Delonghi La Specialista Vs Dinamica: Which One Is Better?

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In the face-off between the Delonghi La Specialista vs Dinamica, it becomes clear that the Dinamica emerges as the ultimate winner. Why?

The Delonghi Dinamica features more grind settings, a dual-thermoblock heating system, an amazing automatic frothing system, and a long list of one-touch drinks. The Delonghi La Specialista is also a fantastic choice, especially for those who love to have hands-on control over the entire brewing process.

Delonghi La Specialista Vs Dinamica: Specs & Features Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
De'Longhi ECAM35075SI Dinamica with LatteCrema System and LCD Display, Silver
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
De'Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Sensor Grinder, Dual Heating System, Advanced Latte System & Hot Water Spout for Americano Coffee or Tea, Stainless Steel, EC9335M, 1.3 liters
Model
Delonghi Dinamica
Delonghi La Specialista
Dimensions/Weight
9.3 x 14 x 17 inches/20.8 lbs
15 x 14.5 x 17.5 inches/29.7 lbs
Interface
Non-touch Display
Button-Operated Interface
One Touch Drink Options
14
4
Built-in Grinder
Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder
Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder
Grinding Settings
13
6
Heating System
Dual Thermoblocks
Dual Thermoblocks
Pump Pressure
15 Bars
15 Bars
Pre-Infusion
Milk Frothing System
Auto-Frothing System
Pannarello Steam Wand
Spigot Type/Cup Clearance
Dual/3.5-5.5 inches
Dual/5 inches
Water Reservoir/Bean Hopper
1.8 L/0.3 Kg
2 L/0.25 Kg
Filter
Yes (Optional)
Compatible With Pre-ground Coffee
App Connectivity
User Profile
What I Like
Price
$1,197.55
$597.54
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
De'Longhi ECAM35075SI Dinamica with LatteCrema System and LCD Display, Silver
Model
Delonghi Dinamica
Dimensions/Weight
9.3 x 14 x 17 inches/20.8 lbs
Interface
Non-touch Display
One Touch Drink Options
14
Built-in Grinder
Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder
Grinding Settings
13
Heating System
Dual Thermoblocks
Pump Pressure
15 Bars
Pre-Infusion
Milk Frothing System
Auto-Frothing System
Spigot Type/Cup Clearance
Dual/3.5-5.5 inches
Water Reservoir/Bean Hopper
1.8 L/0.3 Kg
Filter
Yes (Optional)
Compatible With Pre-ground Coffee
App Connectivity
User Profile
What I Like
Price
$1,197.55
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
De'Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Sensor Grinder, Dual Heating System, Advanced Latte System & Hot Water Spout for Americano Coffee or Tea, Stainless Steel, EC9335M, 1.3 liters
Model
Delonghi La Specialista
Dimensions/Weight
15 x 14.5 x 17.5 inches/29.7 lbs
Interface
Button-Operated Interface
One Touch Drink Options
4
Built-in Grinder
Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder
Grinding Settings
6
Heating System
Dual Thermoblocks
Pump Pressure
15 Bars
Pre-Infusion
Milk Frothing System
Pannarello Steam Wand
Spigot Type/Cup Clearance
Dual/5 inches
Water Reservoir/Bean Hopper
2 L/0.25 Kg
Filter
Compatible With Pre-ground Coffee
App Connectivity
User Profile
What I Like
Price
$597.54
More Info

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Delonghi La Specialista Vs Dinamica: Differences

The Dinamica comprehensively won 4-0 against the La Specialista. Without further ado, let’s compare them in detail!

Coffee Flavor & Brewing System

Winner: Delonghi Dinamica

Built-in Grinder

Both are fitted with a stainless steel conical burr grinder, which is unbelievably quiet. Even when running them all day, I wasn’t even slightly worried about the neighbors starting a petition against my coffee habits.

Now, let’s dive into the grind settings. The Dinamica boasts 13 settings, while La Specialista sits at 6. Different beans and brews require different grind sizes, and finding that sweet spot is key to unlocking the best flavor. With more settings on the Dinamica, you get more room to experiment and tailor the espresso to your liking. 

the delonghi dinamica features a 13-level conical burr grinder
The Delonghi Dinamica features a 13-level conical burr grinder

Heating System

Both the Delonghi La Specialista and Dinamica both come equipped with twin thermoblocks, so they can steam milk and prepare espresso simultaneously. In my opinion, it’s this dual heating system feature that really sets them apart from the crowd. 

Beyond the convenience of simultaneous preparation, the dual heating system also ensures consistent temperature control. The machine doesn’t have to play a juggling act between brewing and steaming, which means less fluctuation in temperature and more stability in your coffee’s taste and quality.

Brewing System

As you’d expect from high-end, sophisticated coffee machines like these DeLonghis, pre-infusion is a standard feature. Before the main event of extraction, a small amount of water is gently released onto the coffee puck. 

This pre-infusion step is crucial for a more complex and well-rounded shot of espresso. By wetting the coffee grounds first, the pre-infusion process helps to evenly saturate them, which in turn allows for a more uniform extraction. This means you’re less likely to get those bitter or sour notes that can come from uneven extraction.

Design & Convenience

Winner: Delonghi Dinamica

Dimensions & User Interface

Delonghi La SpecialistaDelonghi Dinamica
Dimensions12.5 x 13.5 x 16 inches9.3 x 14 x 17 inches
Weight26 lbs20.9 lbs

The La Specialista is a shorter but wider option, while the Delonghi Dinamica is taller and narrower. The La Specialista is also significantly heavier than the Dinamica.

