De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Latte & Cappuccino Maker
The De’Longhi Stilosa EC260BK is crafted to bring the café experience to your kitchen. Its compact footprint and stainless steel accents make it an elegant addition to any countertop. Featuring a 15-bar professional pressure system, this machine ensures optimal extraction for rich and flavorful espresso. Its manual milk frother allows users to craft creamy cappuccinos and lattes easily, offering versatility without the need for bulky, expensive machines. This entry-level espresso maker is ideal for beginners or those who appreciate a simple, reliable coffee routine.
Product Highlights & Features:
- 15-Bar Professional Pressure: Guarantees rich, full-bodied espresso with optimal flavor extraction.
- Manual Milk Frother: Stainless steel steam wand for frothing milk to create lattes and cappuccinos.
- Compact Design: Space-saving dimensions ideal for smaller kitchens and countertops.
- Stainless Steel Boiler: Durable and long-lasting boiler ensures consistent heating.
- Two-Level Cup Holder: Accommodates tall glasses or short espresso cups with ease.
- User-Friendly Control: Simple knob operation for brewing and steaming.
- Portafilter Included: Compatible with single or double espresso shots.
- Removable Water Tank: 33.8 oz capacity for easy refilling and cleaning.
- Elegant Black & Stainless Steel Finish: Stylish design to complement any kitchen décor.
Technical Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | De’Longhi |
| Model | EC260BK |
| Color | Black / Stainless Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 13.5 x 8.07 x 11.22 inches |
| Weight | 9.48 pounds |
| Pump Pressure | 15 Bars |
| Boiler Type | Stainless Steel |
| Water Tank Capacity | 33.8 oz (1 Liter) |
| Frother | Manual Stainless Steel Steam Wand |
| Cup Clearance | Adjustable (Two-Level Cup Holder) |
| Power | 1100 Watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Operation | Manual knob control |
| Included Accessories | Portafilter, measuring scoop/tamper |
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
✅ Compact and stylish design fits in any kitchen
✅ 15-bar pressure for excellent espresso extraction
✅ Manual milk frother enables creamy lattes and cappuccinos
✅ Easy to use, perfect for beginners
✅ Stainless steel boiler adds durability and longevity
✅ Affordable entry-level espresso machine
✅ Removable water tank simplifies refilling and cleaning
✅ Two-level cup holder for various cup sizes
Cons:
❌ Manual operation may not suit users seeking fully automatic convenience
❌ Frothing wand is basic and not suitable for intricate latte art
❌ Limited advanced features compared to higher-end models
❌ Plastic components may feel less premium
❌ Small water tank may require frequent refills for heavy use
Final Verdict:
The De’Longhi Stilosa EC260BK is a well-rounded, budget-friendly espresso machine designed for home users who appreciate good coffee but don’t need advanced features. It offers a robust 15-bar pressure pump, a simple frothing system, and a compact, elegant design perfect for small kitchens or apartments. While it lacks the automation or intricate steaming capabilities of premium machines, it more than makes up for it with reliable performance, ease of use, and excellent value for money. Ideal for beginners or casual coffee drinkers looking for café-style espresso and milk-based drinks at home.
Username –
Review
Rebecca R. McDonald –
I love it!
Great pressure for delicious foam cappuccinos.
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
UPDATED REVIEW – My Favorite purchase in the past 3 years!
Updated Review for the De’longhi Stilosa Espresso MachineThis is an update to my previous review. I have had my machine for several months now and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! BEST PURCHASE I HAVE MADE IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.There definitely is a learning curve if you are new to this, so it is trial and error on some things like:- how hard to tamp the ground espresso- not to overload the portafilter.- how much an ounce or two ounces is when pulling a shot- when to stop the shot because it is not automated- the ratio of milk to espresso to get the best taste for my preferences.I am obsessed with this machine! I drink lattes almost every day now instead of once or twice a month because of cost and having to go find a Starbucks.If you are new to espresso machines like I was it is a good idea to watch youtube videos, measure things properly like ounces of grind vs ounces of espresso shot, until you get used to it.But I have learned how to use this machine and can just eye amounts and get a perfect shot of espresso.I had to find a good decaffeinated espresso bean because I can’t have caffeine. I found a great brand here on amazon Allegro Decaff organic espresso beans.I am so glad I splurged and bought this.ORIGINAL REVIEWI love my new De’longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine.The Good…1. Price Point is Great ..This will pay for itself within a year by making lattes at home instead of going to starbucks2. Very Basic Machine for beginners easy to understand how it works…plus there are youtube videos on how this machine works.3. I don’t have to leave the house for a latte!4. It seems to be really well made and good qualityCONS1. It doesn’t come with the espresso shot glasses or the milk frothing cup so you have to buy these seperatly.2. the tamper included is really just a piece of plastic and a waste so you need to buy one..and it really does affect how your espresso comes out. so buy a good one3. The machine is NOT AUTOMATED! what does this mean???This means you cannot just touch a button and a shot of espresso comes out & your done…NO.. You have to start the espresso drip and watch it to see when you need to turn it off. otherwise it will just keep dripping through like coffee and you will ruin your shot of espresso. Learning how to pull an espresso shot and timing it and guessing when it is done is a learning process.It seems to me that it should be automated. That would be a basic requirement for me.if I had known it was not automated I probably would not have bought it. I don’t even know if higher end machines have an automated system or not, but as a beginner it would have been really great to have.OVERALL-Good PurchaseSo it takes practice learning to pull a shot of espresso, getting the best grind of beans, tamping it down, how much water to use…It’s a whole process, but it is fun to learn. There is a lot more involved than I realized. I made 5 shots before I started to get the timing and measurements right. I hope to continue to get better at this, and it was a great birthday gift to myself.
122 people found this helpful
Megan Griffin –
Small but mighty!
We’ve only had this machine two weeks but I can say this little thing is such a great buy. It makes wonderful little cups of espresso or cappuccino’s in minutes. It’s small but mighty. I was looking for a no frills easy machine for beginners that wouldn’t take up too much counter space and it is exactly that! I can tell it will last a long time and is a great price. Don’t sleep on this one!
One person found this helpful
dback021 –
Makes really good espresso
Makes a surprisingly good espresso. We used to have La Marzocco machines at the office, and I bought thought this machine for use at home, expecting it to be a pretty big compromise by comparison. But actually it’s great. Makes much better espresso than 95% of coffee shops. I use it in conjunction with a Fellow Opus grinder and Trader Joe’s organic Peruvian Blend coffee beans (they’re not espresso beans). I also upgraded to a bottomless portafilter.Do I plan to upgrade to a beautiful, chrome-plated machine sometime in the future? Sure. But that’s less about the flavor of the shot and more about getting to use a beautiful piece of equipment every day.
Amazon Customer –
Great Espresso Machine
Loved Everything about this Espresso machine
RobynRobyn –
Exceptional machine on a budget!
I don’t do a lot of reviews but this little espresso machine is totally deserving of one! Over the holidays I discovered a seasonal “Peanut Butter Ball” cappuccino at a local shop! I was immediately addicted! I knew I needed to learn to make them at home. Not wanting to spend a lot of money until I was sure I could recreate it, I bought this De’Longhi. Imagine my surprise when it did an absolutely amazing job! I think my recreation is better than the shop version! 😉 I use it every day, sometimes twice a day & it performs beautifully! Very simple to operate (I watched a video) & fast. I would highly recommend this little machine! Great job, De’Longhi!
One person found this helpful
AlJab –
I ordered it in the morning and it arrived a few hours! WOW
Great seller. Delivered it within hours. I like the machine.
One person found this helpful
Poncho King –
Perfection
I’ve been using this daily for a year and a half, and make two double cappuccinos every morning. It took me a bit to perfect the drink to my taste, but now that I know how much espresso to put in how long to pull, its really something that I look forward to. The lavazza Italiano beans are delicious!
Leo –
Thoroughly impressed although I started skeptical.
I got this about 8 months ago now. I did a lot of research and finally took a chance on this one. So many had mixed reviews it made the decision pretty hard. I read reviews for some in a slightly higher price point and this one seemed comparable. Now that I’ve made 300+ drinks with it I’m sold.-It pulls consistent quality shots (even better if you pack a shot correctly) with amazing crema.-It warms up pretty fast, about 60 seconds-The frother has taken an ABSOLUTE beating and still works perfectly. Rinse your rubber tip after used and it’ll do you well-you can flip right from steam to brew after you froth your milkNow.. I would prefer an all metal cup, and may eventually replace it. It can vibrate a good bit so maybe watch your shot cup in case it moves.Tips- keep the rubber steamer tip clean. It pulls off and pops on very easily. I just run it under hot water.-protect what’s under the machine with a mat of some sort. (Say if its on an old, restored cabinet like ours)-when you FIRST open the valve to steam, let it run 2 full seconds or so then close it. It will bleed off the water so you don’t end up with that in your milk. Then when you open it again to steam it won’t spit water.
