Ein preiswerter, perfekter Espresso. Tipps und Tricks rund um die De'Longhi Dedica Serie

An inexpensive, perfect espresso. Tips and tricks about the De'Longhi Dedica series

The De'Longhi Dedica series, with its flagship products Delonghi Dedica 685 and Delonghi Dedica 885, has made a name for itself in recent years as an insider tip in the espresso scene. The Dedica series shows us: For a good espresso you don't necessarily have to pay the equivalent of a small car, but you can immerse yourself in the world of espresso for around 150 euros.

But it's not that easy out of the box. In order to get the best out of the machine and also out of your coffee, we recommend a few tricks and extensions for the machine. In this blog we will take you step by step and explain how best to operate your machine. You can also watch our video collection for the Dedica 685/885 series.

mill

Unfortunately, this is not possible without further investment. You definitely need a coffee grinder that grinds espresso fine. This can sometimes cost as much as the Dedica. But the mill is essential for two reasons:

  • 1. Ground coffee powder loses much of its aroma within a few minutes. If you buy pre-ground coffee in the supermarket, you will only taste a few percent of the original aroma.
  • 2. You use the grinder to determine how quickly the water flows through the ground coffee. If the water flows through too quickly with a coarse grind, then the espresso is under-extracted and often too acidic. If the grind is too fine, the water flows too slowly through the ground coffee and dissolves too many bitter substances. The coffee is over-extracted and bitter. You can find the right “sweet spot” by setting the grind correctly. This is only possible with freshly home-ground coffee!

The good news is that you can find good espresso-capable hand grinders for relatively little money. In our hand mill guide we have put together what you should pay attention to.

The portafilter

The Dedica comes with so-called “fake sevens”. These strainers are designed for pre-ground coffee. The water is pressed through an extremely small hole, so that you get a kind of “crema” on your espresso even with old coffee powder.

In order to brew a real espresso, you have to replace the sieve or the entire portafilter with a real, high-quality sieve. In our shop you will find a portafilter with a double spout or a bottomless portafilter . With both variants you can brew real espresso by adjusting the flow rate of the coffee using the grinding degree of the coffee grinder. A game changer!

The right water

Did you know that even water plays a crucial role in brewing your espresso? In order to protect your machine from calcification and to get as much flavor out of the coffee as possible, your water should have a total hardness of 3 - 6 °dH (German hardness). This value can be achieved with filters or with purchased supermarket water. If you want to know more, read the coffee water blog.

The right coffee

Of course, it also depends on the coffee you choose. To get started, we recommend our organic Apas coffee, a real all-rounder. You can also use coffee beans from a local roastery. It is important that you know whether your coffee was roasted dark or light and whether it is 100% Arabica or has Robusta components. This information is important for setting the temperature on your Dedica.

Adjust the brewing temperature for Delonghi Dedica 685 and 885

The Dedica machines offer the option of adjusting the brewing temperature. You have the choice between three levels:

  • 1st stage: 90° - 91° C
  • 2nd level: 92° - 93° C
  • 3rd level: 95° - 97° C

We measured all temperature levels precisely in our tests and recommend the second temperature level for the vast majority of medium and dark roasts. Some very dark roasts taste a little better with the first temperature setting, but the third temperature setting is hardly suitable for any coffee.

Setting the temperature is incredibly easy. With the machine on, hold down the steam button for a few seconds. The reference keys now flash rhythmically. Then you press the button for a simple espresso brew. Now the three buttons flash one after the other. This flashing symbolizes your temperature level. If you want temperature level 1, press the button for simple espresso brewing. You get temperature level 2 by pressing the double espresso dispenser and level 3 by pressing the steam button. After a few seconds, the machine will flash to confirm that the new temperature has been saved.

The preparation

Now it's finally time to get down to business. All preparations have been made and we are brewing espresso.

