De'Longhi Stilosa EC230.BK Espresso Machine - Review 🏆

The De'Longhi Stilosa EC230.BK is an affordable and compact espresso machine designed for home use. Part of the brand's entry-level range, it provides an accessible way to enjoy freshly brewed espresso without breaking the bank.

With a 15-bar pressure pump, easy to use controls, and a patented dual function filter holder, the Stilosa aims to deliver quality espresso while keeping things simple for the everyday user. Its sleek, minimalist design means it can fit nicely into any kitchen décor.

The Stilosa uses De'Longhi's tried-and-tested thermoblock heating system to ensure optimal water temperature for espresso extraction. It can make espressos, lungos and cappuccinos with its manual milk frother. While it may lack some of the sophisticated features of higher-end models, the Stilosa provides an easy route to making espresso at home.

Design and Build Quality

The De'Longhi Stilosa EC230 has a sleek and modern design with stainless steel accents that give it an elegant look. It has a compact footprint, measuring 9.4 x 8.3 x 12.4 inches, making it a great option for small kitchens or apartments.

The machine body is made of thick ABS plastic which feels sturdy and durable. The water tank, drip tray, and portafilter are constructed from stainless steel for longevity. The steam wand is made from chrome-plated brass.

Overall, the build quality feels solid with no creaking or loose parts. The fit and finish is excellent with smoothly operating knobs and buttons. The materials used give it a premium look and feel despite its affordable price point.

In comparison, the Smeg ECF01CRUK espresso machine has a retro-inspired design with rounded edges and a curved front. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors like pastel blue, bright red, and glossy black. The machine body is constructed from die-cast aluminum for durability.

The portafilter, water tank, and drip tray on the Smeg are also made of stainless steel. It has knobs and dials made of chromed brass for adjusting settings. At 14.2 x 8.7 x 13.4 inches, the Smeg has a larger footprint than the Stilosa. However, it still has a compact and countertop-friendly size.

The build quality of the Smeg machine feels very solid and stable. The materials used in its construction give it a substantial heft. All the parts fit together seamlessly for a precision crafted appearance. It matches the premium pricing of the Smeg brand, which positions it as a higher-end alternative to the De'Longhi Stilosa.

Both espresso machines have well-designed builds using quality materials like stainless steel and durable plastics or metals. The De'Longhi Stilosa aims for an elegant and modern aesthetic at a budget-friendly price point. Meanwhile, the Smeg goes for a colorful, retro-inspired look with premium materials that justify its higher cost. Ultimately, the build quality and design comes down to personal preferences and budget.

Features and Controls

The Stilosa EC230 has an intuitive control panel that makes it easy to use. It has two programmable buttons that allow you to customize the amount of espresso dispensed for single and double shots. There's also a manual button for overriding the programmed volumes.

The steam knob controls steam and hot water distribution. Just turn it counterclockwise to dispense steam for frothing milk, or clockwise for hot water for americanos or tea. The knob allows you to finely adjust the steam flow.

The main dial on the front of the machine is used to turn the machine on and off. The center positions activate the espresso brewing function, while turning it farther activates the steam. Helpful indicator lights next to the dial let you know when the machine is heating up or ready for use.

Overall, the controls are simple and easy to operate. The tactile buttons and knobs give a satisfying click and turn. The programmable shot volumes make it easy to consistently pull your preferred espresso shots. The Stilosa EC230 gives you precision control over every aspect of the espresso making process. It's the perfect machine for crafting cafe-quality espresso drinks at home.

If you're looking for an alternative espresso machine with similar features and controls, check out the De'Longh EC685M. This semi-automatic model also has programmable buttons, a steam wand, and indicator lights. The De'Longh allows you to store profiles for multiple users, making it easy for everyone in your home to dial in their perfect shot. It also has a rapid cappuccino system that maintains the optimal temperature for simultaneously brewing espresso and frothing milk.

The De'Longh EC685M shares the tactile, satisfying controls of the Stilosa EC230. You get the same level of precision and customization for pulling espresso shots. If you like the programmable volumes and fine steam adjustments of the Stilosa but want the added benefit of multi-user profiles and rapid milk texturing, the De'Longh is an excellent alternative to consider. Both espresso machines give you excellent home brewing capabilities in an intuitive, easy-to-use package.

Ease of Use

The Stilosa EC230 is designed to be very easy to use, even for beginners. The controls are simple and intuitive. There are only two main control knobs - one for turning the machine on/off and controlling the steam, and one for selecting your drink. The machine comes preset with one-touch selections for espresso, cappuccino, and latte macchiato. You just need to press the button for your desired drink, and the machine will automatically dispense the right amount of espresso and milk.

The learning curve on the Stilosa is very minimal. The instruction manual provides clear directions, but most users find the machine simple enough to figure out without needing to refer back to the manual often. The buttons are clearly labeled, so it's easy to understand what each one does. The milk frothing wand is easy to manipulate, so producing frothed milk with just the right texture is simple. Overall, the Stilosa EC230 has been designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible even for those new to home espresso machines. It doesn't require any barista skills to produce cafe-quality drinks.

Espresso Making Performance

The De'Longhi Stilosa EC230.BK produces excellent espresso with its 15-bar pressure pump and Thermoblock heating system. It reaches the ideal brewing temperature of 90-95°C consistently every time for proper espresso extraction.

The pump pressure is strong and stable during the brewing process. It pushes hot water through the coffee grounds to extract bold, rich espresso with a nice thick crema on top. I found the espresso always came out with a balanced flavor - not too bitter or acidic.

