De'Longhi De'Longhi EC9155 La Specialista Arte Professional Coffee Maker - White vs De'Longhi EC9155-MB La Specialista Arte Manual Bean to Cup Coffee Machine — Comparison

The De'Longhi EC9155 and the De'Longhi EC9155-MB are both bean-to-cup machines at £529, with a 1.5-litre water tank, espresso and milk frothing, a drink strength control, a drip tray and a water level indicator. The white EC9155 is the fuller specification: it adds an eight-setting grinder, three infusion temperature levels, a complete barista kit and a steam wand, and measures 400mm high, 275mm wide and 365mm deep. The silver EC9155-MB adds a MyLatte Art steam wand for silky microfoam and can make two drinks at once.

Day to day, buyers say the machine makes very good coffee once the grind and dose are dialled in. The grinder is the point most often raised, and the dosing guide gives a relative amount rather than a weight, so expect some trial and error before the shots are right. The single-hole steam wand is described as adequate for everyday milk, though smooth microfoam takes practice.

Owners report mixed experiences. One found condensation inside the pressure gauge from the first day, and a 1-star reviewer said the brew ran through too quickly despite adjustments, so results can vary between machines. Many buyers praise the build, the accessories and the finish, and say it is easy to use. Those who want to learn latte art or move into home barista work value the steam wand, while others mention a learning curve in the first few weeks.

Bottom line: choose the white EC9155 if you want the eight-setting grinder and the complete barista kit, and choose the silver EC9155-MB if you prefer silver and the MyLatte Art steam wand for latte art.