This is our second K-Classic. We had our first one for many years, so when we had to replace it, we wanted nothing else but this exact ru-vid.comUgkxBrV-RbF5Nk0Rlt9i15aao-YMzqzTG8Vf model. We use it for about three people everyday in the morning. The taste and quick brew is one of the reasons we like it so much. There are so many choices of brands of coffee that we would grab what was on sale and test the different brands from there. I would definitely recommend trying different brands of coffee to find the ones you like the most because there are brands that quite frankly taste horrible.
You can get a standard dose of coffee (18-20g) into the portafilter if you get a larger basket. I just got an 51mm IMS precision basket that fits my machine; holds about 20g max. Aside from the dose, I'd definitely recommend getting a precision/competition basket as that allows you to grind much finer and ultimate extract lighter roasts much easier. With this cheap little Delonghi that I've had since 2016, I've been making small mods here and there, and now I feel I can product espresso that's very close or even on par with the cafes in my area. Takes more time to dial in the settings than if you get a higher end machine, but once you have the inputs you like, it's easy to replicate and is very rewarding!
@@brandony8691 I have seen a couple of videos when they actually need to cut the plastic insert to fit the IMS basket. Is that what you have done as well?
I bought the bottomless portafilter from Amazon and it says you can put 16-18g in it but i couldnt even fit 15g in it, it just ends in a big mess all the time. Most youtube videos say 18g is the best for the double with like 40g out. I have the little Timemore C3 ESP grinder and the first try ended in a mess because the espresso wont fit. Is there a model that can really take 18g? The espresso i did tastes sour like hell and also a bit bitter. I bought a cheap Lavazza red to try out but maybe i should have bought a better one even for testing because if the lavazza is bad i can try my * off and it will lead to nothing :)
I have the alternative version of this, E685M for the past couple of years and I love it! Got it for a similar reason, going to uni and wanted to save money. Didn't realise there was such a thing as unpressurised baskets though, excited to try one now and see the difference 😳 great review 💯
Thermoblocks (like the Dedica has) is a big no go for me, the heating profile is just barely acceptable. De'Longhi ECP line is as cheap and has way better boilers, and it takes just 5 more centimeters on a counter top. It has less user friendly features but none that would make it bad to use, and it is way easier to modify to push it to the next level. Like big time... Also it mainly runs too fast because it has an Ulka EP 5 pump. Coffee grind is for sure a trouble, but it wouldn't be as much of an issue with an EP/X 4 that has a slower flow. The main reason it hasn't it is De'Longhi willing to make 2$ economy per unit, and also because the steam line is very short and it would mess with milk (although they provide one of the worst steam wand on the market...). At least if someone wants to change the pump to get a way better espresso it is possible to find some room in an ECP to add a longer tube to let steam cool down a bit to avoid messing with the milk, it's tricky but possible (although it generates bigger drain when purging condensation), in a Dedica that's just impossible because how compact it is. It has some very slight advantages against the ECP, but none that would impact coffee quality. Mainly it sells well because it's cute.
Hey, great video! I have the same coffee machine for 2years now and just decided to move into the next level. Bought my 51mm bottomless portalfilter, normcore tamper, IMS basket and a WDT tool. The thing that I'm stuck with is the grinder. The niche is around 575euros and I really don't want to spend that much money to start my coffee journey. Been thinking about a manual grinder but the idea of spending 50sec grinding manually everytime i want to drink a shot puts me off (I usually drink 3 espressos a day so...) do you have any advice?
The dedica is marketed with 15BAR of pressure, but in fact that isn't the case at all. I've seen someone measuring the pressure of the dedica with a manometer and it was about 10-11 BAR brand new and it tends to lose some pressure along the way. Since the normal pressure for espresso is around 9 BAR, did you see any difference in taste between the dedica and a standard 9BAR espresso machine?
I never believed in the 15 bar pressure, but I don't have a measurement tool for that to actually prove anything, so I'll just leave it there. In my opinion not too much with a Columbian blend I used to work with, like I mentioned in the video, I did a comparison before with a Linea PB. I can't vouch for the other ones. You can still exteact some nice espressos solely on this machine. Also, I don't see the point of comparing a commercial 9 bar machine with a domestic machine that costs a fraction of the price.
