DeLonghi Dinamica Plus vs. Philips 3200 LatteGo: Which one emerges triumphant? After carefully evaluating multiple critical aspects, I found the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus to be decidedly superior.
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus has been receiving countless rave reviews in the US for introducing high-end features at a mid-tier price point. Among its numerous pre-made drinks, the “Truebrew Over Ice” option piqued my interest because it will put you in a state of ecstasy on sweltering summer days. Oh, you can control it remotely.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is also among the top-selling espresso machines in the sub-$1000 price range. This one doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as the winner, but it still facilitates the creation of espresso and some milk-based drinks with minimal effort.
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Philips 3200 LatteGo: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-07-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Philips 3200 LatteGo: Differences
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus decisively outperforms the Philips 3200 LatteGo with a score of 4-1. Keep scrolling down for more details!
Coffee Flavour
Winner: DeLonghi Dinamica Plus
Built-in Grinder
These bean-to-cup machines do not require the purchase of a separate grinder since each has a built-in one. The Dinamica Plus comes with a stainless steel conical burr grinder, whereas the Philips 3200 LatteGo features a ceramic flat burr grinder.
I found the ceramic grinder to be somewhat quieter than its stainless steel counterpart. It’s quiet enough that you can brew a cup of Joe in the wee hours of the morning without disturbing anyone’s slumber. As for the stainless steel grinder, it was very noisy, on par with a working vacuum cleaner.
Additionally, the ceramic grinder enjoys a premium reputation for staying cool when in use. That means it’s not prone to overheating like its stainless steel counterpart, which can burn the grounds and produce substandard espresso with an undesirable bitter taste.
The number of grind settings is another important factor since the more settings your espresso machine has, the more space you have to experiment and discover the grind size that suits your taste. The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus has 13 grind settings to choose from, while the Philips 3200 LatteGo offers 12. You can adjust this by turning a knob inside the bean hopper (clockwise = coarser, counterclockwise = finer). An immutable rule is that you should only adjust the grind settings while the grinder is running.
Heating System
Both have just one fast-heating thermoblock boiler, so they can’t perform simultaneous espresso brewing and milk steaming as dual-boiler machines do. However, the quick heating time of the thermoblock system is a significant advantage that compensates for this limitation.
Unlike a traditional boiler system, a thermoblock boiler only heats the on-demand water for each process instead of heating and maintaining a large volume of water at a constant temperature. In fact, it can reach the necessary brewing temperature in about 20 seconds or even less, so you won’t have to wait too long to get your desired drink.
The brief delay also means that your espresso doesn’t have enough time to lose heat while you steam milk for frothing. You can further reduce heat loss to maintain the optimal temperature of the espresso by putting your cup on top of the machine (what I call a cup warmer). Consequently, you can enjoy a hot and satisfying cup of coffee from the first sip to the last.
Brewing System
Before actually extracting the espresso, both kicks start the pre-infusion stage, wetting the coffee grounds with hot water. This allows the coffee grounds to expand for better extraction of flavor and aroma. Additionally, the water is more likely to flow uniformly through the evenly moistened grounds, avoiding over- or under-extraction. This step is available on most automatic espresso machines, and some models that I’ve evaluated, like the Gaggia Velasca Prestige, even offer the option to adjust the pre-soaking duration.
Once the grounds have “bloomed,” the Philips 3200 will extract coffee at a full pressure of 15 bars, while the Dinamica Plus maxes out at up to 19 bars. For those who don’t know, these bean-to-cup machines, among others, rely on the pressure generated by a pump to pull a shot of espresso. The pressure of 9 bars is the minimum requirement to extract the flavors, oils, and aromatic compounds from the coffee grounds.
During my testing, the espresso that the Dinamica Plus produced had a well-rounded flavor topped with a thick and beautiful crema layer. My only minor complaint was that the beverage was too hot to be served immediately, necessitating a bit of a wait for it to cool down slightly.
On the other hand, I found the Philips 3200 to brew espresso too quickly, resulting in a pretty weak shot with a really thin layer of crema. The culprit seems to be the filter basket, which features large holes, allowing the water to pass through too swiftly. Its espresso isn’t terrible, but it doesn’t compare to what comes out of cafes.
Milk Frothing System
Frothing milk is also among the automated processes on both of these units. This lets you whip up some milk-based espresso beverages right in your kitchen with the push of a button. So you don’t have to make a trip to your favorite barista or struggle with a manual steam wand on those hectic mornings.
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus features a LatteCrema milk frothing system, comprising a big thermal milk pitcher with an inbuilt steam spout. When it’s time to brew a milk-based drink, just attach the milk jug straight to the front of the machine without any tube or hose. It can also be kept in the refrigerator when not in use to keep the milk cool and fresh.
There is a big knob on the top cap of the pitcher, allowing you to dial in the right amount of froth for your drink among three options: no, min, and max froth. It could produce thick and velvety milk foam in under a minute, which is ideal for a café-quality cappuccino, but it failed to reach the micro-foam level for latte art.
