Delonghi Dinamica Plus vs. Primadonna Elite – This is a battle between two workhorses from Delonghi, and the second one comes out as the overall winner for good reasons.
Both have much in common, but the Delonghi Primadonna Elite stands out from its competitor with a double boiler system, the option of manual frothing milk for latte art, a unique chocolate carafe, and space for up to 6 user profiles. However, it is quite heavy and, of course, notably more expensive.
The Delonghi Dinamica Plus is also a formidable opponent. I’m particularly fond of its TrueBrew Over Ice function, even though it doesn’t genuinely brew a cold beverage. You’ll have to supplement it with your own ice to achieve that perfect refreshing drink for sweltering summer days.
Delonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Primadonna Elite: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Primadonna Elite: Differences
The Delonghi Dinamica Plus wins 4-3 against the Primadonna Elite. Both are great options in their price range, so keep reading to decide which one is really great for you.
Coffee Flavour
Winner: Delonghi Dinamica Elite
Built-in Grinder
The Delonghi Dinamica Plus vs Primadonna Elite share a stainless steel cone grinder with 13 grind adjustment settings. Its biggest plus is that it offers very precise and consistent grind results, which is a must-have for brewing high-quality espresso. This type of grinder is also preferred, as it is durable and less likely to retain odor or affect the flavor of the coffee.
However, I found the sound of beans grinding that it produces to be very noisy, about 76–82 dB—this is the equivalent of an operating lawnmower or motorcycle. Yes, the noise only lasts for a couple of minutes, but that’s more than enough to wake the rest of your household in the wee hours. You wouldn’t want to usher in the day with a symphony of disgruntled complaints from your bleary-eyed, irritable loved ones, would you?
Another potential con of the stainless steel grinder is that it is prone to overheating during operation, which can potentially affect the flavor of the final brewed espresso. High temperatures can cause the coffee oils to break down, which may result in a bitter or burnt-tasting espresso. This is why an increasing number of high-end espresso machines are turning to ceramic burr grinders to avoid the possible influence of heat on the grounds.
Both have 13 grind adjustment settings, giving you ample space to experiment with the fineness of the grounds and bringing you closer to the perfect espresso for your taste. As a rule of thumb, you should only adjust the grind size while the grinder is running. Also, steer clear of oily coffee beans since using them is a shortcut to a malfunctioning brew unit.
Heating System
The Primadonna Elite boasts a fast-heating thermoblock dual-boiler system, while the Dinamica Plus has just one boiler. So the former can simultaneously brew espresso and dispense milk at the optimal temperature – there’s no wait time at all. This is a huge plus, especially for large settings like offices or coffee shops with constant demand for milk-based beverages.
Despite the fact that the Primadonna Elite has only one boiler, this one is no slouch and can still serve milk-based drinks quickly. Its secret weapon is the Thermoblock technology, which can heat up in about 20 seconds by heating the exact amount of water required for each procedure. Alternatively, you can pre-warm your cup to prevent heat loss when preparing the froth by placing it on the upper plate, which I call the “cup warming tray.”
Brewing System
Both of these De’Longhi automatic coffee machines have a bre-brew stage called pre-infusion. It basically pre-wets the coffee grounds with the right amount of heated water so that they bloom for maximum aroma extraction. In addition, it can help mitigate “channeling,” which leads to uneven extraction. It would be better if they allowed the adjustment of this pre-brew duration to suit your taste and preferences.
Then the Dinamica Plus extracts espresso at a pressure of 19 bars, while the Primadonna Elite ensures the pressure is within the range of 9-12 bars. For confused folks, These automatic machines use pressure to extract the espresso, and 9 bar is the standard pressure to pull a nice shot.
I found the Primadonna Elite to extract a creamy, dense, aromatic coffee with a frothy crema. Likewise, the Dinamica Plus produced a nice espresso with perfect strength, a sweet note, and a thick crema layer. Their coffee quality is generally excellent considering the price, even on par with café shops. My only problem was that the former was too hot to drink instantly, necessitating a bit of a wait before I could savor it.
