The Best Espresso Machine Under £500

[@vaibhavkohli12]

This was 4 years ago. Doing it again would be great to see what has changed and what we can get in 500 pounds.

[@melvinon6]

Yes please!! I'm in the market for one at this price.

[@IAmPeterCole]

@@melvinon6Saaaame learned anything that’s leading you in a specific direction? Kinda leaning towards Bambino Plus

[@Presidentialrun2028]

Same.

[@CamilleDeveveraux]

just get a bambino, not plus, it's not needed. And a fine grinder.. then upgrade the portafilter, get an ims basket, etc..

[@pakkagewa4591]

@@CamilleDeveveraux bambino is the best? what makes you said so.

[@oliviapearce2437]

I don’t have the kind of money spare to buy a £500 coffee machine but here I am listening intently to all of their pros and cons how does James make me care so much

[@kellermeyer14]

The cool thing is that you can find Sylvias in good condition, used for half that price. At least in the States. Also, here, anyway, you can find Sylvias with a PID for not much more than book price. I learned my lesson the hard way and bought a Baby Twin, which I would consider closer to the Sage in build quality, and when it died 3 years after purchase found out that it was made to be discarded. What James doesn't tell you is that you will inevitably want to upgrade your machine and when you do, having a Sylvia is the only way you'll get a return on investment.

[@batousan_]

@@kellermeyer14 He did mention this, at the end of the video he talks about the need to mod (upgrade) and clearly points out the GCP and Silvia will hold their value better than the others.

[@cyberpope2137]

Just get a Dedica then, it’s not far off and much cheaper

[@laowai2000]

@@cyberpope2137 2nd hand Dedicas almost given away. Very happy with the shots I can get from the Dedica.

[@free-flight]

"If I was teaching someone to steam milk for the first time..." - very kind of you to offer. I'm free next Tuesday, James. Let me know.

[@ImAnEmergency]

Dibs on Wednesday

[@theshonen8899]

Me in my teens: Modding my PC. Me in my twenties: Modding my car. Me in my thirties: mOdDiNG mY cOFfeE MAcHinE.

[@dave_s_vids]

Yes - this is me! :D

[@AbuSalem2099]

eh, what is this spot light on me, go away... :D

[@marcusbrown188]

Me at 22: need coffee machine, college and life is demanding more work for no rewards

[@Deatarus51]

Damn, literally me...

[@nommchompsky]

WEIRDLY ACCURATE

[@HomeDistiller]

PLEASE do a video on baskets! what makes a good basket? what changes with the differences in baskets (hole size, hole number metal thickness etc)

[@on2a]

Seconded. I hear a lot about baskets referred to but a good break down of importance would be much valued!

[@pgmoore21]

Yes, please do this! I would watch that video in a heartbeat!

[@markaochoa2017]

I 4th this notion.

[@coffeeiskey2176]

Somehow everybody accept vst to own this topic and no one even thinks about making it different. Always wondered about that.

[@pvman2]

Also, an overview on sizes, what's common, what's unusual (maybe from a particular manufacturer), adaptors, converters, etc. Also, terms: basket vs. filter vs. portafilter, etc. Basically the names of the thing with the handle vs. the thing with the holes vs. the part on the machine that receives the cleats that are on the thing with the handle, etc. A good video for a novice and a refresher for the prosumer/expert.

[@HauntedSheppard]

Since I was coming back to rewatch just some of the machines. I thought I'd put in the work for others: Build, Shot 2:13, 7:42 Lelit 3:22, 8:47 Delonghi 4:07, 10:31 Rancilio 5:03, 11:43 Sage / Breville 6:05, 13:10 Gaggia 15:42 steaming.

[@Oly55x]

Honorable!

[@SirGustopher-n1q]

Get this mans some up doots

[@Stan_sprinkle]

god's work... god's work

[@its_justJohn]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@rycliffmc]

Love you

[@MangoTheRetriever]

James "I am a fancy man" Hoffmann

[@savitbharadwaj4023]

Edvardas "Mr. Obvious" Baravykas

[@Albahlolmalek]

Savit Bharadwaj 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheOriginal_BigMac]

There is a merch opportunity just sitting there

[@samrjw8693]

A fancy man with his fancy fancy. Auntie Donna fan by any chance?

[@nate6862]

Jimothy Hoffmann

[@sambarker2285]

Hey James , could we please turn auto-captions on? As a deaf person I find it very difficult to watch videos without captions, even if they are slightly off/inaccurate.

[@spasecookee]

Yes, please! It doesn't usually take this long to get the captions available.

[@Mr-lw7gy]

Same here!

[@ts-tj9fi]

Exactly! There is hardly ever any video on youtube without captions, even automatic. Big minus for not having it.

[@clxma]

I feel you guys, but I personally hate it when it's automatically turned on. KZbin should have this an option for each user.

[@sambarker2285]

@@clxma Little confused by this comment. Are you referring to hating automatically transcribed captions? That I can understand, as they're often inaccurate - but they provide an extremely helpful guide for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences. Or are you saying that you hate captions automatically showing up on videos when you don't want to see them? Because that is a user-adjustable feature. You can set your youtube settings to not show captions. But, and this is kind of an important but, if you are not a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person and the captions annoy you, you can easily turn them off. Deaf and Hard of Hearing people cannot simply turn their hearing back on when a video doesn't have captions.

[@asoul5528]

Will we get an update for this for 2024?

[@N0ra23]

Yes I agree with you. I need an updated video :)

[@primeno.6487]

A 2024 update and a £1000 range vid

[@Smoothbluehero]

For this video, it looks like the top place was a tie between the Silvia vs the Gaggia, with 2024 prices the Silvia is double the price of the Gaggia online, I think the Gaggia is a clear winner

[@koskoz]

​@@Smoothbluehero I thought too, especially now there's the New Classic Evo which fixes the need for modding, but it seems that only the 2024 version is the reliable one. After a lot of reading I think I'll go with the Lelit Anna with PID.

[@Ie_serafim]

@jameshoffman

[@capinkyky]

At 12 minutes when he throws the filter, my jaw dropped. So much drama. So perfectly timed. Beautiful James moment.

[@MohanKumar-xn9vr]

I honestly would have liked to hear the filter clatter and him just stare at the camera

[@BillPeschel]

@@MohanKumar-xn9vr It needed the sound of a window breaking :)

[@Stan_sprinkle]

you oversold that a little bit. It wasn't very dramatic. At all.

[@peterzimmerman9251]

I have owned a Rancilio Silvia for 10 years and estimate I’ve made about 7,000 espresso shots in this time. With the exception of having to replace the gasket in the brew head, it’s operated flawlessly without servicing for this entire time. I feel this was a great investment and would recommend this machine to anyone tired of the endless cycle of disposable household technology.

[@lukedgos]

I dread the cost, but if it can outlast three Dedicas and makes twice better coffee, then it has every right to cost six time as much, figuratively speaking (and is going to cost less anyway).

[@conannanoc8768]

while i understand where you are coming from, i have had a delonghi nespresso for over 10 years, pulled over 10.000 shots with it, and they day it died, i didn´t even bother to replace it and bought another one for 1/5th the cost of the Rancilio. I don´t intend to imply that the nespresso is better, or that the delonghi is a better machine than the Rancilio. Only, that people trying to send you these machines turn the most common attributes (durability) into unique selling points...

[@Floor7586]

Thank you Peter, I want something really worth spending money on so that was usefull. Question: what kind of bean grinder do you use with the machine? I am new to making coffee and am not really sure what works together.

[@imdeadinside792]

Yea I’ve got one as well and I love it

[@KAIJUCHOMPS]

I have the very same machine, gifted to me by my grandfather after he graduated to a commercial machine and I've been having trouble lately with the portafilter no longer fully twisting into place. Is that the gasket that's gone? I know this is an old comment but I hope you see it!

[@tuboe777]

The Renaissance Dedica is all respects the same as my recent purchase of the Calphalon Espresso Machine I purchased from Amazon. I’ve wanted an Espresso machine for years and this is the first time I was able to get one. As a novice 71 year old coffee drinker, I really do enjoy my first machine and it does taste good to my untrained taste buds. Thank you for your videos I’m enjoying them and learning a lot about coffee.

[@GyZsiga]

James, your channel has fundamentally changed my life. I am a confirmed tea-consumer, eastern style, high-quality teas only... now, however, I am an occasional coffe-taster, because you've helped me to find a new hobby. We've purchased a Lelit Anna with a PID, I learned A LOT from your videos, and now every morning I make delicious espresso for my wife, who is very satisfied with the result. And she is a barista! You, sir, made that happen. Thank you!

