
Product test
The all-rounder De'Longhi La Specialista in review
by Simon Balissat
Last year, DeLonghi launched two new semi-automatic coffee makers. The «Maestro» aims to please with an automatic milk system. I put both machines to the test.
I was able to test the first version of the «La Specialista» from DeLonghi. It made a good first impression, but failed to prove itself in the end due to its poor coffee grinder and pseudo-portafilter.
In the latest version – marked by the ending «Prestigio» – these shortcomings have been fixed. DeLonghi has also released a larger version of the coffee maker. The «La Specialista Maestro» has two new displays and an automatic milk frother. In the product description, DeLonghi promises that you can «[...] experiment with milk preparation and enjoy drinks with perfectly frothed milk». This review reveals that the steam wand remains the preferable solution for perfectly frothed milk. What’s more, neither of the two displays actually adds any value. All in all, the «Maestro» just isn’t worth the higher price tag.
For English subtitles, click the gear icon, «Subtitles/CC» and «Auto-translate».
When I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.