De'Longhi Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine

First and foremost, the De'Longhi Dinamica makes great espresso. It looks nice on the counter and has a ton of features for perfecting and adjusting everything from the output volume to the temperature. I was expecting a machine that was "fully automatic" and in many regards this machine meets that description, especially for espresso. But it is less so when you're after cappuccinos or lattes. There's no single button that makes those drinks from start to finish - you need to pull the espresso shot and then manually use the frother to get the correct thickness and proportions of foam and/or hot milk to add to the espresso. As someone who has never used a milk frother before I found that portion intimidating and difficult. I also had trouble finding an appropriate ... MoreFirst and foremost, the De'Longhi Dinamica makes great espresso. It looks nice on the counter and has a ton of features for perfecting and adjusting everything from the output volume to the temperature. I was expecting a machine that was "fully automatic" and in many regards this machine meets that description, especially for espresso. But it is less so when you're after cappuccinos or lattes. There's no single button that makes those drinks from start to finish - you need to pull the espresso shot and then manually use the frother to get the correct thickness and proportions of foam and/or hot milk to add to the espresso. As someone who has never used a milk frother before I found that portion intimidating and difficult. I also had trouble finding an appropriate vessel to use when frothing the milk - the frother arm didn't reach the liquid with the first 2 cups that I tried. It would be nice if there was a milk frothing pitcher included with the machine since it's an essential part of making those drinks. I did appreciate some of the other design features, notably the indicator level for the overflow tray, the front accessible water tank and self-cleaning function. I suspect with more practice and lots of re-reading of the (very in depth) instruction manual this machine is going to become a favorite.

A piece of junk, with even worse customer service

If you like sending your machine back to service every 6 months, this is the one for you! It broke for one reason, I spent 3 hours with product support during a work day, sent it back, then it breaks for another reason. Guess who has to lose another hour from his work day with tech support again, only to find that the only remedy is to send it again back for service. If it had broken twice for the same reason, I would be eligible for a new unit. Since it broke a different way this time, it is not eligible for a new unit. Thus continuing this idiotic feedback loop until what? I give up? I pledge to never buy another Delonghi product?Do yourself a favor and stay away from this company. I have filed a report with the better business bureau for the outright fraud this ... MoreIf you like sending your machine back to service every 6 months, this is the one for you! It broke for one reason, I spent 3 hours with product support during a work day, sent it back, then it breaks for another reason. Guess who has to lose another hour from his work day with tech support again, only to find that the only remedy is to send it again back for service. If it had broken twice for the same reason, I would be eligible for a new unit. Since it broke a different way this time, it is not eligible for a new unit. Thus continuing this idiotic feedback loop until what? I give up? I pledge to never buy another Delonghi product?Do yourself a favor and stay away from this company. I have filed a report with the better business bureau for the outright fraud this company is exposing its customers to.

Day 1

I bought this at a retailer to have flexibility to return after spending hours researching specs, reviews, etc. Read the manual, followed the instructions, and made two very good cappuccinos after wasting the first 4 cups per the instructions (why don't you include the sample beans anymore). Two things, one of which is prompting me to contemplate returning: (1) I bought this because it was less mess and I was VERY careful with cleaning the machine as I went through the startup brews. After enjoying 2 yummy cappuccinos, I cleaned the whole machine and noticed that the drip tray is scratched up!! PERMANENTLY!! I'm VERY upset with spending $1100 and I now have to look at a scratched-up machine that is brand new! In fact, I came to this site just to see if you sell it ... MoreI bought this at a retailer to have flexibility to return after spending hours researching specs, reviews, etc. Read the manual, followed the instructions, and made two very good cappuccinos after wasting the first 4 cups per the instructions (why don't you include the sample beans anymore). Two things, one of which is prompting me to contemplate returning: (1) I bought this because it was less mess and I was VERY careful with cleaning the machine as I went through the startup brews. After enjoying 2 yummy cappuccinos, I cleaned the whole machine and noticed that the drip tray is scratched up!! PERMANENTLY!! I'm VERY upset with spending $1100 and I now have to look at a scratched-up machine that is brand new! In fact, I came to this site just to see if you sell it separately as it irks me so much that I might return it. (2) After spending $1100, it is utterly ridiculous that I had to buy the milk frothing pitcher separately. It's like charging me separately for parmesan cheese to put on a pizza!! Not a deal breaker but seems like bilking the customer for every penny. Also, it's not as completely mess free as I thought it would be since water sneaks into the drip tray and the spent grind container in the brew process but I can deal with a little daily cleanup. I'm just not sure if I can deal with looking at scratches on the drip tray after only 1 use! Again, I bought this model because it didn't spill grinds everywhere but I could have got a solid stainless steel drip tray on a different make/model for $200 less (with the frother cup included). Hoping DeLonghi will address this concern within my 45-day return window as that might sway me and my future product rating on other sites.

