Just having a casual scroll through Noel Leeming and this Delonghi Stilosa Manual Espresso Coffee Maker popped up.
$133 through CSC Group. Available elsewhere mainly in the U.K. & U.S.
- Precious finishing with a special combination of matt and glossy details to highlight better the dynamic shapes
- Stainless steel boiler
- 15-bar pump
- Filter holder for ground coffee (1 or 2 cups). Special finishing of the portafilter
- Self-priming system means machine is always ready for use
- Milk frother for special cappuccinos
- Single selector knob for on/off, espresso and cappuccino with indicator lights
- 2 separate thermostats to control water and steam temperatures
- Extra drip tray, removable to host big glasses up to 110 mm
- Anti drip system
- Removable and transparent water tank (1 lt capacity)
- Manufacturer Warranty: 12 months
Been toying with the idea of getting rid of the pod machine and getting something like this for under $200 (partner is the main pod consumer). Just got myself an aeropress (for the office) and am loving it. Currently drinking Aoraki Coffee - Kens Choice.
I found some info on a similar machine, the EC260bk. Which appears to be the same unit expect for the milk steaming wand.
See this link for a list of pros and cons:
Note I haven't actually used this machine.
Pros:
Price (duh)
Steel boiler
Top heating plate warms up significantly
Quick heating
Decently good shots - doesn't seem to be getting clogged with the finest grinder setting
Great medium size + solid build
Useful, but not game-changing features: changeable tray, storage for baskets, water reservoir is viewable, decent wand,
Cons:
Comes with two 51mm baskets, but the double shot can only hold 8g max. I actually swapped the smaller basket with another 51mm one I had from a previous machine that
holds close to 15ish-grams.
Pressurized basket
it's REALLY fast, so timing/gauging shots is quite difficult, if you turn it off at 15Gs it'll usually finish around 25ish - I just also need to get used to the timing
Frother is super beginner friendly, not that best for latte art BUT you should be able to swap it out with the Rancillio Silvia steaming wand
Portafilter has a decent amount of plastic components
I have often seen the breville bambino get recommend for a budget entry level expresso machine, which becomes far better if you swap out the pressurised portafilter with a unpressurised one.
I would be interested to know how the Delonghi stacks up against that machine, especially considering it's only $133 and it should also be able to use an unpressurised basket.
However, if using an unpressurised basket you need a decent expresso grinder.