One factor you should ultimately consider when purchasing a coffee machine is the size. It is often overlooked but it can actually say a handful of things about your device such as durability, boiler volume, etc. But, big doesn’t always mean better!
A proof of this is the De’Longhi EC685M which is small and truly terrible. It is a high quality espresso machine that is compact and does not hurt the bank as much.
Review
If you’re looking for a tiny but applaudable coffee maker, put this one on your list! It looks good and does the job pretty well. On top of that, it is made durably with top quality materials.
De’Longhi EC685M Dedica Deluxe Automatic Espresso Machine
The De’Longhi Dedica EC685M will give you a delicious cup every time with overall control based on your preferences. It has a 15-bar professional pressure to give you some rich aroma. This unit also gives you a choice between a single or double espresso and even cappuccino or latte. Plus, it comes with an adjustable frother to instantly turn you into a barista. You will also be surprised as to how cheap this is!
Instead of a traditional boiler, the Dedica uses a thermal block. Although this makes the machine cheaper in price, a handful of customers prefer the traditional boiler because of its capability to take the water to the right temperature. However, take in consideration too that the Dedica can heat your water up in about more than half a minute. You are rest assured to have a great cup either way!
To make your coffee even more delicious, we encourage you to use a pack of water purifiers.
With this machine, you can also have a control on the temperature: low, medium, or high. If that doesn’t get you to the temperature you need, simply raise the standby time to 30 minutes to make your espresso even hotter.
You can also choose between soft, medium, or hard water hardness. There’s no right option when it comes to water hardness, just figure out the one that gives you your desired cup. A cup warmer is also available on top which you can use to pre-warm or dry your cup.
Specifications
- Weight: 9.3 lbs
- Color: Metal
- Coffee tamper: Accessory
- Input power: 1300 W
- Rated voltage/frequency: 120 V~Hz
- Cup warmer: Passive
- Auto shut-off: Yes
- Milk system: Manual
- Heating system: Thermoblock
- 1 & 2 Cup Filter: Yes
- External dimensions: 13” x 5.9” x 12”
- Maximum cup height: 4.5”
- On/off switch: Yes
- Pump pressure: 15 bars
- Drip tray: Removable
- Water indicator: Available
- Body material: Stainless steel
- Water tank capacity: 0.29 gal
- ESE pods: Yes
- Filter number: 3
Features
15-bar pressure
This feature will help produce a coffee with a rich aroma with an appetizing cream on top.
Thermoblock
Thermoblock technology maintains the water at the required temperature to brew a great Espresso.
Double drip tray
The drip tray is removable and allows glasses and mugs up to 12 cm tall.
Adjustable manual milk frother
With the manual milk frother, you can whip up a foamy layer for your Cappuccino or some steamed milk for your Latte.
Ground coffee or pods
This device is versatile as it works well with either ground coffee or pods. This widens your selection which is always a desirable feature.
Compact
With a width of 15 cm, you can fit this in even with a limited space. The Dedica also boasts of being the slimmes pump coffee machine in the market today.
Auto shut-off
The machine powers off after 20 minutes of inactivity.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Great value for money
- Quick heating duration
- Durable stainless steel
- Programmable features
- Quiet
- Delicious espresso
Cons
- No high output (cups/hour)
- Warranty can be improved
- Too light making it unstable at times
How to take care of the Dedica
- Water tank and drip tray are both dishwasher-safe.
- Rinse coffee filters and filter holder cup under running water regularly.
- Wipe the machine’s body with damp cloth.
- Clean water tank with damp cloth and mild dishwashing liquid at least once a month.
- Descale the machine once the indicator light turns orange or at least every 3 months.
De’Longhi Dedica vs. Dedica Deluxe
The two main differences between the two machines are:
- The steam wand of the Dedica Deluxe has a switch that lets you adjust the foam level. Also, you can opt to just heat the milk with no foam.
- The Dedica Deluxe has a double drip tray which means you can remove two trays at a time. This allows the machine to accommodate taller cup sizes, including latte cups.
Take note that purchasing the Dedica Deluxe is more expensive. If you think that the two additional features it houses are of utmost importance to you, then it’s worth considering!
Is it good for coffee bars?
At this point, it is no brainer that the Dedica is a great coffee machine. However, we believe that while it will work wonderfully at the comfort of your home, we think that using it in a coffee shop is a different story.
If you want to open a coffee business, you might want to consider the Breville BES920XL or the Rancilio Silvia.
The verdict
To add a wonderful addition to your home and years of great coffee experience, we urge you to go for the De’Longhi EC685M. It is quiet, affordable, durable, and brews a great cup every time! As long as you clean it regularly, you can trust this one to last you years.
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
Editorial Staff
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