The Dedica is a so-called thermoblock machine. It heats up very quickly and is at operating temperature after just a few minutes. In this short time, however, the portafilter is far from being at operating temperature, but rather ice cold. That's why you should make a single draw without coffee powder before your first espresso. The hot water warms up your portafilter and you are ready to go.

Now prepare your coffee. About 16 grams of coffee powder fit into the sieves from our shop. Be careful not to overload the strainer, otherwise the coffee could burn in the shower. After dispensing, no imprint of the screw should be visible in the coffee cake.

If the ground coffee is in the portafilter, you first compact it by tapping the portafilter on the table or using a “karate move” with your hand. The coffee settles and all air pockets are closed. If you forget this step, the water may find the slightest resistance under the brewing pressure. It then doesn't flow evenly through the ground coffee, but rather faster in one place. The espresso then tastes sour and unbalanced, despite the correct grind.

Now you start the pre-infusion twice. You can stop it again by clicking on the reference button again. Our temperature tests showed that with this little hack you can achieve a particularly stable temperature curve of around 92° C while making your espresso.

The Dedica machines have programmable volumetrics. So you can adjust how much water your reference uses by holding down the reference button. This is how you can adjust your brewing recipe. We recommend a broth recipe of 1 to 2 or 1 to 2.5. Your 16 grams of coffee powder should result in 32-40 ml of espresso in the cup. Place a scale under the cup and release the button at around 32 grams during the dispensing process. This is how your volumetrics are programmed and the brewing recipe is also correct for other references. Since the Dedica does not have an expansion valve, the machine drips a little after it is released. You should keep this in mind and let go of the button a little “too early” when adjusting.

The machine has an “auto-off” function to save electricity. This can also be adjusted. It is factory set to 9 minutes. If you want to change it, press and hold the steam button again. When all the lights flash rhythmically, press the steam button again. Now the three buttons flash one after the other again and give you three setting options. The single draw button sets the auto-off to 9 minutes, the double draw button to 30 minutes and the steam button to 3 hours.

Inexpensive for the perfect espresso?

Admittedly, anyone who decides to use the Dedica as a beginner will have to dig a little deeper into their pockets. You need at least a grinder and a high-quality, real sieve to really immerse yourself in the world of espresso.

Thanks to our community and our test rounds, we are gathering more and more knowledge about the intricacies of the Dedica series. Even if you have to go a few extra meters, with this knowledge nothing stands in the way of an inexpensive, perfect espresso. Follow our tips and you will be amazed at how high-quality your espresso can taste at home!

Tuning tips and useful accessories for your Dedica

Here you will find a selection of accessories and useful additions for your Dedica 685 or 885: Delonghi Dedica accessories .

Browse by categories

Apas, organic espresso from BrazilApas, organic espresso from Brazil

Apas, organic espresso from Brazil

Apas, organic espresso from Brazil For uncomplicated enjoyment. Nutty, chocolaty, low in acid. A classic espresso with a heavy body and long aftertaste. 100% Brazil, 100% Cooperative APAS. Apas -...
€7,90

VAT included.

Mamy, Robusta Espresso from GuineaMamy, Robusta Espresso from Guinea

Mamy, Robusta Espresso from Guinea

Mamy - Specialty Robusta from Guinea This strong and low-acid 100% Canephora (Robusta) from the Macenta rainforest region in Guinea convinces us. The taste of the Honey-Processed Robusta is very...
€7,90

VAT included.

Dreispitz, espressoDreispitz, espresso

Dreispitz, espresso

Dreispitz - our espresso blend Our signature blend for all espresso lovers who want to think outside the Italian box. Balanced and uncomplicated for all common types of preparation. A...
€10,20

VAT included.

Toca, espresso from MexicoToca, espresso from Mexico

Toca, espresso from Mexico

Toca - espresso from Mexico A neo-classic espresso with notes of rock candy and coconut. Structured with a mild acidity and balanced with a fat body. For an uncomplicated, sophisticated...
€11,90

VAT included.