The consistency shot-to-shot is also impressive. No matter if I was pulling a single or double shot, the flavor profile and texture remained the same. The Stilosa does an excellent job at delivering high-quality espresso time after time.

Overall, the performance for making espresso is fantastic on this machine. The pressure, temperature control, and consistency produce cafe-quality shots that will satisfy espresso aficionados.

Milk Frothing

The De'Longhi EC230 has a powerful steam wand that makes it easy to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The steam wand has a 360 degree swivel that allows you to position it however you need. It heats up quickly in under a minute.

The steam wand produces hot, dense foam consistently. You can adjust the steam power as needed to get the right texture. With a bit of practice, you can create silky smooth microfoam on par with coffee shops. The trick is to keep the wand tip immersed in the milk to incorporate air and generate that rich, creamy foam.

The milk pitcher that comes with the EC230 is easy to use and holds enough milk to make multiple drinks at once. The stainless steel finish allows the milk to heat evenly. The spout makes it easy to pour the frothed milk without making a mess.

Overall, the steam wand and pitcher allow you to create cafe-quality foam to top your espresso creations. The wand is simple to use but has enough power and control to master latte art with some practice.

Maintenance

The De'Longhi Stilosa requires some regular maintenance to keep it running optimally. Here are a few key maintenance tasks:

Cleaning

It's important to keep the Stilosa clean, especially the portafilter, brew head, and steam wand. The portafilter and brew head should be rinsed under running water after each use. About once a week, you'll want to give them a deeper clean by backflushing the grouphead - this pushes water through the system to flush out coffee oils and residue.

The steam wand should be wiped down after each use with a damp cloth to remove any milk residue. If milk gets dried on, it can be soaked in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to dissolve it.

Descaling

Hard water can leave mineral deposits that affect the machine's performance and taste. De'Longhi recommends descaling every 2-3 months. Use De'Longhi's descaling solution or citric acid powder - do not use vinegar. The descaling process takes about 30 minutes and involves flushing the solution through the water lines. Follow the instructions in the manual carefully.

Part Replacement

The main parts that may need replacement over time are the water filter, group gasket, and steam wand tip. The water filter should be changed every 6 months or after 60 liters of water. The group gasket deteriorates over time and may need replacement every 1-2 years. The steam tip may get clogged or damaged, so watch for any issues with steaming and replace as needed. Replacement parts are readily available.

Accessories

The De'Longhi Stilosa comes with two filter baskets to accommodate single and double espresso shots. It also includes a tamper to help compact the coffee grounds before brewing.

The machine does not come with a milk frothing pitcher or cleaning accessories like descaling solution. You'll need to purchase a frothing pitcher separately if you want to make milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. A cleaning brush is also handy for washing the portafilter and steam wand after use.

Some other useful accessories not included with the Stilosa are:

• Coffee grinder - Freshly ground coffee makes a big difference in flavor compared to pre-ground. Look for a burr grinder for most consistent grinds.

• Bottomless portafilter - Allows you to analyze the espresso extraction visually. Helpful for dialing in.

• Coffee tamper - The included plastic tamper is pretty lightweight. An upgraded metal tamper can provide more consistent compaction.

• Knock box - Useful receptacle for knocking out spent coffee grounds from the portafilter. Keeps things tidy.

• Coffee beans - You'll want to use fresh, quality roasted beans with the Stilosa. Stay away from oily supermarket beans.

• Coffee scale - Helpful for consistently dosing coffee grounds by weight for better shot extraction.

Pros and Cons

The De'Longhi Stilosa EC230.BK has its share of positives and negatives that are worth considering before making a purchase.

Pros

• Attractive, compact, and lightweight design makes it easy to use and store
• 15 bar pump provides excellent pressure for rich espresso extraction
• Dual thermostats help maintain optimal water and steam temperatures
• Swivel jet frother makes frothing milk simple and mess-free
• Removable water tank and drip tray for convenient cleaning and filling
• Can brew double shots of espresso for added convenience

Cons

• Small 37oz water tank requires frequent refilling
• Frothing milk takes some practice to master
• No programmable settings or pre-infusion function
• Brewing espresso requires a learning curve to master
• Steam wand positioning can make frothing awkward
• Cleaning and descaling needs regular maintenance

Overall, the De'Longhi Stilosa EC230.BK is a capable espresso machine for the price, but has some limitations to be aware of. It excels at brewing rich, aromatic espresso and frothing milk with practice, but requires some effort to master and maintain. For an easy-to-use and compact espresso maker, it's a solid choice, but lacks some of the more advanced features and capacity of higher-end models. Considering your needs and expectations helps determine if the pros outweigh the cons for your situation.

Conclusion

The De'Longhi Stilosa EC230.BK is an affordable espresso machine that offers solid performance for making espresso and frothing milk. It has a sleek, compact design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. The controls are straightforward and easy to use, even for beginners.

The 15-bar pump provides sufficient pressure to extract rich, flavorful espresso shots. The manual frother allows you to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. While it doesn't produce true microfoam, the results are decent for an entry-level machine.

Maintenance is also simple on the Stilosa. The water tank and drip tray are removable for easy cleaning and descaling is a straightforward process.

Overall, the De'Longhi Stilosa EC230.BK is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive espresso maker for home use. It makes great espresso and froths milk well. The compact size and ease of use also make it ideal for those new to home espresso. If you're looking for an affordable, everyday espresso machine that doesn't compromise on quality, the Stilosa is a great option to consider.