Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

De'Longhi EC860.M Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Type:Fully Automatic Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:1.000 LPump Pressure:15 barBuilt-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:yes

De'Longhi EC860.M Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

7.1

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

95%

7.1

Technical score

5%

7.9

Review score ( 3 · 2)

Review score 5% · 7.9 · based on 5 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
â–²Better than 69% of coffee-machines
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

5.7

Performance

25%

7.2

Coffee Preparation

25%

9.0

Features

15%

6.5

Design

â–²Better than 68% of coffee-machines
7.9

Review score

Review score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (5)
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
✓ explicit
1
Video reviews 2

12.5%

9.0

Paul Muller

12.5%

7.0

hidazip

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 56% of coffee-machines
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Technical Specifications of coffee machine De'Longhi EC860.M

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

35%

5.7

Performance

25%

7.2

Coffee Preparation

25%

9.0

Features

15%

6.5

Design

7.1
Review score
Review score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (5)
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
✓ explicit
1
Video reviews 2

12.5%

9.0

Paul Muller

12.5%

7.0

hidazip

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.9
Popularity
Popularity
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
De'Longhi EC860.M has a popularity of 7.7 points, which is higher than 50.9% of coffee machines.
7.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

7.1

Overall score

40%

8.6

Price

7.5
Power
1,450 W
Power
1,450 W
This coffee machine provides 1,450 W of heating power, which is higher than the power of 51.5% of coffee machines and equal to that of 23.6% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
1 L
Water Container Capacity
1 L
This coffee machine holds up to 1 L in its water tank, which is smaller than 71.1% of coffee machines and equal to that of 9% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
15 bar
Pump Pressure
15 bar
This coffee machine delivers 15 bar of pump pressure, which is higher than the pump pressure of 9% of coffee machines and equal to that of 61% of coffee machines.
The listed pump pressure is not necessarily the same as extraction pressure.
Heating Time
40 s
Heating Time
40 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 40 s, which is faster than 36.3% of coffee machines and equal to that of 15.8% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
Dual Thermoblock
Show more
Type
Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
no
Works with Beans
no
This coffee machine does not accept whole coffee beans. 38.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
yes
Works with ESE Pods
yes
This coffee machine accepts ESE pods. 76% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
yes
Water Level Indicator
yes
This coffee machine has a water level indicator. 39.8% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
yes
Water Filter
yes
This coffee machine has a water filter. 64.3% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
yes
Descaling Program
yes
This coffee machine has a descaling programme. 33.5% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
yes
Cleaning Alert
yes
This coffee machine alerts you when cleaning is needed. 40.3% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
yes
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
yes
This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically. 78.6% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
What reviewers say
Built-in Installation
no
Color
Silver
Vintage Look
no
Vintage Look
no
This coffee machine does not have vintage styling. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Drip Tray Material
Stainless Steel
Show more

