Our Verdict
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Wins

Its thermoblock boiler and integrated grinder offer unmatched convenience and speed for varied drinks. Choose Gaggia Classic Evo Pro for a traditional 58mm portafilter experience and robust, repairable build.
Bottom Line: De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is the better choice. Its thermoblock boiler and integrated grinder offer unmatched convenience and speed for varied drinks.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy De'Longhi if...
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch
If you're a busy coffee lover seeking convenience and variety without compromising quality, the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is ideal. You prioritize quick, diverse drinks, from hot espresso to cold brew, enabled by its integrated burr grinder, 10 presets, and fast thermoblock. This machine suits those who appreciate automation and a streamlined bean-to-cup experience, willing to invest for an all-in-one solution that delivers premium results with minimal fuss and consistent PID temperature control.
Buy Gaggia if...
Gaggia RI9380/51 Classic Evo
The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is perfect for the aspiring home barista who values hands-on control and traditional espresso craftsmanship. If you enjoy perfecting your technique and want a durable machine with a standard 58mm commercial portafilter for customization and future upgrades, this is for you. Its consistent 9-bar pump pressure and robust steel housing make it a reliable entry into serious espresso making, offering quality results for a more budget-conscious enthusiast who doesn't mind manual processes.
Spec Comparison
7 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $700 | $530 |
| Rating | 4.3(113) | 4.1(3.0k) |
| Boiler Type | thermoblock | Single |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 9 | 9 |
| Portafilter Size mm | — | 58 |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | EC9455M | RI9380/51 |
| Grinder Included | Yes | — |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | — |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
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
Gaggia RI9380/51 Classic
- Consistent 9-bar extraction pressure.
- Durable solid steel housing.
- Standard 58mm commercial portafilter.
- Commercial three-way valve dries puck.
- Single boiler prevents simultaneous brew/steam.
- Warm-up time required for temperature changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which is better for a complete, convenient espresso experience?
The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is better, offering an integrated conical burr grinder, 10 drink presets, PID temperature control, and cold brew in under 5 minutes, making it a comprehensive bean-to-cup solution.
What's the main difference in boiler type between the two machines?
The De'Longhi features a thermoblock boiler for fast heat-up and quicker steam readiness. The Gaggia uses a single boiler, meaning it cannot brew and steam simultaneously and requires warm-up time for temperature changes.
Which machine offers a more traditional espresso setup?
The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro offers a more traditional experience with its durable solid steel housing and standard 58mm commercial portafilter, allowing for a broader range of accessories and manual control.
Do both machines provide optimal pump pressure for espresso?
Yes, both the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch and the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro provide a consistent 9.0 bars of pump pressure, which is ideal for extracting rich, flavorful espresso shots.
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