Hi Lance, it's great that you're covering the Dedica. I am sure a lot of people will benefit from that, especially if you cover it in modified configuration. Oh, and thanks for the shout out - I do appreciate it! - Blooming: I always learn something from your videos. I hadn't thought about stopping the Dedica to let the puck bloom before. Will have to give that a shot. - Dual walled baskets: Delonghi used to make their pressurized baskets as welded dual walled, but since have switched to the gasket models, since their welded double walls were clogging, and people couldn't clean them. Now they can. - Smeg: I see the Smeg at a lot of boutique shops in Europe. You're right, it's just an expensive Dedica, but some people love the look. - Solis: I like the Solis. I took it apart, and it uses much more robust brass parts than does the Delonghi or Sage. I am not really sure why it is not more internationally known, but I think they are doing a marketing push, and I see them recently having entered the North American market. Maybe they'll get more popular now.

Dedica user here. The fact that you got to steam milk with the stock wand means I can't bitch about steaming milk with a less powered machine LOL

Tom is amazing for us budget conscious people. I have used his videos to help friends who had a smaller budget than myself and I'm back helping another friend shop now so I'm checking out all your new videos and he's a bit overwhelmed with how many I've shared with him 😂

I started not more than a few months ago with a Dedica. Very quickly realised I wanted to have more to play with and get deeper into coffee and espresso. I then moved on to a second hand 2007 Rancilio Silvia which I PID'd not long after, added a Niche Zero and have never looked back. The Dedica still lives in my work place office and is a great starter. I converted it's portafilter to a bottomless with a dremel. Tom was a huge help with everything Dedica. Small footprint too.

I’ve had the Solis Perfetta Plus for less than a week and am happy with its quality. This is my first espresso machine so there’s a bit of a learning curve. I did, however, pull a sublime shot this morning, and was delighted. Still haven’t nailed the steamed milk, but did use the “half then a quarter” method that Lance taught in another video. I’ll have to revisit that vid - I know my trouble has to do with where I’m placing the tip. I’m really looking forward to the next video about retrofitting these devices. I’m already thinking of getting a bottomless portafilter, an IMS basket, and a puck screen, but I’m not sure if a standard 54mm portafilter will work - how do I which ones are interchangeable? Finding Lance’s channel has been a gift, and just at the right time. I’ve gobbled up his reviews on espresso grinders and am considering the Baratza Sette 30. I’d prefer the 270, but the price point of the 30 is more in my range. Right now I’m using a Timemore C3 hand grinder, and I’m pretty sure neither of the two espresso settings is doing me any favors. I need more range. When it’s said that espresso at home is a hobby, they ain’t kiddin’. I can’t believe how challenging it is and how obsessed I am with my quest for a delicious shot, not to mention collecting all the gear necessary for meeting that quest.😮

For 25€ I bought a used "broken" Dedica and I have just fixed it changing 5€ ptfe hose. Now it's time to start with mods and my journey in the espresso world! Looking forward to watching your follow-up video :)

As a Delonghi owner, my experience went from this: 1. Didn't know a thing, just wanted espresso 2. Learnt more, regrettet my purchase, but persisted 3. Learnt more, actually loving the machine It has its quirks, but with a naked portafilter and WDT (sprinkle some paper filters in there), and you can get some pretty great shots. Removing the panarello to reveal the silicone spout gives you a (albeit short) proper steam wand; unfortunately no steam control besides ON/OFF. In my honest opinion, the Delonghi Dedica is a fantastic starter, and if you're a tinkerer, it actually has some pretty decent modding capabilities. I've seen people do something like the Gagguino, some install a dimmer mod, and so on. Personally, I'm more attracted to more manual machines, and I have this idea that I could probably replace the logic board with an arduino, and make a basically fully custom Delonghi Dedica with full manual control. Just need a few more tools for that to happen, though. Some mods are: - Adjustable OPV - Rancilio Steam wand - Manometer - Dimmer mod (there are two types, one that controls how much electricity [?] the pump gets, and one that adjusts the on/off-ness of the pump) And a whole world of 3D printable tools. Edit: Heard IMS. There are IMS shower screens and baskets for the Delonghi, so those are a nice edition too. ;)

loved the info and the topic. I wasn't big on having music clips randomly and replying the same section but thats really just a personal taste thing. Thanks for the useful and informative video boss

The DeLonghi Dedica has never disappointed me. I believe this machine is the definition of value for money 🙂

I’m poor and I really can’t afford to buy a new machine. I inherited my dad’s dedica, and I’m amazed at the shots I’m pulling from that thing. Five years old and doesn’t seem to be stopping. Also, mine came with pressurized and unpressurized baskets (as well as a couple water filters).

