Latest news with #De'LonghiStilosa
Tom's Guide
11-08-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
Shopping for an espresso machine? Here's 3 things I wish I'd known sooner (and I'm an ex-barista)
If, like me, you have a Breville espresso maker, you'll know that no one else makes entry-level easy-to-use espresso machines like Breville. However, there are way more brands out there making fantastic machines too. But because there are so many, it can be really overwhelming. I'm an ex-barista, so I know my way around a commercial espresso machine like the back of my hand. All that being said, home espresso machines are a different kettle of fish (although... I do still know my way around a home espresso machine like it's the back of my hand... but there are way more variables in home machines). So what's the best rated espresso machine? What makes a good espresso machine, well, good? How do I choose one of the best espresso machines? You should look out for a few different things. You'll want consistent, reliable heating, powerful pressure in the steam wand and extraction, and if you want the best of the best? You'll need a separate grinder. I'll discuss everything thoroughly here. Okay, apologies for starting with major jargon. If you don't know what a PID controller is, it's basically a piece of tech that monitors and controls water temperature at every point during the brewing process. The PID controller is essential because it prevents your espresso from getting burned or tasting weak. Some budget-friendly espresso machines with a PID controller are the near-perfect Breville Bambino Plus ($499) and the Breville Bambino ($299). My parents recently bought themselves a Breville Bambino, so I can now officially say that I've used this machine. I actually adore it. No, it's not as powerful as the Bambino Plus ($499, the machine I personally have), but for just $299, it blows the competition out of the water. If you're on a "as low as possible" budget, this is the best machine for you. While espresso machines sans-PID controller are capable of making good espresso (the De'Longhi Stilosa, for example (with single-walled portafilters)), if you want consistent, reliable, no-fuss 10/10 espresso? You're gonna want a PID controller. However, you can still get good espresso without a PID controller. You'll need to check for temperature stability and boiler consistency, though. I'll recommend a couple of non-PID machines here to help you out. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. There's a caveat to this piece of advice. Mostly drink iced lattes? Then by all means, get a machine with a 1-hole steam wand. You won't be using it that much anyway. But if you want to learn how to make beautiful latte art and get Instagrammable coffees every time? You'll be in need of a 4-hole steam wand. And for that, I have but one recommendation (if you're on a normal people budget). This is the espresso machine I use everyday. It's $200 pricier than the Breville Bambino for two reasons: one, the Plus has an auto-milk function, perfect for more hands-off baristas. Two, it has a 4-hole steam wand, as opposed to the Bambino's 1-hole steam wand. I can make gorgeous latte art with ease on this machine. That's not to say all 1-hole steam wands are bad. The Bambino's 1-hole steam wand is actually really good... but it requires much more finesse than the Bambino Plus. You'll definitely have to practice with a 1-hole steam wand more than you would on a 4-hole steam wand. For that reason, I'll always recommend 4-hole steam wands over 1-hole steam wands. If money is no object to you, then this is the most impressive steam wand I've ever used. This steam wand is pretty much identical to a commercial machine's. Yep, if money was no object, this is the machine I'd buy. While it doesn't have a PID controller, it has precise temperature control, so it all checks out. You can literally choose the exact degree you want your espresso at, which is just luxurious. On top of that, the steam wand is the most impressive home steam wand I've ever used. I felt like I was back in my barista days. I've recommended bean-to-cup espresso machines before — and I'll recommend them again — but they're not for everyone. If you're a serious espresso purist, then a bean-to-cup isn't for you. If you want the best tasting espresso possible, you don't want to be buying a machine with a built-in grinder. Some people say that the grinder is