DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Review - Is It Worth The Cost?
Deciding whether DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is the right machine for you? Well, you've come to the right place.
As a dedicated home barista, I've spent weeks testing and tinkering with this machine to find out if it has value for the money.
In this review, I’ll dive deep into this machine’s features, performance, and usability, breaking down every essential aspect to consider.
From pulling my first shot to how efficiently it handles different coffee roasts and the wide variety of drinks it can produce—all to give you a clear and precise understanding of what the Dinamica Plus offers.
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Review – My Ratings & Top Features
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Key Features
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Things I Like
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Things I Don’t Like
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Why Should You Buy The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus?
Overall, I would give the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus a 7.5 out of 10 for its remarkable automation, user-friendly controls, and comprehensive range of coffee options, making it an outstanding choice for coffee lovers seeking convenience and versatility. Here's why:
- LatteCrema System: This feature ensures perfectly frothed milk for your cappuccinos and lattes.
- Coffee Link App: Offers customization and remote access to many of the machine's features.
- Customization Options and Drink Settings: You can create user profiles and save your preferred coffee recipes for consistent results every time.
- Super Fast Heat-Up: The machine heats up and is ready to brew in about 40 seconds.
- Wide Range of Beverages: Offers a variety of one-touch coffee and milk beverages.
Who Should Buy The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus?
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is the perfect machine for coffee lovers who want cafe-quality coffee at home but don't have the time or inclination to master the art of brewing espresso.
It's a bean-to-cup machine that does all the work for you - no learning curve, no manual work, all automated!
Why I Decided To Review The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Espresso Machine
I’m a pretty busy lady. Apart from being a home barista who keeps trying to perfect my brew, I’m also a writer who has deadlines—a lot of them.
So, during those days when I’m busy writing, I don’t have extra time to make the perfect cup. I simply rely on my trusty drip coffee machine to keep me caffeinated.
Then I saw the Dinamica Plus, a super-automatic espresso machine that does all the brewing for you.
Of course, I had to give it a go and see if it can serve me my favorite espresso-based drinks during my busy days.
Here’s how I put this machine to the test.
Testing Conditions
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Days Tested |
30 |
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Cups Brewed Per Day |
2 |
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Level Of Experience Needed |
Beginner |
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Reviewer Background |
Home brewing hobbyist who started with a basic drip coffee machine and gradually upgraded to espresso machines. My current machine is a Breville Barista Pro. |
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Environment Tested |
Home |
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Money Saved Per Year |
Around $500 in the first year and around $1500 in the succeeding years once the machine is paid for. |
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Favorite Drink To Brew |
Cappuccino and Iced Coffee |
What’s It Like To Live With The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus
It’s pretty obvious that I’m a coffee aficionado, and as one, a fully automatic espresso machine like the De’Longhi DInamica Plus is heaven-sent.
With just a few taps, I can have my favorite specialty drinks in just a few minutes. What a treat!
Of course, this super-automatic espresso machine isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. Like other machines, the Dinamica Plus has its limitations. Despite those, I still enjoyed my experience with this machine.
Here’s what went down with this machine.
What’s In The Box?
Unboxing the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus was a quality experience. The machine arrived perfectly packed with care, ensuring everything was secure.
Inside, you'll find all the essentials for brewing:
The included carbon active water filter helps protect your machine from limescale build-up and ensures a cleaner taste in your coffee.
The total hardness test is also crucial, guiding you to use the best water for optimal flavor and machine health.[1]
Pulling My First Espresso Shot
Initial Set-Up
The Dinamica Plus setup was straightforward.
After cleaning the parts, I selected my language from 18 options and flushed the machine.
It’s easy to follow, but you’ll need to manually set the water hardness and activate the water filter via the menu.
Grinding The Beans
The built-in stainless steel conical burr grinder worked perfectly, offering 13 grind settings.
While fewer than other machines, it’s enough to experiment with different beans.
I found level 3 to be ideal for my brew, and the process was hassle-free with no portafilter mess.
Pulling The Shot
Though it’s fully automatic, pulling the shot felt satisfying.
After choosing my drink and strength, the machine took over, grinding, tamping, and extracting.
Adjusting the water level helped improve my first weak espresso.
Once dialed in, the machine delivers consistently strong and flavorful shots.
First Time Frothing Milk
I absolutely love milk drinks, and if you’re the same, you’ll find the LatteCrema milk frothing system of the De'Longhi Dinamica Plus an answered prayer.
First of all, it’s an automatic milk frother. This means that you don’t have to put in any effort in making frothed milk at all.
Apart from the impressive LatteCrema milk system, the milk container is actually a thermal milk jug.
Once you've filled the milk carafe, you can refrigerate it directly without transferring the milk.
This makes it easy for you to keep your milk cold and fresh to achieve the best milk froth every time.
