECP3630, but you’ll never get a great shot.

I wouldn’t bother using freshly ground coffee with this machine, it’s designed for people brewing with pre-ground coffee.

If you want to brew with freshly ground coffee then instead go for a more premium machine from Gaggia or Breville.

Espresso Quality Rating: 5/10

Steamed Milk Quality

The Delonghi ECP3630 allows you to easily make thicker and finer milk foam. Its milk steaming is by far the highlight of the machine.

The Delonghi ECP3630 is the only affordable Delonghi espresso machine that has a steam wand with two settings – one for hot milk and one for milk foam.

This gives you far more control over your steamed milk texture than similarly priced Delonghi models like the Delonghi ECP3420. 

Its hot milk is great for smooth lattes and cafe au lait, whereas its milk foam setting is perfect for a cappuccino.

Even though the ECP3630’s espresso is middling, its versatile steam wand makes it an ideal machine for people who will mainly drink milk-based drinks.

Steamed Milk Quality Rating: 8/10

Ease of Use 

The Delonghi ECP3630 is easy to make espresso and steam milk with. You will struggle to properly “dial in” the machine, but it’s not designed for super precise brewing anyway.

The Delonghi ECP360’s control panel makes using the machine really simple. You can see how this all works below:

You need to start and stop brewing yourself. 

This, coupled with the fact that there isn’t enough room to easily fit a scale under your machine, means that it’s hard to dose your espresso with any real accuracy.

Again, this is not a machine for espresso hobbyists looking to create the perfect shot. It’s designed to be as easy as possible for beginners to use.

Its steam wand’s dual settings make it about as easy to use as a steam wand can get. This again makes the machine very suitable for beginners.

Ease of Use Rating: 8/10

Value for Money

The Delonghi ECP3630 is the best machine available at its price.

The ECP3630 costs under $200. That is very cheap for a manual espresso machine.

No other manual machine at this price lets you make two milk textures as easily as the Delonghi ECP3630. 

This alone means the machine offers excellent value for money.

Value for Money Rating: 9/10

Delonghi ECP3630 Pros

Its pressurized portafilter baskets allow you to brew a decent espresso pre-ground coffee without needing to measure everything out.

It can allow you to steam milk to multiple textures easily.

It’s more durable than many espresso machines in its price range.

Delonghi ECP3630 Cons

It does not tell you when it needs to be descaled.

It does not dose out your brewing water automatically. This makes it hard to be precise with your brewing.

Delonghi Manual Espresso Machines to Avoid

I would NOT recommend the majority of Delonghi’s manual espresso machines. These include:

Delonghi Dedica Range 

This includes the Delonghi Dedica Arte and Dedica Deluxe. 

These machines offer poor value for money. 

They are only slightly cheaper than the Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus and Gaggia Classic range despite making far worse espresso than both these machines.

Delonghi La Specialista Range

These are Delonghi manual espresso machines with built-in grinders. They include the Delonghi La Specialista Arte and Delonghi La Specialista Maestro.

The grinders on these machines suck and prevent them from making good espresso. 

They also aren’t cheap which adds insult to injury once you realize that their grinders aren’t up to scratch.

If you want an espresso machine with a built-in grinder then I’d recommend the Breville Barista Pro.

Best Delonghi Combination Espresso Machine: Delonghi Combination Coffee Maker COM532M

Drinks Quality

The Delonghi COM532M can make decent espresso and drip coffee but doesn’t do a fantastic job with either of these.

Its espresso brewing system is identical to the Delonghi ECP3630, meaning that it’s designed to make passable shots with pre-ground coffee. It will never emulate coffee shop espresso.

Its drip coffee is a similar story. While it’s not terrible, it’s a fair way off what you’d get from the best drip coffee makers such as the Technivorm Moccamaster or Bonavita coffee maker.

I do like how the COM532M has a dual-setting milk frother (the same one that the ECP3630 has). 

This means that you can easily make both lattes and cappuccinos with the Delonghi COM532M.

Drinks Quality Rating: 6/10

User Friendliness

The Delonghi COM532M has a clean, simple user interface, however, I don’t like the fact that you have to measure out your water for every coffee that you make individually.

The Delonghi COM532M’s user interface is very self-explanatory as you can see in the image below:

It has a dual heating system so you can pull a shot and brew a carafe of coffee at the same time if you want. 

Its auto-on feature allows the coffee machine to brew drip coffee at a predetermined time (it cannot make espresso in advance in the same way, however).

The machine’s only drawback as far as user-friendliness is concerned is that there is no automatic dosing for espresso shots, and there are no clear markings on its water tank.

This means that you need to measure out your water for every drink you make with this machine.

User Friendliness Rating: 7/10

Value for Money

The Delonghi COM532M offers middling value for money. 

The machine is basically the aforementioned Delonghi ECP3630 combined with an entry-level drip coffee maker.

The COM532M costs a fair bit more than the sum total of these two machines – you’re essentially paying a premium to have all these functionalities in one machine.

To be fair to Delonghi, all “all in one” machines are overpriced in this way, and the Delonghi COM532 is not more expensive than other similar machines.

For more on these types of machines, please see my roundup of the best dual coffee makers.

Value for Money Rating: 6/10

Delonghi COM532M Pros

It’s the only Delonghi espresso machine that can make large carafes of drip coffee.

It is more durable than the majority of all-in-one coffee machines.

Its steam wand has modes for steaming and frothing milk.

Delonghi COM532M Cons

It has no measurements on its water tank so you need to measure out your water before you put it in the machine.

Neither its espresso nor drip coffee are outstanding (it’s a jack of all trades, master of none machine).

Best Delonghi Espresso Machine: Final Thoughts

Delonghi makes excellent super-automatic espresso machines across the board, as well as good entry-level manual espresso machines.

If you want a super-automatic espresso machine then I’d recommend:

• Delonghi Dinamica if you want a super-automatic with a manual steam wand.
• Delonghi ESAM 3300 if you want a super-automatic for under $500.
• Delonghi Eletta Explore if you want a super-automatic with an automatic milk frother.

If you want a manual (semi-automatic) espresso machine then I’d recommend:

• Delonghi ECP3630 if you want an inexpensive machine that does the basics well.

I DO NOT recommend Delonghi’s more premium manual espresso machines. Instead, I’d recommend:

• Breville Bambino Plus if you want a manual espresso machine without a grinder.
• Breville Barista Pro if you want a manual espresso machine with an integrated grinder.

If you want a Delonghi espresso machine that can also make large carafes of drip coffee then your only option is the Delonghi COM532M.