Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine Latte & Cappuccino Maker
Now you can incorporate delicious espresso drinks into your daily routine. Created for those embarking on their espresso journey, this elegantly designed machine allows you to easily craft authentic espressos, lattes and cappuccinos in the comfort of your own home. The 15 bar pump creates the optimal pressure to extract a single or double espresso according to espresso brewing standards. An ergonomically designed portafilter has two filters, for single or double espresso. A separate tamper provides an additional control of even and consistent pressure for a better extraction. The two level cup holder accommodates taller cups. The heart of Stilosa – the durable Stainless steel boiler is engineered to last long and work for years with consistent performance, unlike the competition. The manual milk frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured lattes and cappuccinos just the way you like them. Stilosa’s sleek, refined design and stainless steel elements make this the perfect addition to your kitchen countertop, without taking up too much space. On top of that it’s simple to clean and maintain, to ensure your espresso machine lasts longer. Your at-home espresso journey starts now with Stilosa.
Now you can incorporate delicious espresso drinks into your daily routine. Created for those embarking on their espresso journey, this elegantly designed machine allows you to easily craft authentic espressos, lattes and cappuccinos in the comfort of your own home. The 15 bar pump creates the optimal pressure to extract a single or double espresso according to espresso brewing standards. An ergonomically designed portafilter has two filters, for single or double espresso. A separate tamper provides an additional control of even and consistent pressure for a better extraction. The two level cup holder accommodates taller cups. The heart of Stilosa – the durable Stainless steel boiler is engineered to last long and work for years with consistent performance, unlike the competition. The manual milk frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured lattes and cappuccinos just the way you like them. Stilosa’s sleek, refined design and stainless steel elements make this the perfect addition to your kitchen countertop, without taking up too much space. On top of that it’s simple to clean and maintain, to ensure your espresso machine lasts longer. Your at-home espresso journey starts now with Stilosa.
Now you can incorporate delicious espresso drinks into your daily routine. Created for those embarking on their espresso journey, this elegantly designed machine allows you to easily craft authentic espressos, lattes and cappuccinos in the comfort of your own home. The 15 bar pump creates the optimal pressure to extract a single or double espresso according to espresso brewing standards. An ergonomically designed portafilter has two filters, for single or double espresso. A separate tamper provides an additional control of even and consistent pressure for a better extraction. The two level cup holder accommodates taller cups. The heart of Stilosa – the durable Stainless steel boiler is engineered to last long and work for years with consistent performance, unlike the competition. The manual milk frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured lattes and cappuccinos just the way you like them. Stilosa’s sleek, refined design and stainless steel elements make this the perfect addition to your kitchen countertop, without taking up too much space. On top of that it’s simple to clean and maintain, to ensure your espresso machine lasts longer. Your at-home espresso journey starts now with Stilosa.
Now you can incorporate delicious espresso drinks into your daily routine. Created for those embarking on their espresso journey, this elegantly designed machine allows you to easily craft authentic espressos, lattes and cappuccinos in the comfort of your own home. The 15 bar pump creates the optimal pressure to extract a single or double espresso according to espresso brewing standards. An ergonomically designed portafilter has two filters, for single or double espresso. A separate tamper provides an additional control of even and consistent pressure for a better extraction. The two level cup holder accommodates taller cups. The heart of Stilosa – the durable Stainless steel boiler is engineered to last long and work for years with consistent performance, unlike the competition. The manual milk frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured lattes and cappuccinos just the way you like them. Stilosa’s sleek, refined design and stainless steel elements make this the perfect addition to your kitchen countertop, without taking up too much space. On top of that it’s simple to clean and maintain, to ensure your espresso machine lasts longer. Your at-home espresso journey starts now with Stilosa.
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The lowest price for Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine Latte & Cappuccino Maker right now is $60.02 at eBay.com.au, compared across 4 retailers.
The all-time low was $60.02 on 25 Aug 2026. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 25 Aug 2026.
