Delonghi Dinamica Review – Is It A Good Mid-Range Machine?

Delonghi Dinamica Review – My Ratings & Top Features

Who Should Buy The Delonghi Dinamica?

The Delonghi Dinamica is an excellent machine for coffee lovers who crave quality espresso but don't want to break the bank or their brains learning the ropes.

It's user-friendly, making it a solid pick for beginners, yet offers enough customization to satisfy more experienced brewers.

The Dinamica is especially ideal for those who love having a range of coffee options at their fingertips but aren't quite ready for the steep learning curve of more professional setups.

Why I Decided To Review The Delonghi Dinamica

I know an espresso machine is a big investment for most people. I've spent years road-testing various espresso machines.

There are two big reasons why I decided to check this machine out.

First, it's a super-automatic espresso machine, a real lifesaver for those hectic days when I can't spare a minute for manual brewing.

Second, I have friends and family members who love a diverse range of coffee drinks but are just not into learning the nitty-gritty of espresso machines.

I wanted to have an excellent fully automatic espresso machine that would do the heavy lifting for them.

Here’s how I did my Delonghi Dinamica review.

What’s It Like To Live With The Delonghi Dinamica

Imagine skipping the morning hustle of getting to your local coffee shop, waiting in line, and finally, getting that much-needed caffeine hit.

Now, picture having that same high-quality experience but right in the comfort of your kitchen.

That's what it's like to live with the DeLonghi Dinamica. It brings the coffee shops to you, serving up top-notch espresso and other coffee favorites without you ever having to step out the door.

Let's see how this super-automatic coffee machine performs.

What's In The Box?

Getting the DeLonghi Dinamica delivered was a breeze. The box showed up in mint condition, so you know they're not playing games with shipping.

Now, when you pop that box open, here's the good stuff you'll find:

I feel like DeLonghi has really thought of everything. The carbon-active water filter keeps your coffee tasting crisp and your machine free from gunk.

That descaler and cleaning brush make sure cleaning isn't a day-long event.

Pulling My First Espresso Shot

After some initial setup, I got down to business. Now, let's clear something up: this isn't a semi-automatic espresso machine.

You're not grinding, tamping, and timing like you might on semi-automatic machines. The Dinamica does most of that for you, which is pretty sweet.

The grinding process? Silky smooth. Just load up those fresh coffee beans and let the built-in grinder work its magic. It does give you the option for a single or double shot.

The DeLonghi Dinamica comes with a stainless steel burr grinder with 13 adjustment settings.

13 might not sound like a lot, especially if you're used to a semi-automatic espresso machine with a gazillion options, but trust me, it's more than enough for this super-automatic machine.

Adjusting the grind is a breeze, thanks to a handy dial inside the bean hopper.

The moment of truth: pulling that first espresso shot. I have to say, the espresso quality was stellar.

We're talking true espresso, with that rich, deep flavor and a layer of crema on top that would make any barista nod in approval.

In other words, it was a great espresso, the kind of shot that makes you close your eyes for a second and just enjoy.

Purists might say you won't get the exact extraction you'd get from a traditional home espresso setup, but honestly? You don't need a PhD in grind settings here.

In my experience, the finer settings on the Dinamica are where it's at, and this machine's grinder works quietly and efficiently.

Bottom line: the espresso shots I've pulled are super impressive. It might not be "true espresso" in the most technical sense, but it's so close you won't care.

First Time Frothing Milk

If you've ever tried to steam milk manually, you know it's an art. However, the DeLonghi Dinamica espresso machine takes the guesswork out of it with its LatteCrema system.

This super-automatic espresso machine has an integrated milk carafe, so forget about messing with tubes and extra containers—just pop it off and store it in the fridge when you're done.

Here's the cool part: You get to pick your milk texture, from "bubble bath" thick to "just right" medium to "barely there" thin.

I usually go for the medium, especially when making a cappuccino or latte macchiato.

You won't pull off latte art or a real flat white with this machine, but it gets the job done, and the steamed milk comes out nice and hot.

So, if you dread the frothing part, this machine is like your friendly neighborhood barista—doing all the hard steaming milk work for you.

How Much Control Do You Have Over The Coffee Experience?

With the DeLonghi Dinamica super-automatic espresso machine, you have some control over the brewing process.

The Dinamica does give you some room to flex your inner barista skills, but let's not kid ourselves; it's not a fully customizable experience.

For starters, you have a couple of options to tinker with the coffee strength, which is a game-changer if you like your cuppa Joe strong enough to kickstart a spaceship.

The machine lets you dial in your ideal brewing temperature, too. However, it won't go super granular like some other super-automatic espresso machines—it's more like "warm, hot, or lava."

Although it comes with an automatic milk frother, you still have a say in the milk frothing experience.

You can easily pull off an espresso macchiato or a latte macchiato, but the machine is set up more for consistency than creativity.

So, it's great if you want your go-to drink to taste the same every time. However, if you're looking to experiment with extraction times or temperature settings, this might not be your playground.

