Product · De'Longhi
De'Longhi Classic EM450: double wall baskets
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 Classic EM450.M is for someone buying their first espresso machine who wants a traditional look and forgiving results. It stands out with double wall filter baskets, which are more tolerant of pre-ground coffee and imperfect tamping, plus a pressure gauge on the front that shows what is happening during the shot.
- Tamping help
- Not stated
- Milk
- Adjustable Cappuccino System
- Heat-up
- Quick (Thermoblock)
- Baskets
- Double wall, up to 20 g
- Grinder
- None
In its favour
- Double wall filter baskets help make crema with pre-ground coffee.
- Thermoblock heating is described as giving a quick heat-up.
- The drip tray adjusts from 100 to 130 mm to fit mugs.
Good to know
- There is no grinder or tamping assist on this machine.
- The listing does not give a heat-up time in seconds.
Our take
Double wall baskets
Double wall baskets build pressure inside the basket itself, so even with supermarket ground coffee you get a crema-topped espresso. The stainless steel portafilter takes up to 20 g. Single and double espresso are both supported, and the size of each can be customised.
A plastic tamper and a spoon are included.
The trade-off is a ceiling on quality: double wall baskets mask some of the flavour differences you would notice with freshly ground beans in a single wall basket. For most first-time owners, consistency matters more than that last step.
Thermoblock heating and the gauge
Thermoblock technology gives a quick heat-up and better temperature stability, according to De'Longhi. The heat-up time is not quoted. The pressure gauge is a classic detail that helps you see whether the shot is in the right range, a useful learning aid.
Cappuccino System and cup space
The adjustable Cappuccino System makes dense foam or hot milk. You hold the jug yourself, so some practice helps. The drip tray adjusts from 100 mm to 130 mm, which means mugs up to 13 cm tall fit under the spout.
Practising with cold milk from the fridge in a small metal jug is the usual way to learn: start with the tip just below the surface to draw in air, then lower it to heat and swirl the milk.
Size and specs
The machine is 28.3 cm deep, 22.6 cm wide and 31 cm high and weighs 4.44 kg, compact and light. The water tank holds 1.7 litres, the pump is rated at 15 bar and power is 1325 watts. It uses ground coffee only, with no built-in grinder.
Its light weight makes it easy to slide forward for refilling the tank, though you may need to hold it steady when locking the portafilter in place.
Against the Dedica Maestro Plus and Bambino Plus
The De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus uses single wall baskets, three brewing temperatures and Auto LatteArt, but needs a good grinder. The Sage Bambino Plus offers a 3 second heat-up and automatic milk wand. The EM450 is the most forgiving and simplest of the three.
Verdict
Buy the De'Longhi Classic EM450 if you are new to espresso, use pre-ground coffee and want a forgiving, compact machine with a pressure gauge. If you want automatic milk, the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus or Sage Bambino Plus are better choices, both of which reward a separate grinder.
Compared with alternatives in: Best espresso machines for beginners, Best espresso machines without a grinder
Amazon listing title: De'Longhi Classic EM450.M, Manual Coffee Machine with Steam Wand, Barista Pump Espresso Machine, Cappuccino Nozzle, Double Wall Filter Basket, 15bar, Fit Mug Up to 13cm, Stainless Steel/Metal