Last updated at 25/08/2026 20:58:11
Delonghi Stilosa Ec260bk Manual Espresso Machine Latte & Cappuccino
Free delivery
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De’longhi Dedica Style Espresso & Cappuccino Coffee Machine –
Delivery $125.94
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
De'longhi Ec260bk Espresso Machine Black Cleaned Tested
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
De'longhi Ec260bk Stainless Steel Espresso Machine - Black
Delivery $330.16
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
De'Longhi EC260BK Stainless Steel Espresso Machine - Black
Delivery between 30 Aug – 3 Sept $35.88
De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK - Cafera Tipo Barista para Espresso, Lungo y Cappuccino, Diseaseñada en Italia
Delivery between 30 Aug – 3 Sept $35.88
De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Latte & Cappuccino Maker, 15 Bar Pump Pressure + Milk Frother Steam Wand, Black/Stainless, EC260BK, 13.5 x
Delivery between 30 Aug – 3 Sept $35.88
DeLonghi Espresso Kahve Makinesi Süt Köpürtme Evrekala
Delivery between 30 Aug – 3 Sept $35.88
Stilosa Compact Manual Espresso Machine, Manual Milk Frother | #1 Worldwide Espresso Machine Maker, 15 Bar Pump Pressure, Stainless Steel Boiler, Frot
Delivery between 1–4 Sept $29
Stilosa Compact Manual Espresso Machine, Manual Milk Frother | #1 Worldwide Espresso Machine Maker, 15 Bar Pump Pressure, Stainless Steel Boiler, Frot
Free delivery between 4–9 Sept
originally posted on Target
Had this machine for about a year and a half before upgrading to the Breville Barista Pro. I see that others are experiencing leaking and used units being sold to them, thankfully my unit wasn’t defective and had never caused me a problem since I had bought it. The machine itself is okay, it functions as a beginner entry level espresso system and does that job decently. It comes with a pressurized portafiler that doesn’t hold that much grams so the espresso shot may come out watery but it’s okay for what it is, you can’t expect cafe quality shots out of something like this. This machine is purely a manual machine, you have to watch the shots being dispersed and measure them. I knew this before buying so I didn’t really care, but if this is your pet peeve then you ... MoreHad this machine for about a year and a half before upgrading to the Breville Barista Pro. I see that others are experiencing leaking and used units being sold to them, thankfully my unit wasn’t defective and had never caused me a problem since I had bought it. The machine itself is okay, it functions as a beginner entry level espresso system and does that job decently. It comes with a pressurized portafiler that doesn’t hold that much grams so the espresso shot may come out watery but it’s okay for what it is, you can’t expect cafe quality shots out of something like this. This machine is purely a manual machine, you have to watch the shots being dispersed and measure them. I knew this before buying so I didn’t really care, but if this is your pet peeve then you might want to go with a Nespresso and just buy reusable pods. My only complaint is that the shot sometimes come out warm and the milk frother takes forever to heat up milk, I mostly drink cold drinks so it didn’t affect me but it’s something to note. Occasionally you’ll see Nespresso machines close to the same price as this machine and here’s what I would like to say. If you don’t mind the manual process and you’re buying this machine to learn about espresso and improve on it then you need to know the shortcomings of this machine and potentially decide if you want to increase your budget to get a better compact machine like a Breville Bambino. If you don’t really care to learn about espresso then it might be in your better interest to just get a Nespresso machine with reusable pods instead.
