DeLonghi Stilosa Review: #1 Best Manual Espresso Machine
Are you looking for a manual espresso machine?
Check out our review of the DeLonghi Stilosa manual espresso machine, a stylish yet affordable option for home-brewed espresso enthusiasts. Designed for both seasoned coffee lovers and beginners, the Stilosa aims to bring the essence of Italian espresso tradition right into your kitchen.
We’ll take a closer look at the DeLonghi Stilosa’s sophisticated design, user-friendly features, and the performance that sets it apart in the competitive espresso machine market. From its build quality to the ease of pulling the perfect shot, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this machine’s capabilities and how it holds up to daily use.
Join us as we break down the DeLonghi Stilosa’s maintenance needs, pros and cons, and our overall impressions. Whether you’re considering your first espresso machine or an upgrade, this review will provide insights to help you decide if the DeLonghi Stilosa is the right choice for your coffee experience.
Key Takeaways
- The DeLonghi Stilosa is a compact espresso machine with a sleek design and simple user interface.
- It features a manual milk frother, a single stainless steel boiler, and a 15-bar pump pressure for optimal espresso extraction.
- The machine has a quick preheating time of fewer than seven minutes and a removable 34-ounce water tank with a visible water level indicator.
- It is recommended to use a fine grind size, a single-wall filter basket, and a good tamper for optimal shot quality, and regular cleaning and descaling are necessary for maintenance.
Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of the DeLonghi Stilosa espresso machine combine compactness and durability, making it an appealing addition to any kitchen countertop. Its durable construction ensures it will last, while the compact design makes it perfect for smaller spaces.
The ergonomic and user-friendly design improves the overall brewing experience, allowing for easy operation and maintenance. The thoughtful placement of components and the intuitive interface make it suitable for beginners.
Key Features
Compact and durable, the DeLonghi Stilosa espresso machine offers a range of key features that cater to both novice and experienced coffee enthusiasts.
Its manual milk frother with a 360° nozzle allows for creating creamy and frothy milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
The machine is equipped with a removable 34-ounce water tank, providing ample capacity for multiple espresso shots before needing a refill.
This sizeable water reservoir reduces the frequency of refilling, enhancing the overall user experience.
Ease of Use
When using the DeLonghi Stilosa espresso machine, users will find it straightforward to operate, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
The machine is equipped with user-friendly features, making it ideal for beginners. Its simple user interface, large control knob, and quick preheating time of less than seven minutes contribute to its beginner-friendly functionality.
The two-level cupholder and the manual milk frother with a 360° nozzle further enhance the ease of use. The removable 34-ounce water tank with a visible water level indicator also adds to the convenience of operating this compact machine.
Performance
Operating the DeLonghi Stilosa espresso machine is straightforward and beginner-friendly. The machine delivers consistent and reliable results, ensuring a satisfying coffee experience. The espresso quality is commendable, offering a rich and flavorful taste. The 15-bar pump pressure contributes to the extraction of the coffee’s full aroma and flavor.
The machine’s impressive frothing capabilities produce creamy and velvety microfoam for delightful cappuccinos and lattes. The manual milk frother with a 360° nozzle allows for easy steaming and frothing, giving the drinks a professional touch.
Maintenance and Cleaning
To effectively maintain and clean the DeLonghi Stilosa espresso machine, it’s essential to follow a regular upkeep routine to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Proper cleaning techniques involve a light clean after each use, including wiping down the exterior and rinsing the portafilter and filter basket.
Descaling every few months is crucial to remove mineral buildup and maintain the machine’s functionality. The frequency of descaling may vary depending on the water quality and usage. It’s recommended to use DeLonghi EcoDecalk for descaling to ensure the best results.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
Upon evaluating the DeLonghi Stilosa, it’s clear that its compact design, quick preheating time, and user-friendly interface make it a convenient and efficient espresso machine for home use. Here are the aspects that I particularly liked about the DeLonghi Stilosa:
- Milk Frothing Capabilities: The manual milk frother with a 360° nozzle allows for creating creamy and rich froth for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Value for Money: With its affordable price point, the DeLonghi Stilosa offers great value for those seeking a quality espresso experience without breaking the bank.
- Easy to Clean: The minimal upkeep and simple cleaning process make maintenance hassle-free.
- Versatile Drink Options: It’s capable of making an array of espresso-based drinks, including Cafe Americanos, providing versatility in beverage choices.
- User-Friendly Interface: The simple controls and clear water level indicator enhance the overall user experience.
What Can Be Improved
After reviewing what we liked about the DeLonghi Stilosa’s, it’s clear that certain areas could be improved to enhance the overall espresso-making experience.
- The milk frother performance is inconsistent, leading to variations in the texture and temperature of frothed milk.
- Shot consistency needs improvement, as there were observed deviations in extraction time and quality.
- The plastic exterior, while visually appealing, mightn’t offer the same durability as metal alternatives.
- Limited cup height clearance limits the use of taller cups for specialty drinks.
- The single stainless steel boiler design may cause longer wait times between brewing and steaming.
Should You the DeLonghi Stilosa?
Given the features, performance, and ease of use, the DeLonghi Stilosa is a good choice for those looking for an affordable and beginner-friendly espresso machine. When comparing it with other beginner espresso machines, the DeLonghi Stilosa stands out with its compact design, manual milk frother, and quick preheating time.
While there are other options available, such as the DeLonghi EC155 and DeLonghi ECP3420, the Stilosa’s simplicity and affordability make it an attractive option. Its ability to produce good espresso, along with the potential for upgrades, adds to its appeal. However, for those seeking a true espresso experience, it’s important to note that the Stilosa’s output is more similar to moka pot coffee.
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Our Thoughts
In wrapping up our review of the DeLonghi Stilosa manual espresso machine, it’s clear that this device is a strong contender for those looking to enjoy the rich flavors of traditional Italian espresso at home. Two standout features particularly impressed us: the Stilosa’s sleek and durable design, which not only looks great on any countertop but also promises longevity, and its manual operation system, which allows for a personalized touch to each espresso shot, catering to individual preferences for strength and volume.
However, we did notice an area for improvement in the Stilosa’s steaming wand. While it performs adequately, a more powerful steam pressure would enhance the machine’s ability to produce a creamier and denser milk froth for cappuccinos and lattes, bringing it closer to cafe-quality results.
We thank you for taking the time to read our in-depth review of the DeLonghi Stilosa. If our insights have piqued your interest in this capable and stylish espresso machine, we encourage you to consider making it a part of your daily coffee ritual today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Delonghi Stilosa Be Used to Make Iced Coffee or Cold Brew?
Yes, you can use the DeLonghi Stilosa to make iced coffee and cold brew. For iced coffee recipes, I brew strong coffee and pour it over ice. I steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water for cold brew for 12-24 hours.
Does the Delonghi Stilosa Have an Automatic Shut-Off Feature for Safety?
Yes, the DeLonghi Stilosa features an automatic shut-off for safety. Its energy-efficient design is detailed in the user manual, ensuring safe usage. The manual also explains how to maximize energy efficiency for responsible and cost-effective operation.
