Back to School DealsSavings is one of our best subjects.Shop now

Skip to content
Main Content

Customer Ratings & Reviews

Your price for this item is $899.95

Customer reviews

Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars with 109 reviews

Rating Filter

Rating by feature

  • Value

    Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Quality

    Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars

  • Ease of Use

    Rating 4.6 out of 5 stars

Pros mentioned filter

Cons mentioned filter

94%would recommend to a friend

Customers are saying

Customers are pleased with the La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine for its ability to make high-quality espresso and its user-friendly design. Many users rave about the exceptional taste and smoothness of the espresso, comparing it to café-quality beverages. The built-in grinder is also highly regarded for its consistent performance and precise dosing.

This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 109 reviews
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Espresso quality, Steam wand

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    De'Longhi - La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine

    |
    |
    Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine is an absolute game-changer for home baristas! From the moment I unboxed it, I could tell the build quality was top-notch. The sleek silver finish gives it a premium, professional look, and every component feels durable and well-designed. What truly sets this machine apart is its ease of use. The built-in grinder delivers the perfect coffee dose, and the smart tamping system ensures consistency every time. I love how intuitive the controls are—it makes pulling a café-quality espresso effortless. The steam wand also produces excellent microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos with minimal effort. When it comes to value, this machine is a fantastic investment. You get a high-end espresso experience at home without the learning curve of more complicated machines. Plus, it saves me money in the long run since I don’t need to visit a coffee shop every day! I’ll admit, the price is on the higher side, but after using it, I can confidently say it’s worth every penny. The quality, convenience, and performance make it a fantastic long-term investment—especially if you’re looking to cut down on coffee shop visits. If you’re considering a home espresso machine, I highly recommend the La Specialista Opera. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned coffee lovers who want high-quality, delicious coffee with ease. A must-buy!

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from DeLonghi Customer Care
      Posted .

      Thank you for taking the time to review your machine with such a detailed and exceptional star rating. We appreciate hearing from our customers and are glad to know that you're enjoying our products. DeLonghiResponse

  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Espresso quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    FIRAT COFFEE MACHINE AND I LOVE IT

    |
    |
    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I can’t say enough good things about this coffee machine!!! It has completely changed how I start my mornings. The coffee it makes is SOOOOO good, better than any coffee shop I’ve been to. I LOVE the espresso mode!!! It have a smooth and rich taste. I love how easy it is to use this coffee machine. I was worried it would be complicated, but it’s super straightforward, and cleanup isn’t a hassle either. Now every cup I make feels like a special treat!!! If you love good coffee, trust me you NEEESSDDD thisss in ur life!!!!

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from DeLonghi Customer Care
      Posted .

      Hello, Thank you for taking the time to give your machine such a wonderful rating! We truly value hearing from our customers, especially when they share our passion for our products. Your feedback is incredibly important to us as it helps us continue to improve and provide the best possible experience. If you ever have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Enjoy! DeLonghiResponse

  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    I love this machine

    |
    |
    Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I love this machine. It makes better coffee than half the local cafes even with mid range (but fresh) beans from the store. The espresso is sweet and fruity with a nice crema even the first time we used the machine. I use it every day for myself and my family, making coffee, lattes, cold brew, tea, and cocoa. The grinder is mostly repeatable, there is a little variation in grind volume but not enough to ruin a drink. The tamper works great, we do two presses each time. The suggested grind fineness is great but we found the suggested dose to be under for light and medium roast beans (haven’t done any dark roast yet, not really our thing). We typically have it between 15 and 18 depending on the beans. I am new to steaming milk but after watching some YouTube videos I can turn 6 oz of milk into good hot microfoam in about 30 seconds. The cold brew is one of my favorite options. It is very slow, about 5 minutes, but one cup is strong enough to dilute to 16 oz of cold brew comparable to what I make in the fridge in 24 hours. I have found it slightly better to run it twice to get a bit more flavor if I have the time. The water and bean hopper are a decent size, we end up filling it every couple days making 4-5 assorted drinks a day. The low bean and low water alerts are very helpful, we’ve never run out during a brew. Knocking the pucks out requires a knock box, we had to buy that separately. The steam pitcher is a little small, we may upgrade that at some point but it is large enough for a latte. I wish BB sold the cleaning tablets and descaling solution, we had to buy those elsewhere. I believe the machine tells you when those things need to be done. Hasn’t happened yet but we’re only a few weeks in.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Espresso quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    A Perfect Brew Every Time

    |
    |
    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Ditched the Keurig have no regrets. This machine makes the best coffee/espresso hands down! Bought it on sale over the holidays making my purchase totally worth it. Learning to use it was a snap after reading the instruction manual.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from DeLonghi Customer Care
      Posted .

