The DeLonghi Dedica EC685 is considered one of the most popular entry-level espresso machines for home use. No wonder: for around 150 euros, you get a sleek portafilter with a short heat-up time and the promise of "true" espresso – and in fact, the Dedica series is one of the best-selling in this category. 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 for espresso quality (especially temperature!), show you worthwhile upgrades, remind you about cleaning and descaling, compare it with other Dedica models, and answer frequently asked questions in our troubleshooting section. 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)
- Descaling the Dedica
- 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 out of 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. We explain exactly how the profile works in our new video at minute 15:19 and below the temperature curve in the text.
First, we recommend setting the temperature of the DeLonghi Dedica to the lowest temperature level. This is the right choice for most coffees. This setting only needs to be made once.
Temperature setting
- 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. This is what we use in the temperature example above.
Temperature surfing with the DeLonghi Dedica EC685
There are two ways you can use the machine. You can pull the first espresso "too" hot and make an espresso. To do this, use the espresso machine without much preparation and directly. The overshooting temperature rise compensates for the temperature loss caused by the cold portafilter. However, the espresso is less balanced and in many cases doesn't taste smooth and pleasant. That's why we recommend the second method, which should always be used when pulling multiple espressos (since the portafilter is already hot by then).
- To do this, first perform an idle pull. The portafilter is installed, but no coffee is added. This brings it up to temperature.
- Remove the portafilter and set it aside.
- Start the pre-infusion twice. Press the left button briefly until water begins to flow. Then stop. Then repeat the same procedure again. (Tip: Place the milk pitcher underneath so water doesn't drip onto the small drip tray.)
- Now grind the coffee and prepare the portafilter. You have one minute to do this. Then install it 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 new at our store
We were repeatedly asked about a suitable portafilter for the DeLonghi Dedica EC 685. Unfortunately, there were also many poor-quality versions available from various manufacturers. That's why we searched for a good model and added it to our range.
We offer two portafilters that are equipped with a single-wall basket and are compatible with various Dedica models.
We recommend this portafilter for beginners. You can use it to pull two espressos directly or brew into a cup. Plus, it never splashes, which sometimes happens with a bottomless portafilter.
- Bottomless portafilter with wooden handle
This portafilter is especially suitable if you want to check whether the espresso is extracting cleanly and flowing from the basket. To make this work, 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 first letting the espresso flow through many small holes, then forcing the entire liquid through a tiny hole. This constriction artificially generates crema, even if a coffee is already older or pre-ground. While the extraction may look nice, the coffee doesn't become better because of it. 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 it 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 stylish wooden handle, it's also very elegant.
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, expanding with our tips and tricks.
Thank you 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 modification?
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 modification of the steam wand necessary to make good foam?
No, absolutely not. The modification is only worthwhile if you want to get everything out of the machine. But even with the existing steam wand, you can make good latte art foam.
