How To Make Better Coffee on Home Espresso Machine: DeLonghi Dedica EC685 Tutorial

Learn how to make coffee at home with the DeLonghi Dedica espresso machine. We will share how to make espresso, steam milk, and latte art for a cappuccino. We start with a simple routine using pre-ground coffee but then move to more advanced barista techniques to brew tasty coffee using specialty coffee beans.
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Timestamps:
0:00 Better Coffee on Cheap Home Espresso Machine
0:25 DeLonghi Dedica EC685 Overview
1:30 Espresso workflow with pre-ground coffee
2:02 Espresso workflow with specialty coffee
7:38 How to steam milk on DeLonghi Dedica
10:26 Better espresso with bottomless portafilter
12:30 Better latte art and milk steaming
14:26 Final thoughts on DeLonghi Dedica EC685

[@EuropeanCoffeeTrip]

Do you make espresso at home? What are your tips for better coffee with cheaper home espresso machines?

[@chowdennis4440]

we are in china, we use bottomless filter to upgrade the coffee quality, they are cheap and easy to find here, by the way i am using air pump coffee maker made in china, good result and not expansive.

[@tsmspace]

I am a new home espresso fan, and have the same machine. I got it used, but it was in new condition, and didn't include any accessories. I couldn't wait for some extra portafilters to come in the mail, so I modified mine by simply drilling the pressure hole in the pressurized basket to be roughly 1/4" in diameter. It was very easy, and now the pressure is determined by the grind instead of the basket! I have been experimenting with the grind in a blade grinder for a few weeks now, it is hard work and works best only in the single basket, because a blade grinder is hard to control,, but if I spend extra time to just keep grinding the coffee, and use the single basket, my espresso is coming out with some crema and a nice rich taste. (of course, I do not let it run the full stock amount of water, I stop it early, so the color is nice and rich, and there is less bitterness)

[@chowdennis4440]

@@tsmspace a simple machine can also make coffee taste good, it is fun to learn to know how,

[@TheRock-jy6yl]

Other Portafiler with an other Tamper.

[@azizabenmaad7835]

@@chowdennis4440 qq¹

[@fapmashina1]

We've just ordered this machine and this tutorial will be very helpful to us as the home espresso beginners! Thanks a lot for the very convinient and easy explanations and advices!

[@cwilliams4227]

Wow! I have been using a home espresso machine for a year and I learned more fine detail in this short video than any other I have watched plus I got to learn about the Dedica. I'm off to buy one for camping.

[@chryseass.5143]

Just ordered my machine so this video is a straightforward tutorial- thank you!

[@RakanWD]

This was my first espresso maker. When using naked portafilter with non pressurized basket, and steaming with the rubber wand, and pairing it with a nice grinder, It gives you amazing lattes, it's so good that I stopped going to coffee shops. Highly recommend the upgrades!

[@shabsky3244]

what made you upgrade?

[@RakanWD]

@@shabsky3244 Now I’m using Rocket Appartamento for extracting and steaming at the same time, drip tray drain to external bottle, powerful steam, larger water reservoir, 3 way valve for flush, easy to do back to back drinks. So far so good.

[@shabsky3244]

Did you jump from dedica to appartamento? Thats the path I’d like to risk, but I’ll practice more my barista skill with dedica before jumping 😅

[@shabsky3244]

Yup im actually eyeing Lelit bianca but thats way more expensive and maybe too much for me. My grinder is enough i guess 🤷‍♂️1Zpresso for pour over and a turinDF64 for espresso. Only the espresso machine needs some upgrade once i saved a lot for this coffee addiction 🤣 an appartamento price range maybe😬

[@Aimanzxc]

I did the same, upgraded to non pressurized bottomless portafilter. This can actually make good espresso hence can corrects your coffee prep style

[@RaceCafe]

Awesome video it pretty much explained the entire coffee making process !!! Thanks

[@lexy9210]

I can’t tell you enough how helpful this video was to me as a complete beginner. Excellently explained!!!

[@EuropeanCoffeeTrip]

Thank you, glad to hear it was helpful!

[@vapoureyes]

A very well explained video for us coffee lovers who need to learn more on how to improve our daily hit .👍

[@Chakka_Lakka]

Wow thank you for your advices on this machine !! I was wondering why my coffee was not so tasty. I will follow your advices an look how I can improve my coffee

[@krissk77]

Very helpful... just got my small machine today... learning. Thanks.

[@whateutube]

One of the most helpful video on the machine and technique.