4 people found this helpful
Dr. A –
the best expresso maker in over six we used in 10 years
the best expresso maker in over six we used in 10 years.Is working great for over a year now.
Michelle WoldMichelle Wold –
Espresso🤍Coffee Bar
The Epresso machine compliments our coffee bar well…making homemade caramel machiato’s and other crafted drinks easy to make and delicious to drink. Easy to clean, fits well on the coffee bar, machine is very well made.
sara –
Best gift
I won Christmas with this gift it’s quick and easy . The taste was great!
HFL –
Great Espresso Machine
Works great. The separate water tank is a whole lot easier then the one i used to have that you had to unscrew the top from the tank, fill it with water, make the espresso, then wait for it to cool down before you could open it to add more water. This one is so much easier to use. It made perfect foam on top. Yes, there is a more correct term but i will just call it foam. The espresso that it made tasted great. I highly recommend this machine. Unless you are a serious espresso phanatic, then you probably would never be satisfied with a machine that cost less then a grand. But for the rest of us this machine is easy to use, instructions are excellent, and the resulting espresso tastes great.
F –
Best coffee I ever f’in made!
This espresso machine is the best tasting coffee I ever f’in made! The manual pouring option lets you choose how much water to brew. If used without heating up completely, it can even make it with cooler water to change how the coffee turns out! I haven’t even tried the froth feature yet because it’s so good!
Willie –
In LOVE with this machine!!!
I’m an official coffee snob. I liked my last espresso machine, but I decided to upgrade when it stopped working. I wanted a solid machine that made smooth coffee with the coffee caramel on top that you get from the coffee shops. I’m not talking about the sugar stuff. I’m talking about the coffee foam that comes from a great brewed cup of coffee. Well, this one did it and the coffee tastes great. I couldn’t be happier. The machine is SOLID. It’s built to last, it has weight to it, and the pieces are made good, too. It brews an awesome quality cup of coffee that can compete with the best coffee shops. The steamer works great, too. What I like about it, too, is the piece that you put the coffee grounds into is solid, and is balanced, to where it stands up when you lay it on the counter to fill it up with the grounds. This machine won’t let you down.
Wendy L –
Absolutely Fantastic
The espresso tastes great. It comes out hot. Easy to learn how to use. YOU control the length of the coffee pour!The steamer is different than others I have tried. It’s configuration increases the amount of foam produced! Perfect for cappuccino. It’s quick too.It is compact and doesn’t take up much counter space.The only thing that is a little difficult is that it takes effort to get the cup handle for the grounds into place.Far better than machines I have tried at twice the price!
ScottAScottA –
Surprisingly good performance for a budget machine
I bought this machine to keep at a relative’s house for when I visit. I chose it for affordability and because counter space was very limited. It’s all I could have asked for and more. Out of the box, i.e., as-is, it’s a good performer. The espresso shots came out well with some crema and good flavor. The steamed milk was ok, but the foam was quite dry, i.e., airy, not creamy and smooth. Compared to my home machine, an E61 heat exchanger semi-pro machine at almost 15x the cost, I couldn’t be more happy with the espresso. By heeding advice from various forums, and removing the mental tube over the silicone steam wand, I was able to get wet foam, i.e., creamy smooth. It wasn’t as good as my home machine, but a major improvement. It still took about 30 seconds or maybe a little longer to steam 3 oz of milk in a 12 oz pitcher, even though with the metal wand cover removed, you can see just how much steam pressure this little machine generates. If you want to improve still further, you might want to get a bottomless portafilter to replace the plastic-and-cheap-metal pressurized portafilter that comes with the Stilosa, not that there’s anything terribly wrong with the standard one. Using a common non-pressurized portafilter gave me a somewhat better tasting shot of espresso, not a huge difference though, like the steam wand trick. Just be sure to get a 51mm portafilter with two “ears”, not three! As you can see I also got a 51mm tamper to replace the cheap plastic tamper-scoop tool that came with it. There’s one more improvement I may do in the future: replace the steam wand altogether with one made for the Rancilio Silvia machine. It’s a lot of work, but the results are said to be amazing. Bottom line: this is a great little machine if you’re getting started with espresso or for limited space, occasional use, and the like.
6 people found this helpful
Coleman –
Solid machine, great for beginners
This was my first espresso machine, and I really didn’t want to break the bank getting one. However NYT said this one was simple and still very capable, and I have found the same! I actually really like how manual it is, gives you control to experiment and very few moving parts. It takes some practice but I love my lattes at home now. I upgraded the portafilter to a bottomless one and I would recommend that, even though that can be a bit tricky to get right. Highly recommend!
One person found this helpful
Judy at Whidbey Island –
A great latte maker!
A wonderful latte maker for home use… makes delicious lattes for a very reasonable price!
Kindle Customer –
Very happy with this
I’m new to making espresso myself, but an inveterate espresso snob. (Lived in Italy, now live in the SF Bay Area and have been spoiled for many years with artisan freshly roasted coffee pulled by masterful baristas.)I was excited about starting to pull my own shots, but had low expectations both of an entry level manual machine and of my own capabilities. I have to say, this machine has been absolutely delightful, and this is much easier than I thought. My first shots of espresso were delicious enough to sip straight. I have no desire to ever again drive somewhere and wait in line to pay $7 for an espresso drink. I have no complaints whatsoever about the espresso or the milk. In the weeks I’ve had it it’s been very easy to make drinks just as good as the drinks at the top tier fancy ass roaster and cafe where I buy my beans. My sweetheart is in raptures with my lattes.I bought my own tamper (HIGHLY RECOMMEND), and a milk frothing jug as that’s not included. Tamper came with a dosing funnel, which I like using (although wouldn’t say it’s crucial). Buying a knockbox next.Suggestions:Experiment with timing to see what tastes best to you. Taste your espresso black. Just a sip if you don’t prefer straight coffee, but you need to know what the base of your drinks is really like in order to make excellent drinks. Well made espresso from good beans should be tart but not bitter, and never ashy or burned.Read the manual.If you don’t read the manual, know that you need to pull all your shots before you froth milk, because you need to let the machine cool off after frothing milk or your next shot can be burned.Buy decaf beans too, so you can drink more coffee, and experiment with it more.And most importantly: always, always buy the fancy ass coffee beans. Freshly roasted ( within 3-5 days!), high quality. (I also want fair trade and organic). If you don’t live by a roaster, buy beans green and toast them yourself! It’s a whole hobby. Coffee starts to go stale days after it’s roasted. Two weeks out is like old bread compared to fresh. And always grind your beans just before you make your drink. Another reviewer complained about crema with this machine. Not a concern if you have the right beans and the right grind! Thick and luscious.Anyway, this machine sold me on home espresso drinks! It’s small enough for my tiny kitchen, makes stellar espressos and cappuccinos and lattes when fed good beans, and doesn’t feel like something I need to upgrade anytime soon now that I’m into doing this.
34 people found this helpful
J. Loomis –
Best value/entry level espresso machine
I am so surprised how well this cheap little machine makes great espresso and steamed milk. To be fair a lot of items NEED to be upgraded. But at this price spending a few bucks on upgrades is still a steal. Upgrades you NEED to make are, basket, steam wand, stainless milk frothing pitcher and tamper. Nice to have upgrades are porta filter, puck screen, distribution tool and dosing funnel.
micah b. –
Just what ya need!
Exactly as advertised & expected. Works perfectly and is a great value for the price, considering other brands. Also, the size is a perfect fit for my kitchen counter without taking up too much space. I recommend looking up a few videos or pointers to making espresso. This machine is probably the best option for intro/beginner espresso makers.
2 people found this helpful
nilsa laboy –
My first espresso machine
My first espresso machine and it is great! You have to wait 6 minutes in between brews but it’s not an issue. I make a cup every morning and use the frother for my milk. It’s easy to take apart and clean. No issues so far. Would recommend.
One person found this helpful
Juan Carlos Villa J. –
Buena máquina
Hace un expreso delicioso. La he probado para capuccino y me ha gustado. Es una máquina compacta. Me ha gustado. Recomendada
Ece HEce H –
Work very well
The media could not be loaded.
It took a while to work but I think you gotta make sure the water tank is connected well to the pump. After I fixed that it started to work. I made a nice cappuccino for myself and enjoyed it a lot. I think this machine is great for beginners. Nothing too complicated and quite cheap. I believe this is a better option than capsule coffees. Tasted great.
One person found this helpful
Pastora Miret NAME_NOT_RETURNED –
Cafetera elegante, rápida bonita y de ” marca”
Elegante cafetera y muy satisfecho como cuela el café ☕️
Jamilette ArroyoJamilette Arroyo –
DeLonghi Espresso Machine
Have to say it is the best one I’ve had. Bought a different one on Amazon and cost a lot more and it was difficult to use. This DeLonghi is so easy to use and quick to make.
One person found this helpful
Ana Arias Rodriguez –
Saber lo que quieres
Antes de tenerla el café me quedaba muy malo ahora si me queda perfecto una de mis mejores compras
Heather Wade –
I Love This Machine!