Defective Machine

The machine we purchased was defective from the beginning. We were never able to utilize the steamer function and the machine even began smoking while I was on video with customer service. Also, the coffee is cold even after following all of the steps provided to alter the temperature of the coffee. It's extremely disappointing to pay a significant amount of money for cold coffee and a smoking defective machine. The customer service is a complete waste of time. I was told they will attempt to fix it. If they are able to fix it, I will essentially be receiving a refurbished machine after paying full price. I was required to send in the machine - we do not have a replacement machine or any back up coffee machine so we will be unable to make coffee until they fix the ... MoreThe machine we purchased was defective from the beginning. We were never able to utilize the steamer function and the machine even began smoking while I was on video with customer service. Also, the coffee is cold even after following all of the steps provided to alter the temperature of the coffee. It's extremely disappointing to pay a significant amount of money for cold coffee and a smoking defective machine. The customer service is a complete waste of time. I was told they will attempt to fix it. If they are able to fix it, I will essentially be receiving a refurbished machine after paying full price. I was required to send in the machine - we do not have a replacement machine or any back up coffee machine so we will be unable to make coffee until they fix the machine. Customer service was unable to give me any time frame in which the machine will be fixed. Save yourself time, disappointment, and a headache from this defective machine.

Great coffee…when it works

This machine is capable of making great tasting coffee, but is very finicky. Almost every time I start it in the morning it goes through startup cycle lets you select the type of drink you want to make and then throws some error/maintenance light and stops at that. Do not buy this model if you want to get a quick cup of coffee before going to work in the morning, it will let you down at least half the time. Worst is when the machine decides it needs descaling right this moment and without any prior indication. Descaling takes 45 minutes to an hour, too long for morning routine. The company also failed to include a card that lists all error/status lights, so you have to keep the manual handy. Another thing to note is that it will waste a lot of coffee if something is ... MoreThis machine is capable of making great tasting coffee, but is very finicky. Almost every time I start it in the morning it goes through startup cycle lets you select the type of drink you want to make and then throws some error/maintenance light and stops at that. Do not buy this model if you want to get a quick cup of coffee before going to work in the morning, it will let you down at least half the time. Worst is when the machine decides it needs descaling right this moment and without any prior indication. Descaling takes 45 minutes to an hour, too long for morning routine. The company also failed to include a card that lists all error/status lights, so you have to keep the manual handy. Another thing to note is that it will waste a lot of coffee if something is not perfect, today it’s complained that I loaded too much ground coffee and the manual says to reduce the amount, but the machine dumped all of it already in the disposal tray.This machine would have been great if it was designed with common sense and indicated upcoming required maintenance and allow you to bypass it at least once instead of requiring you to drop what you’re doing and take care of this machine.Definitely not a reliable alternative to getting coffee at a cafe.

