An Engineer Opens Up the new Dedica Maestro Plus. You Won't Believe What's Inside...

[@BuckeyeGirl]

I so appreciate your videos not being a huge production, very down to earth, and relatable. Thank you!

[@laowai2000]

Delonghi; "Open and risk your warranty". Tom, "so let's open this little puppy up and take a look inside"

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Don't mind if I do...🙃

[@laowai2000]

like living on the edge :) always appreciate the content@@TomsCoffeeCorner

[@thechubbytiger5492]

Brilliant, massive thumbs up. Thank you for the follow up video on this model.

[@SergiuNiculas]

This machine seems to be a contender to the Bambino Plus . Maybe a comparison video would be fitting. Thanks for the video Tom.

[@moahmedahmed210]

I cant wait to see this one

[@josephoberlander]

The more I research, the more I am convinced that you either need dual boilers or a unit with only heat-on-demand type thermo-coils. Thermoblocks are a cheap option that produce mediocre results in most cases because of their poor heat regulation. The Bambino Plus is amazing as long as you run a couple of cycles through it to get it warmed up.

[@sgc603]

I love my ECP 3420 it's simple! Great video as always.

[@crackergirl1]

Me too! After watching Tom’s video on it, I ordered one.

[@s96822]

a machine shop lathed the bottom off of a PF for me. great result.

[@andreiverdes]

Hey Tom! Awesome video as always. Would love to see a comparison between the old and new Dedica. Thanks

[@quangbuule1332]

was owner of both Bambino Plus and Dedica Maestro Plus, the loud sound of milk auto-frothing was one of the reason I returned the DMP, bit annoying if you make auto-frothing milk this while having / showing to your guests.

[@geomcl]

Any other reasons? Was there end result better with the bambino?

[@josephoberlander]

I can respect Delonghi for doing their best to keep gunk from the wand out of the boiler. This is also why I think they don't use a valve for the portafilter and you need to wait for the pressure to release normally. The downside is two quick shots in succession isn't happening.

[@HasanAl-Saffar]

In my opinion, I feel like making the solenoid for steaming only is better so we have the option for blooming since theres no pressure control in it 😊

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

That's true, it is nice that you can bloom with Delonghi machines.

[@pk_ripper]

How you are explaining the solenoid valves, there is a path out from the brew group that allows purge of pressure after extraction. its just a matter how it is programmed.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

That is true. After an extraction, they could open the first valve, and the excess pressure would be able to escape out of the resting position of the second valve. However, I am guessing that Delonghi doesn’t want to subject the valves to the possibility of getting clogged. That’s just my guess. It would be nice, if we could do a little programming on the board ourselves. Then, I would also allow the valves to open to get hot water.

[@pk_ripper]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner ill get an EC950 within a few weeks and take a look if the chips can be reprogrammed. might be a bit complicated but lets see. Might be doable.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@pk_ripperThat would be sick! Do let me know! 👍🏻

[@geomcl]

Excellent as always. Can I ask was the temperature test done with the bottomless portafilter or the stock one and do you think that could make a difference?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

In this case I was using the bottomless, which should be a little more advantageous for temperature, as there is less mass there to warm.

[@yoanperez172]

It looks like a very nice machine, if my dedica breaks I will probably get this one

[@manuelmelerovargas7232]

Thanks for the video Tom .👍

[@moahmedahmed210]

Im waiting for ur comparing between the new dedica and the bambino plus

[@paetgmeiner3620]

Great video, Thanks

[@rhythmpatel2637]

Than you Tom! Can you make a video on basic components of an espresso machine? Somewhat of an overview

[@JMWexperience]

Interesting internal components.

[@SkyDawg91]

Hey Tom, I recently encountered a problem with a Stilosa that I haven't seen anybody mention yet, and it can be applied to any Delonghi machine that uses the same grouphead as the EC260 Stilosa. I wonder if you have any ideas about this. The "rim" of the grouphead that the tabs of your portafilter ride along has two plastic "elevation tabs"(What I'm calling them) at the position where the portafilter clocks, and they keep the portafilter pressed firmly against the grouphead gasket. If you are the kind of person that likes to let their machine warm up considerably before pulling a shot, and you get those tabs too hot, they will melt and deteriorate from the friction of the portafilter tabs after repeated use. I ran into this problem a few weeks ago and narrowed it down to those plastic tabs after thinking that my gasket seal had gone bad and replacing that. Once I realized that it was those plastic tabs, I just went out and bought a new Stilosa($80 at Target!) and have since been very careful about this. Obviously a cheap machine has cheap components, but the problem is that this same grouphead is used all the way up to the Dedica, if I'm not mistaken. Just a heads up, and maybe an idea for a new video. I noticed in one of your recent Stilosa videos that you were having issues with leaking whilst pulling a shot.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, that's a good idea to check those. I've heard from others too, that they've worn out over time. Thanks for the tip!

