Customer Ratings & Reviews

Unboxing was easy and straightforward. I removed the well packed machine. Also was a box with the other attachements. Setup was somewhat complex. I read the included quick start guide. After cleaning the water reovoir and other attachments it was ready to go. I did process the steam cleaning function 4 times since it was suggested in the manual. Then after filling the water to the max line. I put some espresso beans in the top hopper. Use: I tried the initial settings of 10 (Dose), 2/3 temp, Middle Grinding, 2 shots and espresso. I hit the ok button and some espresso ground. Then I pulled the Tamper down and removed it. I connected it to the espresso side and hit the OK button and the espresso was very little and watery. I proceeded to play with the dose until I finally was able to dial in 20, 2/3 temp, Fine Grinding, 2 shots and espresso. Then the color came out like the manual shows. The taste was good and full. I proceeded to try the same settings for the cool espresso to make and iced Americano. Also used the included cup to froth some milk and while that was nice. I typically like espresso and Americano’s. I typically use other cream for flavor. I like the entire machine and build quality. Pro’s: • 2 shot espresso at home • Cool espresso option • Sealed grinder of fresh beans • Water container holds a lot of water • Build quality good Con’s • The machine was complicated and took a lot of trial and error to dial in settings • Can be a lot of work for a quick shot of espresso • Can vibrate when in operation and seems loud • No included espresso cups In conclusion I highly recommend this machine if you want to make quality espresso drinks at home. So far I am very happy with the machine and feel like it will last a long time. I do wish they had more details to the dialing in of settings. Also wish an set of espresso glasses where included.

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.

Love the improvements of the new DeLonghi Opera. Being a prior owner of the La Specialista Prestigio, I am a big fan of the upgrades to there newest model. First, let’s talk about the look. The 100% stainless steel body gives it a high end feel as well as the improved digital presence adding more options and simplifying your choices with just a few quick steps. Digital layout options are simple and light up based on your selections for brewing and or if something needs attention, like water level, cleaning etc. The second improvement I noticed is the implementation of an upgraded grinder, giving you 15 options instead of the original 8 giving you the ability to really dial in how coarse you want your grind getting you the perfect taste every time. Third, the tamping arm seems to function a lot more smoothly than there past model, making tamping a breeze. An easy pull and press. Now, let’s talk about the new cold brew option. To start they’ve added two new filters to use when filtering your cold brews. The portafilter has also been upgraded with a better engineered drip spout for a smoother and more controlled drip. Please note, although the new Cold Extraction Technology is amazing for making cold brews, it does take some time to dispense, so patience is necessary. Also, they recommend that your water is fresh before brewing even if it’s only been a couple of days. Overall, my experience has been really great. My espressos, americanos, and coffee have been nothing shy of perfection every time. I feel these upgrades cleaned up the look, functionality, and simplified options giving this brewing station a high end brew experience right in your own kitchen. I would highly recommend this product!

The De’Longhi La Specialista Opera espresso machine is the all in one powerhouse for any home. Beautiful design, small footprint and at a price point for the masses. It is important that you read and follow the initial setup instructions to ensure proper operation of your machine. After performing the initial set up I also went into the menu settings to set the hardness of my water prior to making my first cup of espresso, this is not required but I would recommend it. The initial set up is complete within 7 steps and about 5 minutes. The area that you are most likely to spend a majority of time on will be calibrating your Dose amount and Grinder setting for the perfect cup. The instruction manuals are very detailed to help you along, perfect if you’re new to owning an espresso machine and helpful to the seasoned pro. You are not limited to espresso with the De’ Longhi Opera, Tea, Americano, regular Coffee, Cold Brew, Espresso Ice…. These are all an option for your coffee needs or tea desires. The built in smart tamper is wonderful and works extremely well. Clean up is easy. The steamer works great and quickly comes to temperature. The automatic shut off can be set for three different time limits, 5 Minutes, 1.5 hours and 3 hours. Everything you need to maintain the machine is included, cleaning tools, initial descaling solution, initial cleaning tabs. If you do live in an area with hard water, use of treated water would net the best results and help keep the internals free of scale build up.

