Delonghi Specialista vs Delonghi Specialista Prestigio vs Delonghi Specialista Maestro 

The DeLonghi Specialista range is a collection of home espresso machines that beautifully marries advanced technology with the art of coffee-making. 

Designed for both coffee enthusiasts and novices, the Specialista range offers various models, each tailored to different needs and skill levels. From the user-friendly interface of the entry-level Specialista to the advanced customisation options of the Specialista Maestro, these machines cater to a broad spectrum of coffee lovers. 

Whether you're crafting a robust espresso or a creamy latte, the Specialista range promises a high-quality, barista-style experience right in the comfort of your kitchen.

Let’s take a look at each of these coffee machines in more detail 

Delonghi La Specialista

The De'Longhi Specialista EC9335 is an entry-level espresso machine that caters to coffee enthusiasts seeking both control and convenience. It boasts an array of features designed to elevate your coffee experience, from bean to cup.

Precision and Control:

• Sensor Grinding Technology: Automatically adjusts grind size for optimal extraction, ensuring consistent and flavourful espresso. This coffee machine comes equipped with 6 different grinder settings
• Smart Tamping Station: Guarantees uniform pressure for perfectly tamped grounds, eliminating the guesswork. In comparison to the other models listed here, this one has a dual wall filter basket to accommodate for smaller grinder options.
• Active Temperature Control: Precisely regulates water temperature, unlocking the nuanced flavours of your favourite beans.

Milk Magic:

• Manual Milk Frothing Wand: Master the art of latte art with the steam wand and accompanying latte art pitcher, crafting barista-quality microfoam.
• Advanced Latte System: This automatic system delivers consistently frothed milk for creamy cappuccinos and lattes, perfect for those who love their milky coffee drinks. 

Convenience and Customisation:

• Dual Thermoblock Heating System: Enables simultaneous espresso brewing and milk frothing, saving you precious time.
• 3 Pre-Set Recipes: Whip up quick espressos, long blacks, or Americanos with the touch of a button.
• Adjustable Settings: Fine-tune the milk frothing texture and coffee strength to your personal preferences.

The Verdict:

The DeLonghi Specialista EC9335 is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who seek a blend of automated convenience and hands-on brewing experience. It suits those who enjoy experimenting with espresso and milk-based drinks and appreciate features like an integrated grinder and smart tamping, combined with the flexibility of manual control.

Buy a Delonghi La Specialista Today

Delonghi La Specialista Prestigio

The De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio EC9355 is a semi-automatic espresso machine that sits between a fully automatic machine and a traditional pump espresso machine. It has a built-in grinder with 8 grind settings (2 more than our previous model), a steam wand for frothing milk, and a hot water dispenser. The machine also has some automatic features, such as pre-infusion and programmable brewing cycles.

The Prestigio much like the previous machine, is user-friendly, easy to use and produces good-quality espressos. In comparison to other coffee machines, the La Specialista's built-in grinders are very quiet.   

The barista-quality steam wand is also powerful enough to create thick, creamy milk foam for Latte Art. 

Key Features of the De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio:

• Built-in grinder with 8 grind settings
• Steam wand for frothing milk
• Hot water dispenser
• Pre-infusion
• Programmable brewing cycles
• Stainless steel construction

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Produces good quality espresso
• Consistent and quiet grinder
• Powerful steam wand

Cons:

• Drip tray can be difficult to remove

Buy a Delonghi La Specialista Prestigio Today

Differences between the De Longhi La Specialista and the La Specialists Prestigio

The DeLonghi La Specialista EC9335 and EC9355 (Prestigio) models share some common features but also have notable differences.

The EC9335 model includes a built-in grinder with smart grinding technology, allowing six grind settings from fine to coarse. This model features a smart tamper, sensor technology to automatically dose the right amount of espresso, and an internal temperature regulation system. It also includes a Panarello steam wand, which can be adjusted for different types of milk foam. The pre-infusion feature is automated, ensuring that the coffee grounds are adequately soaked before brewing. However, some users might need to buy non-pressurised filter baskets separately for more brewing control.

The EC9355 model, on the other hand, also features a built-in grinder and sensor grinding technology with 8 grind settings, which is 2 more than the 9335 but includes dual thermoblocks, allowing simultaneous espresso brewing and milk frothing. It offers dynamic pre-infusion and three infusion water temperatures for maximum flavour extraction, catering to different coffee bean types. 

While the La Specialista model has an advanced Latte system for frothing milk, the Prestigio model has a My Latte Art steam wand, which provides the extra flexibility to texture velvety milk for Latte Art creations manually.

Both models share similarities such as a 19-bar pressure system, the ability to make various coffee drinks (Americano, Cappuccino, Coffee, Espresso, Latte, Latte macchiato), and a personal coffee memory feature. They also have stainless steel construction and similar dimensions and weight.

Delonghi La Specialista Maestro

The De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro EC9665 isn't just a coffee machine; it's an invitation to unleash your inner barista. This is the high-end machine from the La Specialista range that caters to coffee enthusiasts who crave control, precision, and authentic espresso experiences. This machine comes with a whole range of extra dials to keep you fully informed about what's happening in the process of your coffee’s creation.  Let's explore its top features and unveil who should consider welcoming this maestro into their kitchen.