originally posted on Bed Bath & Beyond
I need to mention upfront that I never use the frother wand. There is a learning curve to espresso machines. Only use fine ground, and it works with any level of roast. Espresso roast is harsh compared to French & Italian. Don’t over-tamp, if it takes more than 30 sec for 2oz shot, not good for the pump & flavor. Grind 1 shot at a time, 11.5g in the portofilter, use a $15 micro-scale. Use a clear graduated bar glass to see when you reach 2oz. Stop the pump just short of 2oz. When the lower liquid has a visible line and the crema above, that’s just right. You might have to remove the catch tray to fit the bar glass under the porta filter. Measuring the shot in a bar glass is more accurate that timing the shot, and you achieve consistent results. If your tap water is ... MoreI need to mention upfront that I never use the frother wand. There is a learning curve to espresso machines. Only use fine ground, and it works with any level of roast. Espresso roast is harsh compared to French & Italian. Don’t over-tamp, if it takes more than 30 sec for 2oz shot, not good for the pump & flavor. Grind 1 shot at a time, 11.5g in the portofilter, use a $15 micro-scale. Use a clear graduated bar glass to see when you reach 2oz. Stop the pump just short of 2oz. When the lower liquid has a visible line and the crema above, that’s just right. You might have to remove the catch tray to fit the bar glass under the porta filter. Measuring the shot in a bar glass is more accurate that timing the shot, and you achieve consistent results. If your tap water is drinkable, that’s ok, but in my opinion, using distilled water might prevent scaling, therefore longer life for any espresso machine. If you are a coffee lover bear in mind that coffee is like steak and eggs; everybody knows their preferences, and they may have had straight espresso shots, which can stop a charging rhino in its tracks. There may be 2 dozen ways to use espresso shots, i.e., macchiato, latte, caffè ristretto, doppio, con schiuma, corretto, con panna, mocha, affogato, caffèFreddo . . . the internet is full of recipes; tira misu! Umm! You can surprise dinner guests with some of these, and yourself, too.
originally posted on bestbuy.com
This was a replacement for a machine I bought in December 2021, that failed after 7 months (July 2022). This one lasted 8 months (April 2023). I called DeLonghi’s cust service. They said the replacement was only warranted for the same period as the original,so it expired in December, 2022. They offered me a 20% discount on another machine. The first one leaked water, cuz the gaskets all failed. This one has a spacer with the portafilter fitting. It fell out and now all the water and coffee pours out. Don’t waste your money. DeLonghi does NOT stand behind its products. They are very poor quality. And when you call customer service they are very nice but do not have the ability to do anything other than a discount. Waste of money.
Delonghi Stilosa Ec260bk Manual Espresso Machine Latte & Cappuccino
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
De’longhi Dedica Style Espresso & Cappuccino Coffee Machine –
Delivery $125.94
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
De'longhi Ec260bk Espresso Machine Black Cleaned Tested
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
De'longhi Ec260bk Stainless Steel Espresso Machine - Black
Delivery $330.16
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
De'Longhi EC260BK Stainless Steel Espresso Machine - Black
Delivery between 30 Aug – 3 Sept $35.88
Had this machine for about a year and a half before upgrading to the Breville Barista Pro. I see that others are experiencing leaking and used units being sold to them, thankfully my unit wasn’t defective and had never caused me a problem since I had bought it. The machine itself is okay, it functions as a beginner entry level espresso system and does that job decently. It comes with a pressurized portafiler that doesn’t hold that much grams so the espresso shot may come out watery but it’s okay for what it is, you can’t expect cafe quality shots out of something like this. This machine is purely a manual machine, you have to watch the shots being dispersed and measure them. I knew this before buying so I didn’t really care, but if this is your pet peeve then you ... MoreHad this machine for about a year and a half before upgrading to the Breville Barista Pro. I see that others are experiencing leaking and used units being sold to them, thankfully my unit wasn’t defective and had never caused me a problem since I had bought it. The machine itself is okay, it functions as a beginner entry level espresso system and does that job decently. It comes with a pressurized portafiler that doesn’t hold that much grams so the espresso shot may come out watery but it’s okay for what it is, you can’t expect cafe quality shots out of something like this. This machine is purely a manual machine, you have to watch the shots being dispersed and measure them. I knew this before buying so I didn’t really care, but if this is your pet peeve then you might want to go with a Nespresso and just buy reusable pods. My only complaint is that the shot sometimes come out warm and the milk frother takes forever to heat up milk, I mostly drink cold drinks so it didn’t affect me but it’s something to note. Occasionally you’ll see Nespresso machines close to the same price as this machine and here’s what I would like to say. If you don’t mind the manual process and you’re buying this machine to learn about espresso and improve on it then you need to know the shortcomings of this machine and potentially decide if you want to increase your budget to get a better compact machine like a Breville Bambino. If you don’t really care to learn about espresso then it might be in your better interest to just get a Nespresso machine with reusable pods instead.