Likewise, the Philips 3200 boasts a LatteGo milk system, including a milk jug as well. It is removable as well for storing in the refrigerator and deep cleaning under the tap. But instead of placing the milk pitcher on the drip tray, you need to ensure it is firmly attached to the front of the machine via a black plastic clip, or you’ll end up with a mess on your countertop. The lid simply sits on the container and has no hinge, making it feel somewhat flimsy.
After you choose the amount of milk froth among three levels, the machine will mix milk and air at high speed in the frothing chamber. And once it’s ready, it will dispense milk foam into your waiting cup.
Like the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus, my test showed that this one only created consistent, thick foam that is good for a nice cappuccino. If you want smoother, creamier, and less thick foam for a latte, consider the Philips 3200 with a steam wand.
Design & Usability
Winner: DeLonghi Dinamica Plus
Dimensions, Footprint, & Weight
| DeLonghi Dinamica Plus | Philips 3200 LatteGo | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.3 x 14 x 17 inches | 9.7 x 14.6 x 17 inches |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs | 17.7 lbs |
I know that an espresso machine’s primary function is, no doubt, to brew countless delicious caffeinated beverages. However, imagine if it could uplift your kitchen’s aesthetics and compel your guests to marvel at its elegance. Isn’t that wonderful? This is precisely what you can expect from both the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus and the Philips 3200 LatteGo.
The Dinamica Plus boasts a simple but attractive design, which surely will fit well in any modern kitchen setup. There are some steel and chrome accents that do a great job of giving the machine a luxurious feel without actually upping the cost. Adding to its charm is a 3.5-inch touchscreen display that gives a user experience as straightforward as using a smartphone.
The Philips 3200 isn’t as sleek as its competitor, but this one is still attractive with its glossy black finish with chrome-like trim. Although made mostly of plastic, it still feels sturdy and well-made, so I think it’ll stand the test of time. The ample screen shows all the drink options and adjustable settings, ensuring that even novices will find it a breeze to use.
Both are not too cumbersome, so you can easily find the right space on your counter to put them. Still, they are quite high, and their bean hoppers are top-loading, so it may not be ideal to have them posited beneath lower-hanging kitchen cabinets. These beasts are pretty heavy, especially the Dinamica Plus, so unless you’re a gym guy and regularly partake in weightlifting, you might need an extra pair of hands to get each of them in place.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options
| DeLonghi Dinamica Plus | Philips 3200 LatteGo |
|---|---|
| Gourmet Espresso Double Espresso Long Coffee Truebrew Over Ice Coffee Pot Doppio+ Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Milk Cappuccino + Cappuccino Mix Caffelatte Flat White Espresso Macchiato Hot Water. | Espresso Black Coffee Americano Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Hot Water |
The Dinamica Plus continues to be at the top of the game with a longer menu of preset drinks. If you need to find a machine for a large setting where many different tastes and preferences need to be met, this is the one to get.
Not satisfied with the factory settings? Their pre-programmed drinks can be tailored to your preferences through a few settings. The Dinamica Plus offers 5 coffee strength levels, 4 water dose levels, 4 brewing temperatures, and 3 milk foam volume levels for that perfect cup. Meanwhile, the Philips 3200 features 3 levels each for aroma strength, brew temperature, water volume, and milk dose.
I was glad that the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus has four user profiles (3 family members and 1 guest). This feature enables you and others to save their preferred recipes under their own profiles for quick access. 4 profiles may not be enough for larger households or offices with more coffee enthusiasts, but half a loaf is undoubtedly better than none, right?
Hot diggity dog! The Delonghi Dinamica Plus stands apart from the competition with its patented TrueBrew Over Ice technology. It’s a gimmick to call it “cold brew” since it doesn’t really brew cold espresso. It just pre-soaks the coffee grounds and brews espresso at a lower temperature, yielding a shot that’s at room temperature. Then you can add your own ice cubes or whiskey rocks to enjoy a refreshing iced espresso-based drink at your fingertips.
Both have an optional bypass chute for the use of pre-ground coffee. This nifty feature is handy for making decaf for your guests or anyone who prefers caffeine-free beverages. It is also a lifesaver whenever you run out of coffee beans, allowing you to continue enjoying your favorite coffee drinks without interruption.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| DeLonghi Dinamica Plus | Philips 3200 LatteGo | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 3.5-5.5 inches | 3.3–6.9 inches |
Both the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus vs Philips 3200 LatteGo have height-adjustable dual coffee spouts, so they can fit various cups with ease. The latter has a wider cup clearance, enabling it to fit even mammoth-sized cups.
Their dual shot function is really a godsend for those busy mornings. I don’t know about you, but I never want to fight my wife for the right to brew espresso first. Yes, you can call me a henpecked husband!
Another con is that the spout of the LatteGo system is a bit too high relative to your cup, especially if you are preparing smaller drinks like a cappuccino. The milk has to travel a long way down before reaching your cup, and if you’re not careful, you could miscalculate your cup placement and end up with half the milk on your counter.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| DeLonghi Dinamica Plus | Philips 3200 LatteGo | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.8 liter | 1.8 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.37 liter | 0.28 liter |
Their water tanks are removable for easy refilling or rinsing at the kitchen sink. They are not particularly large as commercial-standard machines, but they can hold enough water for your family to use for a day without refilling too often.