Thanks for the video. I have used a Dedica for about 4 years. It is way better than Nespresso and coffee is cheaper. Now, a few weeks ago I was able to upgrade to the Gaggia Classic Pro. After the 4th espresso I made I had had the best espresso I have ever had. No kidding. So the Gaggia is the next step in my coffee journey. My end will be a Cremina. Can’t wait to discover my next machine.

I have to say, you've got an amusing taste in music to pair with coffee! I have a Dedica EC685, bought secondhand for $50 Australian Dollars, which came with a knock-out box and jug. It was a great deal. After a week, I stumbled upon a Gaggia Classic Pro 2019, so I bought it as well. Now, I have both the Dedica and the Gaggia, along with a strong desire to enhance my coffee skills. Great video, by the way! I also follow Tom; he's fantastic! Thanks for sharing with us.

Love your attitude. Thanks again.

This video couldn't have come at a better time. My brother is looking for a budget espresso machine cause he wants to get rid of his Nespresso pods. He's a smart dude. It feels like every time I'm looking to buy something your video, that's relative to exactly what I'm looking for, appears on my feed. It happens so often that I refuse to believe it's a coincidence.

For one of my "mods" of Dedica, I have used LEGO bricks and double tape and added a simple scale instead of a drip tray, and it looks like it was always there. For 50 bucks you can conveniently measure both time and weight of your shot and have a slick design upgrade. In my opinion, with IMS 51mm basket, changed steam wound and this Black Mirror scale our Dedica can easily execute a recipe giving a delicious drink with silky milk. BTW (Installing a scale takes 5 minutes and no tools, and it is always detachable if you need a drip tray or a toler drink;-)

Immediately hype to learn more about the Solis!

I like my Dedica so much I now buy used ones to clean up and sell. Almost always have at least six. Most people that get rid of them do so because they use heavy mineral water with no filter and freak out when the light for descaling comes on. Switching to bottomless portafilter and single walled baskets make a huge difference. A good grinder makes a huge difference.

Great video Lance. I have had Solis for 2 years now and been very happy with performance after switching to IMS filler and IMS shower screen. Can't wait for your Dimmer mod video as I have been wanting to do that to Solis for a while but have not been able to find a good guide online.

Lance, I heavily modified my Dedica, I achieved stable 9 bar pressure using a voltage regulator, also, I use a bottomless portafilter, ims basket and shower screen, a membrane regulator to make the pump quieter, aaannnd, installed a steam pipe from a dedica arte. Now I'm way into adding a pid temperature control over the thermocoil.

Great video . Have used previously Bambino+ and now a Solis perfetta owner. I absolutely love my machine . I would rate it better than bambino coz steaming performance is much better and the pressure gauge helps a lot with dialing in. I haven’t done any mod other than naked filter and IMS baskets. I get very consistent results very happy with my Solis.

thx a lot - a great and comprehensive comparison!

I am a user of the Solis Barista Perfetta Plus for the past year and I stand by it. I have also been in close collaboration with Solis and I applaud their efforts in working with IMS, Eureka and even Brita!

Thanks for the video and I'm looking forward to your modification series for these machines :) What I like about Dedica and Delonghi in general, that it's easy to modify and you can mix and match different parts from different models. haha My first mod was better steam wand (it was not from other Delonghi machine, but seems like it's possible to install their no-burn wand from some of their high-class machines with some modifications). Then I've installed 3-ways coffee outlet from their Specialista model, it fits perfectly, but I was needed to stretch the spring a little bit 😅 But that was the easiest way for me to add pressure sensor that I'm going to connect to my Arduino.