I need to mention upfront that I never use the frother wand. There is a learning curve to espresso machines. Only use fine ground, and it works with any level of roast. Espresso roast is harsh compared to French & Italian. Don’t over-tamp, if it takes more than 30 sec for 2oz shot, not good for the pump & flavor. Grind 1 shot at a time, 11.5g in the portofilter, use a $15 micro-scale. Use a clear graduated bar glass to see when you reach 2oz. Stop the pump just short of 2oz. When the lower liquid has a visible line and the crema above, that’s just right. You might have to remove the catch tray to fit the bar glass under the porta filter. Measuring the shot in a bar glass is more accurate that timing the shot, and you achieve consistent results. If your tap water is ... MoreI need to mention upfront that I never use the frother wand. There is a learning curve to espresso machines. Only use fine ground, and it works with any level of roast. Espresso roast is harsh compared to French & Italian. Don’t over-tamp, if it takes more than 30 sec for 2oz shot, not good for the pump & flavor. Grind 1 shot at a time, 11.5g in the portofilter, use a $15 micro-scale. Use a clear graduated bar glass to see when you reach 2oz. Stop the pump just short of 2oz. When the lower liquid has a visible line and the crema above, that’s just right. You might have to remove the catch tray to fit the bar glass under the porta filter. Measuring the shot in a bar glass is more accurate that timing the shot, and you achieve consistent results. If your tap water is drinkable, that’s ok, but in my opinion, using distilled water might prevent scaling, therefore longer life for any espresso machine. If you are a coffee lover bear in mind that coffee is like steak and eggs; everybody knows their preferences, and they may have had straight espresso shots, which can stop a charging rhino in its tracks. There may be 2 dozen ways to use espresso shots, i.e., macchiato, latte, caffè ristretto, doppio, con schiuma, corretto, con panna, mocha, affogato, caffèFreddo . . . the internet is full of recipes; tira misu! Umm! You can surprise dinner guests with some of these, and yourself, too.
This was a replacement for a machine I bought in December 2021, that failed after 7 months (July 2022). This one lasted 8 months (April 2023). I called DeLonghi’s cust service. They said the replacement was only warranted for the same period as the original,so it expired in December, 2022. They offered me a 20% discount on another machine. The first one leaked water, cuz the gaskets all failed. This one has a spacer with the portafilter fitting. It fell out and now all the water and coffee pours out. Don’t waste your money. DeLonghi does NOT stand behind its products. They are very poor quality. And when you call customer service they are very nice but do not have the ability to do anything other than a discount. Waste of money.