      Hello, Thank you for taking the time to give your machine such a fantastic rating! We love hearing from our customers, especially when they share our enthusiasm for our products. Enjoy! DeLonghiResponse

  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    FANTASTIC ESPRESSO MACHINE

    |
    |
    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    We absolutely love our DeLonghi espresso machine! Its incredibly easy to use, even for beginners, and it consistently delivers great tasting coffee. Wether we are making espressos, lattes or cappuccinos,the results are always smooth and delicious. It's also very practical, everything from setup to cleaning is straightforward. We especially appreciate the consistent brewing quality, every cup taste just as good as the last. Highly recommend this machine to anyone who wants café style coffee at home without the fuss!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Espresso quality, Steam wand

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Would buy again!

    |
    |
    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Love the product. Makes excellent shots. The cold feature is nice. My son has enjoyed the steam wand and attempting art

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from DeLonghi Customer Care
      Posted .

      Hello Courtney, Thank you for taking the time to give your machine such a wonderful rating! We truly value hearing from our customers, especially when they share our passion for our products. Enjoy! DeLonghiResponse

  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    My new favorite!

    |
    |
    Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Tried La Specialista Opera as a replacement for a different brand that failed twice. What a fantastic surprise! This machine is not only aesthetically pleasing but a great, powerful one! After playing with the settings a bit, I was able to pull a fantastic new version of my favorite drink. Definitely a keeper!

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from DeLonghi Customer Care
      Posted .

      Hello Luis, Thank you for taking the time to give your machine such a wonderful rating! We truly value hearing from our customers, especially when they share our passion for our products. Your feedback is incredibly important to us as it helps us continue to improve and provide the best possible experience. If you ever have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Enjoy! DeLonghiResponse

  • Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Great coffee for the price

    |
    |
    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Makes high quality coffee, very delicious. Easy to use. The only thing is it needs descaling more often than written in instructions. ( The use is normal, for home, not for professional intent)

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from DeLonghi Customer Care
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review, SalomeG! We appreciate your feedback and comments about how often you have to descale the unit. Please note that it will depend on how often you use the unit, the water hardness, and the brew sizes. You can control how often you want to descale the unit depending on the water hardness level. You can check this video as a reference on how to set the water hardness level: https://youtu.be/-niIgoB6h90?si=Rv0da4uoorCUKULa

      If this suggestion does not help, please feel free to chat with a Live Expert at: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/delonghi-support - click to chat at the bottom right. We value you as our customer and look forward to resolving this matter promptly. DeLonghiResponse

  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Espresso quality, Steam wand
    Cons mentioned:
    Price
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Delonghi Delivers

