De'Longhi Stilosa EC260
De'longhi
First Impressions: What You're Actually Buying
The De'Longhi EC260CR Stilosa occupies a specific and important slot in the espresso world: it's the machine that lets you find out whether you actually enjoy making coffee by hand before you commit real money to the hobby. This is not a bean-to-cup machine that does the thinking for you, and it's not a machine dressed up with digital displays and pre-programmed drink buttons. It's a stripped-back, pump-driven espresso maker built around a simple idea — give people the core tools of real espresso brewing at a price that doesn't sting if it turns out manual brewing isn't for them.
That positioning matters because it explains almost every design decision on this machine, from the single control dial to the absence of a built-in grinder. Understanding that context up front will save you from judging the Stilosa against machines it was never trying to compete with.
Design, Build Quality, and the Physical Experience
At just over 20cm wide and around 34cm deep, the Stilosa is built for kitchens where counter space is at a premium — it will comfortably sit in the gap next to a kettle or toaster rather than demanding its own dedicated corner. The compact footprint is genuinely one of its strongest practical selling points if you live in a flat, share a kitchen, or simply don't want a coffee machine to dominate your worktop.
Pick it up and the weight tells its own story: at close to 5kg, there's enough heft in the base to keep the machine planted on the counter during brewing rather than sliding around, which matters more than people expect once the pump kicks in and vibration starts.
The construction itself is a deliberate blend, and it's worth being upfront about it rather than glossing over it. The boiler is stainless steel, which is the component that actually matters most for long-term reliability and consistent heat — it's the part that takes the daily punishment of heating and cooling cycles, and De'Longhi hasn't cut corners there. The exterior housing and some of the smaller components, however, lean on plastic rather than metal. This isn't a defect — it's how the price stays this low — but don't expect the dense, cold-to-touch feel of a machine costing two or three times as much. Several owners have also noted that the portafilter (the handle you lock in to brew) and the steam wand can feel a little stiff to operate when the machine is new, loosening up somewhat with regular use.
The control interface is refreshingly simple: a single selector dial handles power, brewing, and steam mode, with no digital menus to learn. For a first espresso machine, that simplicity is a genuine asset — there's very little standing between you and your first shot.
Brewing Performance: What 15 Bars of Pressure Actually Gets You
The pump pressure is the number most shoppers fixate on, so it's worth explaining what it actually means rather than just repeating it. Espresso, by definition, is coffee forced through finely-tamped grounds under high pressure — that pressure is what produces the thick, reddish-brown foam called crema sitting on top of a properly pulled shot, and it's the difference between "strong coffee" and true espresso. The Stilosa's pump is rated well above what's actually required to pull a good shot (professional machines typically operate closer to 9 bars during extraction), which gives it comfortable headroom rather than being a bottleneck.
In practice, independent testers who've pulled dozens of shots on this exact machine report consistently good crema and rich extraction for the price point, particularly when paired with the pressurized filter baskets included in the box. These baskets are a clever bit of engineering: they add resistance inside the basket itself, which partially compensates for imperfect grind size or inconsistent tamping — the two things that trip up almost every beginner. It means your third-ever shot can look surprisingly respectable, even if your tamping technique isn't quite there yet.
There is a real-world nuance worth flagging: some testers have noted that the "ready" indicator can illuminate before the internal boiler has fully stabilized at brewing temperature, meaning an extra minute of patience after the light comes on tends to reward you with a noticeably better shot. This is common on machines in this price bracket and isn't unique to the Stilosa, but it's the kind of detail that separates an average first coffee from a genuinely good one.
What you won't get here is the fine-grained control serious enthusiasts eventually crave — there's no pre-infusion stage, no temperature stability (PID) management, and no shot-timer. That's an intentional and appropriate trade-off given the price, not an oversight.
Key Features, Explained in Real Terms
Rather than list specifications, here's what each practical feature actually does for you day to day:
- 1-litre transparent water tank with a level gauge — you can see at a glance whether you need to top up before your next cup, rather than guessing or being caught out mid-brew. A litre is enough for several drinks between refills without the tank becoming heavy or awkward to lift out.
- Adjustable cup stand — the platform beneath the spouts raises or lowers to accommodate mugs up to around 11cm tall, so you're not restricted to small espresso cups if you prefer a larger americano-style mug.