[@whiterose7055]

As an fellow engineer you should realize that just because the thermal block has a temperature probe one shouldn't assume it has a PID control. As you probably know PID stands for Proportional - Integral - Derivative calculations. I have personally designed controls that have temperature probes and only use Proportional or Proportional and Integral calculations. Only by examining the actual control circuitry (and software if applicable) can one determine which control algorithms are being used, however It does not behave like it uses PID calculations because if it did there would be minimum to zero temperature overshoot due to the extra calculations anticipating the the temperature reaching set point bu comparing current rate of change errors and ramping down much more accurately. I worked for Siemens for 30 years, first in their building control automation division, later in their medical imaging division ; both doing R & D. BTW I love your videos and watch each and every one! Thanks for you efforts on each and every one!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for your comment! Yes, I learned in theory about PID controls long ago, in college. I work in automation, and we control our servos via feedback loops, generally with position, sometimes with feed-forward torque. But I must admit, I didn't work in R&D much, so just a few selected engineers got to tune the servos, and even then it has primarily been with the auto-tune function anyhow, these last 10-15 years. So in fewer words, I haven't really done much tuning myself. But I do know that the P gain is generally the largest factor in our controls, and while the other factors play a smaller role. Thanks for watching, and feel free to point out any misnomers, or expound on what I am saying. That's what I like about this community. Cheers! Tom

[@jeet-Seattle]

Wow,you opened it up please compare that with dedica..thanks

[@wojciechpodgorski1411]

Interesting test

[@roland8775]

For all the things they added, it doesn't feel like you're getting too much more overall compared to the EC885 (like the upgrades are too subtle in overall experience). I'm kind of surprised they already changed up the steam wand too now that I think about it. The 850 had the wand everyone wanted, and now it's gone lol. Realistically, I don't think i'd use the auto-steamer even as a newbie because it just seems too loud and I'd be googling how to do it manually so I'd never need to use it again. Maybe i'm too harsh since it's still meant to be an entry-level machine, but that's how i'm feeling on it

[@ivandenisov3018]

Tom, please make a video about upgrading the pid controller on delonghi ECP. Does it make sense to do this? Will it help to achieve better temperatures? Thank you for content.

[@zack20012]

Very informative video

[@billyray4491]

Great vid Tom! I have a new one of these. After a couple of weeks the air pump died, so no auto steaming. Should I open it up and see if it's just a loose connection or get it done under warrantee? You didn't actually show the opening process. Is it just the 2 screws at the back near the water tank? They are reeeeaaaally tight!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I think there are two screws at the front of the unit too. But don't quote me, I'd have to check. But anyway, I'd send it in under warranty. They'll have the parts needed anyway, if any need replacing. Cheers!

[@Shadowguy456234]

This might just be me, but having a dual boiler machine now I actually miss the pumping sound you get steaming in a thermoblock machine - makes me feel more like a mad scientist 😄

[@abdenoorlaouer4691]

Hello there! Professional as always.. Can I please ask you to review the Breville Barista Max? There's a serious lack of good reviews out there and I'm really looking to buy one. Looking forward to your answer,

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I have been thinking about that machine...I think Coffee Kev actually has a review on it. But I'll probably get one and compare it to the original Barista Express at some point.

[@cutsaez7230]

With this IMS double espresso basket, did you have any problems with the 51 mm tamper? In the comments on Amazon some say that the tamper gets stuck because the basket is too tight. THANKS.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

No, my tamper fits just fine. Cheers!

[@EvenAllmighty]

Does this mean I can still simply stop the machine for an indefinite preinfusion like the Bambino non plus and the old dedica?

[@reslear]

базовые ошибки удобства: 1. то что кружку espresso нужно убирать иначе будет капать и мешать (в 885 я уже делал молоко пока эспрессо докапало) 2. то что датчик температуры мешает сделать правильную воронку молока и сложнее мыть и выглядит странно

[@TontonGahu]

I gotta say that at that price, I was expecting a little bit more of a step up from the OG Dedica, it seems like the added function are just not to my taste.

[@saleboskovic]

Hello Tom, is it match Porta filter from Delnghi Dedica EC685 on this new one Dedica?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

No, it's a new one. It's the same as the La Specialista line.