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    📦 UNBOXING: Inside the box, you’ll get the machine, a portafilter with 2 filters (for 1x and 2x doses) and 2 more filters for cool brewing. On top of that, Delonghi provides you with a milk pitcher to use with the steaming wand, a water hardness test, and some cleaning accessories. Other than that, you’ll also receive the quick start guide and a detailed instruction manual. 💪 BUILD: The La Specialista Opera is a well-built espresso machine. It has a metal chassis with some plastic for areas like the bean container, water reservoir and drip tray. This isn’t my first Delonghi machine, either. While my daily machine is a superautomatic that is twice the price as this one, this machine inspires the same confidence that I have come to appreciate about Delonghi espresso machines. ⚒️ SETUP: The setup process is laid out in the quick start manual, but there’s also a QR code on the full instruction manual that will link you to the How To Videos specifically created for the Delonghi La Specialista Opera. I think a lot of people will prefer these videos since sometimes the instruction manual can be a bit unclear—especially because some of the steps in the quick start guide include text instructions while others do not. The full instruction manual, however, is much more detailed and is a great reference to get the most out of your machine. With that said, it really didn’t take long to get set up. You’ll clean the accessories, rinse the machine and purge the steam arm. You’ll also want to use the hard water tester so you can configure your machine for more frequent or less frequent descaling. After which, you can reference the roast chart so you know how to set the grind level based on the roast level of your beans, and dial in the dose level, and set the temperature for the perfect espresso drink. 🫘 GRINDING & TAMPING: Grinding coffee beans with La Specialista Opera is easy. First, connect your portafilter to the grinder and turn it to the “close” position to secure it. You’ll want to make sure you’ve selected the correct filter based on hot espresso or cool espresso, and a 1x dose or 2x dose. Simply pour your beans into the container, select your grind level on the container, then set the dose level between min and 40. Then start the grind by selecting a 1x dose or 2x dose based on the filter size you chose. The machine will grind your beans into the portafilter, and you’ll need to tamp the grounds into a puck. The tamping process is also quite easy. If you’re tamping for hot espresso, you’ll want to pull the lever fully, then repeat it once more, and keep the tamping lever down while removing the portafilter. Once removed, you should see that the grounds should be flat and smooth and the filter should be filled up to the level of the lasered mark on the inside of the filter. If you get too much or too little, you may need to adjust the dose dial in future attempts to get the perfect dose. ☕ BREWING: Pouring a good espresso drink is easy with La Specialista Opera. Always make sure you have enough water in the reservoir before pouring. Insert the portafilter with tamped grounds into the coffee outlet and place your espresso glass under the filter. Then simply rotate the dial to which coffee drink you want to make, select the temperature, then press the OK button to start brewing. I enjoyed brewing both cold and hot espresso beverages. I didn’t realize how easy it would be to create a cold brew, but Delonghi claimed to make a glass of cold brew in less than 5 minutes, and it certainly did achieve that. Since this is an espresso machine, you’ll want shorter height glasses for brewing into, since taller glasses won’t fit. However, you can always pour espresso shots into a smaller glass and then pour it into a larger glass later. You also have an option for simply dispensing hot water which can be useful for tea or other hot beverages. ♨️ STEAM WAND: The steam wand is very easy to use for frothing and steaming milk. You’ll want to pour milk or milk alternatives into the milk pitcher knowing that it will double or triple in size—so don’t overfill the pitcher. Purge the steam wand for a few seconds before use. Then while off, put the wand into the milk pitcher with the wand tip just under the surface of the milk. Turn the steam wand on, and as the milk heats up, it’ll begin to froth and create texture for your milk drinks. It’ll take some time to get good at, but Delonghi also provides video instructions on how to froth milk and create latte art. 🧐 CONCLUSION: The Delonghi La Specialista Opera espresso machine does not come cheap, but I find that it does not take long to get used to after just a bit of practice. It makes grinding and tamping an incredibly easy process, and thanks to their included roast chart, you can easily find some settings to start with and make adjustments to dial in the perfect brew. I’m a big fan of cold brew coffee and milk-based espresso drinks, and the La Specialista Opera made creating these at home an easy endeavor. I can definitely recommend this to anybody who wants to buy a quality machine built by a reputable brand.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Espresso quality, Steam wand
    Cons mentioned:
    Water tank
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    No more trips for coffee

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    There was a bit of a learning curve to get up to speed on all the options and controls. After reviewing the full manual, some of my questions were answered. However, the manual includes a lot of coffee lingo that might only make sense to those well-versed in coffee beans, espresso machines, and brewing terminology. But the espresso is phenomenal and very very smooth. If you are serious about coffee this is won’t disappoint you. Pros: User-Friendly: Once you get the hang of it, it's simple to use. Sturdy Quality: The machine is solidly built. Brewing Options: Several programmable options, allowing you to adjust the amount of espresso and/or water per drink. Temperature Control: Adjustable temperature settings for different coffee roasts. Built-In Tamper: Strong and sturdy, providing a tight, clean tamp. Hot Water: Water comes out very hot, unlike other machines. Steam Wand: My favorite part; it's sturdy, provides good pressure, and heats milk faster than any other machine I’ve used. The milk froth turns out creamy and delicious. Simple Cleaning: Haven’t cleaned it yet, but the instructions seem easy. Great Taste: The espresso is smooth and delicious. Automatic Shut-Off: It shuts off after about 30 seconds. Important with my curious grandsons around. Espresso Tray: Smaller fold-down tray for espresso glasses. Cons: Manual Complexity and discrepancies: Both the Quick Start manual and full manual aren’t really beginner friendly. Some picture keycodes don’t match up with the guidance later in the manual. For example, the dial button is labeled "B7" in the picture but mentioned as "B8" later. This inconsistency appears a few times. Grinder is louder than other machines I’ve used. The noise might be a concern in the early morning. An internal grinder might be quieter. Size: It’s big. If buying, I’d recommend measuring first, as it just fits under my cabinets. Water Reservoir Location: Hidden in the back, making it hard to access. If stored under cabinets, you must pull the machine out and turn it to reach the reservoir. Also, the machine kept shutting off when the reservoir was about half full, and I couldn’t find a solution in the manual. Overall, a fabulous machine that produces the best coffee I have ever had.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Just what I was looking for

    |
    |
    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Loving this machine so far. Delicious espresso and coffee. I looked around for a machine I could do a long pour espresso on for coffee and this machine has the setting built in.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from DeLonghi Customer Care
      Posted .

