Super-automatic machines

What Separates De'Longhi's Espresso Machine Lines?

Published · By the Espresso Shortlist editors · Prices and specs as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

De'Longhi splits its US machines into two catalogs. On the manual side (Stilosa, Dedica, La Specialista) you still fill a portafilter and lock it in, even on La Specialista models that grind, tamp, or froth for you. On the automatic side (Magnifica, Rivelia, Eletta, PrimaDonna) the machine makes the drink after a button press. Prices on the two sides overlap from $699.95 to $1,299.95, so within that range you are choosing how to make coffee, not a price tier.

Two catalogs under one name

De'Longhi's US site lists 16 machines as manual espresso machines and 12 as automatic. "Manual" here covers a wide range. The Stilosa ($149.95) has a stainless steel boiler and a manual milk frother. The Dedica Maestro Plus ($499.95) has no grinder but adds an automatic steam wand with 3 temperatures and 3 foam textures. The La Specialista machines all have a built-in grinder.

On the automatic side, the milk system moves the price even within one model name. The Magnifica Evo with manual milk frothing is $749.95, and the Magnifica Evo with the LatteCrema System, which froths automatically, is $899.95. The Magnifica Start runs from $699.99 with manual frothing to $749.95 and $799.95 with LatteCrema, depending on color. Above those sit the Magnifica Duo ($999.95, hot and cold foam, 20 hot and iced recipes), Rivelia LatteCrema ($1,299.95), Eletta Explore ($1,999.95), and PrimaDonna Aromatic ($2,499.95).

Anyone searching for the Dinamica will find it named in De'Longhi's category copy, but no Dinamica model appears among the 12 automatic machines currently listed.

Inside La Specialista

PriceTampingMilkPreset drinks
Arte Evo$699.95Dosing and tamping guide with a metal tamperManual steam wand3
Opera$799.95Smart Tamping lever, 20 kg of pressureManual steam wandNone listed
Touch$799.95Precision tamper and dosing guide, up to 20 gAutomatic wand, 5 froth levels and 4 temperatures10
Maestro$1,299.95Smart Tamping leverLatteCrema Hot one-touch frothing plus a steam wand8

At $799.95 the Opera and the Touch split the work in opposite ways. The Opera tamps for you when you pull a lever and leaves the milk to you. The Touch froths the milk and leaves the tamp to you, with a tamper that gives feedback on the dose. The Maestro, at $1,299.95, is the one that does both. All four list cold brew in under five minutes using De'Longhi's Cold Extraction Technology.

Shopping for one? Browse available espresso gear →

Sources

  1. De'Longhi — Manual Espresso Machines
  2. De'Longhi — La Specialista Arte Evo (EC9250M)
  3. De'Longhi — La Specialista Opera (EC9555M)
  4. De'Longhi — La Specialista Touch (EC9455M)
  5. De'Longhi — La Specialista Maestro (EC9885M)
  6. De'Longhi — Dedica Maestro Plus (EC950M)
  7. De'Longhi — Fully Automatic Espresso Machines
  8. De'Longhi — Magnifica Duo

We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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