- Removable drip tray — catches spills and residual drips, and lifts out for easy emptying and washing rather than requiring you to tip the whole machine.
- Auto shut-off after 15 minutes — the machine powers down automatically if left idle, which quietly saves electricity if you forget to switch it off after your morning coffee and reduces the risk of an appliance being left running unattended.
- Descale warning — an indicator that reminds you when mineral buildup (a natural byproduct of heating water, especially in hard-water areas) needs clearing out. Ignoring descaling is one of the single biggest causes of premature failure in home espresso machines, so this nudge has real practical value.
- Hot water function — a dedicated setting that draws hot water directly, useful for stretching an espresso into an americano or simply making tea without needing a separate kettle.
- In-box accessories — a filter holder, a single-shot and double-shot filter basket, an ESE pod basket, and a combined tamper/measuring spoon. This is a genuinely complete starter kit; you won't need to buy a tamper separately just to get going, though a dedicated flat-based tamper is a worthwhile upgrade once you're serious about consistency.
The Manual Steam Wand: Where the Real Learning Curve Lives
The stainless steel steam wand is the feature that will define your experience with this machine more than almost anything else. It's fully manual — you control the steam output and the angle and depth of the wand in the milk yourself, with nothing automated to fall back on. That's precisely the point of a machine like this: it teaches you the actual technique that underpins good cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and macchiatos, rather than hiding it behind a button.
The honest reality, echoed consistently across owner feedback, is that the first few attempts at frothing milk usually don't look like café-quality microfoam. It takes practice to get the wand positioned correctly to introduce air without creating large, soapy bubbles. Once that skill clicks — and most people report it does within a few weeks of regular use — the results genuinely rival what you'd get from a trained barista, because you're using the same fundamental technique they use.
If the idea of practicing a physical skill to get your milk right sounds like a chore rather than a feature, this is an important signal about whether this category of machine suits you at all.
Ground Coffee, ESE Pods, and the Grinder Question
The Stilosa accepts either ground coffee (via the single or double filter baskets) or ESE pods — pre-packaged coffee pucks wrapped in a paper filter, similar in convenience to a coffee capsule but compatible with a traditional portafilter. This dual compatibility is a meaningful piece of flexibility: pods suit busy mornings or houseguests who won't be dialing in a grind, while loose ground coffee suits anyone who wants to experiment with different roasts and freshness.
What the Stilosa does not include is a built-in grinder. If you plan to use ground coffee, you'll either need to buy pre-ground coffee specifically labelled for espresso, or invest in a separate grinder if you want the freshest possible results — pre-ground coffee loses its ideal aromatic qualities within days of the bag being opened, which is one of the most common reasons beginners feel their home espresso doesn't match a café's. Budgeting for a basic grinder alongside this machine, even a manual hand grinder, will noticeably improve your results over pre-ground coffee from a supermarket.
Power Use and Everyday Running Costs
Running at 1100 watts, the Stilosa draws roughly the same power as a mid-sized kettle while it's actively heating — the difference is that it isn't drawing that power continuously. Between the automatic 15-minute shut-off and the fact that heating cycles are brief, actual daily energy consumption for a typical one-to-three-drink routine is modest rather than something that will meaningfully move your electricity bill. Maintenance costs are similarly low: descaling solution every few weeks or months (depending on your local water hardness) and occasional replacement of gaskets over several years of use are the main ongoing expenses, alongside whatever coffee or pods you choose to buy.