[@ForestLord]

Hi... Curious, because I'm considering the Anna 2 with the PID. 4 Years later, are you still happy with the Anna, would you buy it again if you had a do-over?

[@simontrusler5748]

Once again, sense and sensibility. You've relieved the 9 bars on pressure being in lockdown for 7 weeks now (Melbourne). You're such a breath of fresh air. Thanks :-)

[@maxl178]

We've still gotta wait till the end of the month :(

[@simontrusler5748]

Max L yeah, bummer that. Just me and my Aeropress to keep me company (oh and my wife and son...but my Aeropress, my Aeropress!!!)

[@gabrielsinclair5941]

Only 7 weeks? It's felt like an age. We'll make it though.

[@kainewhiteway2346]

Simon Trusler as a fellow Melbournian I was hoping James would do this. I have also been using an areopress for around 8 years but have just changed to the V60 (based off this channel) and I must say it’s a superior experience. What is do miss is the ability to make a decent coffee milk drink at home.

[@simontrusler5748]

Kaine Whiteway thanks for the advice. I’ve been pondering whether to get a V60 so it’s good to hear that it’s a superior experience. I’ll starting checking them out 👍

[@kathleenmacdougall3399]

I inherited a Sylvia from my uncle, which he bought at least 15 years ago. It’s an incredible machine and still brews great coffee (even after being transported across the country multiple times)! I’ve always been frustrated w the temp control, so this was affirming. You’ve inspired me to finally take the plunge and modify!

[@lonestarr1490]

Go on then. You definitely won't void your warranty :D

[@timor64]

Dramatically improved the whole experience. A PID on Ebay with full instructions was pretty easy to install - took about an hour.

[@1zulmita]

Having binge watched about 20 videos it is only now dawning on me the man has taken at least 5 shots and sure the delivery gets a little faster but the hand is brain surgeon steady. Thoroughly impressed.

[@TheExpeditionUK]

Quick DeLonghi Dedeica tips: 1) the drip try can be removed for taller cups, 2) keep single or double button pressed until desired water dispensed, it remembers it for next time, 3) hold the steam button for 10 seconds to enter settings mode, press single cup button, now choose temperature, single = cool, double = warm, steam = hot.

[@rainbowevil]

The third tip on temperature - is that the temperature for the steam wand or for the espresso water?

[@TheExpeditionUK]

@@rainbowevil it's the temperature of the espresso water, I have mine on "hot" (3rd button). i haven't seen anywhere that mentions the steam wand temperature.

[@rainbowevil]

@@TheExpeditionUK great, thanks for the reply! Was just wondering since you had to hold the steam button to set it.

[@TheExpeditionUK]

For Settings Menu Press and Hold Steam Button for 10 Seconds:- =============== Button 1 - Temperature (low / med / high) Button 2 - Water Hardness (soft / med / hard) Button 3 - Stand By (9m / 30m / 3h) Steam Dial + Button 1 - Reset Steam Dial + Button 2 - no function? Steam Dial + Button 3 - Descale Normal Functions =============== Press and Hold Button 1 to set water amount delivered on Single Cup Press and Hold Button 2 to set water amount delivered on Double Cup Press Button 3 for Steam

[@johncarr8557]

Brilliant thanks! I just bought one second hand. I’ll take a screen shot of this.

[@tsuntsu]

For anyone looking at the Dedica I think it is worth noting that there is now an upgraded version of it (ec885) which comes with a normal steam wand and a normal tamper. As other people have already mentioned, Dedica has programmable buttons, where we can adjust the brewing temp and the amount of liquid coming from the single and double espresso. Also, the machine is highly moddable (replacing the portafilter, adding the pressure gauge, changing the spring to mod the pressure) which makes it quite versatile for the money. With all that, it still remains fairly cheap so if you break something the loss won't be as big as with more expensive machines.

[@lukedgos]

Yeah. I thought about buying an exhibition unit without a porta. That already saves some money and goes a long way toward helping you get in the 'if it breaks, it breaks' mood. Does the OPV mod improve the taste? What about light roasts after you reduce the pressure?

[@siruspan]

Older/lower model ec685 can be had for half the price of the new model on sales at the moment.

[@mangolollipop_]

I randomly found this video and I bought my parents a Dedica as a random present. I didn't like the tamper that it came with. I would've love some more added weight. I like the touch of the weighty tamp but it's the barista part of me coming out. I like it fits the tiny part of their kitchen but I myself will buy the more expensive Breville machine for myself as I'm more of a coffee geek. It takes me so long to make coffee. I spent about good 10 mins doing it 3 coffees, which annoys me because I'm used to the quicker espresso machine. It's good to know that dedica is a moddable brand.

[@cmcguire7901]

Do you find that the high temperature setting on the EC885 gets hot enough for a quality light roast? I got it as a gift and upgrade from a cheaper/older delonghi that didn’t have any temperature adjustment so even with bottomless PF the light roast shots weren’t the best. But either way the new dedica’s steam wand is a pretty big upgrade and the new drip tray has a lot more clearance

[@gentz8310]

Yes, the EC885 (or EC685) makes top espresso (18gr in, 36-40gr out in 25-30 seconds) and steams milk very well. I'm impressed.

[@chillyvanilly6352]

*_Timestamps:_* Start of *how the espresso shots review* will work: 07:18 Espresso with Machines: * 07:18 - Lelit Anna * 08:47 - DeLonghi Dedica * 10:32 - Rancilio Silvia * 11:53 - Sage Bambino Plus * 13:10 - Gaggia Classic Pro Grind setting per machine: 15:05 How the *Milk steaming review* will work: 15:10 *Steaming* with Machines: * 15:36 - Lelit Anna * 15:55 - DeLonghi Dedica * 16:11 - Rancilio Silvia * 16:35 - Sage Bambino Plus * 17:35 - Gaggia Classic Pro Start of *Conslusions* : 18:05 * 18:10 - Lelit Anna * 18:39 - DeLonghi Dedica * 19:06 - Rancilio Silvia * 19:58 - Sage Bambino Plus * 20:41 - Gaggia Classic Pro

[@digitalnation2876]

plus one for the effort, much love from Indonesia, ♥

[@MrAposko]

The unsung hero. We shall remeber you sir Chilly Vanilly!

[@3rdeyewoke609]

You are my hero!!

[@fungus20009]

Clearly you have way too much time on your hands, but love your work 👍

[@chillyvanilly6352]

@@fungus20009 quite the opposite, but I had lunch so figured, why not write it down while at it. Thank u though. #forthecommunity

[@mattf1434]

Gaggia you've got to temp-surf the steaming, too. After I've pulled a shot I switch to steam then turn the wand on as the temperature builds. Once it's giving out a good amount of steam BUT the light (indicating it's 100 degs, and heating element turns off) hasn't come on yet, I start steaming and finish the milk ideally before that light comes on. That way you start at a good steaming temperature but the heating element remains on throughout the steam and your pressure doesn't nosedive halfway through.

[@CycleWatts]

My Sage Bambino Plus is a great balance between price, speed, ease of use, and high quality shots. They got it right! I did upgrade to a bottomless portafilter, IMS baskets and a crema adjustable tamper. Paired with the Sette 270 grinder and a scale, I’m making some delicious coffee. Your channel is hilarious and full of great information… thank you!

[@ashkanpower]

Yes, you can get very close to very delicious shots, but in lighter roast coffees, I still get a little more sourness that I like.

[@Ashhong1]

What is a crema adjustable tamper?

[@momoisstrange]

@@Ashhong1An adjustable tamper/wedge distributor by the brand Crema, a useful all in one tamping product

[@samjohns3227]

Thanks for those tips, I'll upgrade like you did though I only make lattes so not sure if I'd notice a difference? I used to have an Alessi with built in grinder years ago, loved it...but I love even more the fact with the bambino it has the automated milk function so I'm lazy but satisfied now! Really need to get a grinder and scale though...

[@anamcgugan6165]

What IMS basket did you find fit

[@satiic]

literally waited years for this. well done

[@AndreaMitrani]

I bought a Lelit Anita with a PID and I’m absolutely in love with it. It was the most cost effective way to get a PID machine and it has been a workhorse so far. Hugely recommended.

[@William_Saint-Agne]

I've had my Lelit PL41TEM (with PID) for 4 and a half years now (~8/10 cups a week, half of them being cappuccinos, around 2 cups at a time) and it still runs great : no leaking, no pressure loss, no gasket change. It's pretty sturdy.

[@AndreaMitrani]

William Saint-Agne fantastic machines.

