A doubted affordability of a top-notch espresso machine priced at $149, yet De'Longhi demonstrated its value.

Getting into the coffee game feels like venturing into a foreign language - and that's coming from someone who's deeply immersed in it. Don't even get me started on the fancy equipment that resembles medieval torture devices.

While it's undoubtedly worth investing in a top-notch coffee grinder and scale, all this gear can be overwhelming at the start. That's why I'm here to help! I'll guide you through the process by recommending the sleek and budget-friendly De'Longhi Stilosa.

The best espresso machines typically set you back around a grand, particularly brands like Breville. But the De'Longhi Stilosa is one of the best entry-level, affordable options on the market. Despite requiring some practice and finesse, I'll teach you how to achieve cafe-worthy espresso with this gem right now.

De'Longhi Stilosa: USD $149 at Amazon

I've dished out a detailed, 4-star review of the Stilosa, but here's the TL;DR: this machine packs a punch considering its price. It produces technically excellent espresso, heats up quickly, and boasts a potent steam wand capable of aerating velvety milk.

Level Up Your Game

More often than not, you'll end up with watery, weak espresso when you opt for a cheap machine, tasting nothing like the coffee from the cafe down the road or even Starbucks. Not the De'Longhi Stilosa, though.

As promised, I'll teach you exactly how to elevate this affordable gadget into a high-performing, almost Breville-standard espresso machine with minimal investments. Don't get me wrong, out of the box, the Stilosa is great, but some accessories may need an upgrade.

First, I suggest repurposing the tamper that comes with the Stilosa and investing in an inexpensive metal tamper. Since the Stilosa features a 51mm portafilter basket, grab a 51mm tamper for around $6-$9 on Amazon or a Spring-loaded one for $42.

Next, get your hands on an accurate kitchen scale or one of the best coffee scales. Shoot for a 1:2 coffee-to-espresso ratio. I always dose 18g of finely-ground coffee for a 36g espresso for a double shot. With my Wacaco Exagram Pro scale, this is a breeze.

Last but not least, don't skimp on a good grinder. While I tested with the Eureka Mignon Specialita and the Comandante C40 MK4, the Baratza Encore ESP is a more reasonably-priced and more-than-capable alternative.

With just the $199 Baratza grinder and the $49 Wacaco scale, you're well on your way to cafe-quality coffee with this $149 De'Longhi machine.

The Importance of Quality Grinding

If you don't have a proper grinder, you'll never achieve perfect espresso. Even if you fork out $2,000 for a Breville Dual Boiler machine, your espresso will suffer if you're not grinding your beans properly - and the De'Longhi Stilosa is a perfect example of this truth. With a good grinder and proper technique, you can create technically flawless espresso for just $149.

For further tips on making perfection at home, I've written a detailed guide on the subject.

Pro Results for the Non-Pro

Although I have a background in professional coffee-making, it's absolutely possible to achieve these results without expensive, professional equipment.

The Baratza grinder and Wacaco scale I recommended above are both reasonably priced and will help you achieve comparable results.

The steam wand on the De'Longhi Stilosa is incredibly potent - at first, I thought it might even be too much. With a bit of practice, though, I was able to yield delicious, velvety microfoam. I simply had to control my steaming angle.

I held the milk jug at about a 45° angle and positioned the steam wand halfway in the milk. After fine-tuning things a bit to create a vortex, I aerated the milk and skillfully poured the beautiful latte art you see above.

The Stilosa's steam wand outperforms many $500 machines, and I was genuinely impressed. This is something latte art enthusiasts can get excited about.

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

Don't get me wrong - I understand the Stilosa may not look great. With a plasticky finish and a lightweight 2-pound body, it doesn't seem constructed to last. Don't be deceived, though; I didn't notice any impact on the machine's performance. Its compact size of 8 x 11 x 12 inches might even be an advantage for those with small kitchens.

Although the Stilosa is made with plastic, you can't realistically expect everything for something so affordable. Function is, of course, more important than appearance, so focusing on that aspect seems reasonable. However, it's worth considering the potential impact on longevity. As I'm constantly reviewing espresso machines for testing purposes, I haven't had the chance to put the Stilosa through its paces.

Sometimes plastic components can degrade after extended use, and occasionally, they can break off. However, De'Longhi offers a minimum warranty of one year, and my parents' De'Longhi Icona Vintage (£126, no longer available in the U.S.) has clung to life for nine years. So, I have confidence in the budget-friendly Stilosa.

In terms of cheap espresso machines, there's no competition. No other budget machines I've tried can rival the Stilosa.

So what do you think? Do you think the Stilosa is worth $149/£104? Can it hold its own against more expensive espresso machines? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Achieving Cafe-Quality Espresso

Use Fresh, High-Quality Coffee Beans: Fresh beans are crucial for optimal flavor and aroma. Choose beans that are freshly roasted and have a good reputation for quality.
Invest in a Good Grinder: A grinder is essential for achieving the perfect grind consistency. The Baratza grinder is highly recommended for its affordability and performance. It costs around $199 and is a worthwhile investment for cafe-quality espresso[4].
Master Your Tamping Technique: Tamping ensures the coffee grounds are evenly distributed and pressed firmly in the portafilter. Replace the included plastic tamper with a 51mm metal tamper. De'Longhi sells tampers for $29, but other brands like IKAPE also offer quality options[1][4].
Preheat Your Machine and Cups: Preheating ensures the espresso is not cooled by the machine or cups, which helps preserve the crema and flavor.
Perfect Your Milk Frothing: The Stilosa's manual steam wand allows for frothing, but it takes practice to achieve silky microfoam. Experiment with different steaming angles to achieve your desired texture[4].
Use the Right Amount of Coffee: Use the included measuring spoon to ensure you're using the correct amount of coffee for single or double shots[3].
Pay Attention to Shot Timing: Aim for a shot time of around 20-30 seconds. This helps ensure the espresso is not over or under-extracted.
Clean and Maintain Regularly: Regular cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your machine and ensure consistent results.

Recommended Accessories

Grinder: Baratza grinder ($199) for its quality and affordability[4].
Scale: Wacaco scale ($49) for precise measurements of coffee and water[4].
Tamper: Replace the plastic tamper with a 51mm metal tamper. De'Longhi offers one for $29[1].
Milk Jug: For frothing, consider a Breville/Sage milk jug with a live thermometer, priced around $24[1].
Portafilter: You might want to upgrade to a better quality 51mm portafilter like the one from IKAPE ($69)[1].

The De'Longhi Stilosa, priced at USD $149, produces technically excellent espresso that rivals more expensive machines, but it may require some accessories to elevate its performance.

High-quality grinding is crucial for perfect espresso, and the Baratza grinder is a reasonably priced, capable alternative that pairs well with the De'Longhi Stilosa. With this grinder and an accurate kitchen scale, you can create cafe-quality coffee for just over $200.