Who This Machine Is Genuinely Right For
This machine is built for:
- First-time espresso buyers who want to learn genuine manual technique without a large financial commitment
- Small kitchens where a compact footprint is a real constraint, not a nice-to-have
- Occasional-to-moderate drinkers — a couple of espresso-based drinks a day rather than a household running through a dozen cups
- Coffee-curious households using it as a stepping stone before deciding whether to invest in a premium machine later
- Gift buyers looking for a genuinely usable introduction to espresso, rather than a gadget that gets used twice and shelved
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Equally, be honest with yourself if you fall into one of these groups:
- Heavy daily users making back-to-back drinks for a family or entertaining regularly — the manual workflow and modest thermal recovery between shots will start to feel like a bottleneck
- Anyone wanting one-touch convenience — if the idea of manually timing a shot or texturing milk by feel sounds tedious rather than enjoyable, a bean-to-cup machine will serve you far better
- Enthusiasts chasing competition-level consistency — the lack of pre-infusion and temperature stability management will eventually feel limiting once your technique outpaces the hardware
- Anyone who dislikes hand-washing — none of the components are dishwasher safe, so daily cleaning is a manual task
How It Compares to the Alternatives
The Stilosa doesn't exist in isolation — it sits at the very entry point of a ladder that stretches up through De'Longhi's own range and into rival brands. Here's how it stacks up against the machines it's most commonly cross-shopped with:
| Machine | Typical Price Tier | Grinder Included | Steam Wand | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De'Longhi Stilosa (this machine) | Entry-level | No | Manual, stainless steel | First-time buyers, tight budgets, small kitchens |
| De'Longhi Dedica (standard/Duo) | Low-to-mid | No | Manual, single/dual-wall options | Buyers wanting a slimmer body and extra portafilter flexibility |
| Sage/Breville Bambino | Mid-range | No | Automatic milk texturing | Buyers prioritizing consistency over hands-on learning |
| Gaggia Classic | Higher mid-range | No | Manual, commercial-style | Enthusiasts wanting a mod-friendly "forever" machine |
The pattern that emerges across independent comparisons is consistent: the Stilosa is frequently singled out as the machine to buy specifically when budget is the primary constraint, while machines like the Dedica and Bambino ask you to pay more for either a narrower body or more automated milk handling. The Gaggia Classic sits a clear tier above on price and is aimed at people who already know they want to invest in the espresso hobby long-term, including modifying the machine itself — a different buyer entirely from who the Stilosa is designed for.
Strengths and Weaknesses, Honestly
The Stilosa's biggest strength is that it delivers on the one thing that actually matters for a first espresso machine: it makes genuinely good coffee, with real crema and satisfying milk texture, once you've spent a little time learning it. The pressurized baskets are a smart inclusion that meaningfully lower the barrier to a decent first shot, and the compact size combined with sensible touches — the water gauge, the auto shut-off, the descale reminder — show that thought went into everyday usability rather than just the headline brewing spec.
The honest weaknesses are the ones you'd expect at this price. The mix of plastic and stainless steel components means it won't feel as substantial as machines costing considerably more, and a small but consistent minority of owners have reported early faults such as unresponsive controls or units that failed to heat properly out of the box — worth being aware of, and worth keeping your proof of purchase in case a warranty claim becomes necessary. The manual steam wand, for all its long-term value, does mean your first week or two of lattes may look more rustic than café-standard. And because there's no integrated grinder, your final coffee quality is still capped by whatever grind you feed it — this machine can only work with what you give it.
None of these are surprises for a machine at this price; they're the honest cost of the value on offer.
The Verdict
If you're buying your first espresso machine and want to actually learn how proper espresso and milk frothing work — rather than outsourcing that skill to a computer chip — the De'Longhi Stilosa remains one of the most sensible ways to do it. It succeeds because it doesn't try to be more than it is: a compact, well-built core espresso mechanism with just enough thoughtful extras to make daily use pleasant, sold at a price that makes the inevitable learning curve feel low-risk rather than costly.
Buy it if you're a beginner, a small-kitchen household, or someone testing the waters of home espresso before a bigger investment. Look at the Dedica, Bambino, or Gaggia Classic instead if you're making multiple drinks daily, want automated milk texturing, or already know you're committing to the hobby long-term. For its intended audience, the Stilosa earns its place as a genuinely worthwhile starting point rather than merely a cheap alternative to something better.
What People Say
117 commentsGreat Budget Coffee Machine!
This is a honest review with some tips from someone who used to be a barista for 3 years, so sit tight.
This is a great little basic machine which I’d highly recommend for beginners or someone looking for a budget barista machine, like myself. It’s definitely not as good compared to the expensive brands but it does the job. I got this on offer for £80 and is a bargain.
The negatives - this machine does take a while to heat up. For example it takes a few minutes to heat up initially, you do your shot of espresso, then it takes a couple more minutes to heat up again so you can froth the milk. I see how this can be an issue when making multiple coffees.
You also have to manually stop the machine when it pours the espresso, so i’d recommend investing in an espresso shot glass if you’re not familiar with this.
