DeLonghi America, Inc EC685M Dedica Deluxe espresso, Silver Review

Customer Video Review Length:: 7:15 Mins

This is a good espresso machine that is consistent, simple, and small. There is some learning curve to get used to this machine, but once you have it, it only take 5 minutes from start to finish (cleaning) for a nice shot of espresso. The machine heats up quickly; it takes only 40 seconds to get started. But I start by warming up the filter and the cup by pulling an empty shot. I found that the water temperature gets slightly higher after the initial pull. The next step is getting the actual espresso shot. Most of the time, I do double shots, and it usually takes around 25~30 sec. For the single shot, it takes about 20 sec. (For comparison, Starbucksâ?? $180,00 fully automatic Mastrena machine takes 18~24 seconds for quad shots.) 30 seconds double shot is not bad for an entry level espresso machine, and I found the shot quality is consistent. Of course itâ??s not just the machine that makes a perfect shot of espresso, but when it comes to the quality of the shots, the machineâ??s consistency is critical. I found the default medium temperature is fine for me, but in the setting, I can also change the temperature to low, or high if needed.
I am not a latte/cappuccino drinker, so I don’t do steaming often, but when I do, this machine has no problem. I donâ??t get super creamy and velvety frothed milk, but it does its job (steaming milk). It takes about 60 seconds to get to around 160 degree. And the water needs to be purged right after steaming, before pulling the shots. Those are a few extra steps to go through, but it only takes about 20 seconds.

Overall, this is a nice little machine. It is only somewhat bigger than my Nespresso Pixie, and I like the compact design since it doesnâ??t take up so much counter top space. Recently my Pixie started leaking, and I got tired of buying costly â??capsulesâ?? from Nespresso. I also couldnâ??t find a reliable reusable nespresso filter. So in my defense, a manual machine like this could justify my decision. I was looking for a manual/semi automatic machine thatâ??s not too expensive and â??smallâ? with the ease of maintaining.
I think the machine is priced slightly high for what it is, but, nonetheless, I am satisfied with the shot quality I get. For a better price option, in my opinion, the previous 680 model is good option (currently at $235), and the only difference I found is the steaming wand. This newer version has steaming options for â??hot milkâ?? and â??cappuccinoâ?? and the 680 model doesnâ??t. Honestly, I donâ??t think this minor change is worth more than $100 price difference since milk steaming relies (not 100%) on the pitcher handling. But for americano, espresso con panna, straight espresso shots, or just simple latter and cappuccino, I am sure both models would do equally good job.