All in all, you do have a say in the coffee quality, but the Dinamica likes to keep a gentle hand on the reins.

How Does It Handle Different Roasts?

The DeLonghi Dinamica super-automatic espresso machine can handle different roasts better than any drip coffee machine.

Notice that I’ve compared it to a drip coffee maker rather than other espresso machines?

Well, it's fairly forgiving regarding the type of coffee you use. I've tried it with everything from those fancy coffee beans to some pre-ground coffee that's been lurking in the back of my pantry.

First up, the bean hopper is a champ. It has enough space to handle your daily caffeine needs and then some.

Fresh coffee beans are the way to go for the best flavor—something like a medium roast from Stumptown works wonders in this machine.

The built-in conical burr grinder does a solid job converting those freshly ground beans into the stuff of caffeinated dreams.

If you have a bag of pre-ground coffee, don't sweat it. The Dinamica comes with a ground coffee bypass, which is pretty common in super-automatic machines like this.

It's tucked right into the bean hopper and is designed for your pre-ground decaf coffee needs. Handy for that occasional late-night cup, right?

Here's a heads-up: bypass tubes are notorious for clogging, and trust me, you don't want to mess with that. It could turn your machine into a hot mess—literally.

So, if you're a decaf lover, you might want to find another way to get your fix.

Look, Feel, and Size Of The Machine

The DeLonghi Dinamica espresso machine, and especially its upgraded sibling, the Dinamica Plus, sport this sleek stainless steel exterior that screams quality.

It fits in like an unassuming yet stylish kitchen accessory. It's also a surprisingly compact machine.

Dimension-wise, it's not going to hog your entire countertop. You could easily park it next to a toaster or a blender, and they'd all live happily together. Is it heavy?

Well, it's not a featherweight, but it's manageable at 24.4 lbs. You won't need to do any heavy lifting exercises before moving it around.

Whether you have a modern, minimalist setup or a cozy, rustic vibe, this machine is versatile enough to complement most kitchen designs.

On top of that, it doesn't have that cheap plastic look that plagues most machines in the budget range. Let's be real; some of those expensive machines don't even look half as good as this one.

So, in terms of look, feel, and size, the Dinamica nails it. It's a chic little workhorse that doesn't just make great coffee; it makes your kitchen look good while doing it.

What Drinks Can It Make?

The DeLonghi Dinamica espresso machine can make 17 different espresso drinks, which is quite a long list compared to other machines. Here are the specialty drinks you can make:

Now, I need to talk about the iced coffee feature because, let's face it, we all love a good iced coffee.

What sets this machine apart is the "TrueBrew Over Ice'' function. No watery nonsense here; this thing delivers full-bodied iced coffee that's legit perfect.

This isn't just regular iced coffee; it's the perfect iced coffee that makes you think you ordered it from a coffee shop.

That's the beauty of it; you're making café-level iced coffees from the comfort of your kitchen.

It's not just about the taste; it's about options, too. Do you want it over ice? You got it. Prefer a double shot to make it an iced doppio?

The Dinamica is there. Although it's no cold brew, the machine brew ice coffee function works well.

It doesn't stop there. If you fancy a drip-style coffee, the coffee option is there for you. I find that the coffee brewed was fairly standard.

Want some hot chocolate or tea? The Dinama got you covered. While it won’t brew them for you, you can use the hot milk and hot water options to make yourself one.

In short, the machine totally gets that we've all got different coffee vibes going on, and it's here to accommodate every single one.

Whether you're an iced coffee lover looking for that perfect blend or someone who enjoys making espresso shots now and then, the Dinamica is your one-stop shop for all things caffeinated.

How Easy Is It To Use?

Like most super-automatic coffee machines, the DeLong Dinamica is very easy to use.

If you're new to the world of espresso machines, this won't be very intimidating to use. Hit a button to have an espresso, lungo, cappuccino, coffee, hot milk, and latte macchiato.

Programming it according to different coffee styles is also pretty straightforward. From coffee quantity to aroma and milk froth, everything is easy to navigate.

You might've heard that the fancier DeLonghi Dinamica Plus has a Coffee Link App, allowing you to tweak your coffee experience on your smartphone.

While this model doesn't have that, you won't really miss it. The control panel is super intuitive. Even if you've never touched an espresso machine before, you'll get the hang of it in no time.

My favorite? It also has an energy-saving feature perfect for forgetful people (like me!). If you forget to turn off the machine, don't worry!

After some time, it will turn off by itself! It's handy during those times when your morning schedule is hectic!

How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)

With the Dinamica bean-to-cup machine, you don't have to wait long to enjoy your coffee. The single boiler system in this machine is a speed demon—it only takes about 40 seconds to heat up.

You barely have time to pick out your favorite mug!

Once you're heated up, making an espresso is a breeze. From the moment you press that button, it's like a minute tops before you're sipping the perfect cup.

