La Specialista Maestro Espresso Machine with Grinder, Auto & Manual Milk Frother – Bean-to-Cup Cold Brew Coffee with Cold Extraction Technology, Variable Temp & Tamping Tool, 8 Drink Presets

We spent a long time debating what type of espresso machine to get. We wanted something that was overall simple to use, but not a complete "push a button to make a latte" type of machine. And of course, decently affordable. We've been using this machine for a few months now, and I have no regrets. It offers many options for customizing the grind to achieve the perfect balance based on the beans you're using. We've tried almost every brew setting, and it consistently produces excellent coffee. It's been easy to use and maintain, and I get to enjoy a coffee shop grade latte every morning.

I’ve been using this machine for about a month now but I wanted to use all the features and give it some time before I wrote a review. I was a barista for several years and this is my fourth? at-home espresso machine in a few years, and I LOVE it. I genuinely didn’t know you could make espresso with bright crema on top at home until I got this machine. The texture of my lattes is smoother and creamier, the quality is better, and it’s so easy to use. I’ll start with the cons because I only have a few: •the steaming wand doesn’t move as much as others I’ve used and if I have a full pitcher of milk I either have to life the machine or spill the milk to remove it once it’s steamed. It also occasionally takes a bit of time to get going.. initially it seemed like it was getting slower over time but it seems more sporadic now. •the auto shutoff is way too quick, IMO. PROS: •The water tank and drip tray are both really large and do not have to be refilled or emptied often •very straightforward and easy to use once you figure out your initial preferences •there are several options for grind level, water heat, etc and once you figure out the best one for your coffee it makes really high quality espresso every time •the double shot is larger than most which I really like, but there’s also the single shot option • it’s SO easy and mess-free to grind and tamp the beans •milk frother can get milk really hot, and really smooth •I love the americano option, it makes things so easy • the cold brew is pretty good considering how quickly it can be made

It’s not fair to rate this product of one star because it is actually a quality product… Until it isn’t. 11 months in and the grinder stopped working. If you decide to purchase this, you better hope that you do not need any product support. Their customer service is the worst I have ever experienced in all of my years. You are redirected, hung up on, told to email, chat, anything other than human contact. And when you initiate that… They tell you that the chat says you need to try later in a less busy time. There never seems to be a less busy time as I’m trying it almost 7 PM. Seriously, I love this machine, but you better pray it functions perfectly for the rest of your life. Disgusted.

This is an amazing step up from prior espresso machines. But also a great step up in price. Some people seem to feel like it takes time to get a balance between grind size and fill time but I have had no problem after the first week. I have been using this since January 2025 and it has worked flawlessly. It comes with cleaning materials both for cleaning scale and tablets for cleaning the water path for the coffee. The diagnostics let you know when this service is necessary however I believe they’re based strictly on runtime and not necessity. Regardless, if you have very good water, that’s not hard then I recommend you follow the instructions for changing the time length for the warning for descaling. After six months, I finally got the indicator for cleaning the water path for the coffee. Only two tabs were provided. I searched all over Amazon for more of the tabs from Di’Longhi but could not find any. I also recommend that you just purchase the materials from Di’Longhi to care for your espresso machine and not use knock offs. I think you will find that the normal size supplies are large enough to last at least a year or two and thus worth the price. The built in grinder and tamper are what give you consistently good coffee. There is nothing negative that I can add. But the only surprise is that the labeling for the OK button seems to be just coming off of the plate surprising for such a short period of time. It appears that this is the silk screened without any engraving for the paint This machine comes with everything you need to make many kinds of coffee to maintain the machine and to make cold brew, which I have not tried. It has smarts but still in many respects is a manual machine when it comes to operation. I highly recommend it. I have had Krups and Braun machines in the same price range if you adjust for inflation. Both of these machines still work, but they never produced quite the quality of brew or steam.

I enjoy this machine so much. The lack of being able to remove the bean canister holder does not bother me when I take everything else into consideration. I hope with proper maintenance that this machine and brand live up to its long standing reputation of use for years to come. I’ve given up the box chain coffee shop and buying coffee creamer. I also appreciate that this machine offers the capability of a simple cup of coffee, for company who can’t handle espresso shot caffeine strength. There is a slight learning curve, but worth it to me. The two instruction manuals are amazing. One is color and both have pictures. Complete guide, walk through, with tips/suggestions. I enjoy seeing beans like a coffee shop. I appreciate how the steam wand doesn’t burn your fingers if touched. All temperatures work well. The machine feels sturdy. Highly recommend this espresso machine.

# Review: De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo (with built-in grinder & steam wand) **Verdict:** The **easiest home espresso machine** I’ve used. The integrated grinder is **good and noticeably quieter** than our freestanding burr grinder—quiet enough that my daughter doesn’t bolt from the room when I pull a shot. It’s simple to dial in the dose, and spent pucks release **cleanly from the basket**, which makes the whole routine fast, tidy, and low-stress. ## What stands out * **Exceptionally easy workflow:** From dose to tamp to brew, everything’s laid out logically, and the machine is forgiving. * **Quiet, built-in grinder:** Much quieter than our separate burr grinder, yet consistent enough for everyday espresso. * **Simple dose control:** Adjusting how much ground coffee you load is intuitive and repeatable. * **Clean puck knock-out:** Grounds come out of the basket with minimal sticking—cleanup is quick. ## Day-to-day experience Heat up, grind, tamp, brew—done. The combination of a calmer noise profile and predictable dosing makes morning shots smooth, and milk steaming for lattes or caps is straightforward for a casual home barista. The “all-in-one” design also keeps the counter uncluttered. ## A couple notes * I am not as discerning as some espresso heads out there, so my palate is easier to satisfy than some, but I found the taste to be great, and the crema was good right off the bat. * I like that this one has a pressure gauge instead of a touch screen--fewer parts to break and let's me figure out if I'm tamping too hard/not hard enough (though tbf I don't really notice the difference in taste). ### Bottom line If you value **quiet operation, quick setup, and minimal fuss**, the La Specialista Arte Evo is a standout. It makes dialing in and pulling daily espresso remarkably easy—and keeping the basket and counter clean might be the best part.

This coffee maker makes delicious coffee, looks lovely in my kitchen and it’s quite easy to use. Also, maintenance has not been difficult in terms of cleaning it. We were easily able to access assistance by calling the 800 number when we were setting it up. Not difficult.The one problem we’ve had is that the steamer tends to overheat the milk and forms bubbles instead of froth. We have only had it for about two months, but no problem so far other than the frother.

So amazing and I recommend it 100% the coffee comes out incredible and super creamy!!! This is for people that like to have full control on the machine and more hands on. For example if you would like to make a cappuccino or a latte, you will need to experiment with the frother and figure out how you like your foam. This machine is on the heavier side as it’s all sturdy stainless steel. If you would like something more press and go, I would suggest the de longhi magnifica as its more automatic!