De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR Manual Coffee Machine Review: The Aspiring Barista’s Perfect Start

There’s a certain ritual to a truly great cup of coffee. It’s more than just a morning jolt; it’s a moment of calm, a sensory experience that sets the tone for the day. For years, my quest for that perfect latte or rich espresso was outsourced to local coffee shops, a habit that was as delightful for my palate as it was detrimental to my wallet. The attempts to replicate it at home often ended in disappointment—weak, uninspired brews from drip machines or the repetitive, sometimes artificial taste of generic pods. I craved the control, the aroma of freshly ground beans, the satisfying hiss of a steam wand, and the velvety texture of perfectly frothed milk. The problem was that “prosumer” espresso machines often come with intimidating price tags and a steep learning curve. The challenge was finding a machine that could bridge the gap, offering an authentic, hands-on barista experience without requiring a second mortgage or a degree in coffee science. This is the exact niche the De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR Manual Coffee Machine aims to fill.

What to Consider Before Buying a Manual Espresso Machine

A manual espresso machine is more than just an appliance; it’s an invitation to engage in the craft of coffee making. It’s a key solution for those who want to move beyond the limitations of automated systems and take full control over every variable of their brew, from the grind size and tamping pressure to the extraction time and milk texture. The main benefit is unparalleled quality and customisation. You are the barista. You decide the strength, the flavour, and the final presentation. This hands-on approach transforms a daily routine into a rewarding hobby, allowing you to create drinks that are perfectly tailored to your personal taste, something a pod machine can never truly replicate.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a budding passion for coffee, an enthusiast eager to learn the fundamentals of espresso pulling and milk steaming. They are patient, willing to experiment, and see the process as part of the pleasure. It’s for the person who enjoys the journey of dialling in the perfect shot. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who prioritise speed and convenience above all else. If your morning routine is a frantic dash out the door and you need coffee in 60 seconds with zero effort, a fully automatic or pod-based system would be a more practical choice. The manual process requires time and attention that not everyone is willing to invest.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Countertop real estate is precious. Manual machines can vary significantly in size. Before you buy, measure your available space, paying attention to height, especially if you have low-hanging kitchen cabinets. The beauty of a model like the Stilosa is its compact footprint, designed to fit comfortably in smaller kitchens without sacrificing performance, a point many users celebrate.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at the water tank capacity—a 1-litre tank is a good starting point for personal or small family use, minimising frequent refills. The most critical performance metric is the pump pressure, measured in bars. The industry standard for true espresso is at least 9 bars, so a machine boasting 15 bars, like this De’Longhi, has more than enough power to extract the full flavour and create a rich, stable crema.
• Materials & Durability: The build quality dictates the machine’s longevity. Look for a stainless steel boiler, which offers excellent thermal stability and resistance to corrosion compared to cheaper aluminium options. While many entry-level machines have plastic exteriors to keep costs down, pay attention to the key components. A solid, weighty metal portafilter, for example, feels more professional and retains heat better than a lightweight one.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A “manual” machine shouldn’t mean “impossibly difficult.” Look for intuitive controls, like a simple dial or clear buttons. Removable components, such as the drip tray and water tank, are essential for easy cleaning. A machine that is simple to descale and wipe down will be a joy to use long-term, rather than a chore you come to resent.

Keeping these factors in mind, the De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR Manual Coffee Machine stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR Manual Coffee Machine is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, including pod-based alternatives for those who value convenience, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Style and Substance in a Compact Package

Unboxing the De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR Manual Coffee Machine was a genuinely pleasant experience. Too often, budget-friendly appliances feel flimsy, but that wasn’t the case here. The first thing that struck me was the stunning sage green colour. It’s a soft, retro-inspired shade that adds a touch of personality to the kitchen, a welcome departure from the endless sea of black and stainless steel. As one user aptly put it, it’s a “BEAUTIFUL sage green newer version” that looks “super smart.”

The build quality immediately felt solid for its price point. While the main housing is plastic, it’s a high-grade, durable plastic that doesn’t feel cheap. Crucially, the functional parts feel robust. The portafilter is made of metal with a nicely weighted handle, inspiring confidence with every twist and lock. Inside the box, we found the machine itself, the portafilter, two filter baskets (for single and double shots), and a combination scoop/tamper. A clever design touch, echoed in user feedback, is the hidden storage compartment within the machine for the unused filter basket—a small but brilliant feature that prevents tiny, essential parts from getting lost in a drawer. Assembly was non-existent; it was simply a matter of rinsing the water tank, drip tray, and portafilter, and running a few cycles of hot water through the system as recommended in the manual—a vital step to prime the machine and ensure the first coffee is pure.