This machine is a valid entry level to your espresso journey. It isn't perfect, and I'll explain my gripes with it, but it's certainly a way to make good espresso provided you can dial it in.First the gripes:1. The machine feels cheap - it's almost all plastic where you touch it, the dials don't feel great, the portafilter fits poorly in the machine so you have to exert a lot of effort to get it to lock into place. In tandem, the machine is so light you have to hold it down while you do that, and it just feels bad to do.2. The machine pumps at WAY too high a pressure. This means you'll have to grind your coffee coarser than you'd probably like, and it will always have that high pressure taste. Plus you'll need to get a puck screen so the water doesn't dig out ... MoreThis machine is a valid entry level to your espresso journey. It isn't perfect, and I'll explain my gripes with it, but it's certainly a way to make good espresso provided you can dial it in.First the gripes:1. The machine feels cheap - it's almost all plastic where you touch it, the dials don't feel great, the portafilter fits poorly in the machine so you have to exert a lot of effort to get it to lock into place. In tandem, the machine is so light you have to hold it down while you do that, and it just feels bad to do.2. The machine pumps at WAY too high a pressure. This means you'll have to grind your coffee coarser than you'd probably like, and it will always have that high pressure taste. Plus you'll need to get a puck screen so the water doesn't dig out a huge channel.3. The portafilter is... Not great. It's pressurized, which you can undo, but you'll want to get a new basket and even then the portafilter itself will retain so much coffee it's crazy. Plus it's 51mm as opposed to the more common 54 or 58mm that most espresso machines tend to be - so while gear is definitely available, it's not as abundant as other sizes. To add on, the pressurized filter baskets (which again, are easily changeable) have gaskets that fit them into everything snugly, and the 14g dosed basket already blew out on me. I already purchased an 18g 51mm basket, but this fit very poorly due to the design where the mouth of the portafilter is likely 52mm despite the internal being 51. Accessories are necessary, but just be aware of what you actually need.Now for the positives:1. It's a well featured machine - while nothing on it is excellent in my experience, it's not necessarily bad once you dial in and figure out your preferences. You WILL need to practice with it, and you WILL need to grind your own coffee for it, but it absolutely makes good espresso drinks once you get there. Little things like a removable water tank just make it a bit more pleasant.2. It's CHEAP. You might think that $120 for something that means you do a lot of work to make coffee might be a bit expensive, but in the world of espresso, that's nothing. Especially considering you could feasibly make cappuccinos and proper shots with it.3. The small footprint makes this perfect to just leave in my break room so I can have a nice cup of coffee when I need it - I don't have to take up a ton of space with a big expensive machine that I'd be worried about someone breaking.Overall I think the machine has great value as an entry level or extra machine. It takes some work but I've had great use out of it thus far - though I will be sure to update with the durability of the machine as that becomes apparent.
I used to buy lattes regularly. But I got tired of paying 6 dollars for a latte. So I gave up going for them. Finally one day, I realized I missed my lattes. So I thought I would start with an inexpensive latte machine to try at home. Being a manual machine, it took me about 6 tries before I got it right. Then I was, wow, just like at the store. It took about two months for me to save about $100 drinking my own lattes. So the machine now is essentially free. I have slowed down after that initial spurt, but when I get a hankering, it works like a charm every time! I don't use the frother at all. I know the level to pour the half and half into my kitchen glass, and 80 seconds in my microwave heats my milk just right. It has been about two years, andI still get that ... MoreI used to buy lattes regularly. But I got tired of paying 6 dollars for a latte. So I gave up going for them. Finally one day, I realized I missed my lattes. So I thought I would start with an inexpensive latte machine to try at home. Being a manual machine, it took me about 6 tries before I got it right. Then I was, wow, just like at the store. It took about two months for me to save about $100 drinking my own lattes. So the machine now is essentially free. I have slowed down after that initial spurt, but when I get a hankering, it works like a charm every time! I don't use the frother at all. I know the level to pour the half and half into my kitchen glass, and 80 seconds in my microwave heats my milk just right. It has been about two years, andI still get that "ah that is so good" with each first sip!
