Note: The DeLonghi Dedica Style is ideal for home users who want café‑style espresso without the bulk of professional machines. Its slim design fits small kitchens, while the 15‑bar pump and thermoblock system deliver consistent espresso shots.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi‑Automatic Espresso Machine |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
| Heating System | Thermoblock (fast heat‑up) |
| Portafilter Size | 51 mm |
| Power | 1300 watts |
The DeLonghi Dedica Style (EC685) is one of the most popular entry‑level espresso machines on the market. Compact, stylish, and versatile, it appeals to coffee lovers who want café‑quality espresso at home without investing in bulky or expensive professional equipment.
What Is DeLonghi Dedica Style?
The Dedica Style is a semi‑automatic espresso machine designed for home use. It’s part of DeLonghi’s Dedica line, which includes models like the EC680 and EC685. The Style version improves on earlier models with better frothing capabilities, updated design elements, and enhanced durability.
- Target Audience: Beginners and intermediate home baristas.
- Machine Type: Pump‑driven espresso maker.
- Price Range: Mid‑level ($200–$300 depending on region).
- Key Appeal: Compact footprint, stylish design, and reliable espresso extraction.
Summary: The Dedica Style is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who want to experiment with espresso drinks without committing to high‑end machines.
Design and Build Quality
The Dedica Style is praised for its slim profile—just 6 inches wide—making it perfect for small kitchens. Despite its compact size, it feels sturdy and well‑built.
Design highlights:
- Stainless Steel Housing: Durable and modern.
- Slim Footprint: Fits easily on crowded countertops.
- Control Panel: Simple three‑button interface for espresso, double espresso, and steam.
- Portafilter: 51 mm size, compatible with pressurized baskets.
- Aesthetic Options: Available in stainless steel, red, and black finishes.
Summary: The Dedica Style combines elegance with practicality, offering a premium look without taking up much space.
Key Features and Specifications of the Dedica Style
The DeLonghi Dedica Style is designed to bridge the gap between beginner‑friendly espresso machines and more advanced semi‑automatic models. Compact in size yet packed with thoughtful engineering, it offers a blend of convenience and performance that appeals to both casual coffee drinkers and aspiring home baristas.
- 15‑Bar Pump Pressure – Ensures proper espresso extraction.
- Thermoblock Heating System – Heats water quickly and maintains stable temperature.
- Adjustable Frother – Switch between cappuccino foam and hot milk.
- Programmable Shot Sizes – Customize single or double espresso volumes.
- Cup Warmer – Keeps cups warm for better serving.
- Energy Saving Mode – Automatic shut‑off after inactivity.
Technical specifications:
- Dimensions: 13 x 6 x 12 inches
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Water Tank Capacity: 1.1 liters
- Portafilter Size: 51 mm
- Power: 1300 watts
These features make the Dedica Style a versatile machine that balances performance with practicality. It’s powerful enough to deliver authentic espresso, yet simple enough for everyday use.
Brewing Performance: Espresso Quality and Consistency
Espresso quality is the heart of any machine review. The Dedica Style delivers rich, aromatic shots with good crema, especially when paired with freshly ground beans.
Performance notes:
- Consistency: Reliable extraction once grind size and tamping are mastered.
- Crema Quality: Thick and golden with pressurized baskets.
- Temperature Stability: Thermoblock system ensures quick recovery between shots.
- Shot Customization: Programmable volumes allow flexibility.
Summary: While not as powerful as high‑end machines, the Dedica Style produces espresso that rivals café quality when used correctly.
Milk Frothing Capabilities and Specialty Drink Options
One of the standout features of the DeLonghi Dedica Style is its ability to transform a simple espresso shot into a wide variety of café‑style beverages. Thanks to its manual steam wand, the machine gives users control over milk texture and temperature, allowing them to experiment with different drink styles.
Frothing capabilities:
- Cappuccino Mode: Produces airy foam for cappuccinos.
- Hot Milk Mode: Creates silky milk for lattes.
- Learning Curve: Requires practice but offers control over texture.
Specialty drinks possible:
- Cappuccinos
- Lattes
- Flat whites
- Macchiatos
The milk frothing system elevates the Dedica Style from a simple espresso machine to a versatile home café solution. While it may take some practice to master microfoam for latte art, the wand’s adjustable settings provide enough flexibility for most users to enjoy professional‑style drinks.
Ease of Use and User Experience
The DeLonghi Dedica Style is designed for simplicity, making it one of the most approachable espresso machines for home use. Unlike professional machines that require advanced knowledge of grind size, tamping pressure, and extraction timing, the Dedica Style streamlines the process with intuitive controls and helpful features.
User experience highlights:
- Quick Heat‑Up: Ready in 40 seconds.
- Simple Controls: Three buttons for core functions.
- Compact Size: Easy to store and move.
- Beginner Friendly: Pressurized baskets reduce the need for perfect tamping.
The Dedica Style balances ease of use with enough flexibility to grow alongside the user’s skills. Beginners will appreciate its straightforward operation, while more experienced coffee lovers can explore manual frothing and shot customization.
Maintenance, Cleaning, and Durability
Owning an espresso machine isn’t just about brewing great coffee—it’s also about keeping the machine in top condition so it performs consistently over time. The DeLonghi Dedica Style is designed with user‑friendly maintenance in mind, making it straightforward to clean and durable enough to withstand daily use.
- Removable Water Tank: Easy to refill and clean.
- Descaling Alerts: Indicator light signals when cleaning is needed.
- Durability: Stainless steel build ensures longevity.
- Cleaning Steam Wand: Requires regular wiping and purging.
The Dedica Style balances performance with practicality by making maintenance simple and durability a priority.
Pros and Cons of the DeLonghi Dedica Style
Like any espresso machine, the DeLonghi Dedica Style (EC685) comes with strengths and limitations. Understanding both sides helps potential buyers decide whether it fits their needs and expectations.
Pros:
- Compact and stylish design
- Affordable price point
- Good espresso quality
- Versatile milk frother
- Programmable shot sizes
Cons:
- Small portafilter size (51 mm) limits upgrade options
- Frother requires practice for microfoam
- Not as powerful as professional machines
- Limited to pressurized baskets unless modified
The Dedica Style strikes a balance between affordability, compactness, and performance. It’s an excellent choice for beginners or casual coffee drinkers who want café‑style espresso at home without investing in bulky or expensive equipment.
Final Verdict: Is the Dedica Style Worth Buying?
The DeLonghi Dedica Style is a standout choice for beginners and intermediate home baristas. It combines compact design, reliable espresso performance, and versatile milk frothing at a reasonable price. While it lacks the precision of high‑end machines, it delivers café‑quality drinks for everyday use.
Conclusion: If you want a stylish, affordable, and capable espresso machine for home use, the Dedica Style is worth buying. It’s not perfect, but for its price and size, it’s one of the best entry‑level options available.