DeLonghi machines are nice! I picked one up to use while I was modding my Gaggia, and was pleasantly surprised! I don’t use steamed milk anyway, so that’s not an issue for me 💕

I have the Solis, and it really does just what I want from my occasional espresso draws. I got mine from Ebay, so I didn't get all the accessories, but I was happy with what I got. Allowed me to select my own accessories. Gotta say, I'm very happy with it.

I must say. Early in your KZfaq career, you broke no rules. Now, you are just having fun breaking them and I love to see it

Ooooh nice! Just in time for Christmas 😁

Gr9 stuff! thanks for all the education!

The Perfetta has a 3 setting PID control & an OPV buried deep in the machine (not easily adjustable)

Lance, great video! Like always. I'm two years into my espresso (well, honestly cappuccino) journey and although I'm not buying something new in the near future, I'm kind of lost WHAT to buy and WHERE to go. My setup is a Baratza Encore ESP Grinder and a Sage Barista Pro (with IMS shower and basket). Your "no buyer's remorse" video made me think. My wife and I do enjoy medium to lighter medium roasts and Arabica waaaay more than Robusta, as far as the coffees go we tried over the two years. I can't really complain either, since my coffee at home is indeed close to the ones we get at the roastery. So, I don't know. I heard a lot of negative comments on Sage/Breville machines and since it's now two years old, I expect it to fail every second :D But I'm really lost, when it comes to the question "what to buy", if I want to taste a real and big difference. The Lelit Mara X, for example, is a really pretty machine, but misses some features, my Barista Pro has, but costs nearly double. I guess a better grinder would benefit me the most. In short. I would really love to see a video from you (or if that's already out there, please send the link) or just a good conversation here in the comments, about upgrading. Like: "Your setup looks like this, here are good options, what to buy, to really taste a difference." A guide to help us take our equipment from beginner to intermediate or enthusiast. Thanks for reading this. Keep up the awesome work

Solis Barista Perfetta owner here, thanks for reviewing this machine! I've had it for almost a year now and made quite a few mods. Really surprised there were pretty much no info or honest reviews online on this machine. Some of my thoughts: 1. The grouphead is badly designed, under the shower screen there is only one hole for water to come out, and the jet makes a dent in the puck. I added a plastic triangle to fight that and also I use a puck screen; 2. The machine does have an over pressure valve, that's what the second hole in the tank is connected to. But it is set at factory to maximum pressure and never actuates. You can dial it, the screw is under output hose inside the tube; 3. I've made a dimmer mod for this machine thanks to your old video 🤗. Inline dimmers designed for desk lamps are much more handy than wall dimmers; 4. Despite having a decent grinder (DF64), doing WDT, having freshly roasted coffee, IMS basket, using scales and good water I still (a whole year into the hobby!) usually get unpleasant kind of astringent espresso 🤔, which is a sign of channeling I guess. Or maybe something wrong with temperature stability (I use highest temperature setting). Anyway, thanks for the video, looking forward for the followup one with the mods! Your expertise will greatly help entry users like me!

I have been using the dedica for 3 years now, 2 years with grinder and bottomless portafilter. New tamper, WDT-tool and the shots turn out pretty decent. I think it is a great way to start once upgraded a bit. Small footprint and fast heat-up. Only problem is that even with an upgraded basket 15g of coffee is the max. it can hold, but maybe some people like the smaller 30ml shots. Great video!

I started with a Dedica and now am the proud owner of a Silvia Pro X. But I gifted the Dedica to a friend who now is very happy with it.

love the videos lance.

In the UK we can get the Delonghi with a real steam wand (from the La Specialista) and it comes with a metal tamper. Bottomless portafilter, IMS basket, 1Zpresso J-Max hand grinder, and WDT, great, reliable shots. Being able to adjust temperature and the benefit of an, admittedly fixed, pre infusion makes the Dedica a great buy.