[@Ltrezzi]

I'm thinking of buying a machine like this and your video clarified many doubts. Congratulations and thank you very much. ☕️🇧🇷

[@kiaranilraj9469]

Thank you for making this video it was very helpful and informative 😊

[@godwingeorge1880]

Excellent video with detailed description. Enjoyed it. Thanks a lot

[@tomol5785]

Thanks Godwin :)

[@amincherif3838]

That moment when you realise his grinder costs more than the machine, coffee, tamper combined 😔

[@unknownentity222]

Hell, that scale cost more than the entire set up too.

[@christywoo7679]

same here, i use niche zero to grind coffee for ec685 😂

[@pinter123]

Come’on. The grinders only $400. Wait. What?

[@Ashani100100]

You saved me time 😪

[@Marinalin85]

That moment when you realise that the grinder is more important than the espresso machine

[@Poborsky-fx1wo]

This was a great video. Thanks

[@oksanakovalchuk1278]

Thanks for the video!

[@KaffeeAss]

Super nices Video, mega gut erklärt. 🙌 Danke

[@hikikoro8986]

Thank you so much for your tip ❤

[@nirolevy96]

I recommend securitng the rubber steam wand with some kind of strap so it wont shoot out while steaming

[@kouradev]

Man, I love your video! Thank you.

[@EuropeanCoffeeTrip]

thank you!

[@sonamansari0985]

Thanks for share this video... Very helpful for me 😊

[@constantin58]

Switching from pre-grinded coffee to grinding it yourself is probably the best and most noticeable coffee taste upgrade. Switching from a $20 french press to whatever espresso machine is less of an upgrade and might not even be necessary, specially if milk frother is not used.

[@mazdaram226]

Superb tips matey

[@elenabevzova5465]

Thanks a lot! Just bought new dedica Arte and will try you tops ❤

[@theespressocouple1058]

My first little Krups did really well , once the kids grew up I could get a better machine , that little machine pumped them out for years :)

[@tomburke4652]

Good job on making this video. I use this one! Perfect espresso its around $500 but it will last you years.

[@markfortuin7111]

This was very informative. I bought my machine today. Thanks for posting.

[@justinfo-jepy355]

Hey, im thinking of this one too. i found one but i think the previous model the EC680. would it be okay if i buy an old model?

[@AriefLatif]

very helpful thank you.

[@HaekalAlchatieb]

Grinder is best investment in coffee equipment 😁👌

[@milenvalchanov1208]

good work ,very proffesional

[@marexmal]

Great to see Dedica on your channel guys :) Because of its low price point this should be a go-to machine for everyone interested in trying out espresso game at home.

[@tomol5785]

Exactly, enough of the prejudice! :)

[@neoream3606]

Thank you for those awesome tips. 👌

[@tomol5785]

Our pleasure :)

[@mohamedkhater6486]

Amazing ...thank you

[@demitrikaren1812]

Hey! What an excellent video, thanks for sharing your expertise

[@tomol5785]

Thank you guys

[@pablochamorrovelasquez3785]

love how you explain

[@tomol5785]

thanks Pablo! :)

[@andreavillarroel7108]

Amazing video❤

[@zaba8746]

nice simple explanation 😅 for the beginner 🎉

[@memento316]

And this is it, I wake up on 5 o'clock and arrived late to work again. But...what a coffee

[@kovastol6818]

Thanks, good video .

[@Momsterific]

Wow i love your video about this :)

[@TheCipicchia]

Grande, grazie!

[@peterjs007]

I've used a Dedica for years and it extracts a good coffee. I'm keen to try a non pressurised portafilter.

[@warken1985]

One thing i've noticed with this machine is if you have a very finely ground coffee compound, you need to ease off on the compressing in the filter basket otherwise the machine struggles with pressure. The thicker the coffee ground, the tighter you can pack it. I love this machine - budget friendly way to make great coffee at home for my wife and I.

[@cristobal.palmero4919]

How much space between the coffee and the portafiliter rim?

[@MetallicReg]

You probably use the pressurized filter. Try an aftermarket bottomless.

[@jcarrera01]

Same here! From a scale from 1 to 20, if you grind the coffee very finely like around 3, it’s fine. But if you go 1 or 2, then the machine struggles with the pressure and no coffee comes out.

[@dasryte3265]

@@jcarrera01 I have the same machine, with the default filter and have noticed that using a needle distributor to break up clumps helps a lot with fine grind coffee and you can use more force while tampering without the fore mentioned effects. Bought the small one with 4 needles for about 5€.

[@laowai2000]

Was having same issues with a cheap grinder then invested in a Baratza Encore. The Encore totally eliminated "failure to launch" issue when using open portafilter. Can pull shots now to 18 grams. Settled now with shots around 16.5 grams.

