Customer Ratings & Reviews

Unboxing was easy and straightforward. I removed the well packed machine. Also was a box with the other attachements. Setup was somewhat complex. I read the included quick start guide. After cleaning the water reovoir and other attachments it was ready to go. I did process the steam cleaning function 4 times since it was suggested in the manual. Then after filling the water to the max line. I put some espresso beans in the top hopper. Use: I tried the initial settings of 10 (Dose), 2/3 temp, Middle Grinding, 2 shots and espresso. I hit the ok button and some espresso ground. Then I pulled the Tamper down and removed it. I connected it to the espresso side and hit the OK button and the espresso was very little and watery. I proceeded to play with the dose until I finally was able to dial in 20, 2/3 temp, Fine Grinding, 2 shots and espresso. Then the color came out like the manual shows. The taste was good and full. I proceeded to try the same settings for the cool espresso to make and iced Americano. Also used the included cup to froth some milk and while that was nice. I typically like espresso and Americano’s. I typically use other cream for flavor. I like the entire machine and build quality. Pro’s: • 2 shot espresso at home • Cool espresso option • Sealed grinder of fresh beans • Water container holds a lot of water • Build quality good Con’s • The machine was complicated and took a lot of trial and error to dial in settings • Can be a lot of work for a quick shot of espresso • Can vibrate when in operation and seems loud • No included espresso cups In conclusion I highly recommend this machine if you want to make quality espresso drinks at home. So far I am very happy with the machine and feel like it will last a long time. I do wish they had more details to the dialing in of settings. Also wish an set of espresso glasses where included.

The De'Longhi La Specialista Opera is an outstanding espresso machine that delivers excellent results with every cup. It makes rich, smooth espresso with perfect crema and is easy to handle, even for beginners. The built-in grinder and tamping system make preparation simple and consistent, while the steam wand creates wonderful, creamy foam for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. It’s also highly reliable, performing consistently over time without fuss. Overall, it’s a dependable, well-crafted machine that produces delicious, café-quality drinks right at home.

This is an espresso machine that has all the features I want: analogue pressure gauge, smart tamping, built-in milk frother and the ability to make cold coffee drinks. The machine itself is beautiful in a silvery steel finish. It has a classic dignified look and attractively modern appearance that’s likely to become a conversation piece for guests coming to your home. Though it requires some space on the countertop, it’s not overly huge for a coffee machine with this many capabilities. I would say that the size is quite normal for a coffee machine at the given price range. The unit comes with almost everything that you would need to get started, though no espresso glass is included. Setting up is easy even when you don’t have any prior experience with an espresso machine. Delonghi gives you a water test strip to test the hardness level of your water and that’s really nice. There are also cleaning tabs and descaling solution included so you would be all good with initial basic maintenance. The initial setup is easy and it basically requires you to press a button so that the machine would be purged with hot water, and you need to use the frother for at least 10 seconds. If you’re not sure what to do, there’s some video resources from Delonghi on YouTube. It will take about 4-5 cups of coffee-making before the machine can give you satisfactory results. The bean container capacity is quite large enough to last a couple of days making espressos. You can manually adjust the grinder setting to coarser or finer grind. Smart tamping is the winner here, it simplifies espresso making and messy tamping is a thing of the past. The default setting is actually pretty good for the coffee beans I used. It just needed some minor dosing adjustment to produce the pressure level on my double espresso just right and this is why analogue pressure gauge reading is important. The integrated frother allows you to make a café grade cappuccino. The star of the show is actually the cold brew and cool espresso drink feature, which I really like. It’s easy to make and it’s instantly a favorite of the house. This coffee machine definitely compels me to make much less visit to coffee shops. Whether you just start having interest in making café grade coffee drinks or a seasoned espresso maker, this machine is for you.