So I read some bad reviews and was reluctant to choose this machine but my 3rd Bella steam machine died, and had to get something new. I chose a used one because of the savings. It arrived on time, and had all its parts except it was missing one rubber foot on the bottom. No worries, I just removed the other one, so now it has two rubber feet in the back and none in the front. Makes it easier to slide on the counter but still has some grip. Ok so I made my first shot using the two shot basket, and no bueno. Weak, weak sauce. I took the larger capacity basket from my Bella and put it in the portafilter, and tried again. This time, a little less crema, but wow the double shot is amazing. I also used my old carafe to measure the double shot so I knew when to stop brewing. Now the steamer. You have to take off the big metal piece, and then zip tie the rubber piece so it’s secure. Run the steamer a bit to get the excess water out or it will mess up the milk. Once I had done that, wow, the milk steamed up beautifully in no time flat. Yes, this is a cheaper machine but with a couple modifications you can pull shots like a pro!!! I definitely suggest getting a non pressurized, larger capacity portafilter basket otherwise your shots will be weak. As for pump quality and heat, this machine does just fine and will save you money in the long run.
6 people found this helpful
EMY JOHANA SANCHEZ –
Amo la marca
Perfecta para casa, al café queda delicioso ❣️.
Craig Boydell –
Makes a very nice Espresso!
I’ve had it for over a year and use it daily. Excellent espresso with no fuss. Steamer works very well also, better than my far more expensive Saeco unit.
2 people found this helpful
Erin Truxell –
This works beautifully
Coming from the Seattle area to small Farm town I was craving a latte. We have Starbucks but the price for a cup is awful. I broke down and ordered a espresso machine from Amazon. It was a joke and the price was really good though. Now a.know why. It lasted a whole month before it bit the dust. So I went searching again and bought a.DeLongi espresso machine fit my description and was on sale. Out popped a really easy to work machine. Hubby is now hooked too. I stumble to the kitchen and start my day with my expresso that out does start bucks couldn’t. When you look for.a machine look to.see what is included. You will likely need a small carafe and possibly a milk frother. All of these are available at Amazon. Then the syrup.and what flavors you like.. There is a 4 pack with a good combination of basic flavors. This is not a cheap hobby to start with. Wal-Mart seems to have a good selection and then what coffee company to see what is the best coffee. Once you find out what is best. I stuck with Starbucks because I know brand. This is not the cheapest but one of the best. Have fun playing with different brands and flavors. You won’t be disappointed.
3 people found this helpful
Rob –
Great value
This machine is amazing. I’m sure that there are better ones but you won’t find a better one at this price. So far, I’ve had this machine about eight months and it hasn’t failed me yet.
Davestr –
Buy if Willing to Put in the Effort
This is a review of De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso MachineBottom line up front: Good beginner espresso machine at the sale price of $85. If you are willing to dip your toe in the espresso making waters at home and you have the time and patience, buy it. If you want a quick, hassle-free cup of joe, look elsewhere (I’m thinking drip, pour over, Nespresso, etc.).Amazon shipping: Amazon shipped it in its original box with a shipping label slapped on it. This arrived on the front porch, so beware. De’Longhi’s packaging was good. The machine was packaged in a pasteboard inside the box making it recyclable (no styrofoam).The good: It does what it says. I have not previously made any espresso drinks. I have about two weeks of experience and it makes espresso. Follow the directions (more on direction in “the bad”), use espresso coffee and you’ll get an acceptable shot of espresso (see learning section). The milk frother works after some practice. This machine is manual. You start the flow of water and then you stop the flow of water. You switch to steam and use the switch on the side to froth your milk. This is good because you are in control.The bad: Well it requires some education on how to make espresso and what exactly a shot of espresso is and a cappuccino recipe.The directions are kind of IKEA-ish with pictures and a sparse number of words. The machine is manual and you have to learn to use it and pay attention as you use it. I am apparently a messy barista. I find it necessary (maybe I”m obsessive compulsive) to thoroughly clean the machine every time I use it. This is a bit more intense than the directions that say to clean out the portafilter and clean the frother each use with thorough cleaning being every 200 or so shots. Overall, a Nespresso machine would be much easier.What I did: I’ve had this machine for about two weeks and have used it for about 10 mornings. The first morning my lovely wife dumped her cappuccino out and went for the keurig. I had some issues this day using the frother and ended up with very watered down steamed milk. The second morning I used the Cappuccino cups (2.9 ounces, kitchenables available here on amazon). Packed the double shot portafilter and made two nice, small cappuccinos. Then on the third day, I moved to a larger cup. I made my wife a decaf cappuccino in an 8 ounce mug using a double shot (2 ounces) of espresso, steamed milk and froth to fill the mug. Again, this was dumped out. I made myself a lungo using the double shot portafilter and filled a 12 ounce mug about half way. Mine was tasty and I drink my coffee black, in general. About the third day I was getting the cappuccino thing down. Double shot of espresso, equal amount of steamed milk (by volume) and equal amount of froth (1 part espresso, 1 part steamed milk, 1 part froth). This amounted to about two-thirds of the 8 ounce mug. What kind of coffee did I use? I bought a bag of the Gevalia Espresso Dark Roast and a can of Illy ground coffee espresso Classico Decaf Roast.Learning: It seems that a shot of espresso is one ounce and a double shot is two ounces. I got this information from Google search. You need to keep this in mind as you are making your espresso as this is how the two portafilters are sized. I also used google to find the cappuccino recipe and saw some other espresso recipes (americano, latte, flat white, lungo). Also I still need to experiment with different coffee brands. I have no intention of going all out to grind my own and weigh the beans.
260 people found this helpful
Susan –
Works great.
I have thought about getting a machine like this forever and after visiting my brother where he made me tasty cappuccinos and lattes on his $3,000 machine I got this almost a year ago. I use pre-ground Starbucks espresso and a separate milk frother ($30) as its early and people are asleep and the attached milk frother is loud and a little messy.So nothing fancy but it works perfect for me.It’s not hard to use but I did watch some YouTube videos to get started.It’s easy to clean.I did buy an electric frother for $30. The frotejr is a bit noisy and people are sleeping.I just use Starbucks ground espresso.I am happy with my morning cappuccinos.
2 people found this helpful
jaimie jensen –
Great for the price
I’ve had this machine about a month. And I have to say I am befuddled by the laundry list of complaints people wrote in their reviews. This is my first espresso machine. I don’t like coffee but love a good iced latte or Americano with flavorings. This is perfect for that. Is the machine a bit noisy? Sure. But if you grind your beans that is WAY louder. And it’s only noisy when it’s brewing the espresso. The steamer works great…on store bought milks. It made store bought oat, almond and regular milk very creamy and frothy. It does NOT do that with homemade nut milks. All the chemicals and preservatives in store bought really fluff if up! That being said, when using homemade I just steam it twice. No latte art, so if that’s what you’re trying to do at home, buy milks at the store. It also does NOT take a long time. From the time you turn it on to warm up to the time you’re finishing your steamed milk, it takes NO longer than brewing a pot of coffee. I will note that the top of the machine does not get warm (if you’re wanting to warm your cup) unless the machine is on for quite a while. But I make iced drinks so that doesn’t matter to me. If you’re that concerned about a warm cup, pour some boiling water in your cup, let it sit and dump it out. Voila! Warm cup. Overall, this machine is just what I needed to have a tasty pick me up in the morning, and cleanup is easy. If you’re looking for something fancy, you’re going to have to spend more than $85, plain and simple. This machine does what it needs to do. My only regret is not buying it sooner. I just hope it lasts a very long time!
10 people found this helpful
Angel Dierick –
Love it
Love it use it everyday no problems
SPOTTS –
Great for the money
I know lots of people dis on this machine but it’s not fair. If you make espresso everyday day then invest in a $300 one but if you make it a couple of times a week this is a bargain. I’ve never had any problems with mine and it makes great coffee.
Andrew –
Best Budget Espresso Machine
I’m incredibly impressed by this machine. Very cheap for a quality espresso machine (under $100) and produced quality espresso. Granted upgrades were need at least for me (new better tamper to replace the cheap plastic one) but the machine itself works very well. Only complaints from me would be the use of plastic throughout the machine (plastic under the settings knob snapped after roughly 2 years of owning it, still operational just inconvenient) and the milk frother needs the outer casing taken off if you are trying to produce smooth milk for latte art as did I. No this is not the best espresso machine of all time, but for the price it is you really can’t beat it. 10/10
7 people found this helpful
Daniel R. –
Not everything in the photo is included
It doesn’t come with the shot glasses as shown in the picture. Which at first made me a little upset but after using it I realized a coffee cut worked great and less clean up. Amazing product. I did have to YouTube it as it was making a funny noise the first time using it. You just have to tun the steam on for a few minutes and then the espresso will work and noise will go away.
2 people found this helpful
Kimberly Robb BakerKimberly Robb Baker –
Worked wonderfully for this espresso newbie — beautiful crema!
