We bought one of the most popular espresso machines in the world - DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685

Here is our first thoughts and consumer product overview of the popular coffee machine DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685 - does it really make such a good espresso?

After a very thorough research which lasted for about couple of weeks, we finally decided on which would be our next espresso machine - the DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685. 

If you are keen on making or drinking coffee at home, there is no way that you haven't heard about the Dedica Style series which got extremely popular around the world. And to be honest, we ignored it the very first times we saw it in stores just because it was too expensive for a simple espresso machine.

Now that the prices have dropped and the Dedica Style is much more affordable, we decided to give it a try and the machine is already in our kitchen. 

The espresso maker research

As mentioned in the beginning, we did quite a comprehensive research since we wanted not only to buy a coffee machine but to make an upgrade to an already existing espresso maker that we have at home - the budget NEO ES-30. 

If you follow our blog regularly you probably remember that we got the KRUPS GENIO S PLUS KP3408 coffee pods machine which is quite good but not a long term solution. And don't get us wrong, the variety of drinks that these types of machines is great and they are also quite compact and easy to use but the quality is far from what we want to achieve for our coffee drinks at home.

During our research for a brand new espresso machine, probably the biggest competitor was the KRUPS Virtuoso XP442C11. On paper that is pretty much the same machine as our DeLonghi - 15 bar, good looks, compact size and almost the same price. But the deal-breaker here were the consumer reviews that we checked online and the feedback that we got in the electronics store. 

And not that we believe that the KRUPS Virtuoso is a bad espresso maker but the confidence in the opinions we heard about the Dedica Style made us take the chance and directly buy it.

In addition to that we also consider the fact that Dedica Style has stylish timeless design and feels quite solid compared to some more compact and lighter competitors.

Other competitors in this segment that you may also consider are:

1. Breville Bambino Plus: This espresso machine is priced similarly to the DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685 and is known for its fast heat-up time and consistent extraction. It has a compact design and comes with a milk frothing jug and tamper.
2. Gaggia Classic Pro: The Gaggia Classic Pro is a slightly more expensive option than the DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685 but is known for its high-quality build and durability. It has a classic design and is easy to use, making it a popular choice among home baristas.
3. Rancilio Silvia: The Rancilio Silvia is a higher-end option than the DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685 but is known for its professional-grade build quality and consistent extraction. It has a large water tank and a steam wand for frothing milk.
4. Sage Barista Express: The Sage Barista Express is a popular all-in-one espresso machine that includes a built-in grinder. It has a large water tank and a powerful steam wand for frothing milk. It is priced higher than the DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685 but offers more features.
5. Nespresso Creatista Plus: The Nespresso Creatista Plus is a capsule-based espresso machine that is known for its easy operation and consistent results. It comes with a milk frother and allows for customization of milk temperature and texture. It is priced higher than the DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685 but is a good option for those who want a more automated and streamlined experience.

DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685 - detailed product specifications

Enough talking about the competition, now lets focus on the DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685 and what it has to offer:

General Specifications:

• Brand: DeLonghi
• Model: Dedica Style EC 685
• Type: Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
• Dimensions: 33 x 14.9 x 30.3 cm
• Weight: 4.2 kg
• Power: 1300 Watts
• Pump Pressure: 15 bar
• Boiler: Stainless steel

Features:

• Thermoblock heating system for fast heat-up time
• 3-in-1 filter holder to accommodate single, double and ESE pods
• Integrated tamper
• Adjustable cappuccino system for perfect milk froth
• Cup warmer
• Auto shut-off function after 9 minutes of inactivity

Controls:

• Manual control panel with illuminated buttons
• On/Off button with automatic stand-by function
• Single and double shot buttons
• Steam knob for manual frothing

Capacity:

• Water Tank Capacity: 1.1 liters
• Bean Hopper Capacity: N/A
• Used Grounds Container Capacity: 14 servings

Accessories:

• Filter baskets for single and double shots
• ESE pod filter basket
• Tamper
• Measuring spoon
• User manual

Warranty:

• 2-year warranty

You get standard accessories included in the box. It made us really good impression how well was everything packaged in a nice sturdy box. The machine itself is heavy and leaves the impression of a well made product.

Our first cups of coffee

No matter how good the specs are, it wouldn't matter if the coffee isn't good. But it is. We first tested the DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685 with one double espresso and one cappuccino and both came out great. The machine heats up quite fast and it has a cup-warming tray on top to ensure you get a hot dink when you need one. 

The coffee we used for our first test was 100% Arabica but we will definitely try more brands, styles and flavors. 

The results - we got relatively creamy espresso with rich aroma and great tasting cappuccino. Compared to the budget machine we have previously used or the coffee pods machine, we would definitely give the advantage to the Dedica Style. So far pretty much happy with the results. 

The control panel consists of 3 main buttons - for single dose, two cups and steamer for cappuccino. 

DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685 espresso machine - our first video review

Other thoughts

For the price of around $200 the Dedica Style is definitely a kitchen tool that is worth the money. 

Even though it is making a pretty good coffee probably we would skip on the purchase if it was more expensive, just because we think over $200 is way too much for a decent espresso machine.