[@TI_Ted]

brilliant

[@Panterra420]

Good explication

[@frank1fm634]

thanks

[@Kokeshiflower]

Thank you for this great tutorial, easy to understand and I like your step by step approach. I've watched a few videos on learning to use the Dedica and this one is by far the best.

[@EuropeanCoffeeTrip]

Thank you ☕️🖤

[@jim8790]

Hi guys. Great video, thank you. Have you upgraded (supercharged) the shower screen on your machine? Is it possible/are there better quality shower screen’s available for this machine?

[@karinkovacsova7889]

Lovely video! 🧡

[@tomol5785]

[@highfell1]

Nice video. I already use a bottomless portafilter with this machine and the key is get a good enough grinder. I use the Sage Barista one and the combination is fantastic. BUT i couldnt make decent lattes with the existing wand. I have now removed the metal rod and by just using the existing rubber tube, i can make great lattes - not need to do the rancillo complicated exchange. I may see if I can get a longer rubber tube to make it a little easier. BUT by just using the existing rubber tube is a game changer in itself. Thank you. It does go to show , how capable this machine is.

[@terraferme2590]

There are so many bottomless portafilter online to buy I .afraid to get the wrong one, many reviews said tamper do not fit, or portafilter leaks etc etc. So a link for the right one tested will be nice please...

[@tiagoalmeida653]

How many time you take to steam without the metal part?

[@berfincevheri2668]

I couldn’t do milk foam without the metal it becomes as a hot milk

[@adithyaganeshrao7487]

@@terraferme2590u need to buy 1 which is 51mm. Look at reviews. I think neouza is a decent brand and it is available online in many stores.

[@azzarooni8532]

nice video. always like videos with this guy

[@EuropeanCoffeeTrip]

Thanks, Tomo is a great presenter with a focus on detail. Coffee he roasts taste amazing too ☕️🖤

[@tomol5785]

☕️🖤

[@antoniszeibekis]

Perfect video ! I have the same machine and it is very good . Could you suggest any portafilter ?

[@moto9951]

great

[@PaoloFilardi]

Very useful video! I've upgraded my Dedica with a non pressurized basket and a good manual grinder (1ZPresso JX-Pro). Coffe is just so much better.

[@Pnklight]

What size is the bottomless porta filter for dedica?

[@PaoloFilardi]

@@Pnklight 51mm

[@Pnklight]

@@PaoloFilardi thank you

[@vipanchikajose9139]

Best video I’ve watched for making coffee on the dedica

[@EuropeanCoffeeTrip]

Wow, thanks!

[@levtilen6891]

I love copper grinders

[@JoachimFosse]

You may end up blasting the plastic nozzle thing straight off the machine if you remove the outer housing. Not a big problem but if def can happen, just saying :) I use the same bottomless portafilter for my EC685! Another highly recommend tip would be getting a WDT tool, coffee bed leveler, and a better tamper and use them in that order

[@Alekouzos]

the time when i am working 8:00 in the mornig and i wake up from 6:00 in order to make the perfect coffee.

[@TRcoffeeX]

Learned so much from the video. I have the same machine, and im using 16.5g after i watched this video. And still learning to do latte art

[@TRcoffeeX]

@@Knackerflacker 16.5g coffee bean ground

[@pavlossideris3973]

Hello - I would like to ask : There are two pressurised portafilters for a single espresso and a double espresso; 9g and 18g respectively. There are also two BOTTOMLESS portafilters again for a single and a double. By adding 16g in the bottomless portafilter , then this means that it is considered a double espresso ? How many 'g' to add for a single espresso in the bottomless filter? Thank you !!!

[@TRcoffeeX]

@@pavlossideris3973 with 16g and output 32ml, i would say its a double espresso amount with ratio 1:2. For commercial size 58mm, easy to fit 18g compare with delonghi 51mm. For single i put 9g and output 18ml

[@pavlossideris3973]

Thank you so much for your feedback. I have not tested yet the bottomless filter , but testing the factory settings of the portafilter for a single shot at 9g i realise that the output is 40g ! ( im not sure whether i need to change the weight scale to ml) but this means that i am way off the 1:2 ratio. obviouslt i need to play more !!! :) thanks again !@@TRcoffeeX

[@Boogie6944]

Hi there, Is the portafilter that you are using called "NEOUZA Espresso Bottomless Portafilter 51mm"? Also, if I am using 16.5g of coffee beans, do I use the single shot or double shot button? Many thanks.

