Comparison De'Longhi Dedica Style EC 685.W white vs De'Longhi Distinta ICMI 211.BK black

— Espresso (portafilter). All espresso coffee makers follow a similar principle: hot water under high pressure (ranging from 4 to ideally 10 bar or more) is passed through a holder containing ground coffee. This extraction process maximizes the extraction of flavor, aroma, and beneficial properties from the coffee, resulting in a characteristic foam. This method is used to prepare espresso as well as many other coffee drinks (refer to "Preset programs"). Specifically, manual espresso coffee makers feature a detachable holder, often referred to as a "horn" and all the operations with the holder are performed manually. The user measures the desired amount of coffee, fills it into the holder, tamps it with a tamper, installs it into the coffee maker, and disposes of the used coffee grounds after brewing. Manual espresso machines require a certain level of skill but also allow baristas to showcase their expertise and achieve flavors that are difficult to replicate with automatic coffee makers. That's why most coffee houses and restaurants use manual espresso coffee makers, and coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the art of coffee-making prefer them for their home use.

— Espresso (automatic). There are various espresso coffee makers available, including those with high automation levels. In these models, the customer only needs to load coffee and water and initiate the brewing process by giving a start comma...nd. All other operations such as dosing, tamping, and cleaning after brewing are performed automatically by the coffee maker. Automatic espresso makers offer convenience and ease of use compared to manual ones. They minimize the number of unnecessary steps involved in coffee preparation, and the "human factor" has minimal impact on the process, ensuring consistent drink quality. However, for many coffee enthusiasts, these aspects are considered drawbacks rather than advantages. Some value the ritual and artistry of manual coffee-making, while others enjoy the freedom to experiment with various variables such as dosage and tamping to achieve the perfect taste. Additionally, automatic coffee makers tend to be more expensive than manual espresso machines with similar features and capabilities.

— Capsule. Capsule coffee makers are automated devices designed to prepare coffee using pre-packaged, sealed containers known as capsules. These capsules contain pre-ground coffee, precisely measured for a single serving of a specific drink. Using capsule coffee makers is incredibly simple and convenient. Users just need to insert a capsule, start the brewing process, wait for it to finish, and then remove the used capsule. Capsule coffee makers offer several advantages. Firstly, they eliminate the "human factor" in the brewing process since each capsule contains a standardized portion of coffee, ensuring consistent taste with every cup. Additionally, the capsules are tightly sealed with a foil lid, allowing for long-term storage without compromising the quality of the coffee. Moreover, capsule systems provide a wide variety of flavors and options for different drinks. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The cost of drinks made with capsules tends to be higher compared to using whole beans or ground coffee, making it a more expensive option. Furthermore, different coffee makers manufacturers use different capsule formats, limiting the compatibility between machines and capsules. Alternatively, reusable capsules are available, which can be filled with ground coffee according to personal preference. These reusable capsules are more cost-effective but require thorough cleaning when switching between coffee varieties and are not suitable for long-term storage. In summary, capsule coffee makers offer convenience, consistency, and a wide range of flavors, but they come with higher costs and limitations in terms of compatibility between machines and capsules. Reusable capsules provide more flexibility but require regular cleaning and lack the extended storage capabilities of disposable capsules.

— Filter (drip). A type of coffee maker that is especially popular on the American continent, but has recently been increasingly used in Europe. These coffee makers operate on a similar principle to the espresso makers described earlier, but with one key difference: the hot water passes through the coffee filter due to gravity rather than under pressure. Another distinguishing feature is that filter coffee uses beans that are less roasted and coarsely ground compared to espresso. As a result, the resulting drink, known as filter coffee or "pourover," is less intense than espresso, lacks the characteristic foam, has a more uniform consistency, and a lower concentration of caffeine (which is compensated for by larger serving sizes, typically around 120-150 ml). Filter coffee makers typically include a transparent coffee jug capable of holding 10 or more standard servings, or another container for serving the prepared coffee, such as a mug.

— Combined. Models that combine both a filter coffee maker and an espresso coffee maker (usually manual type). See above for each of these varieties, and their combination provides appropriate versatility, allowing you to prepare both filter coffee and espresso-based drinks in one coffee maker. On the other hand, such a combination is not cheap, and the real need for it rarely arises: domestic coffee lovers much more often prefer Americano, rather than pour over. Therefore, combined models have not received much distribution.