      Hello Brandon, Thank you for taking the time to give your machine such a wonderful rating! We truly value hearing from our customers, especially when they share our passion for our products. Enjoy! DeLonghiResponse

  • Pros mentioned:
    Design, Espresso quality, Grinder
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Espresso Enthusiast’s Machine

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This espresso machine is excellent. The design of the espresso machine is beautiful and superb. It’s made of premium materials like stainless steel which makes it look great on a countertop. The espresso machine has a built in grinder which works great. It’s an Italian-made burr grinder which is ideal for espresso. Out of the box the grind setting was perfect and the dosing buttons provided the exact amount of espresso I needed. Delonghi’s smart tamp technology is consistently excellent. Historically when packing shots I’ve had to do a bit of guesswork to get the perfect puck. With the lever, I consistently get the perfect pack without having to think about the amount of pressure I’m applying or the technique I’m using to apply the pressure. The espresso this machine produces is really tasty. This machine definitely has enough pressure to produce high quality espresso. The crema on the shot is picture perfect and the taste is perfectly balanced. I followed the instructions in the quick guide to dial in the temperature based on the type of beans I was using and it was perfect. Likewise, I tested the steam wand and it worked well as I expected it to. One thing I was really surprised about with this machine was the cold espresso and the cold brew options. I’ve never seen this before on an espresso machine but it works super well. My only complaint is that the pucks don’t clear as easily as the hot espresso ones do, but to get instant cold brew or cold espresso it seems worth the minimal hassle. Overall, this is a great machine that I would recommend to any espresso enthusiast.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from DeLonghi Customer Care
      Posted .

      Thank you for your detailed and enthusiastic review, Harrison! We're thrilled to hear that the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera has transformed your coffee experience. It’s great to know that you’re enjoying the convenience of its features, from the smart tamping to the cold brew options. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to being a part of your coffee journey for years to come. Happy brewing! DeLonghiResponse

  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Its a great coffee expresso machine

    |
    |
    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This machine is awesome, the coffee taste better, I definitely enjoy more my Coffe now.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from DeLonghi Customer Care
      Posted .

      Hello Juan, Thank you for taking the time to give your machine such a wonderful rating! We truly value hearing from our customers, especially when they share our passion for our products. Enjoy! DeLonghiResponse

  • Pros mentioned:
    Espresso quality, Grinder
    Cons mentioned:
    Price
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    A Professional-Grade Espresso Experience at Home

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    After using the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine, I can confidently say it's a must-have for any coffee lover's kitchen. This high-quality machine, with its innovative design and build, brings professional café equipment features to home brewing. Initial Setup and First Impressions The unboxing and setup process was remarkably straightforward, taking only about 20 minutes from opening the box to pulling my first shot. The included instructions are clear and comprehensive, making the initial setup process accessible even for those new to semi-automatic espresso machines. Key Features and Performance Smart Grinder Technology - Built-in, conical burr grinder with fifteen grind settings - Sensor Grinding Technology delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee - Smart tamping eliminates the guesswork in prep Brewing - Active temperature control with three distinct brewing profiles - Dynamic pre-infusion adjusts based on ground coffee density - Consistent extraction for optimal flavor - Cold brew capability for versatility Milk Frothing - Professional-grade steam wand with adjustable temperature control - Dynamic milk texturing for both microfoam and traditional cappuccino foam - Quick heat-up time for efficient milk preparation Pros - Professional-grade features in a home machine - Exceptional build quality and premium materials - Intuitive control panel with clear display - Intelligent automation while maintaining manual control options - Consistent results with a minimal learning curve - Comprehensive temperature control system - Integrated high-quality burr grinder - Easy cleanup and maintenance - Versatile drink options including cold brew Cons - Premium price point (though justified by features and quality) - Takes up significant counterspace, especially with upper cabinets - Maybe more machine than casual coffee drinkers need Real-World Experience As someone who loves quality espresso, this machine has quickly become my favorite kitchen appliance. The consistency and quality of each shot are on par with high-end coffee shops. Even my son, who used to work as a barista at Starbucks, is impressed by the machine's capabilities and the quality it produces. For serious espresso lovers who make multiple drinks daily, investing in this machine can quickly offset the cost compared to frequent café purchases. Although the price is considerable, the blend of professional-grade features, build quality, and consistency makes it a worthwhile investment for dedicated coffee enthusiasts. When you consider the savings from fewer café visits and the long-lasting build quality of De'Longhi, the value is apparent. I highly recommend this machine for coffee enthusiasts who value both quality and convenience. It's ideal for those wanting café-quality drinks at home while maintaining control over the brewing process. Although it might be more than casual coffee drinkers require, it's a worthwhile investment for serious espresso lovers, offering years of exceptional coffee experiences.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Design, Espresso quality, Grinder
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Beautiful and easy to use

