De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine Review: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Espresso, Lattes & Cappuccinos at Home

Coffee lovers know that making the perfect espresso at home is a balance of art and science. The right machine can elevate your coffee experience and help you craft delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso shots with ease. In today’s review, we’re diving deep into the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, a sleek and affordable espresso maker designed to bring the coffeehouse experience into your kitchen.

In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything from its design, features, and performance to how it compares with other espresso machines in its price range. So, if you’re a coffee enthusiast looking to upgrade your morning routine, read on to find out if the De’Longhi Stilosa is the right choice for you.

Overview of the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine

The De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine (model EC260BK) is a compact yet powerful coffee maker that promises to bring the cafe experience to your kitchen. Designed for both beginners and those who appreciate manual control, this machine strikes the perfect balance between ease of use and professional-quality espresso brewing.

Key Features:

• Color: Black and Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 8.07″ D x 13.5″ W x 11.22″ H
• Capacity: 1000 mL water tank (33.8 fl. oz)
• Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
• Wattage: 1100 watts
• Pressure: 15 BAR pump
• Milk Frother: Manual steam wand
• Included Components: Portafilter, Single & Double espresso filters, Tamper, Measuring Scoop, Water tank

At just under 10 pounds, it’s sturdy but not overly heavy, making it easy to move around your kitchen. The compact design ensures it fits easily on most countertops without taking up too much space. The machine is also incredibly easy to clean, a must-have feature for anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours maintaining their coffee maker.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, De’Longhi has done a fantastic job with the Stilosa. The blend of black powder coating and stainless steel accents creates a modern, elegant look that fits perfectly into any contemporary kitchen. Whether you’re brewing your morning espresso or preparing a latte for guests, the Stilosa is sure to add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen countertop.

One of the standout features of this espresso machine is its compactness. Measuring just 8.07 inches deep, 13.5 inches wide, and 11.22 inches high, it’s ideal for smaller spaces. It doesn’t dominate your counter, leaving room for other essentials like grinders or milk frothers.

Durability:

The stainless steel boiler not only adds to the machine’s aesthetic appeal but also ensures long-lasting durability. This robust material ensures consistent performance for years, even with regular use. The manual milk frother is equally reliable, providing you with the control to create perfect froth for lattes and cappuccinos.

Performance and Brewing Experience

15 BAR Pump Pressure:

One of the highlights of the De’Longhi Stilosa is the 15 BAR pump pressure, which guarantees optimal extraction for both single and double espresso shots. The machine provides enough pressure to produce rich, flavorful espresso with a beautiful crema layer, just as you’d expect from a professional machine.

Whether you’re a seasoned espresso lover or just starting your journey, the Stilosa ensures you get consistently great results. The ergonomically designed portafilter comes with both single and double filters, allowing for versatility depending on how much coffee you want to brew.

Manual Milk Frother:

Creating that creamy texture for your cappuccinos or lattes has never been easier. The manual milk frother on the De’Longhi Stilosa works by combining steam and milk, giving you full control over your frothing experience. You can create a rich and creamy froth, perfect for your favorite coffee beverages. However, it’s important to note that the frother performs best with store-bought milk (like cow’s milk or oat milk) rather than homemade nut milks, which may not froth as well.

Versatility:

Thanks to the two-level cup holder, this espresso machine can accommodate both tall and short cups, allowing you to enjoy your coffee the way you prefer. Whether you’re making an espresso shot in a small cup or preparing a latte in a tall mug, the Stilosa adapts to your needs.

Ease of Use and Clean-Up

The De’Longhi Stilosa is incredibly easy to use, especially for a manual espresso machine. There are no complicated buttons or settings to worry about. The operation mode is fully manual, which gives you more control over the brewing process. While this may seem intimidating for beginners, the learning curve is not steep, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to pull great espresso shots and froth milk like a pro.

Clean-up is equally simple. The portafilter, water tank, and other removable parts are dishwasher safe, while the stainless steel body can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Additionally, the water tank is large enough to reduce the need for frequent refills but small enough to be easily removed for cleaning.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The De’Longhi Stilosa has earned a solid reputation among coffee enthusiasts, receiving a customer rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 11,800 reviewers on Amazon. Here’s a quick look at what customers are saying:

Positive Reviews:

• Chris (January 2025):
  “This De’Longhi machine makes fantastic espresso with perfect crema. The milk steamer works well for macchiatos and lattes. It’s easy to use and perfect for beginners. Great price for the quality!”
• Cyrus (February 2025):
  “If you’re new to espresso, this machine is a great buy. It’s affordable and produces great espresso once you figure out the right grind and tamping pressure. Highly recommend!”
• Jaimie (February 2025):
  “I love how easy this machine is to use! It makes amazing iced lattes and cappuccinos, and the clean-up is a breeze. For the price, it’s a fantastic deal!”

Negative Reviews:

• Burak (August 2024):
  “This machine doesn’t work in Turkey because it only supports 110V, and it keeps tripping the breaker. Be careful about the voltage before purchasing.”

Comparing the De’Longhi Stilosa to Other Espresso Machines

Here’s how the De’Longhi Stilosa compares with other popular manual espresso machines in the same price range:

Feature	De’Longhi Stilosa	Breville Bambino	Laekerrt 20 Bar Espresso
Pressure	15 BAR	15 BAR	20 BAR
Milk Frother	Manual Steam Wand	Auto Frother	Manual Steam Wand
Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Water Tank Capacity	33.8 fl. oz	47 fl. oz	35 fl. oz
Price Range	$80 – $120	$200 – $300	$120 – $150
Customer Rating	4.2	4.5	4.0

The De’Longhi Stilosa stands out for its affordability and compact design, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. The Breville Bambino is more expensive but comes with an automatic milk frother and higher customer ratings. The Laekerrt 20 Bar offers higher pressure but lacks some of the convenience features found in the Stilosa.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the De’Longhi Stilosa good for beginners?

Yes! The Stilosa is ideal for beginners who are new to making espresso at home. It’s easy to use and offers great control over the espresso-making process.

2. Can I make lattes and cappuccinos with this machine?

Absolutely! The manual milk frother lets you create frothy milk for your favorite espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

3. Does the De’Longhi Stilosa have an automatic milk frother?

No, the Stilosa uses a manual milk frother, which gives you more control over the frothing process.

4. Is this machine easy to clean?

Yes! The De’Longhi Stilosa is very easy to clean. Most of its removable parts are dishwasher-safe, and the stainless steel body can be wiped clean with a cloth.

Conclusion

The De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine offers an excellent combination of affordability, performance, and design. Whether you’re just getting into espresso or you’re looking for a compact machine that can deliver consistent, quality results, the Stilosa is a top choice.

It provides you with the necessary tools to create authentic espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos without the complexity of high-end machines. With its sleek design, 15 BAR pressure, and manual milk frother, it’s perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate a hands-on brewing experience.

If you’re looking for a machine that delivers quality results without breaking the bank, the De’Longhi Stilosa is definitely worth considering.