Is there a possibility of this non-pressurized basket portafilter to be able to damage your group head, since there is difference in the attaching metal parts between the original pressurized portafilter and the externally bought non-pressurized? I bought some Chinese "Bomstom" portafilter and I definitely think that it's not a good idea to fit it 100% in the group head of the machine.. What do you think about it? @jessiegao_
Thanks Jessie for the instructing video. There are many out there but I think you shared a revealing detail. The pressurized portafilter works well with coarser grind size. I'd like to buy this machine, it looks so cool and easy to use. So if I do use it's pressurized portafilter do you think that the grounded coffee typically recommended for the Moka Pot could give a good espresso here? Oh and congrats for the seahorse 👍
Hello Jessie :) thank you for this video, I'm really happy to see someone that went through the same problems I had with the Delonghi EC685, I bought it 1 month ago and I am currently an university student who loves to drink coffee and try different coffee beans. Getting an espresso machine was my dream, and bc of this, I worked 2 months in a company throughout summer, and eventually got it! I was a bit worried about the problems I faced with it but Im so happy that your video popped up on my RU-vid feed and I learned that I was not the one and these problems are completely normal. I also learned how to avoid these problems from you so thank you! Now my dream is to get a nice portafilter and the steam wand you recommended :)
Great review. I'm in the process of researching the subject and appreciated your honest and down-to-earth insight into making a good expresso. Your art work is inspiring. Cheers.☕
I have the same machine but my Crema body of shot from stock basket is very similar to non pressurized one. Alot of comes down to bean as well I guess.
I've just bought the E68M in black along with a bottomless portafilter & rancilio silvia wand, this video has gave me a lot of confidence in my first espresso machine purchase 😁😁
I upgraded to a naked portafilter for my De Longhi. The best value for money upgrade out there. I am still dialling in my grind setting, I am experiencing a bit of channelling through my puck. I am already using a fine setting 2.0. might go a step finer next time (still need to buy a grinder.)
Glad to hear! If my shot is well extracted (not under/over), it doesn't channel at all. If it's under extracted sometimes it does chanel. If it still channels when it's not over/under-extracted, then make sure you distribute your grind evently and tamp with even pressure. That should solve the problem.
@@jessiegao_ I think my brew time is about right. I am going to focus on how I prepare my basket. Hopefully that will make the difference. Thanks for the advice. 😀
Great video. We share the same problem with my bottomless portafilter, it does not lock to the point that the rubber from the gasket gets off whenever i'm using it. I noticed the issue was due to the 3 ear sizes it's not as thick as the dedica portafilter. What i did is i transferred the non pressurized basket to dedica portafilter and removed the black plastic. Didn't have the problem, but i can't see the actual shot. Planning to fully modify it soon.
I have the dedica for almost 4 months and it's really nice, I've been dosing with 18g with a naked portafilter which might be a mistake since the coffee bed it's really close to the group shower. I might try to use a lower dose (15g) and see how this plays out. 😁
For me, the seal gets damaged quicker if I dose 18g. That's one of the other reasons that I forgot to mention :) I generally find 15g easier to dial in, but if you prefer 18g, that's fine too as long as your portafilter locks on and doesn't explode on you. It's not going to damage the machine, just the seal
I have the exact same modifications as yours except the grinder. I tried 18g and the espresso can go directly to the sink. Then I reduce the dose to 14g and it gives a thicker texture and it tastes better as well. I reckon if I put 18g, the top layer of the puck would be over-extracted and the lower layer could be under extracted resulting a bitter and sour espresso. Double sadness And your puck will touch the group shower either way as well. There are residual coffee grounds on the shower even if I use 14g. I had this machine for around a year already and I think for the price & size it really does a very good job
Thank you for this review of the EC685. I just bought this machine and searched for some tips and tricks. I find your VDO and like watching it so much. It was edited calm, you also speak calm and the quality of pic and tone is quite professional. First I was wondering about your combo of a budget ec685 and a pricey niche zero, but then I realized you are barista and knowing what you exactly need. I subscribed and will follow your channel of your life as a barista. Have a great day Jessie
Really enjoyed this video. I've had this machine for a 4 or so years now but really I am only just "getting into" coffee. Those upgrades are on my radar, so thanks for the review :)
May I ask about when I am using the bottomless portfilter with 15g coffee bean, what is the best ratio for the espresso and the milk for reference😂🙏🏻 And also… I am still testing the coffee grind size to make a best espresso using my kinu m47 coffee hand grinder
I have delonghi ec 820. Do you think I could use the same handle (portafilter) like for 685? It is has also 51mm, 3 ears. I am not sure about thickness of the ears. I have tried to search on the internet, even talked to some sellers on aliexpress, but noone helped me out...
Many many thanks. You helped me understand why my pre grounded coffee was not working well in the machine. The extraction was taking around 1.5 min. I just ground my own beans a bit coarse and it worked perfectly. Got to around 30sec extraction time for 13g coffee
Is there a bottomless portafilter that really can fit 18g? I bought two different models and i can not even fit 16g in it without creating a mess. I have the timemore C3 ESP pro and EC685. ALso the espresso tastes sour like hell, i bought the Lavazza red for testing because its cheap but maybe that was a wrong decision, maybe i should have bought a better one even for testing and wasting espresso.
Does it make sense to buy dedice with grinder like wilfa svart ? I am not keen on coffee, actually I ve been drinking capsule coffee from tassimo. I would expect somewhat like americano or espresso lungo.
