De'Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Grinder, Milk Frother, 1450W, Barista Kit - Bean to Cup Coffee & Cappuccino Maker, Stainless Steel, Black
$679.95
In stock
- Built-in grinder ensures freshly ground beans for rich, aromatic espresso every time.
- Dual heating system simultaneously brews espresso and steams milk for quick cappuccinos.
- Sensor grinding technology adjusts dose automatically for consistent, perfect extraction.
- Advanced steam wand creates microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos like a barista.
- Includes barista kit with tamper and dosing funnel for professional-grade results.
Our Score
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Espresso Machine Review — Bean-to-Cup with Review
The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte is a bean-to-cup espresso machine designed for home baristas who want freshly ground espresso without the complexity of separate equipment. It combines a conical burr grinder, active temperature control, and a steam wand for milk frothing. The machine offers preset recipes for espresso, Americano, and hot water, making it accessible for beginners while still allowing manual adjustments. Its compact footprint and dishwasher-safe parts simplify upkeep. For those willing to invest time in dialing in settings, this machine can produce quality espresso at home.
Product Overview
This machine uses whole beans as its coffee input, with eight grind settings to match different bean varieties. The conical burr grinder delivers a consistent dose for single or double espresso. Active temperature control provides three infusion temperatures—active, medium, or high—to optimize extraction based on bean type and roast. The steam wand, called My Latte Art, stays cool-touch after steaming and produces silky microfoam suitable for latte art. The machine includes a barista kit with a dosing funnel, tamping mat, and tamper for consistent puck preparation. It also comes with a stainless steel milk jug, cleaning brush, descaler, and water hardness test strip. The water tank holds 56 fluid ounces. The portafilter uses non-pressurized baskets for single and double shots. The compact design (11.2 x 14.4 x 15.9 inches) fits most countertops, though the hopper is not removable, so you should only add the amount of beans needed. The machine operates manually via dials for grind size, coffee dose, and extraction volume. It also includes presets for espresso (1.35 oz), americano (4 oz), and hot water. Some reviewers note the plastic build feels less premium at full price, but the stainless steel front panel improves aesthetics. The dark gray water tank makes it hard to see water level, though a low-water alert sounds. The drip tray and accessories are dishwasher safe.
Key Features
Eight Grind Settings
- ✓Conical burr grinder with eight settings from fine to coarse.
- ✓Adjusts for different bean types and roast levels.
- ✓Delivers consistent, precisely dosed grounds for extraction.
Active Temperature Control
- ✓Three infusion temperature options: low, medium, high.
- ✓Customizes extraction for light, medium, or dark roasts.
- ✓PID-stabilized temperature during brewing for consistent flavor.
My Latte Art Steam Wand
- ✓Cool-touch wand stays safe to handle after steaming.
- ✓Produces silky microfoam suitable for latte art and cappuccinos.
- ✓Includes cleaning needle for nozzle maintenance.
Three Preset Recipes
- ✓Pre-programmed for espresso, americano, and hot water.
- ✓Simplifies drink preparation for beginners.
- ✓Customizable shot volume and water temperature.
Barista Kit Included
- ✓Comes with dosing funnel, tamping mat, and tamper.
- ✓Helps achieve consistent tamping pressure for even extraction.
- ✓Stainless steel milk frothing jug and cleaning accessories included.
Compact and Easy Maintenance
- ✓Compact footprint fits standard kitchen countertops.
- ✓Partially dishwasher-safe parts (drip tray, water tank).
- ✓Descaling alert with guided process using included descaler.
Shot Quality
The La Specialista Arte can produce espresso with good crema and flavor once properly dialed in. Many reviewers report satisfying shots after adjusting grind size and dose. The non-pressurized baskets allow for experimentation with grind and tamp. The built-in grinder works well for most users, though some experience inconsistency or jamming after months of use. The steam wand heats milk in 10–15 seconds and produces adequate microfoam, but it takes practice to master, especially for latte art. The machine's temperature stability is good due to the PID control.
Grinder consistency is a common topic in reviews. Some users find the dose knob unreliable and prefer measuring beans manually. Others report the grinder fails after light use; manufacturer repairs often resolve this. The steam wand, while effective, is less powerful than commercial wands. Overall, the machine performs well for its price point, especially when on sale. It is not a pro-level machine but exceeds expectations for entry-level home espresso.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓Integrated grinder and steam wand in one unit.
- ✓Non-pressurized baskets enable real espresso extraction.
- ✓PID temperature control for stable brewing.
- ✓Preset recipes simplify operation for beginners.
- ✓Included barista kit improves consistency.
- ✓Compact size fits small countertops.
- ✓Dishwasher-safe parts ease cleaning.
What Doesn't
- ✗Grinder can be inconsistent or fail over time.
- ✗Plastic construction feels less durable at full price.
- ✗Non-removable hopper makes bean changes cumbersome.
- ✗Dark water tank makes level difficult to see.
- ✗Steep learning curve for optimal shots.
The Verdict
The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte is a solid entry-level bean-to-cup espresso machine that offers good value at discounted prices. Its integrated grinder, temperature control, and included barista kit make it a complete package for beginners. However, reliability concerns with the grinder and plastic construction may push seasoned enthusiasts toward competitors like Breville. For casual users willing to learn and maintain the machine, it delivers enjoyable espresso and cappuccinos at home.
Is It Worth the Price?
What You Get
- Bean-to-cup convenience with integrated burr grinder.
- PID temperature control for stable extraction.
- Steam wand for milk frothing and latte art practice.
- Non-pressurized baskets for genuine espresso shots.
- Barista kit with tamper, dosing funnel, and mat.
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleanup.
What You Pay
Typically $679.95 MSRP, but often on sale for $450–$550.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte use pressurized or non-pressurized baskets?
Is the grinder in the La Specialista Arte adjustable?
Can I use pre-ground coffee with this machine?
How does the steam wand perform?
What maintenance does the machine require?
How long is the warranty?
Is this machine suitable for a beginner?
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Product Specifications
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