Sueño, Decaf Espresso from MexicoSueño, Decaf Espresso from Mexico

Sueño, Decaf Espresso from Mexico

Sueño - our decaffeinated coffee from Mexico Grown, processed, decaffeinated with water and shipped in Mexico. What sounds logical is not standard. This coffee comes from a project with Rancho...
€10,90

VAT included.

Henrique, espresso from BrazilHenrique, espresso from Brazil

Henrique, espresso from Brazil

Henrique - Biodynamic espresso from Brazil Henrique from Brazil is the chocolaty, nutty espresso with a full body and a long aftertaste. With espresso a praline, with milk a dessert....
€11,90

VAT included.

Flhor, Café Crème from HondurasFlhor, Café Crème from Honduras

Flhor, Café Crème from Honduras

Flhor our Café Crème from Honduras Our Café Crème from our Basel Cafés, the Café Frühling and the Bahnhofscafe. Perfect for long cups. A full body, floral and dark chocolate...
€11,20

VAT included.

Coffee Discovery PackCoffee Discovery Pack

Coffee Discovery Pack

Gift Set: Coffee Discovery Pack Apas, organic espresso from Brazil Nutty, chocolaty, low in acid. Contents: 250g whole espresso beans 100% Arabica, 100% Cooperative APAS. Origin: Brazil, São Gonçalo do...
€21,90

VAT included.

The coffee gift setThe coffee gift set

The coffee gift set

The coffee gift set This gift set is suitable for every occasion: birthdays, Christmas, Santa Claus or simply as a thank you. Suitable for portafilter machines and fully automatic coffee...
€29,90

VAT included.

Doña Margarita, espresso from NicaraguaDoña Margarita, espresso from Nicaragua

Doña Margarita, espresso from Nicaragua

Doña Margarita espresso from Nicaragua Doña Margarita was a former owner of our Finca Santa Rita. Today we name our most complex coffees after her. This espresso is extremely aromatic...
€14,40

VAT included.

Amigo, FilterkaffeeAmigo, Filterkaffee

Amigo, Filterkaffee

Amigo - Filterkaffee  Mit dem Amigo präsentieren wir einladende und zugängliche Filterkaffees. Für den Amigo suchen und rösten wir Kaffees, die saisonal wechseln, aber immer balanciert, schokoladig und mild sind....
€7,90

VAT included.

Adventure filter coffee subscriptionAdventure filter coffee subscription

Adventure filter coffee subscription

Adventure filter coffee subscription We have around 16 different filter coffees a year, and these often change quickly. With this subscription you can sit back and enjoy. Every month we...
€17,00

VAT included.

Doña Maria, filter coffee from Nicaragua Doña Maria, filter coffee from Nicaragua

Doña Maria, filter coffee from Nicaragua

Doña Maria - filter coffee from Nicaragua In 2023, Doña Maria will sell her coffee directly for the first time. She also knows for the first time who buys her...
€12,90

VAT included.

Rigoberto Sanchez, Filterkaffee aus KolumbienRigoberto Sanchez, Filterkaffee aus Kolumbien

Rigoberto Sanchez, Filterkaffee aus Kolumbien

Rigoberto Sanchez - Filterkaffee aus Kolumbien “Oh, der ist aber elegant!”, hieß es im Cupping beim Röstteam. Der Pink Bourbon von Rigoberto Sanchez ist floral, saftig, milchschokoladig und unheimlich süffig....
€13,90

VAT included.

Shakisso - Decaf from EthiopiaShakisso - Decaf from Ethiopia

Shakisso - Decaf from Ethiopia

Shakisso - Decaf from Ethiopia No caffeine, lots of character. This organically produced coffee, decaffeinated with water, has fruity and chocolatey notes. We roasted it so that it tastes good...
€10,90

VAT included.

Santa Rita Tasting Box (shipping date 16.12.24)Santa Rita Tasting Box (shipping date 16.12.24)

Santa Rita Tasting Box (shipping date 16.12.24)

Santa Rita tasting box - the Christmas present for coffee lovers (shipping December 16th) Finca Santa Rita is our small coffee farm in the north of Nicaragua in the Dipilto...
€49,90

VAT included.

