Delonghi already has in its arsenal a series of super-automatic espresso machines that have made a big splash, such as the Delonghi Dinamica vs Eletta. I’m here to help you choose the better one between these two, and the winner is the Delonghi Dinamica, no ifs or buts.
Let’s get straight to what makes the Delonghi Dinamica better than the Delonghi Eletta. The Dinamica has dual boilers for multi-tasking and a longer menu of high-quality drinks. It is also Delonghi’s first automatic machine that is fitted with patented TrueBrew Over Ice technology.
Delonghi Dinamica Vs Eletta: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Dinamica Vs Eletta: Differences
The Dinamica led the Eletta 4-2. How are they different from each other? Let’s find out!
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Delonghi Dinamica
Built-in Grinder
Both come equipped with a stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 adjustment settings, which may not sound like a lot, but it’s more than enough to dive deep into the world of espresso experimentation. By turning the dial on the bean hopper, you can play around with these settings, searching for that sweet spot that gives you the perfect extraction for your espresso.
You certainly won’t have a problem fiddling with the grind dimensions, and I would just urge you to make sure to do it while the grinder is running. I also don’t recommend using shiny, oily beans since they can leave a residue on the grinder, which can lead to clogging and affect the performance of your machine over time.
Another standout feature that they also share is the bypass grind function. This lets you use pre-ground coffee, which is a godsend for those times when you’re craving a cup of decaf or if you just run out of beans. Both even come with a scoop, making it easy to get the right amount of ground coffee.
Heating System
The dual thermoblock system in the Dinamica really sets it apart from the crowd. Typically, at its price point, you’d expect just one boiler. Even the Dinamica Plus version doesn’t boast this dual system.
So, what’s the big deal with two thermoblocks? With this setup, the Dinamica can prepare espresso and milk foam simultaneously. What’s more, it doesn’t have to constantly switch gears between brewing coffee and steaming milk, which often leads to a drop in temperature and, subsequently, a dip in the quality of your coffee.
The Eletta doesn’t have this blessing – It’s equipped with a single thermoblock. Sure, you’ll need to wait a bit when switching from brewing to steaming, but the thermoblock makes this transition swiftly in just a few seconds, which is impressively fast.
Brewing System
The Dinamica has the potential to create better espresso shots with a pre-infusion function and a 15-bar pump. Why are these factors worth taking into account? Well, I won’t bore you to death with confusing arguments, so let’s make them easy.
First up, pre-infusion. Before the main pressure hits, the machine gently wets the coffee grounds. This step is crucial because it ensures the coffee is evenly saturated, leading to a more uniform extraction. The Eletta doesn’t have this pre-infusion stage, which is a bit of a shame.
Now, both have a 15-bar pump. In the realm of espresso machines, pressure is king, and 9 bars is the minimum pressure for extracting all those rich, bold flavors from the coffee. So with 15 bars of maximum pressure, these machines ensure the extraction process is always carried out properly.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Tie
Dimensions & User Interface
| Delonghi Dinamica | Delonghi Eletta | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.3 x 14 x 17 inches | 10.2 x 14.2 x 18.4 inches |
| Weight | 20.8 lbs | 24.2 lbs |
These handsome guys are very well-built, even though they’re primarily made of plastic. Plastic isn’t really an ideal option, but it keeps the cost more wallet-friendly. With proper care, I believe there’s nothing that should break on these machines for a decade with home use.
Size-wise, they’re not exactly tiny, sure, but they’re compact enough to fit under most kitchen cabinets. Remember, though, that if your cabinets are on the lower side, you might have to slide the machine out to refill the bean hopper. Of course, if you have some counter space without upper cupboards, you’re in luck.
The Dinamica boasts an easy-to-read text display that’s refreshingly straightforward. The layout of the buttons is intuitive, and the menus are so well organized, making it a breeze to navigate through the various options. It’s so user-friendly, in fact, that you might find yourself whipping up your favorite coffee without even glancing at the user manual.
Likewise, the Eletta features a compact text screen complemented by durable, sensitive buttons. These buttons are clearly labeled with easily identifiable icons and drink names, taking the guesswork out of your coffee-making adventure. This design is even perfect for those who might feel a bit lost in today’s touchscreen-dominated world.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Delonghi Dinamica | Delonghi Eletta | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 3.5-5.5 inches | 3.4-5.6 inches |
Both have a height-adjustable dispensing spout, which is wonderfully easy to move up or down. When making espresso, slide that spout all the way down, snugly close to your cup, to preserve the precious crema on top of your espresso and reduce splashing. The maximum cup clearance is pretty generous, enough for a decent-sized travel mug or even an insulated mug.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Delonghi Dinamica | Delonghi Eletta | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.8 liter | 2 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.3 kilogram | 0.3 kilogram |
They have large water tanks. But what really steals the show is the fact that their water tanks slide out from the front and the inclusion of a water filter. Using a water filter significantly reduces the amount of calcium deposit in the water, which is a common culprit in the buildup of scale inside coffee machines. Less scale buildup means the machine runs smoother, and your coffee tastes better – it’s a win-win.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Tie
DeLonghi’s LatteCrema system, used in both the Dinamica and Eletta, is a real game-changer for automatic milk frothing. I highly rate it, even though I’m the type of guy who likes to tinker with a steam wand.
