Looking for a compact espresso machine that fits your kitchen without compromising quality? The DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M comparison breaks down features, performance, and usability, helping you choose the best affordable espresso machine. From brewing consistency to milk frothing, this guide ensures you make an informed choice for café-style drinks at home.
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Table of Contents
Quick Overview – DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M
When comparing the DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M, the key differences include design, water tank size, material quality, and user-friendliness. The Stilosa feels more modern and beginner-friendly, while the EC155M focuses on durability and consistent extraction. Both are compact options in the Under $500 category, ideal for casual home espresso enthusiasts.
For new users, see our Beginner espresso guide to get started with espresso basics and proper machine operation.
| Feature | Gaggia Classic Pro | Rancilio Silvia |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | Solid stainless steel body, commercial-style portafilter | Heavy-duty stainless steel, more industrial and robust |
| Boiler Type | Aluminum boiler with updated coating | Brass boiler for better heat retention |
| Steam Power | Good steam performance for home use | Stronger steam pressure is better for milk drinks |
| Best For | Beginners to intermediate users | Intermediate to advanced home baristas |
Detailed Overview – DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M
The DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M reveals nuanced differences that matter to home baristas. Stilosa offers a slightly larger water tank and a contemporary design, while EC155M uses more durable metal components and a reliable heating system.
Both handle ESE pods and ground coffee, with decent crema quality and moderate milk frothing performance, making them strong options when evaluating overall Espresso machine cost and long-term value for home brewing.
If you experience an Heating issue, check the water tank and thermostat to restore proper temperature before brewing.
| Feature | DeLonghi EC155 | DeLonghi Stilosa |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Pump | 15-bar professional | 15-bar professional |
| Build Quality | Metal portafilter, steel liner | Stainless accents, plastic body |
| Water Tank Capacity | ~1.0 L | ~1.0 L |
| Frothing System | Manual steam wand | Manual pannarello frother |
| Filter Options | Single/double/ESE pod | Single/double/ESE pod |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (learning curve) | Very easy (beginner-friendly) |
| Temperature Control | Dual thermostat | Thermoblock system |
| Footprint / Size | Slightly larger | Smaller, compact |
| Cleaning / Maintenance | Moderate | Easy |
| Best For | Intermediate users | Beginners |
1. DeLonghi EC155
Brand: De’Longhi
Capacity: 1 Liter
Color: Black
Product Dimensions: 12.2″D x 19.3″W x 15″H
Special Feature: Cup Warmer, Milk Frother, Removable Tank
The DeLonghi EC155 15-Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is a reliable entry-level espresso maker designed for home users who want café-style drinks without investing in expensive equipment. With its 15-bar professional pressure, it delivers consistent espresso shots with decent crema, provided you use the correct grind size and tamp properly.
The included three-in-one filter holder supports single shots, double shots, and ESE pods, offering flexibility for different preferences.
Its manual milk frother allows users to create rich, creamy foam for cappuccinos and lattes. When comparing DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M, both machines offer capable steam performance, though they require some practice to master proper milk texturing. For those following a Beginner espresso guide, this hands-on frothing experience can actually help build foundational barista skills.
The Advanced Cappuccino System helps maintain brewing temperature, allowing back-to-back drinks without long waiting times—an important factor often highlighted in any DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M comparison for home users seeking consistent results.
The compact design and 1-liter removable water tank make it suitable for small kitchens. However, as with most manual machines, shot quality depends heavily on grind consistency and tamping technique. Overall, the EC155 is a solid choice for beginners seeking an affordable, space-saving espresso machine with dependable performance and basic frothing capability.
2. De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
Brand: De’Longhi
Capacity: 1000 Milliliters
Color: Black and Stainless
Product Dimensions: 8.07″D x 13.5″W x 11.22″H
Special Feature: Milk Frother
The De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine is a well-rounded, budget-friendly espresso maker ideal for beginners and casual coffee lovers who want café-style drinks without breaking the bank.
With its 15-bar pump pressure, the Stilosa can pull surprisingly rich and flavorful espresso shots with respectable crema, especially when paired with a properly ground and tamped dose of coffee. Its compact footprint makes it perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or office counters where space is limited.
One of the standout features in the DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M comparison is the manual milk frother steam wand, which allows users to create foam for lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks. While the frothing power won’t match that of high-end models, it performs impressively well for a Budget espresso machine, making it suitable for everyday home use.