Carlos Amaya, filter coffee from HondurasCarlos Amaya, filter coffee from Honduras

Carlos Amaya, filter coffee from Honduras

Carlos Amaya , filter coffee from Honduras Carlos Amaya is in his early twenties and continues to run his family farm. He experiments every year with new varieties and post-harvest...
€12,50

VAT included.

Our KM TamperOur KM Tamper

Our KM Tamper

Our KM Tamper We tramp a lot. From now on with our own tamper. The tamper was developed by us according to the specifications of our barista team to support...
€99,00

VAT included.

Espresso scale with timerEspresso scale with timer

Espresso scale with timer

Espresso scale with timer The little important helper when preparing espresso. We use this scale in our academies in Basel and Dinslaken. Product features of the espresso scale The accuracy...
€29,90

VAT included.

Timemore Black Mirror Nano espresso scaleTimemore Black Mirror Nano espresso scale

Timemore Black Mirror Nano espresso scale

Timemore Black Mirror Nano espresso scale A new espresso scale from Timemore. Small, high quality and chic. A great helper when making espresso. Product features of the Black Mirror Nano...
€94,00

VAT included.

Barista towelsBarista towels

Barista towels

Barista towels set of 3 Barista towels are as important a part of coffee preparation as coffee beans. Cleanliness and cleaning are the basis for consistently good coffee taste from...
€8,90

VAT included.

Mill cleaner Natural Grind made from natural products

Mill cleaner Natural Grind made from natural products Natural Grind made from natural products is a cleaning product for coffee grinders made from 100% natural products. It is suitable for...
€11,90

VAT included.

Clean Powder - cleaning powder for coffee machines

Clean Powder - cleaning powder for coffee machines

Clean Powder - cleaning powder for coffee machines With this cleaning powder, the portafilter machine stays clean and the coffee tastes as it should and should. The powder is particularly...
€8,90

VAT included.

Our real wood lid for Eureka millsOur real wood lid for Eureka mills

Our real wood lid for Eureka mills

Real wood lid for Eureka mills Upgrade your Eureka mill with the KM real wood lid. This in-house development is a result of our extensive mill tests on Eureka mills...
€34,90

VAT included.

Tamping mat with angleTamping mat with angle

Tamping mat with angle

Tamping mat with angle A practical tamping mat with a well thought-out design. The rubber mat provides stability when tamping and at the same time prevents the work surface from...
€13,90

VAT included.

Stainless steel milk jugStainless steel milk jug
-63%

Stainless steel milk jug

Stainless steel milk jug You can only make a nice cappuccino with a good milk jug! With this barista milk jug made of stainless steel, latte art challenges can also...
€18,90 €6,90

VAT included.

Knock box - Knock BoxKnock box - Knock Box

Knock box - Knock Box

Knock box - Knock Box This knock-off container fits next to every espresso machine, regardless of whether it is a single-circuit, dual-circuit or dual-boiler. The Knockbox is small, compact, stable...
€20,90

VAT included.

Glass jug for filter coffeeGlass jug for filter coffee

Glass jug for filter coffee

When making filter coffee, a robust pot is needed as a base for the filter attachment, such as the Hario V60. The glass jug is well suited for this. Product...
€17,90

VAT included.

Hario V60 Filter 02 - GlassHario V60 Filter 02 - Glass

Hario V60 Filter 02 - Glass

Hario V60 Filter 02 - Glass The Hario V60 is probably the most used hand filter in the coffee universe and rightly so. It is easy to use and yet...
€18,90

VAT included.

Hario V60 Drip Decanter 700ml

Hario V60 Drip Decanter 700ml

Hario V60 Drip Decanter 700ml Hand filters are becoming increasingly popular. The Hario V60 Drip Decanter is a practical combination of glass carafe and filter insert. Product features Hario V60...
€27,90

VAT included.