[@saleboskovic]

@@TomsCoffeeCornerThanks Tom. Best regards.

[@alainjarjar2820]

Pour certains pays il existe une version EC900 avec une lance vapeur manuelle qui semble être identique à la version Dédica Arte EC885. Cette version serait livrée d'origine avec des filtres non pressurisés, donc plutôt pour des amateurs plus avertis. Dommage qu'elle ne soit pas disponible pour la France. Je reste donc avec mon ancienne version qui me convient pour le moment, pour la température je préchauffe mon porte filtre, en plus je tire avec un grand bol a vide et je passe en mode vapeur pendant quelques secondes juste avant l'extraction, le résultat me convient.

[@srikanthshastry4546]

Hi Tom, Your insist would be really helpfu, I bought the DeLonghi iconica vintage expresso machine from eBay kleinanzeigen. I have been facing the following issues. 1. The steam wand is extremely noisy and leeks water along with steam when used. I use the steam wand only after the ligh is green. 2. Only the first espresso shot right after preheating has some crema in it the following shots have no crema or don't even taste like espresso. 3. I tried debugging the issue and found that there is some pressure during the first cycle after which there is a constant trickle of water and the machine starts to loose pressure after the first run. There is very minimal flow after the first shot and the machine loses pressure. The green light goes off even before there is any espresso in the cup. I tested it out with out the coffee basket just analyse the flow. There barely any flow after the first empty test cycle. 4. There is a constant trickle of water and sometimes steam when the steam wand is used that is not only dripping from the steam wound but also from the boiler spout. 5. I did clean the boiler spout, the mesh and the silicone mushroom, spring attachment with the brass nut on the inside. But it only help me partially the water flow is a little less during preheat but after the first shot is drawn there is a constant trickle of water that continues to exist. 6. The previous owner said he had descaled the machine so I did not bother doing it again. I really like this espresso machine now and would like to save it, what can I do?

[@itamarschreier]

Love your videos! You should take a look at stone espresso lite machines, there is not a lot of content about them and I think they pack a-lot for the price! Would love to know your opinion.

[@petes_CE]

At this pricepoint it is annoying that there isn't a 3-way solenoid for the grouphead. I suppose it can be seen as a plus, since you can cut off the pump and have a declining pressure profile to reduce any harshness, but there will always be some residual espresso... Also, the title 🤣

[@Zinnet85]

I have a dedica and I could upgrade to this machine for 200 bucks... (and sell the standard dedica for 100, that's a real cost of 100 for upgrading). Do you think it's worth? I want just better espressos, I rarelly use the frosting milk feature

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I'd say the espresso is better with the newer series, due to the PID. It's probably worth the upgrade in my opinion, especially if you're doing some lighter roasts.

[@mikhaildenezhkin4821]

Is't possible to steam milk with this machine manually? Thanks

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, full review coming soon.

[@lawindish]

Tom, are you planning to compare the maestro to the bambino plus? I want to make up my mind

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, I will be. For now I feel like they are about a horse a piece, so just see which one is more economical in your market.

[@tamir61]

Can you upload a short video steaming milk manually?

[@seaneckhart9914]

Would you rate this higher then the Apex solely on espresso quality?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

No, it's quite a different machine. The Apex has a boiler, with a PID in fact. I prefer boiler shots generally, and being able to set the PID to just what you want is a nice feature.

[@alexradu1921]

so far i was really considering this instead of the bambino plus... but now I think the bambino plus has better and more features than this dedica2, especially for the almost same price, and the footprint size of bambino plus seems to be smaller

[@justinbouchard]

i think the only benefit this design has over the last model is the water level sensor. i personally will never get a machine with a 3 way solenoid, no amount of back flushing will ever clean these machines properly, e61 group heads in particular. i've seen enough videos of different machines to see that back flushing is almost useless. so for me, adding those solenoids is pointless for a different reason. they've tried to automate cleaning the steam wand, which must have something to do with customer complaints about machines and people not understanding how to clean them properly. So unfortunately I think delonghi tried to make this their version of a bambino with adding automated steaming. People that are buying machines like this want the machine to make their espresso for them. Having the pressure be so low at the beginning of steaming during automated steaming is going to get a lot of returns from that customer base. great vid as always, but i think delonghi could have spent their money better on engineering and a design refurbish in my opinion.

