For coffee enthusiasts, the search for the perfect espresso machine is a never-ending journey. The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte has emerged as a notable contender, promising a blend of affordability, functionality, and quality. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the machine’s design, features, performance, and how it caters to both novice and experienced home baristas.
- Offers good value for money with a range of features typically found in more expensive machines.
- Delivers high-quality milk frothing for latte art.
- Easy to use, even for beginners, with simple analog controls.
- Takes up less counter space while still packing numerous features.
- Saves space and ensures freshly ground coffee for each shot.
- Only eight grind levels may not be sufficient for those seeking extensive customization.
- The use of plastic parts, especially on the front panel, can detract from the overall premium feel.
- The consistency of crema can vary, which might be a concern for some users.
- The 56-ounce tank may require frequent refills, especially for heavy users.
Overview
The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte is positioned as a hybrid espresso machine that offers a combination of manual and automated features, aimed at both novice and experienced home baristas. Priced reasonably, it includes an integrated grinder, a professional-grade steam wand, and a user-friendly interface. It’s designed to make high-quality espresso drinks while still being accessible to those new to espresso machines.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice about the La Specialista Arte is its compact and robust design. Made primarily of stainless steel with some plastic components, it strikes a balance between durability and aesthetic appeal. The stainless steel elements give it a sleek, modern look, while the plastic components help to keep the price down. However, the use of plastic, particularly on the front panel, can make it feel less premium compared to its higher-end counterparts, and it tends to show fingerprints easily.
The machine features an intuitive analog control interface, complete with a pressure gauge, which adds a retro vibe. This gauge helps users monitor the extraction pressure, ensuring optimal espresso extraction. While the gauge provides basic pressure information, it lacks detailed bar readings, offering only an “optimal zone” indicator. This is still useful for beginners who might not need precise pressure readings but want to ensure they are within the right range.
Key Features
Integrated Grinder
The stainless steel conical burr grinder offers eight grind levels. Although this range may seem limited, it covers the essentials for most home baristas. The grind settings are adequate for achieving the right consistency for espresso, though it might not offer enough range for those who prefer to experiment with different grind sizes. The grinder is integrated into the machine, which saves counter space and ensures that you always have freshly ground coffee. However, the grind size adjustments are somewhat limited, and the machine’s overall performance could benefit from a broader range of grind settings.
Portafilter and Baskets
The machine includes a 51mm portafilter and both single and double non-pressurized filter baskets. This allows for better espresso extraction with the right grind size and puck preparation. The non-pressurized baskets are a welcome feature as they provide more control over the extraction process. The portafilter itself is robust and heavy, made from stainless steel, which helps with heat retention and provides a premium feel.
MyLatteArt Steam Wand
The steam wand is one of the standout features, designed to mimic commercial-grade wands. It provides excellent milk frothing capabilities, essential for creating microfoam for latte art. The wand’s design includes a single-hole tip and an ergonomic angle, allowing users to create a vortex in the milk jug, which is crucial for producing velvety microfoam. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The steam wand is also a non-burn type, which makes it easier to clean and safer to use.
Thermoblock Heating
The thermoblock heating system ensures quick heat-up times. The machine is ready to brew in under 30 seconds, which is convenient for those who want their coffee quickly in the morning. However, unlike some dual thermoblock systems, it cannot steam milk and extract espresso simultaneously. This means you’ll have to wait a few moments after frothing milk before you can pull another shot. The machine also features a cooling system that brings the temperature down quickly after steaming, preparing it for the next extraction.
User-Friendly Interface
The machine is equipped with easy-to-use controls for selecting drink options, adjusting temperature, and grinding settings. This makes it accessible for beginners while still offering enough customization for seasoned users. The interface includes knobs and buttons that are clearly labeled and easy to understand. Users can choose between espresso, Americano, and hot water options, and adjust the temperature across three settings (92°C, 94°C, and 96°C). This level of control allows users to tweak their drinks to their liking.
Performance
Espresso Extraction
The La Specialista Arte excels in producing high-quality espresso shots. The pre-infusion phase, followed by adjustable temperature settings, ensures a balanced extraction. During pre-infusion, the coffee grounds are soaked with water at low pressure, which helps to even out the extraction and reduce channeling. The crema quality, although generally good, can vary depending on the grind and dose settings. With proper adjustment, the machine can produce rich, full-bodied espresso with a smooth crema. The pressure gauge helps users monitor the extraction process, although more detailed pressure readings would be beneficial for those who want to fine-tune their technique.
