Diletta espresso machines are near and dear to our hearts here at Seattle Coffee Gear. After all, this line is our collaboration with a team of veteran Italian designers that we developed to build the perfect options for our customers. We’re really happy with the lineup and we know you will be too, so let’s take a look at what’s on offer from the brand!
Diletta Mio
The Mio is our “entry level” Diletta espresso machine. While it is more expensive than a typical entry level machine we refer to it as such because it really is a great way to get started on your espresso journey. The Mio cuts out many of the expensive accoutrements that many similarly priced machines include in order to provide a rock solid platform that may be the only machine you ever need to buy.
The Diletta Mio features a PID controlled brew boiler. This means that you can set the temperature of the brew boiler and rely on it hitting and sticking to that temperature throughout the brewing process. By comparison, machines with traditional thermostats may require you to “temperature surf”, which means learning to account for the unreliable temps that often come with that territory.
This machine also features a second circuit for steam power, giving you on-demand steaming power, as well as a shot timer, a physical shot pressure gauge, and an adjustable OPV valve. Some of that may sound intimidating for a new user but trust us, these are the kind of features we wish we’d have had on our first espresso machines. It all combines to make the Mio a stalwart that gives you great performance and long-lasting reliability.
Diletta Bello and Bello+
The Bello is the Diletta answer to the more traditional heat exchanger Italian espresso machine. From its iconic face to the tactile, hands-on controls, the Bello is a feat of design and engineering. Built to scratch the itch of the Italian espresso fanatic, this machine provides signature Diletta reliability and classic Italian flair.
The main performance point here is that heat exchanger. This boiler design is perfect for users that want to brew a lot of milk drinks, as it by nature supports simultaneous steaming and brewing. This means you’ll be able to pump drinks out much faster whether you’re entertaining or just brewing your morning latte.
The only negative with the base Bello is that it doesn’t feature PID controller temperatures. While this is still pretty uncommon among E61 style espresso machines, we wanted to offer an alternative for those who love the style but want the PID, so we did! The Bello+ offers the same great performance of the Bello with the added boost of that PID controller.
Diletta Alto
The Alto is the newest machine in Diletta’s lineup. As the first true dual boiler machine from the brand there is a lot for it to live up to, and we’re really happy with it. Squeezing a 1.6L steam boiler and a .75L brew boiler into its compact case, the Alto offers plenty of brewing/steaming capacity in addition to its excellent performance. Even better, these boilers feature PID controlled temps to ensure that they’re consistent and solid.
Extra bonuses round out the Alto’s package, such as its accessible OPV for true enthusiasts, its convenient paddle-based steaming controllers, and its built-in shot timer on the PID controller screen. All told the Alto combines some really strong performance with a perfect set of features for the price range it sits in.
For those looking for even more control, you can purchase a version of the Alto that offers flow control, a feature that will give you direct control over the pump on the machine for even fancier shots.
Do any of these machines catch your eye? Let us know in the comments below. You can also see them in action in the embedded video here!