the most important part of the coffeemaking process, and I'm inclined to agree. If you have a phenomenal grinder, then your espresso will, more likely than not, taste amazing. Of course the grinders on espresso machines won't be as good as dedicated grinders. Just think about it: if you're trying to do two things at once, both things will be worse than if you were trying to do one thing, but perfectly. No, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro doesn't have a PID controller, but it does have a brass boiler and group (where you put the portafiler)(where you put the coffee) so it has better temperature stability. If you have really good hardware like this, you don't need a PID controller as much (although it would be better to have one). The steam wand has 2 holes which means better, more consistent milk aeration. So remember: PID controller (or temperature stabilization elsewhere), no 1-hole steam wand (unless it's the Breville Bambino), and no built-in grinder (unless you want convenience over espresso perfection). Of course, there's no hard-and-fast rule. These are just things I wish I'd known before buying an espresso machine. Do you think I've missed anything? Let me know in the comments. Also, feel free to ask questions about specific models in the comments too — I'll always reply! Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
24-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
My favorite budget espresso machine just crashed to an even lower price — I can't believe this early Prime Day deal
I'm tracking the best early Prime Day deals so you don't have to. As an ex-barista, I'm always thirsting for new espresso machines to test out, so I've got one eye permanently glued to the best espresso machine deals. Why? Well, espresso machines are expensive. The best espresso machines can get well above $1,000. Even compact machines can cost up to $800. I've always had my eye on De'Longhi, as it consistently produces affordable machines that are perfect for beginners or those on a budget. I especially love the De'Longhi Stilosa. I gave it 4 stars in my review, and I won't stop going on about it. Everything about it suggests it'll be meh, but it's really fantastic. It looks plasticky, but when the espresso tastes this good and my bank balance isn't gasping for air, I can overlook that. I'm an ex-barista, so I know how to get premium coffee out of budget espresso machines. The De'Longhi Stilosa is one of the cheapest espresso machines I've ever seen, but that doesn't mean it's bad. It's actually excellent for the price. Espresso machines never come this cheap. In the U.K., the De'Longhi Stilosa is an even better deal — it's below £100. For more serious espresso lovers, the U.K. only new Stilosa comes with a different steam wand, but if you just want a cheap and efficient espresso machine, the OG Stilosa will do the trick. In black, it's £97, and in cream, it's £99. I tested the newer version of the De'Longhi Stilosa, but De'Longhi's representative confirmed to me that the only difference is that the OG is compatible with espresso pods and has a different steam wand. In terms of actual espresso making, the Stilosa is a beast. I test espresso machines for a living, and I've never seen a machine this cheap that actually works. Not only does the Stilosa pull delicious espresso, but it's also relatively easy to master. Obviously, espresso is both an art and a science, so you'll need practice to be able to sling shots like the barista in your local artisan cafe. I outlined exactly how I got perfect espresso on my De'Longhi Stilosa. Here's a sneak peek, though. How delicious does that shot look? I'm drooling. A cheap espresso machine is more than capable of making espresso of this caliber. I've got numerous articles on how to upgrade a budget espresso machine to produce perfect espresso. Suppose you've a machine with at least 9-bar pressure (the Stilosa has 15-bar pressure), single-walled portafilters (U.S. users will need to purchase these separately), a good grinder, and a coffee scale. In that case, you'll be able to brew barista-quality espresso even on a cheap machine. The Stilosa is great because it's so cheap: that's its best feature. With this machine, you'll be able to learn the craft of coffee without needing to waste $$$ on a fancy machine you can't use. I'd recommend this to all budding baristas wanting to experiment, or experts who just don't want to spend money.