Nice vid Lance, always love more content on beginner machines, I think you forgot to tag Tom's Coffee Corner in the description though

Finally a legit review of the Solis! Thanks for putting it out there. I tried the dimmer mod on it a while back but didn't quite get it right so I'm looking forward to your follow up video, "Dimmer Mod for the Solis for Dummies" video. Also interested in knowing what you would consider the next step up from the Solis. My Solis does everything I want it to but am curious what the upgrade path would be if I wanted to step up my game.

Love it. Nice music!

As a Perfetta owner, I'm looking forward to the next video!

I've got the e series delonghi it like a couple steps up from that one. It was really nice after a steamwand upgrade. I've upgraded to a gaggia evo now, and PiD moded it. I'm really happy with it

using the dedica with an 25€ after-marked open basket (think its the same you used) and mesh screen works surprisingly well. combined with an ~100€ grinder it gets me better espresso than most average cafes here in germany, guess thats a "good enough" for the investment :D

Thanks for the video Lance! I might try a blooming shot on my DeLonghi EC155, seeing as you mention the lack of solenoid allows for that. I've been having very little luck with the 'fake' pre-infusion (turning on the steam then pump), so maybe this'll be better.

10:08: manometer. Huge. Add a cheap electronic thermometer with a remote sensor that you stick on the brew thermoblock, and then add a dimmer for flow control, and you’re in better shape than you’d be with a Gaggia Classic. That is, until you count the overall build quality.

I just saw a review of the Miicoffee Apex on the Coffee Chronicler. Amazing for the price, but not available when I started looking. Good to see the industry moving things like PID, solenoids, 58mm portafilters, and more down the price scale. Reviews like this that help newbies get started are a public service. Thanks!

Awesome review, Lance!❤ My Debica is now a Frankenstein with a dimmer, manometer, steam wand, shower screen, bottomless portafilter and an IMS competition basket. Overall, Im getting awesome results and my only complaint is steam pressure and the fact that after steaming milk you need to cool off the machine a bit. Oh yes, and of course, its only 51mm but Aliexpress have plenty of acceptable accessories! P.S. my grinder is decent, its a Eureka Mignon, so that massively helps getting good coffee from my Debica!

Hey Lance. Happy Thanksgiving my friend.

Great video! Thanks!! By the way, any review for kitchenaid espresso machine?

Would you consider the KitchenAid semi automatic machine in the same category as this 3 or more in line with the bambino?

I picked up a delongi ECP3630 for $50 on Facebook marketplace for my super budget set up. Great video Lance!!!

Just got a Dedica and I‘m already amazed with it. I did get a naked portafilter and precision basket and that improved things hugely, never got anywhere with the pressurised basket. I do find the steam wand to be totally OK for cappucinos, when I am actually patient enough to make one 😅. Fun fact: I get the best espresso out of here with decaf beans, it‘s seriously lovely 😂

For years I used the krups XP 40 or something, now that I know a bit more about coffee I can tell it was pretty good for what it was, self tamping, left a dry puck, no option for unpressurized basket , which was a bummer

Had a Dedica for the last 8 years, great machine, just sold it because recently acquired a Barista impress, I was a bit sad though to see the Dedica leave... But I guess someone else is happy pulling some good shots from it.

The Dedica can make surprisingly good espresso if you use a proper portafilter..I use naked portafilter, cheap WDT proper 51 mm tamper and shower screen..and the espresso is actually good

I took the plunge this morning and ordered the Dedica Arte EC885M for $250. A friend has it and loves it. I did my research though. The Bambino lost out for it's cheaper conponents, but the Bambino Plus was of interest. It's $500 though.

Thanks! Great videos! about those plastic inners (11:52) I believe it's whenever the portafilter is made of aluminum rather then stainless-steel they have to put the plastic from healthy reasons

The numerous filter basket sizes is hilarious. I wonder what the history and lack of an industry standard (besides the 58mm) is?

Hi! May I ask if you have modified the smeg settings?

The Solis does have an OPV and a solenoid. The OPV static pressure can be modified by turning a screw to change the spring tension and get to the desired pressure. I’ve done it on mine and it works very well.

Nice video, thanks! I am very curious about the Kitchenaid espresso machine, it has a 58mm portafilter and a proper steam wand. And it is even cheaper then some of these in the video.

