DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe EC685M Review: Worth It? (November 2026)
The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe EC685M suits small kitchens where counter width is tight and you want espresso drinks with manual milk steaming. Its 5.9 in depth and adjustable frother are useful, but you’ll still need to prepare ground coffee and steam milk yourself.
On this page (7 sections)
- What does the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe review find?
- How much counter space does the EC685M need?
- What can the adjustable frother do?
- How automatic is the Dedica Deluxe?
- Can the Dedica Deluxe handle larger cups?
- What should you expect from the water tank and care features?
- Who should buy the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe?
The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe EC685M is a compact espresso machine for small kitchens where you want espresso and milk drinks without giving up much counter depth. It measures 5.9 in deep and has an adjustable frother for manual steaming.
Its main appeal is a slim footprint paired with features for making single or double espresso, cappuccino and latte. The trade-off is that “automatic” describes some brewing functions, not a fully hands-off coffee routine: it uses ground coffee, and you handle milk steaming.
What does the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe review find?
The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe is a good match if counter depth is your main constraint and you’re comfortable preparing milk drinks yourself. Its adjustable frother and removable drip tray offer flexibility, while the narrow body leaves less depth to plan around than a wider machine.
EC685M Dedica Deluxe Automatic Espresso Machine: Best for narrow counters
- 5.9 in deep
- Adjustable frother
- Automatic Flow Stop
- Removable 35 oz water tank
A slim machine for a compact counter, with an adjustable frother for espresso drinks that use steamed milk. Its automatic flow stop handles espresso dispensing, while milk preparation remains a manual step.
Pros
- Narrow 5.9 in depth
- Frother lets you adjust foam and steam
- Automatic Flow Stop dispenses a set amount
- Double drip tray adjusts or removes for taller cups
Cons
- Requires ground coffee
- Milk steaming is a manual task
- The 13 in width still needs counter space
A short footprint doesn’t mean the machine takes up almost no room. At 13 in wide and 12 in tall, it still needs a clear spot on the counter, plus space to operate the controls and work with the frother.
The machine is designed for ground coffee. Automatic Flow Stop dispenses an amount of espresso, which reduces guesswork during that step, but you remain responsible for preparing the coffee and deciding how you want your drink.
Is the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe review a fit for your routine?
Choose the EC685M if you want to make espresso drinks at home and don’t mind learning a manual steaming routine. The adjustable frother allows you to change foam and steam levels for drinks such as cappuccino, latte and flat white.
Consider another setup if you want a machine to take care of milk preparation. For a closer look at a related model, read our De'Longhi Dedica Arte review.
If you’re comparing a different Dedica option, see the DeLonghi Dedica Maestro Plus review.
How much counter space does the EC685M need?
The EC685M needs a counter area at least 13 in wide and 5.9 in deep, with 12 in of machine height. Measure the full location before buying and leave usable room around it for your daily routine.
| Detail | EC685M |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 5.9 x 13 x 12 in |
| Water tank | Removable, 35 oz |
| Coffee input | Ground coffee |
| Frother | Adjustable foam and steam |
| Drip tray | Adjustable or removable |
| Interface | Buttons |
| Finish | Metallic |
Check depth from the wall to the counter’s front edge, not just the bare counter measurement. A backsplash, trim or other objects can reduce the usable space.
Think about the parts you’ll handle, too. You’ll need access to the removable water tank and enough room to position a milk container for frothing.
The product’s slim depth helps where space runs front to back, but its 13 in width still matters.
If you’re choosing by appearance as well as fit, our guide to the best black DeLonghi espresso machines compares another finish preference. Confirm the machine’s listed metallic finish suits your space before choosing.
What can the adjustable frother do?
The adjustable frother lets you change the foam and steam levels for different espresso-based drinks. That flexibility can help if you enjoy preparing milk drinks and want to control how much foam you make.
A milk frother still takes practice. You’ll need to prepare the milk, position the frother and manage the steaming step; the machine does not make that process hands-free.
If you mainly drink straight espresso, the frother may matter less to your decision.
For a wider look at machines with milk-frothing features, browse our guide to the best DeLonghi espresso machine with milk frother. Compare how each option handles milk before deciding which routine fits you.
How automatic is the Dedica Deluxe?
The Dedica Deluxe automates espresso dispensing with its Automatic Flow Stop feature, which dispenses a set amount. The machine also has adjustable controls for changing drinks to suit your taste preferences.
That automation does not mean every part of making coffee is automatic. The EC685M takes ground coffee, and you still prepare the coffee and handle milk steaming.
If you want to grind beans as part of a single machine workflow, this model’s ground-coffee input may not match that preference. Compare DeLonghi espresso machines with grinders if you want beans ground as part of one workflow.
Keep the distinction in mind when comparing terms like “automatic” across machines. Focus on which tasks the machine handles and which ones you’ll do, especially coffee preparation and milk frothing.
Can the Dedica Deluxe handle larger cups?
The double drip tray adjusts or removes to make room for taller glasses, including latte glasses. That gives you more options when choosing a cup for a larger milk drink.
Check your usual cup height before you brew. With the tray adjusted or removed, place the glass securely and make sure it sits in a workable position beneath the coffee outlet.
Cup size is only one part of choosing a machine. If you’re also considering cold coffee, review the best DeLonghi espresso machine with cold brew guide to compare options for that specific preference.
What should you expect from the water tank and care features?
The EC685M has a removable 35 oz water tank, a descaling alarm and an anti-drip system. These features support routine filling and upkeep, but you should still follow the machine’s instructions for cleaning and descaling.
A removable tank can be easier to fill than one you can’t lift out. Check that you have space to remove and return it without moving the machine every time.
Descaling needs depend on your water and use. Treat the alarm as a prompt to follow the manual’s care steps, and use the cleaning products and process DeLonghi recommends for this model.
Who should buy the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe?
Buy the EC685M if you need a slim espresso machine with manual milk steaming and ground coffee suits your routine. Its 5.9 in depth, adjustable frother, automatic flow stop and removable drip tray cover useful everyday needs in a compact setup.
Choose another kind of machine if you want coffee grinding or milk preparation built into the process. Before deciding, measure your counter and consider whether you’ll make mostly espresso or milk drinks.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you’re shopping for.
Pick the Dedica Deluxe if depth is tight and you’re happy to steam milk yourself. If your priority is a different DeLonghi model or a cold coffee routine, use the comparison guides above to narrow your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe good for a small kitchen?
The Dedica Deluxe is a reasonable fit when counter depth is limited: it measures 5.9 in deep, 13 in wide and 12 in tall. Measure the space in all three directions and leave room to use the frother, fill the removable tank and reach the controls.
Does the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe steam milk automatically?
No. Its Premium Adjustable Frother lets you adjust foam and steam levels, but you prepare the milk yourself.
That gives you control over the texture, while adding a manual step compared with a machine that handles milk preparation automatically.
What coffee does the EC685M use?
The EC685M uses ground coffee. It has an automatic flow stop for espresso dispensing, but that feature does not grind beans or remove the need to prepare and load coffee before brewing.
Can the Dedica Deluxe fit a tall latte glass?
Yes, the double drip tray adjusts or can be removed to make room for taller cups, including latte glasses. Check your glass against the available height before brewing, and keep the cup stable on the tray.