— Geyser. Another name for this type of coffee maker is "Moka" or "Moka Express." These coffee makers have a distinctive appearance, resembling teapots with a unique shape that tapers towards the middle. The Moka pot consists of two chambers: the lower chamber is where water is added, and the upper chamber is used to collect the brewed coffee. These two chambers are connected by a vertical tube that contains a filter for ground coffee. The grind size for Moka pots is slightly larger than that used for espresso. When the Moka pot is heated, the pressure increases in the lower chamber, forcing hot water to pass through the coffee filter and into the upper chamber, resulting in a concentrated and flavorful coffee similar in quality to espresso. Geyser-style coffee makers, such as Moka pots, are simpler in design and operation compared to espresso machines. They are also more affordable, compact, and considered safer to use. One drawback of Moka pots is that the water can reach excessively high temperatures (above 96°C), which can lead to overly bitter coffee. However, many Moka pot models include temperature limiters to mitigate this issue and prevent overheating. Moka pots have a distinctive teapot-like design and operate by using pressure generated from heated water to brew coffee. They offer a simpler and more affordable alternative to espresso machines, producing concentrated coffee with flavors similar to espresso.

— Electric Turk. The electrical analogue of the Turks (cezva) — a special vessel for making coffee in the oriental (Turkish) way. One of the advantages of such a device over the usual cezve is that the electric Turk can be provided with automation that will turn off the heating when the optimum temperature is reached (which means that the customer does not have to independently monitor the process). The volume of electric cezva, like conventional ones, is small — about 300-400 ml; coffee should be of the finest grinding, and the drink as a result is extremely rich, with a high content of grounds. True, some connoisseurs are skeptical about electric Turks, believing that they do not allow you to achieve the "right" taste; however, this point is more related to self-belief than to the actual taste of coffee.

— Siphon. Siphon coffee makers use a principle of operation that was popular in the 19th century but then forgotten. Recently, it has regained popularity. The process involves two containers connected by a tube, with coffee in the upper container and water in the lower one. When heated, the water rises, mixes with the coffee, and then flows back down, passing through a filter. This method is known for producing a mild and pleasant taste. However, siphon coffee makers are complex and produced in limited quantities for coffee enthusiasts.

Types of coffee for which the coffee maker was originally designed.

— Ground. Traditional ground coffee; the easiest way is to buy such a product in finished form, but if you wish, you can grind it yourself from whole beans. And if this option is specified for a model with a built-in coffee grinder (see above), this means that both beans and pre-ground coffee can be loaded into it.

— In grains. This option means that the coffee maker is equipped with a built-in coffee grinder by definition, which means that you can grind beans in it immediately before brewing, which allows you to maximize the taste and aroma. For more information about the other benefits of this option, see "Built-in coffee grinder". Also note here that some coffee makers with this function also allow the use of ground coffee (see above), others work exclusively with beans from their own coffee grinder and do not require loading a powder that was ground separately.

— Capsules. Ground coffee, packaged in special capsules; usually, one such container is used to prepare one serving of the drink. Capsule coffee makers are extremely simple and easy to use: just load the capsule, turn on the making and wait for the end of the process, and then remove the used container. The capsules themselves can be both disposable and reusable. The advantage of the first option is that the human fac...tor is eliminated from the brewing process: each capsule contains a standard portion of coffee, and each next cup is no different from the previous one. In addition, disposable containers are hermetically sealed and can be stored for a long time without loss of quality. Their disadvantages are the limited flavors, the high final cost of the drink (almost twice as expensive as using beans or ground coffee), and the fact that different manufacturers of coffee makers use different capsule formats. Reusable capsules can be refilled with ground coffee to your taste, they are cheaper, but not suitable for long-term storage and require thorough cleaning when changing coffee sorts.

— Pods (cialda). A type of portion packaging in which roasted ground coffee is packed in a special filter, most often paper; each such filter is stored in a sealed bag. From a practical point of view, pods are very similar to disposable capsules (see above). On the one hand, the preparation of such coffee is extremely simple, convenient and does not require any special skills: just load the pod, turn on the coffee maker and wait for the preparation; and sealed packaging allows you to store such coffee for a long time. But pods do not allow you to experiment with different sorts, grinding levels and preparing features, and the selection of sorts and flavors among them is rather limited. In terms of one cup of coffee in pods, it is cheaper than a drink from disposable capsules, but still more expensive than coffee from ground beans.

On a separate note some models of coffee makers allow the user to use several types of coffee at once. For example, in the holder of some manual espresso coffee makers (see "Type"), both a portion of ground coffee and a pod can be loaded.

