Comparing Coffee Machine Sizes: An Examination of the Compact and Aesthetic De'Longhi Dedica Duo Espresso Machine to Ascertain Its Performance
The De'Longhi Dedica Duo espresso machine is a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts who are looking for a compact and stylish espresso machine that fits well in small kitchens. This machine, with its sleek design, offers a great alternative to larger espresso machines that require more space.
Size and Compactness
One of the standout features of the Dedica Duo is its slim design. Measuring approximately 6 inches wide, it is narrower than many standard home espresso machines, making it an ideal choice for cramped kitchens or limited countertop space. This feature sets it apart from larger models like the Breville Barista Express or Lelit Bianca.
Functionality
The Dedica Duo offers both espresso and milk frothing via a manual steam wand and supports dual shot sizes ("Duo"). However, it lacks advanced temperature or pressure profiling features found in premium machines like the Lelit Bianca V3 or ECM Synchronika.
Price and Value
Priced mid-range, the Dedica Duo is considered good value given its compact footprint and solid espresso quality. For those on tighter budgets, simpler machines like the De'Longhi Stilosa provide basic espresso plus steam functions but with less build refinement.
Ease of Use
The Dedica Duo is fairly user-friendly, but its manual steam and limited programmability mean beginners may need some practice to get consistent results. Super-automatic or semi-automatic machines like the Breville Bambino Plus or Casabrews CM5418 offer more ease of use but may be larger or less versatile.
Competition
Other compact options worth considering include the Breville Bambino Plus, which offers smart steaming and quick heat-up in a small frame, and bean-to-cup machines like Philips LatteGo 5500 that cater well to singles or couples but may be less compact than the Dedica Duo.
Usability and Accessories
The Dedica Duo comes with a measure scoop for coffee grounds, but it is recommended to replace the water in the back filter and give everything a good rinse before using the cold brew setting. It's also important to note that the milk steamer on the Dedica Duo can be loud and difficult to use, especially for beginners. Additional accessories like a tamping mat or ground brush are sold separately.
Design and Brand Reputation
The De'Longhi Dedica Duo is one of the best-looking small espresso machines available, with a variety of colourways including sage green, silver, black, and white. De'Longhi is a highly reputable brand known for making high-quality, stylish, and easy-to-use espresso machines.
Recommendations
For those with a larger budget or more space in their kitchen, other espresso machines like the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch or the Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier may be more suitable. However, if space is the top concern with moderate barista control, the Dedica Duo is a strong contender among small-space espresso machines. For better automation or temperature control (especially for light roasts), machines like the Breville Bambino Plus or higher-end dual boilers are more suitable but less compact.
In summary, the De'Longhi Dedica Duo stands out for its ultra-slim profile suitable for very limited space while delivering good espresso and manual steaming, though it doesn’t provide the high-end controls or full automation some other compact models offer.
For those looking for more design-related content, there is a newsletter available on the website that provides trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration related to interiors. Olivia Wolfe, a design writer for the website, has a masters degree in arts and lifestyle journalism and has worked in the coffee industry, providing insightful and knowledgeable content.
- The De'Longhi Dedica Duo's slim design, measuring approximately 6 inches wide, makes it an ideal choice for small kitchens or limited countertop space, setting it apart from larger espresso machines.
- The Dedica Duo, with its variety of colorways including sage green, silver, black, and white, is one of the best-looking small espresso machines available, designed by the reputable brand De'Longhi.
- If one is interested in design-related content, there is a newsletter available on the website that provides trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration related to interiors.
- For those who are looking for compact espresso machines, other options worth considering include the Breville Bambino Plus and bean-to-cup machines like Philips LatteGo 5500, which cater well to singles or couples.
- The Dedica Duo, despite being compact, delivers good espresso and manual steaming, though it doesn't provide the high-end controls or full automation some other compact models offer for better automation or temperature control (especially for light roasts).
