Semi-automatic espresso machines continue to hold a special place in the hearts of coffee enthusiasts worldwide. They offer the perfect balance between hands-on control and automated convenience, allowing users to craft their perfect cup while maintaining affordability compared to high-end prosumer equipment. Unlike fully automatic machines that handle everything for you, semi-automatic models let you control extraction time and pressure, giving you that authentic barista experience at home.

In Saudi Arabia’s increasingly urban landscape, where apartment living is becoming more common, compact espresso machines have gained significant popularity. Limited counter space in modern kitchens across Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities has created demand for equipment that delivers quality without taking up valuable real estate.

The DeLonghi EC685 Dedica stands out as one of the best semi-automatic machines for anyone wanting to enjoy authentic espresso or cappuccino at home without the hefty price tag of professional-grade equipment. This machine proves that you don’t need to spend thousands of riyals to get a decent cup of coffee in your own kitchen.

What is the EC685 Dedica? (Overview)

The DeLonghi EC685 Dedica is a semi-automatic pump espresso machine that requires ground coffee rather than whole beans. This means you’ll need to either buy pre-ground coffee or invest in a separate grinder for whole beans. The machine comes from DeLonghi, an Italian brand with decades of experience in home coffee equipment.

What immediately sets the Dedica apart from its competitors is its remarkably slim profile. At just 15 centimeters wide, this machine can fit into spaces where other espresso makers simply won’t work. I’ve personally seen how this compact design makes it possible to keep an espresso machine on counters that would otherwise be too crowded for coffee equipment.

This machine targets a specific audience: beginners who want to learn espresso making, small households that don’t need high-volume brewing capacity, budget-conscious coffee drinkers looking for quality without premium prices, and apartment dwellers dealing with space constraints. It’s not trying to compete with commercial-grade machines, and that’s exactly what makes it successful in its niche.

Specifications & Main Features

Specification	Details
Pump Pressure	15 bar
Heating System	Thermoblock
Water Tank Capacity	1.1 L (removable)
Drip Tray	Adjustable, two-tiered
Milk Frothing	Manual steam wand (Pannarello)
Coffee Compatibility	Ground coffee, ESE pods
Power Features	Automatic shut-off, energy-saving mode

The 15-bar pump pressure meets the standard requirement for proper espresso extraction. While some machines boast higher pressures, 15 bar is actually ideal for home brewing and prevents over-extraction that can make espresso taste bitter.

The thermoblock heating system deserves special mention. Unlike traditional boilers that heat large amounts of water, the thermoblock heats water on demand as it passes through. This means you’ll wait only 30-40 seconds for the machine to reach brewing temperature – a significant advantage when you’re rushing to get ready in the morning.

The 1.1-liter removable water tank provides enough capacity for 2-3 espresso servings before requiring a refill. While this might seem small, it’s actually appropriate for the machine’s target audience of small households or occasional coffee drinkers.

One feature I find particularly clever is the adjustable drip tray system. The two-tiered design accommodates both small espresso cups and taller glasses for drinks like latte or americano. This flexibility matters more than you might think when you’re actually using the machine daily.

The manual steam wand, equipped with a Pannarello attachment, allows you to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. While it requires more skill than automatic milk systems, it gives you complete control over milk texture and temperature.

Most variants of the EC685 accept both ground coffee and ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods, providing flexibility in your coffee choices. The automatic shut-off feature helps save energy and provides peace of mind if you forget to turn off the machine.

Real-World Performance (Espresso & Milk Drinks Quality + Usability)

Espresso Quality

Despite its compact size and affordable price point, the EC685 produces surprisingly respectable espresso. The machine generates good crema and delivers balanced flavor profiles, particularly when used with medium to dark roasted beans that are popular in Saudi coffee culture.

The thermoblock heating system, combined with proper pre-heating, produces satisfactory extraction results. However, experienced users recommend running an empty shot first to ensure optimal temperature stability. This “warming shot” technique has become widely accepted practice among EC685 owners and significantly improves the quality of subsequent extractions.

Temperature consistency can be the weak point of any entry-level machine, but the Dedica performs admirably when you understand its characteristics. The key is patience – allowing the machine to fully stabilize before pulling your shot makes a noticeable difference in taste quality.

Milk Drinks (Cappuccino, Latte, Hot Milk)

The Pannarello steam wand enables creation of cappuccinos and lattes that satisfy most home users’ expectations. While it won’t match the microfoam quality of professional machines, it produces acceptable milk texture for home consumption.

Success with the steam wand requires practice and proper technique. Unlike automatic milk systems that handle everything for you, the manual wand demands attention to milk temperature, steam pressure, and timing. However, this hands-on approach also means you can customize milk texture to your personal preferences once you develop the skill.

I’ve found that using cold, fresh milk and positioning the steam wand correctly makes the biggest difference in achieving good microfoam. The learning curve exists, but most users report satisfaction with their milk drinks after a week or two of regular use.

Convenience & Usability

The machine’s compact footprint truly shines in real-world use. I’ve seen it fit comfortably in kitchen spaces where larger machines would create clutter or simply wouldn’t work at all. This size advantage can’t be overstated for apartment dwellers or anyone with limited counter space.

The simple three-button control panel (espresso, steam, power) makes operation intuitive even for complete beginners. There’s no complex programming or confusing menu systems – just straightforward brewing controls that anyone can master quickly.

The fast heating time of 30-40 seconds means minimal waiting between deciding you want coffee and actually brewing it. This quick response time makes the machine practical for daily use rather than just weekend treats.

Pros & Cons (Especially for Saudi Buyers)

Pros

Space Efficiency: The slim design saves precious counter space while still delivering full espresso functionality. This matters tremendously in modern Saudi apartments where kitchen real estate is at a premium.