Method of preparing milk and coffee drinks (cappuccino, latte, latte macchiato, etc. - see “Preset programs”) provided in the coffee maker. The differences between the methods lie primarily in the method of preparing milk froth:

- Manual. With this method, the customer must independently froth the milk - the coffee maker only provides the hot steam under pressure necessary for this. Steam is supplied through a tube, which usually has a special “panarello” nozzle - it makes it easier to whip up the foam. Occasionally there are models without such an attachment, with a “bare” tube - they are designed mainly for professionals. Manual systems are simple and inexpensive in themselves, and they also provide a certain “freedom of imagination”, allowing you to experiment with the cooking process; however, using such systems requires some skill.

— Semi-automatic. This method involves the presence of a separate spout from which milk foam is dispensed. The coffee maker prepares this foam on its own, drawing milk from an external vessel through a special tube (however, there are also models with a built-in milk reservoir). When using such a device, you first need to make espresso, and then move the cup under the “milk” spout and press the foam button (or in the reverse order if you are preparing a latte macchiato). The spouts can be located next to each other - then there is no need to move the cup;...however, coffee and foam are still prepared separately in such devices. However, this method is still noticeably simpler and faster than manual.

— Automatic. The most automated cooking process, allowing you to get drinks with milk foam literally in one click: just put the cup under the spout, turn on the program - and the coffee maker will automatically dispense a portion of espresso and the required amount of foam. As a rule, such models are equipped with their own milk tank (see below). This method is the most convenient, but it is worth remembering that different recipes require a different order of ingredients: for example, when preparing latte and cappuccino, milk is added to the coffee, when preparing latte macchiato, vice versa. At the same time, not all automatic coffee makers have the ability to choose the order; This nuance should be clarified before purchasing.

— Automatic and manual. Some advanced models of coffee makers provide both methods for preparing milk drinks, thereby providing flexibility in choosing an approach. A manual milk frother may be preferable if you want to have more control over the process, while an automatic one is a convenient option for those who appreciate ease of use.

There are also coffee makers without a milk frother. Due to the specifics of their work, they significantly save time on preparing drinks and do not require careful maintenance. The system of such coffee makers does not have a milk tract, which requires close attention in terms of regular and labor-intensive maintenance. Models without the function of preparing cappuccino and other coffee and milk drinks are well suited for office premises and public places.

— Grinding degree. Choosing the degree of coffee grinding is crucial for achieving the desired strength and consistency of the final coffee. Different types of coffee drinks require varying degrees of grinding. For espresso and related drinks like cappuccino and latte, a fine grind is necessary. Turkish coffee requires an extremely fine grind, almost like "dust." Cream coffee and filter coffee are best with a medium grind, while a coarse grind works well for French press.

— Pre-wetting. One option available in some coffee makers is the ability to pre-moisten the ground coffee with hot water before brewing the drink. This feature allows users to customize the duration of coffee wetting, although there may be exceptions. Pre-wetting plays a crucial role in enhancing the taste and aroma of coffee, resulting in a more intense and flavorful beverage. Automatic coffee makers often include this feature.

— The strength of the drink. Coffee enthusiasts have the option to manually adjust the strength of their beverage. This adjustment can be achieved through various methods, such as changing the coffee-to-water ratio, adjusting the water temperature, or controlling the brewing speed. The number of available settings may vary, ranging from a basic choice between "strong" and "mild" to more advanced options. Regardless of the number of settings, this function allows...individuals to personalize the taste of their coffee according to their preferences, providing additional customization features.

— Drink volume. Coffee makers offer the feature of selecting the desired volume of the final beverage according to individual preferences. Different models may have varying methods for making this choice. Some machines provide fixed settings (20 mL, 35 mL, etc.) from hich users can select their preferred option. Other models allow for manual adjustment of the volume, sometimes even allowing users to gauge it visually. This feature enables users to customize standard programs to their liking and provides opportunities for experimenting with unique recipes.

— Temperature control. Coffee makers offer the ability to regulate the water temperature for brewing coffee. The taste of the final beverage is heavily influenced by this factor. Higher temperatures result in a brighter and more intense flavor, but excessive heating (96 °C and above) can release compounds from the coffee that add bitterness. The optimal brewing temperature is generally considered to be within the range of 92 — 95 °C. However, coffee makers may provide a wider range of temperature adjustments. Some believe that even a difference of just 1 °C can significantly impact the properties of the coffee, making this adjustment essential for those who appreciate the subtle nuances of taste and aroma in their coffee.