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Wow! The DeLonghi La Specialista OPERA is a piece of art… it is beautiful. For all it does, it’s pretty compact. I measured 12” across the front and 13.5” front to back. Advance warning, it is heavy. Determine where you want to locate this beauty before opening the box. It needs a permanent home, too heavy to move around. Read the Quick Start Guide, it is quite detailed in the steps to prepare the coffee machine for use. La Specialista OPERA will grind your coffee beans! Fill the bean container and set the desired level of grind. The recommended starting level is 9 for a medium roast coffee bean. The manual (not the Quick Start Guide) provides plenty of details on the suggested grind level based on the color of the roast, see page 8. Put the portafilter in the coffee grinder outlet and start the grinding process. On the left side of the unit is a tamper lever, use this to tamp the freshly ground beans. Then pop the portafilter into the coffee spout, select your preferences and viola you have expresso. The steam wand heats and froths milk as well as any coffee shop. Unpacking: I was pleasantly surprised after taking the coffee machine out of the box. Very minimal setup was needed. Pop the cup grill in place and take the tape off the smaller cup grill. Give the parts; water tank, portafilter, milk carafe, etc. a quick wash. Run some steam cycles without a milk product to clean the steam wand. And then you are ready to make some fantastic coffee/expresso. Although La Specialista OPERA has many functions, I find it quite handy to make a quick cup of tea. In addition to making expresso, you can make an Americano which I like after lunch. DeLonghi has several “How To” videos available on the internet. They are short (2 – 3 minutes) and informative. I found the video on how to access the setup menu quite helpful.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Espresso quality
    Cons mentioned:
    Water tank
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Makes you feel like a real barista

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    As I've gotten older, I've slowly developed a much more refined taste for coffee. First it was about getting better coffee beans, then better coffee makers. It wasn't until now though, that I finally got an actual espresso machine in this La Specialista Opera. Sure, I've had more affordable coffee makers that pretend to be espresso machines, but they always fall short. First, let me just say that this is a beautiful piece of machinery. Just sitting on the counter it levels up my kitchen. It's not small either and does take up a good amount of space, but it's all functional and makes sense. That said, if I have one complaint, it's the design of the water tank and bean hopper. I have a pretty standard kitchen setup as far as counters and cabinets go, and it barely fits under the cabinets making it a bit of a hassle to refill the bean hopper. And with the water tank being in the back and having to be raised straight up a bit before it can be pulled out also makes it a bit of a hassle to refill. It makes it so that I'm limited in where to place it as I can't have both sides blocked, otherwise I'd have to move the entire machine every time I needed to fill the water tank. While that may sound a bit nit-picky, it's because I don't have much else negative to say about this machine. Getting started is simple enough, just a quick couple steps and prep cycle and it's ready to go. Then it's a matter of learning the machine and just about coffee itself. Going through the steps, first up is getting the coffee grounds ready. The guide does a pretty good job at giving you a starting point, but it did take me several tries before I figured out the coarseness of the grind and the dose amount. The manual helps a lot here in telling you what steps to take to figure it out. Again, I want to repeat that this is my first ever true espresso machine, so I'm a complete novice to all of this. Then there's the actual brewing process. There doesn't seem to be much to this. Once you've selected your brew, it's just a matter of hitting the 'OK' button. The adjustments are in the grind, but again, the manual does a good job of leading you in the right direction for that based on the results of the brew. After quite a bit of use, I've now tried all of the different brew settings. My favorite, probably because I've been used to larger cups of drip coffee, is the Americano brew. The only setting I'm not as big a fan of is the plain 'Coffee' setting. Now my wife, whose family owned a coffee shop at one point that she worked in, loves the Cold Brew. So how good is the brew? Let's just say that I've never been so spoiled with great coffee. Using the same bean I've been using for a while now in my expensive drip maker, the quality and taste is so much better with this espresso machine, I can hardly believe it was the same bean. Now I'm just having a blast trying out different coffees and drinks that I wouldn't have thought possible outside of ordering from actual coffee shops. Luckily Delonghi has several short videos with basic recipes for me to try. In the short time I've had this La Specialista, I've learned more about coffee than I have in the previous 40+ years of my life. Oh, and there's the steamer too! Other coffee machines have come with "frothers" to try and duplicate what you get with an actual steam wand, but it's just not the same. This La Specialista Opera is an amazing machine, whether you're a novice like me or someone with barista experience like my wife. To those who absolutely love coffee but haven't ventured into real espresso machines, I say make the investment in one like this La Specialista Opera, I promise it'll be worth it.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from DeLonghi Customer Care
      Posted .

