DeLonghi

Stilosa EC230.BK

DeLonghi Stilosa EC230.BK

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Overall

#5 in

Espresso Machines

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score85% positive
39
4
3

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Oct 13, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconDes20020024
11 months ago

Between these two, the DeLonghi one is gonna have better rep than the Vantro; and possibly more parts and long term reliability/support. However, I'd say get the Delonghi Stilosa EC230 instead, it's 15999 INR currently. It's a boiler design vs the thermoblock EC685, (meaning it'll take longer to heat up, and will lose steam pressure over time unlike the Dedica); but it comes with a better steaming wand out of the box The EC685 comes with a pannarello steam wand; which is great if you want to create some milk foam without having to fuss around with technique, but it won't do great latte art or give you any real control over the process if that's what you want. A popular upgrade for the Dedica EC685 is swapping out the steam wand to a Rancilio Silvia wand, but that's another \~4k upgrade, with a possibility of voiding warranty. The Stilosa comes with a better wand as standard. Also the Stilosa EC230 is marketed towards home enthusiasts and baristas apparently, so it comes with an unpressurized basket and portafilter; so you can save some money on the upgrade there One thing to note though is the Stilosa doesn't have any way to time the shot; you need to manually turn the knob to stop the shot. I consider that a plus; as it can be less of a hassle than programming the times (as you can do with the Dedica EC685); but you might like it. [https://www.amazon.in/DeLonghi-Espresso-Machines-Cappuccino-Installation/dp/B085J8LV4F](https://www.amazon.in/DeLonghi-Espresso-Machines-Cappuccino-Installation/dp/B085J8LV4F) Watch some videos on it; Lance Hendrick made a Stilosa video talking about their incredible value; and Tom's Coffee Corner on YT has tons of videos on these Delonghi Dedica/Stilosa machines

Reddit Iconezzentialtheone
9 months ago

This. Stilosa ec230 ( comes with unpressurised basket) and then kingrinder k2 or k6 is the ultimate budget setup. Ive been using mine for a year and pull almost as good shots as 4k€ setup.

Reddit IconJBambers
9 months ago

For the unpressurised route grinder wise I don't have much to add to recs below, baratza esp or df54 are common options. For machines, most of the ones below the Bambino in price (including eg the dedica) will be setup for pressurised baskets and many will have milk steaming with a frothing attachment that is intended to make production of an old fashioned cappochino foam easy but limits the potential for modern flat white/latte microfoam (and art) and so need aftermarket accessories and adjustments to adapt. The main notable exception is the Delonghi Stilosa EC230 (specifically the 230), can be found for £90 with discounts. This is a very good budget option but is probably a bit finicky for a novice. That it's a boiler machine which sits over and heats up the group along with a simple hardwired pump/steam mode controls gives it a lot potential for mimicking profiled shots and getting very good lighter roast shots but that same simplicity also makes it a bit more annoying for just getting a shot out. Procook in the UK do actually do one with unpressurised baskets and a good steam wand which is currently at £159 but no idea how well this does, might be worth a look though as on the face of it it does look quite decent.

5 months ago

Regarding the link you've added, other than the stilosa, they're basically the same Chinese white label dedica knock off with a different brand name so its worth considering the dedica itself as well. It's often around for a similar price once discounts are considered. That said, the white label ones come with a steam wand and not a panarello style thing. They'll all be a bit iffy for temperature stability shot to shot as their control methods are fairly rudimentary. The stilosa is the unique exception in that list and in budget machines generally as it's actually a small boiler based model that directly heats the whole group head and with some techniques to bodge pressure profiling can actually pull some very good shots even with more challenging beans. However it's a more finicky machine for a total newbie to use, particularly the steaming. The dedica style thermoblock machines are a far more 'plug and play' option. All will likely be coming with pressurised baskets so intended for coarser pre ground coffee. You'll not really get a 'proper' shot from these so you will need a grinder, fresh coffee and aftermarket unpressurised basket/portafilter. 

Reddit Iconnixhomunculus
6 months ago

A Delonghi EC230. I guess its a Fiat or a Dacia? I mean, it works to give me coffee without frills.

Reddit Icon2-9-19-3-21-9-20-19
9 months ago

Espresso at home really goes one of two ways, a super automatic machine you dump beans into and it does the rest, or a new hobby you invest hours and effort into but pays off in the end if you're really into it. You can make a great latte on a secondhand DeLonghi Stilosa you pick up on Marketplace for $50 if you buy a good espresso grinder and good beans to ensure you're starting with a worthwhile product. You really need to put in the energy to learn the machine, make some minor modifications, and do some fiddling with how you time things to get the best results. The Nespresso suggestion isn't the worst if you aren't interested in a new hobby or an expensive super automatic.

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