An Amateur Review of the De’Longhi La Specialista Opera First off, let me just say that before receiving this machine, I had never pulled a shot of espresso in my life. I’ve enjoyed numerous espresso drinks and espresso itself, but never actually been the one to pull it. I’ve enjoyed over the past three days trying out all the features of my De’Longhi La Specialista Opera. If you are, like me, new to using an espresso machine, I highly recommend that you look up some videos about ‘Dialing in your Machine’ as well as ‘How to pull espresso shots’. Had I done those two items, I could have gotten my machine set up to work with my beans and learned the science behind how espresso is made (and not wasted half a bag of coffee beans). So, if your first attempts don’t come out like your favorite espresso shop, don’t be discouraged! It took me several attempts and even now, I’m not exactly 100% there yet, but am confident I will be. The De’Longhi La Specialista Opera came packaged very well. It was a box within a box with lots of cushioning and protection. There wasn’t a scratch or a ding on my machine after unpacking. In my opinion, the Opera, in its shining stainless steel, is not just an espresso machine, but a work of art! As I am new to all this and one of those odd guys who actually reads instructions, I first began by fishing them out and reading them. In the package are two instruction manuals. One color quick start guide and then a more detailed black and white instruction manual. I had to refer to both instruction booklets to understand how the filters worked and how to use the machine. It would have been nice if the color quick start book had included some of the basic setup instructions. As noted above, my first attempts at making espresso did not turn out so well. I honestly thought the machine’s pressure valve was malfunctioning. Thankfully, it was just my inexperience, and after watching a few videos, I was able to dial my machine in and get the pressure within the optimal range (as shown on the pressure meter). As with all things, don’t let perfection be the enemy of good, find the method that works best for you and even if it isn’t picture-perfect, award-winning champion barista level, do not be disappointed. There are so many factors to experiment with, you are going to steadily improve with time and experience. One main thing I learned is the freshness and quality of the bean made a much larger than expected, positive difference. Then, you have 15 different coarseness settings for the bean grinder, a dose level from 1 to 40, and 3 temperature settings! Now on to some of the features. This machine has a large water reservoir. My only mild complaint with the water reservoir is that it is difficult to see if you have sufficient water or not since it is on the back of the machine. It would have been nice to have a water level meter on the front. You can make multiple style espresso drinks; cold brew, cool espresso, espresso, americano, and coffee. There is also a hot water button on the front that is quite handy. There is a milk frothing wand which works quite well, all-be-it loudly. You also have a bean burr grinder on top and a sturdy, confidence inspiring tamping lever. The machine comes with single and double shot filters for hot drinks, and single and double shot filters for cool/cold drinks. One you have the machine dialed in, it does an excellent job of making espresso. I was able to get good crema, and expect that, like with all other aspects of the machine, I will improve over time. I also was surprised to find out that it makes very nice cool espresso. I had never had cool espresso previously, and found delicious and sweet. Cold brew, which was my least favorite drink, took about 7 minutes to make. The other drinks were made quickly, even cool espresso. The milk frothing wand is very nice; it puts out good steam and froths up the milk into a thick, silky, luscious froth for lattes and other drinks. The want is insulated and isn’t terribly hot to the touch, but I would still suggest exercising caution as it is NOT cold after use. Now for noise level – Grinding the beans is at about 70 decibels according to a sound decibel app I downloaded. The actual pouring of the espresso is around 60 to 65 decibels. The cold cycles are slightly quieter. The frothing wand was the loudest at around 78 decibels. For reference, 60 to 65 decibels is the noise level you’d hear in your average Dilbert style cubical office space. Normal conversation level is 65 to 70 decibels, and your average vacuum cleaner is 75. So, you may find that if you’re the first one up in the morning and start making an espresso for yourself, others in the house are going to come running and expecting you to make them some, too! Overall, I am very pleased with De’Longhi’s La Specialista Opera home espresso machine and will be enjoying making many more espressos and other drinks with the machine for family and friends alike. The key take-away here is that this is a very advanced machine, and for those new to espresso machines, your patience and practice is going to pay off. I give the De’Longhi La Specialista Opera an enthusiastic, 5 star rating.