To get a creamy brown shot off espresso, I would recommend using the double basket in the portafilter and adding 1 and a half scoops off coffee & compress down hard. I found with the single basket it came out black, weak & watered down. I use the Deluxe coffee range from Lidl. No3 & No.5
I also recommend before you load your coffee, let hot water run through the portafilter for 15 seconds to heat it up…game changer! The coffee comes out even hotter.
In regard to the milk frother, take off the metal surround when frothing!! Trust me it’s also a game changer, it is so much easier to use and creates a silky smooth froth that’s great for latte art.
I’d recommend buying these extras:
Stainless milk jug
Espresso shot measurer
Chocolate duster & stencils.
Electric milk frother (if making multiple coffees)
Simple and efficient
I bought this to replace an aging bean-to-cup automatic machine that I’d got tired of trying to clean. With this, there’s no messy wet coffee grounds stuck in its internal workings, you just fill up the portafilter, make your espresso, then rinse out the grinds under the tap (or use a knock box if you like).
The location of the steam control takes a bit of getting used to or you’ll steam your hand as well as your milk, but I found a way to prevent this fairly quickly.
The machine makes a good espresso with a decent crema.
The only slight downside is that you have to manually stop the water flow through the portafilter by switching the ‘hot water’ knob back to ‘stop’. The means potentially every coffee is slightly different (and I have to pay attention!). Not an issue, just an observation.
Good little espresso machine.
Smart Coffee Machine!
We bought this a month or so ago. We already had a coffee machine but were concerned with the ecological aspect of using large plastic capsules. We were digging out the spent coffee grounds, putting them on the garden and recycling the plastic. We were still concerned that we shouldn’t have been using plastic in the first case. When we saw this coffee machine it ticked a lot of boxes. The whole capsule is disposable and they go straight into the veggie patch to decompose. Plus we can use fresh coffee straight into the machine and the grounds are disposed in the same way. Very important too, it is a smart looking appliances, so much better than the old plastic one.
It is taking a while to get used to using it too, but are getting there. The option of hot water or frothy milk is good too.
Works well and very well engineered
I bought this as a replacement for a different make that failed when long out of warranty. But since this was £50 cheaper than the old one I had to give it a try. Turns out fine and makes a lovely cup when using good quality beans finely ground to espresso level. It's easy to use and safe as well. Frother works very well I use it to make two medium sized cups each time as we're not into mega strong short shots of espesso. Machine bits are easy to clean. The water tank is very well designed and easy to clean and refill. The only loss of one star is because it takes a bit long to reach operational water temperature compared to other machines. I'm well pleased with it and Argos did a great price for it.
Amazing coffee all the time for a reasonable price
Overall a great machine which produces a great cup of espresso. Frankly not as good as the DeLonghi machine it replaced but nevertheless a great workhorse.
It has delivered flawless coffee for a long as I’ve had it.
Setup took me a while… the instructions are less than clear and took me a while to understand but I got therein the end. The coffee baskets are stiff to swap out but luckily the steam heads from my old maxhoe fit so I can keep one with a single measure attached and another with a double!
All-in-all highly recommended for the price. I can’t comment on steaming milk as I enjoy coffee black as the sky at midnight on a starless night.
Easiest ever Delonghi coffee machine to use
This definitely the best delonghi coffee machine I've ever bought . Easy to use, wash and clean. I chose this one because to water tank is plastic, the strong kind ,not the breakable one. As in the past
.I've had to replace them and their not cheap. The instructions at easy to follow as they are little photo instructions. In the past delonghi have give sample ese pod, so at least you know what they look like. The use to sell them in the supermarket years ago, but they have stop selling them now. But you can buy them online at amazon their reasonably price and good value for money . I've added photos so you can see their the flat ones.
New coffee machine
My faithful Aldi coffee machine conked out (after 8 plus years of use). Looked around for a replacement - not interested in a pod machine. The De'Longhi Stilosa Expresso fitted the bill. Easy to use (read instructions first!). Great that you can remove the spill tray to get a full sized cup under the dispenser. Frother is really good. Only wee niggle is that the water ready light goes off when the expresso has been made and you want to heat the milk - have to wait for the light to go on again after about 10-15 seconds.
Works well but some design flaws
Makes a reasonable coffee, though it is necessary to set aside about 10 minutes of my time given all the prep and set up required, so not always practical if wanting a morning coffee at breaks while working from home.