I am in love!!! I’ve always disliked coffee I make at home but really enjoyed lattes from the cafe. Getting ANOTHER kitchen implement about it seemed like overkill, but boy am I so glad I did. There is a learning curve with making espresso at all, and you’ll want to read the manual. I wish there was slightly more room below the output so I could easily get a latte-sized cup underneath, but for the price, it can’t be beat. And look at that beautiful crema!I’m still learning, but I can make a latte that tastes as good as what I get in a coffee shop. Next, to perfect my latte art! Easily the most luxurious part of my morning routine.(FWIW, I’ve been using French Dark Roast from Trader Joe’s and grinding fresh with a hand grinder. Also, I’m vegan and found the full-fat oat milk from Oatly does a great job. My partner uses milk and has been enjoying her lattes as well.)
Excelente!! Muy buena calidad. –
Hermosa y prepara cafe Delicioso!
Es hermosa esta maquina! mis café tienen sabores espectaculares, recomiendo 100% el producto.
Tengfei Li –
Great machine for the money
Great product for the price. I do not need to go to Starbucks or Peet’s for expresso any more. I think it takes some skills to make a good expresso out of this machine. Needs to practice more! But it’s still a great machine for a beginner!
Gladys Gonzalez –
Muy buena
Fue un regalo
Dave –
The best purchase I’ve made on Amazon
Let me start this by saying this machine has saved us hundreds of dollars in just 6 months by cutting out Starbucks entirely.This espresso machine is a little powerhouse for your morning, or any time really. It makes great espresso and is easy as can be to use. The built in steamer/ milk frother works great as well. We’re able to make a delicious cappuccino in just a few minutes and it’s really quite easy to do so.There is a short learning curve and a long but fun and creative path to mastery with many great drinks along the way. We’ve had so much fun making cappuccinos, and espresso drinks with this machine.One thing of note, the fresher your grounds the better quality your espresso will be, though with this machine I do not recommend the ultra fine espresso grounds as the pump in this machine is not powerful enough, regular fine coffee grounds work perfectly well.Lastly, I do recommend getting a small milk frother pot and possibly a different tamper for your grounds into the portafilter. I don’t recommend buying a traditional bottomless portafilter for this as I have tried numerous and find the included portafilter to work the best.
34 people found this helpful
Old Jazz Man –
Nice machine works great
I was a bit skeptical about this machine because of the low price but it turned out to be a really nice machine. It makes great coffee easy to use easy to clean. My only complaint is I wish it had a bigger water reservoir. So you must remember to refill the reservoir every third or fourth time. But other than that if you’re looking for an inexpensive espresso machine, that works well this is an excellent choice for you.
5 people found this helpful
Dasnary G. –
Buena Maquina
Bueno mi experiencia con esta maquina es buena hasta ahora. al quinto uso casi doy una reseña mala por que la maquina empezó a tener problemas con la salida del café. la salida era gota a gota y pensé en su momento que la maquina le estaba pasando en algunas reseñas que había leído acá. pero pude encontrar el problema y es lo que vengo a recomendar en este hilo.En mi caso el problema era el tipo de café que utilizaba…soy de Colombia y el café que venia utilizando era de una marca muy reconocida acá (Juan Valdez). me regalaron uno artesanal cultivado en la sierra nevada, y con este tuve el problema de la salida de goteo…me di cuenta que el café era muy húmedo y ademas que el café absorbía mucha agua, lo cual hacia que no tuviera una salida ideal para la maquina.Volvi al cafe Juan Valdez y la maquina empezó a funcionar muy bien.Mi recomendación es que utilizen un café con molienda Fina y seca
Mark A. McCrary –
Buy this yesterday
I’m sure there are better espresso machines here that are more expensive, but let me tell you, for the price, this machine is a BEAST. It produces great espresso and great foam morning after morning.. All you need is whatever flavoring you prefer (if you prefer any), and you are good to go. Highly recommended.
samanthasamantha –
Makes a great espresso!
First espresso machine for me. I found it very easy to operate. I did use a YouTube video I found on how to operate. Easier than reading instructions especially when you are new to the game!
3 people found this helpful
Benjamin BurlinsonBenjamin Burlinson –
I have the answers to your questions. ~Now updated~ see bottom.
* I only rate exceptional products 5 stars.* This espresso machine meets my exceptional standard.* Price/function ratio is unbeatable.* Good for everyone except those brewing commercial amounts of coffee.Due to the length of this review and the sake of brevity, I will label each section for easy reference.SUMMARYWill this machine brew a cafe quality coffee drink right out of the box? Yes, but with major caveats.WHY I BOUGHT THIS MACHINEMoney. Plain and simple. I wanted an espresso machine that wasn’t $500+. I just don’t have the money. I set out to buy what I thought was the very cheapest functional espresso machine to find out if it would in fact produce an espresso that was worth it. The Stilosa is it. You can’t go cheaper, once you do that, the machines offered don’t work at all, I mean, at all. They don’t have consistent pressures, temperatures and flow rates. So please, don’t waste your money on the $59.00 versions. At the time of posting, I bought the Stilosa at $99.00 on sale.INTRODUCTIONWhen I purchased this, I knew nothing about espresso. I just wanted a good coffee drink without spending, what is now, $7.00 a cup. Since then, I have learned everything about espresso and have almost a 100 hours of study and practice in. Through lots of trial and error, I have taught myself the intricacies of espresso brewing, and believe me, it is far more intricate than you think! I also found out that many of the terms are vague and far from universal. With that said, most of what I will write aligns with as much of a community standard as one exists.CAVEAT #1The truth is simple. This machine will brew a cafe quality drink right out of the box because “most” cafes have horrible drinks. I have discovered that brewing espresso is a fine balance between science and art. The major chains actually have very expensive machines and they still brew disgusting coffee. I have read so many reviews, and the one thing that is consistent throughout all of them is this; purists (the French and Italians), and anyone who has had a good espresso, won’t even go to the major chains. This is why. Lemon juice is disgusting! But pair it with sugar and you have probably one of the most popular drinks on the planet, lemonade. Likewise, most of us hate extra dark chocolate, because it is really bitter, but blend it with milk, and surprise, you have one of the most popular deserts, milk chocolate! Sugar balances sour, and dairy balances bitterness. What this means is this. You could run sand through the Stilosa, and if you blend it with enough sugar and milk, it is difficult to differentiate between it and major chain’s coffees. It isn’t until you start drinking espresso straight that you notice how horrific most of it is. To test this, just go in and ask for a double shot, chances are it will be bitter or sour. If you don’t know, espresso is actually very balanced and often velvety and sweet on its own. So, will the Stilosa brew a really good espresso right out of the box with no other tools? No, but…… neither will a $5,000.00 machine. Which leads me to caveat #2.CAVEAT #2It doesn’t matter what machine you buy, none of them will take bad coffee and make it good. Again, I wanted to buy a machine as cheap as possible, with no accessories, and see if I could get a good espresso. Sorry, if you are on a budget, it’s not gonna happen. No matter what your budget is, you have to have a grinder. As soon as you are forced into buying pre-ground coffee roasted 10 weeks ago, you will only get what those products are able to deliver, regardless of the price of your espresso machine. My suspicion is, this is why major brands have such bad coffee. In the pursuit of supply chain uniformity, they lose freshness. Crema is a function of the release of CO2, once ground, these gases are escaping. It is simple science. Even with the best vacuum packaging, pre-ground coffee will lose its ability to create crema in a couple days (if not less). Combine that with stale beans and there is nothing you can do to make good coffee. Imagine trying to make a great sandwich with expired stale bread and cheese. Ingredients matter. You have to have a grinder. I didn’t want one, but I was forced to buy one, otherwise my espresso machine was just going to sit there, unused. This is of course if you don’t want to dump a bunch of sugar and milk in. I spent $50 on an Enzoo conical burr grinder, and it works great. You may say, “what about just grinding your beans at the grocery store?”. tried that, several times, it doesn’t work. First of all, those machines are all out of spec because nobody every maintains them. Second, every coffee is different and “dial in” needs to happen for each brand and roast of coffee. Third, you will buy a 8 or 10 oz bag of coffee and grind it all at once but you’ll never use it all at once. The next morning, your coffee is already starting to go stale.The good news is this. If you have a $1000.00 espresso machine, you still need a grinder. So at least you can buy the Stilosa and have an overall lower financial commitment.CAVEAT #3It is impossible to get a fantastic espresso without adding some tools to the Stilosa. This is not so bad considering the price point of the Stilosa, because, once again, you will have to buy all that anyway regardless of the machine you purchase. This is only the case if you buy an espresso machine and not a bean to cup machine of course. If you don’t want to mask your espresso with sugar and milk, you will need the following things without exception;Grinder = $50-$75Kitchen Scale = $15-$35Not necessary but very helpful and time saving;WDT = $10-$30Dosing Funnel = $10-$35Tamping Tool = $10-$65Espresso shot glasses VariesPuck Polishers Blah blahNon-pressure Portafilter $$$$ priceyAnd the list goes on.This is where espresso making turns into more of a hobby than just wanting a good cup. The accessories that come with the Stilosa will work, they don’t work great, but they will work. What you trade in money, you lose in time. You can still get a really good cup of coffee (this is only if you have a grinder and a scale) from the Stilosa with its accessories, but you will work for it. The last 5% of quality is always the hardest, and that’s where the upgrades come. If you want, budget a few things. Namely a bottomless, naked, Portafilter, with a non-pressurized filter basket. The Stilosa comes with a Portafilter and 2 pressurized filter baskets (7 gram + 14 gram). ~ Side Note Below ~ ~ The Stilosa has a very unique and interesting pressurized filter basket. More often, to maintain pressure, a pressurized filter basket will only have one hole in the bottom. The Stilosa actually has a spring driven piston that really works very well. This is an industry upgrade and I think more and more economy machines will come with this feature. You can also “hack” the filter basket if you wanted. You can remove the spring piston assembly, place the screen back in the basket, and have a non-pressurized basket. I would NOT recommend this as it probably voids your warranty. ~CAVEAT #4The price to function ratio of the Stilosa is incredible. But that is a ratio. More expensive machines give you things that this just won’t. You will not be able to watch or change; temperature profiles or pressure profiles, and it doesn’t have a PID (proportional–integral–derivative controller), and frankly a bunch of other things you probably have never heard of. But the Stilosa has fantastic features for the price point. It has a very flat and consistent pressure profile, its group head is heated, as is the top of the machine (for heating your cup), and the steaming wand is amazing. It is also a nice size and fits very well on my counter without being overbearing. Unless you are making 100+ cups a day, you really don’t need all that other stuff. Of course, those things are nice if you have found yourself turning espresso into a hobby, but as we all know, hobbies get kind of expensive. My only substantial complaint about the Stilosa is this, there is no way to grab and hold it as you install and remove the Portafilter. I am strong enough that this isn’t a problem, but for others out there, this may be a bit of a challenge.SUMMARYFive stars all day long. This is the single best entry machine you can buy. It is backed by a major espresso machine manufacturer and they hit the mark. It will consistently produce a “better than cafe” espresso, it will just make you work for it. Paired with a good grinder, you will be able to play with all your ratios and pull Ristrettos, Espressos, and Lungos without issue. It heats fast (a little over a minute on cold mornings), has a really nice upgraded spring piston pressurized filter basket. Consistently makes “better than cafe” micro foam for latte art (with practice). You can easily upgrade the Portafilter to a bottomless one without issue. No automatic timing, which is what you want for proper pulls (time is a measure, not a variable). It is advertised that it has an auto shut off……. I haven’t see that yet. I just turn mine off after use. I also fill it with filtered, bottled water, it’s so much easier than removing the tank and filling it. Considering I have less than $200.00 in the whole setup, I couldn’t be happier. With good coffee, a good dial in, and lots of practice, you will be able to make a really good cup of coffee, better than the major chains. I would buy again in a heartbeat.THE “CATCH”This will take you to a whole new level, but you are going to earn it. Lots of frustrating moments, but ultimately very rewarding. If you just want a fast cup of coffee, don’t buy this. Go buy a pod machine like Nespresso, LOR, or Lavazza. Remember, these aren’t espresso machines, and just because they call it that, doesn’t make it true. But with that said, their coffees are moderately good. For about the same total investment, you can get milk “frothers” and a pod machine that will make your drink in 20 seconds. Dump enough sugar and milk in and you won’t know the difference. But they will never dial into the perfect, pure, crema topped, 1-2 ratio, pressure pulled, espresso. And once you have had that, you’ll never go back.Some helpful info:51mm 2 ear Portafilter with a 7 gram and 14 gram filter basket.~ most machines are 54mm or 58mm with 18 gram baskets. As a small side note, 7 grams was the original Italian single espresso, and can be very difficult to brew correctly. But less coffee means you can have more of it throughout the day!Steaming wand with Pannello attachment.Heated top for cup warming.Heated grouphead.33+ oz water tank.~ UpdateI stand by everything I have said. However, I decided to upgrade to a bottomless naked portafilter and that has changed everything. The dial in on a new coffee is so much easier and the crema and flavor of the coffee is so much easier to manipulate!The other big thing I have discovered is the perfect coffee. Do yourself a favor and go get Tony’s Upland blend. Brew it to a 2.7 ratio at roughly 27 seconds. Oh…. My….. Gosh…..! You’re welcome.
2,736 people found this helpful
Kelcie –
Incredible!
So I had purchased a cheaper espresso machine before and it was such a pain. I truly struggled just to prepare, make my coffee, steam the milk, then clean up the mess. Took me 15 minutes just to do that! This machine is much faster! Heats up in seconds, and then the milk steams in a couple minutes! A few tips that I have learned over the years of making espresso:1. Rinse your tools! After using the coffee filter, I truly know the easier way is to dump the grounds and rinse them off. If you do have time, take out the part that holds the grounds from the handle bar and rinse that, but really you should be able to just leave it after rinsing to start. The directions recommend taking apart filter shots after a couple hundred coffee cups! And I’d rinse off the steam wand as well, milk builds up, it takes just a few seconds but saves you time! The steam wand and the rubber tip that shoots steam come right off, I would rinse those too. And finally (without touching too much because its hot!!!) I’d wipe the machine part where the hot water goes into the coffee, it gets grounds on it. Just a wet paper towel.2. Shoot steam before and after steaming milk!They put this in the directions also, you need to shoot out some steam for a couple seconds before doing the milk because water can drip out at first! Then I like to do it again after you finish, in case milk gets sucked into the spout. It can make it easier to clean and keep your steamer clear!3. DESCALE!!!! They recommend this after 200 coffee cups (same as the shot filters). They have their own brand of descaler, but there are others out there (unsure if others are able to use for this machine). The directions help, they say to add 1/4 a bottle of descaler to the water tank then fill the rest with water (the bottle of descaler also has the directions) then you leave the portafilter off and run the machine into an empty bowl and also spray the steamer a good bit. Then you wash out your water tank thoroughly and make another empty bowl of water to get the descaler out fully! It doesnt take too long because the machine is very fast! I just set a reminder on my phone for when I believe I’ve made about 150 cups, I never like to push the time limit products give me, just to be safe! Then I do the descaler and coffee shot filters at the same time! It’s super easy and can really make the machine last a good long time!!!4. Get a cup for the espresso! If you like to use a large tumbler for coffee, it wont fit under the portafilter. I like 20oz coffee mugs and add espresso to it, I had an old pour cup from my previous machine, I use it then pour the espresso into my tumbler! Unless you like a small mug of coffee, then youre fine! Keep in mind, the machine wont calculate a 1 shot or 2 shot amount, You need to turn off the machine when you feel it’s an amount you want! My pouring cup has measurements on the side so it tells me when I’ve reached 2 shots!So overall, that is my experience and I truly think this machine was worth the cost!!!PS.***** added this a week later! FOR THE DOUBLE SHOT, I suggest doing one scoop tilting the scooper sideways and tapping gently, then packing it in!! Then you can do the same thing again! I recommend doing this over a coffee container or the sink or trash, it will likely be somewhat messy!!! You get the hang of it though!
155 people found this helpful
Cyrus SamiiCyrus Samii –
Incredible value that makes good espresso with some hacks
If you are interested in learning about espresso but don’t want to shell out hundreds at this point then this machine is perfect.Check out Lance Hendrick’s YouTube video about this machine to understand why it is a good buy.Here are things I’ve learned for making great espresso with this machine:I. Do not use the pressurized portafilter that comes with the machine as is. You have two options: (1) remove the pressurization component (again see Hendrick’s video) and also pull out (with pliers) the black plastic funnel component leaving just the basket and filter screen inside the portafilter. See photo. (2) buy a regular 51mm non-pressurized portafilter to use instead. See photo. The only problem with (2) is that the fit might not be perfect and so you might get some leakage. That was my experience. Doing (2) for a while (leaks and all) was helpful to learn what good extraction should look like. You get down and watch how the espresso comes out. It should come out even and creamy. It should taste good. You experiment with grinds, beans, volume, tamping pressure till it gets there. Once I had things dialed in, I went back to (1) to avoid the occasional leakage. If you do (2) and there’s no leakage then you’re all set. (If you use the portafilter as-is out of the box you will get weak pseudo-espresso with fake crema from the pressurization.)II. Get a better tamper. The plastic one that comes with the machine is awkward and feels like it can break. You can see the one I use on the pic. It wasn’t expensive but it’s good quality. Good tamping is crucial to develop the right puck pressure with the coffee itself.III. Use freshly roasted coffee that is freshly ground for espresso. Freshness has been the biggest factor in getting tasty espresso. I bought a burr grinder on Amazon that was also pretty cheap but does espresso-fine grind. It’s worked well (although I recognize it may not have the longest lifespan, we’ll see). The key has been buying freshly roasted coffee. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive, just fresh. So if your Trader Joe’s moves its whole bean coffee quickly, you might be better off buying that than the bag of beans that’s been sitting around for a month at the fancy coffee shop. The difference is huge.IV. Keep things clean. After I pull a shot I take off the portafilter and run water through to flush out the residue from the machine head and wipe it with a sponge. Maybe once a month an unscrew the filter from the machine head and rinse it out. I knock out the espresso puck and rinse the portafilter thoroughly. The water should come out looking like an even shower, no lines or unevenness. It makes a difference for the espresso. Keeping things clean helps in getting good consistency.I don’t use the steam wand, so can’t comment on that.After dialing things in I am getting tasty espresso that is as good as most coffee shops or restaurants nearby. Of course if I want to treat myself I can go to one of the more exceptional coffee shops, but now I have a benchmark to know whether they are doing anything special.
