Brew 
Thinking About the La Specialista Opera?
This espresso machine review covers the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera: how it makes your drinks, what you need alongside it, and the tradeoffs to consider before buying.
Help with tamping doesn’t mean the whole drink makes itself. Check the milk steps as well as the coffee steps before choosing it.
Full Amazon Product Name: De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine with Coffee Grinder
What’s It Like to Use the La Specialista Opera Every Day?
With the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera, you’re involved in making the espresso. Fill the small filter basket, press the coffee down evenly, lock the handle into the machine, and start the shot. It takes more attention than using a pod, but it also gives you something to adjust when you want to change the taste.
Consistency makes learning easier. Use the same coffee amount and cup size while you get started. If the shot tastes wrong, change one thing at a time so you know what helped.
What About Lattes and Cappuccinos?
Yes, the La Specialista Opera gives you a way to make milk drinks, but you’ll steam the milk yourself. Put cold milk in a suitable jug and use the steam wand to warm it and add foam. There’s a little practice involved in getting the texture you like.
If learning that step sounds enjoyable, a manual wand can be a good fit. If you’d rather get a cappuccino without holding the jug and watching the milk, compare one of the machines with automatic milk frothing.
What Else Will You Need?
The De'Longhi La Specialista Opera espresso machine already has a grinder, so you don’t need to buy a separate one to get started. Add the right beans and follow the starting settings in the instructions. When you change coffee, you may need to change the grind too.
That keeps the equipment together, but it doesn’t remove the need to clean the grinder. If you already own a grinder you like, compare the full price and daily work before paying for another one inside the machine.
What’s Good, and What Should You Think About?
What You Might Like
- Grind beans without adding a second appliance.
- Steam milk yourself and learn the texture you like.
Before You Buy
- Help with tamping doesn’t mean the whole drink makes itself. Check the milk steps as well as the coffee steps before choosing it.
- The grinder needs cleaning along with the brewer.
How Easy Is the La Specialista Opera to Clean?
After a milk drink, wipe the steam wand and run the recommended purge before residue dries on it. It’s a small job that’s easier to do straight away.
Descaling takes care of minerals inside the water path; washing the removable coffee parts is a different job. Use the products and cleaning steps recommended for this machine.
Leave room to refill and clean it. Before putting the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera under a cabinet, check that you can open the lids and remove the tank or tray. A machine that fits on paper can still be awkward when you use it.
What Could You Buy Instead of the La Specialista Opera?
Not quite sure this is the one? These machines give you a few other options to weigh up. Look at how they make coffee, what you do with the milk, and whether a grinder is included.
| Machine | How It Makes Coffee | How You Make the Milk | Built-In Grinder | Who It May Suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express Impress BES876BSS | Hands-on espresso | Manual steam wand | Yes | More Help Getting Coffee Ready |
| Breville Barista Pro BES878BSS | Hands-on espresso | Manual steam wand | Yes | Grind and Brew Your Espresso |
| Philips 5500 LatteGo EP5544/94 | Fully automatic | Automatic milk frothing | Yes | More Drinks to Choose From |
You can also browse all our espresso machines, or answer a few questions in Help Me Choose to get a smaller list that suits your drinks and budget.
A Few More Questions About the La Specialista Opera
Does the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Grind Coffee Beans?
Yes. The La Specialista Opera has a built-in grinder, so you can start with whole beans. Follow its grind-adjustment and cleaning instructions.
Can You Make Lattes and Cappuccinos with the La Specialista Opera?
Yes. You’ll use the steam wand to prepare the milk yourself.
What Should You Know Before Buying the La Specialista Opera?
Help with tamping doesn’t mean the whole drink makes itself. Check the milk steps as well as the coffee steps before choosing it.
What Else Should You Compare with the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera?
Start with the Breville Barista Express Impress BES876BSS and Breville Barista Pro BES878BSS. Compare the coffee format, milk steps, and whether you need a separate grinder. The links above take you to each full review.
Is the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Right for You?
The best choice comes down to what you drink and how much you want to do before that first sip. If the coffee and milk steps above sound comfortable, the La Specialista Opera is worth comparing with the other machines on your list.
Compare the whole cost before you decide. Include the coffee you’ll keep buying and any grinder or milk accessories you need. Then check the current offer and what comes in the box.
Take a look at the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera on Amazon ↗
