Our Verdict
COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine Wins

The 58mm portafilter provides a more professional brewing experience, making it a stronger contender for enthusiasts. The De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine is the better pick for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing fast heat-up via its thermoblock boiler and who either already own a grinder or are content with pre-ground coffee.
Bottom Line: COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine is the better choice. The 58mm portafilter provides a more professional brewing experience, making it a stronger contender for enthusiasts.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine and the De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine represent distinct value propositions in the home espresso market, catering to different priorities and budgets. The most striking difference lies in the COWSAR's all-in-one approach, featuring an integrated burr grinder with 30 settings. This crucial addition means a COWSAR owner can grind fresh beans immediately before brewing, a fundamental step for high-quality espresso, whereas De'Longhi users must invest in a separate grinder, adding to the total cost and counter space requirement. This convenience alone makes the COWSAR a more complete system for aspiring home baristas. Beyond grinding, temperature stability is a key differentiator. The COWSAR boasts PID temperature control, which actively monitors and maintains a precise brewing temperature, leading to more consistent and flavorful extractions. In contrast, the De'Longhi utilizes a thermoblock boiler, which heats up rapidly but typically offers less precise temperature stability than a PID system. While the De'Longhi's fast heat-up is convenient for quick morning shots, the COWSAR provides the control necessary for dialing in nuanced espresso. The COWSAR also features a 58mm portafilter, the commercial standard, which allows for broader experimentation with tampers and distribution tools, enhancing shot quality and offering compatibility with professional accessories. The De'Longhi's portafilter size is not specified but is typically smaller and less versatile. Regarding pump pressure, the COWSAR offers 20 bars, while the De'Longhi provides 15 bars. It's important to note that while higher numbers might seem better, optimal espresso extraction often occurs at around 9 bars, so both machines provide more than sufficient pressure, with the De'Longhi's 15 bars being perfectly adequate. The COWSAR's low-pressure pre-infusion is a valuable feature for saturating the coffee grounds evenly, further contributing to better extraction.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Pump Pressure
33% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
COWSAR
- Pump Pressure: 33% higher (20 vs 15)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For quick and easy espresso shots daily
De'LonghiThe De'Longhi's thermoblock boiler ensures faster heat-up times, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed in their morning routine.
For a minimalist setup without extra grinders
COWSARThe COWSAR's built-in burr grinder eliminates the need for a separate appliance, saving counter space and simplifying the workflow.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy COWSAR if...
20 Bar Espresso Machine
The COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine is ideal for the enthusiastic home barista who values convenience, consistency, and the ability to finely tune their espresso. This buyer is likely upgrading from a basic entry-level machine or is ready to dive deeper into the world of specialty coffee without breaking the bank on a commercial-grade setup. Their needs include freshly ground coffee for every shot, precise temperature control for optimal extraction, and a robust steam wand for practicing latte art. The integrated burr grinder with 30 grind settings is a major draw, simplifying the workflow and ensuring fresh coffee. The PID temperature control appeals to their desire for consistency, while the 58mm portafilter offers commercial compatibility for accessories and a more professional feel. This buyer doesn't mind the slightly longer heat-up time of a single boiler and prioritizes brewing quality and versatility over sheer speed, embracing the art of espresso making.
Buy De'Longhi if...
De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine
The De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine is perfectly suited for the espresso novice or the budget-conscious consumer who seeks an affordable, straightforward path to daily espresso. This buyer prioritizes speed, simplicity, and a compact design for their home setup. They may have limited counter space or are just starting their journey into home espresso making and don't want to invest heavily. Their needs are primarily focused on getting a quick, hot shot of espresso or a basic milk-based drink without a steep learning curve. The De'Longhi's thermoblock boiler is a significant advantage for them, offering rapid heat-up times for busy mornings. Its 15-bar pump provides ample pressure for consistent extraction, and the programmable shots add to the ease of use. While they acknowledge the need for a separate grinder for fresh coffee, this buyer might already own one, or is content with using pre-ground coffee to keep costs down and simplify their routine.
Spec Comparison
7 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4(343) | 4.2(887) |
| Boiler Type | single | thermoblock |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 20 | 15 |
| Portafilter Size mm | 58 | — |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | 80020KCM0-Espresso Machine | EM450M |
| Grinder Included | Yes | — |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | — |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine
- Integrated burr grinder with 30 grind settings.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion ensures even extraction.
- PID maintains stable brewing temperature consistency.
- 58mm portafilter fits commercial accessories.
- Single boiler requires wait time between brewing/steaming.
- 20-bar pump pressure is often higher than ideal.
De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine
- 15-bar pump ensures consistent espresso extraction.
- Thermoblock provides fast, stable heating.
- Adjustable steam wand froths milk/alternatives.
- Programmable single/double espresso shots.
- Requires separate grinder for fresh coffee.
- Manual milk frothing may require practice.
- No integrated water tank filtration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Does the COWSAR machine include a coffee grinder?
Yes, the COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine features an integrated burr grinder with 30 adjustable settings, allowing you to grind fresh beans directly before brewing for optimal flavor.
Which machine heats up faster?
The De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine, with its thermoblock boiler, generally heats up faster than the COWSAR's single boiler system, making it quicker to brew a shot.
What is the benefit of the COWSAR's PID temperature control?
PID temperature control in the COWSAR actively maintains a stable and consistent brewing temperature, which is crucial for extracting the best possible flavors from your coffee grounds.
Can both machines make lattes and cappuccinos?
Yes, both machines are equipped with a steam wand, allowing you to froth milk for various milk-based coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Is the 20-bar pump pressure of the COWSAR better than 15-bar?
While 20 bars sounds higher, 15 bars (De'Longhi) is already more than sufficient for espresso, as optimal extraction occurs around 9 bars. The COWSAR's higher number is less significant than other features.
Do I need to buy extra accessories for either machine?
The COWSAR comes with an integrated grinder. For the De'Longhi, you will need to purchase a separate grinder if you wish to use fresh whole beans for your espresso.
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