33 people found this helpful
Marty McFly –
Why are other machines so expensive?
I haven’t made espresso in years but I used to be rather good at it so I decided to pick up a new machine. I remember I needed a pump machine, not one that cooks the coffee by using steam pressure, so I found the least expensive pump espresso machine that wasn’t some rando Chinese brand. I tell ya, right at the outset I was making amazing cappuccino with this! I didn’t even read the manual! This is such a great machine and if you’re experienced or if you’re a novice, this is a great little machine to do what needs to be done. If I hit the jackpot on a scratcher, perhaps I’ll order one of those fancy pants $1,000 Italian jobs, but until then I’ll be making amazing espresso beverages every morning with this machine. You won’t be disappointed, I guarantee it.
One person found this helpful
Jennifer Fuentes –
Buen sabor
Llevo 8 meses usándola y no tengo quejas con el producto; el espresso tiene buena espuma, buen sabor.
AntonioAntonio –
Affordable espresso machine that can make high tier espresso.
This little machine can be found under $100. If paired with the right equipment, you can make a high tier espresso. Worth it if you want to learn how to make espresso’s. If you want a one-push button espresso machine, this isn’t your machine.However, spend $100 on this and another $100 on an espresso kit and station and you will be making top notch espresso’s compared to the one-push options.
One person found this helpful
Michael Hogan –
Perfect For Me
I had found myself not enjoying my morning coffee much anymore, and I think it was because I was drinking mediocre coffee from a Keurig. Don’t get me wrong, Keurigs are great and very convenient, but I wanted something more. I decided to look into an espresso machine, as I love a good latte or mocha. After much searching, comparing, and hand-wringing, I decided on this machine. And I have to say I am beyond impressed.For the price (less than $90), it makes a pretty good shot. On top of that, it has a pretty effective milk steamer. It’s very easy to use, and I can make a latte in less than three minutes. I was surprised at how quickly it will steam milk to hot, especially based on some reviews I’ve read and videos I watched. I can steam about 6 ounces of milk to piping hot in less than a minute.It’s pretty easy to clean after each use. The portafilter comes apart easily, and the steam wand also has a couple removable parts to make it easier to clean.Overall, this machine is perfect for me, and I’d recommend it for anyone just getting into the espresso game or who wants a reliable, quick, and easy-to-use machine to make a pretty good latte.
Donald Moreno –
Money Saver
It paid for itself in 1 week. I am a Cortado lover. With this machine, I make my Cortado at home. At $7 a cup at Starbucks was getting pretty expensive.
MARIA FERNANDA OLAYA –
Excelente
un muy producto, justo lo que necesitaba
Kindle Customer –
Easy to use!
Was a gift to my daughter. She loves it!
Kathy –
Best ever
This is absolutely the best most inexpensive espresso machine ever. I have always used the larger Mr. Coffee machine and I now no that that was not very good compared to the DeLonge. So happy I bought it
Llegaron en buen estado y cumplio mos espectativas, lindos, fuertes y resistentes, creo que tiene una relacion precio calida 9/10 –
Great product
I just loved I have one, and I bought another for a gift and it is a great, just make sure you are using the right coffee and know about basic barismo so that you know how to make a good coffee
Juliano Montano –
Great value
Good machine for the price. Steam wand is subpar, swapped it out for the rancillo wand v1/2. This machine can pull surprisingly good shots from a non pressurized basket as well, making this a good starting point for home espresso brewing.
Lara –
2 weeks in and I finally figured it out!! TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
My roommates and I all chipped in to buy this machine and I knew the very basics of how to do anything with it. I volunteered at a coffee shop for a weekend and that’s where my experience ends. All that to say, when I got this machine I was confused and a little defeated. I read all the reviews and found some helpful info, but I wanted to write a review for all the other people who feel like they have no idea what they are doing.HELPFUL TIPS:1. This machine doesn’t come with a metal pitcher to froth milk or expresso glasses, the metal pitcher is probably worth buying; however, I just use a 12oz yeti and it works great. Also shot glasses aren’t needed if you figure out right amount of time for expresso, but they would probably be nice to have too. (Also heads up, the shot of expresso is not automatic, it will keep going until you switch the knob to the left)2. for me, 27 seconds from the time you switch the expresso machine from on to the coffee image is perfect amount of time for two shots of expresso. (Anywhere from 25-30 seconds is probably fine)3. Heat up your milk in the microwave for like 30- 45 seconds before you froth it, otherwise milk will be lukewarm4. I don’t know if it’s just me, but it took me a while to figure out that in order to froth the milk you have to turn the machine all the way to the left on the front knob and wit for it to say ready before you turn the switch on the knob on the side5. I have been using some old coffee grounds, not thinking it would make that much of a difference, but I think fresh coffee really would taste a lot better.With lattes costing as much as $8 in some restaurants, this machine is definitely worth the investment. Give yourself some grace and time to figure it out and to perfect your latte skills!
32 people found this helpful
James –
If your on the fence try it.
I am a black coffe man. Always have. I go to starbucks and ask for a “Large”hot coffee. I dont abide by coffee snobbery. I had an espresso after dinner in Seal beach at Javatini about a year ago. It was the best thing I ever tasted. I have tried probably 40 different espressos since that time. They all suck. I went to a place in Arizona. It was new. Their espresso machine was 40k. It was undrinkable. I wasnt sure about making at gome so I wanted to break the seal sub 200 dollars. This is how I found this machine. There were a few guys with some wonderful reviews with lots of helpful tips. So I did it. I have had one day so far and first cup was just perfect for me. Absolutely love it. I was using Camerons Velvet Moon espresso blend as that is what I had on hand. This is my first review ever. I have never reviewed anything answered any surveys in 51 years. I wanted to make sure that those on a budget know this is a quality product get a good coffee. Bought a wood handle tamper for 8 bucks and I love it. You got this. Even tried steaming milk. It was easy and I may start enjoying with that.
2 people found this helpful
Felicia Hayes –
I just pack it in there and my espresso comes out great every time
I looked at a lot of espresso machines…expensive, cheap, manual, auto, brands, non-brands and ultimately this is the one I choose. It’s a quality cafe brand. I’m a simple person so I didn’t need all the bells and whistles. I am not so much of a cafe nerd that I need things to be perfect. With that said, I like a good espresso/drink and this machine does not disappoint. It’s easy to use. The portafilter works great for pre-ground and fresh ground coffee. The pressurized function piece of it is perfect because I do not weigh or have a specific ground. I just pack it in there and my espresso comes out great every time. Enjoy.
2 people found this helpful
NlM –
Love this brand
Great espresso machine, makes wonderful coffee, with great foamy look, never flat. I have had three Delonghi machines in the past 17 years and they have never disappointed me. I do not normally use the frother because I drink macchiattos, but when I have used it, it makes great foam.Love this machine, love this brand.
One person found this helpful
Elizabeth R. –
Works great, easy to use
The best part is the steamed heavy cream (I’m KETO, so it’s allowed). Plus, I’m saving a fortune on Nespresso pods. Win-win. Recommendation: Get a nice tamper, it comes with a cheap plastic one that doesn’t really get the job done. You will always want to pick up a few other things like a grinder (if you want to fresh grind your beans), a stainless steel pitcher to steam the milk/cream, and espresso shot glasses (unless you take the drip pan off, then you can probably fit a cup under there). If you properly tamped your coffee “puck,” it should take about 25-30 seconds to brew your shots (I do double shots, maybe less for the single shot?). This is a great value for the $$, and will give much more expensive machines a run for the money. I recently joined an espresso group on Reddit, and they buy like $3000 machines and whatnot. Maybe in a few years, once I perfect espresso in this machine and after I hit a few scratch-off tickets, but until then, I’m really enjoying my morning coffee!