Milk Frothing System
Both are equipped with an automatic milk frothing system, allowing you to whip up milk foam for your milk-based beverages without needing any barista-level skills. This is handy for novices to the world of cappuccino or for those who often find themselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of morning routines. But if you desire greater control over the milk frothing process, the Primadonna Elite offers a steam spout as an alternative.
Their milk system comprises a thermal milk pitcher with an integrated steam wand. When not in use, it can be stowed away in your refrigerator to keep your milk chilled and fresh. Then, whenever you crave a drink that requires milk, just attach the jug to the front of the machine.
I appreciated that Delonghi chose a different path for their products than Jura, which necessitates connecting a milk container to a frother through a plastic tube. This approach not only requires additional space for the container but also mandates extra cleaning to ensure there’s no leftover milk residue in the tube. Jura machines don’t even come with something that can hold milk, despite their salty price tag.
There is a manual dial on the top lid, which you can use to pick the required milk foam setting among three options based on your drink choice: no froth, min froth, and max froth. The screen will walk you through the adjustments that need to be made to the dial on the milk jug.
My tests showed that these machines were very good at making thick milk foam for a good cappuccino, but they failed to reach the micro-foam level for a latte. So if latte art is your thing, you’ll really need to use a manual steam wand with the Primadonna Elite.
Design & Usability
Winner: Tie
Dimensions, Footprint, & Weight
| Delonghi Dinamica Plus | Delonghi Primadonna Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.3 x 14 x 17 inches | 10.2 x 15 x 18.5 inches |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs | 26.23 lbs |
Yes, I know, many of us are more concerned with the quality of the beverages an espresso machine can create than its aesthetic appeal. But it is delightful to own an espresso machine that not only brews delicious drinks but also adds to the charm of your kitchen, right? This is why an increasing number of manufacturers are putting more emphasis on improving the aesthetics of their products.
Both machines have sleek, monolithic designs that would stand out in any kitchen. They have an entirely plastic exterior with a few metal accents, giving them a high-end feel while keeping costs down. Despite having too much plastic in their construction, they still give a robust and well-built impression, convincing me that they can withstand the test of time.
Each machine is equipped with a color touchscreen display located at the front, which you’ll utilize for selecting a beverage and adjusting all the settings except for the bean grinding. It aims to replicate a user experience akin to using a smartphone, which is a good thing, but honestly, I prefer the text screen on the DeLonghi Dinamica because I’m not fond of leaving fingerprints on the screen.
These large beans won’t take up too much space on your kitchen countertop, but they are quite tall – consider this if you plan to put your next espresso machine under the kitchen cabinets. The Primadonna Elite is so heavy, so this one can pose a challenge to you when you are trying to set it in place alone.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options
| Delonghi Dinamica Plus | Delonghi Primadonna Elite |
|---|---|
| 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 Coffee Long Doppio+ Americano Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Cappuccino+ Cappuccino Mix Caffelatte Flat White Espresso Macchiato Chocolate Hot Milk Hot Water |
Both have a long list of coffee, milk-based drinks, and some special drinks – all ready to be served with a simple touch on the screen. You can also use pre-ground coffee if you find yourself running out of beans.
One thing that the Dinamica Plus has over the Elite is the “TrueBrew Over Ice” function. This isn’t really “cold brew” technology since it just produces a satisfying espresso shot at room temperature by pre-soaking the grounds and brewing coffee at a lower temperature. So to have a delicious iced coffee or an iced latte, it is essential to add your own ice cubes or whiskey rocks. Many people consider this “cold brew” function a gimmick, but to me, it’s a nice-to-have addition, especially for refreshments during the summer months.
The Primadonna Elite comes with a chocolate carafe, enabling you to prepare one or two cups of hot chocolate instantly with just a button push. This handy feature is a blessing for children, expectant women, or anyone who prefers to avoid caffeinated beverages. It can also be used to brew cold coffee.
Regarding adjustability, both the Delonghi Dinamica Plus vs Primadonna Elite offer 5 aroma strengths, 4 levels of water dose, and 4 brew temperatures. It takes a few rounds of trial and error to identify the perfect recipe that tantalizes your taste buds.