[@Poraqui]

Yes, Lelit are very good and underated. Interesting price. Incredible temperature stability. Hopefully soon a MaraX will be on my counter.

[@RiskyGambit]

Totally agree with this. Got a 41TEM for my birthday this year and it has really been a great little machine for me to finally get really into coffee as a hobby.

[@faballard]

I think I have the same : 57mm / PID and pressure gauge. I hesited between a 58mm or a PID (more or less the same price) and I choose the PID. I'm also very happy with it, even if I have the feeling not to master it very well. Probably because I drink mainly single espresso shots ? (I've read it was a bit more difficult to make...)

[@docOld55]

I've had a DeLonghi Dedica for around 6 years, and obviously I am happy with it (or I wouldn't have had it for 6 years:). I recall it took some fiddling to get the brew I wanted, and I ended up with a fairly fine grind using a rich, dark bean. The only real problem I had was finding a frothing jug small enough to be able to submerge the end of the frothing wand into the milk. I normally have a latte, but from time to time I'll make an espresso or Americano, or even a Cappuccino. I bought it when I wasn't exactly flush with money, and since I can afford something better, I've been looking around (which is how I ended up here). But every time I look at a 'better' espresso machine, I realize that I'm happy with what I have. And that's the whole point, isn't it?

[@80goal]

I'm interested in the dedica. How hot the coffee shot you get? (No milk).

[@AriKolbeinsson]

@@80goal I haven't measured the temp, but it has 3 settings for temperature (by some interesting button presses)

[@TeodorAngelov]

@@80goal Around 70-75 C. Tried all the temp settings but got the same result.

[@MultiBugggs]

@@80goal you can temperature surf by pressing the steam button, wait a few seconds and press either of the brew buttons before the steam button stop flashing. The thermoblock will heat up for steaming milk but since you kind of force it back to pulling a shot, the temperature of the water out of the group head will be higher than default settings.

[@PhotoAndersHald]

Also it seems james missed the fact that you can remove/lower the drip tray for a bigger cup.

[@philliptrzcinski5243]

Had a dedica for about 3 years now, I definitely didn't know what I was doing when I got it (I probably still don't now), I'm now all too aware of its shortfalls but £400-500 was a very intimidating price at that point for me, have to say its done me really well, I'm looking forward to an upgrade down the line but I'll look back on it with fondness. Having had it in a small kitchen, I definitely think the small form factor is a selling point for a lot of people.

[@TMDub88]

This 100%. The Dedica was a budget decision for me. With a good grinder, it can make decent espresso shots. I’m also eventually going to upgrade but for now the dedica will do just fine.

[@Trumpetblast92]

I used one for quite a while before moving to a Breville Barista Express and it was exactly what I wanted and needed at the time! I learned to make my drinks, I enjoyed espressos/lattes at home, and saved enough money vs. the cafe that I could afford the nicer machine down the line!

[@01banksjon]

Any pointers on replacement baskets for the Dedica? I'm using the pressurised porter filter ATM and interested to try the difference between pressurised Vs non pressurised - (I have a decent hand grinder so should be ok from that end... I think..)

[@TMDub88]

Jonathan Banks I don’t think they have “fancy” unpressurized that come in 51mm (someone correct me) as they do in commercial sizes (58mm). I bought one off eBay and it works just fine. Maybe $10. One hitch is the black plastic piece that James mentioned he broke. It leaves a screw hole open that espresso comes out of when you pull as shot. Fix this by keeping the screw from the black plastic piece and getting a washer and nut to seal that screw hole. Easy fix and much nicer presentation.

[@philliptrzcinski5243]

@@01banksjon www.amazon.co.uk/MagiDeal-Coffee-Pressurized-Breville-Delonghi/dp/B01JRH3DMS I don't know enough to know if this is a "good" basket, but it's doing the job for me, taking out the plastic bit is easy enough. I've found with a hario hand grinder, the steps in grind size are big enough that it's a very delicate balance between proper extraction and choking the machine, but still finding it's an improvement over the pressurised baskets and I'm learning how to do things "properly". Good luck!

[@farhannaushad2775]

James "big ol' hands" Hoffman

[@jedi2254409]

Not a bad trait 😏

[@Georgios_Rex]

@@jedi2254409 The Hoffman Hog

[@animeshjain4539]

James "Fancy Man" Hoffman

[@bradleydowis1324]

@@Georgios_Rex Let's pretend this comment never happened.

[@tolga1cool]

Never realised but you're right... His hands are really big

[@FireForEffect1533]

I've had the Delonghi Dedica for 5 years now, it performs and holds up very well. It's also extremely simple to use and clean.

[@lukedgos]

Have you been especially careful with it, like meticulous cleaning, never exceeding the prescribed dose or too fine grind, etc.? I'm kind of scared of DeLonghis due to how fragile they seem and how often they leak, judging by Amazon reviews. I bought an Icon several years ago but had to return it right away due to some massive problems.

[@thekupus1]

@@lukedgos We are 3 years in with our Dedica, and we haven't been especially careful with it, but it has been working like a swiss watch so far. No leaks, nothing breaking yet. It has paid off several times over.

[@mabid6713]

did you have to replace any of the parts? like to get good frothing or espresso shot?

[@davidaeo]

Mine started leaking after 18 months, I regularly descaled - a £100 to take it back for repair, I am going to try a different manufacturer

[@milomaz1]

@@lukedgosI've had mine for 5 years, admittedly have lived in a place where the water is basically clear, and have never once descaled it even. It holds up damn well

[@autisticguitar666]

In coffee I only trust people who keep their spoons in a case

[@fstjeanm]

The Reddit r/espresso and home-barista communities will probably thank you for providing them with a link to provide 100 times a day to answer this very question. In terms of the review itself - you are absolutely spot on and really provided a comprehensive assessment of the pros and cons of each machine. I really like that you covered the modding vs out-of-the-box features, given the hobbyist nature of espresso-making. As usual, fantastic work!

[@c.j.c350]

Let's be honest, they'll link a Hoffman video even if it's completely irrelevant

[@fstjeanm]

@@c.j.c350 Hoffman videos are never irrelevant ;-)

[@Wolfy428]

Yep lol, I'm here because of r/espresso

[@kevinfomiatti3279]

I have had the Dedica for about 3 years and am very happy with it. The coffee is much better than I get from the local cafe's. It's got a small footprint so is great if space is limited. Yes you do have to hold the machine across the top when fitting the basket which means you can't store anything on the top platform but I have never accidentally pressed any of the buttons. It can also take larger cups. When the drip tray is removed you have a flat base with a stainless steel insert. It would mean the base would have to be wiped clean each time you use it. If like me you only have one or two coffees in the morning that wouldn't be an issue. I never use the milk thingy (apologies James) so I can't comment on that.

[@not_anton]

Have the same machine, but the sides are painted metal instead of plastic. Love the small footprint. The milk thingy works fine, but you have to pull it apart and rinse after each use.

[@AndreRoop]

Delonghi Owner for 1,5 years opinion: I think the Delonghi is worth the money and what it delivers! Think of your average consumption per day, and now justify it with the price of the machine ;-) If you are like me, drinking 2-3 doulbe-espressos a day, then your price point is around that machine (or lets say around ~400€) "Prosumers" or "Hobby-Baristas" usually buy machines above 1000€ because as you said, the machines between 500-1000 require tinkering, expansions and awkward installments in order to bring "maybe" the results you are expecting (now question yourself to what you are comparing). This awkward price category 500-1000 ist just inconvenient imho

[@baguskurnianto3842]

My thoughts whenever a reviewer says "hey I'm biased" is.... no you're far from biased -- and that's why I, although I'm not yet a coffee hobbyist, am so interested in watching your vidoes!

[@Mentocthemindtaker]

To be fair, everyone is biased. Good reviewers are the ones who acknowledge and are transparent about their bias and why.

[@TheAngelOfDecember]

I have the delonghi dedica since 2 years back. I am a former barista but had a limited budget when buying it. I modified it by switching the steamwand (to the rancillo) which was a little bit tricky but the end result is great! The delonghi has the perk of being a cheap machine, which makes modifying it not as scary as for example modifying the rancillo och gaggia🤷‍♀️ so far I have to say I am very satisfied with my delonghi ✨

[@lukedgos]

I took the French-press route myself. Or rather what I have is a dedicated frothing jug that's modelled on a French press. It cost me less than fifteen euros, and I can get a full jug of yoghurt-silky micro-foam in no time, and I'm certified co-ordination impaired. A former barista I'm sure could do some amazing things with this little piece of equipment.