7 people found this helpful
Diane PeaseDiane Pease –
Great First espresso machine for beginners
I read reviews before purchasing and there was a gentleman that gave a lengthy review that made me leery to buy due to he made it sound somewhat complicated. I purchased anyway for the brand and it was on sale for $75 and change and if I was going to not like the machine, I wasn’t going to be out $300 or more. I followed the directions and it was so easy, I use Italian espresso beans that I grind fresh and I make my latte’s every morning, it’s so good! Flavored syrup is good with it as well. You do need to buy a milk frothing pitcher due to it doesn’t come with one and I purchased a heavier gauge tamper due to the one that comes with it is a light plastic, both were under $10 here on Amazon. Heads up when you use the steamer for the milk, water will stream from it for a few seconds before the steam so have a small cup under it at first, other than that it works great. If you’re not an experienced person like myself when it comes to using these machines, this is a great one for beginners, highly recommended!!!
6 people found this helpful
Allison –
Loving it
So far I’m loving this machine. I do wish it would just make the two shots and turn off but maybe for some people it’s nice to keep it going longer so it’s not as strong. To be clear you have to manually stop the machine from continuing to pour out the espresso.Milk froth part was easy to do and I love that! I’ll update here if I find anything later that’s great or bad.UPDATE- I’ve had for 2 months now and still LOVE this machine. I did have an issue with one part on the machine and customer service quickly answered my call and sent me a replacement part. I now love that it’s a manual stop on the espresso pour. My husband doesn’t like a strong latte where as I like it as strong as possible. Happy that it’s made this way!
TwicetheWordsTwicetheWords –
Saves trips to Starbucks
I recently got my hands on the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso machine, and I must say, it’s been a fantastic addition to my mornings, especially when crafting that perfect cappuccino. Here’s my in-depth review with all the ups and downs:Positive Remarks:Convenient and Easy to Use: The Stilosa is an absolute breeze to use. Even if you’re a complete novice with espresso machines, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. The convenience factor here is undeniable; it’s a true time-saver.Budget-Friendly Espresso and Cappuccino: Say goodbye to those costly trips to Starbucks! With the Stilosa, you can enjoy the rich flavors of cafe-quality espresso right at home. Not only is it more budget-friendly in the long run, but it’s a game-changer when it comes to having your caffeine fix on your terms. We almost always use it to make a cup of cappuccino, and it never disappoints.Impressive Pressure Control: The pressure performance of the Stilosa is truly outstanding. It consistently delivers a superb shot of espresso that’s rich, aromatic, and beautifully balanced. You’ll be amazed by the quality of the brew this machine can produce.Negative Remarks:Plastic Construction Feels a Bit Cheap: It’s worth noting that some parts of the machine are made of plastic, which can make it feel less sturdy and durable. However, given its affordability, this isn’t surprising. It doesn’t impact the machine’s functionality, but if you’re looking for a more premium build, you might have to up your budget.Crema Not Perfect: While the espresso from the Stilosa is great, the crema it produces isn’t as thick and luscious as you might find with pricier models. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but if you’re a crema connoisseur, you might be a bit disappointed.In summary, the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso machine is an excellent choice for home baristas on a budget. It’s super convenient, cost-effective, and provides exceptional pressure control for your espresso shots and cappuccinos. Keep in mind that the plastic components and the crema might not be top-tier, but considering the price, it’s a small sacrifice for the overall value you get. Whether you’re an espresso enthusiast or just someone looking to elevate their daily coffee game, the Stilosa won’t disappoint, especially when you love cappuccinos as much as we do!
194 people found this helpful
Hernando M. –
Excelente calidad
Muy satisfecho con la compraLa utilizó a diario
tinydancer7 –
Great for the money
Great for the money. Makes great espresso latte. Can see the crema. Steams milk well and quicker than my 40.00 one previously another brand.
ChrisChris –
DeLonghi does not disappoint!
I researched lots of top notch espresso machines & found that this particular DeLonghi model was the right one for me. It makes a great cup of espresso with the crema (the lighter color of coffee on top of the dark) as it should be, and the milk steamer works really well (see the dollop of foam on top of the crema in the 2nd picture which turned my regular espresso into a macchiato). It’s not overly fancy so it’s easy to use, and the price is great. Sure, the drip pan shakes a little when the machine is getting ready to work it’s magic so I had to hold the glass until the machine got going, but that’s certainly not a deal breaker, nor is the fact that it’s kind of loud too because that’s just how espresso machines are. Also, keep an eye on how much you want to drip in your cup because it won’t stop on its own. I’m also working on perfecting how finely to grind the espresso beans & how firmly to press the tamper. The first cup I made dripped pretty slowly & when I removed the boiler outlet (the part that holds the coffee) there was some water on top of the grounds that spilled off, but that was because (& the instructions cover this) I’d ground the coffee too finely, filled the bowl too high & pressed the tamper down too firmly. I brewed my next cup doing none of those things & it came out much better. I’m having fun experimenting with it. Overall I’m very impressed. One last thing, the style and size of this DeLonghi is perfect.
47 people found this helpful
Sam , Palo Alto –
Great Value ! Very good Espresso
I have been using espresso pods for the past 20 yrs !!!I did love the convenience. I could make my espresso and drink while I’m still on call !!But, now I’m retired and have more time, And espresso pods became much more expensiveSo I decided to venture into the manual machines. I decided to start with a simple low cost manual machine. Manual means that: You have to stop it when you extract enough espresso,Otherwise it will keep filling up your cup !!I did not buy a grinder yet. I used some ground Lavazza coffee for my first trial. My first two cups were not that good. But, I decided to watch a Youtube. The trick is to distribute the ground coffee evenly, and tamp (pack) them tightly. Now that I have I got good results, it is time to invest in a grinder !I do like the manual machines more that the automatic as they are likely to live much longer. Yes, you will have to waste 25 seconds looking at the machine filling up your cup to stop it at the right amount. But, this is nothing compared with the 3 minutes you will waste to throw away the used coffee , clean and dry the filter to prepare for the next cup !!Verdict: Don’t pay extra for a sophisticated automatic machine. It will take much more space. You may want to invest in a good grinder so that you grind fresh coffee every day or two. You will certainly get a much better coffee than pods, lower cost too. But, only if you have the extra 10 minutes to grind beans, pack them and clean the mess !!
One person found this helpful
Wazir aliWazir ali –
Great product!
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I recently purchased this espresso machine, and I couldn’t be happier with it! First off, the price was incredibly reasonable, making it a fantastic option for those who want quality coffee without breaking the bank. Despite its affordability, the machine delivers exceptional performance. It consistently brews rich, flavorful espresso with a perfect crema every time.The design is sleek and modern, fitting perfectly into my kitchen without taking up too much counter space. It’s also easy to use, even for beginners. The controls are intuitive, and cleaning is a breeze, which is always a plus.What I love most is how versatile it is—it can make not just espresso but also cappuccinos and lattes that rival what you’d get at a coffee shop. It heats up quickly, so I don’t have to wait long for my morning coffee fix.
24 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
BEST coffee maker!
I love this coffee maker. I still have it and it still makes the best coffee ever! My guests loves it when I make them coffee!
Didi –
Omg this is amazing for $175 startup cost
Nov 23 update: still love this machine and use it 2-15 times daily depending on who is at our house. Never fails and total setup is $25 cheaper now?!?!! That’s crazy I didn’t know anything went down in price 😂For the price point this little machine works so well!! We also bought a $30 tamper and the breville mini dump bin for $20 so our experience could be enjoyable and the espresso delicious – which it is!! We bought this machine to save $$$ bc we were spending about 80-100$ a month on nespresso vertuo pods (forget even trying to reuse those things). The tamper that comes with the machine is super hard to get the right pressure with so if you’re a rookie like I was I highly recommend getting the fancy blue handled tamper that delonghi makes – it will save you stress when making espresso early in the morning!!The only thing I don’t love about this machine is how lightweight it is bc when when removing the spent grounds you have to hold the machine in place, if it was a heavier and more expensive machine I don’t think you’d have to do that. That is not a big deal to me due to the incredible savings on the machine price but it is a slight pain. The espresso it brews is delicious and we have been using this machine 3-10 times per day for about a month depending on how many people end up over. It’s super easy to use and clean as well. Love this machine
7 people found this helpful
Rob Thurlow –
Great value
I like this, especially for the price. My ex-wife now has the machine that was 6x more expensive, and it was nice but harder to clean and maintain, and this one does the job well.
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
Perfect for small cup of coffee
Work very nice
One person found this helpful
Juan Duque –
Buen producto
Me sorprendió! Buen costo de oportunidad, recomiendo cambiar el portafiltro.
AlexAlex –
Make latte art with Costco bought bean+milk!