First off, the integrated milk carafe is a stroke of genius. It’s a far cry from the hassle of dealing with external containers and fiddly tubes. This carafe is all about convenience. You can keep it in the fridge, so your milk is always fresh and ready. When it’s coffee time, just attach it to the machine, and you’re good to go. And when you’re done, it goes back in the fridge. It’s as simple as that. No mess and no fuss at all.
Now, let’s talk about the froth. The LatteCrema system delivers deliciously frothy milk for a cappuccino or a latte macchiato. However, if you’re a flat white aficionado looking for that silky microfoam, this system might not be your perfect match. The froth is good, but it’s not quite at the microfoam level required for a perfect flat white.
Incidentally, you can’t tweak the milk’s temperature, but there is a dial on the top of the carafe to select the amount of milk foam. Whether you like your foam thick, medium, or relatively thin, the LatteCrema system has got you covered. It’s surprisingly versatile and does a great job in each setting.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Delonghi Dinamica
Drink Options
| Delonghi Dinamica | Delonghi Eletta |
|---|---|
| Espresso Espresso Lungo Long Coffee Over Ice Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Cappuccino + Hot Milk Cortado Caffelatte Cappuccino Mix Flat White Espresso Macchiato Hot Water Steam | Espresso Long Coffee Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Hot Milk Caffelatte Flat White Hot Water |
I know that most of us have our go-to coffee preferences, often sticking to one or two favorite caffeinated beverages. It’s also true that the extensive lists of coffee specialties on machines like the Dinamica and Eletta might seem like overkill at first glance, but it’s great to know that they can help you recreate any drink you might find at a small local coffee shop.
Notably, the Dinamica has an Over Ice function. By brewing at a lower temperature, the machine prepares a coffee that’s more suited to being served over ice without the dilution or bitterness that can come from pouring hot coffee directly onto ice. It’s not the same as an iced coffee brewed with a cold brew method, but it’s still worth a try.
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Delonghi Dinamica | Delonghi Eletta |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee Temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Milk Foam Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Texture | Yes | Yes |
Both machines offer user-friendly customization for your beverage. You have the flexibility to modify the brewing temperature, coffee strength, and quantity, along with the milk froth level. And when you take the 13 grinder adjustment settings into account, you’ll find them to be extremely versatile machines. Unfortunately, they don’t have any user profiles, so you and others can simultaneously save personalized settings.
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Dinamica
- 18 espresso and specialty coffee recipes, with a simple touch of a button, including latte, cappuccino, macchiato, espresso, iced coffee, ristretto, flat white and more.
- Built-in conical burr grinder with 13 settings for always freshly ground coffee, for any beans of your choice.
- Automatic and adjustable milk frothing from the proprietary LatteCrema System for perfectly textured lattes and cappuccinos; works with oat, soy and rice milk
- Personalize and save your favorite recipes with My Menu feature.
- Switch between recipes seamlessly with simultaneous frothing, grinding and brewing.
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Eletta
- Fresh Espresso for every cup the integrated burr grinder with adjustable settings grinds fresh beans every time to ensure maximum freshness. You can also use pre-ground in the second chamber – your choice of regular, specialty or decaf.
- The de’longhi lattecrema system creates perfectly layered Espresso beverages, with dense, rich, long-lasting foam in every cup from start to finish.
- Consistent brewing every time Each cup is automatically brewed to the perfect temperature, richness and density. And, you can customize the settings to ensure it’s always just the way you like it.
- Maintenance: de’longhi machines require half the cleaning time of other brands, unlike competitor machines, which require chemical cleaning tablets monthly.
- Warranties may not apply to purchases from an unauthorized retailer.
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Delonghi Dinamica: https://www.delonghi.com/en/ecam350-55-w-ex-4-dinamica-automatic-coffee-maker/p/ECAM350.55.W%20EX%3A4
- Delonghi Eletta: https://www.delonghi.com/en/ecam44-660-b-eletta-cappuccino-automatic-coffee-maker/p/ECAM44.660.B
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.