Tom's Guide
20-06-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
I'm an ex-barista and these easy upgrades will make your cheap espresso machine brew like a pro
I know that many of the best espresso machines cost an arm and a leg. Home espresso machines can literally cost upwards of $10k, which is obviously out of the realm of possibility for most of us normal folk. But not all hope is lost — some espresso machines are under $300, and they're actually really good. I recently tested the $149 De'Longhi Stilosa and I can't stop yapping on about it. Admittedly, I expected it to be trash, but it's the complete opposite. There are a few essential upgrades, though. You cannot use pre-ground coffee, not under any circumstances. You need to get your ratios right. And, finally, you need single-walled portafilters. The U.K. version of the Stilosa comes with single-walled portafilters, whereas the U.S. one doesn't. I'll recommend alternatives, tips, and tricks below — all from me, an ex-barista. If you know even a little bit about coffee, I'm sure you already know that having a good grinder is the most important thing you can do. Most of them are very low effort — the Baratza Encore ESP and Breville Dose Control Pro ($199 and $139) respectively are electric, so you just press 'grind' and go. Hand-grinders are more unique. You can adjust the grind size to the nth degree (we're talking literal microns here) and provide a more personalized experience. My personal recommendation depends on your budget and coffee style. Got money to burn? Then get the Comandante C40 MK4. Want a decent grinder that's relatively cheap? Then the Breville Dose Control Pro is for you. Just make sure your grinder has a burr and not a blade. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The Dose Control Pro is one of the cheapest grinders on the market today. Not going to lie, it's not the best, but considering the price? Heck, it'll do. It has good uniformity and consistency and is one of the easiest grinders to use for beginners. Why is a good grinder so important? Many reasons, but most of it is because of a) freshness of coffee results in good flavor, and b) too coarsely or too finely ground coffee will result in nasty espresso. Shop-bought preground coffee will 99% of the time result in nasty espresso. It's not been ground fine enough for most home espresso machines and is usually stale after a few days. You'll never be able to achieve cafe-quality espresso with preground coffee. Enter the coffee grinder. Even grocery-store branded wholebeans will taste better than premium preground. If you make sure you're grinding on the finest (or almost the finest) setting, your espresso will be so much tastier. Look for a texture around the size of baker's sugar or even as fine as icing sugar or flour. With a good grinder, you'll be well on your way to brewing like a pro. While some more expensive espresso machines have built-in dose, preinfusion, and extraction times (or volumes), cheap espresso machines tend not to. As a result, if you have a more basic machine, you'll need to measure these amounts yourself. Also, I've found that you can't always trust machines. I would much rather figure this stuff out myself. So to upgrade your cheap machine, you'll need a coffee scale. Thankfully, I've tested loads of the best coffee scales, so without much ado, I'll tell you exactly which one you should get. The Wacaco Exagram Pro is one of the cheapest coffee scales on the market and it's the one I personally use every single time I make a coffee. The Wacaco Exagram Pro coffee scale is so good because it does what other scales seem to be incapable of — be affordable. Some of the premium scales can go for almost $300, so $50 for a scale of this quality is a steal. If you're brewing espresso on a budget, then there's nothing I recommend more than the Wacaco Exagram Pro scale. It has an auto-detection mode, so it will automatically start timing once your espresso pours. The dial surface is water-resistant but has no IP rating, so while it'll be fine if a little splash falls on it during coffee making, I wouldn't go dunking it in the bathtub. I use this scale every day and I have no complaints at all. It's reliable, accurate, and most of all, affordable. My last point depends on what machine you have. Some machines come with both dual- and single-walled portafilters. You want single-walled portafilters. Dual-walled portafilters (sometimes called pressurized) basically squeeze the espresso through a tiny hole, which creates air inside the espresso. While this means your espresso looks nice and the crema is thick, you'll lose a lot of coffee flavor. Single-walled portafilters (sometimes called non-pressurized) have loads of little holes so the espresso can extract without being pushed out. It's very easy to tell the difference. The left portafilter is a dual-walled, and the right is a single-walled. You want the right side. So if your portafilters look like the one on the left, you need to get yourself some single-walled ones. Some budget espresso machines only come with dual-walled to try to cover up that the espresso machine isn't that good. However, if you get a single-walled one, you can bring it back. It's salvageable, I promise. First, you'll need to figure out what size your coffee machine's portafilters are. The De'Longhi Stilosa I mentioned earlier uses 51mm, and the Bambino Plus uses 54mm (but comes with single-walled portafilters). Once you know the size, any third-party portafilter will do the trick. You may need to buy a new group head too, just to ensure you're getting the best you can. As I promised in my headline, these tips are very low-effort. All you need to do is buy something — quite low effort if you ask me. However, there are loads of high-effort upgrades available, too. The first is installing a PID controller, which controls the temperature of the water to prevent weak or burned coffee. You can also do things like installing a pipe into your drip tray and auto-draining into plumbing (obviously only do this if your machine's drip tray is big enough). On top of all of that, you can even replace steam wands with third-party steam wands. Remember — these are very technical and very high-effort upgrades. They're not for the inexperienced or beginners. I would recommend staying away from these unless you precisely know what you're doing. Also, if you've got a great grinder, a coffee scale, and some proper portafilters, there's no reason why that won't massively upgrade the flavor of your coffee anyway. For most people, following those 3 tricks will have you pulling shots and slinging lattes like there's no tomorrow. If you have any coffee questions, please leave a comment and I will reply to you!