Wonderful little machine! This has exceeded my expectations thus far* and i’ve been using it a few times daily with no issues (*I’ve had it ~2 weeks so far). The crema it delivers is lovely, and with the addition of a small frothing pitcher and thermometer, I’ve been whipping up the most delicious oat milk cappuccinos. I was a barista for a few years, and this brings a nice familiar routine back into my day. If you are not familiar with manual brewing machines, trust that a thorough read through the instructions is plenty to get you on your way. The only thing to note is, when I first set it up, following the ‘first use’ instructions, it did not immediately begin pumping the water when switched to the ‘dispense water’ position. I had checked to make sure the tank ... MoreWonderful little machine! This has exceeded my expectations thus far* and i’ve been using it a few times daily with no issues (*I’ve had it ~2 weeks so far). The crema it delivers is lovely, and with the addition of a small frothing pitcher and thermometer, I’ve been whipping up the most delicious oat milk cappuccinos. I was a barista for a few years, and this brings a nice familiar routine back into my day. If you are not familiar with manual brewing machines, trust that a thorough read through the instructions is plenty to get you on your way. The only thing to note is, when I first set it up, following the ‘first use’ instructions, it did not immediately begin pumping the water when switched to the ‘dispense water’ position. I had checked to make sure the tank was seated properly a few times with no luck. I took the tank out and with water in it, I depressed the small black gasket/valve opening on the bottom with my finger a few times (holding it over the sink) to let the water start running out, then re-seated it in the machine and tried to cycle the water through again. This did the trick, and I only share this as someone might not think to try this and needlessly return/replace etc.
Four years ago I bought the previous generation of this same model and it finally called it quits after giving years of great tasting coffee. It had its drawbacks but It’s not an expensive machine and it was a good value. When I bought the new model I noticed it seemed to be more solidly built and the front control dial had a more solid feel. Also they made the machine taller. The older model was too short and made it hard to get even the shortest cups in and out. Indicator lights are also brighter. I always thought the steamer nozzle was poorly designed on the old machine and it has been redesigned. The new nozzle steams milk way better now and it’s easy to remove for cleaning. It’s fully manual and no bells and whistles and if you want more than you are going to ... MoreFour years ago I bought the previous generation of this same model and it finally called it quits after giving years of great tasting coffee. It had its drawbacks but It’s not an expensive machine and it was a good value. When I bought the new model I noticed it seemed to be more solidly built and the front control dial had a more solid feel. Also they made the machine taller. The older model was too short and made it hard to get even the shortest cups in and out. Indicator lights are also brighter. I always thought the steamer nozzle was poorly designed on the old machine and it has been redesigned. The new nozzle steams milk way better now and it’s easy to remove for cleaning. It’s fully manual and no bells and whistles and if you want more than you are going to have to pay more. All in all DeLonghi has made great improvements on their original model and this expresso machine is one of the best values on the market.
I bought this espresso machine 2 years ago, so this is a review after long term use!I love my lattes. But I finally reached the point where I realized just buying 3 a week was costing me about $1000 per year. So I just quit. But after about 6months, I realized I missed them. I did not know if I could make them taste the same if I made them. So I looked for an inexpensive espresso machine, one where the money I saved would cover the purchase in just a few months. This is what I bought.I use Bustello espresso grind. I am not enough of a purist to grind my own beans! LolStarting out, I had no idea what I was doing. How does one work a manual machine? How long do I leave it running etc?So I began the grand experiment!My first six tries were not good, and I ... MoreI bought this espresso machine 2 years ago, so this is a review after long term use!I love my lattes. But I finally reached the point where I realized just buying 3 a week was costing me about $1000 per year. So I just quit. But after about 6months, I realized I missed them. I did not know if I could make them taste the same if I made them. So I looked for an inexpensive espresso machine, one where the money I saved would cover the purchase in just a few months. This is what I bought.I use Bustello espresso grind. I am not enough of a purist to grind my own beans! LolStarting out, I had no idea what I was doing. How does one work a manual machine? How long do I leave it running etc?So I began the grand experiment!My first six tries were not good, and I threw them all out. But I persevered, I found that I did not have to run a single shot through for very long, maybe 20 seconds or so. I also do not have a big need for lots of foam, or for artwork in my drink. So I figured out how to measure out the required half and half (yes I do like the creamy nature of half and half!) Into a regular kitchen glass. I do not even use the wand. I realized that a cold glass with 6 oz 1/2&1/2 would heat to the perfect temp in my mictowave set on 90 seconds. I do not need any additional foam. The foam and crema out of the espresso machine work just fine.As a result, I make a great tasting latte now! I went through a honeymoon period in the first two months, and nade enough lattes for my wife and myself that the machine paid for itself. From there I settled down, and when I wake up now and say, ooh, I would like a latte. Then I happily make it, about once or twice a week. Here is a picture of the one I made this morning. Soooo good.Simple reliable inexpensive machine. Bit of a learning curve to use it, but you can find several youtube videos to help you get there. I am thrilled with my purchase. Still works great after two years.