      Hello, Thank you for taking the time to give your machine such a wonderful rating! We truly value hearing from our customers, especially when they share our passion for our products. Your feedback is incredibly important to us as it helps us continue to improve and provide the best possible experience. If you ever have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Enjoy! DeLonghiResponse

  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Espresso quality
    Cons mentioned:
    Price
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Why go to a cafe?

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Introduction De’Longhi has made its name as a premiere espresso machine maker. Their units have brought home the café experience at an affordable price. Going in Having another De’Longhi espresso machine already, I was excited to see what the new Opera could do. What comes in the box? Out of the box you get the unit, a water tank, a portafilter with a single and double dose, a second filter for cold brew, a descaler solution, a water hardness tester, cleaning brushes, a milk pitcher, and start up guides, and other inserts. Minor wins I like the small things like adding a descaler solution for at least one run. Nothing is worse than seeing that descaling light come on and not have it for first time users. Major wins I love the fact that the Opera takes a lot of the messy work out of the equation. There’s no tamping done on the user’s part, the beans are ground automatically and then with a pull of a lever the tamping of the espresso grounds are done. When my unit arrived, the water tank was cracked. I contacted De’Longhi’s customer service, and they had a replacement free of charge on my doorstep in two days. They’ve always had great customer service, and I’m glad to say that the trend continues. Usage Once you place the unit where you want, it’s time to do some initial cleaning for not only the parts that you’ll be using but for the internals of the Opera as well. You’ll need to run water through the system to give it a good cleaning. This will have to be one once and that’s it. The quick start guide has a nice breakdown of the grind setting and temperature based on what type of bean you like to use. Follow the guide and you’ll make delicious tasting espresso. Still, you can change the settings to your liking until you find the preference that you prefer. I love the fact that you don’t need a separate burr grinder and a separate tamping device to compress the coffee. Not having to do these two steps probably only saves you a few minutes, but it’s the simplicity that makes it great. The build quality of the Opera is top notch. It has a beautiful machined finish. I would have liked it if the bean housing was either in the same metal aesthetic or located in the machine. The whole clear plastic isn’t bad, but it just stands out. The control panel may seem overwhelming but once you get familiar with what each button does, or what a specific logo indicates, you’ll feel right at home and making some great espresso. My one piece of advice is to always use filtered water. You can’t expect to make good espresso using tap water. Cold brew is an interesting take. In the old traditional way, you would have to let coffee grounds soak in cold water overnight, or for at least 12 hours on average. The Opera does it in a few minutes. The procedure drips the cold brew out like droplets of coffee. Just get a mug, fill it with some ice, and sit back while it does the job. Just on a critical minor side note, it would have been nice if the control panel was a touch screen. I know that some people may say that the screen can go out, or something to that nature… But mechanical buttons can also break/stick. I think it would have added a nice touch of modernism to an already great machine. Primarily for Espresso lovers, and people who enjoy espresso and espresso drinks without a lot of the hassle. Probably not for People who already have a super expensive espresso machine that they love, and or people who love the simplicity and bad taste of pod coffee makers. All in all De’Longhi continues to make great espresso machines. I like how they’re incorporating different aspects from different machines (Like the cold brew from the Arte Evo), and adding it to a previously very popular design. The Opera is easy to use if you’re familiar with using an espresso machine, and if you’re not, then it’ll probably take about 20 minutes to read through a few pages of the quick start guide, and making a few espresso shots to feel comfortable with how it works. I wouldn’t call this an expensive machine but it certainly isn’t cheap. Once you get into the groove of making your own specialty drinks, you’ll say goodbye to your local café that charges you for overpriced coffee. The machine will pay for itself in about a year depending on how often you go. I would definitely recommend this to all coffee lovers, and potential coffee enthusiasts.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Espresso quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    One beautiful, high quality espresso machine!

