I've had both units - the EC685 modded with Rancillo wand (gave this away to my colleague) and currently on the Solis Perfectta Plus. I'd say that if you can establish and stabilize the workflow on the Dedica; and further have all the necessary aftermarket accessories, then moving to the Solis isn't any big of an upgrade unless you need to consistently make multiple shots. For the Dedica, it takes more shots to 'calibrate' the grind (when changing beans especially) because your only way of estimating is the taste of the espresso shot. The Solis has the manometer which helps with major grind change requirements but it's not necessarily the most accurate out of the box (probably up to about 1 bar off). One simple mod that should be done on the Solis is to shield the water outlet/ inlet hole under the shower screen - you didn't show the puck after extraction but if you look at it, there is a divot/ dimple in the puck opposite side of the portafilter handle. This is because the water outlet is directly facing the shower screen and that spot has higher pressure (if you pull a blank shot without the filter, you can see a jet of water exit towards the back of the machine). This does create uneven pressure in the puck and causes channeling. This can easily be fixed by removing the shower screen, and adding a small food safe plastic piece to cover the hole (the water will still exit to the rest of the shower screen via the channels in the group). For further information, see the reddit thread: www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/11ojaq0/solis_barista_perfetta_grouphead_fix/ Ultimately, I'm happy with the Solis because it's what I need - a semi-automatic machine (so the missus can use it without knowing how to time and weigh shots), has the 3-way valve, and has the cooldown after steaming function. The main advantages I see for buying a Solis over the Dedica are: 1) Comes with all the decent accessories you need to start off - Solid metal tamper, milk jug, single walled baskets, has water filter in the tank for those who need it. Note: Some accessories differ by region and distributor - locally, the distributor has promotions from time to time where they give out free silicone mats with the purchase or run basic half-day espresso making workshops etc. 2) Better availability of nice after market accessories because of the Breville's popularity - e.g. Tampers, baskets, bottomless portafilters, shower screens, puck screens etc. 3) Self-cooling after steaming for multiple shots. 4) 3-way valve for drier pucks makes it easier to knock them out clean - this can be overcome on the Dedica by using a puck screen to force the puck to keep its shape.

Thank you. Your explanation is very clear. Thus I prefer your videos about coffee.

I got the Dedica because of your videos really pleased with it. Used the tip of pressing the steam button for a couple of seconds to get a warmer shot. Not actually used the steam wand yet as mainly drink americano. Happy Christmas Tom.

You really made an amazing video that helped me choose my next machine. I happened to find this one for the same price as the dedica and the bambino. Thank you!

Great comparison video Tom! Still making great espresso, cappuccino, lattes with my Dedica. Almost 4 shots a day for over 4 years and still going strong! Happy New year from Dallas/ Fort Worth Texas buddy!

really like how you compare both machine, show the differences and similarity.

I own the dedica and i love it. Love your Channel too ❤

Thank you for watching, comments welcome! Product links in the description above 👆🏻 Subscribe for more coffee reviews & tips! www.youtube.com/@TomsCoffeeCorner?sub_confirmation=1

I bought the solis barista perfetta in July for $239 new and have made 1-3 lattes everyday since then. A latte takes me 7-8 minutes from start to finish. Although I'm a newby, I'm very satisfied with the Solis. I was buying dark roast beans at first and finally switched to espresso roast and the espresso shot flavor has really smoothed out using espresso beans (Barefoot brand has been the best so far). 18 grams in, 45 grams out, 10-12 psi, in 26-30 seconds consistently. No leaks. I agree the extraction temperature is only 180F or so at the high setting, but that seems to be working fine for me.

The nice machine looks great and also do work well

The plastic insert is purely for heat retention on your shot. Because the thermoblock doesn't effectively heat up the portafilter (when not doing dummy shots to preheat) so when the shot hits the plastic it doesn't lose a lot of its heat through the portafilter sapping a lot of the heat out of the espresso

I love these comparisons ❤ I think once you're into that type of money that you're probably into the bottom end of the next higher range of machines. I'd either go with the Dedica or jump up to the next level of machines. If I did that, I'd consult this channel first, because I know I'd find some great information.

I mean, it's three times the price here in Europe (150 vs 450 euros) so I'd hope it's slightly better! But I have a bottomless portafilter, K6 grinder and drink mostly cappucino now, and I find the Dedica to be immensely better than my previous Aeropress experience. So, not changing for the foreseeable to anything else. My absolute fave feature of the Dedica has to be the twin dose setting, tbh. I have one set right for pre-ground/pressurised basket and one for fresh ground/bottomless and it is such a great setup. I also find the panarello to be absolutely OK for cappucino, so it's a perfect machine right now.

I have seen Hoon doing a similar test on the Infuser PID and getting more consistent results with different temperature changes. It's probably not a good comparison because the Infuser is more money, but it definitely brews at the correct temperature for espresso.

