De'Longhi's entry-level pump espresso machine: 15 bar, a stainless steel boiler, a manual frother and E.S.E. pod support in a compact body.
Updated
- Steam wand Milk system
- 1 L Water tank
- 2 years Warranty
- 28.5 cm Height
Pros
- 15 bar pump with a stainless steel boiler
- Manual milk frother for cappuccino and latte
- Takes ground coffee or E.S.E. pods
- Two-tier drip tray fits cups up to 110 mm
- Compact at 20.5 cm wide and 28.5 cm tall
Cons
- Small 1 L water tank
- Plastic body and a simple dial control
- No grinder, and De'Longhi lists no hot water function
- Some owners report early leaks, lost pressure or a failed steam wand
- Best for
- First-time buyers on a tight budget who want espresso and milk drinks from pre-ground coffee or pods.
- Not for
- Anyone who wants to grind fresh beans, make several milk drinks in a row, or have a metal-bodied machine.
Our verdict
The Stilosa is De’Longhi’s entry-level pump espresso machine and the simplest machine in our espresso line-up. It pairs a 15 bar pump with a stainless steel boiler, takes ground coffee or E.S.E. pods, and comes with a combined measuring spoon and tamper. A manual frother lets you mix steam into milk for a cappuccino or latte foam.
It is small, at 20.5 cm wide, 34.3 cm deep and 28.5 cm tall, and weighs about 3.9 kg. The two-tier drip tray takes cups and glasses up to 110 mm tall. The body is plastic, control is a single dial and the tank holds 1 litre, so expect to refill it often if you make several drinks. De’Longhi lists no hot water function and no temperature setting. As a first machine for pre-ground coffee or pods it covers the basics; if you want to grind beans, budget for a grinder or look at a machine with one built in.
Cleaning and running costs
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. We couldn’t read the Stilosa’s manual, so we can’t confirm its descale interval or alert; how often any machine needs descaling depends on how hard your water is. De’Longhi warns that an unsuitable descaler can cause faults its guarantee won’t cover. Its UK store lists a 2-year warranty and online product registration.
Owner reports
We read 34 owner reviews: 24 collected by De’Longhi, including its lowest-rated, and 10 on eBay for the cream EC260, many of them pre-owned units. Most owners find it very easy to use and good value, and like the frother. The lower-rated reviews include early faults: one began dripping badly after a few months, and De’Longhi asked for the whole machine back rather than sending a part; one lost pressure after its first use; one steam wand stopped within weeks; one kept tripping its power after two weeks. Two owners reported a chemical or metallic taste, and two found little room for mugs under the spout. That is a handful of reports, not a failure rate.
Who should look elsewhere
If worktop width matters most, the De’Longhi Dedica Style is 14.9 cm wide, with Thermoblock heating and a water hardness setting. If you want to grind fresh beans, De’Longhi La Specialista Arte has a grinder built in. Compare them with every espresso machine we track, or read our pick of the best espresso machines for home.
De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.BK specs
- Steam wand Milk system
- 1 L Water tank
- 2 years Warranty
- 28.5 cm Height
Coffee
| Built-in grinder | No |
|---|---|
| Heating system | Single boiler |
| 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 L |
|---|---|
| Width | 20.5 cm |
| Height | 28.5 cm |
| Depth | 34.3 cm |
| Weight | 3.9 kg |
Ownership
| Warranty | 2 years |
|---|
Features
| Power | 1,100 W |
|---|
Manufacturer figures, checked 2 Nov 2026. — means not listed.
Where to buy the De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.BK
- De’Longhi£99.99Go to De’Longhi (opens in a new tab)
- Hughes£90Go to Hughes (opens in a new tab)
- John Lewis£99Go to John Lewis (opens in a new tab)
Prices and stock change; the retailer’s page is always the final word.
Stilosa questions
Why does my De’Longhi Stilosa keep switching off?
Its auto-off feature has switched it off, according to De’Longhi’s support page; press the on/off button to start it again. Under the GB standby rules, home espresso machines must drop to a low-power state within 30 minutes of the last brew or heating, so powering down after a while unused is normal for machines sold here. We couldn’t read the Stilosa’s manual, so we can’t confirm how long it waits.
Can the Stilosa use E.S.E. pods?
Yes. De’Longhi lists the Stilosa EC260 as taking either ground coffee or E.S.E. pods, and it comes with a combined measuring spoon and tamper for ground coffee. It has no grinder, so if you buy whole beans you will need to grind them elsewhere first, or buy your coffee ready ground for espresso.
Which descaler should I use in a Stilosa?
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 machine’s 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 generic product.
How tall a cup fits under the Stilosa?
Up to 110 mm, on De’Longhi’s figures. The two-tier drip tray gives a higher position for small espresso cups and a lower one for taller cups and glasses, but nothing taller than 110 mm fits under the spout. Measure your usual mug before you buy; a tall latte glass may need filling from a jug.
Does the Stilosa make hot water for tea or an americano?
Not as a listed feature: De’Longhi lists no hot water function for the Stilosa EC260, only the manual frother for steaming milk. For an americano you would top up the espresso with water from a kettle. If you want hot water from the machine itself, De’Longhi lists hot water on the Dedica Style and La Specialista Arte.