TLDR Review: De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine EC260BK
Pros
- •Produces higuality espresso with proper technique and practice, delivering rich and satisfying flavor.
- •Great choice for beginners eager to learn espresso making, including tamping, timing, and measuring.
- •Welade, durable build with a sleek, compact design that fits comfortably in most kitchens.
- •Manual operation encourages an engaging and rewarding coffeaking experience.
- •Enables frequent latte and cappuccino preparation at home, reducing coffee shop visits.
- •Comparable in quality to more expensive espresso machines.
- •Reasonably quiet operation compared to other machines in its price range.
- •Works well with decaffeinated beans for those avoiding caffeine.
- •Allows customization such as making double shots or longer coffee easily.
- •Consistent cleaning and using freshly roasted coffee beans significantly improve the taste.
Cons
- •Manual operation means no automated shot stopping; user must monitor and stop extraction timing precisely.
- •Included tamper is low quality and often needs replacing for consistent tamping pressure.
- •The pressurized portafilter as provided can produce weak espresso with fake crema; removing pressurization components or using a noressurized portafilter improves extraction quality.
- •Does not come with espresso shot glasses or a milk frothing cup, which must be purchased separately.
- •Steam wand performance details are limited or not highlighted in reviews.
- •Product runs on 110V US voltage; not compatible with UK or Turkey electrical systems without adapters or converters.
- •In some regions, especially India, warranty support and seller accountability may be poor or lacking.
- •Some customers have reported receiving faulty machines, though this is not widespread.
Bottom Line
If you're excited about diving into the hands-on art of espresso at home and have patience to learn the manual nuances, the De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK offers excellent value with durable build and café-quality espresso potential. Just be ready to upgrade the included tamper and possibly swap out the pressurized portafilter for better shots. Keep in mind the voltage limitations if you're outside the US, as adapters are a must. If you want a more automated or plug-and-play experience, or if you need UK/Turkey compatibility, you might want to explore other options. But for a budget-friendly manual machine that rewards persistence, this is a solid pick.
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