So how does this automatic milk frothing system work? The process was easy. I filled the milk carafe, slotted it in, and picked my drink.
How Much Control Do You Have Over The Coffee Experience?
When it comes to controlling your coffee experience, the De'Longhi Dinamica Plus steps up its game with the integration of the Coffee Link app to remotely access your machine.[2]
The DeLonghi Coffee Link app connectivity uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with the machine.
This means that you have to be within the range to control the machine through your smartphone.
This is my favorite feature of the Dinamica Plus.
Usually, I just put a cup underneath the sprout once I'm done making my first cup of coffee, so when I decide I want another cup, I’ll just simply go to my De'Longhi Coffee Link app and start my brew.
Apart from the convenience, the app also comes with adjustable settings to personalize your brew.
The app doesn't just limit you to adjusting the brewing parameters.
It is also a hub for coffee aficionados to discover tips and tricks to enhance their coffee crafting skills.
From brewing the perfect cup to mastering the art of latte, the app provides a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.
Moreover, the Coffee Link App isn't just about crafting coffee; it also guides you through the machine's maintenance.
From cleaning schedules to descaling routines, it ensures that your Dinamica Plus stays in top condition, brewing excellent coffee for years to come.
How Does It Handle Different Roasts?
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is a versatile machine that performs impressively well with a variety of roasts.
Thanks to its precision grinder and intuitive settings, it can adjust and fine-tune its brewing process to suit different types of coffee beans.
Whether you're using light, medium, or dark roasts, the machine's dynamic adaptation can pull out the unique flavor profiles of each roast.
However, from my experience, I found that medium roasts work exceptionally well with this machine, striking a balanced blend of acidity, aroma, and body.
For me, the best coffee beans for DeLonghi Dinamica Plus are the Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend.
Its medium roast profile and a hint of honey, almonds, and dried fruit harmonize perfectly with the Dinamica Plus's brewing capabilities.
Anyhow, don't let that limit you. The beauty of this machine lies in its flexibility and adaptability.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite beans and discover how the Dinamica Plus can bring out the best in them.
Look, Feel, and Size Of The Machine
The De'Longhi Dinamica Plus has a plastic exterior, which initially left me a tad disappointed. I guess you really can't complain since it's so affordable, though.
However, the sleek and modern design is appealing enough that you can get over the fact that it's made of plastic.
When it comes to size, the Dinamica Plus measures 9.3 x 16.9 x 13.7 inches, making it compact enough for most kitchen countertops.
However, its relatively tall height might make it a tight fit under some cabinets, so be sure to take into account your kitchen space before purchasing.
What Drinks Can It Make?
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is quite a versatile machine when it comes to beverage selection. It comes with a wide range of coffee recipes:
- Espresso
- Coffee
- Doppio+ (double espresso)
- Long
- Over Ice (iced coffee)
- Cappuccino
- Cappuccino+
- CappMix
- Latte Macchiato
- Caffelatte
- Hot Milk
- Flat White
- Espresso Macchiato
How Easy Is It To Use?
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is quite user-friendly.
It features a simple, intuitive touch interface and comes with a user manual that clearly outlines each step of the operation.
With automatic frothing, grinding, and brewing functions, this machine simplifies the coffee-making process significantly.
On top of that, the ability to connect to the DeLonghi Coffee Link app offers the convenience of remote operation and customization.
How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)
The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus heats up and is ready to brew in under a minute. Once ready, the machine can deliver a fresh cup of espresso in about 30 seconds.
So, from start to first sip, it typically takes around a minute or so, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a quick, quality cup of coffee.
The whole process is much faster than ordering coffee from a coffee shop.
How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?
The De'Longhi Dinamica Plus is very easy to maintain, requiring minimal daily cleaning.
It features an automatic rinse and descaling system that prompts you when it's time for a cleaning cycle, taking the guesswork out of maintenance.
The drip tray and coffee grounds container can be easily removed and rinsed under tap water for regular cleaning.
The brew group is also removable, making it possible to thoroughly clean areas that are typically hard to reach in built-in systems.
The Dinamica Plus will notify you when it's time to descale based on the hardness of the water you use.
The process is straightforward: You'll just need to add a descaling solution to the water tank and follow the descaling instructions displayed on the machine's screen.
My Favorite Parts About The DeLonghi Coffee Maker
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus has truly elevated my coffee routine. Here are the reasons why:
- Fully Automated Brewing Process: This machine takes the guesswork out of brewing. From grinding the beans to frothing the milk, everything is automated to deliver a perfect cup every time.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The Coffee Link App lets me customize my coffee remotely. I can adjust coffee strength, milk texture, temperature, and more right from my phone.
- Wide Range of Pre-programmed Drinks: With options from espresso to flat white, this machine covers all my coffee cravings.