Timemore Kettle Fish Smart 800mlTimemore Kettle Fish Smart 800ml

Timemore Kettle Fish Smart 800ml

Timemore Kettle Fish Smart 800ml The basis for great filter coffee is a good kettle. The Timemore Kettle Fish Smart offers everything you need for successful coffee extraction. Product features:...
€139,00

VAT included.

Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2 - precision scale with timer functionTimemore Black Mirror Basic 2 - precision scale with timer function

Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2 - precision scale with timer function

Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2 A stylish all-rounder for making coffee. The improved successor version of the popular Timemore Basic (Plus) scale. Product features Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2 This...
€57,00

VAT included.

Timemore Chestnut Slim 3 hand millTimemore Chestnut Slim 3 hand mill

Timemore Chestnut Slim 3 hand mill

Timemore Chestnut Slim 3 hand mill Slim, stylish and powerful hand grinder suitable for espresso and filter coffee . Based on the proven Timemore Slim Plus, improved with the latest...
€129,90

VAT included.

Timemore C3 Pro hand millTimemore C3 Pro hand mill
Sold Out

Timemore C3 Pro hand mill

Timemore C3 Pro hand mill The manufacturer Timemore has brought the successor to the popular Timemore C2 onto the market. The Timemore C3 finally fills the weakness of the C2...
€93,90

VAT included.

Comandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade hand millComandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade hand mill

Comandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade hand mill

Comandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade hand mill The Comandante hand mill series is the premium product in the coffee hand mill heaven. 100% made in Germany. With this mill, our...
€222,00

VAT included.

AeroPress - the original - including 100 filtersAeroPress - the original - including 100 filters

AeroPress - the original - including 100 filters

AeroPress - the original - including 100 filters Hardly any other brewing tool has such a cult status as the AeroPress. The variation possibilities with the AeroPress are enormous and...
€36,90

VAT included.

AeroPress replacement filter

AeroPress replacement filter

Aeropress replacement filter With these filters, our Felix Swiss Aeropress became champion. He used two filter papers to achieve even more clarity in his drink. Product features - Aeropress replacement...
€5,90

VAT included.

Comandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade hand millComandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade hand mill

Comandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade hand mill

Comandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade hand mill The Comandante hand mill series is the premium product in the coffee hand mill heaven. 100% made in Germany. With this mill, our...
€222,00

VAT included.

Commander Red Clix RX35

Commander Red Clix RX35

Commander Red Clix RX35 Comandante Red Clix axis for that extra bit of precision when adjusting the grinding degree. Product features of the Red Clix With the Comandante standard axis...
€38,00

VAT included.

Comandante C40 replacement container - glassComandante C40 replacement container - glass

Comandante C40 replacement container - glass

Comandante C40 replacement container Your Commander's container is damaged or you just want to be more flexible? The original replacement containers from Comandante are suitable for your MK3 or MK4...
€4,90

VAT included.

Comandante C40 replacement container - polymerComandante C40 replacement container - polymer

Comandante C40 replacement container - polymer

Comandante C40 replacement container Original replacement container suitable for your Comandante C40 MK4 or MK3 in your favorite color. Product features of the Polymer Bean Jar Material: polymer (alternatively made...
€7,50

VAT included.

Comandante C40 Ersatzbehälter - GroßComandante C40 Ersatzbehälter - Groß

Comandante C40 Ersatzbehälter - Groß

Comandante C40 Ersatzbehälter Der Polymer Bean Jar ergänzt deine Comandante C40 Mühle und passt zu allen Comandante C40 Mk3 und Mk4 Modellen. Du kannst aus verschiedenen Farben wählen. Dies ist...
€12,90

VAT included.

Our real wood lid for Eureka millsOur real wood lid for Eureka mills

Our real wood lid for Eureka mills

Real wood lid for Eureka mills Upgrade your Eureka mill with the KM real wood lid. This in-house development is a result of our extensive mill tests on Eureka mills...
€34,90

VAT included.