Hi Tom, I would say that the Solis is trying to go head to head with the Bambino Plus. The Solis may be trying to appeal on aesthetic grounds by looking a little more 'old school.' I didn't have enough time with my Dedica, at my other place, to get past the "frustration phase" in using it and now realize the significance between a 51 and a 54 mm basket. I shall persevere and buy better baskets for the Dedica. Btw, I have now had a chance to use the Sage/Breville Smart Grinder Pro and am happy with it. Now, I just have to find a good coffee roaster in my area and perfect my technique! I like your Christmas sweater, Tom -it has put me in the Holiday mood!

6:00 The plastic insert is there to keep the coffee hot - it prevents the heat from transferring onto the bottom of the portafilter. It is commonly seen on thermo-block heating systems because they don't usually heat up the portafilter passively. On Delonghi's machines (especially those with pressurized basket), the plastic insert also regulates the high-pressure coffee stream to mimic true espresso system's smooth, honey like flow.

for a german you have a very Eastern US accent, almost michigany, keep up the good work brother 💪

You are the best

I know the story of this machine very well. I’m from Mendrisio, Switzerland where the machine has been designed. The owner of the brand has sold for years, under Solis brand, machines from Breville. He is obsessed with Breville. Breville stopped to sell to Solis and Solis tried to design this machine that is in technology and shape a poor recall of Breville machines. They are produced in China at low cost. Solis is usual in this. They buy in China at low cost all their appliances and resell in europe with huge margin making believe the product is swiss. This machine is suffering with valves, tubes, electronic. In few words, a real chinese stuff. It’s better to spend something more with other brands (Delinghi, Breville, Sage) but having something that lasts more… Happy espresso to everyone :)

The idea behind the plastic insert is to avoid the contact with cold metal part that will end up in "colder" coffee. But if you know, that you should rinse and warm-up the portafilter before every extraction, the plastic part is useless. In this case you have to remove it, since you want the metal part to absorb the heat. You also have to remove it anyway, in case you use deeper IMS precision baskets. The same should be for Delonghi, in case you use compatible single-wall baskets. Solis: can be removed with a screwdriver or a spoon by pushing from below after your removed the spouts. Delonghi: the plastic parts is fixed with a screw. If you remove it, you need to close the screw-holes somehow, otherwise coffee will flow through. Hope this makes sense for you.

Good video.

Thnx Tom 👍🤩🙏😻🌞🐕☕️🇳🇱🇩🇪

Great review, Tom 👌! Maybe you can do a temperature test with a steaming hack. I use the hack in my Delonghi Dedica thanks to your suggestion every time and it produces great espresso. I guess it's also possible in the Solis Barrista Perfetta Plus to use the steaming hack? Cheers! 😎👍

I would be interested in the brewing temperature of the Dedica. Also, I always run a warm up shot with just water before hand. I’m guessing that makes a big difference.

素晴らしい動画をいつもありがとうございます。delonghiでエスプレッソ生活を始めようかと思っていたところに、solisの58mmポルタフィルターがとても魅力的に見えていました。まさに比べて欲しかった２つだったのでとても参考になりました！やはり初心者はstilosaあたりから始めるのが良さそうですかね。（本当はBreville Barista Express Impressが欲しかったですが、日本では売っていません🥲）

Sir, Thank you so much for this video! How do you remove the plastic insert? I have bought the machine but I dont understand how to remove it.

Thank you, it is a nice, straight to the point video, but according to most users comment about entry level machines that they have low durability and repairing is a pain which lack of parts and manufacturers’ support?

Hi Tom, another interesting Video, what is the factory pressure setting for the new machine? Is it adjustable? Andrew

Quick question how do you clean after using dedica ? I wana know ..

gauge makes it ideal for a dimmer mod too

Hi Tom. First of all I'd like to thank you for all the effort you put into your videos. I bought the Dedica Arte used on amazon warehouse in "as new" condition but it didn"t work, the coffee doesn't drip. So I'm gonna send it back. If you can buy the Solis new for the same price as the Dedica Arte (around 240€), will you choose it over the Dedica or over the Bambino? Have you tried the temperature hacks that you provided in the Dedica video (blank shots and steam mode) to minimise the temp drop? Tom

Man, right now the Solis Barista Perfetta is going for 199 bucks, really hard to beat that price given all the features it has.

Hey Tom, nice video! I own a dedica 685 and i tried a sage and gastroback but i am almost happy with the dedica. But the panarello from ranchillio is not easy to clean and not really handy. I heard from a new solis v2 maybe this will be better in case of heating? br from Ringo from Hamburg

I'm curious how the comparative test between Delonghi Dedica and Gaggia Gran Prestige would turn out. Great material. Thanks

Thank you for the video! Can you share at what pressure is the machine calibrated when pulling a shot or using the plug? And did you notice the type of OPV? Is it adjustable?

