DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Review (2023) – Is It Worth It?

DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is a fully automated espresso maker that offers a combination of convenience and customization. It makes consistently delicious espressos without hassle, which is why you want it, right?

In my DeLonghi Dinamica Plus review below, I break down all of the features and performance metrics of this innovative espresso machine to give you an overview so you can make an informed decision when it’s time to buy.

DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Overview

DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is a high-end espresso maker that promises a superior coffee experience, and after doing some research, it’s easy to see why.

First, let’s talk about the DeLonghi espresso machines company. This Italian brand has been a leader in the coffee industry since the 1970s, delivering top-of-the-line coffee machines to customers around the world.

Their passion for great coffee shines through in every product they create, and the Dinamica Plus is no exception. Brands like Breville and Jura have long been known for their high-quality coffee machines, but DeLonghi holds its own against these heavy hitters.

So, what can you expect from the Dinamica Plus?

This machine is fully automatic, meaning it will grind your coffee beans, brew your espresso, and even froth your milk for you. It has a built-in burr grinder. It also has a milk frother that can create either hot or cold foam, depending on your preference.

But the real standout feature of the Dinamica Plus is its “LatteCrema” system, which produces perfect, creamy foam every time. This system uses two separate chambers to heat and froth the milk, resulting in a deliciously frothy and creamy latte or cappuccino.

More about these impressive features a bit later in my DeLonghi Dinamica Plus review. Keep on reading to learn more!

Build Quality & Design

Now, my first impressions of the Dinamica Plus are overwhelmingly positive. The machine itself is sleek and modern, with a touchscreen display that’s easy to navigate.

In other words, it is designed with the user in mind. The machine is easy to use and has a comprehensive and straightforward control panel that helps make brewing coffee a breeze.

The panel has graphical icons that allow you to choose your preferred coffee drink, including cappuccino, latte, espresso, and others.

The machine is also built with high-quality materials, making it sturdy and durable. For example, the water reservoir and drip tray are made of durable plastic materials, making them easy to clean and maintain.

The machine’s casing is made of high-quality stainless steel, giving it an elegant and premium look that I like in DeLonghi machines.

DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is compact too (9.3″D x 16.9″W x 13.7″H). It’s a perfect fit for any kitchen counter, and it doesn’t take up too much space.

The machine’s design also allows for easy access to the water tank, bean hopper, drip tray, and used coffee grounds container for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Main Features

Burr Grinder

One of the key features of DeLonghi Dinamica Plus’s grinder is its conical burr design, which produces a uniform grind that prevents any bitter or sour aftertaste in the espresso.

This is because the burrs rotate slowly and evenly grind the coffee beans, allowing for more control over the grind size and leading to a more consistent extraction.

The 13-grind settings can also be adjusted to meet different brewing needs, from a fine grind for espresso to a coarser grind for drip coffee.

Additionally, the grinder is designed to minimize heat buildup during the grinding process, which can affect the flavour of the coffee.

With this feature, the beans are ground efficiently without generating heat which could potentially alter the taste and aroma of the coffee. This feature is especially beneficial for those of you who want to enjoy the true flavour profile of your coffee beans.

LatteCrema System

One of the standout features of this machine is its patented LatteCrema System, which promises to deliver the creamiest, frothiest milk for your lattes and cappuccinos.

So what exactly is the LatteCrema System, and how does it work? Well, this system consists of a unique milk frothing carafe that is built into the machine.

When you’re ready to make your favourite espresso drinks, simply remove the carafe from its storage compartment, fill it with milk, and then attach it to the machine. The Dinamica Plus will then automatically froth the milk to the perfect consistency.

This is thanks to its advanced sensor technology that continuously monitors the milk temperature and texture.

But what really impressed me about the LatteCrema System is the quality of the milk froth it produces. Unlike other machines that can leave you with a thin layer of foam on top of your drink, the Dinamica Plus creates a rich, velvety froth that adds the perfect finishing touch to your latte or cappuccino.

And if you prefer your milk extra frothy, you can even adjust the frothing level to get the amount of foam that’s just right for you.

Brew Group

So, what exactly is the brew group? In simple terms, it is the heart of the machine’s brewing process, where ground coffee is tamped and pressed to extract the perfect amount of flavour and aroma.

Just like in DeLonghi Magnifica, the brew group of Dinamica Plus does all these things on autopilot. There is no need for your intervention after you pick your drink.

What makes the Dinamica Plus brew group stand out is its ability to easily detach and clean, ensuring that the coffee is never compromised by residual oils or flavours from previous brews.

Additionally, the Brew Group allows for pre-infusion, which is the process of saturating the coffee with hot water before brewing, resulting in a more even and rich extraction.

Water Tank

The water tank on the Dinamica Plus is located at the front of the machine and it has a capacity of 60oz. This means that you can make multiple cups of coffee without having to refill the tank every single time.

Additionally, the tank is removable which makes it easy to clean and refill.

But the best part about the water tank is its auto-off feature. This means that when the water level in the tank becomes too low, the machine automatically turns off and prevents any damage from occurring.

I cannot stress how cool this feature is. This feature will not only save you from potential accidents but will also extend the lifespan of your machine.