This is a reliable, well-made, basic machine. It *can* brew espresso shots quickly if you set them up properly. They *can* be tasty, hot, and with a nice head of crema (an airy lather of coffee oils). Its portafilter is designed for pre-ground coffee, however. Most of those flavors never left the processing plant - they're back home making Italy more fragrant. To taste them, you need to burr-grind fresh beans. Adding a single-wall portafilter to brew them (mine is Normcore) ain't cheap. But it turns flat bland canned espresso into a vibrant taste experience. And the total cost is still maybe a quarter of what you'd spend on a fully automated Breville. But they're not kidding when they tell you this is a manual machine - as with any instrument, be prepared to spend ... MoreThis is a reliable, well-made, basic machine. It *can* brew espresso shots quickly if you set them up properly. They *can* be tasty, hot, and with a nice head of crema (an airy lather of coffee oils). Its portafilter is designed for pre-ground coffee, however. Most of those flavors never left the processing plant - they're back home making Italy more fragrant. To taste them, you need to burr-grind fresh beans. Adding a single-wall portafilter to brew them (mine is Normcore) ain't cheap. But it turns flat bland canned espresso into a vibrant taste experience. And the total cost is still maybe a quarter of what you'd spend on a fully automated Breville. But they're not kidding when they tell you this is a manual machine - as with any instrument, be prepared to spend some time learning to play it. You won't be sorry you did. And you'll still save a bundle.
My Gaggia Classic was in the middle of its semi-annual boiler/solenoid unclogging and rebuild (a downside to the Classic by the way) so I bought a cheap used DeLonghi Stilosa just to have coffee in the meantime. I've been pleasantly surprised.This little guy has an actual stainless steel boiler. (A few years ago cheap machines were all thermoblock, which could NEVER in my experience get the water to proper espresso tempterature).I don't really have a problem with a pressurized portafilter as long as the coffee machine gets the water to a proper brewing temperature. I pre-grind my coffee (a blend of dark roasted Starbucks beans and some Robusta for flavor and crema. The key to pressurized is do NOT tamp. Just scoop and level and leave it loose -- the brew will be ... MoreMy Gaggia Classic was in the middle of its semi-annual boiler/solenoid unclogging and rebuild (a downside to the Classic by the way) so I bought a cheap used DeLonghi Stilosa just to have coffee in the meantime. I've been pleasantly surprised.This little guy has an actual stainless steel boiler. (A few years ago cheap machines were all thermoblock, which could NEVER in my experience get the water to proper espresso tempterature).I don't really have a problem with a pressurized portafilter as long as the coffee machine gets the water to a proper brewing temperature. I pre-grind my coffee (a blend of dark roasted Starbucks beans and some Robusta for flavor and crema. The key to pressurized is do NOT tamp. Just scoop and level and leave it loose -- the brew will be more efficient and the pressurizing mechanism takes care of the flavor.The little aluminum portafilter actually works about as well as my Gaggia's big thick brass one with the pressurized basket. And it has two advantages over the Gaggia -- it heats up in about 5 minutes instead of 20 minutes, and the pressurized mechanism dosn't seem to get clogged.So basically -- this is not a very pretty machine, it won't impress anybody on your countertop. But if all you care about is decent coffee when you wake up in the morning, this machine can do it. My Classic is a lovely, lovely piece of Italian machinery but I may sell it once I get it overhauled -- it's just too much work to keep it running.