[@SNEAKKPEEK1]

hello ! found your commnent very useful, I want to enter to the coffee world, and im comparing the delonghui with the krups virtuoso, have found better comments about the delonghi, is it too dificult to change the steamwand?

[@laowai2000]

With the fast warm up with the Dedica and the nice shots I can pull now with a great grinder, find it tough to justify upgrading this machine. Love how I can get out of bed in morning and have a shot or two ready very quickly.

[@laowai2000]

There are now clip-on steam wands available if you want to avoid pulling machine down. Not that tough a job and there are youtube tutorials.@@SNEAKKPEEK1

[@laowai2000]

Good to hear. I find it hard to justify upgrading this machine. With a good grinder, replacement wand really happy with the open basket shots getting from this machine.

[@funder1994]

Absolutely loving my Bambino. Mine came with a non-pressurized basket included. And it's worth to note that the machine heats up and it's ready to use in 3 seconds!

[@MrPhilgriffiths]

Same here. Keen to know though if James used the Sage unpressurised basket or something from another company? Also useful to know if he took out the plastic insert in the portafilter - I did on mine.

[@jameshoffmann]

It was a Sage standard 54mm

[@TheNotEvilPenguin]

@@Abbrahan Another vote for loving my Bambino. What James said matches my experience - I've had more labour-intensive machines that were capable of making better espresso, but now I get consistently good coffee every morning with minimal fuss. I'd definitely get unpressureized baskets immediately though.

[@GameDevSPS]

@@TheNotEvilPenguin where from?

[@thomasmayer9511]

@@TheNotEvilPenguin where did you get the non-pressurized baskets? I can't find them anywhere..

[@PrimalMoan]

I've had a dedica for about 3 years and really like it, only paid £72 though, you can adjust temperature, think there's 3 settings. and the drip tray is removable for taller cups (or scales). You soon get use to avoiding the buttons when holding it still but it is an issue when you first start using it

[@pphaneuf]

I got the Sage recently, and I got it specifically as a "learner machine"! I'm focusing on the shot itself at the moment, not having to worry about things like temperature surfing. Once I'm more confident with the shot, I'm hoping to switch over to frothing technique, and while I have no doubt that I might want to upgrade to a nicer setup in the future, it really helps making this hobby feel more approachable?

[@zonkex]

Having a PID, i guess you won't need the temperature surfing for this one. Enjoy your sage!

[@AlanW]

I got the Rancilio a few years ago. I chose it because it looks like it hasn't been changed in years, which is a good indicator of long term support and longevity in general. I just want to say thank you for talking about it's drawbacks, I have noticed some brews don't come out as well, and I'm definitely going to try the temp purge thing before pulling my shots! Also, now I'm thinking about a new basket for it. Pretty sure 1200 comments in, no one's going to be reading this. 🤣 But just in case, thanks!

[@GeeIWonderWhy]

I’ve read it. Thanks for your input, even though I can’t even buy one in my country lol

[@PMTcommenter]

I read it and appreciate your input!

[@AlanW]

@KWC Coin I haven't. Thinking about getting the Eagle One, despite the drawbacks of price and electronics.

[@gaggiauk]

Great review as always. I am so proud to have been an influence on your career. Wishing you all the very best.

[@purpleworm4725]

After watching this video got myself Sage Bambino Plus for making cappuccinos and I'm very happy about it. I was contemplating buying an espresso machine for a while now and pandemic was the final push to finally get one. And I must say - Sage Bambino is beginner friendly indeed. As a beginner I struggle with frothing milk manually, but with Sage Bambino I can get perfectly silky foam half-automatically. I begin on auto frothing (jug placed on the machine) and then lift the jug at the end of frothing to roll the milk. Works super well with whole milk. Also if you don't have a grinder yet, the pressurized portafilter enables you making enjoyable espresso for milk drinks even when using cheap pre-ground coffee (Bambino comes both with pressurized and non-pressurized portafilters). The overall coffee making process is also surprisingly fast (but this is coming from a person who typically drinks pour-overs). Now I'm ready for the next step - good manual grinder and quality beans :)

[@dachhu]

I have the Delonghi and she's hurt by your words, she treats me well every morning. yeah we're from the cheap side of town, but she looks good in red and we don't drink milk any hoo. x

[@TheCelia777]

Would you recommend the dedica one? I will love to have that one, because it will be me first espresso machine and is slim perfect for my counter space

[@kirstynunez8061]

Celia Náter hello, go for it! I love my dedica so much

[@dachhu]

@@TheCelia777 drinking some espresso from it now tastes good to me. It's reasonably priced, works well and is very stylish.

[@TheCelia777]

Kirsty Barlisan thank you! I hope I can learn how to used it right 😅 how to get the perfect grounds and how to pressed, I have so much to learn

[@Zulualfadelta]

@@TheCelia777 I've used the Sage and the Dedica, I would 100% get the Bambino Plus. It's outstanding and the auto-milk capability makes life, so so much easier.

[@christopherpike9061]

keeping eye contact while drinking the shots... feels a touch intimate and aggressive at the same time. I think I like it

[@georgesnow5041]

I was thinking the same thing haha

[@carlodaniele2280]

I have had the Bambino plus for around 1.5 year. I have been always using a naked portfilter. I confirm that it is great for making cappuccino: you really need to be very good at making the foam to beat the automated settings. Now I am buying a Dedica for a kitchen where space is a key selection criterion.

[@DPSmith63]

I've had a Rancilio Silvia for over 8 years now and very happy with it. Consistent shots of espresso all day long. the temperature does vary a bit, but not enough to make a bad pull. Best of all you can purchase replacement parts and gaskets for repair and when they wear out. I feel the water tank comment is a bit of a quibble - who takes the tank out to fill? Just pour water in from a carafe or jug. At least it is easily accessible. Checking the tray is easy enough - it's right in front of you.

[@travelingmonkslife9560]

As an owner of the Delonghi dedica, I find Jame’s assessment of it spot on. Yes it requires two hands to load the group handle and Yes the steam wand is infuriating (which I recommend modifying it with a Silvia replacement). But as for the cup size....the foot/drip tray is removable for larger cups. I got it for price and foot size.

[@0oDenniso0]

You can also adjust water temperature for the shot, but i guess he didn't have time to review all the manuals in proper depth.

[@truckerallikatuk]

Same, my first machine is a Dedica. It's a neat little machine, but limited.

[@andyw5238]

Agreed, and cutting the portafilter to make it bottomless helps alot to get the purest taste possible (albeit messy if improperly tamped).

[@nikotuba]

i bought new portafilter with naked basket on aliexpress and it changed my morning cups forever. also, you need to preheat it before making coffee (i run it twice before pouring shot)

[@PsychedelicKen]

Felt a bit burned by James' review of the Dedica, but on reflection I do agree with a lot of what he said. It is my first espresso machine that doesn't use capsules, and I'm looking forward to one day upgrading to a better machine, but first I will give modding it a go. I have used it for over a year now and really do enjoy using it. Thanks for the wand recommendation, and I'll look into a new basket too.

[@dallavita7]

I just really want to think you for putting this series of espresso machine comparisons together. While it ultimately helped me decide that I am *not* ready for my own machine, all these videos helped me 'dial in' what I will be looking for when I am ready :)

[@PeterOlin]

I only drink a handful of cups of coffee in a week, but I still watch all these videos. I just love the attention too detail, love and integrity that is put into them and comes out. Beautiful and inspiring.

[@Lyndalewinder]

Really?

[@nisholger8262]

I use the Delonghi Dedica for 4 years. You can vary the temperatur +/- 2°C. The pressure is very high up to 15 bar but it needs some seconds to reach its high value. So you can lower the effective pressure by stopping and restarting the shot in a series of short periodes about 1-2 sec duration each. I use a bottomless portafilter and a non-pressurized single basket 10g medium to light roast espresso. Found no other way to avoid channeling in this setting because of the high pressure (?). Maybe easier with a double basket but I don't need so much coffein in the morning. I also found the milk steamer difficult to clean. I like your videos very much, thanks a lot.

[@nisholger8262]

I am now using the gaggia new classic for 4 weeks. After delonghi dedica (see above). And yes, James, you are totally right. It is so much easier to extract evenly with the gaggia compared to the dedica. Especially the lighter roasted "blond" qualities. Thank you for your videos, giving good guidance.

[@WhatsTubeChannel]

Tried to get good espresso from the dedica for 6 months. Couldnt do it.

[@anastasiawortham8833]

I commend your beautiful speaking voice. This video relaxed my fussy toddler to sleep in the first 5 minutes. Thank you for giving my sing voice a break.

