De’Longhi Automatic Coffee Machines

De’Longhi is an Italian company that manufactures automatic and manual espresso machines, along with other small household appliances. The company started out making machines for Italian coffee shops in the 1990s.

By 2003, they produced their first, fully automatic espresso machine with an IFD (Instant Froth Dispenser) system. This was truly an innovation for consumer models. Barista drinks like cappuccino and lattes could now be made at home. By 2013, they were introducing their automatic espresso machines to the North American home market.

The models can be purchased on the company website. De’Longhi also has an impressive network of authorized distributors, including Costco, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Macy’s, and Kohls. They have partnered with Dolce Gusto and Nespresso for co-branded models.

Online pricing for De’Longhi bean to cup models is competitive, ranging from $550 to $2000. De’Longhi is a family-owned public company and with manufacturing facilities in Italy. In 2016, the company took 34% revenue share in the global marketplace.

Brand Features

The De’Longhi brand is focused on usability. They consider it a metric of quality and performance. Ease of use is a consistent tagline in all their machines. The upgrading of technology that facilitates function is readily apparent with each new model. They like to say that every product they manufacture comes with “something special.”

The brand acknowledges its international market and understands the differences in culture, lifestyle of home consumers. Many models come with different dimensions to accommodate smaller kitchens. The focus is building machines with style that over-perform for customers. They have a tool to help buyers choose the right machine.

It should be noted that international appeal often includes manual functions, such as frothing milk, on some of their automatic machines. This flexibility is appealing to in-home baristas who prefer more of a hands-on approach. The company wants the customer experience to feel better every day.

De’Longhi Technology

De’Longhi was the first to manufacture an automatic coffee machine that could froth milk. Their interest in innovation continues. Here are some of the features they offer: (Not all items are included in every model.)

De’Longhi Coffee App

The app is available for Android and Apple. Use your cellphone to access the machine’s features and save personalized recipes. Check your machine for compatibility. Remote access may not be available on all models.

Smart-One-Touch-System

This system recognizes your preferences and automatically puts the beverages you like the most at the top of the list.

Lattecrema System

System automatically froths and/or steams milk to the correct density for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. The system also works with non-dairy milks, including soy, oat, and rice.

Automatic Cappucino System

This patented system is a one-touch solution for creating rich, long-lasting foam on cappuccinos and other espresso-based beverages.

Truebrew Over Ice™

A unique brewing process for preparing iced coffee in a fully automatic espresso and coffee machine. Coffee is pre-infused and infused again and brewed at a lower temperature. The outcome is rich, full-bodied coffee over ice that doesn’t taste watered down. (Note: Only available on models that brew espresso and regular coffee.)

Double Boiler System

Most models that offer frothing have a double boiler system. This means there’s no waiting in between making an espresso or a cappuccino.

Coffee Machine Maintenance

Keeping your automatic coffee maker clean keeps your coffee fresh and your machine running at peak performance. The De’Longhi models are designed for easy cleaning, with removable components.

Milk System: The milk system – carafe, reservoir, and wand should be rinsed after every use. Once a week, the system should be thoroughly cleaned using the De’Longhi Milk Cleaner. Without regular cleaning, bacteria can build up in the system.

Brewing System: The brewing system needs to be cleaned once a week. The units’ design makes it easy to remove and rinse (no detergent required.) Clean the space around the brewing module, removing any loose coffee grounds and oils.

Decalcification: Limescale build-up in your machine needs can cause it to malfunction. You can minimize the problem by replacing your water filter regularly. But about every 3 months, you need to decalcify the system with a bottle of De’Longhi Descaler. Most automatic coffee models have an indicator to let you know when the system needs descaling.

Technician Service: Pre-COVID19, the company offered in-home technicians to service machines (for a fee.) We assume it’s currently unavailable, but they do have a service center location finder if you need to send your model for repair.

Summary: De’Longhi Automatic Coffee Machines

As a family-owned public company, De’Longhi is conscious of its reputation. They strive for style, function, and usability in each model. They offer their models in different sizes and maintain a simple, elegant color pallet.

They have an active distribution network that includes big box stores and online powerhouses like amazon.com. They do include all of the company’s products – not just coffee makers. Sometimes the messaging for their automatic coffee line gets lost.

If you’re looking to purchase an automatic coffee machine, the De’Longhi website is the easiest way to buy. Unfortunately, many of the models are out of stock, most likely due to restrictions from COVID-19.