Well, built espresso machine. I anticipate it will last years. Easy to use, if you follow the instructions within the manual, I started on a grind setting of 9 and 20 for the grind time for a double shot. Adjusting the temperature to low for a dark roast espresso bean provided a smooth drink.

The De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso machine was a breeze to unbox and setup. The quick start guide and instruction booklet were easy to follow and after cleaning all of the included accessories, I ran a full cycle as instructed which included using the wand to get the machine ready for frothing and steaming milk. Since I have a water softener, I did not test the water with the included hardness tester but, depending on what type of water you have, you may need to use this. There are additional instructions on changing the machine to brew according to your water hardness level. Once ready to begin making coffee, I put beans in the hopper on top and left the default grind level at nine while I’m getting used to the machine. You can change it from coarse to fine depending on how the espresso comes out. The book does a good job at guiding you on what to adjust based on your results. For my first try, I used a small espresso filter. Setting the machine to do this was relatively easy and after a couple uses, you should be used to getting the right amounts of grounds for the coffee amount and type that you want. Once set, it grinds the correct amount and puts it into the filter. At this point, you use the built-in tamper which gets the grounds ready for brewing. You move the portafilter from the tamping side to the brew side and secure it. Now, it’s time to pick the type of coffee you want. The dial includes espresso cool, cold brew, regular espresso, americano and finally, coffee. Prior to hitting ok to start the cycle, here is where you can also change the temperature based on the amount of coffee you had originally ground and the type of bean you use. Whether you are using light roast, dark roast, or something in between, the booklet does a good job of helping you with these settings. Also, when making a cold or hot drink, when you pick the setting and the machine will default to various presets helping you make the correct type of brew. After brewing various coffee types, I then tried to froth some milk to make a latte. I am no expert at doing this but, the machine and instructions once again make this process simple and it only took a couple minutes to get the milk to the right temperature. At this point, you should be able to try different settings on your own to come up with your preferred brew strength and flavor. It may take some practice and keeping the book nearby is helpful until you get the hang of it. I am incredibly happy with this espresso maker and of the couple I have tried, I feel this is the easiest to use and, makes a great coffee. I am partial to making americano’s and this does not disappoint in any way. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for a higher end espresso machine that makes the process easy with a very enjoyable end result.

After using a Delonghi Dinamica for 18 months with great success we wanted to step-up our barista game with a more self-service espresso machine. After countless reviews between the Opera and Breville machines, we went with Delonghi given our previous positive brand experience and the quality all stainless steel build vs the Breville. Another key decision point was the insulated frother wand. the machine is like a block of steel on the counter and the tamper handle is solid with no play when using it. We were a bit hesitant with the semi manual process, but it's so easy and no mess from self tamping. We use oat milk and the frother does an amazing job providing any level of froth we want. So much better than our previous automatic frother. Another plus is that we are able to use a filter to reduce the bean oils for a clean cup of coffee. The coffee selections are fantastic as my go to is an americano and my wife's is regular coffee. The taste is significantly different in a good way. Don't hesitate to purchase if you are looking for a high quality coffee experience.