[@russelldobson9945]

I've had the Delonghi for nearly 2 years. Only paid £90 and have been really impressed. I feel there are a couple of points missed from the review and would have appreciated a comparison between the stock and 'upgraded' basket as I'm not convinced by that modification. You can remove the drip tray to fit a larger cup/ latte glass/ mug and there is a basic flatter drip tray with rubber edge under the tray with the float. The steam wand can operate like a traditional one of you just slide the cuff from "cappuccino" to "hot milk". You can also change the temperature and pressure in a slightly awkward menu guided by different timed button flashes. Once you set it to your preference however, it saves those settings, so worth an initial play with the settings. Just feel some of these points counter the criticisms raised.

[@qcvk9846]

I like dedica for upgrading possibillity - with these 3 buttons u can change temperature, brew time. In my dedica I changed steam wand (there od a lot of tutorials about it) and I'm using a bottomless portafilter - its giving a really nice result :)

[@mephistosprincipium]

I have one for a year now and didn’t even knew you can do that - goddamnit I should read the manual 🤣

[@marysmith106]

I think the one he uses is an older model that doesn't have all those features. I have the EC79x and it has all the features you mentioned, including adjusting the water temp.

[@milomaz1]

@@marysmith106I have the oldest model and it does have all those features

[@vaughanchapman2930]

You reminded me just how much I’d love to have an espresso machine and also just how much I don’t want to have an espresso machine. Great review.

[@jasonfaj4221]

There should definitely be a merch T-shirt that says “I’m a fancy man”

[@SteveDave29]

No slight... does that mean a ponce??

[@lh2815]

I got the SAGE and I really like it. On days when you just want to get your coffee the pre-infusion + pressurized basket + pid temperature control + semi-automatic coffee and milk just gets you an easy and good coffee. BUT on day where you want to experiment, just change the basket to a bottomless, manually time you espresso and milk. Its awesome! I am missing the features to change brewing temperature and pressure though.. but like for that money? I am still impressed after a year of using it!

[@bigglyguy8429]

I'm back here because my Bambino has died already, after just 7 months! Pissed off with it. Forever demanding to be cleaned, then the cleaning cycle quit working, then buttons unresponsive, now it's overheating and leaking,. Now I'm trying to decide if I should go really cheap, so I don't care if only another 7 months, or get something more basic but better quality. Time to rewatch this video...

[@thomasowen280]

I can absolutely recommend the De Longhi Dedica. I bought one just before lockdown and because if it I've discovered the world of espresso. It's the perfect machine to make one realise that a) they enjoy espresso and b) they need a better machine...

[@anblesduke6360]

“I’m a fancy man.” love you, James!

[@rjeary]

James Hoffman, alway reminding us that you do indeed get what you pay for.

[@Mnannola]

I have been using the Sage (Breville here in US) for a month now and it's amazing. I don't doubt James that the other ones may be better if you want to tinker, but I am in the group he said that just wants a decent cup of Espresso / Cappuccino without having to actually study up on the hobby itself. To my unsophisticated palette, they are pretty tasty.

[@mvadu]

I was contemplating between bambino and bambino plus as my first espresso machine. The auto froth wand was the deal sealer for me. I like cappuccino but don't want to add milk frothing as one of my hobbies. I already have enough in that list.

[@SenorKristobbalVLog]

I'm feeling like this kind of person too, what grinder do you use with it please?

[@Mnannola]

@@SenorKristobbalVLog I use the Breville Smart Grinder Pro. Seems to do the trick, I use it for both Cappuccino / Latte in this machine as well as grinding coarser for my drip coffee machine. I haven't really had any problems with it at all and I have been using it for about a year. I know a lot of people advocate for getting two different grinders if you want to do drip coffee plus espresso, but I have been happy with the results from just the one grinder.

[@SenorKristobbalVLog]

@@Mnannola Thanks, I'm not looking to spend the earth but to spend the earth. I just want decent coffee that is ethical for the environment and the growers. I don't need the absolute perfect coffee honing my skills on complex equipment. Two grinders would just be going to far for that goal.

[@sandramclean7178]

I had a Breville for 10 years, had it on storage for a year and I think it killed it, because it wouldn't pump and an online tech was of no help either, on the hunt for a new one and because it worked so well for 10 years I would get another

[@sonnyellegaard]

I've had my Rancilio Silvia for eight years, and it still delivers espressos every day at a reasonable high quality. I'm partly convinced the reason I haven't upgraded my espresso-setup yet is because it's the Silvia. Granted, a dual boiler would be nice due to the elimination of the waiting time between shot and steaming milk. If one is new at espresso brewing, and milk-based espresso drinks, I really think the Silvia is a good choice. It punishes the user for not doing things properly. And it can be as frustrating as motivating for learning the basics. (My machine was around £400 at purchase / 3.999,- Danish Kr. ).

[@highcarbrider]

Do you use a VST basket? I've just got a silvia and still struggling to get a 30g shot for longer than 12 seconds. I hope my new grinder will be able to grind my coffee finer to help with this

[@sonnyellegaard]

@@highcarbrider yes and that’s actually my only upgrade regarding the machine :-) My grinder is nothing special. Just the Mahlkönig Vario.

[@jimmieodelius6816]

I guess I'll have to check across the border then. It's roughly 6500 SEK in Sweden. :/

[@donaldtiffany7313]

I own the Bambino Plus and it has been pretty good to me. Yes, this machine does not allow for modifications other than the size of the shot you can pull but I do like the option of the automatic milk-steaming system. I do enjoy using it manually and perfecting my milk steaming but the option of it being there for my wife to use who could really care less is great. Great starter machine that has built my confidence in hopes of one day pulling the trigger on a more "legit" home brewing setup. Thanks for the great and honest video, James.

[@infringinator]

I wanted a bambino or plus but there were so many bad reviews and I had to go with gaggia I just had to do it.

[@dragossion]

I have a LELIT PL41TEM. for about 500$ I got a PID, a preasure gauge and a beautiful machine. Yes it is 57mm but rocking it for 2 years and love the machine. The company definetly rocks in this price range.

[@johnsaxontube]

Me too. It was a big step up from my previous Gaggia machine, for not much more money.

[@AdastraRecordings]

Here in Canada the Silvia is almost twice the price of the Gaggia so it's a no brainer, and there's a really simple workaround to get more pressure out of the wand, you just start 10 seconds before the light comes on. I also upgraded to a VST basket and the IMS screen which instantly improved the quality of my shots, I'll upgrade the portafilter at some point as I agree the handle feels cheap. I think I'm ready to get the OPV mod, it looks easy enough to install. It's a great little machine, I'm very happy with it.

[@randallino3364]

I have had my Miss Sylvia for five years love it, temperature surfing and got used to it and it works well. Probably going to install a PID.

[@nbougeard]

I did (a meCoffee) - I recommend taking the plunge.

[@thomasquine5593]

Have been using the Bambino Plus since January 2020. Absolutely love it! I can really play with my shots and milk when I want to, using my Sage Smart Grinder, OR I can almost set and forget, the auto milk texture is more than adequate when I'm in a rush and want something milky and it pulls great shots with some adjusted pre-infusion! Got it on sale £199, if you can get it at a similar price or lower HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

[@justthatcreator]

Hi, is the bambino plus still ever £199?

[@BestMeMotivation]

I bought the Gaggia and I am quite happy. You can control the temperature by flushing hit water for 10 secs and wait another 45 before starting to extract your espresso. And when it comes to milk, you best start around 35 secs after pushing the steam button instead of waiting for the red light. This gives you maximum power and you are finishing steaming after 25 to 30 seconds. I will now update to IMS and vst parts and I am sure that I will do the spring upgrade soon.

[@aoi_mizma]

I own a Gaggia Classic and have used my friends Racilio Silvia. They were both great machines to start learning how to pull espresso shots. They were definitely fussy when it came to controlling the temperature and required guestimating the best timing to pull the shots by i.e. listening to the boilers instead of relying on the indicator lights. But they were both really capable of pulling great shots at times and were enjoyable to use. I did find that cleaning the Gaggia Classic was a bit of a fuss since the group head often required to be taken apart to do some good cleaning to get rid of all the old coffee grinds. I think the two are great entry machines for espresso for anyone looking to start the path of espresso as a hobby. It definitely takes time to learn the skill, finding your favorite beans, as well as for all the maintenance, but if you are looking to get the reward of getting great coffee at home by paying that extra time, those two are a great way to go. Also, I had the same exact experience with the steam on those two machines. I was not very happy with the steam on the Gaggia classic, but was impressed by the silvia, and this was back in the early 2000s, so I guess those two machines have not changed very much since then.