Tom's Guide
19-06-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
I'm a barista who swapped an $899 espresso machine for a $149 budget one — here's why
I'm an ex-barista, so I've spent enough time making coffee for a lifetime. I cut my teeth at an independent artisanal cafe (so independent and artisanal that it was one of the many small business Covid casualties) and then suffered through some long, hard years at Starbucks (during lockdown, cry) as punishment. You think that would stop me. But I cannot be stopped. I am as unstoppable as the endless march of time. Now as a journalist, it's my mission to find the best espresso machines so I can continue drinking way too much coffee. The $149 De'Longhi Stilosa has everything I hate in an espresso machine: a flimsy plastic tamper, a flimsy plastic construction, and a flimsy plastic drip tray. I really thought I'd hate this machine. No, tell a lie, I wanted to hate it, because it was so ugly. However, when I ditched my $900 De'Longhi La Specialista Opera for the $149 De'Longhi Stilosa, I was absolutely shocked. I tested the U.K. version of the De'Longhi Stilosa. A reader pointed out recently that the U.S. model of the Stilosa comes with dual-walled portafilters. In this case, I'd recommend getting third-party single-walled portafilters to achieve the same results as me. This is the machine I use every day. I love it with all my heart, but something just doesn't feel right anymore. Maybe because it's taking up a quarter of my kitchen, and that's grown into resentment? Either way, I don't know what's next for me and my beloved La Specialista Opera. It might be the most tear-jerking goodbye of 2025. This is the Opera's contender: smaller, cheaper, and a hell of a lot uglier. I really had my doubts about the Stilosa. For starters, it feels flimsy AF and looks like someone vomited up a pile of plastic. But oh boy, can it pull a delicious espresso shot. Color me surprised. Repeat after me: I will not use pre-ground coffee... I will not use pre-ground coffee... I will not use pre-ground coffee. Now, I've said it before and I'll say it again. You have to work for good espresso on the De'Longhi Stilosa. If you just take it out of the box and get to work, you'll think I've lost my marbles. Espresso is an art as much as it's a science. And perfect espresso needs two things: a good grinder, and an even better barista. I used both the Eureka Mignon Specialita ($649) and the Comandante C40 MK4 (from ~$282) with the De'Longhi Stilosa. If budget's a concern, you might be able to grab the Baratza Encore ESP or the 1ZPresso J-Ultra — both $199 — instead. However, a good grinder is a non-negotiable. The only reason why the Stilosa managed to match the La Specialista Opera is because of the brilliant grinders I used. If you buy pre-ground beans or have a blade grinder, you will never be able to achieve these results. Repeat after me: I will not use pre-ground coffee... I will not use pre-ground coffee... I will not use pre-ground coffee. Okay, great! This is a picture of the best espresso shot I pulled on the Stilosa, using artisanal, locally-roasted specialty beans and the Comandante C40 MK4 grinder. As I'm sure you're aware by now, achieving an espresso shot like this is only possible because of a premium grinder and specialty beans. With this extra effort, there's no need to spend $$$ on an espresso machine. You'll need to look for the following specs: While the De'Longhi Stilosa doesn't have a PID (which is a temperature controller built-in to the machine to prevent burning and weak espresso), it is literally $149. At this price point, you can't really ask for much more. It's worth noting that other home baristas have successfully