Cappuccinos and latte macchiatos might take a smidge longer because of the milk frothing step, but we're talking maybe two or three extra minutes.

So, in the time it takes to scroll through a few social media posts, you'll have a cafe-quality drink in your hand.

Does It Have A Water Filtration System?

Yes, the DeLonghi Dinamica coffee maker does come with a water filtration system. That's a solid win for coffee quality right there.

When making coffee, water is half the equation, so starting with a filtered water reservoir gives you a bit of an edge.

You can slide that water filter right into the water tank, and you're one step closer to the perfect cup.

It's a small detail, but those are the kinds of things that make a difference when you're chasing that coffee shop-level espresso at home.[1]

How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?

The cleaning process of the DeLonghi Dinamica espresso machine is pretty straightforward. The machine has a drip tray and a coffee grounds container that are easy to remove and clean.

Oh, did I mention that it's a dishwasher-safe drip tray? Perfect for easy cleaning!

Now, descaling—that's the word that strikes fear in the hearts of coffee machine owners everywhere, right? Don't sweat it. The Dinamica prompts you when it's time to descale.

All you have to do is get some descaling solution, follow the simple steps, and you're good to go.[2]

Remember, keeping the coffee residue at bay is key to maintaining great espresso quality. You wouldn't want any old, bitter coffee messing with your fresh brew, would you?

One thing that did bug me when I first got this machine is the auto-rinse cycle it does every time you turn it on or off. It squirts a small amount of hot water out of the coffee spouts.

At first, it seemed like a bit of a nuisance. Then I realized it's actually doing this to clean and heat the machine's boiler and internal circuits.

So, while it might be a tad annoying, it's doing it for a good reason—to keep everything in tip-top shape.

Overall, maintenance isn't a headache. It's just a matter of keeping on top of it, but the machine makes it easy.

My Favorite Parts About The Delonghi Dinamica

My Least Favorite Parts About The Delonghi Dinamica

Delonghi Dinamica Vs Similar Machines

DeLonghi Dinamica vs Dinamica Plus

The DeLonghi Dinamica and Dinamica Plus are like siblings with a few differences that set them apart.

The Plus model boasts a Coffee Link App, allowing you to customize your brews from your smartphone—something the basic Dinamica doesn't offer.[3]

Both have superb milk frothing systems, but the Plus might have a slight edge in espresso quality.

Price-wise, the Dinamica Plus is more expensive, so if the app and subtle improvements aren't crucial for you, the standard Dinamica could save you some cash.

DeLonghi Dinamica vs Magnifica Evo

The Dinamica and Magnifica Evo are both from DeLonghi, but they target different audiences.

The Dinamica focuses on quick and versatile coffee-making with its 17 drink options, while the Magnifica Evo leans more towards manual customization.

Feature-wise, the Dinamica is ahead with its single-touch functions.

However, the Magnifica Evo comes at a lower price point, making it a good entry-level option for espresso enthusiasts who don't mind getting hands-on.

DeLonghi Dinamica vs Breville Barista Touch

When it comes to sophistication, the Breville Barista Touch gives the Dinamica a run for its money.

It has a touchscreen interface and more programmability, from grind size to brew strength and milk texture.

When it comes to design, the Barista Touch exudes a professional vibe with its stainless steel finish.

Still, all these bells and whistles come at a cost—the Barista Touch is generally pricier than the Dinamica.

DeLonghi Dinamica vs Philips 3200 LatteGo

Phillips 3200 LatteGo and the Dinamica both offer a range of drinks but differ in execution.

The LatteGo has fewer customization options but excels in ease of use and quick cleaning, thanks to its innovative milk system.

The design is more compact but lacks the premium feel of the Dinamica's stainless steel exterior. If budget is a concern, the 3200 LatteGo typically comes in cheaper than the Dinamica.

DeLonghi Dinamica vs Jura E8

The Jura E8 is a powerhouse for people who want nothing short of barista-quality coffee. It offers advanced features like PEP (Pulse Extraction Process) for optimal espresso extraction.

It's also equipped with smart water filtration and more programmability options than the Dinamica.

However, this luxury comes at a price, making it one of the more expensive machines in the lineup.

If you're not on a budget and want the crème de la crème of coffee machines, the Jura E8 might be your pick.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

So, Is The DeLonghi Dinamica Worth Your Money?

I'd say a resounding yes: the DeLonghi Dinamica is worth the money, especially if you value quality and convenience.

This machine is perfect for coffee lovers who want a variety of drinks at the touch of a button, without the fuss of manual controls.

Its intuitive design makes it great for both beginners and seasoned coffee enthusiasts.

However, if you're the type of home brew enthusiast who wants more hands-on control and doesn't mind a steeper learning curve, you might find the Breville Barista Touch more to your liking.

References: 

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814609004725
2. https://coffeelounge.delonghi.com/aus/discover/maintaining-your-coffee-machine-for-the-best-brew/
3. https://apps.apple.com/au/app/delonghi-coffee-link/id1045591728