[@johnesson318]

I've been pleasantly surprised by my Bambino - makes my morning coffee quick and hassle free. I bought it on half price special offer which made it a bargain and gave me more to spend on a decent grinder. It only came with pressurised baskets but a quick email to Sage and they sent me two standard baskets free of charge.

[@cityrotisserie1036]

Where was the half orice offer? Their website, or maybe John Lewis or 🤔.

[@CesarGonzalez-ty8bo]

I have a Delonghi and I love that it does not take much space on the counter, is stylish and great quality. The Cappuccinos we get from it are better than Starbucks, for much less money.

[@lewiskaminski2836]

I have the Bambino and I'm super happy with it, though the point about sour shots is a fair one. I've gotten some mindbendingly good coffees out of it, but those are rare. Most of the time, it makes a perfectly serviceable espresso (most of the time I'm making espresso-tonics and americanos). And the milk steaming really is that impressive for such a small machine. That's the thing I feel like didn't get touched on here is just how teensy the Bambino is. It's SO small. For apartment/small kitchen types, it really is a godsend. I wouldn't have space for the Gaggia or the Rancilio anywhere in my apartment, but the Bambino fits beautifully onto my bar with space left over for a mat, tamper, and knock box. That's a huge, huge upside - being only a little bigger than that barely-even-a-real-espresso machine little DeLonghi but still capable of making really good coffee. And the water tank is easy to maneuver in and out of the little spot it's nestled into. Bottom line is I happily use the Bambino every day - frequently more than once, and often pulling multiple shots in a row to make bigger lattes or coffees for myself and my girlfriend - and it's a pleasure to use. Does it make perfect espresso every time? No. But I'm no barista anyway. It makes perfectly good espresso (unless I botch the bed prep), it fits in my apartment like a glove, I drew my first latte art with the milk that came from it, and the buttons really are very satisfying. I'm very happy with it.

[@jn8819]

What dose do you find works best?

[@lewiskaminski2836]

@@jn8819 18-19 grams. Depends on the coffee really.

[@egeywedgie3]

I have the Bambino as well and agree with everything you said. I was evaluating machines at this price point for a couple months and landed on it due to size and features. Another thing that wasn't addressed was heat up time. The Bambino is ready to pull a shot in 3 seconds which to me is also a godsend for every day use. No turning it on and walking away for minutes so everything heats up. No needing to spend extra time to surf temp and cool everything down so I can pull another shot. I've also found a decent sweet spot with my grinder and basket prep to get some well balanced shots from lighter roasts depending on the coffee. Also has maintenance indicators when you need to run clean and descale cycles. All in all I couldn't be happier. Lots of bang for the buck.

[@jn8819]

@@egeywedgie3 I'm still struggling to pull good shots, they are too acidic. But I am just drinking espressos or long blacks, no milk drinks. I've tried lots of different types of coffees from light to dark roasts. I'm wondering if it's because the water doesn't get hot enough to extract the coffee properly. What kind of dose do you use and what's your extraction time?

[@LeonardTan]

I have the Bambino too and bought a naked portafilter and additional single wall basket. Works really well for me. Quick, less messy and nice Americano and latte. 👍👍👍

[@PadHicks]

I have a teeny tiny kitchen, the dedica sits cutely by the sink. The small footprint is a serious selling point!

[@introvertialxo]

I dont even drink coffee but I'm hypnotised by this guy

[@djentlover]

I hated the taste of coffee until my current age 28, but now that I got a grinder and an aeropress (thanks to James), and I know how to get the sweetness and fruity complexity ("taste of origin") out of the beans, I have to say it's a pretty exciting world.

[@heavymetalteacup]

Greetings from Finland! I wanted to thank you for this review, because it led me to try out the Bambino, since it was the best combination of size, price, and features for our current needs. Also for anyone that might benefit from this bit of news: this particular Bambino DID come with single wall baskets in addition to the dual wall 1&2 cups (as of Jan 2021). I had read rumours that more recent models were shipping with both and it appears to be the case, which is lovely since I don't have to track one down separately - perhaps relevant is that this is the "Sage" version of their brand, so I'm not sure if the Breville models ship the same way.

[@elainebines6803]

@Erik Burgerhagen Naughty, angel is better

[@Mr_Mrs_2012]

Owned the dedica for a number of years and has pulled decent shots most of the times. So good value for the money

[@tomcooper9061]

My frustrations with my DeLonghi brought me to the channel. I’m now in the process of upgrading, this guide is extremely helpful 👍

[@mickreynolds3065]

Great review, James! 15 year Rancilio Silvia owner (same machine), that I've modded over the years, adding the better stream wand and PID temperature control. Replaced the boiler last year, and it's running strong again. Built strong, relatively easy to mod/repair, and it makes delightful espresso and steams milk really well for milk based drinks.

[@explorerjlc1743]

how long does it take to heat up for use?

[@mickreynolds3065]

@@explorerjlc1743 15-20 minutes, I'm guessing. I have it on a timer, so it turns on automatically in the morning. When I wake up, I run a short flush cycle, then let it come back up to temp before I brew.

[@explorerjlc1743]

@@mickreynolds3065 thanks for your response. I think I will pass and go for slightly worse coffee with the dedica. The convenience of being ready within a minute is just too much of a win for me personally.

[@tw897]

The little Delonghi can be improved a lot. Given modifications were mentioned for some of the more expensive machines, they should be mentioned for the cheapest as well. Firstly, the steam wand in it's original form is rubbish, no questions there. But simply removing the outer sleeve, putting a cable tie around the silicone nozzle underneath to stop it blowing off, you can greatly improve the control of steaming. Makes cleaning a lot easier as well. However, very cheaply, you can replace the original steam wand with that of the Rancilio if you're willing to pull the machine apart. So within half an hour, you can remove the worst steam wand in this review and replace it with the exact same one which was rated best in this review. As for the pressurised basket. You can readily buy bottomless portafilter for the Dedica, or you can modify the original to take a larger non-pressurised basket. The internal plastic can be ground down if you wish, or simply chop the bottom off and make it bottomless. Once thats done, you can reprogram the water temp and brew times and dial it all in as best as possible that this machine will allow. With all that, you're going to still have a machine that's cheaper than the rest in this test and give you a machine which would certainly stop you wanting to upgrade to any of these in this review as there'd be no benefit. If you were to upgrade it, you'd be doing a real upgrade to something significantly better and still be left with a small machine which is fantastic to pack and take away with you on trips or hide in your office whilst everyone else is stuck with the communal pod machine.

[@ramblr8161]

it's also completely possible to bypass buying a new basket entirely and just "depressurising" the stock baskets. I just drilled the hole in the middle of the basket larger with a 4mm drillbit (this does only work with the EC685 that has the removable portafilter shower screen, however.)

[@legendofthepeach]

Why is the pressurised basket not good?

[@Stojobre]

@@legendofthepeach so I just bought the machine and when I tried to get a shot with espresso level ground coffee it would keep overflowing and stopping the pull. This made me grind my coffee less fine which then gave me little to no crema. Though the next day I found out that you can, as @Ramblr said above, widen the tiny hole in the bottom strainer which then allowed me to use a finer ground again that gives a great taste and crema

[@legendofthepeach]

@@Stojobre ok thanks I’m no coffee expert, but I do love a good cup I’ve just been using the delongi machine from here. I figured though the basket is specially made to create the pressure required to pull a good shot no?

[@Stojobre]

@@legendofthepeach for store bought ground coffee yes but if you want to use Espresso level ground coffee (finer) you will need to widen it , but it’s totally safe I believe it’s also explained in the manual. just grab a tiny nail or something and widen it for the amount you can see is „pre drawn „

[@DrClaw78]

Had my Gaggia for years and still going strong. Put in a brass grouphead, better shower screen, better portafilter & basket, changed the steam valve and upgraded to the 2019 steam wand, changed the pressure to 9bar. It's a pretty solid machine after that. I still find milk steaming a pain in the arse on it. But, until I get around to buying a new machine I can live with it. Done me very well over the last year of being stuck at home too

[@uioplkhj]

How do you clean the tubes if I may ask? Came back from holidays and they are all cloudy.

[@DrClaw78]

@@uioplkhj Hiya. Which tubes? I empty the machine after each use and run descaler through every month (live in London so I have to! Tbh I should do it more often). I also puly caf backflush the shower screen/grouphead. If anything's really bad I take it off and descale it in a bath (obvs removing any gaskets).

