The Espresso Machine One Food Network Editor Can't Stop Talking About

Espresso, lattes, Americanos and more right at your fingertips!

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money off these affiliate links. Learn more.
October 14, 2022

Related To:

Rachel Trujillo

Rachel Trujillo

If you’re entertaining the thought of purchasing an espresso machine, odds are you’re already among the large set of people who appreciate (and c’mon let’s be honest, deeply rely on) a good cup of coffee in the morning. It also means we can probably skip the part where we explain how much finding the right brewing method for you matters when curating your morning routine. After all, you have probably done your research and have a reliable coffee machine you swear by. But even the most headstrong coffee purist knows that nothing beats a beverage crafted perfectly by your favorite barista at your favorite coffee shop. That is, until you are able to make that frothy cappuccino, silky latte or bold americano from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Rachel Trujillo

Rachel Trujillo

After doing some research and browsing through top models, my husband and I added the De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine to our wedding registry with the hopes that someone would so generously indulge us in our dream machine.

Luckily, our families did, and I’m here to express what a dream machine it truly is. The size is ideal for our smaller apartment kitchen without sacrificing the sturdy construction of a quality machine, and features include an attached burr grinder, 19 bars of pressure and a dual heating system and frothing wand — all of which were key to us when picking this model. This model also has a “Smart Tamping System” that allows you to tamp down your grounds after grinding without removing the portafilter. In short, there are no loose grounds spilling onto your countertop and virtually zero cleanup required — a huge pro in my book!

We’ve been using this machine for a few months now, and I’ve successfully experimented with iced lattes, flavored syrups and frothing multiple varieties of milk and milk-alternatives. The process is simple enough to do and requires no more time than my drip pot would, and the bit of concentration required has become a fun and almost therapeutic part of my day. Knowing the smooth purr of beans grinding, the smell of freshly pulled espresso and the whistle of the steam wand is waiting for me is almost enough to energize me each morning…almost.

Rachel Trujillo

Rachel Trujillo

On a less romantic but equally important note, the upkeep of the machine is actually not as intimidating as I expected. I recently tackled my first descaling process, which takes about 45 minutes and gives your machine a proper deep-clean. It required filling the water reservoir with an EcoDecalk descaling solution, rinsing and refilling it and gradually dumping out the residue from the steam wand and pump. It wasn’t hard, but I do recommend saving this for a weekend when you have some time. I haven’t had the machine long enough to know how often a deep cleaning is required, but the process has definitely made a case for keeping our drip pot around or making the infrequent trip to our local cafe.

Overall, I recommend this machine for anyone who wants to elevate their coffee game. The Americano setting is a great alternative to a classic cup of coffee if you’re looking for something simple, and the ability to quickly froth milk for a latte means you can indulge on a moment's notice. While it is an investment piece, the quick math of comparing the total price to my three-month, coffee-shop binge last year (whoops) has proven the product is well-worth the splurge.

More Product Tests By Food Network Kitchen

Next Up

The 6 Best Bread Boxes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We went through a dozen loaves to find top-performing bread boxes in a variety of sizes and styles.

5 Best Juicers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The best juicers can make getting your daily fruits and vegetables fast and easy.

4 Best Keurig Coffee Machines, According to Food Network Kitchen

Whether you're looking for a single-serve machine or one that brews a whole carafe, we found the best Keurig machine for you.

The Best Instant Pots, According to Food Network Kitchen

Whether you're looking for the best Instant Pot for families, one with an air fryer or a basic model, there's an Instant Pot to meet your needs.

The 7 Best Water Bottles, According to Food Network Staffers

Our favorite water bottles to take on hikes, to the office and everywhere in between!

4 Best Carbon Steel Pans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These durable, lightweight pans are beloved by chefs and we fried eggs, seared steaks and baked cornbread to find the best.

5 Best Ice Makers of 2024, According to Experts

If ice is a staple in your household, you’ll find a countertop ice maker is a lifesaver. With one in your kitchen, you’ll always have a supply at the ready.

5 Best Mandoline Slicers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We sliced pounds of potatoes, tomatoes and carrots to find the best mandoline slicers.

7 Best Cookie Sheets and Sheet Pans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We baked pizza and cookies to find the best pans for every task.

What's New