The DeLonghi Dedica Duo is easy to use, comes in cute colors and fits almost anywhere. Bonus: It's capable of cold brew!
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We Tried De’Longhi’s New Compact, Affordable Espresso Maker—And It’s Capable of Cold Brew!
Updated on Jul. 28, 2025
I love a good cup of espresso. But until this year, I’ve never invested in a machine of my own. Now that espresso martinis and other coffee-centric drinks are trending, it feels like as good a time as any to take the proverbial plunge. I’ll admit it: I’m no expert in the field of coffee, though I am a practiced fan. Think of me as an average java junkie who wants to dip her toes into the greater scope of coffee drinks (figuratively, of course).
However, mastering the levers and knobs on a fancy espresso machine like a Breville Oracle Jet is like jumping right into the deep end. Temperature? Water hardness? Grind settings? All I want is a straightforward shot! For newbies like me, a simple, consistent and reliable first machine is ideal. When I heard about the newly released DeLonghi Dedica Duo, it seemed like the perfect fit. With only four brew settings, it’s a beginner’s dream machine—and it’s also capable of cold brew in a mere five minutes!
What more could a casual coffee connoisseur ask for?
What is the DeLonghi Dedica Duo?
The DeLonghi Dedica Duo is the latest Dedica espresso machine made by the coffee experts at DeLonghi. Like other Dedica models, the machine includes options for single shots, double shots and steamed milk. It comes in four stylish matte shades: rose, pistachio, vanilla and classic stainless steel. At just under 6 inches wide, the Dedica Duo takes up a similar amount of counter space as a mini Keurig. It also weighs in at around 6 pounds. This makes it a great option for folks in dorms, apartments or those with otherwise limited counter space.
While it’s similar in look and feel to older Dedica models, where the DeLonghi Dedica EC890 truly shines is in its dual brew system. In addition to espresso, it also comes with a built-in cold brew setting that takes only five minutes, rather than hours of steeping in a fridge. While we’ve seen this a few times before, the sub-$300 price tag brings this feature to a more budget-friendly machine. Additionally, the steam wand can spit out hot water for tea, which is a pretty nifty addition.
DeLonghi Dedica Duo Espresso Machine
Whip up cold brew and espresso shots in mere minutes with DeLonghi's new dual-brew machine.
How We Tested the DeLonghi Dedica EC890
The DeLonghi Dedica Duo comes in a well-packaged box. Inside is also a quick start guide, comprehensive manual, 51mm portafilter, two brew baskets (one each for both single and double shots), a 1-liter water tank, a sturdy metal tamp, a plastic coffee scoop and a needle for cleaning the steam wand.
Most of what you need to get started comes with the machine, but I also picked up a set of espresso cups and a milk pitcher. You’ll likely want to order a metal pitcher if you plan on using the steam wand.
And, of course, you’ll want some good espresso beans and an espresso grinder. While you can opt for pre-ground espresso, I don’t recommend it—more on that later.
Setup
In terms of steps, I would say that setting up the machine is the most labor-intensive part of using the Dedica Duo. That’s not saying much, either—it takes just a few minutes to prep the EC890 for your first drink of the day. After cleaning the machine by running some water through it as per the instructions, I was ready to brew my first ever espresso shot!
First, I filled the water tank with fresh water. I plugged in the Duo, turned it on using the power button on the side of the machine and waited until the steam, single and double shot lights illuminated. That’s the machine’s way of indicating that it’s heated up and ready to go.
From there, I popped the smaller basket into my portafilter. I used the included scoop to measure out my pre-ground espresso into the basket, then used the tamp to firmly press the grounds down. I also ensured the grounds met the “fill” mark—this might take some finessing. That’s it!
Espresso
Eagerly, I popped in the portafilter, ensuring it was nice and locked in by rotating it to the right. I set my cup below it, tapped the “single shot” icon and waited with bated breath as my machine whirred to life. And then—nothing. The water collected in my portafilter, but didn’t make it all the way through the basket. Far from ready for defeat, I tried several more times to pull a single shot, with similar results. “What is wrong with my Dedica Duo?” I lamented. Naturally, I turned to the internet for answers. After some reading online, I realized that the problem wasn’t the machine. It was my grounds!
The espresso was far too finely ground for the water to fully pass through the tightly-packed puck of coffee. Once I figured this out, I pulled out my Cuisinart coffee grinder and ground some of my beloved Super Crema by Lavazza at the third grind setting. This did the trick! In seconds, my machine was pumping out some seriously gorgeous espresso. It was dark, aromatic and topped with a generous serving of crema—and these weren’t even super fresh beans! I couldn’t believe that I had actually done it.
The shot itself was smooth, bold and absolutely perfect. Since then, I’ve further refined my technique and can now pull perfect shots on the first try, even on groggy Monday mornings. I plan on investing in a 51mm bottomless portafilter and perhaps a new basket, which will make my future brews even better. In short, the DeLonghi Dedica Duo satisfies my caffeine cravings and allows for a healthy level of experimentation. It’s truly an espresso machine that grows with you as you learn the tips and tricks of the trade!
Cold Brew
As I mentioned, the feature that really sets this machine apart is its cold brew capabilities. Luckily, the process for making cold brew is just about the same as making a shot. The only difference is that you’ll need a glass filled with ice, rather than an espresso cup or cute mug. The drip tray is fully removable, providing a little extra room under the portafilter for an average-sized coffee tumbler.
Again, I packed the portafilter basket with fine grounds, locked it in place by turning it to the right, and pressed the cold brew button. This setting does take a bit longer—around five minutes—but it’s better than waiting overnight for cold brew to steep in the fridge!