The design of the water tank is also something to be appreciated. It is transparent which allows you to see the water level inside and know when it needs to be refilled.

Boiler

DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is downgraded from a dual boiler to a single boiler thermoblock heating system. Well, I wouldn’t call it a downgrade actually.

Boasting an intelligent heating system, the thermoblock is a small device that heats the water quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your coffee is ready in just a matter of seconds – 40 to be more precise.

Additionally, the thermoblock allows for precise temperature control, which means that you can create and enjoy customized coffee drinks that cater to your specific preferences of strength and flavour.

Another feature of the fast-heating thermoblock is that it is highly energy-efficient. Unlike traditional espresso machines that use a boiler to heat water, the thermoblock system uses less energy.

Coffee Spout

So far, the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus has exceeded all my expectations, and the height-adjustable coffee spout is not an exception.

The 5.3 inches of clearance available when the spouts are all the way up makes it incredibly versatile, allowing you to use a range of cup sizes from the smallest shot glass to large mugs.

What I love about the height-adjustable feature is that it not only accommodates different cup sizes, but it also reduces the risk of splashing or spills.

In the past, I have had to deal with the messy aftermath of overflowing cups and splatters on my countertop. With the adjustable coffee spout on the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus, those worries are a thing of the past.

Another great feature is that the spout is also detachable for easier cleaning. You can easily rinse it under the faucet or pop it into the dishwasher, ensuring that your machine stays hygienic and in top condition.

More about the cleaning and maintenance of the machine and all its vital parts a bit later in this DeLonghi Dinamica Plus review.

Speciality Drinks

Not only does the DeLonghi Dinamica Pluc make great espresso shots, but it also has a range of speciality drinks that can be brewed with a touch of a button.

The best part is that there are 16 different recipes to choose from. From traditional options like cappuccinos and lattes to more unique drinks like flat whites, there is something for every taste preference.

Plus, each recipe allows for adjustments to strength, volume, and temperature, so you can create the perfect drink for your unique taste every time.

One of my personal favourites is the Macchiato, which is made with a shot of espresso and just a touch of steamed milk. It’s the perfect balance of strong coffee and creamy sweetness.

TrueBrew System

When I first heard about the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus TrueBrew Over Ice function, I was eager to give it a try. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

The TrueBrew System on the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is a game-changer for iced coffee enthusiasts. Basically, the machine adjusts the temperature and pressure while brewing, resulting in a perfectly brewed iced coffee.

Thanks to this process, the machine has the ability to extract the full flavour and aroma of the coffee beans, even when brewing at a lower temperature.

Another significant advantage of the TrueBrew System is its ease of use. Simply select the TrueBrew function on the machine, and it will do the rest. The result is a smooth, rich iced coffee that is perfect for a sunny day or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Pot Function

The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus also has the unique feature of being able to brew up to six cups of coffee in one go using a pot function. As someone who enjoys hosting guests, this feature is especially appealing.

However, I must admit that I was disappointed with the results of using the pot function. I found that the coffee produced was too watery. This is likely due to the machine’s ratio of water to ground coffee not being precise enough.

For this reason, I would recommend using the drip coffee maker instead. This machine allows for a more precise ratio of water to coffee grounds resulting in a much richer, more flavour-packed cup of coffee.

Coffee Link App

The Coffee Link App, which can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices, is a game-changer when it comes to making the perfect cup of coffee from a distance with your DeLonghi Dinamica Plus.

With the app, you can customize your coffee exactly to your liking, selecting options for coffee strength, temperature, and even milk froth level.

Through the app, you can remotely start and stop the machine, as well as monitor the progress of your coffee as it is being brewed. This is incredibly convenient for those early mornings when you don’t want to leave your warm bed quite yet.

The app also offers a range of maintenance features, including alerts for descaling and cleaning, ensuring that my machine stays in top shape and my coffee always tastes its best.

User Profiles

The user profiles allow you to save your preferred settings in DeLonghi Dinamica Plus memory so that you can get your ideal espresso at the touch of a button.

This feature saves the time and hassle of having to readjust the settings every time you want to brew a cup. You can save up to 3 different profiles for different members of your household, each with their unique preferences.

The Dinamica Plus provides ultimate flexibility because you can personalize the strength, temperature, volume, and type of bean you want to use.

The process of setting up the profiles is straightforward and easy to navigate. You can even do it through the Coffee Link App that I mentioned above in the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus review.

Brewing Performance

First off, the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus’s espresso brewing performance is unparalleled. Ok, maybe I’m a bit biased, but it’s true. The unit is capable of brewing rich and flavourful espresso shot after shot.

To get started, it uses a state-of-the-art grinding technology that evenly grinds coffee beans for optimal flavour extraction. And with its advanced brewing system, the Dinamica Plus delivers consistent coffee temperatures when brewing.

As mentioned, you can brew a variety of coffee beverages at the touch of a button. From a classic espresso to a creamy cappuccino, this machine can do it all.

And with its LatteCrema System, the milk froth is always perfect, delivering a velvety texture that complements the intensity of the coffee.

