In this comparison, I’ll help you decide between the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus and the Philips LatteGo 5400, highlighting the pros and cons of each machine. Let’s dive in—spoiler alert: the Dinamica Plus has a slight edge.
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus
- The Dinamica Plus delivers impressive espresso quality for a super-automatic machine. Its standout feature is the LatteCrema system, which produces rich and creamy milk foam. Additionally, the machine supports remote control via an app and offers user profiles, making it an excellent choice for households with multiple coffee drinkers.
Philips LatteGo 5400
- The LatteGo 5400 also has its strengths, including a user-friendly interface, four user profiles, and a more affordable price point. However, its espresso tends to be on the weaker side—a drawback I’ll discuss further. The milk frother works well but lacks the sophistication of the Dinamica Plus’s LatteCrema system.
Delonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Philips Lattego 5400: Specs & Features Comparison
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus and Philips LatteGo 5400 are two impressive super-automatic coffee machines, each with unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dinamica Plus measures 9.3 x 14 x 17 inches and weighs 20.9 lbs, while the LatteGo 5400 is slightly larger at 9.7 x 14.6 x 17 inches but lighter at 17.7 lbs. Both models feature a sleek touch display for easy operation.
The Dinamica Plus offers 14 one-touch drink options and comes equipped with a stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 grind settings. In contrast, the LatteGo 5400 provides 13 one-touch drinks and features a ceramic flat burr grinder with 12 grind settings. Both machines use a single thermoblock heating system and an auto-frothing milk system. However, the Dinamica Plus boasts a 19-bar pump pressure compared to the 15 bars on the LatteGo 5400, potentially leading to more robust espresso extraction.
The cup clearance for the Dinamica Plus ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 inches, while the LatteGo 5400 accommodates taller cups with a clearance of 3.3 to 6.9 inches. Both machines include a 1.8-liter water reservoir and a bean hopper, with the Dinamica Plus holding up to 0.3 kg of beans and the LatteGo 5400 slightly less at 0.27 kg. Optional water filters are available for both, and they are compatible with pre-ground coffee.
Additional features include app connectivity and user profiles, with the Dinamica Plus supporting some profiles and remote control, while the LatteGo 5400 offers four user profiles for personalized brewing.
The Dinamica Plus stands out for its thermoblock fast-heating system, versatile grind settings, and the ability to create up to 14 specialty coffees. It is easy to use, clean, and visually appealing. The LatteGo 5400 impresses with its ceramic burr grinder, extensive drink options, user profiles, and ease of operation.
The Dinamica Plus is priced at $1,064.99, while pricing for the LatteGo 5400 is not specified, making the former a premium choice with more advanced features.
Delonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Philips Lattego 5400: Differences
The Delonghi Dinamica Plus emerges as the winner with a score of 4-1 over the Philips LatteGo 5400. Curious about the details? Let’s break it down point by point.
COFFEE FLAVOR & BREWING SYSTEM
Winner: Delonghi Dinamica Plus
When it comes to coffee flavor, the brewing systems of both machines play a pivotal role. Both feature automatic pre-infusion, an essential step in extraction that allows the coffee grounds to bloom and release their full aroma. While neither machine offers adjustable pre-infusion pressure—something that could benefit certain coffee beans—the inclusion of pre-infusion is a welcome touch.
However, the LatteGo 5400 produces a weaker espresso compared to the Dinamica Plus. This is primarily due to the larger holes in its basket and its shorter extraction time of 14-18 seconds, falling short of the ideal 25-30 seconds. On the other hand, the Dinamica Plus delivers a more balanced and robust espresso, making it the superior choice. Both machines allow for removable brew groups, which is great for deep cleaning and routine maintenance, ensuring longevity and reliability.
BUILT-IN GRINDER
The Dinamica Plus features a stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 grind size settings, while the LatteGo 5400 comes with a 12-level ceramic burr grinder. Adjusting grind settings should only be done while the grinder is in action to prevent damage.
From a durability and performance perspective, ceramic burrs have the advantage. They are quieter, longer-lasting, and resist heat transfer better than stainless steel burrs, preserving the delicate aromas of coffee beans during grinding. That said, while the ceramic grinder on the LatteGo 5400 is impressive, the brewing unit ultimately has a larger impact on the quality of espresso. Still, every detail counts when crafting the perfect cup, and the ceramic grinder’s heat resistance gives the LatteGo 5400 a slight edge in this area.