modded the Stilosa with PID controllers, so not all is lost. As the De'Longhi Stilosa I tested has both 9-bar pressure and single-walled portafilters, I was able to pull technically perfect espresso. If you follow my advice, there's no reason why you wouldn't be able to achieve this too. In terms of espresso brewing? I couldn't believe my luck. The Stilosa is $759 cheaper than my La Specialista Opera, but pulls very similar shots. That's a monumental saving. I won't lie to you, when I first picked up the De'Longhi Stilosa, I physically grimaced. I thought there's no way this flimsy plastic hunk of junk can ever be good. But oh boy, did it prove me wrong. I already chatted about all the reasons why the De'Longhi Stilosa proved me wrong in a different article, but I'll go through them again briefly here. Good espresso machines need some weight to them. Even compact machines have boilers crammed inside their tiny size, so when I picked up the Stilosa, I was immediately suspicious. I doubted its ability to heat water, let alone pull espresso. But I was wrong. The Stilosa crams an impressive 9-bar pressure system and a steel boiler inside its 8-inch size. The sacrifices come in its all-plastic (ugly) construction, flimsy group handle, and pathetic tamper. These are all fixable problems though. The inherent espresso-making ability of the machine? Off-the-charts good. I'll be the first person to admit that a lot of budget espresso machines are very questionable. But not the De'Longhi Stilosa. With the extra work I discussed earlier, I was able to make $500-machine worthy espresso on the $149 Stilosa. However, without the effort, the espresso will most definitely taste like it was made on a cheap machine. So, if the cheap espresso machine has the following things: 9-bar pressure, single-walled portafilter baskets, a shower screen with even water distribution, and (maybe) a PID controller, then there's nothing stopping it performing like a premium model. With the right tools, coffee, and barista, of course. Although I was really impressed by the Stilosa for the price, I'm not really ready to give up my La Specialista Opera yet. (I actually kind of regret getting the Opera and really want a Breville Bambino Plus, but that's another story.) Steaming milk on the Stilosa requires a little more effort than other machines, because the steam wand can be a little overexcited. Take a look at the latte I made with the Stilosa. This is after 3 1/2 years as a barista, bear in mind. My latte art could still do with some work (I'm yet to master the tulip), but I think a more inexperienced barista might need a little more time to get adjusted to the Stilosa's overexcited steam wand. On top of that, if you're a barista who just wants coffee and doesn't want to spend lots of time and mental effort making that coffee? Then I think the Stilosa might not be for you. I'd recommend something like the De'Longhi Rivelia in that case, but it'll cost you — $1,499. I knew this already, but swapping my La Specialista Opera for the Stilosa reaffirmed my belief that good coffee needs one thing: a good barista who knows what they're doing. Yes, you can spend $$$ (more like $$$$$$...) on a Bianca Lelit ($2,999) or a La Marzocco Linea Mini ($6,300), but if you don't have the knowledge? Your coffee won't taste great. I recommend spending time learning about coffee — what types of beans you like, why you need a great grinder, how to set up a shot — before spending a month's wages on a machine. Instead, I'd recommend getting the Stilosa and learning on a cheap machine. Then, once you've got the skill? By all means, dig into a pricier machine — or just keep your money and continue slaying on the Stilosa.
