DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black) Review: Introduction
For anyone seeking a compact, entry-level espresso machine that promises cafe-quality coffee without consuming your entire countertop, the DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black) review is essential reading. This slimline machine has developed a cult following among home baristas, boasting over 296 reviews on Amazon with an impressive 4.0/5 average rating. With 116 five-star reviews praising its performance and sleek design, it’s clear this machine hits a sweet spot for many. However, with 19 one-star reviews citing reliability concerns, a balanced perspective is crucial. This comprehensive DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black) review analyzes every piece of customer feedback to give you the unvarnished truth about its performance, durability, and overall value.
Key Features of DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black)
Before diving into customer experiences, it’s important to understand what the DeLonghi Dedica offers on paper. Its defining characteristic is its remarkably compact footprint, measuring just 6 inches wide. This makes it a favorite for small kitchens, caravans, or apartments where bench space is precious. It features a 15-bar pressure pump, which is the industry standard for proper espresso extraction, promising rich flavor and a good crema. The machine is a semi-automatic, meaning you control the grind, tamp, and brew time, offering flexibility for those who enjoy the process.
Key specifications include:
- Compact Design: Ultra-slim profile ideal for small spaces.
- 15-Bar Pressure Pump: Designed for optimal espresso extraction.
- Dual Filter Holder: Accommodates both ground coffee and ESE (Easy Serve Espresso) pods.
- Manual Milk Frother: A Panarello steam wand for heating and frothing milk.
- Programmable Buttons: Three buttons for single shot, double shot, and steam function.
- Adjustable Settings: Allows customization of coffee temperature and shot volume.
- Stainless Steel Construction: With black, red, or white accent finishes.
DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black) review: Pros & Cons
Based on the aggregated sentiment from 296 reviews, here are the clear advantages and drawbacks of the DeLonghi Dedica.
Pros: What Customers Love
- Cafe-Quality Espresso at Home: This is the most praised feature. Countless reviewers, including self-proclaimed coffee snobs and former baristas, were shocked by the quality. “I owned a Rocket Giotto for about 4 years… I decided to downgrade from this $3600 machine to a $280 Delonghi, and I couldn’t be happier,” shared one user. Another stated, “I worked as a barista for 7 years and this honestly is sensational coffee.”
- Unbeatable Space-Saving Design: The compact size is a recurring theme. “Love this little machine… takes up so little bench space,” is a common sentiment. It’s frequently mentioned as perfect for caravans, motorhomes, and small kitchens.
- Excellent Value for Money: For its price point (often found on sale below $250), customers feel it over-delivers. “What a great surprise, for the price it works extremely well. Great value,” one review noted.
- Quick Heat-Up Time: Unlike larger machines, the Dedica is ready to brew in under a minute. “Quick to warm up, self priming pump and easy to clean,” was a highlighted benefit.
- Consistent and Rich Crema: When used correctly, the machine consistently produces a beautiful crema. “We’ve had a Dedica 685 for over 7 years and still producing great coffees – full head crema and great taste,” reported a long-term owner.
- Ease of Use and Cleaning: Many found it straightforward to operate and maintain. “Easy to use and clean,” is a frequent, simple endorsement.
Cons: Common Customer Complaints
- Inconsistent Long-Term Reliability: This is the most significant concern. While many machines last 5+ years, a notable subset fails just after the warranty period (around 2 years). Complaints include loss of pressure, pump failure, and persistent descaling errors. “Worked fantastic for first year… about 12mths it has started losing pressure,” one user lamented.
- Fussy and Underpowered Steam Wand: The milk frother is a frequent point of criticism. Many describe it as weak, awkwardly positioned, and prone to producing large bubbles instead of microfoam. “The steam wand runs out of steam easily,” and “The frother is a bit finicky when cleaning,” are typical comments.
- Persistent Descaling Issues: Numerous reviews (39 verified purchases and many more) describe a frustrating cycle where the orange descale light continues to flash even after multiple descaling attempts. “I have descaled EXACTLY as to the video but it keeps flashing yellow,” shared a frustrated owner.
- Limited Cup Height: Standard-sized mugs often don’t fit under the group head without removing the drip tray. “Only down side, it doesn’t fit a full sized mug under it,” was a common practical drawback.
- Steep Learning Curve: As a true semi-automatic, results are highly dependent on grind size, tamp pressure, and bean freshness. Inconsistent shots frustrate beginners. “Too temperamental… feels like the luck of the draw to have a consistent pour,” one user wrote.
- Build Quality Quirks: Some users note the portafilter feels plasticky, the machine can be light and move during locking, and the drip tray scratches easily.
Customer Experience Analysis
Delving deeper into the 296 reviews reveals fascinating patterns about who loves this machine and who feels let down.
The Enthusiasts (5-Star – 116 Reviews): This group is dominated by users who appreciate the “manual” aspect. They often pair the Dedica with a good burr grinder and fresh beans. They are willing to experiment with tamping and grind size to “dial in” the perfect shot. For them, the compact size is a major lifestyle win, and they view the machine as a durable workhorse. Many 5-star reviews come from long-term owners (3, 5, even 7+ years) who use it daily.
“We’ve had this machine for 4 years..the on/off button felt like it was sticking, so run it directly from the wall switch. Don’t over tamp the coffee. We love it.”
The Satisfied but Cautious (4-Star – 109 Reviews): This large group enjoys the coffee quality and design but has encountered minor to moderate frustrations. Common themes in 4-star reviews are the underwhelming steam wand, the frequent descaling reminders, and the machine’s sensitivity to technique. They acknowledge the value but see clear room for improvement. “Great little performer… The steamer could do with being a little more powerful, but I really can’t complain with the unit as I didn’t spend $700-800,” is a typical balanced take.