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    An Amateur Review of the De’Longhi La Specialista Opera First off, let me just say that before receiving this machine, I had never pulled a shot of espresso in my life. I’ve enjoyed numerous espresso drinks and espresso itself, but never actually been the one to pull it. I’ve enjoyed over the past three days trying out all the features of my De’Longhi La Specialista Opera. If you are, like me, new to using an espresso machine, I highly recommend that you look up some videos about ‘Dialing in your Machine’ as well as ‘How to pull espresso shots’. Had I done those two items, I could have gotten my machine set up to work with my beans and learned the science behind how espresso is made (and not wasted half a bag of coffee beans). So, if your first attempts don’t come out like your favorite espresso shop, don’t be discouraged! It took me several attempts and even now, I’m not exactly 100% there yet, but am confident I will be. The De’Longhi La Specialista Opera came packaged very well. It was a box within a box with lots of cushioning and protection. There wasn’t a scratch or a ding on my machine after unpacking. In my opinion, the Opera, in its shining stainless steel, is not just an espresso machine, but a work of art! As I am new to all this and one of those odd guys who actually reads instructions, I first began by fishing them out and reading them. In the package are two instruction manuals. One color quick start guide and then a more detailed black and white instruction manual. I had to refer to both instruction booklets to understand how the filters worked and how to use the machine. It would have been nice if the color quick start book had included some of the basic setup instructions. As noted above, my first attempts at making espresso did not turn out so well. I honestly thought the machine’s pressure valve was malfunctioning. Thankfully, it was just my inexperience, and after watching a few videos, I was able to dial my machine in and get the pressure within the optimal range (as shown on the pressure meter). As with all things, don’t let perfection be the enemy of good, find the method that works best for you and even if it isn’t picture-perfect, award-winning champion barista level, do not be disappointed. There are so many factors to experiment with, you are going to steadily improve with time and experience. One main thing I learned is the freshness and quality of the bean made a much larger than expected, positive difference. Then, you have 15 different coarseness settings for the bean grinder, a dose level from 1 to 40, and 3 temperature settings! Now on to some of the features. This machine has a large water reservoir. My only mild complaint with the water reservoir is that it is difficult to see if you have sufficient water or not since it is on the back of the machine. It would have been nice to have a water level meter on the front. You can make multiple style espresso drinks; cold brew, cool espresso, espresso, americano, and coffee. There is also a hot water button on the front that is quite handy. There is a milk frothing wand which works quite well, all-be-it loudly. You also have a bean burr grinder on top and a sturdy, confidence inspiring tamping lever. The machine comes with single and double shot filters for hot drinks, and single and double shot filters for cool/cold drinks. One you have the machine dialed in, it does an excellent job of making espresso. I was able to get good crema, and expect that, like with all other aspects of the machine, I will improve over time. I also was surprised to find out that it makes very nice cool espresso. I had never had cool espresso previously, and found delicious and sweet. Cold brew, which was my least favorite drink, took about 7 minutes to make. The other drinks were made quickly, even cool espresso. The milk frothing wand is very nice; it puts out good steam and froths up the milk into a thick, silky, luscious froth for lattes and other drinks. The want is insulated and isn’t terribly hot to the touch, but I would still suggest exercising caution as it is NOT cold after use. Now for noise level – Grinding the beans is at about 70 decibels according to a sound decibel app I downloaded. The actual pouring of the espresso is around 60 to 65 decibels. The cold cycles are slightly quieter. The frothing wand was the loudest at around 78 decibels. For reference, 60 to 65 decibels is the noise level you’d hear in your average Dilbert style cubical office space. Normal conversation level is 65 to 70 decibels, and your average vacuum cleaner is 75. So, you may find that if you’re the first one up in the morning and start making an espresso for yourself, others in the house are going to come running and expecting you to make them some, too! Overall, I am very pleased with De’Longhi’s La Specialista Opera home espresso machine and will be enjoying making many more espressos and other drinks with the machine for family and friends alike. The key take-away here is that this is a very advanced machine, and for those new to espresso machines, your patience and practice is going to pay off. I give the De’Longhi La Specialista Opera an enthusiastic, 5 star rating.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Grinder
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    The Opera Sings at another Octave

