The morning light usually hits my kitchen counter just as I’m wrestling with the eternal question: do I want a machine that feels like a classic Italian bistro, or one that looks like a futuristic piece of minimalist art? Over the past several weeks, I’ve surrendered my morning ritual to the Breville Cafe Roma and the De’Longhi Dedica. These are two of the most popular entry-level machines for anyone looking to graduate from “pod coffee” to “real espresso” without spending a month’s rent.
While they both promise 15 bars of pressure and a rich crema, the actual experience of using them—the sound of the pump, the click of the buttons, and the way they steam milk—revealed two very different personalities. One is a rugged, old-school stainless steel tank, and the other is a sleek, ultra-slim speedster. If you’re caught between these two silver icons, let me share what it’s actually like to live with them day-to-day.
The Key Difference: Industrial Simplicity vs. Modern Automation
If you stripped away the branding, the definitive key difference between the Breville Cafe Roma and the De’Longhi Dedica is how they handle the “stop” button and your counter space. The Breville Cafe Roma is a fully manual machine. You turn a physical dial to start the espresso flow, and you must turn it back to stop it. It’s built with a heavy-duty, square-ish stainless steel frame that feels incredibly sturdy.
The De’Longhi Dedica, however, is an “ultra-slim” specialized machine, measuring only 6 inches wide. Unlike the manual Breville, the Dedica features Flow Stop technology with programmable, illuminated buttons. You press a button for a single or double shot, and the machine automatically cuts the water flow once the volume is reached. Additionally, the Dedica heats up significantly faster and allows for more vertical cup clearance thanks to its adjustable tray system.
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to...
- A SIP OF ITALIAN DESIGN:At only 6inch wide, the uniquely designed Dedica is our slimmest espresso machine yet,...
Comparison Table: Breville Cafe Roma vs. De’Longhi Dedica
| Feature | Breville Cafe Roma (ESP8XL) | De’Longhi Dedica (EC680/685) |
| Machine Width | 9 Inches | 5.9 Inches (Ultra-Slim) |
| Operation | Fully Manual (Dial Control) | Semi-Automatic (Programmable Buttons) |
| Heat-Up Time | ~60-90 Seconds | ~40 Seconds |
| Heating System | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Pressure | 15 Bar | 15 Bar |
| Cup Clearance | Fixed (Standard Cups) | Adjustable (Fits mugs up to 5″) |
| Milk Frother | Froth Enhancer Wand | Advanced Cappuccino System |
| Build Material | Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel / High-Grade Plastic |
| Included Accessories | Stainless Pitcher, Tamper, 3 Filters | Tamper/Spoon, 3 Filters |
| Buy NOW | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Personal Barista Journal
Having these two machines side-by-side felt like comparing a vintage mechanical typewriter to a sleek MacBook. Both get the words on the page, but the tactile feedback is worlds apart.
Design: The “Tank” vs. The “Sliver”
When I first placed the Breville Cafe Roma on my counter, I was struck by its industrial “cool.” It feels heavy, solid, and expensive. The brushed stainless steel isn’t just a veneer; the whole machine feels like it could survive a move across the country without a scratch. Its 9×9 footprint is compact, but it has a “presence.”
The De’Longhi Dedica is almost startlingly thin. At just under 6 inches wide, I was able to tuck it into a narrow gap between my fridge and the wall that I previously thought was useless. It looks like a high-end Italian appliance from 2026. However, because it’s so narrow, I noticed it tends to “dance” a bit on the counter when I’m locking in the portafilter. I had to hold the top of the machine to keep it from sliding, whereas the Cafe Roma stayed planted like a rock.
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to...
- A SIP OF ITALIAN DESIGN:At only 6inch wide, the uniquely designed Dedica is our slimmest espresso machine yet,...
Ease of Use: Manual Soul vs. Push-Button Convenience
The Cafe Roma uses a single, chunky selector dial. Turn it right for coffee, left for steam. I actually enjoyed the manual aspect; if I wanted a slightly longer shot for a “Lungo” style drink, I just let the dial stay open. But be warned: if you walk away to grab a spoon while it’s brewing, you’ll end up with a flooded counter.
The Dedica is much more “morning-proof.” The illuminated buttons for single and double shots are intuitive. I loved that I could program the volume—if I found my beans performed better with a slightly shorter 1.5 oz double shot, I could save that setting. It makes the morning rush much less stressful because the machine handles the timing for you.
Functions: The Battle of the Thermoblocks
Both machines use Thermoblock heating systems, which essentially heat water on the fly rather than boiling a whole tank.