Affordability: Compared to bean-to-cup or super-automatic machines, the EC685 provides excellent value for money. You get authentic espresso capability without the substantial investment required for higher-end equipment.

Quality Output: The machine produces genuinely good espresso and acceptable milk drinks. While not professional-grade, the quality satisfies most home users’ expectations and significantly exceeds instant coffee or basic coffee makers.

Quick Operation: Fast heating and simple controls make daily use practical rather than cumbersome. The machine integrates well into morning routines without adding significant time or complexity.

Coffee Flexibility: Accepting ground coffee means you can experiment with local Saudi roasts or international blends. The ability to use different coffee origins and roast levels provides freedom to explore flavor preferences.

Global Support: Wide availability of spare parts and accessories means maintenance and upgrades remain accessible. Replacement portafilter baskets, filters, and other components can be found through various retailers.

Cons / Limitations

No Built-in Grinder: Requiring pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder adds cost and complexity to your coffee setup. Fresh grinding significantly impacts espresso quality, making a good grinder nearly essential for optimal results.

Manual Milk Frothing: The steam wand requires skill development and attention during use. If you want one-touch milk drinks, this machine will disappoint compared to super-automatic alternatives.

Limited Water Capacity: The small tank requires frequent refilling if you make multiple drinks daily. Households with several coffee drinkers may find this inconvenient.

Single Boiler Limitations: The thermoblock system means you can’t brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. Making multiple drinks back-to-back requires patience as the machine switches between brewing and steaming temperatures.

Pressurized Basket: Many retail units come with pressurized portafilter baskets that limit extraction control. Coffee purists may want to upgrade to non-pressurized baskets for more authentic espresso brewing.

Who Should Buy the DeLonghi Dedica EC685?

The ideal EC685 buyer is someone living in a Saudi apartment or small home who wants authentic espresso without professional machine complexity or cost. Singles and students particularly benefit from the compact design and affordable price point.

This machine suits people who enjoy the ritual of coffee making and don’t mind spending a few extra minutes to froth milk manually. If you appreciate having control over your brewing process and want to develop barista skills gradually, the EC685 provides an excellent learning platform.

Budget-conscious coffee lovers find great value here. Rather than spending significantly more on super-automatic machines, the EC685 lets you experience quality espresso while keeping costs reasonable. The savings can be invested in a good grinder and quality beans, which often impact taste more than expensive machine features.

Anyone comfortable with buying a separate grinder and learning basic espresso techniques will appreciate what this machine offers. It rewards users who take time to understand proper brewing methods rather than expecting perfect results immediately.

Price & Availability in Saudi Arabia

The EC685 consistently ranks among the most affordable semi-automatic machines in its category throughout Saudi retail channels. Amazon.sa typically stocks the machine, along with local electronics retailers in major cities.

This machine represents an intelligent entry-level investment for anyone considering home espresso. Rather than immediately committing to expensive bean-to-cup or prosumer equipment, the EC685 lets you explore espresso appreciation without major financial risk.

Remember to budget for a quality coffee grinder and good beans to maximize the machine’s potential. The total investment in machine, grinder, and initial coffee supplies still remains reasonable compared to premium alternatives.

Maintenance & Care (Context: Saudi Conditions)

Regular cleaning becomes particularly important in Saudi Arabia’s climate and water conditions. The portafilter, group head, and steam wand require consistent attention to maintain hygiene and prevent taste deterioration.

Descaling deserves special attention in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah where hard water is common. Mineral buildup can damage internal components and negatively impact coffee taste. Following manufacturer descaling recommendations helps ensure long machine life.

Using filtered water when possible benefits both machine longevity and coffee flavor. Hard water not only creates maintenance issues but also affects extraction quality. Many Saudi users report improved taste and reduced descaling frequency when using filtered water.

After steaming milk, always purge the wand and wipe it clean. Milk residue can create hygiene issues and affect the taste of subsequent drinks. This simple habit prevents most steam wand problems.

Comparison With Other Machine Types (Automatic, Bean-to-Cup, Fully Automatic)

Compared to fully automatic and bean-to-cup machines, the EC685 offers more hands-on control over brewing variables. This appeals to users who enjoy the barista experience and want to understand how different techniques affect their coffee.

Against drip coffee makers or capsule machines, the EC685 delivers significantly richer flavor, authentic espresso characteristics, better crema formation, and capability for milk-based drinks. The difference in coffee quality justifies the slightly higher complexity.

Versus super-automatic machines, the EC685 requires more involvement but costs substantially less and involves simpler maintenance. Super-automatic machines offer convenience but at premium prices and with more potential points of failure.

Final Verdict & Recommendation

For whom the EC685 is best:

The DeLonghi Dedica EC685 excels for beginners wanting to learn espresso making, small households with limited space, and anyone seeking compact brewing capability without premium pricing. It serves lovers of classic espresso drinks who appreciate manual control over automated convenience.

Apartment dwellers across Saudi Arabia will particularly value the space-efficient design that doesn’t compromise essential functionality. The machine proves that limited space doesn’t mean settling for inferior coffee quality.

When to consider other options instead:

If you prioritize convenience and want bean-to-cup automation with minimal manual involvement, consider super-automatic machines despite their higher cost. Similarly, if you regularly make many cups daily or need consistent café-style results for multiple users, higher-end equipment may justify the investment.

Overall Assessment: The DeLonghi Dedica EC685 delivers one of the best entry-level espresso experiences available in its price range. It serves as an excellent stepping stone into home espresso brewing, providing authentic results while teaching fundamental barista skills. For most users seeking quality coffee at home without professional-level investment, this machine offers the ideal balance of performance, size, and affordability.

If you want to try other models you can check : Best Delonghi Coffee Machine in Saudi Arabia