If you’re stuck deciding between the Delonghi Dedica Deluxe and the Breville Duo Temp Pro for your home espresso setup, here’s my take after comparing the two: the Breville Duo Temp Pro definitely comes out on top.
What makes the Duo Temp Pro the winner? First, its advanced features like PID temperature control and the auto-purge function really make a difference. They ensure every shot is brewed at the ideal temperature and that the machine is always ready to go. The build quality is solid, and the interface is simple enough for beginners to use without any hassle.
That said, the Delonghi Dedica Deluxe isn’t a bad machine by any means. It’s just that when compared to the Duo Temp Pro, it falls behind in key areas like water tank capacity and the more advanced features. However, if you’re looking for something more compact and budget-friendly, the Dedica Deluxe could be a good choice. It’s a solid option for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles but still want a decent cup of espresso.
Delonghi Dedica Deluxe vs Breville Duo Temp Pro: Comparison
When comparing the Breville Duo Temp Pro and the De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe, both machines offer great features, but they cater to slightly different needs.
The Breville Duo Temp Pro is a more robust machine with a Thermocoil heating system, a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, and a 61 oz water reservoir. It also features PID temperature control for precise temperature adjustments, making it ideal for those who want to fine-tune their espresso brewing process. The manual steam wand offers full control for milk frothing, and the auto-purge function ensures that the machine maintains the right temperature for espresso extraction after steaming. The machine also comes with both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets for different brewing needs. Its sleek design and ease of use make it perfect for beginners, while the high-quality materials used in its construction ensure longevity. However, it comes at a higher price point of $449.99.
The De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe, on the other hand, is a more compact and budget-friendly option, priced at $219.63. It uses a Thermoblock heating system for quick heat-up times and features a 51mm aluminum portafilter. The machine is equipped with a Panarello steam wand for milk frothing, which is a bit less versatile than the Breville’s manual wand. While it doesn’t have PID temperature control, it does offer programmable temperature adjustments to three levels. The 35 oz water reservoir is smaller, making it more suitable for those with limited counter space or smaller kitchens. The simple controls make it easy for anyone to operate, and the double drip tray can accommodate various cup sizes.
Delonghi Dedica Deluxe vs Breville Duo Temp Pro: Differences
When comparing the Breville Duo Temp Pro and DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe, the Breville takes the win in almost every category, leading to a decisive 3-0 victory. Let’s break down why the Duo Temp Pro edges out the Dedica Deluxe, covering coffee flavor, brewing systems, design, and convenience in detail.
COFFEE FLAVOR & BREWING SYSTEM
The Winner: Breville Duo Temp Pro
HEATING SYSTEM
The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe features a Thermoblock heating system, which heats up quickly—great for those who don’t want to wait too long for their morning espresso. It offers three temperature settings, but I found them somewhat limited. Even at the highest setting, the espresso wasn’t as hot as I prefer. Despite this, it still brews at a decent temperature.
On the other hand, the Breville Duo Temp Pro uses a stainless steel Thermocoil, which provides more consistent temperatures than the Thermoblock system. However, there is a slight delay between shots as the machine requires recovery time. Despite this, the consistency and reliability of the water temperature, thanks to PID temperature control, make it a superior choice for brewing espresso. The PID technology ensures stability, which, in the world of espresso, is more important than occasional temperature adjustments.
FILTER BASKET & PORTAFILTER
Both machines come with pressurized filter baskets, which are great for beginners or anyone using pre-ground coffee. These baskets are forgiving, eliminating the need for perfect tamping or grind consistency. Both the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe and the Breville Duo Temp Pro come with single and double shot pressurized filter baskets, catering to different preferences.
However, the Breville Duo Temp Pro offers more versatility with its inclusion of non-pressurized filter baskets. These are perfect for those looking to perfect their espresso technique, giving more control over grind size, dose, and tamp pressure. The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe lacks this option, which gives the Breville an edge for those aiming for a more authentic espresso experience.
COFFEE FLAVOR
The espresso brewed from the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe has a good depth and sweetness, but it lacks the syrupy mouthfeel I desire. The pressurized baskets do their job, but the result is a slightly watery shot.
The Breville Duo Temp Pro, however, delivers a much richer espresso. Thanks to the PID temperature control and Thermocoil, it extracts caramel sweetness, a syrupy body, and well-balanced acidity. The result is a more full-bodied, flavorful espresso shot that meets my ideal expectations.
DESIGN & CONVENIENCE
The Winner: Breville Duo Temp Pro
DIMENSIONS & BUILD QUALITY
The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe is compact, measuring at 5.9 x 12 x 13 inches, and weighing just 9.3 pounds. This makes it perfect for those with limited counter space. However, its construction includes a significant amount of plastic, which detracts from its durability.
In contrast, the Breville Duo Temp Pro is a more substantial machine with a sturdier, stainless steel body that adds to its aesthetic appeal and durability. At 12.6 x 12.6 x 10.1 inches and weighing 18.9 pounds, it is bulkier, but the premium feel of its build quality makes it stand out.
USER INTERFACE
Both machines are easy to use, especially for beginners. The Breville Duo Temp Pro features a central dial for switching between espresso and steam functions, along with a button for hot water. Its simple design makes it intuitive without needing a manual.
