DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro Review

The DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro is a high-end hybrid espresso machine that combines advanced features, ease of use, and versatile drink options, making it ideal for coffee enthusiasts.

By Alpine Mountain Coffee

For coffee enthusiasts and home baristas, finding the perfect espresso machine can be a daunting task. The DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro has emerged as a top contender in the market, offering a blend of advanced features, ease of use, and high-quality performance. This comprehensive review will delve into the details of this espresso machine, highlighting its design, features, performance, ease of use, cleaning, and maintenance, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your coffee needs.

Launched in 2021, the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro is the flagship model of the La Specialista series. This hybrid espresso machine combines a built-in grinder, an automatic tamping system, and a versatile milk frothing system, making it a formidable competitor to other high-end espresso machines. It stands out due to its user-friendly design, high-quality construction, and advanced brewing capabilities.

The stainless steel build is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Offers both manual and automatic options for perfect milk texture.
The combination of automatic and manual features caters to users of all skill levels.
Can prepare various coffee drinks, including cold brew.
Ensures optimal extraction and flavor development.

Requires significant countertop space and is heavy to move.
High initial cost may be prohibitive for some users.
Requires regular maintenance to keep the machine in top condition.
The range of features can be overwhelming for beginners.

Design and Build Quality

Size and Appearance

The DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro boasts a sleek, high-quality stainless steel design with black or red accents. This robust machine is visually appealing and exudes a professional, premium feel. However, its substantial size and weight (35.2 lbs) mean it requires ample countertop space and might be cumbersome to move frequently. Its dimensions of 18.5 x 16.5 x 14 inches demand a dedicated spot in your kitchen, making it more suitable for those with larger spaces.

User Interface

The machine features a mix of analog and digital controls, including a pressure gauge, digital display panels for dose amount and drink selection, and protruding buttons and dials that lend a retro-cool aesthetic. This combination offers both visual appeal and functional ease of use. The digital displays are intuitive, providing clear information on grind size, dose amount, and drink selection, while the tactile dials and buttons give users a satisfying sense of control over the brewing process.

Features and Performance

Grinder and Dosing

The Maestro’s integrated conical burr grinder is a standout feature, offering eight grind settings that allow for precise adjustments based on the type of coffee beans used. The bean hopper, with a capacity of 8.8 oz, sits atop the machine and can be easily removed for cleaning or refilling. The Smart Tamping Station ensures consistent tamping with a lever mechanism, adding an element of manual control that many baristas appreciate. The digital display above the dosing dial helps in setting the correct dose, ranging from 0 to 30, ensuring accurate and repeatable results.

Espresso Extraction

The machine’s Dynamic Pre-Infusion feature adapts to the dose, evenly dampening the coffee grounds before the 19-bar pump starts the extraction process. This results in a well-developed body and aroma for each shot of espresso. The extraction process is further enhanced by the machine’s dual thermoblock heating systems, which ensure quick heating and stable brewing temperatures. The 51mm portafilter, while smaller than commercial standards, is designed to work seamlessly with the machine’s features, producing consistently excellent espresso.

Milk Frothing

The Maestro offers both a manual steam wand and an automatic LatteCrema system. The steam wand, with its three-holed nozzle, allows for precise milk texturing, giving users the ability to create microfoam for latte art or frothy milk for cappuccinos. This flexibility caters to both novice and experienced users. The LatteCrema system, on the other hand, automates the milk frothing process, delivering consistently excellent foam for various milk-based drinks. Users can choose from three froth levels, depending on their preference. The system’s intelligence also adjusts the order in which coffee and milk are dispensed, ensuring the perfect balance for each drink.

