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Let's be honest here. The world of espresso machines can seem rather daunting to even experienced buyers. Buying an espresso machine is an investment and as such, you'll want to make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck. For those in the market for a mid-range but high-quality manual espresso machine, we suggest looking at the Diletta Bello. In this Diletta Bello review, we take a closer look at this stylish and well-priced espresso workhorse to help you determine whether it's a good fit for you. (The 5/5 star rating below is a clear spoiler alert but we still encourage you to read the full article so you can know why it earned such a rating)
First off, Who is Diletta?
If you're someone who is familiar with high-end espresso machines, you'll likely have heard of household brand names such as Jura, Breville, Quick Mill, Rocket Espresso or De'Longhi. So who exactly is Diletta and more importantly, are they a brand worth trusting?
Diletta is a unique collaboration between a company called Seattle Coffee Gear (SCG) and an Italian manufacturer known for pushing the bounds of espresso machine standards. Being that this product is exclusively sold at SCG, it's worth discussing the company and its reputation amongst online coffee lovers.
In short, SCG is a highly trusted name that's earned its credibility through years of servicing this both coffee aficionados and the casual drinkers. They are known for both the quality of the products they sell as well as the quality of customer service they provide. As we further examine the Diletta Bello product line, it'll be apparent that these standards of excellence carry over into their espresso machine ventures.
Their line of home espresso machines have proven track record of reliability, durability, and superior performance all while boasting a sleek and stylish design that visually captures the classic heritage of Italian craftsmanship.
Diletta Bello Espresso Machine Review: Features
It's commonly known that the manual espresso machines are typically reserved for the more meticulous enthusiast. However, the Diletta Bello was designed with both the experienced and newcomer espresso lover in mind with its dual focus on performance and usability. This machine promises top-notch components at a competitive and affordable price.
Regardless of which group you fall under, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the features and performance of the Diletta Bilo espresso machine. Let's take a brief look at this machine's specs:
- Prosumer grade E61 group head design considered to be an industry-leading standard used by quality espresso machines all over the world
- Compact heat exchange boiler allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming and excellent steam pressure for milk texturing
- 1.8 liter stainless steel Boiler
- Enjoy coffeehouse-quality drinks with all-manual controls for espresso, steam, and hot water
- Versatile machine with options for various add-ons
- Hand-built and designed in Milan, Italy
- Stainless steel case that showcases impressive craftsmanship
- Exterior comes in polished stainless steel, minimalist black, white powdercoat
- All Diletta espresso machines are BPA-free.
Pros of the Diletta Bello Espresso Machine
For those looking to show off their brewing and steaming skills, a manual espresso machine is most certainly the way to go. The Diletta Bello's finely-tuned options gives you full control over all the different variables that go into producing the best cup of espresso possible.
From this perspective, we especially like the fact that the Diletta shows you both the boiler and group-head brew pressure. Not all espresso machines offer this feature and it's critical for being able to dial in your shot pulls. It's this extra attention to detail that makes this type of a machine a good match for the espresso enthusiast and not just the casual drinker.
The HX E61 standard allows users to add various attachments such as thermometers or shot timers. It's worth noting that because the Diletta already shows you brew pressure at the group-head, you can a thermometer AND a flow control.
This machine's insulated stainless steel boiler also allows for great temperature stability which is a must for those looking to fine-tune their brew. For those who may not know, being able to keep the control and maintain consistent temperatures has a huge impact on the flavor of the espresso you brew.
The Diletta offers a sizable water reservoir 3L water reservoir which is .5L larger than the comparable Rocket Appartmaneto. This is significant and amounts to 2-6 extra shots per refill. The boiler is also easily accessible which is a testament to the machine's intuitive product design. You don't have to take apart the espresso machine to gain access to it like you would the Appartamento. Instead, there's a access port on the bottom.
If you're comparing the Diletta to the Appartamento, you'll also notice that the Diletta has steam and water knobs that are easier to turn. They also don't have stickers that can fall off.
Lastly, the Diletta Bello is considered a medium sized espresso machine which is only to be expected when considering its output capabilities. Even though you won't be saving tons of space with this machine, you also won't be sacrificing space it either. And fortunately, the sleek design is such that it would make a nice visual accent to any kitchen.
Cons of the Diletta Bello Espresso Machine
Some users have suggested that the on/off switch is positioned in an inconvenient place between the group head and steam wand knob. This is by no means a “make or break”, but something that perhaps Diletta can improve upon in future models.
It's also worth noting that while this espresso machine is capable of producing incredible shots, it does not come with a shot timer. For those unfamiliar with with shot timers, they are a feature that times the length of a shot as soon as the brew cycle begins. Being that making the perfect espresso is all about chemistry, the length of a shot is critical. In my opinion, a missing shot timer isn't a make or break here since you can just use a stop watch and keep track of your shot time yourself. But it would still have been a convenient feature to have.
Common Questions about the Diletta Bello Espresso Machine
How long does the Diletta Bello espresso machine take to warm up?
- True to the manufacturer guidelines, it takes 13:30 minutes to warm up.
Can this machine make coffee?
- The technical answer is no. However, you can an Americano which is just an espresso shot with water added to it.
Does the Diletta Bello have a shot timer?
- As mentioned earlier, it does not. Typically espresso machines priced about $2k will have shot timers and a PID feature.
Warranty
No Diletta Bello espresso machine review would be complete without at least mentioning the warranty. SCG offers a 2-year warranty on parts with an option to extend it. Performance is just one aspect of an espresso machine purchase. Service and peace of mind are another. Since SCG created this machine to begin with, you can rest assured that their technicians are intimately familiar with its inner workings and thus able to effectively fix any issues.
Please note that their warranty has standard exceptions. It does not cover damage incurred due to accidental damage, use in a commercial environment, poor water quality, misuse, modifications, or unauthorized 3rd party service.
In closing this Diletta Bello espresso machine review, it's clear that SCG's official foray into the espresso machine world has resulted in a truly impressive machine with striking looks accompanied with an equally striking price point. Combine this with a rock-solid warranty, and you have a product worthy of the uncompromising standards of the true espresso enthusiast.
Final Rating:
Diletta Bello Review: Specifications
Width 11 inches
Depth 17.75 inches
Height 14.5 inches
Gross Weight 53 pounds
Net Weight 44 pounds
Watts 1500W
Volts 120V
Amps 15A
Boiler Material Stainless Steel
Boiler Volume 1.8 L
Reservoir Volume 3 L
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