The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus is a fully automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine that aims to provide a barista-quality coffee experience at home. It features a 3.5-inch color touchscreen display, an integrated LatteCrema system for milk frothing, and a conical burr grinder with 13 settings. The machine is designed to make a wide variety of coffee drinks, from espresso to cappuccino, with minimal user intervention.
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 9.3 x 17.32 x 14.17 inches
- Weight: 20.8 lbs
- Pump Pressure: 19 bars
- Beans Container Capacity: 10.5 oz
- Water Container Capacity: 60 oz
- Grounds Container Capacity: 14 servings
- Drink Options: 16 types, including espresso, coffee, long, doppio+, coffee pot, over ice, cappuccino, latte macchiato, cappuccino mix, hot milk, caffelatte, flat white, espresso macchiato, and hot water
Design and Build Quality
The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus boasts a sleek and modern design. Despite its considerable weight, which hints at its robust build, the machine is compact and fits well on most kitchen countertops. The use of both plastic and stainless steel in its construction ensures durability while maintaining a polished appearance. The machine’s user interface is intuitive, thanks to the responsive touchscreen that mimics the functionality of a smartphone.
User Interface
The 3.5-inch color touchscreen display is designed to provide an intuitive and user-friendly experience. The interface is similar to that of a smartphone, making it easy for users to navigate through various options and settings. The touchscreen allows for quick access to different coffee drinks, customization options, and maintenance alerts. It guides users through each step of the coffee-making process, ensuring a smooth and straightforward operation.
Performance and Features
Grinding and Brewing
One of the standout features of the Dinamica Plus is its conical burr grinder, which allows users to choose from 13 grind settings. This flexibility ensures that you can adjust the grind to suit your coffee beans and personal taste. The grinder can produce a fine enough grind to create authentic espresso with a rich crema. The stainless steel conical burr grinder ensures consistency in the grind size, which is crucial for achieving the best flavor extraction.
Milk Frothing
The integrated LatteCrema system is another highlight, providing excellent milk texturing for both cappuccinos and lattes. The milk container can be stored in the refrigerator and easily attached to the machine when needed. The system is user-friendly and delivers consistently frothy milk at the right temperature. The machine allows for adjustments to the froth level, catering to various preferences for different milk-based drinks.
Drink Customization
With 16 pre-programmed drink options, the Dinamica Plus offers a variety of beverages to suit different preferences. The touchscreen interface allows users to customize the strength, volume, and temperature of their drinks. Additionally, the machine features user profiles, enabling different users to save their preferred settings for quick access. This level of customization ensures that each cup of coffee can be tailored to individual tastes.
Additional Drink Options
The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus also includes a unique iced coffee function. The machine brews at a lower temperature and pressure, resulting in a refreshing iced coffee that is less bitter and more balanced. This feature, typically found in higher-end models, adds to the versatility of the machine and caters to a broader range of coffee preferences.
Testing the Dinamica Plus
To evaluate the performance of the Dinamica Plus, I conducted several tests with different coffee drinks.
Espresso
The machine produced a rich and aromatic espresso with a thick crema. The adjustable spout height ensured that the coffee was dispensed cleanly into the cup without splashing. The espresso was full-bodied, with a balanced flavor profile that highlighted the coffee’s natural sweetness and complexity. The consistency of the crema indicated a well-executed extraction process, which is essential for a quality espresso.
Americano
The Americano, labeled as “coffee” on the machine, was smooth and flavorful, with a good balance of strength and water. The crema remained intact, adding to the visual appeal of the drink. The machine’s ability to maintain the integrity of the crema while diluting the espresso with hot water demonstrated its precision in brewing and temperature control.
Latte Macchiato
The LatteCrema system delivered beautifully textured milk for the latte macchiato. The separation between the milk and espresso created a visually appealing drink, although it required stirring to achieve a uniform taste. The machine’s ability to froth the milk to a silky texture while maintaining the correct temperature ensured a high-quality latte macchiato. The layered presentation added an aesthetic element that is often seen in professional barista creations.
Cappuccino
The cappuccino was equally impressive, with a thick, frothy milk layer and a strong espresso base. Adjusting the milk and coffee ratios was easy, allowing for a customized drink that matched personal preferences. The machine’s precise control over the milk frothing process resulted in a cappuccino with a smooth, velvety texture and a rich, bold flavor.
Additional Functions
The machine’s ability to brew a pot of coffee and make iced coffee adds to its versatility. However, the pot function tends to produce a weaker coffee, and the iced coffee, while refreshing, may not satisfy those looking for a stronger brew. Despite this, the inclusion of these functions provides added convenience for users who enjoy a variety of coffee drinks.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The Dinamica Plus is designed with user convenience in mind. The automatic rinse cycles help keep the machine clean, and the removable parts are easy to wash. While the machine alerts users when it needs descaling or when the water filter needs replacing, it’s essential to perform these tasks regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Daily Cleaning
Daily maintenance involves emptying the drip tray and grounds container, rinsing the milk container, and running the automatic cleaning cycles. These tasks are straightforward and help maintain the machine’s hygiene and performance. The machine’s design ensures that these components are easily accessible, making the cleaning process quick and efficient.