The Disappointed (1 & 2-Star – 35 Reviews): This group, while smaller, highlights potential quality control or durability issues. Their experiences are often binary: the machine worked well for a short period (2 weeks to 18 months) and then catastrophically failed—pumps dying, persistent error lights, or leaks. Customer service experiences in this group are often reported as poor, requiring customers to ship the machine for repair at their own inconvenience.
“This machine was great for the first 2 months, then it failed intermittently thereafter. DeLonghi have a repair process and refuse to provide a replacement/refund until they have deemed the machine completely un-repairable.”
DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black) Performance Review
How does the DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK actually perform where it counts? Let’s break it down.
Espresso Quality: When paired with freshly ground beans and proper technique, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The 15-bar pump delivers enough pressure to produce shots with a rich, flavorful crema that rivals cafe offerings. The programmable single and double shot buttons add convenience and consistency once you find your preferred volume. The adjustable temperature setting is also a valued feature for fine-tuning flavor extraction.
Milk Frothing Performance: This is the machine’s Achilles’ heel. The Panarello-style wand is designed for simplicity but sacrifices control and power. It introduces too much air too quickly, creating large, dry foam rather than the silky microfoam needed for latte art. Many advanced users recommend removing the outer plastic sleeve for more steam power, and almost all recommend using a small, dedicated milk jug. For casual cappuccino drinkers, it’s sufficient; for flat white or latte enthusiasts, it’s a significant compromise.
Ease of Use & Learning Curve: The Dedica sits in a middle ground. It’s simpler than a fully manual machine but requires more skill than a pod system or super-automatic. The included pressurized baskets (which have a double wall) are forgiving of inconsistent grinds and tamping, helping beginners. However, to achieve truly great results, moving to a non-pressurized single-wall basket (a popular aftermarket upgrade) is recommended, which then demands proper grind size and tamping technique. The instruction manual is reportedly basic, driving many to online video tutorials.
Durability & Maintenance: The experiences are polarized. A significant number of reviews boast of 5-7 years of trouble-free daily use, suggesting a well-built core product. However, an equally vocal group experiences failures related to the pump, thermoblock, or electronic controls around the 1-2 year mark. Regular descaling is non-negotiable, but the machine’s internal descaling reminder system is a frequent source of bugs and frustration.
Value for Money Assessment
Is the DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black) worth your money? The answer depends heavily on your expectations and willingness to tinker.
At its frequent sale price (often between $199-$279), it represents exceptional value for a specific user: the space-conscious coffee lover who wants to move beyond pods and dive into the world of semi-automatic espresso, without a major financial commitment. For this person, the potential for cafe-quality espresso is real and transformative.
However, the value proposition diminishes if:
- You primarily drink milk-based drinks and want perfect texture.
- You desire absolute reliability and a hassle-free experience.
- You lack the patience to learn and adjust variables like grind size and tamping.
- You need to fit large mugs under the group head without modification.
The machine is often compared to more expensive Breville models. Many reviewers who have owned both feel the Dedica holds its own on pure espresso quality but falls short on steam power and built-in features. As one customer summarized: “If you can buy this coffee machine on special for $249 or less, and you dont need to make more than 4 cups a day, then I recommend. Anything over this price and you are best to look at the Breville at $600.”
Check DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black) on Amazon for the latest price.
Alternatives to DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black)
If the cons of the Dedica give you pause, consider these alternatives:
- Breville Bambino Plus: A slightly more expensive but highly regarded compact machine. It boasts a much faster and more powerful thermocoil heating system, an automatic steam wand for truly hands-free microfoam, and a smaller footprint. It’s often the top recommendation for those willing to spend a bit more for convenience and milk performance.
- Gaggia Classic Pro: The entry-point to the professional-style machine world. It’s larger, heavier, and has a significant learning curve, but offers unparalleled build quality, repairability, and steaming power. It’s a “buy it for life” option for the serious enthusiast.
- Nespresso or Other Pod Machines: If your priority is supreme convenience, consistency, and clean-up with zero learning curve, a pod system is worth considering. The trade-off is ongoing cost per cup, less environmental friendliness, and less control over the final product.
DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black) review: Final Verdict
After analyzing 296 customer reviews, the DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black) emerges as a compelling but flawed contender in the budget espresso machine market. It is a classic “your mileage may vary” product.
Who should buy it? This machine is ideal for espresso purists with limited counter space who enjoy the process of manual coffee making. If you are willing to invest in a good grinder, learn proper tamping technique, and potentially perform simple mods (like a non-pressurized basket), the Dedica can reward you with outstanding espresso that belies its size and price. It’s a fantastic “first serious machine” or a perfect compact companion for a caravan or small apartment.
Who should avoid it? Avoid the Dedica if your primary focus is milk-based drinks, you demand foolproof reliability, or you want a completely effortless experience. The steam wand’s limitations are real, and the risk of encountering descaling errors or premature pump failure, while not universal, is significant enough to consider.
In conclusion, this DeLonghi Dedica EC685BK (Black) review finds that the machine delivers spectacularly on its core promise of space-efficient, high-quality espresso for a bargain price. However, this comes with acknowledged compromises in milk frothing, a potential reliability gamble, and a need for user skill and patience. For the right user, it’s a beloved gem. For the wrong user, it’s a source of frustration. Weigh the pros and cons carefully against your own coffee rituals and expectations. Visit DeLonghi’s official website for more specifications and support information.