Deep Dive: Putting the Stilosa Through Its Paces

A coffee machine can look beautiful on the counter, but its true worth is measured in the cup. Over several weeks, we put the De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR Manual Coffee Machine through a rigorous testing process, exploring every function from pulling simple espresso shots to crafting complex milk-based drinks. We experimented with different beans, grinds, and techniques to see where it excelled and where its limitations lay.

The Heart of the Matter: Pulling the Perfect Espresso Shot

The soul of any espresso machine is its ability to force hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure. The Stilosa’s 15-bar pump is its headline feature, and we found it delivered on its promise. After letting the machine warm up for about five minutes—a best practice shared by experienced users—we were ready to brew. The process is tactile and engaging. Loading the double-shot filter basket, tamping the grounds to create a level “puck,” and locking the portafilter into the group head provides a satisfying, mechanical feedback loop.

Turning the simple dial to the coffee icon initiates the brew. The machine hums to life, and within seconds, a rich, dark stream of espresso begins to flow. The results were consistently impressive for a machine in this category. We achieved a beautiful, hazelnut-coloured crema that was thick and persistent, a clear sign of a proper extraction. The flavour was full-bodied and aromatic, miles ahead of what you’d get from a typical drip brewer. We found that the quality of the coffee is directly proportional to the quality of your beans and your grind. Using a burr grinder to get a fine, consistent grind is highly recommended to unlock the machine’s full potential. The included plastic tamper is adequate for beginners, but investing in a solid metal tamper allows for a more even and consistent pressure, which in turn leads to a more balanced shot. The flexibility to use ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods is also a nice touch for days when you’re short on time, making this a versatile starting point for any coffee journey.

Mastering the Steam Wand: The Art of Milk Frothing

For many, the allure of an espresso machine lies in the ability to create café favourites like lattes and cappuccinos. This is where the Stilosa’s manual cappuccino system comes into play, and it’s an area where it truly shines, transforming the user from a mere coffee drinker into a home barista. After brewing our espresso, we turned the dial to the steam setting. The machine takes about 30-40 seconds to heat up to steam temperature, indicated by the ‘OK’ light. The steam wand is powerful and effective, though it requires practice.

Our first few attempts produced big, soapy bubbles, but with a bit of technique—keeping the tip just below the surface of the milk to introduce air, then plunging it deeper to create a smooth, swirling vortex—we were soon creating silky microfoam. As one user joyfully exclaimed, “I’m feeling like a world-class barista right now!” The key is using cold, fresh milk and a stainless steel frothing jug. This manual control is a significant advantage over automatic frothers; you can dictate the exact texture and temperature of your milk, whether you want a stiff, airy foam for a traditional cappuccino or a velvety, pourable texture for latte art. We did notice the minor water drizzle from the steam wand that a user mentioned, but found it to be a small, manageable quirk. After frothing, a quick purge of the steam wand by running hot water through it keeps it clean and ready for the next use—another thoughtful feature that simplifies maintenance.

Design, Daily Use, and Long-Term Livability

Living with the De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR Manual Coffee Machine day-to-day is a delight. Its compact size, not much larger than a kettle, makes it a perfect fit for even the most space-conscious kitchens. The 1-litre water tank is easily accessible from the back and, as a user cleverly suggested, can be refilled from the top without being fully removed, which is a convenient time-saver. The controls are brilliantly simple: a single four-position dial for on/off, coffee, hot water, and steam. There are no confusing menus or complex programming, just direct, analogue control.

