Name: De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother – Cold Brew & Iced Coffee Maker, Burr Grinder, 10 Drink Presets, Compac...
Brand: De'Longhi
SKU: B0F6DY1DGR
Price: 699.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (113 reviews)

Our Verdict

Philips 5500 Series Wins

Philips 5500 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, LatteGo Milk System, Integrated Grinder, 20 Hot & Iced Coffee Pre-Sets, Quick Start, SilentBrew, 15-Bar Pressure, Black Chrome (EP5544/94) - Home Espresso Machines

Its 15-bar pump pressure and full automation offer ultimate convenience. Choose De'Longhi for a 9-bar pump, hands-on control, and cold brew capabilities.

$980Buy on Amazon

Bottom Line: Philips 5500 Series is the better choice. Its 15-bar pump pressure and full automation offer ultimate convenience.

Key Differences

The most significant spec differences at a glance

Pump Pressure

40% less

Advantages

Where each product wins

Philips

Pump Pressure: 40% higher (9.0 vs 15.0)

Who Should Buy Which?

Find the right product for your needs

Buy De'Longhi if...

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch

If you savor the craft of coffee making and want hands-on control without full barista complexity, the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is your ideal choice. This machine is perfect for users who appreciate its integrated conical burr grinder with 15 settings and PID temperature control, ensuring consistent shots at 9-bar pressure. It's also great for cold brew enthusiasts, making it in under 5 minutes. You're willing to engage in manual steps for customization and appreciate its award-winning Italian design and value at a sub-$700 price point.

Buy Philips if...

Philips 5500 Series Fully

The Philips 5500 Series is perfect for those prioritizing ultimate convenience and variety in their daily coffee routine. Ideal for busy households or offices, it automates grinding, tamping, and brewing with 20 hot and iced coffee presets, all accessible at the touch of a button. If you value a super-fast, self-cleaning LatteGo milk system, reduced grinding noise with SilentBrew, and a powerful 15-bar pump, this higher-priced, fully automatic machine is for you. It simplifies premium coffee enjoyment, minimizing effort and maximizing drink options.

Spec Comparison

6 specs compared

Specification	De'Longhi La Specialista Touch	Philips 5500 Series Fully
Price	$700	$980
Rating	4.3(113)	4.2(169)
Boiler Type	thermoblock	thermoblock
Pump Pressure Bars	9	15
Steam Wand	Yes	Yes
Model Number	EC9455M	—
Grinder Included	Yes	Yes
PID Temperature Control	Yes	—

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Pros & Cons

Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses

De'Longhi La Specialista

Pros

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

Cons

Manual steps required for espresso preparation
Integrated grinder lacks separate cleaning access
On-screen guidance may slow experienced users

Philips 5500 Series

Pros

20 pre-set drinks including hot and iced
Automated grinding, tamping, and brewing
Customizable strength, volume, milk settings
LatteGo milk system cleans in 10 seconds

Cons

Only 4 user profiles can be saved
Internal brew group requires regular maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison

Which machine is better for beginners?

The Philips 5500 Series is ideal for beginners due to its full automation, 20 presets, and simple LatteGo milk system. The De'Longhi requires more manual involvement for espresso preparation.

What's the main difference in pump pressure?

The Philips 5500 Series features a 15-bar pump pressure for powerful extraction. The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch uses a 9-bar pump, often considered optimal for traditional espresso. Both utilize a thermoblock boiler.

Is the price difference worth it for the Philips machine?

The Philips is about $280 more, offering full automation, 20 presets, and the quick-clean LatteGo system. The De'Longhi, at a lower price, provides more manual control, PID, and a dedicated cold brew function.

Which machine offers better milk frothing options?

The Philips 5500 Series includes the LatteGo milk system, offering automated frothing and cleaning in just 10 seconds. The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch provides a manual steam wand for those who prefer hands-on milk texturing.

Which machine is better for iced coffee or cold brew?

The Philips offers 20 hot & iced coffee presets for convenience. The De'Longhi specifically highlights its ability to make cold brew in under 5 minutes, appealing to those prioritizing fast cold brew.