Not a professional barista here but I can consistently make cappuccino latte art with Costco bought whole bean (Starbucks/Peets/Krikland, etc) plus Oatmilk sold at Costco (Oatly and Silk are the best, Califia Oat is the worst).These are my cheap accessories to do latte art:1x 51mm coffee dosing cup (~15 bucks)1x Chilamics 51mm Coffee Distributor and Tamper (~20 bucks)1x Mueller Ultra-Grind Conical Burr Grinder (~60 bucks)1x Digital Scale (~15 bucks)2x Stainless Steel Milk Frother Cup 20oz (~12 bucks ea)Steps:1. Dial to Steam mode (this will warm up the machine while you go about to the next few steps).2. Measure 13g of bean (MAX the double-shot bucket can hold).3. Grind your bean to desired grind size onto your dosing cup (don’t try grinding directly onto your portafilter or you will make a mess)4. Pour 240ml of Oatmilk (for lactose intolerance folks like me) into one of the milk frothing pitcher.5. When Steam mode light is on, steam the milk at an angle so that the wand is like pointing at 9 o’clock to the center of your cup6. When Steam mode light is out, stop steaming the milk and pour it to another milk pitcher to reduce the thick bubbles, repeat like 2~3 times7. When Steam mode light is on again, steam your milk again (Yes, TWICE!) until light is out or when you begin to feel its too hot to hold the cup.8. Pour in between the two pitchers and set aside once you see a melted ice-cream consistency. Dial to ON mode while you are at it.9. Twist in your empty portafilter and put down your coffee cup and turn dial to let the water come down until light goes out, redial to ON mode.10. Take out your portafilter, get rid of excess water in it, flip it upside down and place onto your dosing cup, hold both things together and flip it over, give it a few light shakes.11. Lift away the dosing cup, place the distributor tamper onto the portafilter on a flat surface (I used a small IKEA metal tray), rotate it couple times then use the flat side and tamper down the surface (this accessory need your own adjustment, 13g of my grind size, I have like 6mm of the tamper flat surface sticking out).12. Twist in your filled portafilter (if you spend too much time on last step, repeat step #9 before returning to this step), turn dial to let the water come down for like 20s or stop until light goes out.(Grind size and tamper pressure greatly affect how long your water drips down, ideally you want it to run down for like 20s and fill like 1/8 of a traditional standard size coffee cup. If water came down too quickly, go back to step #3 and adjust grind size.)13. Hold the coffee cup at an angle with one hand, pour the milk around the inner rim of the coffee cup with your other hand, the motion should be drawing two circles into your cup, idea is the mixed the two together first not doing latte art yet.14. Now steadily pour into the middle of the cup, if you see your latte art forming, then continue pour the desired art.15. Ritual complete.Impression:I’ve own this model for more than 2 years and even bought another one for family members as gift. This little machine goes a long way with some cheap accessories, it makes some great tasting coffee, latte art has become part of my morning ritual. If you absolutely need a real double-shot, go for a machine with at least a 58mm portafilter basket that is commercial grade. And if you need anything with milk, this steamer is so weak that you pretty much need to steam anything TWICE. Other than that, this DeLonghi model easily out value all the 200 bucks+ models out there. It is a great coffee machine for beginner.
47 people found this helpful
Amazon CustomerAmazon Customer –
Excellent Espresso Machine for Coffee Enthusiasts!
The De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine has been a fantastic addition to my kitchen. Its contemporary and compact design fits perfectly on my countertop without taking up much space, and it’s very easy to clean.The 15 BAR pump ensures optimal pressure for extracting a rich and flavorful espresso, whether I’m making a single or double shot. The manual milk frother is a game-changer, allowing me to create authentic cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites with ease.I am particularly impressed with the stainless steel boiler. Its robust design and durable construction promise years of consistent performance, and so far, it has lived up to that expectation. The included portafilter and two filters are well-designed and ergonomic, making it simple to switch between single and double espressos.The two-level cup holder is a thoughtful feature, accommodating various cup sizes depending on how much espresso I want. This machine has become an essential part of my morning routine, delivering a perfect cup of coffee every time.Overall, I highly recommend the De’Longhi Stilosa for anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable, and stylish espresso machine. It has exceeded my expectations in every way.
6 people found this helpful
ACM –
A Coffee Lover’s Gem!
The described coffee maker is truly outstanding. We were so impressed with its performance that we decided to purchase a second one, not because our first one had any issues, but because my mother-in-law tried our coffee and fell in love with it, prompting us to buy it as a thoughtful gift for her.Let me tell you about the incredible benefits this coffee maker offers. First and foremost, the quality of the coffee it produces is simply exceptional, rivaling that of much pricier machines. Typically, you would expect to pay around $200 for the kind of coffee you can enjoy with this machine. The best part? It’s not just the price that’s impressive; the taste surpasses that of your average café, all at a fraction of the cost.Ideal for both households and offices, this coffee maker is perfect for those seeking a rich, flavorful cup of joe without the need to brew large quantities. Its compact size makes it a perfect fit for smaller spaces, allowing you to enjoy a top-notch coffee experience without sacrificing valuable countertop real estate.To add to its appeal, the company provides a helpful video guide on how to address any potential clogging issues, ensuring you can enjoy uninterrupted coffee enjoyment.I also want to share a personal testament to the brand’s quality. We previously owned a smaller De’Longhi coffee maker, which faithfully served us for many years and is still going strong. We decided to pay it forward by gifting it to some friends for their office, knowing they too will appreciate its reliability and performance.In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this coffee maker to anyone in search of an excellent cup of coffee that combines affordability, superior taste, and space-saving design. It’s a true gem that will enhance your coffee-drinking experience and leave you wondering why you ever settled for anything less. Cheers to great mornings and delightful coffee breaks!”
19 people found this helpful
JazzerInTheMaking –
Great machine for newbies, but you’ll need to customize if you want real espresso
If you’re just starting out with espresso and use primarily store-ground beans, this machine will work fine in its “stock” version, but as you get more picky, or if you’re buying it as a second machine (we bought ours because we couldn’t afford another Gaggia Classic for our summer place), you’re going to need to customize a bit. The stock portafilter is pressurized, which will get you great looking crema, but only mediocre quality espresso regardless of the amount of tweaking you do. However, if you’re willing to spend a few extra bucks on a bottomless portafilter (I recommend the Capfei at $20), a “real” tamper, and a burr grinder (at just $70 the BeeOne burr grinder is surprisingly good), and devote a little time tweaking grind (you’ll need to go quite fine) and tamping pressure, you can get results that rival machines costing hundreds of dollars more. Sadly, the steam wand is pretty hopeless unless you’re into voluminous foam…
4 people found this helpful
Mikayla Johnson –
Love this!
As someone who is rather inexperienced with coffee makers and machines alike, I love this espresso machine. It’s very easy to use and has simple instructions. I use it almost daily and sometimes twice a day to make a mocha style coffee. It’s pretty quick to get going and the water reservoir hold a nice amount to where I only have to refill it every couple to few days with my one or two cups a day. Would definitely recommend!
2 people found this helpful
Shaun Cordeiro –
Amazing Value and Performance
I bought this espresso/cappuccino machine to replace a cheap one I purchased that lasted a year. The price of this machine was so low that I was very weary of the quality. However, De’Longhi is a well-known name with a fantastic reputation. I don’t know how, but they’ve made a very affordable machine that performs incredibly well. This cappuccino machine is excellent. The milk steamer is top-notch. It will steam the milk in 30 seconds, while my previous (and more expensive) machine took a minute to a minute and a half.
3 people found this helpful
Brian –
I like it
I love a good cappuccino but I do not like Starbucks coffee. This thing was easy to learn to use and as long as you clean it after every use it’s not hard to clean. Don’t let the coffee dry in the filters I learned the hard way
Brett Jones –
The best thing since sliced bread!
I’ve used Kreuig machines for coffee before, but I still end up going to a *bucks for lattes and other fancy drinks. So I bought this and a burr grinder. It takes a lot more time to make than a k-cup, but it’s so much better! My wife will use this to make a cup of coffee. I use it and some white chocolate or caramel syrup with the frothy milk. The burr grinder is necessary to get fine enough coffee grounds.It did take bit of practice to use it. Here is what I do:1) Burr grind coffee and fill up my 2 cup piece (the part with the handle). Push down the coffee in there so it’s nicely compacted.2) Attach that piece to the machine and turn the dial to the On position.3) While waiting for the light to come on I put some syrup in the bottom of my cup.4) Once the heat light is on I turn the knob all the way to the right to make the coffee (espresso?)5) As that is going I pour 4 ounces of milk in to a stainless container and I put just a few drops of syrup in there.6) I turn off the water and move the knob all the way to the left for steaming and wait for the heat light to light up.7) When the light comes on I put my milk on the steamer and turn the steam knob over.8) I warm my milk until the heat light goes off then I turn the steam knob off and wait for it to light up again.9) I steam the milk once more until it really froths up10) I stir the coffee (espresso?) and while stirring I slowly pour in the milk.11) I put a bit of syrup on top to make it look nice and then enjoy!
6 people found this helpful
Fernando R.Fernando R. –
Worth the price!
Great quality and worth every penny. Still trying to home barista skills, but getting better by the cup. Maybe I’ll graduate to a fancier machine one day, but for now I am happy with my purchase.
Becky CarrollBecky Carroll –
Espresso made Easy
I love this espresso machine. It was easy to set up, it is easy to use and it is easy to clean. Plus, it makes a nice cup of espresso!I would like it some hotter, but for most folks it could be just right.I’m still working on my frothing skills.
One person found this helpful