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The De'Longhi - La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine truly exceeded my expectations of what an all in one espresso machine was able to do. Firstly, I have owned the La Specialista Arte version of this machine and I can tell you that De'Longhi learned from their errors in design with the Arte when creating the Opera. First let's talk about the main thing that is always a key issue that is now fixed in the Opera, the grinder. Having the additional grind settings is a life saver to properly dial in the espresso. I only had to maybe waste 2 or 3 portafilters worth to dial in this espresso. It grinds extremely well. There is no longer a need for a guide either for the grinder. It locks in place and reduces mess which is a nice added benefit. Secondly, the built in tamper I was curious to see how consistent it would be tamp over tamp. To my surprise the tamper creates a consistent tamp every single time. I do admit you need to clean the sides of the tamper after a few uses because you will hear the espresso grounds getting caught in the retraction mechanism but a quick dusting and wipe fixes that problem immediately. The thermoblock unit is much more consistent now as well I have found very little reason to need to preheat the portafilter with a hot water pass. I am able to get the proper 9 bar espresso shot. Granted I will usually steam my milk first which also will prep the block prior to making an espresso shot which may help but I haven't had a terrible tasting shot yet from this machine after using 2 different beans. The newest features such as the Cool Espresso was certainly something new to explore and De'Longhi did really well with it. I was curious how the shot would taste without needing heated water but its a smooth shot over ice and perfect for a warm summer day when a hot espresso is just not what you want. Overall this machine is worth its weight in gold and I truly cannot imagine ever needing to buy another espresso machine. De'Longhi nailed this one and hit it out of the park to a level I would have never expected.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Espresso quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Oh! The Smell & Taste of Freshly Brewed Espresso!

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I have been buying and drinking expensive bottled Cafe Mocha for years. Boy, I didn't know what I was missing. When I saw this De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine, I thought it was time to find out and ordered it. When the La Specialista Opera arrived, I opened the box to many accessories and a beautiful, gleaming brushed stainless steel machine of substantial build quality, size and weight. I set it up on the kitchen counter and then sat down to read the directions. I have no experience even making brewed coffee in a pot, much less the experience of a barista. I found the directions a bit daunting for a novice. But, after reading through the instructions a couple of times and familiarizing myself with the machine description, controls and accessories, I decided to approach this step by step. The very first thing is to lift out the Water Tank from the back of the machine and gently wash it and all the accessories in warm soapy water and then thoroughly rinse them. The next step is to prepare the machine for first time usage. This preparation initially involves ensuring that the Drip Tray, the Cup Grille and the Drip Tray Grille are correctly positioned. Then, fill the newly cleaned Water Tank with cold, clean water up to embossed MAX level line on the tank and carefully slide it into place on the back of the machine. (Do not ever operate the machine without water in the tank or without the tank in the machine.) The rest of the setup (I suggest that you read the instructions carefully and look at the diagrams) consists of plugging the cord into an appropriate wall socket, placing an at least 6.76 fl oz. container under the hot water spout and then pressing the Hot Water Button on the front of the machine. This will turn the hot water on and then shut off. Do this several times to flush out any manufacturing residue that may be left over in the machine. Make sure not to overflow your catch container - stop occasionally and empty it. Then, place a 1 cup filter for Hot brewing into the Portafilter with the handle (yes, you really need to learn the idiomatic terms!) and then align the Portafilter handle to the "INSERT" label on the Coffee Spout, push up and turn the handle to the "CLOSE" position to ensure it is locked in. Place the catch container back on the grille under the Portafilter and then move the Steam Wand from the side of the machine to empty into the catch container. From there, all you have to do is press the "OK" button and hot water will flow through the Portafilter and turn off. Do this a few times to ensure proper flushing. Then, turn the Steam Dial on the right hand side of the machine from "0" to the Steam icon to release a jet of steam and then put back to "0". Do this several times to ensure that the steam circuit is rinsed. Whew! The machine is now ready for use. Well almost... Now, De'Longhi provides a Water Hardness Test Strip with the machine and the suggestion, which I took, is to test your water hardness right away, compare the hardness results to the chart provided in the instructions. Once the rest of the first run preparation is completed, go and set the proper hardness settings into the machine per the instructions. This will be important for how often you need to clean the machine for mineral build-up in the future and the machine will notify you of when it needs to be done. Now, you can grind your coffee beans and make your first Espresso, either Hot or Cold depending on your choice and setup. There is a learning curve and proper setup adjustments before you get very satisfactory results. The manual warns you that it may take 4 to 5 cups of coffee to get the machine dialed in to your particular choice of coffee bean, how it grinds, and what it takes to get to the "perfect dose" or amount that you get with a particular grind coarseness setting, and Dose Level setting and whether it fills the Coffee Filters to the mark on the Filter after Tamping. There is definitely a learning curve. But once you smell that freshly ground coffee and taste that delicious espresso it will all be worth it! The De'Longhi - La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine does an exceptional job at allowing you to be your own Barista! I already have suggested this machine to friends and family.

    I would recommend this to a friend
Sponsored