And while this particular model may be relatively affordable for a decent home espresso machine for beginner users, it hides many capabilities for those who want to take full advantage of it with just 2-3 moves. 

First impression

The first and most important impression is, of course, its distinctive compact slim design, which makes it suitable for any kitchen and any space. The Delonghi Dedica EC685 is only 15 centimeters wide and 30 centimeters high, which allows it to take up very little space on the counter. Its casing is made of good-quality plastic, with the necessary metal elements.

The 3 control buttons stand out on the top. These are responsible for starting coffee extraction for a single shot, double shot, and activating the steam. On top, the metal base is slightly heated, so cups can be placed temporarily there, to be at the right temperature to receive the fresh espresso.

On the right side we find the milk frothing nozzle, which has two operating options, for heating milk and frothing milk. At the back stands the removable 1-liter water tank.

The base for the cups under the portafilter naturally features a removable drip tray and hides a surprise, as it can be removed to increase the height for using taller glasses, up to 12 centimeters.

Inside the package, there is a 51mm portafilter, 3 baskets for single and double shots as well as for use with ESE Pods. Additionally, there is a plastic doser/tamper and a small box with descaling powder.

On the technical side, the power of the Delonghi Dedica EC685 is 1300 Watts, the pressure is 15 bar, and it is ready for use in just 30 seconds. It features a single boiler thermoblock, which means that coffee preparation and steam production are done alternately and not simultaneously. 

Tests

The tests were conducted with 3 different types of coffee: commercially packaged, freshly ground from a well-known coffee chain, and freshly ground at home with Delonghi's grinding machine, the KG79, another popular device in its category. 

The results?

In all 3 cases with the 3 different types of coffee, the result was a very nice and tasty espresso, with the corresponding crema and body. 

It goes without saying that every espresso machine requires a bit of practice in grinding to get it just right, especially when using a grinding mill. The commercially packaged coffee acts somewhat like a wild card, fitting most home machines. For the coffee from the chain, the suggested grind was at 2.5, which worked just fine. 

The machine has factory settings for the buttons to extract a single dose of 45ml and a double dose of 90ml. The buttons can be programmed for the amount of water by simply holding them down for the desired time/amount. To achieve the general recommendation for espresso with a ratio of 1 to 2 or 3, I set the buttons to 3 and something, so that in the single dose I have 25 grams of espresso and in the double about 50 grams to also meet the needs of freddo.

Additionally, from the buttons, you can program the water hardness, the water temperature, and activate the descaling function. 

The machine is ready in 30 seconds from activation. For optimal results, it is good to run the single or double dose 1-2 times with the portafilter without coffee before the first preparation, so that all its components are heated, internally and externally. 

As for the milk froth, as usual, it takes a bit of practice to achieve the right result. The Dedica does a great job, and the milk froth is velvety and has the right texture. 

One step further…

But how do you take the Delonghi Dedica one step further? Very simply, by replacing a cut portafilter and a non-pressurized basket!

The non-pressurized basket allows full control of the result from the grind level to the coffee in the cup. 

Final Impressions

After 2 weeks of use, countless coffees, and a lot of reading in foreign reviews and opinions, I understood why the Delonghi Dedica EC685 espresso machine is so popular and beloved. It is an excellent economical choice for a capable and beautiful espresso machine from a reliable manufacturer. 

Its performance was highly satisfactory, and the coffee was tasty and aromatic. Of course, practice and trying several grinds are required for the desired result, which applies to all espresso machines. Similar experience with the milk frother nozzle. 

Overall, for the 150€ it costs, it is a must-have entry-level choice, so that over time you can move up 2-3 levels if you wish to purchase the extra accessories.