I used the De’Longhi All-in-One coffee machine for a year

The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has tested more than 100 coffee and espresso machines, making more than 1,000 cups of coffee and espresso. We regularly test the latest models, including coffee machines with built-in grinders, Nespresso machines, other single-cup coffee machines, and French presses.

We test all coffee machines for performance and ease of exploit, looking at brewing time, coffee temperature during brewing and keeping hot (if applicable), and whether the controls are straightforward to read and access. Our experts also taste each drink. We make jugs of coffee and pour espresso, and in the case of machines with a steam wand, we make cappuccino.

The previous De’Longhi combo machine was our top pick for the best coffee and espresso machines. I used that model for about a year. Now I’m using the latest model for this story.

I have a miniature kitchen, so for me the advantage of this device is that it offers drip coffee, espresso and milk frothing in a compact size. I am also pleased with the quality of the coffee. It is scorching and tasty. The coffee machine has two different heating mechanisms, so you can prepare both types of coffee at the same time.

Drip coffee:

• Automatic brewing function: I love the timer. Just set the time you want the machine to start brewing, add water and ground coffee, and press the Auto button. It’s a gift that Evening Me gives Morning Me almost every weekend.
• Reusable coffee filter: I like that this machine has a reusable filter that’s straightforward to remove and tidy. I don’t have to store (or tediously separate!) paper filters.
• Quick brewing time: The kettle takes less than 5 minutes to brew six cups of water, so that’s a relatively miniature time to brew your first cup, even if you’re not using the timer. In our lab test, the entire kettle’s brew time scored a four out of five, meaning it brewed in less than 75 seconds per cup compared to less than 60 seconds per cup.
• Programmable keep hot function: By default, the machine keeps the coffee in the jug hot for two hours, but you can set any time between 1 minute and 11 hours 59 minutes.
• Front Loading Design: The front of the machine over the carafe tilts up so you can quickly and easily add water and ground coffee—which earned the machine a perfect Lab rating for basket accessibility. There’s also a water level indicator on the front so you can see when water has been added.
• Replaceable water filter: The drip side has a handle for replaceable water filter. The company claims it is an anti-chlorine filter, but we have not tested that claim. However, I still exploit it (and replace it) to improve the quality of the water I brew my coffee with.

Espresso:

• Two filter inserts: It’s nice that — like most coffee machines — the De’Longhi All-in-One comes with a single-shot and double-shot insert for the filter holder. The filter holder also has a little lever that you can tilt up to hold the insert in place while you empty the used grounds.
• Cup warming and brewing function: The top of the espresso side includes a cup-warming tray where you can set your cups while you make your espresso. This warms the cups to facilitate keep the espresso hot. De’Longhi also requires you to prepare the espresso side before making your espresso. You do this by placing your cup on the drip tray before adding a portafilter with grounds; then you press a button to start a dose of scorching water. If you are using a mug that you intend to drink from (and pour the water out), this is another chance to hot the mug.
• Removable water tank: It’s convenient to be able to completely remove the espresso water tank. This makes it easier to tidy and fill. But the lid lifts up and stays up, so I found it straightforward to fill without removing it. Although I haven’t tested this, the tank also includes a place to add optional water filter.
  
  

• Built-in steam nozzle: I like that I can froth milk with this machine. The frothing nozzle is basic—you just turn the lever toward you and froth until you get the consistency you want—but it works well, so you can have cappuccinos and lattes. It also dispenses water if you like to make an Americano.
• Flood, brew and steam indicator: The green lithe lets you know when the machine is ready to prepare and take a shot, making the process user-friendly. The green lithe will turn off when a shot of espresso has been prepared, but it will continue to squeeze liquid until you press the button.
• Coffee spoon and tamper: The set includes a dual-purpose plastic coffee spoon and tamper to facilitate fill and pack the filter holder. (The spoon can of course also be used to fill the drip coffee side.) The filter holder also accepts Espresso capsules compliant with the ESE standard if you prefer not to tamp the ground.
• Removable drip tray: I love that the drip tray has a red tab that lifts up at the top to let you know it’s time to empty it, so it doesn’t overflow. And because it’s removable, you can tidy it thoroughly—without mold.

While there are many things to like about this machine, there are always some compromises. Here’s what we think you should know if you’re considering this combo machine.

For both:

• Without grinder: There’s no built-in coffee grinder in the machine, so you’ll need to exploit ground coffee – either store-bought or from your own grinder.

Drip coffee:

• Tank window: The window allowing you to check the amount of water in the coffee machine’s tank is slightly set back and darkened, making it hard to read.
• Brewing temperature: In our lab tests of the previous machine, we found that it brewed coffee at a lower temperature than some other drip coffee makers, but the coffee was effectively held in the jug, resulting in a pleasantly scorching cup.

Espresso:

• Long warm-up time: The On button for the coffee maker is on the side of the machine; the one on the front of the machine is for the drip coffee maker only, which may take a few uses to get used to. When you press the On button, heating is a bit slower. This can take up to two and a half minutes.
• It is not an automatic machine: While the drip side includes a manual brewing option using a timer, the espresso side is entirely manual. There’s no automation in terms of selecting a drink at the touch of a button, and the steam wand — which offers some nuances from low to high — requires manual frothing.
• Before taking the shot you need to prepare: Prime the espresso side will facilitate you remove standing water and loosen any coffee grounds—and also hot up your cup if you decide to exploit the same one to make your drink. However, because the machine isn’t automated, prime requires an extra step.

After my long-term exploit, I believe that this multifunctional device model will be worth considering in many households. It makes good drip coffee and good espresso, and also has the ability to froth milk. It also offers a way to make smaller batches of pour-over coffee, providing three functions for the coffee lovers in your life.

One caveat is that it doesn’t include a grinder, so if you prefer to exploit whole beans and don’t have the space for a standalone grinder, you can opt for an espresso machine with a built-in grinder. It’s also not fully automatic, so you’ll have to work with an espresso filter holder.

But considering the space, quality, price and versatility, I think it’s a great choice. If you usually buy ground coffee or don’t mind a separate grinder (which I do), it will suit your habits and allow you to make several types of drinks. I’m glad I have a compact machine that allows me to have a “coffee corner” in my miniature kitchen without having to have multiple machines.

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Sarah Gregory Wharton has been testing products for the Good Housekeeping Institute since 2021. She uses this combo coffee maker almost every day and has also led tests of coffee accessories like mug warmers and milk frothers. She has written about how to make great cappuccinos and lattes at home.

Sarah (she/her) is an associate editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks for cooking, technology, health, and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen equipment and supplies for Family circle and has developed recipes and culinary content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo, and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).