Question: I’m new to making my own espressos, I got this machine due to its size and price, but want to buy a decent grinder that isn’t 3 times its price. What’s a grinder you’d recommend that is ok budget wise considering I BOUGHT THIS machine :) and can’t deal with spending $1,000 for a grinder for a $200 machine? Thank you!!!
Thanks for the video! Do you think the aftermarket steam wand is much better than the rubber wand? I've been using rubber band for a couple of years if it's tied it doesn't fall off, and it can indedd make milk to do latte art. However I am also curious how much advantage can the upgrade bring
The strength has no difference (in terms of steam), If it works fine for you then you don't need to modify it I guess. The steam dynamic is slightly different because of the shape, so it's easier to transition between home/work for me after I modified it. I also have bigger jugs so the modified steam wand fits better for me. The rubber one was too short for me, so I often steamed too much foam.
For me i have bottomless portafilter on it but even though i have at home manual hand grinder but with he can grind amazingly from coaser to so smooth like dust. But i bought better fresh coffee 100% arabica and they said we can grind it for you and i was like oh nice. But even though i toot hink its good grinded but maybe because its 100% arabica when i put 15 or 18 grams of coffee water flow too quckly and not much crema almost none + flow go right but then its mess around cup too and sometimes even it spray small flow. I tryed regrinding it on my bad blade grinder and texture was better more cremy , still mess around xd but taaste was burn that way. I am little depressed i try but still bad , coildnt find good coffee i likebut well for now even that coffee with teaspoon of honey and little mili taste good but wamt if better. So idk how should grind exacly look like but i will try more or change coffee but nto fresh but from shop to get some mix of robusta and arabica for better crema since 109% arabica isnt best for crema with i love
Hi Jessie, I’m the guy who saw your last modified coffee machine video. Also, I modify the steam milk stick. I’ll buy a pressurized basket which you recommended. Thanks for sharing, Have a good day!
I just bought this coffee maker, never used an espresso maker before only nespresso's capsules. how can i tell i have over or under extracted? havent gotten a grinder yet so i got pre-ground from a good coffee shop and no mods to the machine so pressurized. I like cold coffee (Freddo Espresso) do i just add 14g and press the double cup button? (nespresso capsules said i needed two doses from 2 capsules - 1 each for freddo so am i right to assume a similar way? )
I have the Dedica as well and love your video. Can you please share a link to your grinder. Does it work well for expresso grinds? I love the style of it. Thankyou
hello I would appreciate if you could inform me for where i can buy the bigger portafilter. I live in Greece so i think i have to search it through net ?
So the thing about all these de'longhi machines and many other brand of machines that are similar, is that the pressure release valve will not release until at basically 12 bar. If you're using a better basket and grinder and proper espresso grind you will 100% be pushing way way past 9 bars every single time. I have tested this.
Hey, an amazing video. Thank you. I would like to ask if I can use the aerocino milk frothel of Nespresso for this Dedica machine. (I am lazy I know haha)
I just bought the machine recently and starting buying gadgets for a better tamping and etc. Your vids gave me and idea what I can modify with the machine and etc. Also just wondering, is there any suggested beans that ship for Asia?
Thank you very much for this video. I'm very impressed. I've been wanting a coffee machine for a long time, and I chose the same model as yours. I couldn't get a good espresso. But thanks to your example, I have the determination to make the quality of my drink better❤❤❤
I love your coffee routine. Gives me such good vibes every time. Thanks! :) Big fan of De'Longhi Dedica machine. Easy to make several modifications and adjust it to your own personal needs
First congrats on you channel, second thank you for all explainations about this coffee machine because now it is really clear to me how it works and offers. Great video, I currently have a Magimix bought 7 years ago and lately I cannot get anymore a good expresso not even crema. I changed some components like filters and water tubes, I cleaned the machine with the liquid product, but still no change. Now I know I can buy the Delonghi 685. Grazie!
Jessie, I’m starting out with my home barista journey and you were the reason why I got the Dedica. Like you, I’m sucker of nice looking things and the Sage/Breville was quite boring to me. I need some eye-candy to keep me inspired 😊 I got a Beige Metallic instead since white is not available in my country. It pulls café shop quality espresso with my J Max grinder using a naked portafilter.
6:52 I think you are confusing the terms "over extraction" and "under extraction". In my opinion, your coffee machine does the opposite of what you say: first, it under extracts, then over extracts?
The machine doesn't over/under extract. The machine does the extracts and the coffee gets under/over extracted due to variables like grind size and brew time.
I have the same machine for almost 3 years and I am more than happy with my investment. I bought almost any tool that i could find for the 51mm portafilter. Presision 19 grams basket, 19gr basket standar basket, 30 grams basket, funnel with magntets, puck screen, tamper, wdt tool, and the coffee expirence is on another level. So give it a try to find the correct basket because this looks small for a double shot.
I also have a setup like you, but when I'm using 16g of coffee in a non pressurized basket, it extract super fast and doesn't create a lot of crema not much like the pressurized basket, any tips? Thanks