- The Dedica is faster. From the moment I flipped the switch, I was ready to brew in about 40 seconds.
- The Cafe Roma took closer to 90 seconds to really get the portafilter warm enough for a quality shot.
A major functional win for the Dedica is the adjustable drip tray. I have a favorite 10 oz ceramic mug that simply wouldn’t fit under the Cafe Roma’s spout. On the Dedica, I just removed the inner tray, and the mug slid right in. On the Roma, I had to brew into a tiny espresso cup and then transfer the coffee to my mug, which is just one more dish to wash.
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to...
- A SIP OF ITALIAN DESIGN:At only 6inch wide, the uniquely designed Dedica is our slimmest espresso machine yet,...
Milk Texturing: Froth Enhancers and Steam
Both machines come with “beginner-friendly” steam wands. The Cafe Roma features a “Froth Enhancer” (a plastic sleeve over the wand) that injects air automatically. It creates big, stiff bubbles—perfect for an old-school cappuccino but difficult for silky latte art.
The Dedica uses the Advanced Cappuccino System, which I found to be slightly more versatile. It has a ring you can slide to adjust the air intake. I managed to get a much finer, “wet paint” microfoam on the Dedica than I did on the Roma. Plus, the Dedica’s wand felt like it had a bit more “oomph” when steaming larger amounts of milk.
Breville Cafe Roma Espresso Machine
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to...
Pros:
- Unbeatable Build Quality: Almost entirely metal; built to last years.
- Complete Starter Kit: It’s the only one that includes a stainless steel frothing pitcher, which saves you an extra $20 purchase.
- Warming Plate: The top of the machine is cast aluminum and gets genuinely hot, keeping up to 6 espresso cups warm.
- Tactile Feedback: The heavy dial feels much more “professional” than plastic buttons.
Cons:
- Strictly Manual: No automatic shut-off means you have to watch every shot.
- Low Clearance: You can only fit small demitasse cups under the portafilter.
De’Longhi Dedica Espresso Machine
- A SIP OF ITALIAN DESIGN:At only 6inch wide, the uniquely designed Dedica is our slimmest espresso machine yet,...
Pros:
- Space-Saving Champion: The 6-inch width is a lifesaver for small apartments.
- Flow Stop Technology: Programmable shot volumes provide consistent results every time.
- Speed: Heats up and is ready to brew in under a minute.
- Adjustable Tray: Fits taller mugs (up to 5 inches), making it better for Americanos and Lattes.
Cons:
- Lightweight: Tends to slide around when you’re locking in the handle.
- Extra Costs: Does not include a milk pitcher; you’ll need to buy one separately.
The Final Recommendation: Which Machine Wins?
After a month of back-to-back testing, my recommendation boils down to your kitchen lifestyle and how much you value “the ritual” versus “the result.”
I recommend the Breville Cafe Roma if you are someone who appreciates heavy-duty machinery and wants to feel like a traditional barista. If you have the counter space and you want a machine that feels indestructible—and you don’t mind staying at the machine to stop the shot—the Cafe Roma is a classic. It’s also the better value since the milk pitcher is already in the box.
I recommend the De’Longhi Dedica if space is your primary concern or if you are a “multi-tasker” in the morning. The 6-inch width is a design miracle, and the programmable flow stop is a huge quality-of-life upgrade. If you want a fast, automated experience that allows you to use your favorite mugs without a hassle, the Dedica is the modern choice.
In my kitchen, the De’Longhi Dedica is the winner. The ability to fit my tall mugs and the peace of mind that comes with the automatic flow stop just makes it more practical for a busy 2026 morning.
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to...
- A SIP OF ITALIAN DESIGN:At only 6inch wide, the uniquely designed Dedica is our slimmest espresso machine yet,...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use E.S.E. pods in these machines?
A: Yes! Both the Cafe Roma and the Dedica include a specialized filter basket for Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods, making them great for those days when you don’t want to mess with grinding beans.
Q: Which machine is easier to clean?
A: Both have removable water tanks and drip trays. The Dedica’s parts are often listed as dishwasher-safe, but I recommend hand-washing both to preserve the finish of the stainless steel.
Q: Do I need a special grinder for these?
A: Since both use “pressurized” (dual-wall) filter baskets, they are very forgiving. You can use pre-ground coffee from the store, and you’ll still get a decent crema.
Q: How do I get hotter coffee?
A: For both machines, I recommend running a “blank shot” (water only) through the portafilter before you add coffee. This heats up the internal pipes and the metal handle, ensuring your espresso stays hot.
