De’Longhi EC685R Dedica Deluxe 15-Bar Review

The De’Longhi EC685R Dedica Deluxe 15-Bar espresso machine and milk frother is a budget, automatic, espresso machine designed to be user friendly while producing cafe style espresso coffee, with thick, creamy froth that we enjoy in well known bistros.

When seeing the Dedica Deluxe in real life it’s hard not to be impressed by the dazzling stainless steel smooth edges that intersect brushed crimson, red flanks. Slimmer than most espresso machines at 5.87 x 12.99 x 11.93 inches, the De’Longhi EC685R Dedica Deluxe 15-Bar saves on counter spaces and looks more handsome than every automatic espresso machine in its class. At about six inches wide and 4.2 KG/9.2 lbs the Dedica is bordering on classed as ‘portable’ and could be easily stored for trips away..

Does the 15-Bar Professional Provide Good Quality Crema?

There is always a debate between coffee aficionados whether 15 bar or 20 bar pressure provides a better quality crema. The 15 bar camp like the fact that less pressure is pumped through the coffee taking seconds longer so that more oil and taste is infused in the final result.

20 bar advocates prefer a quicker cup of Joe. After trying the final result for myself I can tell you the crema is impressive. Although, you’d expect better perhaps from a machine costing considerably more and with a non pressurized portafilter system, the final result with the De’Longhi EC685R Dedica Deluxe 15-Bar is still an impressive espresso with a thick crema.

How do I Use The De’Longhi EC685R Dedica Deluxe 15-Bar?

The plastic reservoir can be easily unfastened with a click from the back of the machine. It will hold a decent 1 liters/35 Oz of water. To create a double shot will take: 40 seconds, a single about 30 seconds. A light flashes on and off as the crema pours slowly into the cup. You can remove the portafilter basket easily to clean under the tap.

The espresso is impressive and a nice crema will drip to the top of your glass. You can program the cup size by easily pressing and holding the appropriate button (in this case: double shot button). The deep tone of the machine, though is not a whisper won’t wake the family either. The robust feeling drip tray is easily removed for cleaning in your sink.

The good news is the new Deluxe model can accommodate taller coffee glasses and cups with its removable top drip tray creating a clearance of over 4.5 inches. Cleverly, when the drip tray gets full a red mini buoy will float to the top of the grate telling you it needs to be emptied.

Whether you like to steam and froth milk before making the espresso is up to you. With the De’Longhi EC685R Dedica Deluxe 15-Bar you now get more versatile options when it comes to steaming milk or making froth.

It’s a good idea to purge the steam wand first. The furthest right button of the top 3 buttons will then flash. The machine comes with a a panarello wand which is arguably easier to use than more authentic wands. Purge the steamer and it will clean out the wand and cool down the brewer. Push the handy black band up for steamed milk and down to create more froth.

The final result is a creamy froth which blends into the cappuccino or latte delivering a superb tasting coffee beverage. It makes a pleasant gurgling sound as it froths milk. When the machine gets to hot the 3 lights will blink.

Noticeable Features

• The portafilter is made from aluminum while the baskets are long lasting stainless steel.

• The built in steel warming tray will warm two large cups with aplomb.

A thermoblock heating system delivers top quality beverages in about 35 seconds.

Cons

• The plastic tamper and scoop included doesn’t feel the right size and is plastic. It’s worth investing in a steel 51′ tamper and scoop. Amazon has some good choices.

Cleaning The De’Longhi EC685R

The steam wand easily unscrews and should be cleaned regularly with a warm cloth and in the sink with detergent. The drip tray grate can be washed in the sink. An auto descaling mode is a great feature that you’d think this budget machine has no real right to possess.

I liked the De’Longhi so much I bought one for my mother. She described it as, “splendid!” I upgraded the tamper for her and she soon got the hang of using it.

Final Words

The size, programmable functions of the De’Longhi EC685R Dedica Deluxe 15-Bar, and ease of use makes it an all round great budget, coffee, espresso machine. Notwithstanding that, it’s a beautiful contraption to sit at the pride of place on any stylish kitchen counter. Plus the creamy milk froth and rich crema produces coffee beverages that’ll make you think twice about wasting money in a coffee bistro. BUY IT HERE ON AMAZON.

• You may like: 7 Best Rechargeable Milk Frothers
• Read: Best Milk Frothers Buyers Guide
• Read the review of a budget machine: Bonsenkitchen Espresso Machine 20 Bar Coffee Machine (with Milk Frother) Review