De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker Review

Coffee enthusiasts often face a dilemma: Should they opt for a drip coffee maker or an espresso machine? This choice can be particularly challenging for those with limited counter space who want to enjoy both styles of coffee. Enter the De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker, a machine that promises to deliver the best of both worlds in a single, compact package. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the features, pros, cons, and overall value of this dual-function coffee maker to help you decide if it’s the right addition to your kitchen.

Design and Build: A Compact Multitasker

The De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker is designed for those who need versatility without sacrificing too much counter space. The machine combines a drip coffee maker and an espresso machine, allowing users to brew both types of coffee simultaneously. This feature is made possible by the dual heating system, which ensures that the coffee and espresso sides operate independently without affecting each other’s performance.

Weighing in at just under 15 pounds and with dimensions of 12.8 x 11.0 x 14.5 inches, the De’Longhi All-in-One is compact enough to fit comfortably in most kitchens, even those with limited space. The machine is primarily black with stainless steel accents, a color scheme that blends seamlessly with most modern kitchen decors.

Key Features: What Sets It Apart

The De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker distinguishes itself from other coffee machines with several unique features that enhance its versatility and user-friendliness. Here’s a closer look at what makes this machine stand out.

Dual Heating System: Simultaneous Brewing

The dual heating system is one of the De’Longhi All-in-One’s most compelling features. This system allows the machine to brew drip coffee and espresso simultaneously without compromising the temperature or quality of either beverage.

• Drip Coffee Heating: The drip coffee side of the machine heats water to the optimal temperature for brewing a full pot or a single cup. The system is designed to maintain a consistent temperature, which is crucial for extracting the full flavor from the coffee grounds.
• Espresso Heating: On the espresso side, the machine uses a separate heating element that quickly reaches the high temperatures required for a perfect espresso shot. This independent heating ensures that the espresso is brewed at the right pressure and temperature, resulting in a rich and flavorful shot with a good crema.

This dual heating capability is particularly useful for households with varying coffee preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a robust espresso or a smooth cup of drip coffee, the De’Longhi All-in-One can cater to your needs without the long wait times typically associated with switching between coffee types on a single heating system machine.

User Interface and Controls: Easy Operation

The De’Longhi All-in-One features a user-friendly interface that balances simplicity with functionality, making it accessible even for those who are not coffee experts.

• Digital Touchscreen: The digital touchscreen on the drip coffee side provides a modern, intuitive control panel. It allows users to easily program the machine for automatic brewing, adjust the coffee strength, and set the brew time up to 24 hours in advance. The clear display and straightforward buttons make it easy to navigate through the options without confusion.
• Manual Espresso Controls: On the espresso side, the machine uses traditional buttons and a steam dial. The espresso controls include a power button, an espresso/hot water button, and a steam button. While the espresso process is manual, these controls are clearly labeled and designed for easy use, making the machine accessible to beginners and experts alike.
• Program Function: The program function is particularly useful for the drip coffee side. Users can set the machine to start brewing at a specific time, ensuring that a fresh pot of coffee is ready when they wake up or return home. This feature adds a level of convenience that enhances the overall user experience.

Portafilter and Reusable Filter: Versatility in Brewing

The De’Longhi All-in-One’s portafilter and reusable filter options provide flexibility in how you prepare your coffee, catering to different preferences and needs.

• 2-in-1 Portafilter: The portafilter on the espresso side is designed to accommodate both ground coffee and Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods. This 2-in-1 functionality allows users to choose between the convenience of pods and the superior flavor of freshly ground coffee. The portafilter comes with two inserts—one for single shots and another for double shots—making it easy to customize your espresso to your taste.
• Pressurized vs. Non-Pressurized Options: While the machine comes with pressurized filter baskets, which make it easier for beginners to pull a consistent shot, more experienced users may prefer to purchase a non-pressurized basket separately. Non-pressurized baskets offer more control over the extraction process, allowing for a richer and more nuanced espresso flavor.
• Reusable Gold-Tone Filter: On the drip coffee side, the machine includes a reusable gold-tone filter. This environmentally friendly option eliminates the need for disposable paper filters, reducing waste and saving money over time. The gold-tone filter is also designed to enhance the flavor of the coffee by allowing the natural oils from the coffee grounds to pass through, resulting in a richer brew.

Milk Frothing: Café-Style Drinks at Home

The integrated steam wand is another feature that elevates the De’Longhi All-in-One, making it possible to create café-style drinks like lattes and cappuccinos from the comfort of your home.

• Two Frothing Settings: The steam wand offers two settings—one for steaming milk and another for frothing. The steaming function is ideal for heating milk to the right temperature for lattes, while the frothing setting creates the airy foam needed for cappuccinos and macchiatos. This flexibility allows you to prepare a wide range of espresso-based drinks to suit your preferences.
• User-Friendly Operation: The steam wand is operated via a simple dial on the side of the machine. Although it requires manual operation, the process is straightforward. You can control the steam pressure to achieve the desired milk texture, whether you prefer silky microfoam for latte art or frothy milk for a cappuccino.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Cleaning the steam wand is easy, thanks to its detachable design. After each use, you can quickly wipe it down with a damp cloth, and the wand can be removed for a more thorough cleaning when needed. This ensures that the wand remains hygienic and ready for the next use.

Spill-Proof Carafe and Cup Warmer: Convenience and Functionality

The De’Longhi All-in-One is designed with convenience in mind, offering features that make the coffee-making process smoother and more enjoyable.

