Delonghi Dedica EC685 Review

Reviews

Juli 22, 2022

The Delonghi Dedica has been a best seller since the EC680. Since then, the line has expanded to the EC685, EC785 and EC885. In this post, we will look at the benefits of this powerful little machine. In particular, with just a few modifications, this can produce some excellent espresso and milk foam, for a bargain price!

Features of the Dedica series (EC680, EC685, EC885)

Part of what makes the Dedica so successful are the features it offers. Let’s list these features and talk about them:

Small footprint
Fast heat up time
Excellent price
Great modability
Volumetric programming for the perfect shot

Advantages of the Delonghi Dedica Home Espresso Machine

To begin with, this little machine has an extremely small footprint, adding to its P.A.F. (partner acceptance factor). IT is only 6 inches wide! It comes in weighing just under 5kg, so it is also easily portable.

Additionally, it is extremely fast in heating up, clocking in at 30 seconds until brew ready. It is recommended to run 1-2 empty shots first, to make sure the lines and brew group are warmed up as well.

What I really love about this machine is how easily it can be modified. Just add a non pressurized basket, a proper tamper, and ideally a bottomless portafilter, and you are good to go (product links listed below)! Just these few inexpensive mods make the espresso on the machine jump to new heights, providing a great crema. Simply remove the panarello, add a cable tie to keep it from popping off while steaming, and you have got a great steam wand, too!

The prices on the Dedica range a lot, depending on your geographic location. In Europe, it can be had for right around €150, which is an absolute steal. In North America, the price hovers right around $300. I attribute this to a larger market in Europe for espresso machines and higher competition, thus bringing the price down in the Euro Zone.

Finally, the volumetric dosing is a real plus for me. Just hold down the button until you get your desired amount in the cup, and from then on, your volumetric dose is set. This can be done for the 1 and 2 cup buttons. This is a feature normally reserved for much more expensive machines.

Disadvantages

While the Dedica offers many advantages for the money, it is missing a 3 way solenoid valve to release pressure on the puck. However, this does allow for better puck knock outs. As well, some users complain of the temperature not being hot enough. Nevertheless, there is a „steam mode hack“ to combat this.

Results

The results speak for themselves. Thick, creamy espresso, and silky milk foam are the results of a few modifications, and a little practice. Just check out my youtube channel for tons of tips and mods for this machine.