Tom's Guide
16-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I'm an ex barista and I tested a $150 De'Longhi espresso machine and a $500 Breville — here's what I learned
I'm an ex-barista, so I like to think I know a thing or two about coffee. While spending 8 hours a day slinging flat whites, americanos, and mochas is way different to just making myself one espresso drink every morning, I'm still just as enamored with barista-ing now as I was during my days behind the bar. As a journalist, I'm now on a mission to find the best espresso machines on the market. I've tested loads now, from the biggest names in coffee — think De'Longhi, Breville (Sage in the U.K.), Smeg, Casabrews, KitchenAid. When I reviewed the Breville (Sage) Bambino Plus, I immediately fell in love. I thought, "This is it. This is the espresso machine I want until I die." But then I tested the De'Longhi Stilosa — and while, no, obviously the $150 De'Longhi doesn't perform like the $500 Breville, I was utterly blown away. I couldn't believe how fantastic the Stilosa was, for just $149. So, which is the best affordable espresso machine? Better yet, which is the better compact espresso machine? Let's figure it out. While hands-down the best compact espresso machine on the market, best doesn't always come cheap. The Breville Bambino Plus is 90% of the way to perfection — if only its price didn't let it down. At just $149 in the U.S. (currently on sale for $143) and £104 in the U.K., the De'Longhi Stilosa is one of the cheapest espresso machines on the market. Although it's not as amazing out of the box as the Bambino Plus, with a few tweaks it's definitely a contender. I'm not being funny: there's a clear winner right off the bat. It's the De'Longhi Stilosa. Why, I hear you ask? Well, the Breville Bambino Plus is $499 from Amazon, whereas the De'Longhi Stilosa is $149 from Amazon. That's a price difference of $350 — enough to buy about 22 pounds of specialty coffee beans. Think of how many drinks that could do! There's a reason why the Stilosa is so cheap, though: it's really ugly. While the Breville Bambino Plus could walk the runway of espresso machines, the Stilosa would be hiding in the back corner. I suppose you can't ask for much when you consider the Stilosa is literally $149. It's cheaper than most coffee grinders. If you decide to skimp on the espresso machine, though, make sure you spend on the coffee grinder. It's way more important, and I'll chat about that in the 'Espresso' section below. The winner: De'Longhi Stilosa. There's no competition at all. Alright, I've already let the cat out of the bag, haven't I? I wasn't exactly positive about the De'Longhi Stilosa's looks in the 'Price' section. While the De'Longhi Stilosa has a cheap, plasticky construction and weighs literally 9 pounds, the Breville Bambino Plus has an all-metal exterior and a nice weighty 11 pounds. In writing, the difference doesn't sound too massive, but I've carried both the Stilosa and Bambino Plus and the latter just feels better. Both machines are incredibly compact, so perfect for small kitchens. I'd recommend both in terms of size. Just look at that gorgeous construction. The metal drip tray (unlike the Stilosa's plastic drip tray) is much easier to clean, and the steam wand feels sturdier. On top of that, the buttons are tactile and easy to press, which I find much more user-friendly than the Stilosa's dial. Although I found the Bambino Plus tarnished a little too easily, the steel finish is hardier than the Stilosa's plastic body. The winner: Breville Bambino Plus. Its metal exterior, weightier construction, and metal drip tray pave way for longevity more than the Stilosa. This is it: the big guns, and the reason you're here (hopefully). A picture speaks a thousand words, so I'm just going to share two pictures of the espresso I pulled on both the De'Longhi Stilosa and the Breville Bambino Plus. As you can see from the images above, the Breville Bambino Plus generally pulls a thicker, creamier espresso. The De'Longhi Stilosa took me multiple tries to get a decent espresso, which I think would be tricky for someone more inexperienced with espresso machines. I'll walk you through my processes for both machines, so you can see the necessary finesse for both. Bambino Plus Now I'll go through my Stilosa routine — it's mostly the same, but with a few tweaks. De'Longhi Stilosa As you can see, I needed a little more finesse with the Stilosa. I recommend giving away or repurposing