Milk Frothing
The MyLatteArt steam wand lives up to its name, delivering creamy, well-textured milk. Whether you’re making a cappuccino or a flat white, the steam wand provides the control needed to achieve the desired foam consistency. The non-burn design of the wand makes it easy to clean after use. The steam wand’s performance is comparable to that of commercial-grade machines, making it a valuable tool for those who enjoy creating latte art at home. The included stainless steel milk pitcher is also designed for latte art, with a spout that allows for precise pouring.
Usability
Setting up and using the La Specialista Arte is straightforward. The included quick start guide and detailed manual provide step-by-step instructions, making the initial setup and first use cycle hassle-free. The machine’s interface, devoid of complex touch screens, focuses on essential functions, making it user-friendly. The analog controls are intuitive, and the machine’s compact size ensures it fits well on most kitchen counters. The process of brewing espresso and frothing milk is clearly outlined in the manual, making it easy for beginners to get started.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for any espresso machine, and the La Specialista Arte is no exception. The machine requires routine cleaning of the drip tray, portafilter, and steam wand. The water tank, though adequate, might need frequent refills, especially for users who make multiple water-intensive drinks like Americanos. The machine includes a descaler and a water hardness test strip, which help maintain optimal performance. Users should also regularly clean the grinder and the burrs to ensure consistent performance. The machine’s design allows for easy access to most components, making maintenance tasks straightforward.
Drink Preparation
Preparing drinks with the La Specialista Arte is a straightforward process. For espresso, users need to fill the bean hopper with fresh coffee beans, select the desired grind size, and dose the portafilter using the built-in grinder. The machine includes a dosing funnel to help avoid messes during grinding. Once the portafilter is dosed, users can manually tamp the grounds using the included tamper and tamping mat. After locking the portafilter into place, users can select the desired drink and temperature settings, and start the extraction process by pressing the OK button.
For milk-based drinks, the steam wand provides excellent frothing capabilities. Users can adjust the amount of foam and the temperature of the milk by controlling the angle and depth of the steam wand in the milk jug. The non-burn design of the wand makes it easy to clean after each use, ensuring that milk residue does not build up.
User Experience
Users have reported a generally positive experience with the La Specialista Arte. The machine’s compact size, ease of use, and high-quality output make it a popular choice for home baristas. The included accessories, such as the milk pitcher, cleaning brush, and dosing funnel, add value and enhance the overall user experience. The detailed manual and quick start guide are particularly appreciated by beginners, as they provide clear instructions for setting up and using the machine.
Final Verdict
The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte is a versatile and affordable espresso machine that caters to both beginners and experienced baristas. While it has its limitations, such as the limited grind settings and the use of plastic components, it excels in providing a user-friendly experience and high-quality espresso and milk frothing capabilities. For those looking to enhance their home coffee-making experience without breaking the bank, the La Specialista Arte is a worthy contender.
Whether you’re a seasoned barista looking to refine your skills or a coffee lover seeking to cut down on café expenses, this machine offers a balanced mix of functionality, ease of use, and value. Consider your specific needs and preferences to determine if the De’Longhi La Specialista Arte is the right fit for your kitchen.
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Specifications
- Manufacturer: De’Longhi
- Model Number: EC9155MB
- Product Category: Hybrid espresso machine
- Housing Material: Stainless steel with plastic parts
- Color Options: Stainless Steel
- Milk Frother: MyLatteArt Steam Wand
- User Interface: Analog controls with pressure gauge
- Portafilter Size: 51 mm
- Tamping: Manual
- Removable Water Reservoir: Yes
- Water Reservoir Capacity: 56 fl oz / 1.7 liters
- Number of Boilers: 1 (Thermoblock heating system)
- Pump Pressure: 15 bar
- Maximum Cup Height: 4.7 inches / 11.9 cm
- Grinder: Stainless steel conical burr grinder
- Grind Adjustment Levels: 8
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 8.8 oz / 250 grams
- Specialty Drinks: Espresso, Americano, Hot Water
- Pre-Infusion: Yes
- Adjustable Coffee Temperature: Yes (three settings: 92°C, 94°C, 96°C)
- Adjustable Milk Foam Temperature: Yes
- 2-Cup Function: Yes
- Hot Water Function: Yes
- Milk Foam Only Option: Yes
- Water Filter: Included
- Power Consumption: 1550 W
- Weight: 21.5 lb / 9.8 kg
- Dimensions: 15.8 x 11.2 x 14.3 inches / 40.1 x 28.4 x 36.3 cm
- Warranty: 2 years (1 year standard, plus an additional year with product registration)
- Included Accessories:
- Cleaning brush and needle
- Single and double shot filters (non-pressurized)
- Stainless steel milk jug
- Tamper
- Tamping mat
- Dosing funnel
- Descaler solution
- Water hardness test
