For espresso enthusiasts, finding the perfect espresso machine is a journey filled with experimentation and, often, considerable expense. The De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus, a new addition to the De’Longhi family, promises to deliver high-quality espresso at an affordable price. This review delves into the features, performance, and overall value of this machine, drawing from extensive use and expert insights.
- Ideal for small kitchens or limited counter space.
- Supports both semi-automatic and manual modes.
- Consistent pressure and temperature control yield excellent shots.
- Offers customizable milk frothing with precise temperature settings.
- Easy setup, intuitive controls, and straightforward maintenance.
- Lacks a hot water outlet, which could be a drawback for those who enjoy Americanos or tea.
- The machine can be loud during milk frothing, potentially disturbing household members.
- While affordable compared to high-end machines, it is more expensive than other models in the Dedica line.
Overview of the De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus
The De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus, priced at $399, positions itself as a versatile and user-friendly machine suitable for both beginners and seasoned espresso lovers. It offers a compact design, making it ideal for those with limited counter space. Its sleek, chrome exterior ensures it fits seamlessly into modern kitchens without dominating the space.
Key Features
- Compact and Stylish Design: At just 8.5 inches wide, the Dedica Maestro Plus is smaller than many competitors, making it perfect for tight spaces. Its sleek chrome finish gives it a modern look that complements any kitchen décor.
- Dual Operation Modes: This espresso machine supports both semi-automatic and manual brewing. Users can choose to engage in a hands-on approach or opt for a more automated process, depending on their mood and time constraints.
- Advanced Steam Wand: Equipped with a three-holed steam wand, the machine provides options for different milk frothing temperatures and textures, catering to various preferences. The steam wand’s heat probe ensures milk is frothed to the perfect temperature, preventing scalding.
- User-Friendly Controls: The control panel is designed for ease of use, with direct access to temperature settings and milk frothing options. The side lever allows for seamless toggling between settings, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Enhanced Water Tank: The 54-ounce removable water tank features ergonomic slits for easy handling and a water level sensor to prevent mid-brew interruptions. This larger capacity means fewer trips to refill, adding to the machine’s convenience.
Performance and Usability
The Dedica Maestro Plus excels in offering a customizable coffee-making experience. Whether you’re in a rush or have time to perfect your shot, the machine caters to both scenarios effectively.
Espresso Quality
The machine’s 15-bar pressure ensures consistent extraction, resulting in rich and flavorful espresso shots. Users can experiment with different grind sizes and coffee types, finding that even pre-ground coffee performs well. The machine heats up rapidly, reducing wait times and ensuring a quick start to your coffee ritual.
Each espresso shot is characterized by a thick crema and a balanced flavor profile, which can be attributed to the machine’s precise temperature control. The three temperature settings (92°C, 94°C, and 96°C) allow users to tailor the brewing process to their specific taste preferences. The pre-infusion feature, which pauses between the initial water contact and the main extraction, ensures even saturation of the coffee grounds, enhancing the depth of flavor.
Milk Frothing
One of the standout features of the Dedica Maestro Plus is its steam wand. With manual and automatic frothing modes, it provides flexibility depending on the user’s skill level and preferences. The automatic mode offers precise temperature control, with indicators to prevent milk from burning, which is especially useful for non-dairy milk options.
The steam wand’s three temperature settings (60°C, 65°C, and 70°C) accommodate different milk types and frothing needs. For instance, lower temperatures are ideal for almond milk, which tends to burn easily, while higher temperatures are perfect for creating rich, creamy froth with dairy milk. The frothing process is consistent and reliable, producing smooth microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
Ease of Use
The machine is designed for convenience. Setting it up is straightforward, and its compact size does not compromise functionality. The control panel’s layout is intuitive, and the side lever for toggling between settings is a thoughtful addition. Maintenance is also simplified with dishwasher-safe components and a descaling indicator.
First-time users will appreciate the comprehensive set of accessories that come with the machine, including single and double-wall filter baskets, a tamper, and a coffee scoop. These tools ensure that users have everything they need to start brewing right away. Additionally, the machine’s disassembly process is user-friendly, making cleaning a breeze.
