De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe Automatic Espresso Machine

Verdict

A compact, attractive step-up machine that makes reliably drinkable espresso with convenient one-button operation and programmable shot volumes. It’s pricey for its class and can clog with very fine grinds, but it’s a solid buy if you want noticeably better results than entry-level pump machines without jumping to premium gear.

Pros

  • Speed & time-to-cup ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.7
  • Popularity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.6
    Remains one of De’Longhi’s most popular entry-level espresso machines, frequently recommended thanks to its compact size and strong community support (mods, forums, accessories).
  • Design, ergonomics & footprint ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.5
  • Assembly & Setup ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.4
  • Cup, tray & carafe handling ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.4
  • Capsules, pods & consumables ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.2
  • Value & Price ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.1
  • Espresso & beverage quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.0
  • Water system, maintenance & descaling ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.0
  • Brewing performance & consistency ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 3.9
    Can brew consistently drinkable espresso for an entry-level thermoblock machine, with repeatability boosted by programmable shot volumes; default volumes may run long and need tuning, and very fine grinds can disrupt consistency by clogging.
  • Milk, steam & frothing ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 3.9
  • Overall user experience ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 3.9
    Day-to-day use is generally enjoyable and reliable once you learn the workflow, but the experience is held back by quirks like waiting after shots (no 3-way valve) and maintenance steps that aren’t especially intuitive without a refresher.
  • Capacity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.8
    The removable rear water tank holds about 37 oz (1.1 L), providing a moderate capacity that’s easy to remove, refill, and reseat.
  • Filter ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.7
    Ships with pressurized baskets that make dialing-in forgiving and also includes an E.S.E. pad basket; many owners upgrade to precision baskets (like IMS) for better extraction quality once paired with a capable grinder.
  • Pump pressure consistency ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.7
    Despite 15-bar marketing, real peak pressure is described closer to ~12 bar and the system is capped; with proper dosing and grind, users can aim for more espresso-appropriate pressures (around 8–9 bar) while maintaining reliable shot-to-shot behavior.
  • Build quality & durability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.6

Cons

  • Heating-element power ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.1
    Temperature performance is generally steadier than low-cost rivals (often around the mid-200s F), but it isn’t flawless—occasional dips or spikes can occur, so preheating and stable workflow help.
  • Accessories ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.0
    Included accessories are functional but basic—especially the flimsy scoop/tamper—so many owners quickly upgrade to a better tamper and precision basket; the aftermarket ecosystem is extensive with baskets, portafilters, distribution tools, and other add-ons.
  • Design flaws ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 2.6
    Notable drawbacks include a tendency to clog with very fine grinds (no-flow stalls), occasional temperature inconsistency, and weaker light-roast results versus premium machines—quirks that can frustrate users chasing higher-end espresso.
  • Grinder, hopper & dosing system ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 2.3
  • Accuracy of marketing claims ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 1.9
    Marketing around 15-bar pressure is treated as hype: measurements are described closer to ~12 bar max and the reviewer argues higher pressure isn’t desirable for espresso, so buyers should focus on dialing-in and cup results rather than headline specs.