The DeLonghi Dedica EC685 is considered one of the most popular beginner espresso machines for home use. No wonder: for as little as 150 euros, you get a sleek portafilter with a short heat-up time and the promise of "real" espresso – and in fact, the Dedica series is one of the best-selling in this class. But can such a compact machine really deliver good espresso? In this comprehensive guide, we take a critical yet humorous look at the Dedica 685, give you tips on espresso quality (especially temperature!), show you worthwhile upgrades, remind you about cleaning & descaling, compare it with other Dedica models, and answer frequently asked questions in troubleshooting. Have fun and let's dive into the world of Dedica!
Further articles and videos about the Delonghi Dedica from us:
- Cleaning the DeLonghi Dedica (all models)
- Dedica descaling
- Dedica playlist on YouTube with 7 videos!
- Test report on kaffeemacher.de
Temperature tips for Delonghi Dedica EC685
When the Delonghi Dedica is used straight from the box, it tends to overshoot the target brewing temperature. To prevent this, we've developed a temperature surfing profile for you. The desired target temperature for an espresso machine is 93 degrees Celsius. How the profile works exactly, we explain in our new video at minute 15:19 and below the temperature curve in the text.
First, we recommend setting the Delonghi Dedica temperature to the lowest temperature level. This is the right choice for most coffees. This setting only needs to be made once.
Temperature adjustment
- Press the steam button for 10 seconds until all buttons blink twice.
- Press the left button once to activate the temperature setting.
- Press the left button again to select the lowest temperature. We use this in the temperature example above.
Temperature surfing with the Delonghi Dedica EC685
There are two ways you can use the machine. You can draw the first espresso "too" hot and make an espresso. For this, you use the espresso machine without much preparation and directly. Due to the overshooting temperature rise, the temperature loss caused by the cold portafilter is compensated. However, the espresso is less balanced and in many cases doesn't taste soft and pleasant. That's why we recommend the second method, which should always be preferred when drawing multiple espressos (since the portafilter is already hot then).
- First, a blank shot is performed. The portafilter is locked in, but no coffee is added. This brings it up to temperature.
- The portafilter is removed and set aside.
- The pre-infusion is started twice. Press the left button briefly until water starts to flow. Then stop. Then repeat the same procedure again. (Tip: Place the milk jug underneath so water doesn't drip onto the small drip tray.)
- Now grind the coffee and prepare the portafilter. You have about a minute to do this. Then lock it in and start the extraction.
In this way, we consistently achieved good temperature curves in the range of 92 to 94 degrees Celsius. This is very good for espresso preparation.
Bottomless portafilter for Delonghi Dedica EC 685 now available from us
We were repeatedly asked about a suitable portafilter for the Delonghi Dedica EC 685. Unfortunately, there were also many poor versions available from various manufacturers. That's why we searched for a good model and added it to our range.
We offer two portafilters equipped with a single-wall basket that are compatible with the various Dedica models.
We recommend this portafilter to get you started. With it, you can pull two espressos directly or brew into a cup. Plus, it never splashes, which can sometimes happen with a bottomless portafilter.
- Bottomless portafilter with wooden handle
This portafilter is particularly suitable if you want to check whether the espresso is extracting cleanly and flowing from the basket. To succeed, the coffee must be distributed evenly in the basket.
Further accessories for the Delonghi Dedica
One of the most important tools for making better coffee with the Delonghi Dedica is a single-wall basket. The baskets supplied with the Dedica are so-called double-wall baskets or "pressurized baskets". They build artificial pressure in the portafilter by initially running the espresso through many small holes, then forcing all the liquid through a tiny hole. This constriction artificially creates crema, even if a coffee is actually already older or pre-ground. While the extraction may look nice, the coffee doesn't actually get better. Our 2-cup portafilter developed for the Dedica series as well as our bottomless portafilter are also equipped with a professional single-wall basket.
A practical tool is the portafilter holder. You can attach this to your Dedica and hang a portafilter on it.
One of the best upgrades for your Dedica is our 51mm tamper. With it, you tamp straight and comfortably, and with its elegant wooden handle, it's also very stylish.
What experiences do you have with the Delonghi Dedica?
Help us in the comments to gather everything interesting about the Delonghi Dedica EC685.
Which upgrades were worthwhile?
Which coffees taste best to you with the Dedica?
We collect your experiences and compile them with our tips and tricks.
Thanks for your support!
Warmly,
Benjamin
Our videos on the Delonghi Dedica EC685
Frequently asked questions about the Delonghi Dedica EC685
Which portafilter fits the Delonghi Dedica and doesn't require any modifications?
We now have a solution for you and have added such a portafilter to our range. It comes with the matching 17.5 gram basket. The portafilter is now available here (while supplies last).
Is modifying the steam wand necessary to make good milk foam?
No, absolutely not. The modification only makes sense if you want to get everything out of the machine. But you can also make good latte art foam with the existing steam wand.