De'Longhi EC860.M vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • Cleans the milk circuit automatically
    Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
    yes
    This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically, while the average coffee machine does not. 21.6% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
    Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
  • Automatic milk frothing
    Automatic Milk Frother
    yes
    This coffee machine has an automatic milk frother, while the average coffee machine does not. 27.6% of coffee machines have an automatic milk frother.
    An automatic milk frother prepares milk foam with less manual steaming.
  • Dedicated milk container
    Milk Container
    yes
    This coffee machine has a dedicated milk container, while the average coffee machine does not. 20.6% of coffee machines have a milk container.
    A milk container supports storing and dispensing milk for milk-based drinks.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • Dedicated latte macchiato programme
    Latte Macchiato Program
    yes
    This coffee machine has a latte macchiato programme, while the average coffee machine does not. 25.7% of coffee machines have a latte macchiato programme.
    A dedicated latte macchiato program automates the preparation of that drink.
  • Dedicated cappuccino programme
    Cappuccino Program
    yes
    This coffee machine has a cappuccino programme, while the average coffee machine does not. 27.8% of coffee machines have a cappuccino programme.
    A dedicated cappuccino program automates the preparation of that drink.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • 4.4% better value for money
    De'Longhi EC860.M has better value for money than the average coffee machine (7.54 vs 7.2).
    7.54 vs 7.22
  • 50 W higher power
    Power
    1,450 W
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (1450 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,450 W vs 1,400 W
  • Automatic milk frothing
    Automatic Milk Frother
    yes
    This coffee machine has an automatic milk frother, while the average coffee machine does not. 27.6% of coffee machines have an automatic milk frother.
    An automatic milk frother prepares milk foam with less manual steaming.
  • Dedicated milk container
    Milk Container
    yes
    This coffee machine has a dedicated milk container, while the average coffee machine does not. 20.6% of coffee machines have a milk container.
    A milk container supports storing and dispensing milk for milk-based drinks.
  • Dedicated cappuccino programme
    Cappuccino Program
    yes
    This coffee machine has a cappuccino programme, while the average coffee machine does not. 27.8% of coffee machines have a cappuccino programme.
    A dedicated cappuccino program automates the preparation of that drink.
  • Dedicated latte macchiato programme
    Latte Macchiato Program
    yes
    This coffee machine has a latte macchiato programme, while the average coffee machine does not. 25.7% of coffee machines have a latte macchiato programme.
    A dedicated latte macchiato program automates the preparation of that drink.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • 1 more drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    4
    This coffee machine offers a wider variety of preset drinks than the average coffee machine (4 vs 3).
    More specialty-drink options provide a wider choice of preset beverages.
    4 vs 3
  • Cleans the milk circuit automatically
    Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
    yes
    This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically, while the average coffee machine does not. 21.6% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
    Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • Has a tray full indicator
    Drip Tray Full Indicator
    yes
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 43.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A full drip-tray indicator signals when the tray needs emptying.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 41.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A cup warmer helps preheat cups before brewing.
  • 20 cm longer power cord
    Cable Length
    120 cm
    This coffee machine provides longer electrical reach than the average coffee machine (120 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    120 cm vs 100 cm
  • 25 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    305.00 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (305 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    305.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 20 mm shorter body
    Height
    305.00 mm
    This coffee machine has a lower profile under overhead cabinets than the average coffee machine (305 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    305.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • 32 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    100.00 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (100 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    100.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 0.4 L smaller water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.000 L
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • 60 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    75 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (75 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    75 min vs 15 min
  • 51 mm wider body
    Width
    275.00 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (275 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    275.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 51.1% heavier body
    Weight
    6.800 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (6.8 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    6.800 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 93.8% more expensive
    De'Longhi EC860.M is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£310 vs £160).
    £310 vs £160
  • 15.5% bulkier volume
    Volume
    25,581.9 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up more overall space than the average coffee machine (25581.9 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    25,581.9 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³
  • 93.8% more expensive
    De'Longhi EC860.M is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£310 vs £160).
    £310 vs £160
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • 0.4 L smaller water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.000 L
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • 60 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    75 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (75 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    75 min vs 15 min
  • 32 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    100.00 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (100 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    100.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 51 mm wider body
    Width
    275.00 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (275 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    275.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 51.1% heavier body
    Weight
    6.800 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (6.8 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    6.800 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 15.5% bulkier volume
    Volume
    25,581.9 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up more overall space than the average coffee machine (25581.9 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    25,581.9 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Paul Muller
≈ estimated
06/05/2013
Feature walkthrough · espresso and cappuccino demo
Verdict
De'Longhi EC860.M is simple to use, makes a great cappuccino, and takes much of the guesswork out.
Shop video
Shop video
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 3 · 2

Most reviewers like the milk frothing and the cup warmer, though a few aren't happy with the frother.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Third-party reviews

What we like about De'Longhi EC860.M

  • High-quality, durable stainless steel construction
  • Automatic milk carafe provides convenient one-touch cappuccinos and lattes
  • Programmable coffee and milk volumes allow for custom beverage sizes
  • Includes both pressurized baskets for convenience and a traditional pannarello steam wand option
  • Fast heat-up time and active cup warmer
  • Good quality espresso with decent crema

What we don't like about De'Longhi EC860.M

  • Lack of a three-way solenoid valve can result in a soggy, messy puck
  • Higher learning curve to master the settings compared to simpler machines
  • The milk carafe requires frequent, thorough cleaning to prevent clogs
  • Premium price point for a hybrid/semi-automatic machine
  • Requires a separate high-quality grinder to achieve best results

Verdict

The De'Longhi EC860.M is a hybrid semi-automatic espresso machine featuring a 15-bar pump pressure, a 1-liter removable water tank, and a 1450-watt Dual Thermoblock heating system that maintains optimal temperatures for both brewing and steaming. Its main characteristics and pros include a premium stainless steel body, an active cup warmer, compatibility with both ground coffee and E.S.E. pods, and an Automatic Cappuccino System with a detachable milk carafe for one-touch specialty drinks alongside a traditional manual panarello steam wand. On the downside, the machine lacks a built-in coffee grinder, does not feature a three-way pressure release valve, which can result in wet coffee pucks, and comes with a low-quality plastic scoop-and-tamper combination tool.

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