The De'Longhi Dedica Duo, model EC890, is a slim pump espresso machine with a portafilter, a My LatteArt steam wand and a Cold Brew preset next to its two espresso buttons. De'Longhi lists it at $249.95 on its US store, in stainless steel and three colors, and calls it a compact machine with a double-height drip tray.
What is the De'Longhi Dedica Duo?
It is a machine in De'Longhi's Dedica range, which the brand files under manual espresso machines. You grind and tamp your own coffee, lock the portafilter in and press a button. De'Longhi describes three preset recipes, Espresso, Double Espresso and Cold Brew, shown on a touch panel with icons and LED lights.
The cold brew button is what separates it from the older Dedica EC680M. De'Longhi says its Cold Extraction Technology makes a cold brew drink in less than five minutes, and the manual tells you to fill a glass with ice before you press the button. That is a fast, chilled extraction poured over ice, not a long steep, so read it as iced coffee made on an espresso machine.
De'Longhi Dedica Duo specs
| Model | EC890, stainless steel version EC890M |
|---|---|
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
| Presets | Espresso, Double Espresso, Cold Brew |
| Steam wand | My LatteArt, commercial style, cool touch |
| Water tank | 34.83 oz |
| Power | 1450 W, 120 V, 60 Hz |
| Size | 13 x 5.9 x 12 in (length x width x height) |
| Weight | 10.36 lb |
| Maximum cup height | 5.85 in |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Price | $249.95 on delonghi.com |
De'Longhi's US page does not publish a warm-up time, a boiler type, a portafilter diameter or a country of manufacture. It also shows "n/a" for the temperature setting, while the manual says the machine has three infusion temperatures, so the two sources do not agree.
How the Dedica Duo makes espresso and cold brew
The Dedica Duo has no grinder, so you add ground coffee to the one cup or two cup filter with the included scoop and press it down with the tamper. The box also holds the portafilter, a pod filter on some models and a cleaning needle.
The manual describes the steps in order. Fill the tank, run a rinse cycle, then wait until the espresso lights stay on, which means the machine is ready. The manual also suggests warming the cup first by running hot water into it, which rinses the coffee spouts and steadies the temperature before extraction. The Espresso and Double Espresso buttons each brew a set quantity, and the manual explains how to change those quantities by holding a button during a brew. Cold Brew works the same way, with ice in the glass and a chilled result.
The My LatteArt steam wand sits on the right. De'Longhi calls it a powerful, commercial-style wand with a cool-touch finish and says it steams dairy and plant-based milk into microfoam. You turn a steam knob rather than pressing a button, so milk is a manual job. The steam wand needs a purge of water before the first use, and the manual says not to deliver steam for more than 60 seconds at a time.
De'Longhi Dedica Duo vs De'Longhi Dedica EC680M
The closest comparison is the De'Longhi Dedica EC680M, which is also a slim stainless steel machine. Both are listed with a 15 bar pump and 1450 W of power, and both have a tank of about one liter. On this site the EC680M is listed from $149.95, so the Duo asks about $100 more.
For that money the Duo adds a Cold Brew preset, a touch panel with presets and a steam wand with a cool-touch finish, on a machine that De'Longhi says suits any kitchen size. The EC680M has a manual frother and a lower price. If you never make iced drinks, the older machine does the espresso job for less. If iced lattes are part of your week, the Duo is the Dedica that has a button for it.
For the full range, see our espresso machines category.
Is the De'Longhi Dedica Duo worth it?
At $249.95 from De'Longhi, the Duo sits well below the semi-automatic machines that cost four figures, and it brings a real portafilter, a steam wand and a preset for cold drinks. What the price does not include is a grinder, so budget for a grinder if you do not already own one.
The unknowns matter as much as the specs. De'Longhi does not publish a pressure gauge, a shot timer, a boiler description or a warm-up time for this machine, and nobody has tested it here, so there is no claim about shot quality, noise or how long it lasts. The warranty is shown on the US page only as a general line about up to three years across the brand, which is not a term for this machine.
Who should buy the De'Longhi Dedica Duo (and who should not)
It suits someone with a small counter who wants espresso, steamed milk and an iced option from one narrow machine. It is 5.9 inches wide, and the double-height drip tray takes both a tall latte glass and a single-shot cup.
It is not the pick for a buyer who wants a built-in grinder, an automatic milk system or a pressure gauge. It also does not suit anyone who wants a slow, true steeped cold brew, because the Cold Brew preset is a quick extraction over ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What model number is the De'Longhi Dedica Duo?
The model is EC890. The stainless steel version on De'Longhi's US store is EC890M, and the Vanilla, Pistachio and Rose versions use the codes EC890WI, EC890GR and EC890PK.
Does the Dedica Duo have a grinder?
No. The manual has you fill the filter with ground coffee using the scoop, then tamp it.
How fast does the Cold Brew preset work?
De'Longhi says its Cold Extraction Technology makes a cold brew drink in less than five minutes. The manual has you put ice cubes in the glass first.
Can the Dedica Duo use ESE pods?
De'Longhi's FAQ says Dedica machines can use ESE pods, which are about 44 mm across and hold 7 g of coffee. The manual lists the pod filter as present only on some models.
How big is the water tank?
The US specification lists 34.83 oz, about 1 liter. The international manual gives 1.1 l.
Is the steam wand automatic?
No. You place the jug under the My LatteArt wand and turn the steam knob, then turn it back when the milk is hot. The manual says to wait until steam stops completely before you remove the jug.
How much does it cost?
De'Longhi's US store lists $249.95.
