Diletta DilettaBello+ Espresso Machine Stainless Steel - Dual Boiler PID, Rotary Pump, Commercial-Grade, Programmable, Semi-Automatic for Home and Office

Product Overview

The Diletta Bello+ is a heat exchanger (HX) machine, meaning a single large boiler (3 liters) supplies both steam and brew water. This design allows simultaneous brewing and steaming — useful when making multiple milk-based drinks. The boiler is heated to steam temperature (adjustable via PID), and brew water is tempered by a heat exchanger coil to the correct brew temperature. An E61 group head helps stabilize temperature and provides classic preinfusion. The Bello+ includes programmable preinfusion (up to 10 seconds) and a PID controller on the front panel that also tracks shot time. With all-manual controls — a paddle for brewing and a knob for steam — the barista remains in charge. The machine measures 17.75 by 11 by 14.5 inches and weighs 58 pounds, so it requires dedicated counter space. Included accessories: a 58mm portafilter, tamper, single and double baskets, and a brush. The stainless steel body is available in silver and white. Reviewers note that the drip tray, though deepened from the original, is still small for heavy use. The machine ships with a factory odor that requires flushing, but it dissipates. Owners strongly recommend pairing with a quality espresso grinder, as the Bello+ exposes flaws in puck prep where a forgiving machine like the Breville Barista Express would hide them.

Build & Materials

The Diletta Bello+ is built around a heavy-duty stainless steel frame and boiler, clad in a brushed stainless steel body that feels substantial and well-finished. The E61 group head is machined brass with chrome plating, a standard that ensures availability of replacement parts. The machine’s 58-pound weight comes from the thick steel and large boiler; this adds thermal stability but makes it immovable once placed. The front panel holds the PID screen and two buttons for steam and hot water, while the brew lever and steam knob are on the right side. The drip tray is plastic with a metal grid; reviewers find it too shallow for larger cups or frequent backflushing, but it is removable and easy to clean. The water tank is accessed from the top behind a hinged lid; it holds 3 liters. Overall, the build quality mirrors that of Quickmill machines, known for reliability in the $1,500–$2,500 range.

Aesthetically, the Bello+ looks classic but modern, with clean lines and a small footprint considering its capabilities. The stainless steel option is fingerprint-resistant, and the white version (available at launch) brightens a kitchen counter. All touchpoints — handles, knobs, and steam wand — feel solid and well-anchored. The included tamper is plastic, which many owners replace with a metal one. The portafilter is standard 58mm with a wood handle that matches the machine’s design. The machine includes a hot water flush cycle that heats the group head by circulating water, reducing the need to purge before pulling a shot — a thoughtful touch for daily use.

Shot Quality

The Bello+ delivers espresso that rivals commercial machines once the barista masters the HX workflow. The PID controller keeps the steam boiler at a set temperature, and the heat exchanger produces brew water roughly 10–15°F lower — typical for HX machines. Owners report that after a 30–50 minute warm-up, a short flush stabilizes the group. Shots are consistently extracted with good crema and clarity, especially when paired with a precise grinder. The programmable preinfusion helps reduce channeling, a common issue for those new to E61 machines. Reviewers moving from a Breville Barista Express note a significant jump in quality, but also a steeper learning curve — the Bello+ exposes poor puck prep that the Breville’s pressurized basket would mask.

Steam performance is vigorous; the large boiler generates powerful, dry steam that textures milk quickly and with fine microfoam for latte art. The cool touch wand is a practical upgrade for safer handling. Because it is an HX machine, the Bello+ can brew and steam simultaneously without significant temperature drop, making it efficient for multiple milk drinks. However, temperature surfing is still needed between shots for the most consistent results — a common HX trait. The machine recovers fast, allowing 4 double shots in a row without issue, as one reviewer noted. The main trade-off is the machine’s heat; the entire exterior becomes hot during use, so care is needed around the top and sides. Overall, shot quality is excellent for an HX machine, especially given the PID-aided stability.