— Steam pressure. Coffee makers offer the feature to adjust the steam pressure coming out of the panarello nozzle. This nozzle is used for frothing milk, especially when preparing cappuccino, as well as for heating milk. By modifying the steam outlet pressure, users can control the intensity of the steam and achieve varying foam densities. It also allows them to omit foam altogether if the intention is solely to heat the milk.

— Foam volume / density. For coffee and milk beverage enthusiasts, the ability to adjust the volume and thickness of the foam "cap" is highly useful. This feature is particularly valuable when preparing drinks like cappuccino, latte, and macchiato. The quality of the final beverage is influenced by the quantity and density of the foam. By customizing these parameters, users can tailor the drink to their personal taste preferences.

— Water hardness. Coffee makers offer the capability to adjust the settings based on the hardness of the water being used. Over time, the heating element of the coffee machine accumulates scale and requires regular cleaning or descaling. The rate of scale buildup increases with harder water, necessitating more frequent cleaning. However, the coffee machine evaluates the condition of the heating element not based on the actual scale amount, but by considering the water hardness setting and the duration of operation since the last cleaning. Therefore, it is crucial to correctly set the water hardness settings to receive timely notifications for descaling. Coffee machines equipped with this feature often include a water hardness indicator with four settings: very soft, soft, hard, and very hard.

The number of cups of coffee that can be prepared in the coffee maker at one time.

The meaning of this characteristic may be different, depending on the design of the coffee maker. So, if the device does not belong to geyser models or electric Turks (see "Type"), and also does not have its own coffee pot (reservoir for finished coffee), the number of cups is indicated by the number of pouring spouts. Among such models, devices for two spouts, that is, for two cups, have become widespread: they are convenient not only for preparing coffee for two people, but also for recipes that require a double portion of espresso. Options for one spout are much less common, these are mostly compact and relatively inexpensive models.

In turn, for Turks and geyser coffee makers, the number of servings is determined by the capacity of the water tank (see below), and for models with their own coffee pot, by the capacity of the coffee pot (it also approximately corresponds to the capacity of the tank). Moreover, the counting is also carried out in different ways. In electric Turks, geyser models, as well as espresso coffee makers with a container for ready-made coffee, 60 g of drink is usually considered per portion — the maximum volume of one cup of classic espresso; for filtration models — twice as much, 120 – 125 g (standard portion volume of filter coffee). In all these cases, the number of cups can be ...href="/list/95/pr-2472/">three or more, and many coffee pots generally hold 10 — 12 portions.

The volume of the water tank provided in the coffee maker; for turkish electric coffee pot (see "Type"), this paragraph indicates the actual working volume of the turk.

The larger the tank, the more coffee you can make without refilling the device; on the other hand, a large capacity, respectively, affects the dimensions, weight and price of the device. Therefore, manufacturers select this parameter in accordance with the general level of the coffee maker and the features of its intended use. So, you rarely have to make more than two cups of coffee at the same time, and 300 – 400 mL for such cases is usually more than enough for home use. And for use in a coffee shop or restaurant, where coffee is made often and in large quantities, large-sized devices are produced, the volume of which is already calculated in liters; recommendations for choosing the volume of a coffee maker for professional use can be found in special sources.

This parameter is relevant for espresso coffee makers and geyser models — where coffee is prepared at increased steam pressure. In the second case, this parameter can be ignored — in "geysers" the extraction of soluble substances from coffee occurs mainly due to high temperature. But for espresso coffee makers, pressure is a key characteristic. All such devices can be divided into two categories. The first is the entry-level models, in which the pressure is only 4 – 5 bar. Such a modest figure is compensated by the high temperature of the steam, due to which the coffee aroma is relatively weak, but quite a lot of caffeine is extracted into the drink. More advanced espresso makers provide 15 bar and even higher (19 bar and 20 bar); this significantly affects the cost, but the coffee turns out to be as rich and aromatic as possible.

Power consumption of the coffee maker. Usually, this indicator is comparable with the power of the heater installed in the device.

This parameter is selected by the manufacturer, taking into account other performance characteristics (type of device, tank volume, additional functions, etc.), so that the coffee maker can effectively cope with its tasks. Therefore, in fact, power is of secondary importance: it is worth deciding first of all on other practical points, and only then look at power when choosing. In general, a more powerful coffee maker (ceteris paribus) will quickly cope with the preparation of coffee, but it will also cost more.