Hate high coffee prices at your nearby cafes? Getting your first semi-automatic espresso maker for your home? Want an affordable machine? Do not want it to take out too much space? Stay with us in this DeLonghi Dedica EC680M review to see why this pump espresso machine is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
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DeLonghi Dedica EC680M Review: Who It’s For
You want to experience being your own barista and make your own espresso-based drinks at home. But this is your first time. At the same time, you are conscious of your budget and kitchen space.
If you fit the description, you gotta check out the DeLonghi Dedica espresso machine. This beautiful and slim espresso maker can realise your dream of becoming a barister at home with little or no previous experience.
The price is affordable at less than $300. This Italian semi-automatic espresso maker is definitely worth your time checking out.
DeLonghi EC680M DEDICA Pump Espresso Machine
Who it is not for?
Not everyone is suited for semi-automatic machine which requires multi preparation steps to make espresso. For those who live a busy schedule and want convenience, you will be better off getting a superautomatic espresso machine.
One good choice will be the Delonghi Magnifica ESAM 3500. With this machine, you can have a bean-to-cup experience automatically. But that’s not all. It can even make you latte and cappuccino automatically.
7 Benefits of DeLonghi EC680M Dedica Espresso Machine
1. Novice Friendly
The brew temperature and pressure are two important variables to making good espresso. In this machine, the ideal brew temperature of the water is achieved with its thermal block technology. The required pressure is provided by means of its powerful 15 bar pump. With the thermal block technology and 15 bar pump, the water is heated to the right temperature before flowing through the ground coffee bed in the portafilter under high pressure. This high pressure maximizes the extraction of the aromatic flavours from the finely grind coffee particles.
The quality of espresso can also be affected by inconsistencies in the grind size of the ground coffee particles or the improper tamping of the ground coffee puck in the portafilter. These two factors can result in the heated water flowing into certain paths of least resistance instead of evenly throughout the coffee puck. This will lead to an uneven extraction of the solids in the coffee and in turn affect the quality of the espresso.
However, there is no need to worry about the lack of skills in this aspect using this machine. It comes with pressurized portafilters which enable the water to flow evenly throughout the coffee bed. What the pressurised portafilters do is to create higher pressure in the filter basket by forcing the extraction of coffee through one small hole outlet during brewing. As a result, you can get an evenly extracted espresso.
2. Time Saving
Its thermo block technology heats water up to the ideal temperature in just 40 seconds. If you are in a rush for time in the morning and also want your caffeine boost, no more worry. Switch this machine on. You get your coffee in no time!
3. Energy Saving
If you forget to turn the machine off, it will automatically shift to standby mode after a period of inactivity. This will reduce energy consumption and save you a lot of money!
4. Customizability
Some may prefer their coffee to taste more acidic or bitter. This is done by adjusting the brew temperature. For this machine, the customization is easy. To change the brew temperature, just select from the 3 levels available.
Okay. You can change the coffee taste. But you want to adjust the caffeine intake too? No problem. The portafilter is a versatile one. For normal caffeine dose, use the single shot basket. If you need more caffeine kick, use the double shot basket. That’s not all. You can also use easy serving espresso (ESE) capsule if you dislike the mess of coffee powder all over your kitchen counter top.
Maybe you are more of a cappuccino or latte lover? Sure. A steam wand is at your service for frothing the milk. You want Americano instead? Sure. The steam wand also pours out hot water.
Perhaps you like your espresso maker to stay powered longer before it shuts down automatically? No problem. This espresso machine allows you to change the period of inactivity.
5. Automatic Flow Stop
The Delonghi Dedica comes with an automatic flow stop feature. So you don’t have to hang around after pressing the brew button. The machine will stop dispensing espresso once the preset quantity is reached. You don’t like the preset quantity? Also no problem. Just programme the drink quantity according to your preference.
6. Ease Of Cleaning
Cleaning is easy with both the water tank and drip tray being removable. The drip tray also has a water level indicator to prompt you to change water when the tray is full. Now, there is no more reason for leaving the cleaning at a later time. It is a breeze to clean them up.
7. Compactness
If space is a concern, this espresso machine takes up less counter space than the typical espresso makers in the market. It only takes up an area of 13 inches (33 cm) deep by 5.9 inches (15cm) wide and has a height of only 13 inches (33 cm). And it weighs less than 10 pounds. So it is convenient to move the machine around, be it for storage or for cleaning. Its metal body and chrome finishing give it a really elegant look. It is such delight to look at it and it would be an amazing art piece in your kitchen!
Related:
Delonghi La Specialista Review
Shortcomings of DeLonghi EC680M
Involves Some Work
This machine is a semi-automatic machine. It’s more for those who like the ritualistic procedure of selecting the filter basket, clipping it into the portafilter, then pour ground coffee into it, tamp down the coffee, attach it to the brew holder and then finally press the brew button for your espresso. If you want cappucino or latte, you also need to do the extra step of frothing milk. For those who wants everything done with just a touch of the button, a super automatic machine may be more suitable.
Low Height Clearance for Cup
The maximum cup size for this machine is about 3 inches. For those who like to use large cups, they have to adjust their cup preferences. If not, brewing the espresso separately and then pouring it into the cup is an option.
Delonghi Dedica Review: Should I buy this Espresso Maker?
The Delonghi Dedica Espresso Maker is an excellent entry-level machine for first-time buyers. With its compact design, it only takes a small amount of space in your kitchen. Its thermo block technology saves you time by heating up the water in under 40 seconds. You also get the option to make cappuccino, latte and even Americanos with the attached steam wand. The machine is also a beauty in your kitchen with its sleek, polished look. More importantly, this ability to create a nice cup of espresso, latte or cappuccino is offered to you at a very competitive price!
DeLonghi EC680M DEDICA Pump Espresso Machine
Hopefully, this Delonghi Dedica EC680 review has helped you in making your decision.