Delonghi La Specialista really catches the eye with its stainless steel housing wrapped around a chic black control panel. The Dinamica looks sleek and modern and its housing is mostly plastic- Yes, plastic isn’t quite ideal, it helps keep the cost down and, anyway, this machine still feels sturdy and well-built.

The La Specialista features a minimalist control panel with a series of buttons that cover everything from a double dose of grounds, rinsing, and kick-starting the brew to dispensing hot water and more. And let’s not overlook the pressure gauge sitting front and center, offering you the chance to really dive in and take control of your brew.

the la specialista's control panel
The La Specialista’s control panel

The Dinamica features an easy-to-read text display, a contrast to the touchscreen displays you might find on the high-end, super-automatic Delonghi machines. I’m as much a fan of touchscreens. I mean, just looking at our smartphones can leave us in awe of the crazy tech we have in our hands. But when it comes to a coffee machine, I’m all for a simpler user interface like one on the Dinamica. 

the delonghi dinamica's control panel
The Delonghi Dinamica’s control panel

Spout & Cup Clearance

Delonghi La SpecialistaDelonghi Dinamica
Spout TypeDualDual
Cup Clearance5 inches3.5-5.5 inches

As a super-automatic coffee machine, the Delonghi Dinamica comes equipped with a height-adjustable dispenser. So you position the dispenser as close to your cup as possible to minimize those annoying splashes and, more importantly, preserve the precious crema in your espresso.

The La Specialista doesn’t have such a height-custom spout, but it does offer cup clearance spacious enough to fit any espresso cup and even a few standard latte macchiato glasses. It has a built-in small cup raiser to reduce the gap between the dispenser and smaller cups to, once again, preserve the crema layer.

the cup raiser
The cup raiser

Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper

Delonghi La SpecialistaDelonghi Dinamica
Water Reservoir2.5 liter1.8 liter
Bean Hopper0.25 kilogram0.3 kilogram

The La Specialista’s water tank is more generous, but it’s located at the back of the machine. So removing it to refill is a bit more awkward than the Dinamica’s tank, which slides out effortlessly from the front. What’s more, the Dinamica comes with a water filter to soften the water, which not only means better-tasting coffee but also reduces the need for frequent descaling.

Milk Frothing System

Winner: Delonghi Dinamica

The La Specialista features a Panarello steam wand for frothing milk. What’s special about this wand is its versatility in frothing styles. Move the ring up for ‘flat’, and you get warm, smooth milk – no bubbles, just silky liquid warmth, perfect for those who like their milk sans foam. Or, if you’re in the mood for something frothier, slide the ring down for ‘foam’, and voilà, you get that fluffy, cloud-like froth ideal for a classic cappuccino. 

la specialista's pannarello steam wand
La Specialista’s Pannarello steam wand

Switching over to the Dinamica, here we have an automatic frothing system that includes milk carafes. No dealing with fiddly tubes or external containers – it’s all neat and self-contained. Plus, you can remove the carafe and store it in the fridge when its job is done.

the delonghi dinamica uses an auto frothing system
The Delonghi Dinamica uses an auto frothing system

In terms of frothing options, the Dinamica gives you a choice between “thick,” “medium,” and “thin” consistencies. Each setting works surprisingly well, catering to a range of milk-based coffee drinks. However, it’s worth noting that if you’re chasing the dream of crafting the perfect flat white, it might fall just a bit short of expectations.

Drink Options & Programmability

Winner: Delonghi Dinamica

Drink Options

Delonghi La SpecialistaDelonghi Dinamica
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
Coffee
Americano
Hot Water

The Dinamica features a long menu with a variety of specialty drinks. Interestingly, it includes an ‘Over Ice’ function, which allows the machine to brew at a lower temperature, perfect for those iced coffee lovers. Now, it might not be as fancy as the low-pressure cold brew function you’d find on the Jura Z10, but it’s definitely a feature worth exploring.

As for the La Specialista, there is a knob to toggle between three options: “Espresso,” “Coffee,” and “Americano.” For the “Coffee” setting, the machine pushes more water through the coffee puck. And if you’re in the mood for an Americano, the machine first brews an espresso and then seamlessly adds hot water. The hot water spout is right next to the brew head, and you can also get water through it to brew tea..

Programmability

Adjustable SettingsDelonghi La SpecialistaDelonghi Dinamica
Coffee StrengthYesYes
Coffee TemperatureYesYes
Milk Foam TemperatureNoNo
Milk Foam TextureNoYes

Both machines offer a delightful range of customization options. Beyond just adjusting the grind settings, you can program the grind amount, brewing temperature, and even the length of your espresso shot. And that’s not all – you have the choice between pulling a single shot or a double shot. This flexibility is fantastic because it gives you plenty of room to experiment.

Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Dinamica

Sale
De'Longhi ECAM35075SI Dinamica with LatteCrema System and LCD Display, Silver
  • 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 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Easy to use and clean.
  • Has two dual boilers.
  • Has a variety of one-touch drinks.
  • All drinks can be personalized.
  • Automatic milk frothing.
Cons
  • No user profile.
  • No app.

Quick Rundown Of Delonghi La Specialista

Sale

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Dual thermoblocks.
  • Automatic tamping.
  • Easy to use and clean.
  • Impressive cup clearance.
  • Upgraded Panarello steam wand.
Cons
  • No single-wall basket.
  • Feel cheap.

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References

5/5 - (2 votes)