- Fast Heat-Up Time: The Dinamica Plus gets up to temperature in just about 40 seconds. I appreciate this speed when I'm in a rush to get my morning caffeine fix.
- User Profiles for Customization: I love that I can save my coffee preferences on the machine. It ensures consistency and convenience, especially when I want to replicate my favorite coffee recipe.
My Least Favorite Parts
Although the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is undoubtedly a brilliant coffee machine, there are a few aspects that don't exactly hit the mark for me.
- Plastic Exterior: As an enthusiast who appreciates the aesthetics of my coffee gear, I was somewhat disappointed to find that the Dinamica Plus sports a plastic exterior. It's a minor thing, but it does detract slightly from the otherwise sleek design.
- Requires Time to Find the Right Coffee Settings: If you want high-quality espresso coffee, you're better off with an expensive coffee machine. This espresso maker fails to provide consistent, quality espresso and needs some tinkering to achieve the right brew.
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Similar Machines
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Dinamica
The Dinamica and the Dinamica Plus are both impressive machines from DeLonghi, but the Dinamica Plus comes with a few extra features that justify its premium status.
Notably, it includes the Coffee Link app, which allows for more customization and ease of use.
While the original Dinamica is still a great choice for an automatic espresso machine, the Dinamica Plus steps it up with an automatic milk frother and more control over your coffee-making experience.
Related Article - Delonghi Dinamica Review
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Magnifica Evo
While both coffee machines deliver excellent espresso, the Dinamica Plus and Magnifica Evo differ significantly in terms of features.
The Dinamica Plus has the upper hand with its Coffee Link app compatibility, user profiles, and additional customizations, making it more advanced and personalized.
On the other hand, the Magnifica Evo is a simpler, more straightforward machine that still offers reliable performance and good value.
It lacks some of the advanced features found in the Dinamica Plus, but if you're looking for a no-nonsense, easy-to-use espresso machine, the Magnifica Evo might be a great coffee machine.
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Philips 3200 Lattego
The Dinamica Plus and Philips 3200 LatteGo both offer quality espresso but with different user experiences.
Dinamica Plus boasts of its Coffee Link app compatibility and customizable user profiles, making it a top-tier choice for those craving advanced personalization.
Its wide range of pre-programmed drinks also outshines the Philips 3200 LatteGo.
However, the Philips 3200 LatteGo brings to the table its own milk system, LatteGo, known for easy cleaning and producing high-quality, frothed milk effortlessly.
If milk-based drinks are your priority, and you value ease of maintenance over advanced customization, the Philips 3200 LatteGo could be the winner.
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Jura E8
Both the Dinamica Plus and the Jura E8 are coffee makers in the super-automatic espresso market, but they cater to slightly different coffee lovers.
The Dinamica Plus impresses with its app, enabling users to control the machine remotely, and its LatteCrema System delivers creamy froth for milk-based beverages.
The range of pre-programmed recipes is also more extensive compared to the Jura E8.
On the other hand, the Jura E8 might appeal more to espresso purists, thanks to its PEP (Pulse Extraction Process) technology.[3]
This system optimizes extraction time to deliver more flavorful and nuanced espressos.
On top of that, this Jura coffee machine boasts an Aroma G3 grinder that ensures optimal grinding speed and preserves the aroma of the beans.
In the end, your choice will depend on your priorities. If you value app connectivity and extensive drink customization, the Dinamica Plus is the way to go.
Related Article - Jura E8 Review
FAQs
How long should a DeLonghi last?
A DeLonghi machine can last up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. Not only are these machines popular for their durability, but they're also known for the best prices in the market.
Does the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus make cold brew?
No, the DeLonghi Dynamic Plus can’t make cold brew. If you want cold drinks, you can use its TrueBrew Over Ice function instead.
Does Dinamica Plus make hot chocolate?
No, the Dinamica Plus does not make hot chocolate. However, you can use the "Hot Milk" option to heat and froth milk, and then you can manually add your hot chocolate mix to the warmed milk to make a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
Is The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Worth Your Money?
Based on my extensive experience with the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus, I can say that it's worth the investment, especially if you're a busy person who seeks convenience and an automated coffee experience.
This espresso machine is the epitome of user-friendly automation, combined with a wide range of customizable settings.
It allows coffee enthusiasts of all levels to experiment and fine-tune their brew to perfection while offering speed and convenience.
However, for those desiring a bit more hands-on experience, the original Dinamica might be a better fit, offering similar quality but with slightly less automation.
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DeLonghi Dinamica Plus
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Resources:
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/223367562_Water_quality_for_Espresso_coffee
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHjebGQ4fQ4
- https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/E8-Chrome-NAA-15371
Parker Russell is a coffee professional and the founder of Black Ink Coffee. As an expert in the field of coffee roasting, cupping (professional Q-Grader) and brewing, Parker has established Black Ink as brand that fuels the grind of dreamers.