[@infoSchoof]

Great video and tips, although my machine is too old to upgrade so I am saving for a good quality machine. Probably Breville Infuser

[@andrev6000]

Hi, I'm trying to use solid metal tamper and bottomless portafilter on my EC685, and it resulting in coffee spattering from the bottom around the cup in totally random directions. Grinder is Eureka Mignon Manuale, any change of grind result in same issue.

[@whoami724y]

As a budget home espresso machine user since the start of the pandemic i have some tips: 1. Most home espresso machine can be upgraded to a non-pressurized basket and you should upgrade it if you have a decent grinder. 2. While you can theoretically pull good looking shots with the non-pressurized basket, most of budget home espresso machine don't have high enough heat to extract coffee properly, so you either need to use darker roast or longer extraction time. 3. If you're planning to buy budget home espresso machine, pay attention to the group head shower screen design, try to find a machine with one screw in the middle (if that makes any sense?) because you could maybe upgrade it to a compatible shower screen like IMS and it's usually better at dispersing water evenly because the water stream gets 'break' before it hits the shower screen, unlike mine that is so bad at dispersing water evenly because the stream of water hits the middle of the shower screen and the pressure is concentrated at the middle of the puck. 4. Always use contact shower screen / puck screen, it helps ALOT in extracting the coffee evenly, although you gotta preheat it first like dipping it in a bowl of hot water, also there's a neat little trick where after you put your puck screen, you pour hotter water to 'pre-infuse' it, maybe it can help raise the initial heat. 5. If im not wrong if you have a steam knob you could potentially control the amount of pressure you're extracting with(?) I haven't tested it because mine doesn't come with a separate steam knob, but i think you do it like when you're extracting, you turn the steam knob a little bit so it can open and release a small amount of pressure while you're pulling a shot, but i honestly don't know cause i read this from a comment in another video.

[@whoami724y]

Also it's gonna be really interesting to see coffee channels try to make the best use of cheap espresso machines (like what small modifications they can do to it, what hacks can be used to improve it, etc), because a lot of people can't afford middle to higher end of espresso machines. The only video i can think of is this, and maybe James Hoffman's video about comparing cheap espresso machine even though it's mostly about using the machine as it is.

[@grzib]

Excellent video

[@EuropeanCoffeeTrip]

Thanks ☕️🙌

[@grzib]

@@EuropeanCoffeeTrip ❤️

[@SiderisSpyros]

I have already replaced the basket but till I get a grinder,which café from the market should I get for best results?

[@madelineheeley9711]

Hello, do you have a link for the bottomless portafilter you used? I don't see one. Thanks! (I found a couple on Amazon that either don't have the best reviews or people said it wasn't compatible with the Deduce EC685)

[@AlokeshBagchi]

Good

[@suhaibghrair6033]

Hello thank you for the video i have buy the espresso machine but i need also buy the bottomless filter but there is many sizes and i don't know which size i have to buy can you tell me please which one do you have?

[@wchifai]

Thanks a lot. This is a great tutorial.

[@konstantinostriantafillaki4191]

Hello i have few questions about Delonghi Dedica that i just bought. Can I change the filter basket with a bigger one that can hold about 15-18 gr of coffee without changing the portafilter because the double that already has its small. If I can change it I just fit it in or does it require a modification? If I use a non pressurized portafilter with a new double cup basket filter and with a proper tamper can I use pre ground coffee or it's necessary to grind my self coffee if I use non pressurized portafilter? Thanks in advance :)

[@Oblivianos]

have you already changed the default doses? I have bought a bottomless portafilter and non-pressurized 14g basket, and it puts out 80gr of liquid i like the taste as it is (recently got the graef cm802 grinder). how can i get closer to the 1:2 ratio? if i change the quantity the 685 puts out via adjusting like the manual says it will pump less water but in less time as well so it will violate the 25-30sec rule of thumb (by default the 80gr of liquid are pumped in 30 sec for double dose and 40ish in 15ish sec for the single dose)

[@RevolutionV1Gaming]

Which portafilter did you use? I have checked the links but cannot find it?

[@mikabo5621]

Hi! Thanks for the video. Can you make a video about making espresso and cappuccino with delonghi eco310?

[@vipanchikajose9139]

Did you manually stop the machine when you got the espresso yield within 30 seconds. Or did you let the machine run on default time

[@vp2796]

Hi, what bottomless Porta filter did you use?

[@AnnaKutchava]

Thank you for this video. Could you please share the brand/link of these beautiful pink cups?

[@josealqueres]

Great video! Im getting this machine very soon to go along with my 1Zpresso JMAX.