Love the scrubby brush moment

Right now there's a sell for the SOlis Barista Perfetta Plus at 199$ which is a pretty hard offer to beat!

I’m a big fan of DeLonghi, but I don’t use the Dedica. I actually use the EC155 and I have it modded with a Rancillio Steam wand and a different portafilter with an IMS basket. Really great setup for cheaper than any of these. Plus, a real boiler! That’s the main reason I love it so much! I’m not a big fan of the Thermoblocks, even though they have a lot to offer in terms of usability and features.

Great video! Most probably the portafilter on the SMEG is heavier compared to the Dedica because it's based on / reused from another Delonghi model - I had an old model with same functionality but double the width and the baskets and portafilter were the same as these you show on the SMEG. When I got the new one - the Dedica, I initially thought it's a downgrade as the portafilter was perceived as 3x lighter and aluminium like feeling than heavier metal. As with everything, you get used to it and it's working just fine.

10:12 they don't have solenoid valves, but they most definitely have opv valves. They're set to about 14-16 bar. Recently I just modified (cut) the spring in the opv of my Dedica and now I get around 9-10 bar.

This is the perfect time of the year to buy a Smeg, you know, for your Ma.

A video about pressure would be really nice. Currently have my opv set at 7bar are there any benfits going back to 9?

I was really lucky getting a Sage Bambino for super cheap (180 euros) during a deal to start experimenting with espressos / lattes. Still can't do proper latte art though 🤣Lance makes it look so easy it's crazy.

Hi Lance so quick question, I am new to expresso machines. I got an ariete moderna MOD.1381 which is under delonghi group. So my question been seeing alot of videos on pressurized baskets and the way you mentioned to use a bottomless portafilter how would one know the size of their portafilter before proceeding to replace it? Also is there a way to make coffee with pre-ground coffee?

I'm gonna get a Dedica soon, but got nice bottomless portafilter for it already. And looking into it, turns out that it is also compatible with the SMEG, so it all makes sense now. The SMEG is literally a Dedica with new clothes, and I can't believe it is THAT expensive in comparison.

Thanks for the video. I new around here and i am searching for Delonghi and Smeg espresso machines , I guess I prefer the Delonghi with my purchase. ☺️

Noice. I often get asked by friends with cheaper machines how to make them work, so this is handy! I’d be interested to know which grinder you used for theses shots, as that probably makes the biggest difference right?

Took me seven months of leaving a Stilosa on 24/7 and abusing it to burn it up. Still steams fine, use it for a second boiler. Easy to mod, heated group. Should be durable with anything approaching reasonable care.

I have a 100€ silvercrest machine and with a few aftermarket things, such as non-presurised baskets, a good tamper and the 51mm umikot by elmoserafa, I can make really nice espresso. The only thing that would make me upgrade is if some machine could pull more consistent shots

Such a Rebel 🖖🏻

Lance, really need your input. I'm torn between two Breville's. The Barista Express Impress or the Barista Touch. Please help. Or do you have an alternative? Thanks, James

Open box Perfettas are 199 at SCG so that might help with value calculation for folks on a budget

Another great video Lance! I've already got a Gaggia Classic Pro, but if I was to get another machine it would definitely have built in PID (like the Breville) as that modification was a b* IME (the thermocouple was very fidgety and I ended up having to slot it into the steam boiler which is less than ideal)... people buy machines with PID's! 😂

Hi Lance, I know you’re very busy and most likely won’t be able to reply but; I’ve been using a Delonghi Stilosa (with steam wand) for about a year. Would upgrading to the Solis Barista Perfeta be worth it? I mostly make lattes (practicing basic art) on the weekends, but I find the Stilosa’s wand to be hard to use. I also wondered about the the Solis vs a Gaggia Classic (panarello), since they’re around the same price here in Japan.

Smeg have brought out a coffee machine with built in grinder that seems like their answer to the sage barista pro, would love to see a comparison!

I picked up a Casabrew which I think is identical to the Dedica but with some a Solis features, for cheaper than both. Very happy with the results so far, but a naked Portafilter is def required.