Interestingly, both the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus vs Philips 3200 LatteGo come out of the box with a water filter as an optional: DeLonghi filter and AquaClean filter. I highly recommend using the filter, especially for those who live in areas with high water hardness, to keep the machine scaling-free and ensure the espresso tastes great. Of course, it is unnecessary if you are using pre-filtered or bottled water.
Both of their bean hoppers have an airtight lid, ensuring your beans are never exposed to air or the sun in an unwanted way. That way, they can stay fresh with the full-bodied aroma for a long time. Not to mention, the airtight lids also contribute to dampening the sound produced by the grinder.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Winner: Tie
Descaling these espresso machines is a hassle-free task since it is an automatic process, and their displays will prompt you when it is the right time. All you need to do is pour the descaling solution into the water tank and perform some simple tasks to run an automatic cycle. Of course, using the water filter can significantly reduce the frequency of descaling.
Regarding cleaning the milk frothing system, both run an automatic cycle after each time you prepare a milk-based drink. Their removable milk carafes can be thoroughly washed under the tap, and according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, they are safe for cleaning in the dishwasher.
Last but not least, it’s essential to routinely empty and rinse the drip tray and coffee grounds container (the machine will alert you when this is due). Rinsing the water tank and detachable brew group is a usual cleaning task as well. Giving the machine’s exterior a wipe with a damp cloth is also recommended to maintain its sleek appearance.
Utilities & Other Features
Winner: DeLonghi Dinamica Plus
Remote Control
Have you ever wanted to brew a cup of espresso from the comfort of your bed or sofa while watching Netflix? Yes, it’s no longer a pipe dream! With many super-automatic espresso machines, like the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus, you can now remotely control your brew.
By connecting the Dinamica Plus to your smartphone or computer via Bluetooth, you can choose your favorite beverage, make the necessary customizations, retrieve your drink, and bring it back to your sofa. It even allows you to personalize your drink via some settings that you can’t do via the screen, such as setting espresso dose in ml and milk quantity by pouring time.
However, you will still need to manually adjust the amount of milk foam by turning the dial on the milk pitcher – this really reduces the usefulness of the remote control feature. Also, the app doesn’t seem to have an option for preparing a decaf cup using pre-ground coffee.
Auto-Off Feature
Both have an automatic shutoff feature, helping to conserve energy and prevent any safety hazards. Specifically, these units will automatically turn off after a programmable interval of inactivity (from 15 to 180 minutes). This feature is a boon for absent-minded guys who often leave the house with some appliances still running.
Quick Rundown Of DeLonghi Dinamica Plus
- Intuitive and colorful 3.5” TFT display Enjoy easy interaction with the new, intuitive interface on the 3.5” TFT full-touch, colorful display.
- De’Longhi Coffee Link App Functionality The App lets you create and save up to 3 personalized espresso recipes in your profile, ensuring you’re never more than a smart screen away from perfectly customized coffee. The app also gives you tips and tricks, and helps with machine maintenance.
- Integrated Conical Burr Grinder Brew fresh, whole bean coffee and save counter space with the built-in coffee grinder. With 13 adjustable settings, this grinder ensures that the coffee is as evenly and finely ground as possible to bring out its rich flavors and aroma.
- Smart-One-Touch System The intelligent system recognizes your preferences and is programmed to list your most frequently selected drinks as first on the display.
- Proprietary LatteCrema System Automatic and ergonomic thermal milk carafe with the proprietary LatteCrema System textures any milk of your choice and can be stored in the fridge to keep milk fresh when not in use
Last update on 2024-07-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Philips 3200 LatteGo
- With Philips 3200 Series enjoy the delicious taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans and perfect temperature, thanks to our intelligent brewing system. The LatteGo milk system allows you to create a silky smooth cappuccino or latte macchiato with ease
- EASY BEVERAGE SELECTION: Easily select your favorite drinks in just one touch with 6 beverage options - Espresso, Coffee, Americano, Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino and Hot Water
- LATTEGO MILK SYSTEM: Effortlessly make silky-smooth milk froth, even with plant-based alternatives for your milk based drinks
- DURABLE CERAMIC GRINDER: Bring out the full flavour of your coffee with our hard-wearing ceramic grinder. The durable ceramic grinder can be adjusted in 12 steps, from fine to coarse grindings
- EASY CUSTOMIZATION WITH INTUITIVE TOUCH DISPLAY: Adjust your coffee your way with the My Coffee Choice function: choose your preferred coffee strength, length, and milk froth level, just to your taste with one touch
Last update on 2024-07-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- DeLonghi Dinamica Plus: https://www.delonghi.com/en/ecam370-95-t-dinamica-plus-automatic-coffee-machine/p/ECAM370.95.T
- Philips 3200 LatteGo: https://www.usa.philips.com/c-e/ho/coffee/espresso/philips-automatic-espresso-machine.html
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.