[@justinbouchard]

i just wanted to add that i also hate solenoid valves because i literally never clean my drip tray, in fact i don't even have the drip tray installed at all in my machine. i find it way easier to clean a cup that i just swap out when i take my espresso cup away and put it underneath to catch the drips. so for me solenoid valve equals always having coffee oils and residue inside of the machine somewhere that no amount of chemical back flushing is capable of removing in any machine, again in my opinion. so for me, cleaning a cup i put under to catch the drips is way easier than having chemicals for back flushing, having to back flush or even worry about it, also having a messy drip tray that i have to clean. i think the release valve was only designed to release pressure in a commercial situation where it's necessary to remove the portafilter quickly to make more espresso. i think for most people at home leaving their portafilter in for a bit while they drink their coffee isn't a big deal.

[@tom_nuyts]

totally agree - the bigger the uglier the dedication becomes;-(( - internally pseudo-innovation...

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I'd have to agree with you Justin. I think this is aimed at people wanting a fully automated drink. I wonder if it'll be a good seller for them or not.

[@Phil_OG]

@@justinbouchardAgree on the backflushing. I also don't use my drip tray on the bambino. I just put a kitchen towel over the drip tray and pull the cup away and let it drip into the towel.

[@Kuchenrolle]

Could you make a (long) video where you install one of the ito kits (that faustino on kaffee-netz provides) into a silvia? There is no video on this, but clearly a massive demand for at least the temperature PID functionality. I feel like as an engineer you should be in a good position to do this.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Oh boy, maybe someday...I don't currently have a Silvia...

[@Kuchenrolle]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Oh I can give you mine along with the ITO kit, it will take me forever to get around to do it, I'm not very handy.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@Kuchenrolle Thanks for the offer. I'd have to read into it, but if it's similar to a PID install on the GCP, it shouldn't be too bad. Can you contact me at my website? tomscoffeecorner.com Cheers!

[@d4rk_entityy]

That pre infusion, any reason it pumps like that. I saw a few chinese domestic machines doing that same behavior 😅

[@Mogamishu]

Tom, as a coffee lover what would you do if someone serves you a cup of tea?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I like tea.

[@marius.ardereanu]

i think there`s way too much plastic there . When do you open up a Bambino ?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Haha, Bambino is no different. I opened it up to prime it once...

[@marius.ardereanu]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner gaggia classic is it different ?. i really dont trust plastic

[@checkwhatsleft4565]

You might wanna get yourself a TM902c thermometer to measure the temperature again rather than what you have, I find that 902c does much better job than those fancier ones I got, surprise.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for the tip - I'll keep it in mind. Which thermometers were you comparing this to?

[@checkwhatsleft4565]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner I have UT320D and HT9815, and not as accurate as I thought, do one simple test, test the water temp of your cattle at boiling point, which you should've get 98c while its boiling if yours is accurate, if not, well you know what I have experienced.

[@drifter4training]

Any Chances of opening the De'Longhi stilosa 😅 ?

[@SkyDawg91]

www.youtube.com/@justinbouchard Justin is your guy. Learned a lot about this machine from him. What issues are you having?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

The Stilosa should be real similar to the ECP that I took apart. I got a couple videos on that if you search ECP on the channel. Cheers!

[@rxonmymind8362]

Thumbs up to you. Thumbs down for DeLonghi. I hate when companies go half way on improvements basically giving consumers options to go elsewhere. Either your in the game to win or your not.

[@johnyungk8419]

Very nice... 😂

[@mudonsunday]

this machine threw a monkey wrench into my plans Tom! this or the Bambino plus?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

So far, I'd rate them about the same. I'll compare them soon, though!

[@MakinComputers]

So annoying they put solenoids in, but not one for the brew group. That first one could have been put above it.

[@frankpeutz9106]

suggestion: next time keep the camera focused on the interior of the espresso machine and do not switch from the espresso machine to yourself, this makes it more difficult to follow (confusing).

[@terpentoon]

I get the idea that half of the machine is just for warm milk instead of decent coffee. So . . .what a waste. I prefer milk powder, because it does not ad more water to my drink. Sorry, for me this machine has lost the right compas North.

[@yttean98]

Too expensive.Pay a little bit more get the Gaggia Evo instead, a near professional coffee machine and it is well proven unit. You review it like an engineer, is it necessary? BTW I am an engineer but for a coffee machine I am not really interested in the inner working and neither is coffee maker. It is up to you to include what you want really.

[@KnockingSpeakers]

Why exactly shouldnt it be interesting for a coffee maker to get more knowledge?

[@yttean98]

@@KnockingSpeakers not me cos I have to many things to remember and getting too old for that.

[@yttean98]

@@KnockingSpeakers There are far more interesting things to learn and study.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Until Gaggia gets their Boilergate issues worked out, I cannot recommend that machine with a clear conscience.