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De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.CR — A Budget Espresso Machine with Surprising Potential
🎯 First Impressions & Value
The De’Longhi Stilosa (EC260.CR) is a strikingly affordable way to enter the world of espresso. With its classic barista-style design and compact footprint, it brings visual polish to the kitchen for under £100–£120. Its cream finish in particular adds a stylish touch that many users note blends seamlessly into modern interiors.Coffee Blog+9Amazon+9Home Grounds+9
Ease of Use & Setup
Getting started is straightforward: plug in, fill the 1‑litre removable tank, and turn the dial to preheat. Within a few minutes (though waiting ~5–10 min yields better temperature stability) it’s ready for use. A single knob handles brewing and steaming, and indicator lights keep operation simple—even for novices.Home GroundsAO
Espresso Quality & Accessories
The machine uses a robust 15-bar pump and stainless steel boiler—features rare at this price point—that help produce strong, crema-rich shots. Even so, the included pressurized filter baskets limit potential: shots tend to be thin, slightly bitter, and lack depth. Many expert reviewers recommend upgrading to a bottomless portafilter with a single‑wall 51 mm basket and a quality grinder for noticeably richer espresso. For example, the Coffee Chronicler achieved professional‑level extraction (~22.7 % yield) after implementing this upgrade.Home Grounds+2The Coffee Chronicler+2Coffeeness+2
Steaming & Milk Frothing
Though the included steam wand (a pannarello style) allows you to froth milk manually, it’s not a powerhouse performer. With patience and practice you can achieve decently textured microfoam, but consistency varies. Some users find the process messy and a bit slow between shots due to the single‑boiler design.YouTube+6The Coffee Chronicler+6Coffeeness+6
Reliability & Build
Overall build quality is solid for the price. The plastic exterior can feel lightweight, but inside components like the stainless steel boiler bring durability. A few users have reported issues—like diminished flow after a few months—but warranty replacements have been honoured.GearLabJohn Lewis & Partners
What Experts Are Saying
Livingetc’s July 2025 espresso machine guide highlights the Stilosa as one of the best entry-level options, applauding its affordability, beginner‑friendly usability, and clean design—though noting that it does show its budget origins in feel and consistency.GearLab+4Livingetc+4Home Grounds+4 Other reviewers echo this: Tech Gear Lab calls it “inexpensive, easy to operate, small footprint,” while cautioning about weaker espresso and slower warm‑up times.GearLab
✅ Pros & Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent affordability for a portafilter machine | Pressurized baskets limit espresso quality |
| Compact design and simple controls | Milk frothing inconsistent and slow |
| Stainless steel boiler—a rarity at this price | Mostly plastic construction feels less durable |
| Ideal pick for beginners or casual users | Requires extra purchases/upgrades for better taste |
🎬 Final Verdict
The De'Longhi EC260.GR Stilosa Espresso Coffee Machine (same model as EC260.CR, just in cream colour) is, without doubt, one of the most accessible espresso machines you can buy in the UK. If you're new to espresso and want a tasteful, budget‑friendly device to learn on, the Stilosa delivers sensible performance with a minimal learning curve.
However, for those who value richer espresso and smoother milk-based drinks, a few upgrades—a better grinder, a single‑wall portafilter, and practice with milk frothing—will unlock much more from this machine. It’s not a luxury pick, but as a starter machine it punches well above its price tag when handled right.
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