De'Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR 1L manual coffee machine

This compact manual espresso machine from De'Longhi brings café-style drinks to the kitchen with simple controls and a traditional milk frother. It produces espresso with crema thanks to 15 bar pressure and includes a cappuccino system that lets you create textured milk for lattes and cappuccinos, making morning routines quicker and more enjoyable.

Key Points

The machine features a 1 litre water tank and an easy-to-use control panel for on/off and brewing. According to the manufacturer, the 15 bar pump helps extract a full-flavoured shot with a rich, hazelnut-coloured crema. The flexible steam wand lets you manually adjust foam density to match your preference, from thin microfoam to thicker froth. It is compatible with ESE pods as well as ground coffee, so you can switch between convenience and freshly ground beans. The unit includes an automatic switch-off to save energy if left idle.

Technical Specifications

• Name: De'Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR
• Pressure: 15 bar
• Water tank capacity: 1 L
• Cup clearance: up to 110 mm with the two-level drip tray
• Materials: stainless steel boiler
• Compatibility: ESE pods and ground coffee

Practical Tips

For best results with milk drinks, warm the cup beforehand and purge the steam wand briefly to remove water. Start with cold milk and a chilled jug to help achieve finer foam. When using ESE pods, tamping is not required, which speeds up preparation on busy mornings. The removable drip tray makes cleaning straightforward, and descaling at regular intervals will help maintain performance according to De'Longhi’s recommendations. Note that manual frothing requires some practice to get consistent microfoam, and the compact size means it fits smaller kitchens but offers less capacity for continuous high-volume use.

Positive Aspects

Build quality is supported by a stainless steel boiler that adds durability and stable temperature during extraction. The two-level tray gives flexibility for cups and small glasses up to 110 mm high, useful for tall latte cups. Colour and finish in green give the appliance a distinctive look if you want a splash of colour on the worktop. The automatic switch-off is a practical energy-saving feature that reduces standby consumption.