Specialty Drinks

In addition to standard espresso, the Maestro can prepare a range of drinks, including cappuccino, americano, flat white, latte macchiato, and even cold brew. The automatic functions make it easy to achieve café-quality results at home. The cold brew feature is particularly notable, allowing users to prepare a smooth, mellow cold brew in less than five minutes, a unique capability among espresso machines. The variety of drink options makes the Maestro a versatile addition to any kitchen, catering to a wide range of coffee preferences.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

The DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro is designed to be user-friendly, guiding users through the setup process and reminding them of necessary maintenance tasks. The machine’s digital displays and intuitive controls make it easy to navigate through different settings and drink options. The large water tank (67.6 fl oz) and bean hopper minimize the need for frequent refills, and the removable parts make cleaning straightforward.

When unboxing the Maestro, users will find that DeLonghi has made efforts to use recyclable materials, and the setup process is straightforward, with the machine walking users through initial cleaning and setup steps. Regular maintenance is facilitated by the machine’s reminders for tasks such as descaling and cleaning. The inclusion of cleaning accessories, such as a cleaning brush and cloth, further simplifies the process.

Long-Term Use and Maintenance

Users have reported that the Maestro remains reliable and efficient even after extended use. The machine requires regular cleaning and descaling, but it provides clear instructions and reminders for these tasks, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. The water hardness test strip included with the machine helps users determine the appropriate descaling frequency, which can be crucial for maintaining optimal performance.

The weekly cleaning routine involves wiping down the machine’s exterior with a microfiber cloth, rinsing removable parts under warm water, and purging the steam wand. More thorough cleaning, such as descaling, is required less frequently, with the machine guiding users through the process. By following the recommended maintenance schedule and using the included cleaning tools, users can ensure their Maestro continues to produce high-quality coffee drinks for years to come.

Verdict: DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro Review

The DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro is an excellent investment for serious coffee enthusiasts who value both quality and versatility. Its combination of automatic and manual features makes it suitable for users at any skill level, and its ability to prepare a wide range of coffee drinks sets it apart from many competitors. While its size, weight, and price may be drawbacks for some, the overall performance and ease of use make it a top choice for those looking to elevate their home coffee experience. Whether you’re a novice looking for a user-friendly machine or an experienced barista seeking a versatile and reliable espresso maker, the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro is well worth considering.

DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro Specifications

Here’s a detailed look at the specifications of the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro to provide a comprehensive understanding of what this machine offers:

General Specifications:

Manufacturer: De’Longhi
Model Number: EC9665.M
Product Category: Hybrid espresso machine
Housing Material: Stainless steel
Color Options: Matte Stainless Steel with black or red accents
Dimensions: 18.5 x 16.5 x 14.0 inches (47.0 x 41.9 x 35.6 cm)
Weight: 35.2 lbs (16.0 kg)
Warranty: 2 years

Capacity:

Water Tank Capacity: 67.6 fl oz (2.0 liters)
Bean Hopper Capacity: 8.8 oz (250 grams)

Portafilter and Filters:

Portafilter Size: 51 mm
Filter Baskets: Single-wall filter baskets included

Grinding:

Grinder Type: Stainless steel conical burr grinder
Grind Adjustment Levels: 8 settings
Dosing: Automatic, with Smart Tamping Station

Brewing:

Pump Pressure: 19 bars
Pre-Infusion: Dynamic Pre-Infusion, which adapts to the coffee dose
Temperature Control: Active Temperature Control with five settings
Brewing Time: Heats up quickly, ready in a few seconds

Milk Frothing:

Steam Wand: Manual steam wand with three-holed nozzle for precise milk texturing
Automatic Milk Frothing: LatteCrema system with three froth levels
Specialty Drinks: Espresso, cappuccino, americano, flat white, latte macchiato, cold brew, coffee

User Interface:

Displays: Two digital display panels for dose amount and drink selection
Controls: Combination of analog dials and digital buttons
User Profiles: Memory function for saving custom settings

Cleaning and Maintenance:

Cleaning Accessories: Cleaning brush, cloth, and descaler (not included but required periodically)
Cleaning Features: Removable parts for easy cleaning, automated descaling reminders
Maintenance Reminders: Digital notifications for refilling beans, water, and descaling