This DeLonghi Stilosa review (also spelled De’Longhi) comes down to value. The Stilosa (model EC260 in the US) is one of the cheapest machines that can make real espresso and steam milk, usually for around $100–$150. It has a 15-bar pump, a stainless steel boiler, a 51 mm portafilter and a manual steam wand. Shots are good for the price, especially with fresh beans and a decent grinder. The trade-offs are a plastic body, a flimsy tamper, no temperature control and limited room under the spouts.
It is a great first machine for curious beginners on a tight budget. If you already know you love espresso, saving for a Breville Bambino or Gaggia Classic Pro gives you more room to grow.
De’Longhi Stilosa at a glance
| Model | EC260 (US); EC230 and EC260 in other markets |
|---|---|
| Typical price | Around $100–$150 |
| Pump | 15-bar |
| Heating | Stainless steel boiler |
| Portafilter | 51 mm |
| Steam wand | Manual frother |
| Grinder | None |
| Controls | Single rotary dial |
| Size | Compact, fits under most cabinets |
Specs and price based on Tom’s Guide’s review and De’Longhi listings.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Compact and light
- Heats up quickly
- Makes genuine espresso, not just strong coffee
- Steam wand can make latte-friendly foam with practice
- Simple single-dial control
Cons
- Mostly plastic build
- Plastic tamper fits poorly
- No milk jug included in many bundles
- No temperature or pressure control
- Low clearance under the spouts for scales and mugs
- 51 mm size has fewer accessory options than 58 mm
Design and build
The Stilosa is narrow and short, so it fits easily on small counters and under cabinets. The body is mostly plastic with stainless steel accents. A single rotary dial on the front switches between standby, brew and steam, and a separate knob controls steam. The removable water tank sits at the back, and the drip tray at the front has a two-level cup stand so you can raise smaller cups closer to the spouts.
Build quality matches the price. The portafilter handle and tamper feel light, and some owners replace the tamper right away. Still, the internal boiler is stainless steel, and the simple design means there is little to go wrong if you descale it regularly.
Espresso quality
The Stilosa can make tasty espresso with good crema, especially for medium and dark roasts. Because there is no temperature control, results depend on your routine: let the machine heat fully, run a blank shot to warm the portafilter, and brew soon after the ready light comes on.
Grind quality makes the biggest difference. Pre-ground supermarket espresso works, but freshly ground beans from a burr grinder taste much better. Start with about 14 g in the double basket (the 51 mm basket holds less than larger baskets) and aim for about 28–30 g of espresso in 25–30 seconds. Adjust from there.
New to pulling shots? Our beginner’s guide to making espresso at home and how long an espresso shot should take are good places to start.
Steaming milk
The manual frother is powerful for the price. It makes foamy milk quickly, which is good for cappuccinos. For smoother latte microfoam, keep the tip just under the surface for a few seconds, then lower it to spin the milk. Some owners remove the outer sleeve, if their version allows it, for more control. You will need to buy a small milk pitcher if one is not included.
Because it is a single boiler, wait for the machine to reach steam temperature after brewing, and run a little water through the group afterward to cool it before the next shot. See how to steam milk for latte art for technique.
Daily routine
- Fill the tank and turn the dial on. Let it heat with the portafilter locked in for a few minutes.
- Run a blank shot of hot water through the portafilter.
- Dose and tamp the coffee. A better tamper makes a level tamp much easier.
- Turn the dial to brew. Stop at your target weight.
- Switch to steam, wait for the light, purge the wand and steam milk.
- Purge and wipe the wand and empty the portafilter.
Cheap upgrades that make a big difference
- A 51 mm metal tamper: makes level tamps easier than the stock plastic one.
- A small scale: check that it fits on the drip tray; low-profile scales work best.
- A milk pitcher: a 12 oz (350 ml) stainless pitcher.
- A burr grinder: the biggest improvement to taste. See our guide to the best budget espresso grinders.
- A bottomless 51 mm portafilter and non-pressurized baskets: for enthusiasts who want more control. Check compatibility with your exact model.
