This Espresso Machine Upgraded My Morning Routine

Hi, coffee-obsessed shopping writer here! Though my daily caffeine intake isn't quite what it used to be as a mom-to-be, I'm still savoring every sip I can — and my new favorite way to do that is with the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus Espresso Machine ($300, originally $400). It's not only sleek enough to deserve a prime spot on my countertop, it also brews espresso drinks that taste better than my local coffee shop's offerings. Whether you're thinking about treating yourself or searching for the perfect coffee gift, this machine is one to have on your radar. I've been testing the machine for about a month now, and I'm ready to share which features stand out and why this machine lives up to its glowing reviews. I'm breaking down all the details ahead.

About the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus Espresso Machine

What I Like About the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus Espresso Machine

My evolution from drinking basic coffee with milk and sugar to preferring espresso-based drinks has been years in the making — and there's no going back now. So, naturally, I was drawn to this machine; it's packed with features that make crafting espresso drinks fun and borderline artful (with a totally manageable learning curve, I might add). From active temperature control that draws out the ideal flavor from your favorite coffee beans to an automatic steam wand with adjustable textures (read: latte art, fine, or dense), it's a game-changer whether you're frothing milk for your go-to drink or learning to master latte art.

Don't let me mislead you into thinking I'm a barista — I'm far from it. But I'm learning, and that's what I love about this coffee machine. It's simple enough to make a basic espresso without a hitch, yet it also has sophisticated features to level up your skills if you're looking for a challenge. My coffee setup has evolved over time, from the single-serve K-cup pod coffee maker in my college dorm to this grown-up machine that matches where I am today (or at least I'd like to think so). Best of all, I know it'll grow with me for years to come. Honestly, I can't imagine outgrowing this one — it still has so many coffee-making variations I've yet to perfect.

One thing I'd be remiss not to mention is how compact this machine is, which is a big win for someone like me with limited counter space (and far too many kitchen products). I'm not alone in loving this; many Amazon reviewers rave about its space-saving design, saying it was one of the main reasons they made the investment. Add to that its easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe parts, and it's a masterclass in giving customers exactly what they want.

What to Consider Before Buying the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus Espresso Machine

One thing to keep in mind before buying the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus Espresso Machine is that, as mentioned earlier, there's a bit of a learning curve, which has also been noted by shoppers on Amazon. That's to be expected, but it's especially worth noting if you're starting from scratch with espresso drink-making (or if patience isn't exactly your strong suit — guilty). With its steep price point, it's definitely not the kind of appliance to buy on a whim. But if it feels like the natural next step in your coffee journey (as it did for me!), I'd say it's an investment worth making.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while pre-ground coffee works just fine (and is what I've been using to get started), moving to whole beans will require a little more gear, namely a good grinder and a scale. For now, I've been sticking with De'Longhi's Signature Espresso Blend ($18), and I'm loving it. I know I'll eventually graduate to grinding my own beans and fine-tuning my process, but for the moment, I'm happy keeping things simple.

Where Is the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus Espresso Machine Available?

The De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus Espresso Machine is available direct-to-consumer from the brand's website, or you can find it at Amazon, Crate & Barrel, and Williams Sonoma, among others.

Rating:
★★★★★

Marisa Petrarca (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has over seven years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. She was previously the senior beauty editor at Grazia USA and the style and beauty editor at Us Weekly. Now freelancing, her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, Marie Claire, and more. When she's not working on a story, you can probably find her testing the latest makeup, skin-care, or hair launches. Marisa lives in Saint Paul, MN, with her husband and their corgi, Cooper.