I'm enjoying my Dinamica. I

I'm enjoying my Dinamica. I still have some adjustments to make, but haven't taken the time to 'play' with it properly. In the meantime, I am getting good short and long espressos and cappuccinos. A bonus: I have an easy way to make my parents (95 and98 yrs) feel special with "one of my special coffees". That in itself makes it worth it to me to have the Dinamica. Before taking the plunge to buy this machine, I wondered if I should break my thrifty mold and spend so much on a coffee machine, even if it did check all the boxes of size, looks, automation including a burr grinder, and for me, a plus of cold brew.Since it rinses itself at the beginning and end of each power-on session, it stays quite clean, but one has to fill the water reservoir fairly frequently.The ... MoreI'm enjoying my Dinamica. I still have some adjustments to make, but haven't taken the time to 'play' with it properly. In the meantime, I am getting good short and long espressos and cappuccinos. A bonus: I have an easy way to make my parents (95 and98 yrs) feel special with "one of my special coffees". That in itself makes it worth it to me to have the Dinamica. Before taking the plunge to buy this machine, I wondered if I should break my thrifty mold and spend so much on a coffee machine, even if it did check all the boxes of size, looks, automation including a burr grinder, and for me, a plus of cold brew.Since it rinses itself at the beginning and end of each power-on session, it stays quite clean, but one has to fill the water reservoir fairly frequently.The Home Coffee Solutions team has been very helpful, the Lavazza Super Crema they suggested is wonderful, and delivery is very fast (I live abt 150 km from Toronto).There was a slight manufacturing defect (a wire pinched in a seam), but the Delonghi customer service team took good care of me and I now have a new Dinamica with no apparent problems.

Look no further for divine espresso drinks!

There are many things I love about the Delonghi Dinamica. Let me list them for you.Pros: It has the ability to grind at 7 different levels which is fantastic for getting just the right espresso grind for your perfect drink. I keep mine at a 5.The Dinamica will make a ‘double’ double shot for when you just need more espresso. And at the touch one 1 button!It froths anything from almond creamer and oat creamer all the way to half and half to creamy bliss! I don’t enjoy drinking espresso without dairy and it makes frothy goodness that will make every day feel like you’re in a coffee shop.It’s easy to clean!! It takes about 1 minute to pull out the tray, dump the used coffee pucks, empty tray with water and rinse all parts. Even the descaling process is well ... MoreThere are many things I love about the Delonghi Dinamica. Let me list them for you.Pros: It has the ability to grind at 7 different levels which is fantastic for getting just the right espresso grind for your perfect drink. I keep mine at a 5.The Dinamica will make a ‘double’ double shot for when you just need more espresso. And at the touch one 1 button!It froths anything from almond creamer and oat creamer all the way to half and half to creamy bliss! I don’t enjoy drinking espresso without dairy and it makes frothy goodness that will make every day feel like you’re in a coffee shop.It’s easy to clean!! It takes about 1 minute to pull out the tray, dump the used coffee pucks, empty tray with water and rinse all parts. Even the descaling process is well described in the manual and I was able to do it for the first time with no issues or frustration.I can’t say a negative thing about this machine. I hope it lasts for many years because I don’t want to live without it. I’ve made friends lattes, americanas and iced coffees with the Dinamica and they are all looking to purchase one of these now for Christmas.If you’re looking an automatic espresso machine that makes superb espresso drinks, look no further.