I'm looking for the cheapest "real and good espresso" package to recommend to friends when asked. Right now I's recommend the Dedica 885 (better steam wand) but with the addition of a new handle and basket(s). Combined with a Timemore hand grinder, you might stay under €350. After a year or two. upgrading to an electric grinder will up your game. And finally - if you stay enthusiastic about coffee - treat yourself with a nice machine. There seems to be a new combo machine from Breville (not on the Sage site yet), the "Siganture". With build in grinder (yikes), that comes with a digital grind size display (say whaaat?). If Breville has improved their game, as they usually do, this might be the perfect entry package…

Thanks for the vid, it's very appreciated. I'm interested in checking out the casabrews 3700 but don't really trust the videos I saw when I searched. Is there any recommendations that you have? I added a portafilter, basket, puck screen, tamper, scale, and wdt. With the machine it's more money that I want to spend on something that I don't know is worth it, so any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks for everything.

I thought I was fancy drinking French press coffee. Now I feel like a peasant watching this.

I love the fact that you refused to clean your mustache going into the summary at the end 😂

Hi Lance, thanks for the video. It’s interesting that you mentioned Tom’s coffee corner. In one of the videos he made with the Delonghi Dedica, he compares it to the ECP 3420 (ECP 35.31 in Europe) also from Delonghi. In his opinion, this one achieves better results than the Dedica. Both machines are in the same price range. I find it strange than no one among the youtube big names in the coffee word, besides Tom, has taken note of this machine! I personally would love to know (the opportunity presenting it self) what are you thoughts and sincere opinion about the Delonghi ECP 3420. (Tom’s coffee corner video title: Delonghi's Best Budget Home Espresso Machines: Stilosa vs Dedica vs ECP 3420) 🇵🇹

Great seeing the comparison! Looking forward to the mod follow-ups. Also great hearing the shout out to @TomsCoffeeCorner who really does make great videos for budget minded people, but you forgot referencing his channel in the description ;)

Weird to include the expensive Solis, but not the Arte which comes with a better tamper, and has a few other minor upgrades over the OG Dedica.

Which superautomtic would you recommend?

So, do we like an original bambino with the niche zero? I was going with the barista pro and am rethinking the grinder. Trying to stay below a grand total, less if possible

There's a few Dedica versions, and Smeg is the oldest one - EC680 from 2013. Yours is EC685, newer version, with a switch on panarello ("hot milk" mode closes a hole on top so there's much less hard foam), new baskets with removable bottom (which is very helpful if you clogged them with a too fine grind), and an additional drip insert under the tray. There's also 785 which has a pitcher and a usable tamper, and 885 which also has a good regular cool touch steam wand instead of panarello. And also there's new Maestro versions, which looks a lot like Bambino and Bambino plus, but temperature sensor for autosteaming is on the steamer, not in the tray, which looks extremely weird Also, there's a limited D&G version of Smeg, which looks even crazier (still, same old Delonghi parts and plastic)

Love this video! Can you do a video on "How to dial in decaf espresso". I figured it behaves differently than normal beans.. cant find out where the issue is :(

Thanks for this comparison! It's hard to see which wand is better when I swear you coukd get good milk texture with a super soaker 😂 Appreciate the entry level stuff as well as the high end videos. Great vid as always

has the solis a PID for temperature right?

There's the Dedica EC885 which has a narrow steam wand that's similar to many espresso machines you'd see today

Oh finally)I am owner of dedica and wait for you video lance )

Can you make a video with sage bambino for lighter roasts?

Is the casabrews 3700 the same as the Solis the way that the smeg and De'longhi are the same internally? It looks the same.

How does Gaggia classic or Rancillio (can't remember name?) square up with these machines?

What’s the size of that blue ceramic mug? I want to get a couple of those - looks great and a perfect size with a cappuccino.

Hi Lance! Love your videos !! A bit of topic here but what are your thoughts of the quick mill pippa? I don’t see many reviews on this machine but the specs and the looks of the machine I believe are good ! Please give me your opinion if you have tried it. Cheers!