When evaluating DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M, this steam capability stands out as a practical feature that, with a bit of practice, can produce smooth and creamy microfoam for consistent results. The included tamper is a nice extra at this price point, helping beginners learn the basics of preparing grounds correctly.
The removable 1-liter water reservoir is convenient for refilling and cleaning, and the overall build quality feels solid for the price. Most reviewers note that performance is dependable, though results can vary based on grind size and technique.
Overall, the Stilosa shines as an accessible, affordable machine that delivers satisfying espresso and basic milk drinks, making it a strong contender in the entry-level espresso category.
Design & Build Quality Comparison
The DeLonghi Stilosa and EC155M showcase distinct design philosophies that cater to different user priorities. Stilosa emphasizes modern aesthetics, combining stainless steel accents with durable plastic housing, which gives it a sleek, contemporary look suitable for any kitchen countertop.
Its slightly larger water tank (~1.2 liters) allows for more shots before refilling, which is convenient for households that enjoy multiple coffees throughout the day. Additionally, Stilosa comes with dual filter baskets for both ESE pods and ground coffee, making it beginner-friendly while offering some flexibility for more experienced users.
Its lightweight design and compact footprint ensure it fits easily on small counters without compromising style.
In contrast, the EC155M prioritizes durability and functionality. Its stainless steel liner and metal portafilter are designed for longevity, making it a robust option for daily use. While its design is less flashy than Stilosa’s, it exudes a professional feel with a more industrial, solid build.
The water tank is slightly smaller, but the machine’s compact design makes it perfect for tight spaces. Both machines are easy to maintain, with removable drip trays, water tanks, and filter baskets for straightforward cleaning.
When comparing DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M, beginners should note the importance of the metal portafilter for consistent shot extraction. For those looking to invest in quality without overspending, both options are excellent choices Under $1000.
Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on priorities: Stilosa is ideal for those who want a visually appealing, user-friendly machine with modern convenience, while EC155M suits users seeking durability, reliability, and a more “professional” feel. Both machines strike a balance between usability, style, and build quality, making either a strong entry-level espresso option.
Careful attention to cleaning and maintenance ensures long-term performance and consistent coffee quality, regardless of which model you select.
Espresso Quality & Pressure Performance
Both the DeLonghi Stilosa and EC155M operate with a 15-bar pressure pump, which is the standard for entry-level espresso machines.
This pressure ensures adequate extraction of oils and flavors from the coffee grounds, creating a rich, flavorful espresso with a thin layer of crema. While neither machine competes with commercial-grade or prosumer models, both deliver satisfactory café-style shots suitable for home use.
The Stilosa tends to maintain slightly steadier temperature control, which benefits beginners seeking consistent flavor. Its user-friendly interface and simple buttons allow for hassle-free brewing, especially when following a guide for a perfect espresso shot extraction.
The EC155M relies on robust metal components, including a portafilter and boiler, which contribute to more stable extraction over multiple shots. When considering DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M, coffee enthusiasts often report that EC155M’s metal build results in slightly more durable and consistent espresso quality over extended use.
Users can brew either ground coffee or ESE pods, allowing flexibility in coffee choice, especially when following a Perfect espresso shot guide to achieve café-quality results at home.
When evaluating DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M, achieving the ideal espresso also depends on grind size, tamping technique, and bean freshness. For instance, using freshly ground beans and following a 15-bar machine setup can drastically improve taste and crema formation, ensuring a richer, café-quality experience at home.
Mini-case scenarios highlight differences: a morning shot on Stilosa may produce smoother crema with minimal adjustments, while the EC155M may require slight tamping refinement but rewards users with stable extraction. Both machines allow experimentation with different coffee blends, enabling a personalized espresso experience.
For households that enjoy multiple shots, EC155M’s sturdy design provides reliability, whereas Stilosa’s lightweight build favors convenience and speed. Ultimately, both machines are excellent for home users, but attention to grind, temperature, and technique ensures optimal espresso results every time.
Milk Frothing & Steam Wand Comparison
Milk frothing is an area where both DeLonghi Stilosa and EC155M show their entry-level limitations, but still deliver usable results for home beverages. The Stilosa features a pannarello steam wand that allows beginners to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
While it doesn’t produce the microfoam of professional machines, with practice, it can create creamy, velvety froth suitable for most home coffee drinks.