One of the most frequently mentioned drawbacks is the limited space under the portafilter. Standard espresso cups and small mugs fit perfectly, but for a larger latte glass or travel mug, you have to remove the two-level drip tray. This is a minor inconvenience but something to be aware of if you primarily drink larger-sized coffees. Cleaning is straightforward. The drip tray slides out easily, and the stainless steel and plastic surfaces wipe clean with a damp cloth. The longevity of De’Longhi machines is often praised, with one user noting their previous model lasted nearly 15 years. With its stainless steel boiler and robust construction, the Stilosa feels built to provide many years of faithful service, making the experience of crafting your perfect coffee a reliable and enjoyable part of your daily routine. If you’re ready to elevate your coffee game, this machine is a fantastic and affordable place to start.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment towards the De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR Manual Coffee Machine is overwhelmingly positive, especially among those new to manual espresso or upgrading from pod systems. Many users, like one who worked in hospitality, praise it for being the “best basic coffee machine that fulfilled my needs,” highlighting its neat, compact, and easy-to-use nature. Another reviewer, a self-proclaimed “big costa drinker,” was thrilled to finally replicate their favourite lattes at home, recommending the machine “100%.” The ease of cleaning and the quality of the coffee are common threads, with one person stating it’s one of their “best purchases” for making “perfect coffee everytime.”

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which provides a balanced view. A recurring minor issue is the limited clearance for taller mugs, with a user finding it “annoying that for an americano (mug size), you have to take off the receiver.” A more technical user noted that the portafilter is closer to 54mm than the standard 51mm, which could cause issues with third-party tampers, and found the single-shot basket too small for a proper dose. Finally, a small number of customers reported receiving units that appeared dusty or possibly returned, which speaks to potential quality control or fulfillment issues on occasion, rather than a flaw in the machine’s design itself.

How Does the De’Longhi Stilosa Compare to the Alternatives?

The De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR Manual Coffee Machine offers a hands-on, craft-oriented experience. However, the market for single-serve machines is vast, with many prioritizing convenience. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular pod-based alternatives.

1. Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi for Original Coffee Pods

The Nespresso Citiz is all about speed, consistency, and urban chic. Using Nespresso’s Original line of pods, it delivers a consistent espresso shot with a simple button press in under 30 seconds. Where the Stilosa offers infinite control and requires user skill, the Citiz offers foolproof simplicity. It’s the ideal choice for someone with a busy lifestyle who values a reliable, high-quality espresso without any of the mess or learning curve associated with grinding, tamping, and steaming. However, you trade the Stilosa’s creative freedom and lower cost-per-cup of using fresh grounds for the convenience and recurring expense of Nespresso pods.

2. Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Machine

The Vertuo Next represents a different Nespresso ecosystem, designed for those who enjoy a wider variety of coffee sizes, from a single espresso to a large Alto. It uses a unique centrifugal brewing technology and barcode-reading system to automatically optimize the brewing parameters for each specific Vertuo pod. This is its key advantage over both the Stilosa and the Citiz—unmatched versatility in drink size. If your household has diverse coffee preferences, from short shots to long blacks, the Vertuo Next is a compelling option. The trade-off is being locked into the Vertuo pod system, which is generally more expensive and less widely available than Original line pods or fresh coffee beans.

3. Nespresso Inissia Original Espresso Machine

The Nespresso Inissia is the epitome of a compact, budget-friendly pod machine. It is incredibly small, lightweight, and focuses on doing one thing well: making espresso and lungo from Original line pods quickly and easily. It competes directly with the Stilosa on price and counter space but from a completely different philosophy. The Inissia is for the ultimate minimalist who wants the Nespresso experience in the smallest, most affordable package. While the Stilosa provides the tools to become a home barista, the Inissia provides the fastest route from pod to cup with zero fuss, making it a better choice for dorm rooms, small offices, or anyone who sees a coffee machine as a pure utility rather than a hobby.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR?

After extensive testing and careful consideration, our conclusion is a resounding yes, but for a specific type of coffee lover. The De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR Manual Coffee Machine is an outstanding entry-level manual machine that punches well above its weight class. It brilliantly balances performance, style, and affordability. It provides all the essential tools—15-bar pressure, a capable steam wand, and a robust build—to learn and perfect the art of espresso without the intimidating cost of higher-end equipment. The coffee it produces is genuinely excellent, rich with crema and full of flavour, easily rivalling that from your local café once you’ve mastered the basics.

We recommend it wholeheartedly to the aspiring home barista, the coffee enthusiast ready to graduate from pods, or anyone who finds joy in a hands-on, creative process. If you crave control, enjoy experimentation, and want a machine that will grow with your skills, this is an unbeatable choice. For those who need coffee in an instant with zero effort, a pod machine remains a better fit. But for the craft, the quality, and the sheer satisfaction of pulling your own perfect shot, the Stilosa is a remarkable value.

If you’ve decided the De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.GR Manual Coffee Machine is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.