Review: De’Longhi La Specialista Opera – A Sophisticated Symphony of Espresso Engineering The De’Longhi La Specialista Opera is the latest offering from a brand known for delivering thoughtfully engineered coffee appliances that balance Italian craftsmanship with user-friendly design. Marketed as a semi-automatic espresso machine that bridges the gap between convenience and control, the La Specialista Opera is a strong contender for home baristas who want the café experience without a steep learning curve—or barista school tuition. Design & Build Quality: 9/10 Out of the box, the Opera makes a bold first impression. Its brushed stainless steel finish is both modern and timeless, with sturdy knobs and intuitive controls that feel premium in-hand. The tactile response of the buttons and dials gives it a solid, professional feel, and it’s clear that De’Longhi invested care into both the aesthetics and the ergonomics. With its dual heating system (Thermoblock for brewing, independent heating element for steaming), the machine avoids the lag time between espresso extraction and milk frothing—a small but appreciated upgrade over more basic units. Features & Functionality: 8.5/10 Here’s where the Opera hits most of the right notes: • Smart Tamping Station: Consistent tamping is essential for even extraction, and De’Longhi’s built-in tamping lever offers a surprisingly effective solution. It’s a clever addition that reduces mess while encouraging good technique. • Sensor Grinding Technology: The integrated burr grinder adjusts for dose and grind consistency with decent accuracy, and offers enough grind settings (typically 8–10) for most espresso blends. That said, true espresso aficionados may crave a bit more precision here. • Dynamic Pre-Infusion: This feature automatically adjusts to the grind density for even saturation—another smart touch that helps beginners avoid under-extracted shots. • Steam Wand: While not quite as powerful as a commercial-grade wand, it does a solid job for cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. Microfoam is achievable with practice. Performance: 8/10 In daily use, the La Specialista Opera delivers consistently good espresso with rich crema, provided your beans are fresh and your grind settings are dialed in. It’s a forgiving machine that rewards good inputs without punishing experimentation. It’s also relatively quiet for a unit with a built-in grinder, which is a plus for early mornings. Where it slightly lags is in ultimate customization—if you’re looking to program pre-infusion times to the second or fine-tune PID temperatures to within a single degree, this isn’t a prosumer machine. But that’s not the target audience, either. Maintenance & Usability: 9/10 De’Longhi’s attention to user experience shines in cleaning and upkeep. Descaling reminders, removable drip trays, and accessible internals make routine maintenance straightforward. The machine heats quickly and maintains stable pressure with minimal babysitting. Value: 8.5/10 At its price point (typically around $800–$1000 depending on market and retailer), the La Specialista Opera competes directly with Breville’s Barista Pro/Touch lineup. It holds its own through build quality, tamping convenience, and its striking design. It’s more than capable of satisfying espresso lovers without pushing into full-on hobbyist territory. ⸻ Final Verdict: 8.6/10 The De’Longhi La Specialista Opera lives up to its name—a carefully orchestrated espresso machine that brings ease, elegance, and just enough control to satisfy a wide range of users. Whether you’re upgrading from a basic espresso machine or starting fresh in the world of home espresso, this machine offers a refined, intuitive experience that looks as good on your countertop as your latte art in the cup. Pros: • Excellent build quality • Built-in grinder and smart tamping • Easy to use for beginners • Fast heat-up and good thermal stability Cons: • Grinder could use finer adjustments • Limited programmability for advanced users • Steam wand power slightly underwhelming for large volumes

De'Longhi has been an all time favorite of mine and this unit makes cafè quality espresso and cappuccinos right from my home. No need to spend good money for over priced burnt coffee at the local coffee shop by so workers that would rather play on their phones then get the right pour. The self tamper is a game changer for a nubile like myself and I love the ability to experiment with grind and dosing..

I bought this to replace a De'Longhi Magnifica that I bought sometime around 2006 that finally died its final death on me last year. I also have a full manual Gaggia that I obtained around the same time which is also on its last leg. The reason I mentioned my other / old espresso machines is because I wanted to point out that I've had both fully automatic down to manual machines and was looking for something a bit in between. Because I had such a good experience with the Magnifica I was leaning towards the De'Longhi brand when doing my search. I have only had it now for a couple of weeks but definitely satisfied using it for making espresso. I do want to try the cool espresso and coffee functionality but need to download the online instructions and figure out how to use that functionality and the pressurized portafilter. For espresso it does take a few shots or so to dial it in. The grinder is time based so its a matter of either weighing out the beans and putting them in the (empty) grinder each time or just keeping the hopper loaded and experimenting. For everyday use I went the latter route. The auto-tamper is a nice feature and steamer / wand is great. Some downsides: I would really like to have a removable grinder and or bean bin. My Magnifica had a side water tank and the water level was visible so I knew exactly how much was left just looking at the machine whether it was on or off. The Opera's water tank slides into the back of the machine and there is no visibility.

Great machine , the grinder works to perfection and coffe temperature is great Very happy with our Specialista!

So far so good! Easy to use and clean. Makes really good premium quality coffee.

Had no idea coffee could taste like this! Very impressed with the quality and ease of use of this expresso machine. If you are a coffee lover that likes to have quality coffee on demand, this is perfect for you! Looking forward to exploring fancy drinks at home and serving them to guest!

1st off I like it! It makes breat espresso and does this consistently. My only knock is the ease of use, but given this is a manual machine it has a learning curb to it. I would recommend to watch a view setup videos and some barista videos so you can learn what good espresso is lol unless you're not a novice . But in my opinion this one works better than the Breville. De'Longhi has step up there game.

I like it but very expensive Good machine for express

Love the machine. It is semi-automatic coffee making at its best. It grinds and has a tamper lever on the side so makes it easy and less messy. The steam wand puts out good power and I have been very happy with the consistency of the milk.

Great expresso machine, once you figure out how to dial in the grind size and then the dose level with the temperature, it is liquid gold. I recommend using fresh coffee beans median light.

This machine is a beast and is truly a coffee fanatic’s dream! The versatility and quality of this machine is amazing! Wish we purchased this sooner! There isn’t enough coffee!!!

Wife has been wanting one of these for years. Finally pulled the trigger. Great product. Easy to clean. Most importantly, the wife loves it!

Great machine for the money. Would recommend to anyone looking for a new espresso machine. Easy to use and great features.

This is a great espresso machine, I would recommend this product to everyone I like this better than the Breville

Makes way better tasking coffee than the major coffee chain brand, even when using their own beans.

I don’t know why i waited so long to buy this coffee machine.. since i purchased that i never get back to filtered coffee.. it is very easy to use.. littke bit of work and you can make barista qualiy lattes, cappuccinos and espressos..