Pressurized vs non-pressurized baskets
Budget machines often come with, or are paired with, pressurized (dual-wall) baskets. These have a second wall with one tiny hole that builds pressure even if the grind is not perfect. They are forgiving with pre-ground coffee and make plenty of foam on top of the shot, but they limit flavor and make it hard to tell when your grind is right.
Non-pressurized (single-wall) baskets rely entirely on the grind and tamp, like café machines. They reward a good grinder with better taste and real crema. A simple rule: use pressurized baskets with pre-ground coffee, and non-pressurized baskets with freshly ground beans from a burr grinder. Check which baskets came with your Stilosa before buying extras.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Watery, fast shots | Grind too coarse or stale coffee | Grind finer, use fresher beans, tamp firmly |
| Shot will not flow | Grind too fine or too much coffee | Grind coarser or use less coffee |
| Sour espresso | Machine not fully hot, under-extraction | Preheat longer, run a blank shot, grind finer |
| Bitter espresso | Over-extraction or very dark beans | Grind coarser, stop the shot sooner |
| Weak steam | Not at steam temperature or blocked tip | Wait for the light; clear the tip with a pin |
| Water leaking around the portafilter | Worn gasket or coffee on the rim | Wipe the rim; replace the gasket if old |
If your shots taste off, our guides to sour espresso and bitter espresso explain the causes in more depth.
Stilosa vs a pod machine
At a similar price, many people compare the Stilosa with capsule machines. Pod machines are faster and cleaner, but you are limited to capsules and pay more per cup over time. The Stilosa takes a few minutes and makes some mess, but lets you choose any beans and costs less per drink. If you enjoy the ritual and want café-style milk drinks, the Stilosa is the better learning tool and the cheaper option over a year of daily use.
Cleaning and maintenance
- Rinse the portafilter and basket after each use.
- Purge and wipe the steam wand after each use, and soak the frother sleeve if milk dries on it.
- Empty the drip tray daily.
- Descale every 1–3 months depending on water hardness, using a descaler made for espresso machines. Our guide on how to descale an espresso machine explains the steps.
Stilosa vs other budget machines
| De’Longhi Stilosa | Breville Bambino | Gaggia Classic Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Around $100–$150 | Around $250–$350 | Around $450–$500 |
| Portafilter | 51 mm | 54 mm | 58 mm |
| Heat-up | Quick | About 3 seconds | 15–20 minutes for stable shots |
| Temperature control | None | Fixed, stable | Thermostat |
| Build | Mostly plastic | Plastic and steel | Mostly metal |
The Bambino offers faster heat-up and better consistency. The Gaggia offers commercial-size parts and longevity. Read our Gaggia Classic Pro review and Bambino Plus review for comparison.
What beans work best?
Medium and medium-dark roasts are the easiest match for the Stilosa. They extract readily at the machine’s fixed temperature and taste sweet and chocolatey, especially in milk. Very light roasts are harder to extract without temperature control and can taste sour. Buy whole beans with a recent roast date and grind just before brewing. Our list of the best coffee beans for espresso is a good starting point.
DeLonghi Stilosa review verdict: who should buy it?
- Buy it if you want to try espresso at home without spending much, have little counter space, or need a second machine for an office or holiday home.
- Skip it if you already know you love espresso and want room to improve, or you make lots of milk drinks every day.
For other low-cost picks, see our guide to the best espresso machines under $200.
FAQ
Is the De’Longhi Stilosa a real espresso machine?
Yes. It uses a pump to push water through finely ground coffee at pressure, which makes real espresso with crema, unlike moka pots or drip machines.
What size is the Stilosa portafilter?
51 mm. Buy accessories such as tampers and baskets in that size.
Can the Stilosa make lattes and cappuccinos?
Yes. The manual steam wand froths milk for both, though it takes practice to make smooth microfoam.
Does the Stilosa need a grinder?
Not to start; you can use pre-ground espresso. A burr grinder and fresh beans will improve taste a lot.
How long does the De’Longhi Stilosa last?
With regular descaling and cleaning, many budget machines last several years. Its simple design helps, but the plastic parts are less durable than metal machines.