[@evilforhire]

It is now September of 2023. The pandemic is over, and I work in an office 2x a week. I sit here drinking awful office coffee while I slowly convince myself to buy a 1Zpresso Q2 S hand grinder and an Aeropress so that I can have actual good coffee while at work.

[@Jaroslav.]

The Silvia is an absolute beast. I'm glad to see the V6 in your video! Once you spend some time and have patience to get to know your Silvia and learn how to manage the temperature, the shots are delicious.

[@justjamie72]

This was such an interesting video because I’ve actually owned THREE of the models you tested! I love a good coffee but I do know that it’s also a very personal thing. My first machine was the Delonghi Dedica, which I absolutely loved. I loved the taste of my coffee was great and I always felt like I wanted to go home and make one, instead of getting one at a cafe. I own a hair salon and I bought the Rancilio for my business. It was an amazing machine but I agreed with you on every point. I’ll also add that the base of the machine around the drip tray, rusted completely, rendering the drip tray completely useless, as I couldn’t pull it out to empty it. My current home machine is the Bambino Plus and I loved it so much, I replaced the Rancilio at work with another Bambino Plus. Honestly, for a very decent home machine, I think it’s absolutely the best value for money, and I love the self detecting milk temperature feature. I recommend it to everybody. But that’s just my opinion. Thanks for a great video!

[@camjkerman]

Loved reading your thoughts on the Dedica! I'm a student and made the awful, awful, AWFUL mistake of trying espresso for the first time on my family's home coffee setup 2 days before moving into my student accommodation. The Dedica's price is a big draw and if people say they can get good espresso with it then I guess I might as well get one. EDIT: I picked up a used Dedica for £65 a little while ago- in perfect working order but with some cosmetic damage. The espresso it makes is really quite good for the money once you replace the portafilter and basket, but if you use espresso-ground coffee from Union Coffee you need to run a very high dose- I'm running a 20g dose and getting 38g out in 28s which tastes pretty good.

[@jboe_1389]

@@camjkerman fellow student here! I had a similar thought-process and always loved the thought of having "proper" espresso at home and start getting into this bubble. Got my Dedica for ~180€ and for me personally it feels just as nice as getting a 5€ coffee at say starbucks or equivalent. Obviously I am nowhere near being an espresso enthusiast nor can I compare to any other machines as the Dedica is my first. But I keep enjoying it every morning and considering the price tag of the other machines in this video I feel like its the best machine out there if you are on a tight budget (and in my case have a tiny kitchen :D), definitely recommend this machine if you are like me wanting something better than the average student's coffee and get into espresso! Next step is definitely investing in a proper grinding setup!

[@scottydoggymama]

thank you for this, I had a breville for 10 years, when it finally died friends bought me a Nespresso machine, but there's something lacking and when James mentioned Nestle issues I researched and decided I'll use my Chemex and French press for now until I get my hands on a new proper machine. Breville it may be again

[@scottydoggymama]

ps always fancied a Rocket just a bit on the pricey side

[@petervansan1054]

bambino is only good if you like to waste money

[@brendanboyle9326]

I’ve had the Gaggia Classic for a couple months now and haven’t done any mods yet. I find the “steam ready” light isn’t a very good indicator and I’ve seen it described online as the “too late” light. I found a huge difference in my milk texture and steam power when I started steaming 20 seconds after flipping the steam switch rather than waiting for the light to go back on

[@cinaed84]

Ive had a Gaggia for 3 years now and I get the best steam results from purging the wand about 5 seconds after turning the steam switch on, long before the ready light is on. Purge it for about 4-6 seconds. The pressure and quantity of steam produced when the light turns on feels like its doubled when I do it that way. I also try to catch it right before the too late light turns on.

[@alexlazaridisf.7276]

I've had the Gaggia since April and it's been great. I added a PID and am now waiting for a 9 bar spring in the mail to replace 12 bar spring it comes with (this was recent news to me but explains a lot). I also added precision shower head and basket, and a bottomless portafilter. All were useful improvements.

[@NoodleNog]

Just came here to post the same comment. I recently got the Gaggia Classic Pro, and yes the steam ready light is far too late - the element is already off and pressure slowing right down. This thing can certainly blast milk, you just have to time it yourself, basically the time taken to get the milk out the fridge, pour some, and put the milk back. I agree with the complaints about brew temps and pressures though, so you do need to mod this machine and buy a bunch of extras.

[@alexlazaridisf.7276]

@@NoodleNog Definitely worth mods. I've been making great shots.

[@SteveSim69]

@@NoodleNog I also came here to mention this too! hahah :) Yes you have to catch it before the light comes on, 20s is about right too on my older Gaggia Classic. Keen to mod now after watching this video! Knew about the PIDs but am intrigued about the spring mod now too!

[@robertmatthews1023]

I have a delonghi dedica, gotta say, the stainless steel version is worth it. Its heavier than the plastic cases (based on my impromptu check lifting the boxes in the store) and I found i had a massive improvement when I purchased a bottomless portafilter ($53 CAD from walmart after shipping and tax) and turned up my brew temp (there's instructions with the machine on how to do so.) Bottomless portafilter better accommodates scales, and allows me to assess channeling issues, worth every penny. And I like that I can set the brew volumes, I only weigh my shots when I switch to a new coffee bean.

[@s0bad]

I sawed my porta filter to make it naked. Don't recommend any version of this machine

[@mrspoonandfork]

We have had a DeLonghi Dedica (E680R) as our daily office machine since October 2015, makes between 6 - 10 coffee's a day and has never missed a beat and is still working fantastically! Used approx 260 days per year x 7 cups x 5.5 Years = 10,010 cups of coffee!! Awesome machine!!

[@mabid6713]

did you have to change any of its parts? like to get better results of espresso short or frothing? because I'm low on budget and I'm 80% convinced into buying this espresso machine without experimenting to replace its wand or basket with something new. cuz I want a simple machine, reliable machine

[@Andrei-zo5bg]

No matter what James uploads: first like - then watch

[@MangoTheRetriever]

Exactly.

[@JSpradley123]

It’s not like we need to see it to know it’s good...😂

[@delend456]

I hit like just 'cause of the title of the video.

[@flatulenzio]

True, *lol*

[@gedog77]

Lol

[@jtlawton]

Thank you James. I have a ridiculous spring lever but on the weekends I use a Bambino Plus with unpressurised basket. It produces consistently good coffee and milk. A huge bonus with it is the fast warm up time for it (a matter of 5 seconds), so I can make a quick latte in less than 5 mins (and not wait 45mins for the spring lever to warm up).

[@coltonhinderliter9148]

I've used a Delonghi Dedica that I was given for free for about a year now, and yes the milk wand only does bubbly frothed milk and would turn over half my jug into non liquid by the end. However, to get around this I accidentally lost the silver tip cover one day and used the simple rubber tip underneath and it made very silky milk. Now the opposite is true and you cannot froth milk with the tip so if you need both for your recipe then you have switch between the two.

[@JeroenS935]

Oh man, it’s 11 pm and I just stumbled on your channel. I’m in some sort of coffee loop for the next few hours..

[@stinkdyr301]

It happens.........welcome to the rabbit hole. Have you met Alice?

[@christopherpowell3539]

James, I have a tiny kitchen and brought the delonghi 2-3 years ago. There are some temperature increase settings which I found important. I now have brought a bottomless portafilter and swapped the steam wand for a small rancillio wand. Very valid comment about the “coffee as a hobby”. Lockdown has taken this “hobby” to new levels. I now have the rokGC grinder and dialling that in. I would love a “prosumer” machine review as I guess that’s my next step in the journey...

[@royflute1]

I've now had the Gaggia Classic Pro for a few months, and would add a few things to this excellent review: Milk steaming power isn't a problem if you start steaming before the heating element switches off and the light turns on. The lack of space beneath the portafilter is a problem, but at least if you are in the UK, you can now buy a shorter aftermarket drip tray made for this machine. Here in the US I had my daughter 3D print me one from plans available at no charge online and it works perfectly. The opv mod was very easy and effective. The better filter basket was a big improvement. Eventually I'll probably do the PID mod, but results for now are good.

[@busload_uk]

I bought a Sage Bambino at the start of lockdown and it’s been great. Happy that it came with with unpressurised baskets you can swap out, and I really like the auto milk-frother; it’s nice to set the jug on the sensor and leave it until it auto shuts off (I realise I’m likely to never get into latte art, plus...I’m lazy.).

[@hube3443]

Can you tell us which vst basket you purchased for the Silvia?