HEATING SYSTEM
Both the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus and Philips LatteGo 5400 feature a single rapid-heating thermoblock system. While this design doesn’t allow for simultaneous brewing and steaming, it compensates with quick heating times. Compared to more advanced dual-boiler machines, these thermoblocks hold their own and ensure a smooth brewing experience without much delay.
BREWING SYSTEM
Both machines come equipped with an automatic pre-infusion feature, which is an essential step in coffee extraction. This process wets the coffee grounds with low-pressure water before brewing, helping to release the beans’ full flavor and aroma. While an adjustable pre-infusion option would be a welcome addition—allowing users to tailor pressure based on bean type—this feature’s absence is unlikely to be a dealbreaker for most users.
When it comes to espresso quality, the LatteGo 5400 falls short compared to the Dinamica Plus. The Philips machine tends to produce weaker, watery espresso, primarily due to its filter basket design, which has slightly larger holes. This results in a shorter extraction time of 14-18 seconds, as opposed to the ideal 25-30 seconds for a rich, full-bodied espresso.
One standout feature of both machines is their removable brew group, making it easy for users to deep clean and maintain the units. This simple maintenance option helps prevent potential issues and extends the machines’ longevity without requiring professional servicing.
DESIGN & CONVENIENCE
Winner: Tie
DIMENSIONS & USER INTERFACE
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus measures 9.3 x 14 x 17 inches and weighs 20.9 lbs, while the Philips LatteGo 5400 is slightly larger at 9.7 x 14.6 x 17 inches and lighter at 17.7 lbs. Both machines rely heavily on plastic for their construction, likely to keep costs down, but the chrome accents add a touch of elegance. Their relatively compact size ensures they fit seamlessly into most kitchens without overwhelming the space.
In terms of usability, the Dinamica Plus offers a 3.5-inch touchscreen interface, designed to replicate the intuitive experience of a smartphone. Its instructions are presented in clear, plain English, making it easy for anyone to navigate. Meanwhile, the LatteGo 5400 uses a TFT screen with six physical buttons for one-touch drink selections, with additional specialty drinks accessible via its menu. This straightforward layout eliminates any confusion often caused by unclear icons on some machines.
SPOUT TYPE & CUP CLEARANCE
Both machines are equipped with dual adjustable spouts, a standard feature in modern super-automatic espresso machines. These spouts can be lowered close to the rim of smaller espresso cups to minimize splashing and preserve the crema, or raised to accommodate taller mugs and travel cups.
The Dinamica Plus has a cup clearance range of 3.5 to 5.5 inches, slightly less than the LatteGo 5400’s 3.3 to 6.9 inches. While the LatteGo’s higher clearance provides more versatility for taller vessels, both machines comfortably handle a variety of cup sizes, ensuring convenience for all users.
WATER RESERVOIR & BEAN HOPPER
Both machines are equipped with a 1.8-liter water reservoir, which is removable and accessible from the front—an essential feature for convenient refilling and cleaning. The Dinamica Plus has a bean hopper capacity of 0.3 kilograms, slightly larger than the LatteGo 5400’s 0.27 kilograms, but both are adequate for home use.
Each machine also includes a water softener filter, a standard addition to improve water quality. Using the filter reduces impurities, resulting in better-tasting coffee and minimizing the frequency of descaling. This not only ensures a more enjoyable coffee experience but also helps maintain the longevity of the machine.
MILK FROTHING SYSTEM
Winner: Delonghi Dinamica Plus
When it comes to steaming milk, the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is equipped with the LatteCrema system, while the Philips LatteGo 5400 utilizes its LatteGo milk system. Both systems enable hands-free milk steaming and feature plastic milk carafes that can be easily attached and removed from their respective machines. One standout feature of both systems is the absence of rubber tubing, which often leads to milk drips and residue buildup, making cleaning easier and reducing potential messes.
However, the LatteGo system does have its drawbacks. The milk spout is positioned slightly farther from the cup, which can sometimes cause splashes or foam spilling down the side. Additionally, the carafe lid lacks a hinge, meaning it doesn’t attach securely, which could be inconvenient during operation. Both systems produce thick, creamy milk foam but offer limited variation in texture. While not quite the silky microfoam seen in professional lattes, the results are satisfactory for most home users.
DRINK OPTIONS & PROGRAMMABILITY
Winner: Delonghi Dinamica Plus
DRINK OPTIONS
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus offers a wider variety of specialty drinks compared to the Philips LatteGo 5400. The Dinamica Plus includes options like Truebrew Over Ice and a Pot function, which allows it to brew up to six cups of coffee at once, making it ideal for hosting guests. Other highlights include Double Espresso, Long Coffee, and Doppio+. The LatteGo 5400, on the other hand, boasts a robust lineup of 13 drinks, including Café au Lait and Ristretto, but excels particularly in its milk-based drinks, with lattes and macchiatos being standout options.
