Tips & tricks for the DeLonghi Dedica: 7 upgrades for better espresso

The DeLonghi Dedica espresso machine is very popular among coffee lovers thanks to its compact size and ease of use. To optimise your Dedica's performance even further and make first-class espresso, the following tips from the video by the Kaffeemacher will help. You'll find the full video below.

1. Use a single-walled basket

The Dedica comes with double-walled baskets as standard, which artificially raise the brew pressure and thus affect the crema. For a more authentic espresso experience, it's worth switching to single-walled baskets. These give you better control over the brewing process and improve the taste of your espresso.

2. Replace the steam wand

The Dedica's original steam wand can be replaced with a higher-quality one. This improves steam performance and makes it easier to froth milk for cappuccino or latte art.

3. Use a bottomless portafilter

A bottomless portafilter lets you observe the extraction process directly. This way you spot channelling problems and can adjust your technique accordingly to raise the espresso quality.

4. Replace the drip grate

The Dedica's standard drip grate offers only limited space, especially with larger cups or when working with bottomless portafilters. A different drip grate or a flatter drip tray creates more room and makes handling easier. This is especially helpful if you want to use larger cups for lungo or americano. You'll find such drip grates and trays in our shop, for example.

5. Regular cleaning and descaling

Keep your machine clean by regularly freeing the brew group of coffee oils and residue. You should also descale the Dedica regularly according to the water hardness in your region, to extend its lifespan and ensure good coffee flavour.

6. Warm up the portafilter

Before every shot you should run a blank shot to bring the portafilter up to temperature. This ensures a constant brew temperature and improves the taste of the espresso.

7. Invest in a quality grinder

Freshly ground coffee is crucial for a good espresso. It's advisable to invest in a quality grinder so you can set the grind precisely and optimise extraction. To start with, the Graef CM 800* is, for example, an excellent grinder at a low price. We've been using it for 3 years now.

If you put all these tips into practice, you can unlock the full potential of your DeLonghi Dedica and brew delicious espresso – just like a barista.