The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe has just three buttons for single and double shots and steaming, along with a dial to control the frothing wand. While simple, it lacks some of the ease-of-use features the Breville provides.
WATER TANK
The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe has a 34-ounce water tank, which is decent but may require frequent refills if you make multiple shots throughout the day.
The Breville Duo Temp Pro comes with a larger 61-ounce water reservoir, perfect for someone who drinks multiple espressos or cappuccinos daily. Additionally, the Duo Temp Pro has a handle on its water tank, making it much easier to remove and refill compared to the Dedica.
MILK SYSTEM
The Winner: Breville Duo Temp Pro
The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe comes with a Pannarello steam wand, which offers ease of use for beginners. It automatically froths milk and allows you to switch between cappuccino and hot milk settings. However, it falls short for those looking to create microfoam for latte art. You can remove the metal cover for better control, but it’s not as efficient as a manual wand.
The Breville Duo Temp Pro, however, features a manual steam wand. While it may be more challenging for beginners, it allows for full control over milk texture, making it ideal for creating latte art or perfecting milk frothing to your exact specifications.
AUTO PURGE FUNCTION
The Breville Duo Temp Pro comes with an auto-purge function after steaming, which automatically resets the machine’s temperature for espresso brewing. This adds convenience, ensuring that the temperature is ideal for your next shot without extra steps.
The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe doesn’t have this feature. You’ll need to manually clean the Pannarello wand, which can be a chore and is easy to forget.
Quick Overview Of Breville Duo Temp Pro
Breville Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Duo Temp Pro allows you to make third-wave specialty coffee at home, ensuring balanced flavors and even extraction every time. This espresso machine uses low-pressure pre-infusion to manage sweetness, acidity, and bitterness, resulting in the perfect cup.
- Precise Espresso Extraction: Thanks to low-pressure pre-infusion, the Breville Duo Temp Pro evenly extracts all the flavors from your coffee grounds, ensuring a balanced, full-bodied cup.
- Water Temperature: The 1600W Thermocoil system features an integrated stainless steel water path that accurately controls the temperature of the water, ensuring consistent espresso brewing.
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: The powerful 1600W element provides enough steam to create microfoam, which enhances the flavor and allows you to experiment with latte art at home.
- Auto Purge: After steaming milk, the Duo Temp Pro automatically purges the heat system, making sure that your next espresso shot is brewed at the ideal temperature.
- Price: $499.95 (on sale for $449.99)
Pros:
- Made from high-quality materials for durability and performance.
- Simple, intuitive controls, making it easy for beginners to use.
- Automatic purge function keeps the brewing temperature consistent after steaming.
- Comes with both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets for more brewing flexibility.
- PID temperature control ensures precise and consistent water temperature for optimal espresso extraction.
- The manual steam wand gives you full control over frothing milk for a variety of textures and latte art.
Cons:
- Requires some practice, especially for beginners.
- Priced higher than some other entry-level machines.
Quick overview Of Delonghi Dedica Deluxe
The De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe is a sleek, compact espresso machine that brews a wide range of espresso-based drinks. It has a super-slim design, measuring less than 6 inches in width, and is made of durable metal. The machine includes a 15-bar pump and a built-in cup warmer.
- Design: The Dedica Deluxe is extremely compact, making it perfect for small kitchens or limited countertop space. Its full metal body gives it a premium look, and it includes a double drip tray to accommodate larger cups or mugs (up to 12 cm tall).
- Heating: The Thermoblock system heats the machine in just 40 seconds, maintaining a consistent temperature for efficient brewing.
- Customizable Settings: You can adjust the coffee length, foam, and steam levels to suit your preferences.
- Price: $219.63
Pros:
- Compact design fits easily in small kitchens and on crowded countertops.
- Thermoblock heating system provides quick heat-up times.
- Programmable temperature with three levels for greater control.
- Simple controls that are easy to use, especially for beginners.
- Double drip tray can accommodate taller cups and mugs.
Cons:
- Only uses pressurized filter baskets, limiting customization.
- The included tamper is of low quality and might need an upgrade.
- The filter basket size can be awkward for some users.
Both machines have their strengths and are great for different types of coffee enthusiasts. The Breville Duo Temp Pro offers more versatility and precise control, especially for those who enjoy experimenting with espresso techniques, while the De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe is a great choice for those who need a compact, user-friendly machine for quick and easy espresso.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Delonghi Dedica Deluxe and the Breville Duo Temp Pro offer great features for espresso enthusiasts, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
The Delonghi Dedica Deluxe stands out with its sleek, compact design, making it a top choice for those with limited counter space. It delivers a solid performance with consistent espresso quality, making it ideal for users who prioritize ease of use and space-saving functionality. Its user-friendly interface and fast heating time are additional perks, though the steam wand is relatively basic.
On the other hand, the Breville Duo Temp Pro excels in offering a more hands-on, customizable experience. It features a more robust steam wand for frothing, a larger water tank, and offers more control over temperature and extraction time, making it a better option for more experienced baristas who are looking to experiment and fine-tune their espresso-making process. The Duo Temp Pro is slightly bulkier but delivers professional-level results, perfect for those who are willing to invest more time into their coffee-making ritual.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-use machine for quick, high-quality espresso, the Dedica Deluxe is a solid choice. However, if you’re ready to explore more advanced techniques and want greater control over your espresso, the Breville Duo Temp Pro is the better option.