Amazon's Spring Sale has arrived and with it comes a flurry of bargain deals that can help better your home, garden, beauty cabinet and more. One machine that I swear by on a daily basis and, admittedly, cannot live without (as a former barista who needs a good cuppa) is my beloved coffee machine.
It just so happens that the Amazon 'best-selling' espresso machine, which 'makes absolutely delicious coffee', is currently on sale with £88 off. The De'Longhi Dedica Style Traditional Pump Espresso Machine in the silver shade has been slashed by 38%.
Usually retailing at £229.99, it's now down to just £141.55, beating Amazon's Black Friday price and John Lewis and Currys ' price of £149. When you're considering investing your hard earned money in such a staple machine, reviews, pros and cons are vital in helping you weigh up the options, nudging you towards hitting that 'buy' button.
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Now, this particular model has been fuelling my caffeine cravings for years now and shows no signs of slowing down; its quality is still top notch. Without blowing my own trumpet too hard, I reckon I have a pretty good authority to comment on it.
Having worked in various coffee shops from Starbucks to local independent cafes, learning the tricks and tastes of the trade, I've earned my stripes as something of a coffee connoisseur (or 'snob', if you will).While I - like many - love popping into my nearest indie cafe for a rich, full-bodied, creamy flat white on a Saturday morning or en route to work, buying coffee out all the time adds up, reports the Mirror.
Investing in a coffee machine for my kitchen was a game-changer, and it has over the years saved me a pretty penny. In fact, if you do the maths, the cost of this coffee machine at full price equates to just 67 takeaway coffees (assuming the average coffee is priced at £3.40).
This means that after a few months of owning this machine, you'll have essentially made your money back - even more so when it's on sale. This De'Longhi coffee machine is probably my favourite kitchen gadget to date (apologies to my hard-working Philips airfryer.), not only because it brews excellent coffee, from Americanos to lattes to cappuccinos, but also because it's incredibly easy to use.
The De'Longhi model doesn't overwhelm you with countless options for different types of coffee or grind your beans for you (I buy mine pre-ground); it has three simple buttons. One for a single espresso shot, one is for a double espresso shot, and one to prepare the steam wand (so you can whip up the frothiest or smoothest steamed milk). If you want something quick, simple and easy, those are all the options you need because making a good cup of Joe shouldn't be complicated.
Although if you do want something with a few more options, Philips' Series 2300 Fully automatic espresso machine is on sale for £349.99, meanwhile Breville's bean to cup Barista Max Espress Machine is £300 from £450.
Now, whipping up the perfect milk with De'Longhi's machine might take a few tries, but once you've got it down, you're well on your way to crafting a delicious homemade latte that rivals your nearest Starbucks (or independent alternative) - and without the queue nor hefty bill.
The machine is fully equipped with a coffee tamper for an evenly distributed espresso and boasts a high 15 BAR pressure. Thanks to its thermoblock technology, the water stays at the perfect temperature for brewing the ideal espresso.
Plus, its removable water tank can make at least three mugs before needing a refill.
Cleaning it is a breeze too. Its manual descaling system which only needs attention occasionally. The discounted gadget has been praised by coffee lovers for producing 'heavenly coffee', racking up over 24,000 five-star reviews.
While some have dubbed it 'the best fuss-free home espresso machine', others have reported issues with the frother, claiming it can be unpredictable. However, in my personal experience, I've only encountered this once or twice while getting used to the machine, and generally, it's been problem-free.
One thing to note though, detaching the water tank can be slightly tricky and requires both hands to fill and clean. Also, if you overfill the espresso portafilter even slightly, it can be a struggle to attach it, so be careful not to overdo it.
In addition to making great coffee, its compact size and stylish design not only add elegance to your kitchen but also fit neatly into any space without being an eyesore - measuring just 149mm wide and 330mm deep.
The De'Longhi Dedica Style Traditional Pump Espresso Machine isn't the only one included in the Amazon Spring Sale. Sage's The Barista Express Bean to Cup Coffee Machine with Grinder and Milk Frother usually retails at £629.95 but is currently £479.95, meanwhile, the L'OR BARISTA Sublime Coffee Capsule Machine by Philips is £59.98 instead of £109.99.