De'Longhi vs KitchenAid Filter Coffee Machines

De'Longhi and KitchenAid both make espresso machines for hands-on and push-button buyers, but KitchenAid's range sits higher. De'Longhi's entries here run from the Stilosa EC260.GR at £127 to the La Specialista Arte EC9155 at £529. KitchenAid starts with the Artisan 5KES6503BBK at £449, moves up to the semi-automatic 5KES6551BSX at £549 and the fully automatic KF6 5KES8556BSX at £899, and reaches the KF7 5KES8557BPL at £1,599.

KitchenAid's Quiet Mark certification covers the KF6, the 5KES6551BSX and the KF7, and the KF6 uses ThermoCoil heating. The semi-automatic 5KES6551BSX adds fast-heating technology, a removable bean hopper and smart dosing, while the KF7 has a touchscreen panel, easy cleaning notifications and a dual cup function. The Artisan offers a 15-bar Italian pump and dual temperature sensors. De'Longhi counters with a 15-bar Stilosa with a cappuccino system, and the EC9155 adds eight grind settings, three infusion temperature levels and a steam wand. KitchenAid's strengths are quiet operation and design rather than grinding control.

De'Longhi suits buyers who want an affordable entry to espresso, such as the Stilosa at £127, or a manual machine with a steam wand for milk texture at £529. KitchenAid suits buyers who want a machine that looks good on the worktop and suits a KitchenAid mixer. The Artisan at £449 suits people who enjoy making espresso by hand, while the KF6 at £899 and KF7 at £1,599 suit those who want one-touch drinks. Fully automatic KitchenAid models are large, so check the worktop space first.

Bottom line: choose De'Longhi if you want espresso and milk drinks for under £530, with the Stilosa as the cheapest way in; choose KitchenAid if you want a Quiet Mark machine with a premium finish, either the Artisan at £449 for hands-on espresso or the KF6 at £899 for one-touch drinks.