De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Coffee Machine Review: A Barista-Grade Upgrade
Eve Rowlands, a self-professed coffee enthusiast and former barista, has significantly enhanced her morning routine by upgrading to the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Compact Manual Bean to Cup coffee machine. This switch has allowed her to abandon takeout coffees entirely, citing improved quality and a more mindful start to her day.
From Dedica to La Specialista: A Seven-Year Journey
Rowlands previously relied on a De'Longhi Dedica Style Traditional Pump Espresso Machine for over seven years, occasionally experimenting with pod systems like the L'OR Barista Sublime. However, seeking a home setup that rivals her favourite coffee shops, she invested in the La Specialista Arte model, available in colours such as green, yellow, white, and black. Currently priced at £399.99, down from £529.99, she chose the white variant to complement her recently renovated kitchen.
Key Features and Performance
The machine boasts a bean-to-cup design, using whole coffee beans ground fresh via an eight-setting Burr grinder. Users can adjust the grind coarseness and dose level with simple levers and knobs, influencing flavour strength—a feature Rowlands appreciates for her preference towards robust coffee. Included accessories are a portafilter with single and double espresso sizes, a tamper, tamping station, cup holder, and milk jug.
Setup involved following a manual with diagram instructions and a QR code for additional support, taking about 10-15 minutes. Operation is straightforward: after positioning the portafilter, the grinder activates—though it is notably loud—followed by tamping with a heavy, industrial-grade tamper. The machine then extracts espresso automatically, producing a rich crema.
Milk Steaming and Latte Art
Rowlands highlights the manual steam wand as a favourite component, enabling her to recreate latte art techniques from her barista days. She describes the process of frothing milk to a silky texture, achieving designs like leaves with practice. Immediate cleaning of the wand is essential to prevent residue buildup.
Practical Considerations
Measuring 285x365x400mm, the machine requires ample counter space and is relatively heavy, potentially challenging for smaller kitchens. The portafilter's double espresso fitting is securely attached, making removal difficult for single shots, though this wasn't an issue for Rowlands. While the ritual adds a mindful element to mornings, it may not suit those in a rush, as manual milk steaming takes about 30 seconds.
Alternatives and Final Thoughts
For users seeking automation, alternatives like the Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse Coffee Machine (£149.99 on sale) with a built-in milk frother or the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso Machine (£449.99) offer hands-free steaming. Overall, Rowlands concludes that the De'Longhi La Specialista has elevated her coffee experience, turning preparation into an enjoyable, slow-paced ritual that enhances daily wellbeing.