the scoop/tamper accessory and just getting a metal 51mm tamper from Amazon — I recommend IKAPE's 51mm tamper, $33 on Amazon. I was really happy to see that the Stilosa comes with single-walled portafilters (non-pressurized) for 'true' espresso. Most cheap machines come with dual-walled (pressurized) portafilters to mimic crema, to distract from the fact that the machine isn't actually that good. The Bambino Plus comes with single-walled portafilters, too, obviously. As I mentioned earlier, I recommend getting a really high-quality grinder to ensure your espresso tastes as good as you'd want it to. Personally? I use the Comandante C40 MK4, but it's really expensive. The Baratza Encore ESP is just $199 and works really well. Or, you could check out the $199 1ZPresso J-Ultra, which is another hand grinder, but much cheaper. Wondering how I know I'm dosing exactly 18g of coffee and getting 36g out? I have one of the best coffee scales — the Wacaco Exagram Pro. So while the Stilosa can still make excellent espresso, it needs a little more nurturing than the Bambino Plus. And for that reason... The winner: Breville Bambino Plus. It's better right out of the box. I feel like milk steaming is where a lot of people who've never been professional baristas struggle. That's not a bad thing — it's just an occupational hazard. Or, in this case, a lack of occupational hazard. Here's two side-by-side photos of my milk texture and latte art on both the Bambino Plus and the Stilosa. But beware: the Stilosa doesn't come with a milk jug. I used the Bambino Plus's milk jug during testing. Where the Bambino Plus and Stilosa differ is the former has an auto-milk function and the Stilosa doesn't. However, I don't really like the Bambino Plus's auto function. Sure, it's good if I just want to steam milk and forget about it, but I'm not that kind of barista. I love babying my milk. I love making it go tss-tss-tss and creating the necessary vortex for melted-ice-cream texture. As you can see from my latte art, too, there's a clear winner in terms of appearance. And that's the $149 De'Longhi Stilosa. However, that's just my opinion. I like the Stilosa more because I'm a do-it-yourself barista. But if you want an auto-milk function? Then it'll be the Bambino Plus taking the crown. The winner: Up to you. Mine is the Stilosa, but yours can be the Bambino Plus. Now, this is where it might get controversial. Some long-term De'Longhi users report that their machines break after the warranty period, and that De'Longhi machines aren't built to last. However, I beg to differ. My parents bought their De'Longhi Icona Vintage (U.K. only, I believe discontinued now) in 2015 or 2016, and it's still going. It still pulls espresso, it still steams milk. So, I think it just depends on how well you look after the machine, and how hard your area's water is. As I mentioned earlier, the Stilosa has a plastic drip tray, which doesn't really bode well for longevity. You'd need to ensure you cleaned this daily to prevent buildup, as plastic can be trickier to clean properly than metal. Comparatively, the Bambino Plus has a metal and plastic drip tray, which is easier to clean in the long run. The Bambino Plus also has a metal-and-plastic water tank, whereas the Stilosa's is plastic. In terms of longevity, I'd go with the Bambino Plus, but that machine is almost quadruple the price of the Stilosa, so it's kind of a given. The winner: Breville Bambino Plus So, what did I learn? Well, I learned that price doesn't mean anything. Just because an espresso machine is expensive, it's not guaranteed to be good. Conversely, just because an espresso machine is cheap, doesn't mean it's going to be awful. Some decent machines are cheap, and some awful machines are expensive (case in point: Smeg EMC02). Have you ever seen those YouTube videos like "A professional barista and a home barista swap machines — who will win?" and it's always the pro who wins? That's because it's not all about the machine. The barista is the most important cog in the machine of coffee. If you put in the effort, get some better accessories, and most importantly a decent grinder, there's no reason why the De'Longhi Stilosa won't make excellent espresso. However, if you want a better machine right out of the box, I'd recommend the Bambino Plus. What you choose will be up to you. But me? I'd be happy with the Stilosa and a Comandante C40 MK4 grinder, any day. The Bambino Plus is a little out of my price range at the moment.
