Product · De'Longhi
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch: auto or manual milk
Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch (EC9455.M) suits someone who wants a portafilter machine with both automatic and manual milk frothing, plus the novelty of quick cold brew. De'Longhi says its cold extraction technology makes cold brew in under 5 minutes, which is far faster than traditional overnight steeping.
- Milk texturing
- Auto LatteArt or manual
- Milk settings
- Selected temperature and texture
- Grinder
- Sensor grinding
- Heating
- Active Temperature Control
In its favour
- Choose automatic frothing to a set temperature and texture, or switch to manual.
- Cold Brew is made in under 5 minutes with cold extraction, according to De'Longhi.
- A 350 ml milk jug and single and double filters are included.
Good to know
- The listing does not state the number of grind settings.
- The number of milk temperature steps is not given.
Our take
Cold Brew and the drinks menu
Ten preset drinks are offered on the touch display. The listing names espresso, long black, coffee, cold brew and espresso cool. Cold brew normally takes many hours, so a 5 minute method is a real convenience if you like cold coffee in summer.
Lattes are also listed among its uses.
Sensor grinding and temperature
Precision grinding sensors are said to deliver a consistent grind texture. Active Temperature Control keeps the water temperature constant during brewing. The number of grind settings is not stated in this listing, nor is the tamping method.
Without a stated grind range, the sensors are doing much of the work, which suits beginners but may frustrate someone who likes to experiment with very light roasts.
LatteArt: auto or manual
Here lies the main appeal for a household with mixed skill levels. Auto LatteArt froths milk to a selected temperature and texture, while manual mode lets an experienced user steam by hand. A 350 ml milk jug is included, along with a cleaning brush and single and double filters.
Size and specs
The water tank holds 1.7 litres. The machine is 36.7 cm deep, 31.9 cm wide and 40 cm high, weighs 10.8 kg and draws 1450 watts, with a 15 bar pump listed. Construction is metal with a metallic finish.
It is a substantial machine at over 10 kg, so give it a permanent spot rather than moving it in and out of a cupboard.
Against the Bambino Plus and Oracle Touch
The Sage Bambino Plus has an automatic wand and a 3 second heat-up in a 19.5 cm body, but no grinder. The Sage Oracle Touch automates grinding, dosing and tamping with a dedicated steam boiler, at a much larger size. The La Specialista Touch is the choice for a grinder, flexible milk and fast cold brew.
Verdict
Buy the La Specialista Touch if you want a built-in grinder, both automatic and manual milk frothing and fast cold brew. If counter space is short and you have a grinder, the Sage Bambino Plus is more compact, and if you want everything automated with simultaneous steaming, the Sage Oracle Touch is the premium option.
Compared with alternatives in: Best espresso machines with automatic milk texturing
Amazon listing title: De'Longhi La Specialista Touch - Espresso Machine 10 Preset Drinks Metal