The temperature may have been too low because the flow rate was too fast (that shot seemed to take something like 15s to reach 2:1 no?) The thermoblock is designed around a specific flow rate and I don't think any PID would be able to cope with a lot of water passing through it too quickly, there just isn't enough time for the water to pick up enough heat from the block. If you still have the machine give it a try with a 30s or 40s shot and see if the temp is higher (would be great to know!) - I think that's the biggest problem of any thermo* system, the concept is great but it just doesn't have a lot of wiggle room for espresso.

I love your videos expecially about the dedica, i just know dedica is good but this solis looks complete. Cheers Tom

How big is the portafilter? 58mm? Would be good to do a side by side comparison with the bambino plus. I wonder if the PID on the bambino is better

I've been happy with my Dedica for 3 years, it's been doing great espresso every day. But I'm considering to up my espresso game to get a bottomless portafilter basket and a better grinder. I am torn - should I just mod my Dedica with a new portafilter and grinder or should I buy a Solis Barista Perfetta or maybe a Gaggia Classic Pro? What would you recommend? Btw I really love your videos which present so valuable information when on the espresso journey!

BTW shoul've tested the Hot water dispenser feature, it gives you some really hot water (about 95c)

Would you recommend the Solis over the base Bambino (not Plus as I don't care for the auto steaming)? The Solis has more features but seems to have some issues with pressure too high and temperature too low. Also I've seen people mention water leaking and holes in the puck. Have you experienced this? Thanks.

I understand that in the Solis you can program the temperature as low, medium or high. In other videos I have seen that the "high" temperature is the most appropriate for espresso, because it would be more stable at 90°C. When you measured the temperature, was it set to "high"? Greetings.

Great vids. Please help me dicide between a rancilio silvia pro x and a ascaso duo steel pid. I am just put off about heating time on silvia, can't wait 30 min in the morning. On the other side not sure about ascaso reliability, didn't heat much about that company. Thanks a lot

Fabreware makes a pprettygood knockoff of the Delong’s and I have to say for 65 bucks, it’s an absolute beast, great shots from it. Could you review it? It’s also 20 bar.

Thanks Tom for the great videos. I missed the steaming hack video mentioned in the comments. Can someone please direct me to the video or explain how to use steam hack to make a hotter shot. TIA!!

The Solis has a better steamer, but you can upgrade the DeLonghi steamer easy enough, for the money, I’ll always stick with my dedica

Hey Tom. Could you please recommend me a machine around 400 bucks? Please no Gaggia.

Is that an accurate temperature testing method?

is there way to adjust temperature ?

I’m using Brita filtered water at home. Wondering if I still need to use the brita filter included in the Solis barista.

Very nice review! Watched it despite that I just got a EC885 and I love it! Got it on sale for 200 eur. I want to upgrade to a bottomless portafilter and non pressurized basket, but can't find it anywere in europe. Do you know where to find it?

I can tell you why there is the plastic insert. If using pressurized basket, the sage/breville has off center hole. Without plastic you get a mess shooting out portafilter. And I’ve heard the solis is made by Breville….not sure if true, but is 54mm. So plastic dissipates force in case using pressurized, if not remove.

Can you do a “expert mode” in the Cecotec Cafelizia please!?

What the name of the basket you got for Solis ?

Sad to hear the temp was not there....

Sorry one question, what's that Solis worth? went looking for it but can't find it here in Canada, well yet that is.

Is it possible your temps were low due to the Bar being so low? You should be around 9 but your pull showed 4ish!? Water was flying through that pull. Wouldn’t that make for cooler temps with a thermoblock?

If i wanna get 9 bar on solis barista perfetta while the pump pressure is 15 bar, is it depend on grind size of coffee ground?

Same Temp-Curve, when doing a pre-shot before the first including temp.-measurement? Finally you measure temperature of ground Coffee and water and Not the water only. If the water has reached the portafiler-walls thru the Puck the temperature is a Mix of fresh heated water, wet Puck and heated portafilter-walls.

On this Solis, can you adjust the temp higher like the Dedica? Or could you pull a hot water shot before pulling your espresso shot?

I prefer Didica

Hi, i have a dedica for 4-5y and im thinking about change. What would be best choice after dehlongi dedica? I have a eureca grinder, tamper, bottomless portafilter. Price max 200E.

Is there an inside hack for raising the temp of the Solis?

I own the Solis. The espresso isn’t as good as my old Delonghi single boiler machine but the milk is way better. I’ll keep the machine as long as the steamer keeps working but I wouldn’t replace it. I like the manometer. It helps dial in your grind and tamp pressure. For an all in one machine I think the Breville Barista Express is the king. More money but a better machine.

The Solis gets too many bad reviews.

plastic for fake creama, if i not remember wrong.

How can you recommend at all with those temps?