At 14.9 cm wide, the slimmest espresso machine we track: a 15 bar pump machine with a manual frother that also takes E.S.E. pods.
Updated
- Steam wand Milk system
- 1.1 L Water tank
- 2 years Warranty
- 30.5 cm Height
Pros
- Only 14.9 cm wide and 30.5 cm tall
- Takes ground coffee or E.S.E. pods
- Adjustable Cappuccino System switches between steamed milk and foam
- Thermoblock heating, 15 bar pump and a water hardness setting
- Two-tier drip tray fits cups up to 12 cm tall
Cons
- Small 1.1 L water tank needs frequent refills
- No grinder: you need pre-ground coffee, pods or a separate grinder
- Some owners report the filter basket sticking or jamming in the group head
- Best for
- Small kitchens and first-time espresso makers who use pre-ground coffee or E.S.E. pods.
- Not for
- Households making several milk drinks in a row, or anyone who wants to grind beans in the machine.
Our verdict
The Dedica Style is the espresso machine to look at when width decides everything. De’Longhi lists it at 14.9 cm wide, 33 cm deep and 30.5 cm tall, and it weighs 4.22 kg. Inside are Thermoblock heating and a 15 bar pump, and it takes ground coffee or E.S.E. pods, with 1 cup and 2 cup filters and a combined measuring spoon and tamper in the box.
The Adjustable Cappuccino System is a manual frother you set for either steamed milk or a thicker cappuccino foam, and the machine also gives hot water. De’Longhi lists a programmable water hardness setting, support for a water filter and a cleaning and descaling alarm. The costs of the slim body are a 1.1 litre tank and a 12 cm limit on cup height, even with the two-tier drip tray, and you will need ground coffee, pods or a separate grinder.
Cleaning and running costs
On the Dedica, a flashing steam light means it is time to descale. De’Longhi’s Decalk Care descaler (DLSC500, five doses to a 500 ml bottle) is used at 100 ml per descale, poured into the tank before you start the descaling function. If the machine asks for another rinse at the end, the tank wasn’t filled to MAX for the rinse. De’Longhi lists water filter support, but we couldn’t confirm which cartridge fits this model, and we couldn’t read its manual. The UK store lists a 2-year warranty.
Owner reports
We read 34 owner reviews: 24 collected by De’Longhi, including its lowest-rated, and 10 on eBay. Owners like the slim size, the quick heat-up and, mostly, the coffee. The critical reviews repeat a few problems: a handful describe the filter basket or portafilter sticking or jamming in the group head, four had trouble with the steam wand, from spitting water to stopping altogether, and four found customer service slow or unhelpful. One machine stopped after 18 months. These are a few owners’ reports, not a failure rate.
Who should look elsewhere
If you make several milk drinks in a row, the Sage Bambino Plus is still under 20 cm wide, with automatic milk texturing and a 1.9 litre tank. If you want De’Longhi’s entry-level pump machine, the De’Longhi Stilosa is wider, with a stainless steel boiler and a 1 litre tank.
Compare it with every espresso machine we track, or see it in the best espresso machines for home and compact coffee machines that fit under kitchen cupboards.
De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.M specs
- Steam wand Milk system
- 1.1 L Water tank
- 2 years Warranty
- 30.5 cm Height
Coffee
| Built-in grinder | No |
|---|---|
| Heating system | Thermoblock |
| Portafilter size | not listed |
| Heat-up time | not listed |
| Grind settings | not listed |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
Milk
| Milk system | Steam wand |
|---|
Size
| Water tank | 1.1 L |
|---|---|
| Width | 14.9 cm |
| Height | 30.5 cm |
| Depth | 33 cm |
| Weight | 4.22 kg |
Ownership
| Warranty | 2 years |
|---|
Cleaning
| Takes a water filter | Yes |
|---|
Features
| Power | 1,450 W |
|---|
Manufacturer figures, checked 2 Nov 2026. — means not listed.
Where to buy the De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.M
- De’Longhi£149.99Go to De’Longhi (opens in a new tab)
Prices and stock change; the retailer’s page is always the final word.
Dedica Style questions
Why is the steam light flashing on my Dedica?
On the Dedica EC685, a flashing steam light means the machine needs descaling, according to De’Longhi’s support page. Use a descaler De’Longhi recommends, such as its Decalk Care, and run the descaling function. De’Longhi lists a programmable water hardness setting on this model: set it to match your supply, which your water company can tell you, so the alert comes at the right interval.
Can the Dedica use E.S.E. pods?
Yes. De’Longhi lists the Dedica Style as taking either ground coffee or E.S.E. pods, and it comes with 1 cup and 2 cup filters and a combined measuring spoon and tamper. It has no grinder of its own, so if you buy whole beans you will need to grind them elsewhere first, or buy your coffee ready ground.
How tall a cup fits under the Dedica?
Up to 12 cm, on De’Longhi’s figures. The removable drip tray gives two cup heights, one for small espresso cups and one for taller cups, but anything over 12 cm won’t fit under the spout. Measure your favourite mug before you buy; a tall latte glass may need filling from a jug instead.
Which descaler should I use in a Dedica?
De’Longhi’s Decalk Care, DLSC500, which it says suits all its coffee makers. Each 500 ml bottle holds five doses; pour 100 ml into the water tank, then start the descaling function. De’Longhi warns that an unsuitable descaler, or descaling the wrong way, can cause faults its guarantee won’t cover, so check before you use a cheaper generic product.
Why does it ask for another rinse after descaling?
Because the tank wasn’t filled to MAX for the rinse. De’Longhi’s support page says to fill the tank to the MAX line with fresh water and repeat the rinse. A different fault looks different: if the machine stops working and every light flashes, De’Longhi says to switch it off, unplug it and contact its customer services.