Substandard service

I bought a refurbished delonghi, it arrived after a week and did not work. Whole latte love are only the distributors and after 3 phone calls I was directed to delonghi who could not make the machine work so are sending me a new one. It should arrive shortly. The big issue is that delonghi gives 6 month warranty on their refurbished machines but since this will have taken a month I now will only have 5 months left.I did not feel supported by whole late love who never contacted me after they turfed me to de longhi..Although I don’t blame them for a defective machine, I feel I should have been compensated for my patience by either company….. a complimentary bag of coffeeo or the cleaning brush or water filter that does NOT come with refurbished units would have been ... MoreI bought a refurbished delonghi, it arrived after a week and did not work. Whole latte love are only the distributors and after 3 phone calls I was directed to delonghi who could not make the machine work so are sending me a new one. It should arrive shortly. The big issue is that delonghi gives 6 month warranty on their refurbished machines but since this will have taken a month I now will only have 5 months left.I did not feel supported by whole late love who never contacted me after they turfed me to de longhi..Although I don’t blame them for a defective machine, I feel I should have been compensated for my patience by either company….. a complimentary bag of coffeeo or the cleaning brush or water filter that does NOT come with refurbished units would have been nice..Hopefully the replacement will work or I will be contacting the credit card company.

Very delicious coffee!

I bought this coffee machine 5 months ago. It did take me a while to learn how to use it properly and to find the strength of coffee that I like. In the beginning everything worked very well until I did my first descaling. After that the frother started to malfunction. Sometimes it would froth the milk very good, and sometimes it would not froth at all. It was very disappointing, and I almost returned it. But I really like the taste of the coffee from this machine, so I decided to keep it. I only use filtered water, and my water is pretty soft. So I don’t use water softening filter. And technically, I shouldn’t need to descale the machine because of filtered water. Unfortunately, there is no way to bypass this step and it comes on every month. So I do the whole ... MoreI bought this coffee machine 5 months ago. It did take me a while to learn how to use it properly and to find the strength of coffee that I like. In the beginning everything worked very well until I did my first descaling. After that the frother started to malfunction. Sometimes it would froth the milk very good, and sometimes it would not froth at all. It was very disappointing, and I almost returned it. But I really like the taste of the coffee from this machine, so I decided to keep it. I only use filtered water, and my water is pretty soft. So I don’t use water softening filter. And technically, I shouldn’t need to descale the machine because of filtered water. Unfortunately, there is no way to bypass this step and it comes on every month. So I do the whole descaling process with just filtered water and I don’t use any descaling solution, nor vinegar. Also coffee option LONG (B13)-5.41 oz cup comes out in two separate operations:instead of grinding once, it grinds twice and coffee comes out at two separate times. Which I thought is weird because it defeats the purpose of getting a full cup of coffee at once. I usually keep coffee grinding setting on No 5, and I get 2x espresso Lungo (B11), extra hot water, frothed half and half, and that’s my coffee. The taste of coffee is really good, very smooth and I love it. I will be purchasing a separate frother though. I am giving four stars to this product just because of the taste of coffee. But for this amount of money I expect everything to work perfectly. And it does not. I will keep this machine but in the future I probably will be buying different coffee machine.

We have had WONDERFUL customer service every time!

We had to have a repair in Jan of 2022, 16 months after purchase. The machines was adding too much water to the puck so it made the grounds puck soggy and hard to get out.They sent a shipping label and we shipped it back for repair where they went over and above what was asked, even giving us a free part that we had scratched. That was not required under warranty.We received it back in perfect condition; better than new! All within one week! The report showed how many liters of water went through the machine, how many times it was descaled and how many cups of coffee were made and the coffee temperature, was perfect. They also replaced a couple of other parts which we did not ask for.They have a nice video system that the agent can view live while you are doing ... MoreWe had to have a repair in Jan of 2022, 16 months after purchase. The machines was adding too much water to the puck so it made the grounds puck soggy and hard to get out.They sent a shipping label and we shipped it back for repair where they went over and above what was asked, even giving us a free part that we had scratched. That was not required under warranty.We received it back in perfect condition; better than new! All within one week! The report showed how many liters of water went through the machine, how many times it was descaled and how many cups of coffee were made and the coffee temperature, was perfect. They also replaced a couple of other parts which we did not ask for.They have a nice video system that the agent can view live while you are doing it which shows them the problem.This Espresso Machine is so much better than our previous Philips Machine. There are a lot less problems. Warning lights would go on all the time with the Philips.Love the machine and the service.