Delonghi Dedica EC680 Review: Premium Pump Coffee Machine

The Delonghi Dedica EC680 is the ideal coffee machine for people who are looking to make simple yet highly flavourful barista-style espresso-based drinks from home.

This machine consistently delivers a frothy, rich espresso, and for people who prefer to add some milk to their coffee concoctions, the Dedica also features a manual cappuccino system that can create the ideal foam using a precise combination of water, milk and air. If you’re a fan of Long Blacks, Americanos, or even tea and hot chocolate, the Delonghi Dedica also pours hot water to help you create your beverage of choice when espresso just isn’t what you’re in the mood for on a given day.

Whether you prefer using ground coffee or ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods, the Dedica can handle both methods with equal facility, and on top of that, it looks great too – in fact, you can choose between a red, black or stainless steel finish to add a touch of style and elegance to your kitchen worktop.

Delonghi Dedica EC680

Delonghi Dedica EC680

What are you buying?

The Delonghi Dedica EC680 features a professional-level 15 bar pump that can provide the perfect amount of pressure to deliver a quality shot of espresso every time.

If you’ve ever had to deal with a less-than-adequate espresso machine, you know how nerve-wracking it can be to constantly settle for a lackluster cup of joe; thankfully, the Dedica is smartly engineered to produce a finished product that is rich, full-bodied and topped off with a beautiful crema.

The Dedica also offers plenty in the way of convenience as well, as it features a simple programmable interface that enables you to choose between delivering one or two shots of espresso per use. Other option buttons allow you to specify the water hardness that matches your particular area, and you can also control how hot you want your coffee to be, as well as how long you want the machine to stay on after using it.

The Dedica features a boiler safeguard that will prevent you from scorching your coffee, as well as a removable drip tray that can allow for taller mug sizes underneath the spout. One of the strong points of the Dedica is its compact footprint, which makes it the ideal machine for people who have limited worktop space in the kitchen.

In addition, the machine’s style and design are quite unique, as it features notable departures from traditional espresso maker designs by way of a side-mounted control for the steam wand, and option buttons that are positioned on the top chrome strip of the machine versus on a front panel.

How easy is it to use?

I would rate the Delonghi Dedica EC680 as being moderately easy to use. The brewing process for this machine is fairly straightforward: Simply select the single or double filter (or the filter used for the ESE pods), and then insert your preferred filter into the holder. In my humble opinion, this is where things get a little “tricky”, as the fitting is somewhat tight, which means that you’ll need to be aware of where your fingers are at all times.

Once the filter holder is secured, you simply select whether you want one or two shots, and watch as the machine begins to dispense your espresso. Frothing, on the other hand, seems to be a little easier with this machine versus other espresso makers I’ve tried; not only does the steam wand froth your milk to a firm, rich and creamy consistency for your cappuccinos, but it’s easy to clean as well, which a definite plus in my book.

Another strong point of the Dedica in terms of ease of use is the fact that this machine features a rear-mounted removable water tank, which is a heck of a lot easier to work with than other smaller-sized espresso machines that have an integrated water tank.

With the Dedica’s removable water tank, filling is a breeze, and you won’t have to worry about accidentally pouring water all over your worktop. In addition, the Delonghi Dedica is remarkably easy to clean, which means less hassle once you’re finished making your espresso(s).

What accessories are included?

The Delonghi Dedica EC680 comes with a very handy scooping and tamping combination tool that you can use to measure out and then tamp your coffee, all in one shot.

I would also encourage new users to take full advantage of the instruction manual that is included with this machine, because although the Dedica is a pretty straightforward machine in terms of its operation, there are some nuances that you’ll need to be aware of in terms of its programmable features.

In particular, the three option buttons on the top will either flash or stay steady depending upon what you’re trying to do; this can be slightly confusing to the uninitiated, so make sure you read the instruction manual to really get a grasp of how these functions work. The instruction manual also offers some really nice recipes to help you kick start your espresso making adventures.

Key features of Delonghi Dedica EC680

Pros

• Slim design really saves worktop space
• Can use pre-ground coffee or pods/capsules
• Convenient removable rear-mounted water tank
• 15-bar pump delivers professional results
• Excellent frothing capabilities and anti drip system
• Makes fantastic espressos, which is really the whole point

Cons

• Tight fitting for the filter holder
• Programmable features have a slight learning curve

Anything else you should know?

It is important to note that although the Delonghi Dedica EC680 makes fantastic coffee, it’s not the machine you would use for high-volume coffee production due to the fact that the boiler sometimes gets a little too hot after prolonged use. Those who are looking for a machine that can crank out multiple shots of espresso in rapid-fire fashion would probably not find the Dedica’s performance to their liking, but for lower-volume coffee making purposes, it’s hard to find a machine that can do it better than the Dedica.

Conclusion

So what’s the verdict? Well, it’s really simple – the Delonghi Dedica EC680 is a sleek, well-designed machine that can consistently produce fantastic shots of espresso for the ardent java fan. If you’re looking for a machine that will provide you with outstanding coffee along with headache-free operation, the Delonghi Dedica EC680 should definitely be on your short list of top espresso machines.

Where to buy?

• Amazon UK: Check today’s price

Frequently asked questions

1. Can the De’Longhi Dedica EC680 machine make an Americano?

Because the milk frother arm has a hot water function, you can easily prepare an Americano without having to use a separate kettle.

Make your espresso as usual then add hot water from the steamer. You can also make a long black as well as hot chocolate or cocoa.

2. How often does the De’Longhi Dedica EC680 need descaling?

It depends on how often you make coffee and the hardness of the water you use. You’ll know when it’s time to descale the machine when an orange light starts flashing on one of the buttons.

Use the approved De’Longhi descaling solution and remember to flush the machine several times after to get rid of any after tastes.

3. What kind of coffee can I use with the De’Longhi Dedica EC680 machine?

You can use ground coffee or ESE pods.