One of the things I appreciate most about the Dinamica Plus is its speed. In just 40 seconds, it can heat up and be ready to brew a piping hot cup of coffee.

And with its powerful 19-bar pressure pump, the extraction process is quick and efficient, producing a smooth and rich crema that is the hallmark of a perfect espresso.

But what really sets the Dinamica Plus apart is its customizability. With the My Menu function, you can adjust the strength, temperature, and volume of your coffee to your exact preferences.

Milk Frothing

As a coffee lover with a discerning palate, I was eager to try out the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus’s milk-frothing system. And I can say without hesitation that this machine exceeded my expectations in that regard too.

What sets this machine apart from others in its price range is its incredible ease of use. With the carafe attached to the front of the machine, the touchscreen guide leads you through the adjustments required to achieve the perfect amount of foam.

The process is so simple that even someone new to speciality coffee drinks could master it in no time. When not in use, the carafe is easy to store in the refrigerator.

However, the real test of any milk frother is in the quality of the foam, and the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus excels in this area too.

With finely textured foam, you can make cappuccinos and lattes that you would be happy to serve to any coffee lover. In fact, this machine allows for the customization of the milk foam texture to one’s preferred degree, highlighting its versatility.

However, I did notice one shortfall in its milk-frothing capabilities: the machine falls short of the true micro-foam level. While this may be a disappointment for some latte nerds, it certainly does not detract from the machine’s overall performance.

Cleaning & Maintenance

I can’t stress enough the importance of cleaning your espresso machine regularly. The good news is that the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is easy to clean.

The machine comes with easy-to-remove and dishwasher-safe parts that make cleaning a breeze. You only need to clean the milk jug, drip tray, and brew group as these are the parts that come into contact with coffee and milk.

Keep in mind that the brew group should only be rinsed with warm water. Don’t put it in the dishwasher because it can get damaged.

Cleaning the milk jug is effortless since it has a removable lid and spout. However, one common mistake people make is forgetting to turn the dial back to milk/foam settings after cleaning the jug.

If you happen to make this mistake, you’ll end up with a cup full of water, which is not what you intended.

Another essential part to clean is the grinder. Grounds can get stuck in the mechanism, affecting the quality of your espresso. To avoid this, use a soft brush to remove all the grounds that are stuck in the grinder. You should do this at least every couple of weeks.

Thanks to the water filter inside the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus, descaling is an infrequent job. In fact, you can go years without having to do it.

However, you should always clean the machine every day by running an automatic rinse program. This will ensure that your Dinamica Plus is always clean and hygienic.

One thing I love about this machine is the guidance provided through the touchscreen display, DeLonghi Coffee Link app, user manual, and online videos. The manufacturer has made it easy for users to clean and maintain the machine, ensuring that it remains in tip-top shape for years to come.

DeLonghi Dinamica Plus vs Dinamica

I recently found myself torn between the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus and Dinamica models. After extensive research and analysis, I have come to the conclusion that the main difference between these two coffee machines is their level of automation.

The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus boasts a higher degree of automation, thanks to its advanced LatteCrema system, which automates the frothing process for milk-based beverages such as cappuccinos and lattes.

This feature eliminates the need for manual frothing with a steam wand or frother, thus making the process of creating milk-based drinks a lot more efficient and convenient.

On the other hand, the DeLonghi Dinamica comes with a more basic milk frothing system that requires the user to manually froth the milk using the integrated steam wand.

Additionally, the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus offers a bit more advanced features such as a 19-bar pump compared to Dinamica’s 15-bar pump. Also, the Plus model allows you to save up to 3 user profiles, use the Coffee App, and have a bit larger water tank.

How to choose between the two?

While both the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus and Dinamica models offer high-quality coffee making, it ultimately comes down to whether you value a more automated milk frothing system or prefer a more hands-on approach.

DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Review – Verdict

After testing out the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus espresso machine for myself, I can confidently say that it is an excellent option for creating delicious espresso drinks.

With its easy-to-use design, customizable settings, automatic milk-frothing and coffee brewing, and reliable performance, it is a great choice for both beginners and experienced baristas who want a superb super-automatic machine.

Overall, DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is an ideal machine for anyone who appreciates excellent espresso drinks at home. Highly recommended!

DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Review – FAQs

What beverage options are available on the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus?

The Dinamica Plus has a variety of beverage options (16), including espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte, and macchiato. You can also customize the strength, temperature, and volume of each drink to your personal preferences.

How easy is it to clean the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus?

Cleaning the Dinamica Plus is a breeze. The machine has a self-cleaning function that rinses the entire system, and the milk frother is detachable and dishwasher safe.

How large is the water tank on the Dinamica Plus?

The water tank on the Dinamica Plus holds 60 ounces. This means you can make multiple drinks before needing to refill the tank.

Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Dinamica Plus?

Yes, the Dinamica Plus has a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground coffee. This is perfect for those who prefer a specific type of coffee that isn’t available in whole-bean form.

How long does the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus take to heat up?

The Dinamica Plus heats up in about 40 seconds, which is incredibly fast compared to other coffee machines on the market.

Thanks for reading my DeLonghi Dinamica Plus review! PS. Credits to DeLonghi’s product page for images.