When comparing DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M, beginners can benefit from understanding the basics, and following a Portafilter explained guide helps achieve a perfect espresso shot while simultaneously steaming milk, balancing extraction and froth for consistent café-quality results.
The EC155M also includes a similar steam wand, but benefits from more durable metal construction. This allows for slightly more precise control over steam pressure and milk texture.
While the frothing power is modest, practice can yield satisfactory results for lattes, cappuccinos, or macchiatos. Users must pay attention to milk volume, wand position, and heating time to prevent scalding. Both machines require routine cleaning to avoid milk residue buildup; removable steam wands simplify this process.
Practical usage examples highlight differences: when comparing DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M, a beginner using the Stilosa may create a light cappuccino in 15–20 seconds with some swirling to integrate the milk and espresso.
The EC155M allows slightly better control for repeated frothing sessions, making it ideal for households with multiple coffee drinkers and anyone searching for the best espresso machine for consistent home brewing.
Neither machine is ideal for advanced latte art, but both provide adequate milk texture for everyday enjoyment. Understanding basic frothing techniques and cleaning processes enhances the milk frothing experience and ensures consistent beverage quality.
Users seeking advice can also reference guides on Affordable beginner espresso and Under $500 espresso machines to compare alternatives for milk frothing capabilities.
How We Tested DeLonghi EC155 vs Stilosa
We tested both machines using identical beans, grind size, and extraction timing. We evaluated shot consistency, crema quality, milk frothing, temperature stability, ease of workflow, and overall durability.
Ease of Use & Design
Both machines feature compact designs and simple manual controls. The Stilosa looks more modern, while the EC155 focuses on functional simplicity. Both are beginner-friendly with manageable learning curves.
Brewing & Frothing Quality
Each machine uses a 15-bar pump for proper extraction. They produce decent crema and balanced flavor. Manual steam wands allow milk frothing for lattes and cappuccinos with practice.
Grinder Performance
Neither machine includes a built-in grinder. Using a quality burr grinder significantly improves extraction consistency, flavor clarity, and crema quality compared to pre-ground coffee.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both models have removable drip trays and water tanks for easy cleaning. Regular descaling and steam wand maintenance are required to ensure long-term performance and durability.
Features & Smart Technology
These machines prioritize manual control over digital features. There are no touchscreens or smart functions, keeping operation simple, reliable, and beginner-focused.
Price vs. Performance
Both offer strong value in the entry-level category. Performance differences are minimal, so overall value depends largely on current pricing and user preference.
Amazon Reviews & Verified Buyer Feedback
Most buyers praise affordability, compact size, and decent espresso quality. Common complaints mention a learning curve and moderate steam power, typical for budget espresso machines.
FAQs || DeLonghi Stilosa vs EC155M
Which is better for beginners, the DeLonghi Stilosa or the EC155M?
The Stilosa is more beginner-friendly with a modern interface, simple controls, and slightly larger water capacity, while the EC155M is better for those who prioritize durability and long-term use. See our Affordable beginner espresso guide for beginner recommendations.
Does either machine produce better crema?
Both machines deliver good crema with fresh coffee and a proper grind. Stilosa is slightly smoother for casual users, while EC155M offers consistency over multiple shots due to its metal portafilter.
Are they suitable for lattes and cappuccinos?
Yes, both include basic steam wands for milk frothing. They can create light froth suitable for cappuccinos and lattes, but microfoam quality is limited and requires practice. For high-quality froth, consider checking the best espresso machine options.
What is the main difference between Stilosa and EC155M?
The main difference is in design and build: Stilosa is modern and beginner-friendly, EC155M is more durable with metal components. Water tank size, heating system, and usability also differ slightly. Learn more about 15-bar machine specifications.
Which offers better value for money?
Both are budget-friendly. Stilosa is ideal for style and convenience, EC155M for durability and steady performance. Value depends on whether aesthetics or longevity is more important. Also check the Budgt espresso machine comparisons.
Conclusion
After testing both machines, the DeLonghi Stilosa emerges as the better choice for most home users. Its modern design, beginner-friendly interface, slightly larger water tank, and easy milk frothing make it ideal for casual espresso enthusiasts.
While the EC155M offers durability and consistent extraction with its metal components, Stilosa provides a smoother learning curve and reliable café-style results. For best performance, paying attention to brew temperature ensures your espresso shots are rich, balanced, and full of crema, whether you’re making lattes, cappuccinos, or straight espresso.
