Best Up-to-date Budget Coffee Maker

As an espresso lover, I occasionally—and reluctantly—spend the increasingly common $6 on a latte. But it adds up, and coffee shop prices aren’t coming down anytime soon.

I’ve experimented with a few inexpensive semi-automatic coffee machines over the years, and I love my Technivorm Moccamaster drip coffee maker, but I wanted to upgrade my espresso setup—without having to pay the high price tag that usually comes with it.

So when I was offered the chance to try out the up-to-date De’Longhi coffee machine, Dedicate Maestro PlusI took a chance. After a few weeks of apply, I can say I would have easily spent $399 if I had known it would be this great.

De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus espresso machine

The beginner-friendly machine offers a much less intimidating experience for espresso enthusiasts who want to invest in a high-quality machine from a well-known brand like De’Longhi without spending over a thousand dollars. The newly introduced machine costs $399 and is an improvement on that brand’s model. Dedicate your Art Pump Maestro machine. From the moment I unboxed it, the quality was evident and the unit was up and running within minutes.

As an apartment dweller, my narrow countertop space is prime real estate. The Dedica Maestro Plus is only 8.5 by 13 inches deep, which is actually thinner than my already compact Nespresso machine. Its sleek chrome casing looks edged next to my Moccamaster, and I love that it’s not the focal point of my kitchen because it’s too substantial or deep.

Apart from its tiny size, the best feature of this machine is that it offers semi-automatic operation. AND manual experience, so I can either get really into setting my espresso or just be super idle depending on my mood. The machine heats up quickly (in seconds) and has a powerful 15 bar pressure and a three-hole steam wand. Although I still set my preferred grind size and amount, each shot was better than the last, and I found that pre-ground espresso beans still produced a fantastic shot.

To switch between settings, simply pull the side lever back and forth. When frothing in manual mode, an incredibly convenient lightweight will indicate when the milk has reached its optimum temperature, making it nearly impossible to burn the milk. I’m no barista and often struggle to hit the sweet spot when it comes to achieving the perfect temperature when frothing, but not with this machine.

For weekdays or quick mornings, the automatic mode is my go-to. Even in this setting, the machine offers a pretty customizable experience that feels indulgent. Depending on whether you’re using nut milk or cow’s milk, you can choose between three different temperatures and foam textures, something I didn’t have with previous machines. Often, the standard set temperatures burn almond milk and other plant milks, but I’ve found that setting a lower temperature really makes a difference when steaming oat milk.

Despite the machine’s smaller size, the removable 54-ounce water tank holds more water than typical machines of this size (translation: fewer trips to the sink and back!) and also has slots on both sides that provide an ergonomic, clever way to make it easier to slide the tank out for filling. The wide drip tray comfortably accommodates the milk jug during automatic frothing, and it also features an espresso lifter that can be easily placed on top of the drip tray when making drinks. Overall, the machine is very well designed in terms of detail.

For first-time coffee maker owners, it comes with everything you need to complete your station, including single and double filter baskets for the filter holder, a tamper, and a coffee measuring cup for perfect servings. It even comes with a steam wand cleaning tool if the wand holes get clogged, and it has a little compartment on the top to keep the filter baskets in place. Disassembly is effortless, and most parts are dishwasher protected. It also indicates when it’s time to descale.

Of course, no machine is perfect. Some of the machines I’ve used tend to have a balmy water spout, which is convenient for making balmy tea or an Americano. It’s also noisy when frothing, so be prepared to wake up the household when it’s time to turn it on.

But even with these tiny flaws, the comfort and quality Dedicate Maestro Plus Make this a great purchase whether you’re just starting out in espresso or a seasoned professional.

At the time of publication, the price was $399.