[@EuropeanCoffeeTrip]

That sounds like a nice combo to play with espresso at home! Have fun ☕️

[@lucafrancesco1900]

Please tell me how it is and what grind levels you use? I have the exact same combo but have real issues finding the right level of grind to not choke machine or have it coming way too acidic or bitter. Think I may have damaged machine as it no longer works with the amazon wood handle portafilter he uses here, the machine goes quiet while running and barely any coffee comes out, tried as course a grind as possible and no change.

[@josealqueres]

@@lucafrancesco1900 I'm using 16.5 grams and one complete turn and 49 clicks on the grinder.

[@qbatmobile]

Last year our 685 died and we've decided to buy a new coffee machine. After spending 1000euro and 6 month later we've decided to sell it and buy 685 again. The reason is simple - it's great, simple and coffee... coffee that 685 makes is flawless.

[@PhysicsManual]

I have this machine and at 13:10 you most certainly cannot only use the plastic bit as it will blow off due to pressure and splash into your milk ruining your drink. Maybe it stays on the machine first arrives, but not after taking the rubber part off a couple of times to clean it.

[@fredriklofdahl3121]

Did you press the double or single button on the machine with the bottomless filter in the end? Still 25Sec?

[@hydra891989]

Hello! I have one question regarding this kind of coffee machine. I have this model about 2 years now and I see that something is not working very well since the 1st time. Please note that I always do the desalination process as indicated on the book and when the machine requires it. But from the beginning I didn’t get that rich cream as I can see on this video. Am I doing something wrong? Second question: lately I realised that the coffee is getting lighter or watery. Is there any component that needs to be changed inside the coffee machine?! Thank you!

[@PorinPhanwipa]

Hi, I bought a portafilter the same with you to use with my Delonghi, but it came out no creama on my espresso shot and seem like the coffee running too fast through it. (Never happened with the Delonghi's portafilter) Any recommendations?

[@fadlya.rahman4113]

Can I use the cup warmer on top to preheat the portafilter?

[@qigongmichaelfischer]

nice video. defintely makes me want to buy that machine. the grinder though is much more expensive than the machine itself. could you recommend any cheaper alternatives? thanks!

[@hansesteban]

Que molino necesito para sacar este tipo de café con la Delonghi?

[@gainesminton]

We have this exact machine and just purchased a naked/bottomless portafilter but we can’t get a clean pull because the espresso just sputters and spits leading to minimal crema. Have tried different grinds and quantities but no luck so far. Any advice? Only piece we’re missing is a scale to more precisely measure quantity.

[@olna55]

hey , I have a dedica with a bottomless portafilter from NEOUZA but unfortunately it still does not quite work with the double shot as it should. I put in my sieve 16.5gr coffee and then press the double Shot button. the ground coffee is already very finely ground yet I get about 53gr coffee in my cup pure. so I expected so ideally a 1:2 ratio so about 33gr. what can I do? do you have a tip for me? I use as a grinder the sage barista Pro. Many greetings Oliver

[@jazebov]

Hello. What hardness of water should I choose on the machine if I use bottled water?

[@Hadi_Mousavi]

What's the brand of your bottomless portafilter? I can see many on Amazon but with some negative reviews. What's ur suggestion? Thanks 😊

[@Bobschokolade]

Do you have a Link, Which bottomless portafilter you are using?

[@luciangrosu1819]

hey. where to buy bottomless portafilter? I have one, but I'm not as happy with it as it locks loosely in the group head

[@dimitriskartasakis9680]

Hi Gaggia carezza deluxe or delonghi dedica is better coffee machine?

[@Andrii_Shved]

I like these wonderful yellow ceramic espresso cups. Where can I find it?

[@blizzbee]

I would say the EC685 is a decent machine and when u own one, your coffee quality will be as good as your grinder and beans.

[@EuropeanCoffeeTrip]

True!

[@tomol5785]

aaand water! :)

[@K_N_44]

​@@tomol5785 what do you mean?

[@Almaateeq.maryam]

How many grams should we put for a double shot ? Plus, thanks for this amazing tutorial!

[@hawksights]

Thanks for the tip to use the steam wand without the pipe. It popped off and milk squirted all over the place. I can't recommend this technique unless you want to enjoy your cappuccino outside of your cup

[@algrho]

How much coffee was extracted from the 16.5g coffee using the bottomless portafilter?

[@el_chapino]

What grinder size number you did for your beans?

[@sandrapink1071]

Hi! We followed your tips and got bottomless filter for this machine, but our coffee is not going smooth through it, instead it is spitting coffee and dripping, and machine stopped working :S we grind our coffee to finest grind but no luck , any advice or tips would be appreciated!