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

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Wins

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother – Cold Brew & Iced Coffee Maker, Burr Grinder, 10 Drink Presets, Compact Bean to Cup, Award-Winning Italian Design - Home Espresso Machines

It offers optimal 9-bar pump pressure vs. Philips' 15-bar, ensuring superior espresso. Choose Philips for its standard 58mm portafilter compatibility and lower price point.

$700Buy on Amazon

Bottom Line: De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is the better choice. It offers optimal 9-bar pump pressure vs.

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)

Who Should Buy Which?

Find the right product for your needs

Buy De'Longhi if...

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch

If you're an aspiring home barista who prioritizes precision and diverse drink options, the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is your ideal choice. This machine suits those who value optimal espresso extraction, thanks to its 9-bar pump pressure and PID temperature control. You'll appreciate the 10 preset drink recipes and the ability to make cold brew in under 5 minutes. This buyer is willing to invest around $700 for advanced features and consistent, high-quality results across a wide range of coffee beverages.

Buy Philips if...

Philips Barista Brew Semi

The Philips Barista Brew is perfect for the budget-conscious enthusiast entering the world of semi-automatic espresso. If you prioritize affordability (around $480) and desire the flexibility of a standard 58mm portafilter for third-party accessories, this machine is for you. It's suitable for users comfortable with manual espresso preparation, who appreciate features like the integrated grinder and calibrated tamper for consistent pucks, even if the 15-bar pump is less ideal for extraction. It's a solid stepping stone without breaking the bank.

Spec Comparison

7 specs compared

Specification	De'Longhi La Specialista Touch	Philips Barista Brew Semi
Price	$700	$480
Rating	4.3(113)	4.0(279)
Boiler Type	thermoblock	thermoblock
Pump Pressure Bars	9	15
Portafilter Size mm	—	58
Steam Wand	Yes	Yes
Model Number	EC9455M	PSA3218/01
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 Barista Brew

Pros

58mm portafilter for standard accessories
Integrated grinder saves counter space
Calibrated tamper aids consistent puck prep
Steam wand included for milk frothing

Cons

Requires manual espresso preparation skills
Thermoblock design may have temperature swings
15-bar pump often too high for optimal extraction
250g bean container needs frequent refilling

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison

Which is better for optimal espresso extraction?

De'Longhi is better as it provides an optimal 9-bar pump pressure for extraction, which is ideal. The Philips has a 15-bar pump, which is often too high and can lead to over-extraction or bitter espresso.

What's the main difference in portafilter compatibility?

The Philips machine uses a standard 58mm portafilter, allowing for broader compatibility with third-party accessories. The De'Longhi's portafilter size isn't specified but is typically proprietary, limiting external accessory options.

Is the price difference worth it for the De'Longhi?

The De'Longhi's higher price ($699.95 vs $479.99) is justified by its optimal 9-bar pump pressure, PID temperature control, 10 drink presets, and cold brew function, offering a more refined and consistent brewing experience.

Do both machines include a grinder?

Yes, both the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch and the Philips Barista Brew machines feature an integrated burr grinder. This saves counter space and streamlines the process from whole beans to your final cup.

Which machine is better for making a variety of drinks?

The De'Longhi excels with 10 preset drink recipes, including cold brew in under 5 minutes, and extensive customization options. Philips offers dedicated buttons for single and double espresso, plus Americano, for quicker standard drinks.