Timemore Chestnut Slim 3 hand millTimemore Chestnut Slim 3 hand mill

Timemore Chestnut Slim 3 hand mill

Timemore Chestnut Slim 3 hand mill Slim, stylish and powerful hand grinder suitable for espresso and filter coffee . Based on the proven Timemore Slim Plus, improved with the latest...
€129,90

VAT included.

Timemore C3 Pro hand millTimemore C3 Pro hand mill
Sold Out

Timemore C3 Pro hand mill

Timemore C3 Pro hand mill The manufacturer Timemore has brought the successor to the popular Timemore C2 onto the market. The Timemore C3 finally fills the weakness of the C2...
€93,90

VAT included.

Timemore Chestnut S3 hand millTimemore Chestnut S3 hand mill
-33%

Timemore Chestnut S3 hand mill

Timemore Chestnut S3 hand mill Chic, innovative and powerful - these are the core attributes of the Timemore S3. The grinder is very suitable for filter coffee . Based on...
€149,00 €99,00

VAT included.

Kinu M47 Classic hand millKinu M47 Classic hand mill
Sold Out

Kinu M47 Classic hand mill

Kinu M47 Classic hand mill The Kinu M47 Classic hand mill is a reliable, robust companion for home and on the go. This high-quality coffee grinder offers very good grinding...
€348,90

VAT included.

Clean Powder - cleaning powder for coffee machines

Clean Powder - cleaning powder for coffee machines

Clean Powder - cleaning powder for coffee machines With this cleaning powder, the portafilter machine stays clean and the coffee tastes as it should and should. The powder is particularly...
€8,90

VAT included.

Mill cleaner Natural Grind made from natural products

Mill cleaner Natural Grind made from natural products Natural Grind made from natural products is a cleaning product for coffee grinders made from 100% natural products. It is suitable for...
€11,90

VAT included.

Knock box - Knock BoxKnock box - Knock Box

Knock box - Knock Box

Knock box - Knock Box This knock-off container fits next to every espresso machine, regardless of whether it is a single-circuit, dual-circuit or dual-boiler. The Knockbox is small, compact, stable...
€20,90

VAT included.

Brew group brushBrew group brush

Brew group brush

Brew group brush Coffee residue in the portafilter holder under the brewing group of the espresso machine is often the reason why the espresso doesn't taste good. The brew group...
€3,90

VAT included.

Unviersal blind sieve for 58mm portafilterUnviersal blind sieve for 58mm portafilter

Unviersal blind sieve for 58mm portafilter

Universal blind sieve for 58mm portafilter Portafilter machines enjoy regular cleaning. In addition to hygienic reasons, this is also important for taste reasons. Only a clean machine ensures that the...
€5,90

VAT included.

Rubber blind sieve (universal)Rubber blind sieve (universal)

Rubber blind sieve (universal)

Rubber blind sieve (universal) The universal rubber blind sieve is a little helper that can be used in many portafilters for cleaning the brewing group and portafilter. A good alternative...
€1,99

VAT included.

Milk lance cleaner - Clean SteamMilk lance cleaner - Clean Steam

Milk lance cleaner - Clean Steam

Milk lance cleaner - Clean Steam A great cappuccino is something wonderful, a contaminated milk lance is not! Clean Steam is suitable for quickly and thoroughly cleaning the steam lances,...
€5,90

VAT included.

Barista towelsBarista towels

Barista towels

Barista towels set of 3 Barista towels are as important a part of coffee preparation as coffee beans. Cleanliness and cleaning are the basis for consistently good coffee taste from...
€8,90

VAT included.

Entkalker für Siebträgermaschinen

Entkalker für Siebträgermaschinen

Entkalker für Siebträgermaschinen  Siebträgermaschinen benötigen regelmäßige Pflege. Auch bei der Verwendung von gefiltertem Wasser ist eine Entkalkung von Zeit zu Zeit unerlässlich, um die Lebensdauer der Maschine zu gewährleisten. Produkteigenschaften...
€11,95

VAT included.