The main practical issues I found are;-
1. The top fixed gauze cannot be removed for cleaning without use of a screwdriver. That really shouldn’t be the case.
2. The casing at bottom of the inner recess underneath the fill bottom gets grubby. I don’t know how I’m going to access it to clean it,
Great coffee machine
Don’t bother buying the more expensive one. This one is just right. Get yourself a coffee grinder and you’re laughing. It’s a bit loud compared to the more expensive ones but who cares? Also, don’t forget to turn it off as it will keep going and going until the water runs out. Other than that it’s easy to set up, easy to use and makes decent coffee. The reviews about the milk frothing, they probably don’t know how to use it. I get the £2 beans from a well know supermarket that rhymes with Wendy.
Great coffee
I love this machine, it makes great coffee. Only one problem. The drip tray can be removed so that you can use a larger cup. However the base is not removable so you can wash it. All the grains of coffee gather there and are difficult to clean without lifting machine and rinsing carefully under the sink. Not a major problem but slightly annoying.
Apart from that I am loving my new machine and am enjoying my frothy coffees
Great little machine. Excellent vaule for money
Great for the price.
We replaced a pod machine with this as a cost saving move and I'm so pleased we did.
Weve saved loads on pods and take away coffee.
I would strongly recommend you buy the espresso ground coffee, not regular as this makes the world of difference.
Would buy again.
Would recommend for the average coffee lover who wants something more sophisticated and impressive than instant coffee but cheaper than pods.
Absolutely love this coffee machine!
I bought my DeLonghi machine about 2 weeks ago and haven’t looked back. I can make my own cappuccinos, lattes and espressos. I love it! It takes a bit of practicing to get the taste you want but I have found by filtering 2 scoops of Costa/Starbucks ground coffee separately got the desired strength for me. Easy to use, lovely frothy milk, easy to clean I’m so glad I bought this fabulous!!
Scarcely fit for purpose
I got this pathetic device as a stand-in when my old espresso machine broke down.
The pump hasn’t the umpty to penetrate the full strength grind of coffee I enjoy; and then the counter-intuitive steamer control has you waiting ages while things gain energy to heat milk,and to froth it.
So the coffee is too weak, too cold, and too feeble to give the expected morning caffeine kick
Not even a star!
Very cheap! I only open it out water in and tried the to put the thing to put the coffee powder without anything in it and it’s so hard to turn so I returned it to Argos and because I’ve put water in the tank without actually putting the coffee and it’s non- returnable according to Argos policy so I left it in the shop and I’m pretty a re they’ll sell it again! So disappointed!!
Poor quality
I took this back after the second use. It has a power switch that doesn’t stay on either on or off, so it automatically turns off when finished. Not a problem until you try to use the milk frother and it turns itself off after no more than a few seconds. Turn it on and the same thing again a couple of seconds later. Not impressed. I won’t be buying another
Makes great coffee!
I bought this to replace an aging De'Longhi that was leaking water and the cost to repair was half the cost of a new one. I am glad I did replace the machine as this one is really good. Nice hot coffee, loads of froth and an excellent cup warmer on the top. This is an excellent machine at a really great price but don't forget to register your gaurantee!
Fantastic wee machine
I got this as a present from my hubby as he knows how much I love coffee. Well this is a fantastic wee machine, so easy to use,easy to clean and doesn't take up much room on counter top and looks beautiful. It makes all types of coffee's. Its a great make as De Longhi is a well established make. I would highly recommend this product.
Delicious coffee and cappuccino
I bought this machine to replace my old one. Coffees and cappuccinos are creamy and taste amazing. I could not start my mornings without it.
It is even better than my old one which was more expensive. It s a tiny bit noisy when in use, but nothing unbearable.
I love it! if you have not got one, I highly recommend you get this one.
Good value and well built
This product replaced a previous more expensive de'longhi coffee maker I owned that broke (electrics went). This new one produces coffee that tastes just as good even though it is a budget machine some £200.00 less than the product I had before. if you simply need espresso and milk frothing then why pay for additional features.
Great coffee for a great price!
This is a great coffee machine and it's very robust. I bought one a few years back (the previous model) and I was extremely happy as we never had any issues despite us using it several times a day everyday. When I moved to the UK the first thing I did was looking for the De'Longhi Stilosa and I am really happy with my purchase!