Key Features of the De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro:

• Maestro of Grind: Fine-tune your espresso with 8 grind settings and a sensor-controlled grinder technology for consistent dosing.
• Temperature Virtuoso: Explore the nuances of your beans with 5 fully adjustable brewing temperature profiles.
• Milk Maestro: With this machine, you get the flexibility of choosing between the automatic LatteCrema system for effortless frothing or the My Latte Art steam wand for creative mastery.
• Dynamic Prefusion: Dynamic pre-infusion is a process where the machine automatically adjusts the pre-infusion time based on the grind's density, whether it's fine or coarse. This ensures an even and gentle saturation of the coffee grounds, leading to optimal extraction of flavour.
• Intuitive Conductor: Navigate brewing parameters with ease using the clear LED display and tactile buttons.
• Cold Extraction Technology: This advanced technology revolutionises cold brew coffee making, reducing the process to under 5 minutes compared to traditional methods. It utilises a specific flow rate to distribute room-temperature water at minimal pressure, ensuring just enough movement from the tank to your cup. This method of extraction, which is both heatless and low-pressure, allows for the creation of a light and refreshing cold brew coffee easily at home.
• Built to Last: This machine boasts sleek stainless steel and a robust design for years of coffee enjoyment.

Who is the Delonghi La Specialista Maestro for?

• Coffee Connoisseurs: If you crave control over every aspect of your espresso, from grind size to temperature, the Maestro is your perfect partner.
• Latte Art Aspirants: Unleash your inner latte artist with the My Latte Art steam wand and impress with intricate milk designs.
• Design Aficionados: The Maestro's elegant stainless steel design complements any modern kitchen.
• Quality Seekers: Those who appreciate premium materials and precision engineering will find the Maestro a worthwhile investment.

The De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro EC9665 is more than just a coffee machine; it's an experience. If you're a passionate coffee enthusiast seeking complete control, exceptional quality, and the freedom to explore your creativity, this maestro might just compose the perfect coffee symphony for you.

Buy a Delonghi La Specialista Maestro today

Conclusion

The DeLonghi La Specialista range of coffee machines epitomises innovation and precision in home coffee brewing. Catering to both aficionados and those new to espresso-making, these machines offer a blend of automated features and manual controls. 

With capabilities like sensor grinding, smart tamping, and dynamic pre-infusion, they ensure consistently high-quality espresso. Additional features like quick cold brew options (in the Maestro model) and advanced milk texturing appeal to a broad spectrum of coffee preferences, make the La Specialista range a versatile and sophisticated choice for home baristas.

See our Top 10 Best Commercial Espresso Machines

Frequently Asked Questions – DeLonghi Specialista Range

What is the main difference between the DeLonghi Specialista, Prestigio and Maestro?

The key difference is how much control and versatility each machine offers.

• The Specialista is best for those starting out and wanting guided espresso with minimal complexity.

• The Prestigio adds a more accurate grinder and cold brew capability, making it a strong mid-range choice.

• The Maestro is the most advanced model, designed for users who want maximum control over grind, temperature, and drink variety.

Which DeLonghi Specialista should I buy?

If you are new to espresso, the Specialista is the easiest and most affordable option.
If you want better grind consistency and cold brew, choose the Prestigio.
If you want café-style control and long-term versatility, the Maestro is the best investment.

Is the DeLonghi Specialista Maestro worth the extra money?

Yes—if you value precision and flexibility. The Maestro offers more grind settings, improved temperature stability, and greater drink options. For casual coffee drinkers, the added cost may not be necessary, but for enthusiasts, it delivers better long-term value.

Which model is best for beginners?

The DeLonghi Specialista is best for beginners. Its assisted dosing and tamping reduce user error and help new users achieve consistent espresso results quickly.

Which model is best for experienced home baristas?

The Specialista Maestro is best suited to experienced users who want to experiment with different beans, roast levels, and extraction styles.

Do all DeLonghi Specialista machines include a grinder?

Yes. All models include a built-in conical burr grinder, allowing you to grind fresh coffee directly into the portafilter without needing a separate grinder.

Is grinder quality the same across the range?

No. The Prestigio and Maestro feature more advanced sensor-controlled grinding, which delivers more consistent dosing and grind accuracy than the base Specialista.

Can all models make milk-based coffees?

Yes. All models include a manual steam wand, allowing you to make cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. Milk quality depends on user technique rather than automation.

Which model offers the best temperature control?

The Specialista Maestro provides the most stable and adjustable temperature control, making it ideal for users who want consistent results across different coffee styles.

Does the DeLonghi Specialista Prestigio really make cold brew?

Yes. The Prestigio includes a dedicated cold brew function, allowing you to make cold brew at home without long brewing times.

How much bench space do these machines need?

All three models share a similar footprint and fit comfortably on most kitchen benches. Allow additional clearance above the machine for accessing the bean hopper.

Which DeLonghi Specialista offers the best value for money?

For most users, the Specialista Prestigio offers the best balance of price, features, and performance, making it the strongest all-round option in the range.