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Regarding home espresso machines, there’s a wide gap between the bulky, intimidating professional setups and the cheap plastic ones that leave you with watery coffee. Enter the De’Longhi Dedica EC685 — a sleek, compact espresso machine that promises great coffee without taking over your entire kitchen.
De’Longhi Dedica EC685M – Slim Espresso Machine with Steam Wand
Key Features
- 15-bar professional pressure system for authentic espresso
- Slim 6″ design – ideal for compact countertops
- Manual steam wand for lattes, cappuccinos & frothing control
- Adjustable drip tray for taller mugs or glasses
- Heats up in under 40 seconds
Why We Like It
It’s the perfect blend of form and function: slim enough for small kitchens, yet powerful enough to brew café-level espresso at home — with full control over frothing.
Pros
- Premium stainless steel build
- Manual steam wand offers latte art potential
- Quick heat-up and intuitive controls
- Compact and elegant design
- Uses ground coffee or ESE pods
Cons
- No built-in grinder
- Requires some manual skill for steaming milk
Bottom Line
A slim, stylish machine for espresso purists who want barista-style drinks at home — with full frothing control and premium performance.
Price on AmazonAfter spending some serious hands-on time with the Dedica, here’s the full rundown: what it does well, where it could improve, and whether it’s worth your money.
First Impressions: Slim, Stylish, and Surprisingly Heavy
Right out of the box, the Dedica feels like a little powerhouse. It’s sleek and modern and looks fantastic on any kitchen counter. It’s only about 6 inches wide, which blew me away considering most espresso machines hog your whole counter. The brushed stainless-steel finish not only gives it a premium look but also feels solid—no cheap plastic vibe here.
I was genuinely surprised by its weight, too. For such a compact machine, it’s got enough heft that it doesn’t slide around when you lock in the portafilter. That might seem minor, but it adds to the feeling that you’re using a “real” espresso machine, not a toy.
Setting it up was a breeze. I filled the removable water tank (which slots in and out easily), plugged it in, and within a couple of minutes, I was ready to brew. It’s refreshingly intuitive, even if you’re completely new to making espresso at home.
Brewing Performance: Fast, Flavorful Shots
This is where the Dedica seriously shines. Thanks to De’Longhi’s Thermoblock heating system, the machine heats up in under a minute. That’s faster than waiting for a kettle to boil!
Pulling my first shot was almost shockingly good. Using freshly ground coffee (highly recommended!), I got a beautiful, thick crema sitting atop a rich, aromatic espresso. The 15-bar pump pressure does exactly what it should — you’re getting real espresso here, not just strong coffee.
What I appreciated most was how forgiving it is. The Dedica includes pressurized filter baskets, which help even if your grind size or tamping pressure isn’t perfect. It’s beginner-friendly without dumbing down the experience.
And for those lazy mornings? You can pop in an ESE pod and still get a decent shot. It’s that flexible.
Steam Wand: Good, But Requires Patience
The steam wand is manual, and if I’m being honest, there’s a learning curve. The first few tries, my milk looked more like bubble bath foam than silky microfoam. But after some YouTube tutorials and practice, I was able to steam milk good enough for lattes and cappuccinos that looked legit.
It’s not the most powerful wand out there, but for its size and price point, it does the job very well. Plus, it’s adjustable: you can remove the outer sheath for more traditional frothing. That flexibility is a nice touch, especially if you’re learning.
Switching between brewing and steaming mode isn’t instant (takes about 15 seconds), but it’s manageable once you get into the flow.
Ease of Use: Customizable Without Being Complicated
One thing I love about the Dedica is that it walks a perfect line between simplicity and customization. You don’t need to dive into a thick manual just to pull a shot. But if you want to nerd out a little? It’s got you covered.
You can easily adjust the water temperature (three settings) and shot length, all with simple button combinations. Once you figure it out, it becomes second nature.
Maintenance is straightforward, too. The drip tray and water tank pop out for cleaning, and the machine reminds you when it’s time to descale. I appreciated how De’Longhi didn’t overcomplicate things — keeping up with maintenance is easy, which means the machine stays in top shape without feeling like a chore.
What It Does Best
- Compact Size: I cannot stress enough how life-changing it is to have a “real” espresso machine that doesn’t demand half your kitchen. It’s a dream for apartment dwellers or anyone with limited space.
- Build Quality: Every touch point feels solid, from the portafilter to the control buttons. This machine looks way more expensive than it is.
- Quick Heat-Up: For a busy morning routine, being able to have espresso within a minute is magic.
- Good Espresso: Legit espresso with good body, flavor, and crema — even if you’re just starting.
- Versatility: Ground coffee, ESE pods, single or double shots, steaming milk — the Dedica can do a lot for its size.
Where It Falls Short
- Single Boiler Limitations: You can’t brew and steam at the same time. It’s a slight slowdown if you’re making multiple milk-based drinks, but honestly, it’s not a dealbreaker for me.
- Shorter Warranty: One year feels stingy, considering how robust the machine feels. It would be reassuring to have a little more coverage.
- Small Drip Tray: The tray fills up faster than you’d expect, especially when purging water post-steam. Just keep an eye on it.
- Learning Curve on the Wand: The steam wand is capable, but it demands practice. Be prepared for some less-than-Instagram-worthy lattes early on.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Dedica
- Invest in a Good Grinder: Seriously. A consistent grind size is half the battle for good espresso. I paired the Dedica with a decent burr grinder and the difference was night and day.
- Preheat Everything: Run a shot of hot water through the portafilter and preheat your cups. It’s a quick step that keeps your espresso from cooling too fast.
- Use Filtered Water: Better water = better coffee, and it keeps mineral buildup to a minimum.
- Practice Steaming: Good microfoam takes practice. Don’t get discouraged. Watch a few tutorials, and you’ll be pouring hearts and tulips in no time.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the De’Longhi Dedica?
After weeks of use, I can confidently say the Dedica is a fantastic entry-level espresso machine that doesn’t feel “entry-level.” It’s easy enough for a total beginner but has enough features and flexibility that you won’t outgrow it in six months.
It’s best for:
- Apartment Dwellers: Small but mighty — perfect for tiny kitchens.
- Beginners: If you’re just starting your espresso journey, the Dedica is forgiving and intuitive.
- Busy People: If you want a great shot fast without a lot of fuss, it delivers.
- Aspiring Home Baristas: With a little practice, you can make café-worthy drinks.
It’s not ideal if you’re running a mini coffee shop from your kitchen or want to make ten lattes in a row, but for personal, daily use? It’s almost unbeatable for the price.
In short? The De’Longhi Dedica EC685 punches way above its weight. It’s stylish, solidly built, and makes great coffee. With a little patience and a lot of love, it’ll easily become the centerpiece of your morning routine.
Quick Specs:
- Dimensions: 5.9″ W x 12″ D x 13″ H
- Weight: 9.3 lbs
- Pump Pressure: 15 bar
- Boiler Type: Thermoblock
- Compatibility: Ground coffee or ESE pods
- Milk Frothing: Manual steam wand
- Available Colors: Silver, Red, Black, White
Overall Score: 9/10