Descaling and Deep Cleaning
The machine requires regular descaling to prevent mineral buildup, which can affect the taste of the coffee and the machine’s performance. The touchscreen interface provides step-by-step instructions for descaling, making the process user-friendly. Additionally, the removable brew group can be easily cleaned, ensuring that the machine remains in top condition.
User Experience
Setup and Installation
Setting up the Dinamica Plus is straightforward, with the machine guiding users through the initial flush and setup process. The detailed instructions provided on the touchscreen and in the manual ensure that even those new to espresso machines can set it up with ease. The machine’s design and intuitive interface make the initial setup process quick and stress-free.
Daily Use
Daily use is simplified by the touchscreen, which provides clear instructions and feedback. The removable water and milk containers, along with the automatic cleaning cycles, make maintenance relatively hassle-free. The ability to save user profiles and customize drinks ensures that each user can enjoy their preferred coffee without having to adjust settings each time.
Overall Satisfaction
Users have consistently praised the Dinamica Plus for its ease of use, quality of coffee, and sleek design. The machine’s ability to deliver consistently good espresso and other coffee drinks with minimal effort has made it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. The versatility and customization options further enhance the user experience, making the Dinamica Plus a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Conclusion
The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus is a high-performing, versatile espresso machine that offers a premium coffee experience at home. Its combination of advanced features, ease of use, and consistent performance makes it a top choice for coffee enthusiasts. While it comes with a higher price tag, the investment is justified by the machine’s ability to deliver barista-quality drinks with minimal effort. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or someone who simply enjoys a good cup of coffee, the Dinamica Plus is an excellent addition to any kitchen.
In conclusion, the De’Longhi Dinamica Plus stands out as one of the best mid-range automatic espresso machines available today. Its advanced features, intuitive user interface, and exceptional coffee quality make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to elevate their home coffee experience. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the price and the pot function, the overall performance and convenience of the Dinamica Plus make it a highly recommended choice for coffee lovers.
Specifications for the De’Longhi Dinamica Plus
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 9.3 x 17.32 x 14.17 inches (23.6 x 42.7 x 34.8 cm)
- Weight: 20.8 lbs (9.5 kg)
- Pump Pressure: 19 bars
- Bean Container Capacity: 10.5 oz (300 g)
- Water Container Capacity: 60 oz (1.8 L)
- Grounds Container Capacity: 14 servings
- Power Consumption: 1450 W
- Housing Material: Plastic with stainless steel parts
- Color Options: Titanium
User Interface:
- Display: 3.5-inch TFT color touchscreen
Grinder:
- Type: Stainless steel conical burr grinder
- Grind Adjustment Levels: 13 settings
Drink Options:
- Pre-Programmed Drinks: 16 types
- Espresso
- Coffee
- Long
- Doppio+
- Coffee Pot
- Over Ice
- Cappuccino
- Latte Macchiato
- Cappuccino Mix
- Hot Milk
- Caffelatte
- Flat White
- Espresso Macchiato
- Hot Water
- Cappuccino+
- Coffee Pot
Milk Frothing System:
- Type: Integrated LatteCrema system
- Milk Container: Thermal, removable for refrigeration
Customization Options:
- Strength Levels: 5 (adjustable via touchscreen)
- Volume Control: Adjustable for all drinks
- Temperature Control: Adjustable for coffee and milk
Additional Features:
- User Profiles: 3 customizable profiles
- App Connectivity: Bluetooth connection with De’Longhi Coffee Link app
- Pre-Ground Coffee Option: Yes, via bypass doser
- Cup Height Adjustment: 3.5 inches (minimum) to 5.3 inches (maximum)
- Boiler: Single fast-heating thermoblock
- Automatic Cleaning Cycles: Yes, for both milk frother and coffee system
- Descaling Program: Yes, with on-screen instructions
Included Accessories:
- Water Filter: Yes, carbon active filter
- Measuring Scoop: Yes
- Hardness Test: Yes
- Cleaning Brush: Yes
- Descaler: 100 ml bottle
- Removable Water Spout: Yes
- Thermal Milk Jug: Yes
Maintenance:
- Automatic Rinse Cycles: Yes, for internal cleaning
- Removable Brew Group: Yes, for easy cleaning
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Yes, for milk container and drip tray
Warranty:
- Standard Warranty: 2 years
- Extended Warranty: Additional year upon registration
Pricing:
- Current Price: Approximately $1,299.95 (may vary based on retailer and location)