Detailed Comparison to Previous Models
The Dedica Maestro Plus builds on its predecessors by incorporating several new features and improvements. Compared to the EC680, EC685, and EC785, it offers a more refined design, a larger water tank, and an advanced steam wand. The EC950’s control panel also provides more intuitive and accessible settings, enhancing the overall user experience.
The slightly slanted chassis and vertical cooling fins not only enhance the machine’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to better heat management. The 1.6-liter water tank, a significant upgrade from the previous models’ 1.1 liters, minimizes the need for frequent refilling and features a water level sensor to prevent brewing interruptions.
The new control panel is a significant improvement, offering direct temperature controls for espresso extraction and milk frothing. This allows for greater precision and customization, ensuring that each cup is brewed to perfection. The inclusion of a low water indicator and descaling light further simplifies maintenance, making the Dedica Maestro Plus more user-friendly than its predecessors.
Performance Analysis
Espresso Extraction
The Dedica Maestro Plus consistently delivers high-quality espresso shots with a rich crema and well-balanced flavor. The 15-bar pressure pump ensures optimal extraction, bringing out the best in each coffee bean. The machine’s temperature stability, maintained through its PID temperature control system, ensures that each shot is brewed at the ideal temperature for maximum flavor.
The machine’s ability to handle various grind sizes and coffee types adds to its versatility. Whether using pre-ground coffee or freshly ground beans, the Dedica Maestro Plus consistently produces excellent results. The pre-infusion feature, which wets the coffee grounds before full extraction, enhances flavor complexity and extraction efficiency.
Milk Frothing Performance
The steam wand on the Dedica Maestro Plus stands out for its versatility and precision. In automatic mode, the wand froths milk to the desired temperature and texture with minimal effort, making it ideal for beginners. The manual mode, on the other hand, allows more experienced users to fine-tune the frothing process, creating silky microfoam for latte art.
The automatic frothing feature is particularly useful for non-dairy milk, which can be challenging to froth properly. By selecting the appropriate temperature setting, users can achieve consistent results with almond, soy, and oat milk. The steam wand’s built-in temperature probe ensures that milk is heated to the desired temperature without scorching, preserving its natural sweetness and texture.
User Experience
Overall, the Dedica Maestro Plus provides a highly satisfying user experience. Its compact design, intuitive controls, and advanced features make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. The machine’s ability to deliver high-quality espresso and perfectly frothed milk consistently sets it apart from other models in its price range.
The control panel’s layout is straightforward, with clearly labeled buttons and easy-to-read indicators. The side lever for switching between manual and automatic modes is conveniently placed, allowing for seamless operation. The machine’s quick heat-up time and efficient performance make it ideal for busy mornings when every minute counts.
Maintenance is also simplified with the Dedica Maestro Plus. The machine’s components are easy to disassemble and clean, with many parts being dishwasher-safe. The descaling indicator and low water sensor provide timely reminders for routine maintenance, ensuring that the machine remains in optimal condition.
Conclusion
The De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus is a well-rounded espresso machine that caters to a wide range of users. Its combination of compact design, versatile brewing options, and user-friendly features makes it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy high-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank. While it has a few drawbacks, such as the lack of a hot water spout and its noise level, these are minor issues compared to its overall performance and value.
Whether you’re a novice starting your espresso journey or a seasoned barista looking for a reliable machine, the Dedica Maestro Plus is worth considering. It strikes a balance between functionality, convenience, and affordability, making it a valuable addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen.
Specifications of the De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus
- Dimensions: 190 mm x 450 mm x 325 mm
- Weight: 5.5 kg (12 lbs)
- Power: 1450 watts
- Build Materials: Stainless steel and plastic
- Water Tank Capacity: 1.6 liters
- Pressure: 15 bars
- Temperature Settings:
- Espresso extraction: 92°C, 94°C, 96°C
- Milk frothing: 60°C, 65°C, 70°C
- Control Panel: Intuitive control panel with temperature settings and milk frothing options
- Pre-Infusion: Adjustable pre-infusion pause of 0, 1, or 2 seconds
- Steam Wand: Three-holed steam wand with manual and automatic frothing modes
- Water Level Sensor: Included
- Accessories:
- Single and double-wall filter baskets
- 51 mm tamper
- 350 ml milk pitcher
- Steam wand cleaning tool
- Coffee scoop