You can then store your perfect recipe in your personal profile, ensuring you’ll never have to start your day discovering your painstakingly-created recipe altered by someone else. The Dinamica Plus only has 4 user profiles (3 for family members and 1 for guests), whereas the Primadonna Elite takes the lead with 6 options.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Delonghi Dinamica Plus | Delonghi Primadonna Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 3.5-5.5 inches | 3.4-5.6 inches |
Their espresso dispensing spouts are height adjustable, which, in my opinion, is a must-have for a fully automatic coffee machine. They can fit some jumbo-sized cups by being lifted up or moving all the way down to cut down on splashes and avoid breaking the aromatic crema.
They can even simultaneously serve two cups of coffee without sacrificing quality, enabling you and your spouse to receive your caffeinated beverage without queuing. It would be great if they could brew two milk-based beverages simultaneously, just like the Saeco Xelsis.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Delonghi Dinamica Plus | Delonghi Primadonna Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.8 liter | 1.8 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.37 liter | 0.31 liter |
Their water reservoirs are ingeniously positioned to slide out from the front of the machine for easy refilling and cleaning. They can hold enough water to use at home within a day before needing to be reloaded, as long as no one in your family drinks espresso like it’s the last day on earth.
Both come out of the box with a water filter, which softens water by removing impurities in the water. I highly recommend it if you are living in a hard water region since it prevents scaling and contributes to extending the machine’s life. It also means less frequent descaling of the machine while ensuring the delightful flavor of the espresso remains intact. Using the filter is optional and requires replacement every two to three months, but it’s worth it, considering you don’t have to descale the machine for a very long time.
Their bean hoppers have ample capacity to hold enough beans for several days, while their airtight lids can preserve the aroma and reduce the noise of the grinder. I always love such small but handy additions.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Winner: Tie
Both have removable brew groups that are easy to remove for manual cleaning under the tap. Lazy people often prefer a built-in brew group because cleaning it up relies on an automatic cycle. But, from my perspective, manually cleaning this part is key to ensuring its longevity. Seeing is always believing, right? You will also need to periodically clean some parts, such as the drip tray, coffee grounds basket, and the machine’s casing.
The descaling of these machines is an automated procedure that requires the use of a descaling solution recommended by the manufacturer. The user-friendly display screen will guide you through the necessary steps to complete the process. And if you opt to use a filter, this task becomes so rare that it virtually fades from your daily chores.
Regarding cleaning the milk system, just rinse their milk carafes under the tap after each use to remove potential mold and bacteria. According to Delonghi, these pitchers are dishwasher safe (on the top shelf), but I personally advocate for a manual cleanse.
Utilities & Other Features
Winner: Tie
Remote Control
These smart units can connect to your phone via an app to allow you to place an order from a distance. You can fine-tune almost everything about your cup of Joe from your bedroom or sofa, including the aroma strength, milk dose, coffee amount, and brew temperature. The app can be downloaded and used for free on both iOS and Android devices.
I said “almost everything” because there is still one thing that requires manual intervention from your side – set the dial on the milk jug to the correct setting. This takes the shine off using the app, and to my mind, it is far from as convenient as the J.O.E. app that Jura develops.
Auto-Off (Standby)
Both can go off automatically after an adjustable interval (15 or 30 minutes, or 1, 2, or 3 hours). This is not only a money-saving function but also a nod to environmental conservation.
Quick Rundown of Delonghi Primadonna Elite
Quick Rundown of Delonghi Dinamica Plus
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- 3.5” TFT full-touch, colorful display provides intuitive and simple experience of one-touch specialty recipes
- De’Longhi Coffee Link App lets you create and save up to 3 personalized espresso recipes in your profile, so every cup of coffee is always customized to your unique taste
- 16 one-touch or customized coffee drinks: latte, espresso, cappuccino, flat white, iced coffee, regular coffee and more.
- Built-in conical burr grinder with 13 settings for always freshly ground coffee, for any beans of your choice.
Last update on 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Delonghi Primadonna Elite: https://www.delonghi.com/en-gb/ecam650-85-ms-primadonna-elite-experience-automatic-coffee-maker/p/ECAM650.85.MS
- Delonghi Dinamica Plus: https://www.delonghi.com/en/ecam370-95-t-dinamica-plus-automatic-coffee-machine/p/ECAM370.95.T
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.