Our Verdict
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Wins

Priced at $699.95, it offers a more refined, consistent espresso experience with its integrated conical burr grinder featuring 15 settings and an optimized 9-bar pump pressure for ideal extraction. The 10 preset drink recipes also provide superior convenience compared to the Arte Evo. The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo, at $499.95, remains an excellent choice for aspiring home baristas who prioritize manual control and are comfortable with its 8 grind settings and 15-bar pump, offering significant savings for a capable machine.
Bottom Line: De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is the better choice. Priced at $699.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo and La Specialista Touch both aim to bring the barista experience home, but they cater to slightly different user priorities, reflected in their features and price points. Both machines utilize a thermoblock boiler for rapid heat-up and include a grinder, along with a steam wand for milk frothing, and PID temperature control for consistent brewing. However, the La Specialista Touch, at $699.95, justifies its $200 higher price with enhancements focused on convenience and precision.
A significant difference lies in the grinders and pump pressure. The Arte Evo provides a built-in burr grinder with 8 grind settings, offering good flexibility for various roasts. In contrast, the La Specialista Touch boasts an integrated conical burr grinder with 15 settings, allowing for much finer control over grind size, which is crucial for dialing in the perfect espresso shot. Furthermore, while the Arte Evo specifies a 15-bar pump pressure, often regulated down during extraction, the Touch explicitly highlights its 9.0 pump pressure bars as a pro. This 9-bar pressure is widely considered the optimal standard for espresso extraction, potentially leading to a more consistent and balanced shot directly out of the box without requiring as much user intervention to achieve ideal pressure.
In terms of user interaction, the Arte Evo leans more towards the manual, traditional barista experience, providing a
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Pump Pressure
67% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
De'Longhi
- Pump Pressure: 67% higher (15 vs 9.0)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For the budget-conscious home barista
De'LonghiThe Arte Evo is significantly more affordable at $499.95 and includes a built-in grinder and barista kit, making it a great entry point.
For a family needing convenience and variety
De'LonghiThe La Specialista Touch offers 10 preset drink recipes and extensive customization, simplifying daily coffee preparation for multiple preferences.
For precise espresso enthusiasts
De'LonghiWith 15 grind settings and an optimized 9.0 pump pressure, the Touch allows for superior control over espresso extraction and quality.
For cold brew lovers
TieBoth machines feature the ability to make cold brew in under 5 minutes, offering equal convenience for this beverage type.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy De'Longhi if...
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte
The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is the ideal choice for the aspiring home barista who relishes the hands-on craft of espresso making and is working with a budget around $500. This buyer prioritizes active participation in their coffee preparation, appreciating the tactile feedback of a manual machine. They value the `Built-in burr grinder with 8 grind settings` for its foundational capabilities and the `Barista kit` that encourages learning proper tamping techniques. The `Active temp control with 3 infusion settings` appeals to their desire to experiment and fine-tune their shots. They are content with `Manual milk frothing`, viewing it as a skill to master rather than a chore. This user is willing to trade some automated convenience and the extensive customization of pricier models for an authentic, skill-building experience, making the Arte Evo a robust and cost-effective gateway into serious home espresso. They don't need the extensive presets or the ultimate grind precision, preferring a more direct engagement with the process.
Buy De'Longhi if...
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch
The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is perfectly suited for the coffee enthusiast who desires a premium home espresso experience with enhanced convenience and precise control, and who has a budget closer to $700. This buyer appreciates award-winning design and values consistency and variety in their daily coffee rituals. Their priorities include effortless access to a wide range of beverages and the ability to fine-tune their drinks without extensive manual effort. The `Integrated conical burr grinder with 15 settings` and `9.0 pump pressure bars` are crucial for them, ensuring optimal espresso extraction and the flexibility to perfectly match grind size to beans. The `10 preset drink recipes & extensive customization` are a major draw, offering quick access to favorites and room for personalized experimentation. They appreciate the `PID maintains consistent brew temperature` for reliability. This buyer values the seamless blend of quality components with user-friendly features, allowing them to enjoy café-quality drinks, including `cold brew in under 5 minutes`, with greater ease and less guesswork than more manual machines. They are willing to invest more for this elevated level of precision and automation, sacrificing some of the 'barista kit' accessories for a more guided and consistent experience.
Spec Comparison
6 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500 | $700 |
| Rating | 4.1(1.1k) | 4.3(113) |
| Boiler Type | thermoblock | thermoblock |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 15 | 9 |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | EC9255M | EC9455M |
| Grinder Included | Yes | Yes |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | Yes |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
De'Longhi La Specialista
- Built-in burr grinder offers 8 grind settings.
- Brews single cold brew in under 5 minutes.
- Steam wand produces consistent micro-foam.
- Active temp control with 3 infusion settings.
- Manual milk frothing requires user skill.
- Single thermoblock may not permit simultaneous brew/steam.
De'Longhi La Specialista
- Integrated conical burr grinder with 15 settings
- Makes cold brew in under 5 minutes
- PID maintains consistent brew temperature
- 10 preset drink recipes & extensive customization
- Manual steps required for espresso preparation
- Integrated grinder lacks separate cleaning access
- On-screen guidance may slow experienced users
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
What is the primary difference in grind settings between the two machines?
The La Specialista Arte Evo features 8 grind settings, offering good versatility. The La Specialista Touch elevates this with 15 grind settings, allowing for much finer control and precision in dialing in your espresso shot.
Do both De'Longhi machines include a built-in grinder?
Yes, both the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo and the La Specialista Touch come with an integrated burr grinder, providing a convenient bean-to-cup experience.
Which machine offers more automated drink preparation?
The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch offers significantly more automation with 10 preset drink recipes and extensive customization, making it easier to prepare a variety of beverages.
How do the pump pressures compare?
The Arte Evo has a 15 pump pressure bars specification. The La Specialista Touch highlights its 9.0 pump pressure bars, which is often considered ideal for optimal espresso extraction.
Can I make cold brew with either machine?
Yes, both the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo and the La Specialista Touch are capable of brewing a single cold brew coffee in under 5 minutes.
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