Should You Spend $400 on a Coffee Machine? I Put the De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee & Espresso Machine to the Test

Earlier this year, I decided it was time to become a “coffee person.” I figured I should trade my chemically-intense energy drinks for some mature bean water. The first step was acquiring a machine. It took some time, but eventually, the team at De’Longhi sent over their All-in-One Coffee & Espresso Machine to see if I could finally grow up. (Spoiler: I couldn’t, but it remains a fantastic appliance.)

Key disclaimers: De’Longhi provided the machine used for this review, and Death Wish Coffee kindly sent a variety of roasts for me to test. While I am a complete novice in the coffee world, I live with an ex-barista who was happy to provide expert guidance throughout my journey.

Is It Worth the $$?

De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee & Espresso Machine ($379.95)

Pros: This unit looks sharp on any kitchen counter. De’Longhi successfully integrated two different machines with distinct requirements into one compact package. While the espresso side might not satisfy the most pretentious coffee snobs, it serves as a solid starter system featuring an intuitive steam wand and swappable heads to adjust your total espresso volume. I particularly appreciated the safety mechanism on the steam wand; you must press a button and turn a dial before anything dispenses. A groggy, accidental press won’t result in a blast of high-velocity steam. The recovering barista in my home appreciated the 24-hour brew timer. The coffee maker takes about 5 minutes to brew a 12oz cup at default settings, so forgetting to set the timer doesn’t force you to resort to instant coffee. Using the “BOLD” function, which slows the water flow through the grounds, takes a bit longer—or significantly longer for a full pot—but the results are worth the wait. Timed brews can be set to either standard or BOLD mode. We also loved the metal filter, as it reduces paper waste and is simple to clean. For households with different coffee preferences, you can operate the espresso machine and the coffee maker simultaneously.

Cons: Unlike many De’Longhi models, this one lacks a built-in bean grinder. If that feature is a priority, you may want to explore other options in the De’Longhi lineup. However, this is the brand’s only combination coffee-and-espresso maker. You would need to spend more money on two separate machines if freshly ground beans and espresso are both essential to your routine.

Is the De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee & Espresso Machine worth the money?

That entirely depends on how much of a coffee enthusiast you are and how busy your schedule is. If your coffee habit falls somewhere between “I grab Starbucks most mornings” and “I require perfect microfoam in my flat white or my day is ruined,” I would easily recommend this machine. Because it functions as both an espresso machine and a coffee maker, the price point sits slightly above “entry-level” for either category. The coffee maker portion is an excellent investment for those with a consistent routine who want their coffee prepared the same way at the same time every day. If you are an espresso fan, you will appreciate this machine from a value perspective. De’Longhi espresso machines range from $100 to over $1,000, making this a reasonable $400 investment, or even less when on sale.

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