I proceeded to purchase this espresso machine, mainly based on the excellent ratings. However, I did not notice that many positive reviews analyze in great detail the ideal size of the coffee grind so that the coffee maker does not clog every time. This, unfortunately, is a SERIOUS FLAW of the coffee maker. Let's admit it. I have experience with 6 espresso machines so far and I have never had problems of this kind. This coffee maker clogs with the illy espresso ground coffee that I have been drinking for years and it drips drop by drop, unless I use much less coffee than I used to, so a diluted coffee comes out, like a French press. And as if that wasn't enough, the double espresso holder holds one and a half measures and still clogs, because this basket, due to its small size especially at the base, has much fewer holes compared to any other coffee maker. This is a manufacturing flaw that cannot be corrected and is not covered by the warranty. There are countless people struggling on the internet and suggesting various hacks. At least it makes perfect frothy milk, allowing me to make latte art designs (attached photo), while having a very good appearance. For latte art type frothy milk, you should completely remove the metal attachment and keep the nozzle slightly submerged below the surface of the milk, while using a special metal jug for frothy milk.

Unfortunately, I will need to point out other flaws. As an 11-month user, I have already taken it for repair once, as a month later, the double espresso button started to dispense the quantity of a single cup. I could not fix the problem myself with a hard reset and the machine had to be reprogrammed by the dealership, which kept the coffee maker for about 2 weeks. However, I read from an annoyed commenter that both I and the dealership had not read the manual properly. He probably knows better. Regarding the aforementioned problem with the fine coffee grinds, it was not resolved, as it is a manufacturing flaw.

Now I had to take it for repair a second time and fortunately the warranty has not expired yet. During the frothy milk preparation, the plastic nozzle was ejected into the small jug with the frothy milk, splashing hot milk all over the place. It swelled like a balloon, and then ... pop! Perfect? The best part is that I will receive the device after a month, as the entire frothy milk production system needs to be replaced (a special order needs to be made).

Now about descaling: The overall process is complicated, lasts about 30 minutes, and requires your continuous presence to switch between flow from the nozzle and flow from the coffee filter. In addition, it splashes all over the counter, as for about 30 minutes it ejects water from the nozzle into a container that you should place underneath and gradually fill with water. If you search on the internet, you will surely find some hacks for this, apart from constantly holding the container with your hand at a specific height, like the friend here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9zvVWZTchg) or constantly wiping your counter with a towel.

In summary, I consider this coffee maker to be one that instead of making coffee for you, needs you to... fix it yourself! To procure the necessary grinder to grind the coffee to the "correct" size, to find the "correct" coffee grinder and the "correct" brand of coffee, not to make the "perfect" coffee for you, but to avoid clogging. You will need to make sure that your cross does not break outside the warranty and have infinite patience and specialized knowledge to adjust to its needs, sometimes even procure a saw or an angle grinder to make your coffee with some patents, but having risked everything regarding the warranty.

23/12/2019
I received the machine today, having now realized how much better a cappuccino an old and much cheaper espresso machine made, which I used in the meantime. And this for the simplest reason that its basket was the right size and shape (it could fit two coffee measures and had enough holes in its base). So I did what so many others do: I cut the plastic cover of the filter holder (initially I removed it completely, but the coffee splattered everywhere while ruining the crema) and put another basket from a broken espresso machine I had, with a diameter of 51mm. And behold: the cappuccino tastes like coffee again, while I won't need to throw it away (for now at least).

22/1/2021
I now use a much better espresso machine (Sage Bambino Plus) and sent this one to work. However, I want to emphasize something very important: The patent with the non-pressurized basket and the supply of a good grinder can be done with any espresso machine on the market. This will greatly upgrade the quality of the coffee, whichever espresso machine you have, as long as you find the right grinding settings (I have a Sage Smart Grinder Pro). So I don't understand why this should be an exclusive feature of this particular machine at the moment you should even cut off its plastic part. Today I tried this exactly on a much cheaper Arielli, without having to ruin any part of it, and indeed the coffee came out much better in taste, better than that of Delonghi. I think the main reasons why this particular coffee maker is so popular are its appearance, some automations, and the fact that it heats up relatively quickly.

22/2/2023
It seems that Delonghi finally recognized the manufacturing flaw with the double basket of the Dedica that only holds 14 grams of coffee and makes it watery. They released their new model that holds 16 grams, but still without a non-pressurized basket. It is the Dedica Arte. There is also the Dedica Maestro, with a non-pressurized basket and many other features that significantly increase its price