I was really impressed with the cold brew function. The coffee comes out at just the right temperature to keep most of the ice intact. It also tastes rich and complex, rather than watered-down coffee like some machines make. In short, I’m a dedicated Dedica user now.
Steam/Hot Water
Making silky microfoam is as simple as putting your pitcher with milk under the wand until the tip is just below the milk’s surface, pressing the “steam” icon on the top of the machine and turning the dial on the side of the machine to the steam setting. It’s a bit loud, and I don’t love that milk can coagulate on the tip due to the heat. That said, it’s pretty easy to wipe down with a wet cloth.
The steam wand may be my least favorite part of the machine, though I still use it occasionally. It takes quite some time (usually a minute or two) for the steam to produce anything more than surface level foam. It also tends to sputter a bit, but that’s probably user error. Usually, I find myself opting for my Keurig Standalone Frother instead, which whips up delicious hot or cold microfoam while my shot brews.
Another feature available with the steam wand is the ability to make hot water on-demand. Instead of pressing the “steam” button, just turn the dial to shoot hot water out of the steam wand and into your cup. Easy tea, anyone?
Pros
- Easy to set up and learn
- Very compact
- Also makes cold brew, steamed milk and hot water
- High-quality, sturdy build
- Attractive, responsive touchscreen
- Four trendy colors available
- Not as pricey as some espresso machines
Cons
- No programmable settings, like temperature or water hardness
- Weak steam wand
Product Comparison
There are so many espresso makers on the market. Possibly the two most popular machines are the Nespresso Vertuo Plus and the Breville Bambino Plus. So how do they compare to the DeLonghi Dedica Duo?
Unlike the DeLonghi machine, Nespresso machines don’t prepare espresso shots in the traditional way. Instead, they’re meant to work with prefilled pods that produce everything from coffee to espresso to cappuccino and lattes. Because of this, they’re delightfully easy to use—but not quite the same as a freshly brewed shot.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Breville Bambino Plus is a bit more involved than the Dedica Duo. While it’s still capable of espresso and steamed milk, it also offers additional temperature and texture settings. This makes it a great machine for espresso aficionados, but it may be too advanced for newbies. It also can’t make cold brew.
Final Verdict
I can’t overstate how much the DeLonghi Dedica Duo changed coffee for me. It’s probably the best beginner espresso machine out there, especially for those who want something that doesn’t take up much room on the coffee bar or counter. After using it every day for more than a month, it still pulls shots just as well as day one. I also love that there are tons of compatible upgrades out there, from bottomless portafilters to better brew baskets.
Such simple controls give me space to focus on perfecting my technique and the lower price point helps me invest in good espresso accessories, rather than struggling with the basics. I recommend the Dedica Duo for those seeking an espresso machine with a tiny footprint that offers additional flexibility with its cold brew setting. The machine’s flexibility—along with its easy operation—make it a great choice for both brewing beginners and intermediate coffee connoisseurs alike.
Where To Buy the DeLonghi Dedica Duo
The DeLonghi Dedica Duo is available at retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Havenly and directly on the Delonghi website. It typically retails for just under $300, making it a moderately priced espresso machine. Given the cold brew, milk steamer and hot water settings, it feels like a pretty fair price. Plus the space-friendly size and cute color options make this a memorable machine for your kitchen countertop.
DeLonghi Dedica Duo Espresso Machine
The elegant DeLonghi Dedica Duo looks great, slides easily into smaller spaces and offers flexibility with its optional cold brew setting.
FAQ
How to descale DeLonghi Dedica?
Descale the DeLonghi Dedica when the descale indicator light turns red or orange, depending on the machine. Dilute your EcoDecalk descaling solution according to the directions and fill the water tank to the maximum level. Turn the machine on and remove any portafilters. Place a cup underneath the portafilter housing to catch any drips. Place another larger container under the steam spout.
Press and hold the steam button for three seconds. You should see the buttons flash. Turn the steam dial and press the steam button to begin descaling. The process takes approximately 30 minutes. Once finished, rinse the water tank and fill it again with clean water. Repeat the process to rinse the machine.
Can you use Nespresso pods in DeLonghi Dedica?
No. However, you can use ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods, according to DeLonghi. These are pre-portioned pods that you pop directly into a portafilter basket for easy-peasy espresso. Usually, they come with a compostable paper top, making them relatively eco-friendly.
How to clean DeLonghi Dedica?
There’s really not much to cleaning a DeLonghi Dedica machine. Simply use a damp rag to spot clean any splatters or spills. You can also generally clean the drip tray, small cup tray and the removable water tank in the dishwasher, but check with your machine’s manual first.
Why You Should Trust Us
As I said, I’m not a certified coffee expert. However, I do know quite a bit about brewing as a casual coffee fan. Between my experience reviewing the best flavored coffee brands and creating concentrates with my OXO Rapid Brewer, I’ve learned a lot about what makes a good cuppa. I’ve also been crafting my own specialty coffees with an Aeropress, French press, pour over and other brewing methods for over 10 years.
My interest in coffee has also led me to participate in a virtual coffee tasting class from Uncommon Goods, which is where I learned about brew temperature and flavor profiles. The class was hosted by 2022 US Cup Tasters Champion and coffee expert Julien Langevin—I highly recommend it for those who are new to the brew.
We also spoke to Brian Leonard, named Toronto’s Best Latte Artist in 2015, for this piece. Known as “Barista Brian, Leonard is a coffee expert and latte artists whose latte art has been featured at music festivals, international film festivals, celebrity galas, major awards shows, corporate meetings, brand activations and conferences.
Elise Jesse
Elise is a home cook and recipe developer known for family-friendly dishes, trendy bakes and entertaining ideas.