Review: De’Longhi La Specialista Opera – A Sophisticated Symphony of Espresso Engineering The De’Longhi La Specialista Opera is the latest offering from a brand known for delivering thoughtfully engineered coffee appliances that balance Italian craftsmanship with user-friendly design. Marketed as a semi-automatic espresso machine that bridges the gap between convenience and control, the La Specialista Opera is a strong contender for home baristas who want the café experience without a steep learning curve—or barista school tuition. Design & Build Quality: 9/10 Out of the box, the Opera makes a bold first impression. Its brushed stainless steel finish is both modern and timeless, with sturdy knobs and intuitive controls that feel premium in-hand. The tactile response of the buttons and dials gives it a solid, professional feel, and it’s clear that De’Longhi invested care into both the aesthetics and the ergonomics. With its dual heating system (Thermoblock for brewing, independent heating element for steaming), the machine avoids the lag time between espresso extraction and milk frothing—a small but appreciated upgrade over more basic units. Features & Functionality: 8.5/10 Here’s where the Opera hits most of the right notes: • Smart Tamping Station: Consistent tamping is essential for even extraction, and De’Longhi’s built-in tamping lever offers a surprisingly effective solution. It’s a clever addition that reduces mess while encouraging good technique. • Sensor Grinding Technology: The integrated burr grinder adjusts for dose and grind consistency with decent accuracy, and offers enough grind settings (typically 8–10) for most espresso blends. That said, true espresso aficionados may crave a bit more precision here. • Dynamic Pre-Infusion: This feature automatically adjusts to the grind density for even saturation—another smart touch that helps beginners avoid under-extracted shots. • Steam Wand: While not quite as powerful as a commercial-grade wand, it does a solid job for cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. Microfoam is achievable with practice. Performance: 8/10 In daily use, the La Specialista Opera delivers consistently good espresso with rich crema, provided your beans are fresh and your grind settings are dialed in. It’s a forgiving machine that rewards good inputs without punishing experimentation. It’s also relatively quiet for a unit with a built-in grinder, which is a plus for early mornings. Where it slightly lags is in ultimate customization—if you’re looking to program pre-infusion times to the second or fine-tune PID temperatures to within a single degree, this isn’t a prosumer machine. But that’s not the target audience, either. Maintenance & Usability: 9/10 De’Longhi’s attention to user experience shines in cleaning and upkeep. Descaling reminders, removable drip trays, and accessible internals make routine maintenance straightforward. The machine heats quickly and maintains stable pressure with minimal babysitting. Value: 8.5/10 At its price point (typically around $800–$1000 depending on market and retailer), the La Specialista Opera competes directly with Breville’s Barista Pro/Touch lineup. It holds its own through build quality, tamping convenience, and its striking design. It’s more than capable of satisfying espresso lovers without pushing into full-on hobbyist territory. ⸻ Final Verdict: 8.6/10 The De’Longhi La Specialista Opera lives up to its name—a carefully orchestrated espresso machine that brings ease, elegance, and just enough control to satisfy a wide range of users. Whether you’re upgrading from a basic espresso machine or starting fresh in the world of home espresso, this machine offers a refined, intuitive experience that looks as good on your countertop as your latte art in the cup. Pros: • Excellent build quality • Built-in grinder and smart tamping • Easy to use for beginners • Fast heat-up and good thermal stability Cons: • Grinder could use finer adjustments • Limited programmability for advanced users • Steam wand power slightly underwhelming for large volumes

We love this machine. It makes making coffee house coffees at home a snap. Push buttons grinds coffee, Use the built in Tamper to tamp the coffee, move portafilter to brew position and push another button. If you want frothed cream it does that as well. Yes I would recommend this to a friend. If you are not used to espresso machines you will need to do some trial and error to get used to it. The coffee that you make while learning however is still amazing

Love the improvements of the new DeLonghi Opera. Being a prior owner of the La Specialista Prestigio, I am a big fan of the upgrades to there newest model. First, let’s talk about the look. The 100% stainless steel body gives it a high end feel as well as the improved digital presence adding more options and simplifying your choices with just a few quick steps. Digital layout options are simple and light up based on your selections for brewing and or if something needs attention, like water level, cleaning etc. The second improvement I noticed is the implementation of an upgraded grinder, giving you 15 options instead of the original 8 giving you the ability to really dial in how coarse you want your grind getting you the perfect taste every time. Third, the tamping arm seems to function a lot more smoothly than there past model, making tamping a breeze. An easy pull and press. Now, let’s talk about the new cold brew option. To start they’ve added two new filters to use when filtering your cold brews. The portafilter has also been upgraded with a better engineered drip spout for a smoother and more controlled drip. Please note, although the new Cold Extraction Technology is amazing for making cold brews, it does take some time to dispense, so patience is necessary. Also, they recommend that your water is fresh before brewing even if it’s only been a couple of days. Overall, my experience has been really great. My espressos, americanos, and coffee have been nothing shy of perfection every time. I feel these upgrades cleaned up the look, functionality, and simplified options giving this brewing station a high end brew experience right in your own kitchen. I would highly recommend this product!

