A while ago I received an email from De’Longhi announcing a new coffee machine called the Dedica Maestro Plus , a more advanced model than the classic Dedica EC685, with a steamer that offers both manual and automatic milk frothing.
At the time, I got one to try, and after a few days of use I published my impressions. Back then, I was quite critical: although the machine was well-designed and offered good features, I felt it was too expensive for what it delivered.
Now, more than a year later, the situation has changed. De’Longhi has significantly lowered the price of the Maestro Plus, and with that, my assessment also changes: what once seemed like a hard purchase to justify has now become a much more recommendable option within its range.
De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus
Power: 1450 W | Pump: 15 bars | Water tank: 1.6 L | Steamer: Manual and automatic | Control panel: Analog | Portafilter: 51 mm | Filters: 2 single wall & 2 double wall| Dimensions: 190 x 450 x 325 mm | Weight: 5.5 kg
A quick look at the design and parts of the coffee machine
If you know the Dedica line from De’Longhi, the design will feel familiar. The Maestro Plus maintains the same aesthetics, only slightly larger. This increase in size allows for a bigger water tank, a wider drip tray, and a new control panel.
The casing is stainless steel, with good finishes and a quality feel. Like the Specialista Arte, it includes a double drip tray, very useful when alternating between small espresso cups and taller mugs.
The portafilter and filters are also stainless steel, as are the two steam wands. On the top, you’ll find the control panel and a small accessory drawer, whose lid doubles as a cup warmer.
The water tank, located at the back, can be refilled from the top without removing it, and it has a sensor that alerts you when the level is low.
As for accessories, the box includes: portafilter with two 51 mm pressurized filters, tamper, measuring spoon, stainless steel milk jug, brush and cleaning needle, and a bottle of descaling liquid.
A complete and easy-to-use control panel
One of the strongest aspects of this coffee machine is its control panel, which offers uncommon settings in this range.
- Button 1 (top left): infusion temperature (92ºC, 94ºC, or 96ºC) and pre-infusion time (none, 1s, or 2s).
- Button 2 (top right): maximum milk temperature in automatic frothing (60ºC, 65ºC, or 70ºC).
- Button 3 (bottom right): milk foam level (microfoam, fine, or dense).
- Buttons 4 and 5: single or double espresso, with adjustable volumes (20–90 ml for one, 40–180 ml for two).
Additionally, it has light indicators to warn of an empty tank or the need for descaling.
How does the Dedica Maestro Plus make coffee?
This was the part that initially made me skeptical. The machine comes standard with pressurized filters, which limits its performance compared to what it could deliver with non-pressurized filters.
With decent ground coffee from the supermarket, the Maestro Plus performs well: its 15-bar pump and 1450W thermoblock extract a proper espresso, enough for most users. The adjustable temperature is also very useful for adapting extraction to different roast levels.
When it first launched, the machine only came with pressurized filters, which many saw as a missed opportunity. However, in the U.S. market De’Longhi quickly reacted to criticism and began including a set of non-pressurized filters as well, making the package more attractive for advanced users who own a grinder and know how to dial in espresso.
It wouldn’t have taken much for De’Longhi to offer this worldwide. With a bottomless portafilter and non-pressurized baskets (for example, from Normcore), the Maestro Plus becomes an even more capable machine.
And frothing milk?
The main attraction of this coffee machine is, without a doubt, its dual steamer system with manual and automatic modes.
- In automatic mode, just leave the jug still and the machine froths by itself, thanks to a system that injects air (similar to a panarello, but with better results).
- In manual mode, the wand—with three holes—provides enough power to create high-quality foam, as long as you know the technique.
Things I liked about the steamer:
- It stops automatically when the selected temperature is reached.
- Even in manual mode, it indicates the milk temperature with a flashing LED.
- It performs an automatic purge when finished.
- The wand remains cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
The result: automatic mode is ideal for convenience, while manual mode allows for almost professional-level results.
Conclusion: what was once expensive is now worth it
At launch, my impression was clear: the Dedica Maestro Plus was overpriced for what it offered. Between the lack of non-pressurized filters and its high retail price, it was hard to recommend compared to alternatives like the Sage Bambino Plus or De’Longhi’s own Specialista Arte.
Today, the scenario has changed. With the price reduction, the Maestro Plus goes from being “expensive for what it gives” to a very recommendable option.
- Its steamer with automatic and manual mode is versatile and effective.
- The control panel offers advanced features rare in this price range.
- Stainless steel build and finishes convey solid quality.
The price drop has been a very positive change, making the Dedica Maestro Plus a far more recommendable coffee maker than when it first launched. It still has flaws—such as excessive pump vibration—but at the current retail price, those flaws are much easier to forgive.y the significant price reduction that the Dedica Maestro Plus has experienced.
Update: A new U.S. version with manual steam wand
Recently, De’Longhi released in the United States a new version of the Dedica Maestro Plus that replaces the automatic frothing system with a traditional manual steam wand.
This model is positioned as a more affordable alternative, since it removes the extra cost of the automatic steaming system while keeping the same build quality, control panel features, and overall design.
For users who prefer manual milk texturing (or simply want to save money without sacrificing too much) this new variant is an excellent value-for-money option within the Dedica range.
My verdict on the Dedica Maestro Plus
My verdict on the Dedica Maestro PlusThe Good
- The control panel is very modern, with simple settings but very comprehensive.
- The steamer has plenty of power with its three holes. Used in manual mode, it can produce fantastic foam.
- The steamer is very easy to clean, and its automatic rinse is very convenient.
- The large capacity of its water tank, combined with the fill sensor, means you'll never be left with half-finished coffee.
The Bad
- A coffee machine as advanced and expensive as this one clearly needed to include non-pressurized filters.
- The drip trays vibrate quite a bit when the pump is running at full capacity.
- The steamer has three fixed positions at a vertical angle for ease of use in automatic mode, but in manual mode it is not possible to turn it sideways to make it easier to handle the milk jug.