Both machines include a hot water function for tea and a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee, adding versatility. However, the Dinamica Plus’s broader range of drink types gives it the edge, especially with its multi-cup brewing capability.
PROGRAMMABILITY
Both machines allow users to customize their drinks by adjusting coffee strength (five levels), brewing temperature, cup size, and milk volume. The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus goes a step further with a foam texture dial on the milk carafe, allowing users to tweak the milk texture to their liking. The LatteGo 5400, while not offering a texture dial, provides more control over milk foam settings, a bonus for users who prioritize milk-based beverages.
For user profiles, the Dinamica Plus supports three profiles and an additional guest profile, while the LatteGo 5400 offers four. Additionally, the Dinamica Plus has app connectivity, enabling users to adjust settings and prepare drinks remotely, a feature that adds convenience for tech-savvy coffee lovers.
Quick Overview Of Delonghi Dinamica Plus
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is a smart, fully automatic espresso machine designed for coffee enthusiasts seeking convenience without compromising on quality. It features a vibrant and intuitive 3.5-inch TFT color display, making interaction seamless and straightforward. The touch display guides you effortlessly through drink customization and machine settings, presenting all options in clear visuals.
One of its standout features is the De’Longhi Coffee Link App, which allows users to create and save up to three personalized espresso recipes. The app also provides helpful tips, tricks, and maintenance guidance, ensuring that the machine remains in top condition. For grinding, the integrated conical burr grinder offers 13 adjustable settings, ensuring even and precise grinding to enhance the flavors and aroma of your coffee.
The Dinamica Plus also comes with a Smart-One-Touch System that learns your preferences and displays your most frequently used drinks first for quicker selection. The proprietary LatteCrema System provides perfectly textured milk foam and is easy to store in the fridge to keep milk fresh when not in use.
Pros:
- Rapid heating with the thermoblock system.
- 13 grind settings for better control.
- Offers up to 14 specialty coffee drinks.
- Includes multiple user profiles.
- Remote control via the Coffee Link App.
Cons:
- Single boiler limits simultaneous brewing and steaming.
- On the heavier side, making it less portable.
Quick Rundown Of Philips Lattego 5400
The Philips LatteGo 5400 is a versatile espresso machine that focuses on simplicity and convenience. It offers 12 aromatic coffee options made from fresh beans, such as espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and more, all accessible with just a single touch. The LatteGo milk system is a highlight, producing silky-smooth froth by mixing milk and air in a high-speed chamber. The design ensures a splash-free, creamy layer of milk foam at the perfect temperature.
The machine’s intuitive display makes it easy to navigate through the menu and customize your coffee preferences. The coffee customizer allows adjustments to coffee intensity, aroma, and milk volume. An additional extra-shot feature boosts flavor intensity without adding bitterness, perfect for those who prefer stronger drinks.
Cleaning is a breeze with the LatteGo system, which can be rinsed clean in as little as 15 seconds. The sleek and stylish design ensures it fits comfortably in any modern kitchen.
Pros:
- User-friendly and easy to clean.
- Attractive design.
- High-quality ceramic burr grinder.
- Supports four user profiles for personalization.
- Wide range of one-touch coffee options.
Cons:
- Produces weaker espresso compared to competitors.
- Single boiler setup limits efficiency.
Conclusion
Choosing between the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus and the Philips LatteGo 5400 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Both machines offer convenience, versatility, and impressive features, but they cater to slightly different audiences.
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus excels in offering robust coffee flavor, thanks to its advanced grinder and LatteCrema system. Its broader drink options, remote control via the Coffee Link App, and customizable user profiles make it ideal for households with diverse coffee preferences or those seeking a café-like experience at home. However, its heavier build and single boiler might be less appealing for those with limited counter space or who prioritize speed.
On the other hand, the Philips LatteGo 5400 is perfect for users who value ease of use and quick cleanup. Its LatteGo system ensures mess-free milk frothing, while the simple interface and stylish design make it a great addition to modern kitchens. While its espresso might lack the strength some aficionados prefer, its wide range of one-touch drinks and user-friendly features make it a solid choice for families or casual coffee drinkers.
If coffee quality and versatility are your top priorities, the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is the better option. However, if simplicity, affordability, and convenience take precedence, the Philips LatteGo 5400 is a fantastic alternative.