The De’Longhi La Specialista Opera espresso machine is the all in one powerhouse for any home. Beautiful design, small footprint and at a price point for the masses. It is important that you read and follow the initial setup instructions to ensure proper operation of your machine. After performing the initial set up I also went into the menu settings to set the hardness of my water prior to making my first cup of espresso, this is not required but I would recommend it. The initial set up is complete within 7 steps and about 5 minutes. The area that you are most likely to spend a majority of time on will be calibrating your Dose amount and Grinder setting for the perfect cup. The instruction manuals are very detailed to help you along, perfect if you’re new to owning an espresso machine and helpful to the seasoned pro. You are not limited to espresso with the De’ Longhi Opera, Tea, Americano, regular Coffee, Cold Brew, Espresso Ice…. These are all an option for your coffee needs or tea desires. The built in smart tamper is wonderful and works extremely well. Clean up is easy. The steamer works great and quickly comes to temperature. The automatic shut off can be set for three different time limits, 5 Minutes, 1.5 hours and 3 hours. Everything you need to maintain the machine is included, cleaning tools, initial descaling solution, initial cleaning tabs. If you do live in an area with hard water, use of treated water would net the best results and help keep the internals free of scale build up.

I bought this to replace a De'Longhi Magnifica that I bought sometime around 2006 that finally died its final death on me last year. I also have a full manual Gaggia that I obtained around the same time which is also on its last leg. The reason I mentioned my other / old espresso machines is because I wanted to point out that I've had both fully automatic down to manual machines and was looking for something a bit in between. Because I had such a good experience with the Magnifica I was leaning towards the De'Longhi brand when doing my search. I have only had it now for a couple of weeks but definitely satisfied using it for making espresso. I do want to try the cool espresso and coffee functionality but need to download the online instructions and figure out how to use that functionality and the pressurized portafilter. For espresso it does take a few shots or so to dial it in. The grinder is time based so its a matter of either weighing out the beans and putting them in the (empty) grinder each time or just keeping the hopper loaded and experimenting. For everyday use I went the latter route. The auto-tamper is a nice feature and steamer / wand is great. Some downsides: I would really like to have a removable grinder and or bean bin. My Magnifica had a side water tank and the water level was visible so I knew exactly how much was left just looking at the machine whether it was on or off. The Opera's water tank slides into the back of the machine and there is no visibility.

Writing a review after a month of using it - makes various drinks and easy to use. Stainless steel design gives it a great curb appeal in the kitchen and also a sturdy design! The Delonghi folks are always great with support and will answer your questions as needed! Overall, I do recommend this product if you like the all in one machine!

I absolutely love this machine. I had been researching all sorts of machines and some seemed too complex while others seemed too cheap but then I stumbled upon this one and it really hit every check box for me. It’s super easy to use after getting the settings dialed in based on water Ph and bean quality. I have used it every day since I got it and it has not disappointed

Really like the machine. It's pretty easy to operate. Took a bit to dial in our espresso but once dialled in it makes a vey good espresso. Also make a very good cold brew.

This coffee machine is Very easy to use. Great coffee maker.

The best home expresso machine I’ve ever had. My Americano is perfect. I don’t have to measure the added water. It does it all Cold Brew also

Sleek design. Easy to use. Good quality options for the price.

This is an addition to our newly remodeled home that we absolutely love. Not only the elegant look but the ease of use. Winner winner

I don’t know why i waited so long to buy this coffee machine.. since i purchased that i never get back to filtered coffee.. it is very easy to use.. littke bit of work and you can make barista qualiy lattes, cappuccinos and espressos..