[@stevegreening419]

dumb question but how do you know which basket is unpressurised? I have the Bambino, and I got single-walled and dual-walled baskets. Being new to espresso and just starting to get into my home barista hobby I genuinely wasn't sure what the difference was besides the obvious, as in what does the dual-walled one do that the single-walled basket doesn't, and I assumed it insulated the coffee puck, keeping temp more even. But...I'm guessing I'm wrong. Could you clarify please? Cheers in advance. 😊

[@greatestbear]

@@stevegreening419 Dual wall is the "pressurized" basket. The second wall isn't for insulation (although maybe it does that!). Rather, the second wall has only one small hole in the center, which limits the flow out and creates about 9 bar of pressure inside the basket, even if there's no coffee at all inside. This means you can use pretty much any grind of coffee and pack the basket however you like, and still get something resembling espresso coming out. This is in contrast to the single wall basket, which has tons of holes all across the bottom, and it's up to the grind of the coffee and how it's packed in there to restrict the water flow and generate pressure. Single wall can make better espresso on the whole but can be finicky for beginners, especially if they don't have a good grinder. Dual wall is pretty much foolproof but you'll find a sort of quality ceiling where you can't get truly amazing espresso out.

[@henrygrimmius9843]

Watched this with interest as it has the one I own and the one I was considering upgrading to. I purchased a Dedica 680 about year ago, slightly used, for $100. This was an experiment to see if I could save some money because my wife loves her vanilla lattes with almond milk, iced. At $5+ to purchase those, she could make a quad shot and be done, at a fraction of the cost. It works quite well for her. She's not a snob, just wants to push a couple of buttons and have it happen for her. Yes, it's only a 51mm portafilter, which is frustrating. The temperature is adjustable. I tend to use darker roasted beans. I've experimented with the 3 settings and found the one that works for me. I have a decent grinder but not sure it would cut it with an unpressurized machine. But, it's what I've had, and it works great for making regular coffee, from either my Technivorm or Breville Precision Brewer. I like taking something that will last me a while at work. I do make lattes with the Dedica, but learned early on to take off the panarello wand portion and just use the rubber portion. It makes it shorter so it's sometimes hard with certain pitchers getting it low enough. But I CAN get decent milk texture from it. Now, creating latte art, that's the fault of the "artist." For $100, money well spent as an experiment. My worry is that the unit I was hoping to purchase, the Gaggia Classic Pro, seemed to have some issues as well. I understand modding an inexpensive machine like the Dedica, but, it seems that the pieces that you talk about modding, not including a PID, should be done right the first time at the factory, for no increase in cost. I DO like it that it does come with a pressurized basket so I have a backup plan if my grinder doesn't grind fine enough, and can start setting aside some funds to upgrade. So, even though my unit didn't make out great, I'm still happy with the experiment, and don't have that much invested in it so that there's room for modding. Thanks for the review as always.

[@10100110101]

Thanks, Henry ! I’ve had one for a few months and am trying to get the best out of it. Have ordered a tamper/distributor, a non pressurised basket and scales. I enjoy experimenting so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can get from it before upgrading if I feel it’s worth it for me.

[@robertmatthews1023]

I picked up a bottomless portafilter from Walmart, cost me a little over $50CAD. It's best thing I've done to my dedica, and the easiest to reverse lol. Came with a cheap non pressurized basket, you can always order a precision basket later if you want, or pop your stock pressurized basket in when you're lazy or if your grinder doesn't do the job. I prefer the extra room with the bottomless, and it looks so much better. Also make sure you bump your brew temp up if you haven't already, way better espresso that way, instructions to do so are in the manual.

[@gluffoful]

Got my Rancilio in 2008 and has used it daily without problems, so the build quality is indeed very good. Everything from case to boiler and wiring is heavy duty. The older model has slightly different buttons and portafilter handle, but is otherwise identical to the current design as far as I can tell.

[@steventruett7488]

I recently bought a Lelit Anna after tons of research so it was really interesting hearing your opinions on it. I got a slightly upgraded model that has a PID so it's nice to know the exact temperatures. I almost bought a Gaggia Classic and strongly considered a Rancilio Silvia (used) but what sold me on the Anna was the PID and pressure gauge. (It's also the nicest looking IMO3) I agree that I wish it had more steaming power. Overall I'm really happy with the Lelit as someone who's just getting into the world of espresso making.

[@johnsaxontube]

Love mine!

[@infringinator]

I went with the Gaggia and what sold me about what sold you is that for the price difference between the gaggia and lelit I can probably mod the gaggia to a PID.

[@tschermserTscherms]

If you are considering buying the Lelit pl41, I would recommend getting the LEM version. It is not much more expensive, looks nicer (less plastic parts) and the milk steaming is better than on the base model. There is also the TEM version which has a PID.

[@bradleymorehouse7462]

After viewing this outstanding review, I've made my decision... I'll stick with my Moka Pots for the time being and see what comes out down the road. Your MP tutorials have me producing excellent not-quite-espressos, so there's no great rush. Thanks James.

[@nicbrownable]

Lelit is legit in the home espresso scene. They tend to be value oriented, and have some of the most affordable E61 machines on the market. Literally less polish than the competitors, but pretty much the same internals until you start getting into the machines with more electronics. Most of the parts of their bigger machines are standard industrially produced espresso machine components, so they have good repairability. If you are on a budget and want a trad stainless steel HX they are an excellent option.

[@patricemeijboom9004]

Do you know what alternative basket one could buy or use to pull a better shot and is it worth it?

[@michailevangelinakis5470]

I own the Grace - Victoria from Lelit for a year now and I got to say, if you are looking for a new espresso machine Lelit is really good. I wouldn't recommend the Anna though. Spending 100€ more can get you better features and much better coffee.

[@nicbrownable]

Patrice Meijboom My experience is with the bigger E61 type machines, which are all 58mm. You can get aftermarket 57mm baskets, but you have to order them in, which is why James “couldn’t find one’’ in time for the review.

[@acillatem1989]

Great video. In that price range the Lelit PL41 TEM could be picked instead. That one is still significantly cheaper than the Rancilio and fits PID, pressure indicator and proper steam wand. Love it!

[@firefly323]

Álvaro Martínez exactly, I’m a bit surprised that you don’t hear more about the pl41 tem in general, because it’s the only machine I found in this price range with all these features and solid quality. I got lucky and snapped mine at the same price James paid for the Anna.

[@ascheranton]

I am also surprised that there is so few fans. Seems like a very good machine

[@TravellerSam]

I've got a Gaggia Classic in white, I think build in the 90s, and as there are some frustrating aspects of it (water tank removal could be easier, temperature and pressure are sometimes a hit or miss), it is also easy to get fixed, as the parts used are being made for decades, and that's both cheaper and more environmently friendly than buying a new machine.

[@rushi_pillay]

i use the silvia now it is my first machine ,had a steep learning curve but wouldn't trade for anything else.

[@LindySellsHomes]

He is spot on, my Rancilio is built like an Army tank. I bought it 7 years ago, refurbished, from Whole Latte Love with a new Rocky grinder. Both have worked like a charm, nothing has broken, all still plodding along just fine for my level. I pull one shot a day, why do I need more? All of those look like they could work for a first machine.

[@kemikade]

LindySellsHomes I’m almost the same: bought a used machine 5 years ago with a new Rocky and they’ve been rock solid. Temp surfing isn’t a big deal, once you learn how to manage the temps it’s no extra hassle. I agree with james on the steam pressure, I’ve blown the milk clean out of the jug a couple times when I was learning how to steam.

[@fxhood]

Hello James, got the De Longhi 685 (?) last year before I upgraded to a Dual Boiler machine. You are right with your estimation in my eyes - but: you can adjust brewing temp by using the menue. Combined with a bit temp surfing and your portafilter mod there is an "ok" espresso possible. For normal purposes steaming is good enough. Latte Art is not intended ;-) Build quality is also ok for this money. Starting time is vety fast, so you can also use it for making hot chocolate. The milk steamer isnt very easy to clean, due to the plastic parts. Cheers and thx for your excellent professional and understandable vids! Greets from Germany, Fx

[@evansisgreat]

I've recently bought a Delonghi Dedica and noticed the machine I have is an updated version which has addressed several of the issues you mentioned. As a beginner machine I'm very happy with the amount of programmability it has allowing me to tune the machine to the coffee I like.

[@malcolmsutton6740]

Evansisgreat. What improvements have Delonghi made? I realise it is difficult if you don’t have the old version.

[@evansisgreat]

@@malcolmsutton6740 this is a review of the new one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKm4p6GBfNaKiZI For a start I can get big cups in! I'm not sure he was paying proper attention to the Dedica if I'm honest.