Brew 
Thinking About the Stilosa?
This espresso machine review covers the De'Longhi Stilosa: how it makes your drinks, what you need alongside it, and the tradeoffs to consider before buying.
If you want to press one button and get a cappuccino, this isn’t that kind of machine. The coffee and milk steps are yours to do.
Full Amazon Product Name: De'Longhi Stilosa Compact Manual Espresso Machine, Manual Milk Frother
What’s It Like to Use the Stilosa Every Day?
With the De'Longhi Stilosa, 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 Stilosa 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 Stilosa espresso machine doesn’t include a grinder. You can buy suitable ground coffee, or use a separate grinder if you want to start with beans. For pump espresso, small grind adjustments matter, so make sure the grinder you choose is intended for that job.
A scale can make it easier to use the same coffee amount each time. If you’ll steam milk, check whether the machine comes with a jug or whether you need to add one.
Already have a bag of coffee at home? Check which ground coffee works in an espresso machine before your first shot.
A Few Details Worth Knowing
| What to Check | Stilosa |
|---|---|
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
What’s Good, and What Should You Think About?
What You Might Like
- Choose the ground coffee you already enjoy.
- Steam milk yourself and learn the texture you like.
Before You Buy
- If you want to press one button and get a cappuccino, this isn’t that kind of machine. The coffee and milk steps are yours to do.
- Add the cost of a grinder if you want to use whole beans.
How Easy Is the Stilosa 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 Stilosa 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 Stilosa?
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chefman CaféMaster Pro | Hands-on espresso | Automatic milk frothing | No | Milk Drinks with Fewer Refills |
| HIBREW H10B | Hands-on espresso | Manual steam wand | No | Adjust Your Espresso Settings |
| CASABREWS CM5418 | Hands-on espresso | Manual steam wand | No | Try Espresso Without a Big Spend |
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 Stilosa
Does the De'Longhi Stilosa Grind Coffee Beans?
No, the Stilosa doesn’t include a grinder. Use suitable ground coffee, or add a separate grinder if you prefer whole beans.
Can You Make Lattes and Cappuccinos with the Stilosa?
Yes. You’ll use the steam wand to prepare the milk yourself.
What Should You Know Before Buying the Stilosa?
If you want to press one button and get a cappuccino, this isn’t that kind of machine. The coffee and milk steps are yours to do.
What Else Should You Compare with the De'Longhi Stilosa?
Start with the Chefman CaféMaster Pro and HIBREW H10B. 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 Stilosa 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 Stilosa 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.