• Spill-Proof Carafe: The drip coffee side comes with a spill-proof glass carafe, designed to prevent accidental spills while pouring. The carafe’s spout is carefully engineered to ensure that the coffee flows smoothly into your cup, minimizing mess and waste. However, it’s worth noting that the carafe is made of glass, which, while easy to clean, is more fragile and less heat-retentive than stainless steel alternatives.
• Cup Warmer: The espresso side of the machine includes a cup warmer on the top, which is a thoughtful addition for those who want to maintain the temperature of their espresso. Pre-warming your cups helps preserve the heat of the espresso, ensuring that each shot is served at the optimal temperature for flavor and crema. This feature is particularly appreciated by espresso enthusiasts who know that serving temperature can significantly impact the coffee’s taste.

Water Reservoirs: Easy Filling and Maintenance

The De’Longhi All-in-One features two separate water reservoirs—one for the drip coffee maker and one for the espresso machine—designed for easy filling and maintenance.

• Large Drip Coffee Reservoir: The drip coffee reservoir has a capacity of 50 ounces, which is sufficient for brewing up to 10 cups of coffee. This makes it ideal for households that need to brew multiple cups at once. The reservoir is accessible from the front of the machine, making it easy to fill without having to move the machine.
• Removable Espresso Water Tank: The espresso side’s water reservoir is removable, making it easy to fill and clean. The tank’s lid stays open during filling, and the reservoir can be fully detached from the machine, which is particularly useful for refilling at the sink. Additionally, the reservoir includes a spot for an optional water filter, which can help improve the taste of your espresso by filtering out impurities from the water.

Additional Features: Small Touches That Make a Big Difference

The De’Longhi All-in-One includes several additional features that, while not essential, contribute to a more convenient and enjoyable coffee-making experience.

• Programmable Keep Warm Function: The drip coffee side has a programmable keep warm function that maintains the coffee’s temperature for up to two hours by default. However, you can customize this time to suit your preferences, extending it up to nearly 12 hours if needed. This is especially useful for those who like to sip their coffee slowly or keep a pot warm for guests.
• Removable Drip Tray: The espresso side features a removable drip tray with a red indicator tab that floats to the top when the tray is full, signaling that it’s time to empty it. This prevents overflow and makes cleaning easier, as you can simply remove the tray and rinse it out.

The De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker stands out for its combination of versatility, user-friendly features, and thoughtful design. Whether you’re an espresso aficionado or a drip coffee devotee, this machine offers a comprehensive set of tools to satisfy a wide range of coffee preferences. While it may not replace a high-end espresso machine for purists, it provides excellent value and functionality for most households, making it a worthy addition to your kitchen.

Performance: Does It Deliver?

Drip Coffee Performance

The De’Longhi All-in-One excels at brewing drip coffee. The machine includes a “bold” setting, which slows down the brewing process to allow for maximum extraction of flavor. However, some users have reported that the bold setting can result in over-extraction, leading to a slightly bitter taste. Despite this, the standard brewing process produces a well-balanced and flavorful cup of coffee that highlights the beans’ natural characteristics.

The programmable timer is a particularly useful feature, allowing you to set the machine to brew coffee at a specific time. This means you can wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee without having to lift a finger.

Espresso Performance

When it comes to espresso, the De’Longhi All-in-One offers decent performance, although it may not satisfy the most discerning espresso aficionados. The machine comes with a pressurized portafilter, which makes it easier to produce a consistent shot of espresso but may not achieve the same level of crema as a non-pressurized portafilter. Users who prefer a more authentic espresso experience may want to invest in a non-pressurized filter basket, which is available separately.

The steam wand performs well, producing a fine foam suitable for lattes and cappuccinos. However, the wand’s design can be a bit awkward to use, and some users have found it challenging to achieve the perfect froth.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining the De’Longhi All-in-One is relatively straightforward. The machine includes a descaling notification, which alerts you when it’s time to clean the machine’s internal components. The drip tray, water reservoirs, and steam wand are all removable, making them easy to clean by hand.

One minor drawback is that the espresso side requires manual priming before each use. This involves running a small amount of hot water through the machine to ensure it’s ready to brew. While this step is necessary to maintain the machine’s performance, it does add an extra layer of complexity to the brewing process.

Conclusion: Is the De’Longhi All-in-One Worth It?

The De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker is a versatile machine that offers a lot of value for its price. It’s an excellent option for those who want the convenience of a dual-function coffee maker without sacrificing too much counter space. While it may not deliver the same level of espresso quality as a dedicated espresso machine, it performs well enough for most users and excels at brewing drip coffee.

If you’re looking for a compact coffee maker that can do it all, the De’Longhi All-in-One is a solid choice. Just be prepared to invest in a separate grinder if you prefer to use whole beans, and keep in mind that the espresso side requires a bit of manual effort. Overall, this machine offers a good balance of performance, convenience, and value, making it a great addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen.

Specifications for the De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker

• Manufacturer: De’Longhi
• Model Number: COM532M
• Product Category: Combination Drip Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine
• Housing Material: Stainless Steel
• Color Options: Black/Silver
• Carafe: Glass (10 cups capacity)
• Keep Warm Function: Programmable, up to 11 hours and 59 minutes
• Milk Frother: Built-in steam wand with two settings (steam and froth)
• User Interface: Digital touchscreen for drip coffee, manual controls for espresso
• Water Reservoir Capacity:
  • Drip Coffee Side: 50 fl oz (1.5 liters)
  • Espresso Side: 47.3 fl oz (1.4 liters)
• Water Filter: Charcoal water filter for drip coffee, optional filter for espresso side
• Power Consumption: 1500 W
• Weight: 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
• Dimensions: 12.8 x 11.0 x 14.5 inches (32.5 x 27.9 x 36.8 cm)
• Portafilter: 2-in-1, compatible with ground coffee and ESE pods
• Filter: Reusable gold-tone filter for drip coffee
• Programmable Timer: Yes, 24-hour
• Warranty: 1 year
• Current Price: Approximately $319.95 (subject to change)