If you’re looking for an entry-level espresso machine, both the De’Longhi Dedica Style (aka EC685) and Dedica Duo (aka EC890) deserve a spot on your list. These machines are affordable and easy to use, but they are well built and sturdy, which belies their modest price.
So which one is right for you? The Dedica Duo is the newest and slimmest model, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best for all coffee lovers. I’m here to break down the differences and similarities so you can make an informed decision.
Before going into details, I would like to point out that the De’Longhi De’Longhi series does not only include these two models. There are also the original Dedica (EC680), Dedica Metallics (EC785) and Dedica Arte (EC885) versions, but the Style and Duo are my personal favorites.
If you want more detailed information on either machine, take a look at our full review of the De’Longhi Dedica Style and my hands-on Dedica Duo.
Worth
- Dedica Style is older and generally costs less than Dedica Duo
- Dedica Duo is not yet available in Australia
- Discounts expected on Black Friday
The De’Longhi Dedica Style launched in 2021, with a list price of $349.95 / £199.99 / AU$399. Unsurprisingly, the price has dropped significantly since then and discounts of 25% or more are common. Events like Black Friday often offer even bigger discounts.
The De’Longhi Dedica Duo went on sale in 2025 priced at $299.95/£279.99. At the time of writing (September 2025), it is not yet available in Australia. Because it’s a new device, it’s only sold at full price, although it could benefit from an initial price drop this Black Friday.
- Winner: De’Longhi Dedica Style
design
- Dedica Duo has a more modern look and is available in pastel colors
- It also has a larger, height-adjustable drip tray.
- The steam nozzle is thinner and feels pleasantly cool.
The Dedica Style and Dedica Duo are compact espresso machines that would work well in a small kitchen, but there are some key differences.
When you look at both, you immediately notice that the new duo has a more modern design than its predecessor. It’s a little slimmer as the control buttons are on the top rather than the front, it has a new knurled knob to control the steam wand and the wand itself is slimmer and features a new cool touch design for added security.
The drip tray is also significantly larger, which is a smart upgrade; We found it difficult to fit two espresso cups into the original tray at the same time. The Duo’s tray is also height adjustable to accommodate different sized cups.
De’Longhi has also updated its color palette for the Dedica Duo, available in classic stainless steel, as well as a range of ice cream-inspired shades: pistachio green, pink rose and vanilla white, all with a soft matte finish. No matter what color you choose, you’ll receive a matching portafilter handle, which is a nice touch.
The De’Longhi Dedica Style is sold in a more traditional set of colors: stainless steel, white, black, and red. These last three have a satin finish with a subtle shine. All Dedica style machines come with a black portafilter handle.
- Winner: De’Longhi Dedicates Duo
Characteristics
- Dedica Duo can be prepared hot and cold
- Otherwise the functionalities are very similar.
The biggest difference between these two coffee makers is the Dedica Duo’s ability to brew both hot and cold drawn espresso (hence the name). It’s not just a gimmick: it’s a cool feature that works very well.
This year I’ve tried a lot of coffee makers that claim to cold brew coffee, but not all of them do. Some cheat by asking you to fill a cup with ice and then pour a glass of hot espresso over it, resulting in a diluted drink that lacks the smooth flavor of cold-water extracted coffee.
That’s not the case with the Duo, where the ground coffee is pre-soaked in cold water for a longer period of time and then pulses of water are sent through the coffee. The extraction process takes longer than brewing hot espresso, but you get a sweeter-tasting shot that doesn’t need to be chilled with a lot of ice.
Both machines have a Thermoblock heating system and a maximum pump pressure of 15 bar.
- Winner: De’Longhi Dedicates Duo
Diploma
Both coffee makers are excellent and a good option if you are looking for an affordable basic machine that won’t take up too much space on your kitchen counter. You won’t be disappointed either, it’s just a matter of priorities.
If your main concern is money, the older style Dedica is a better option, especially if you’re waiting for Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. The Dedica Duo is new this year and therefore has not yet received a price cut. While there may be a discount for Black Friday 2025, Style is likely to get a bigger discount.
Both machines heat up quickly and have pumps that keep pressure constant for well-extracted espresso. Steam wands also work well, so you can choose between the two when making hot drinks. However, if you want to make cold drawn espresso, you need the Dedica Duo.
The Dedica Duo also has a more modern look, which I personally prefer, although depending on the style of your kitchen and other appliances, the Dedica Style may fit your aesthetic better.
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