The debate of Delonghi La Specialista vs Dinamica has arrived! These 2 unalike machines from Delonghi have been circling my mind, and I have to compare them, especially for the sake of intermediate users. And after considering all the major differences between the pair, I find Delonghi La Specialista much more well-rounded.
Delonghi La Specialista is a powerful espresso machine with an industrial construct (although it’s not a commercial machine). It is designed with classic espresso recipes that taste divine with each pull. I like the stable grinder and this machine’s potent milk system that can froth microfoam. With its 85oz water tank, I highly recommend this model for large families or users who drink more than 8 cups daily.
The runner-up Delonghi Dinamica is a formidable machine. It can extract very balanced espresso with sweet and bitter notes. The milk foam quality also is very nice. I can froth dry foam to a certain level. But the milk wand isn’t very flexible. Thus making it harder for me to handle the milk pitcher to make it airier. This is the major minus point of this machine for me.
Delonghi La Specialista vs Dinamica: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi La Specialista vs Dinamica: Differences
Delonghi La Specialista wins 3-0 and ties twice against Dinamica. The truth is I don’t find their features to be highly distinctive, and both are potent espresso machines with decent additional features. I will give clearer comments about their espresso quality and convenient utilities below!
Water tanks’ capacity and position
Winner: Delonghi La Specialista
La Specialista is equipped with a 85oz water tank that is located in the back. The truth is I’m not too fond of the tank’s position, but various other aspects make the back tank not so bad after all. Firstly, the big reservoir capacity is more than enough to last at least 2 days if you brew only 4 cups of Americano or latte daily.
The thing about the back water tank is that it has a removable lid. So users can refill it without having to pull the tank out. But, removing it whenever you descale the machine or change the water filter is still necessary.
As for Dinamica, the machine has a 61 oz water tank, a standard size for espresso machines. The tank’s position also is ideal, which is on the side. And to remove the tank, users pull it upfront. The overall water tank design on this one is great, but the capacity is small and requires frequent refilling, especially if 2-3 users put it to work daily.
Heating element
Winner: Delonghi La Specialista
Both machines are equipped with a single Thermoblock heating element that is very potent at heating water to the ideal temperature without requiring too much wait time. What surprises me is the warm-up time of La Specialista. It takes literally no time to heat up. The brand created this machine for users who want to hit the power button and brew immediately.
As for Dinamica, it needs 40s to heat up, which is very fast as well. Regarding heat-up time, I think both models do a phenomenal job. But La Specialista is slightly more impressive.
Do I recommend turning up the machine and brewing it right away? No. The average heat-up time is the minimum wait for the devices to be able to start brewing. On the contrary, I always recommend leaving them on for a few minutes. You will notice a big difference in temperature performance.
Espresso flavor
It’s a tie!
Delonghi La Specialista and Dinamica have impressed me with their espresso quality. I enjoy the balanced notes of flavor that are robust and refreshing. The texture of the shots is excellent as well. The pair will satisfy your requirement if you want delicious espresso with a heavy mouthfeel. On the other hand, avoid using oily beans because the pair isn’t made for it and will return a bitter cup. I have tried it.
Grinder’s design and operation
It’s a tie!
Both devices come with a conical steel burr grinder, a standard type in this price range. I have tested the performance and don’t notice any major differences. If you are worried about the noise level, I don’t think it will be a big disadvantage. They produce a normal level of noise, the same as most espresso machines.
As for the quality of the ground, I find them to be very even. I don’t notice any lump bits that will affect the dose and extraction of espresso.
Milk frother
Winner: Delonghi La Specialista
Delonghi La Specialista is better, not in terms of milk foam texture, because they are more or less the same in this aspect, but with a flexible-angle design. Dinamica comes with a stiff wand that can’t rotate in circles, making it impossible to swirl the pitcher and get a better foam quality for cappuccino or latte macchiato.
Thanks to the adjustable position of the milk wand on La Specialista, I get o enjoy a much more comfortable frothing experience. And as a result, the milk foam can get creamier and airier with this model.
Delonghi La Specialista vs Dinamica: Similarities
I want to highlight 2 major similarities between La Specialista and Dinamica: the Americano recipe and the possibility of mechanizing the milk texture.
One-touch Americano
I have test-brewed both of these machines’ Americano, and the flavor performance is really great. The flavor is very balanced instead of being watered-down. If you are a fan of Americano, I don’t think you will want to miss these machines.
Customizable milk texture
On the milk wand you can find a valve that adjusts the milk texture from flat steamed milk to airy foam. Pairing this feature with your manual control over the milk pitcher will give you the ultimate foam texture. I really like the detail because it’s simple yet effective.
Quick Rundown of DeLonghi La Specialista
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of DeLonghi Dinamica
- De'Longhi Dinamica is the first and only Fully Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine with iced coffee recipe. By brewing at a lower temperature, pre-infusing and infusing the coffee and offering the ability to customize to extra strong, De’Longhi Dinamica brews smooth, full-bodied coffee over ice that is never watered down.
- Heat-up time in less than 40 seconds: With Italian 15 bar high performance pump and a brew unit that takes only 40 seconds to heat up, you can have coffee shop quality coffee beverages with the push of a button.
- Brew The Freshest Coffee: With bean to cup brewing system and a breakthrough built-in steel burr grinder, you can expect the freshest cup of coffee, every time, unlike competitor machines, Dinamica does not leave grounds in the brew unit.
- The Simplest Machine To Clean: With a removable brew unit and dishwasher-safe drip tray, this machine takes half the time and cost to clean compared vs. competitor models and without the use of chemicals.
- Adjustable steel burr grinder with 13 settings: Dinamica features an adjustable steel burr grinder for total control of the grind and beverage strength. While the Dinamica comes with a recommended grind setting, you have the option to customize according to your coffee roast, origin, and personal taste preferences.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/la-specialista-espresso-machine-with-sensor-grinder-and-dual-heating-system-black-ec9335bk/p/EC9335BK
- https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/dinamica-automatic-coffee-and-espresso-machine-with-iced-coffee-plus-manual-milk-frother-black-ecam35020b/p/ECAM35020B
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.