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The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo EC9255 is a manual espresso machine with an integrated grinder and a headline cold-brew function. It suits someone who wants to adjust coffee preparation and steam milk by hand, rather than rely on automatic drink-making. Its main trade-off is that the grinder and cold brew save counter space and add options, but the workflow still asks you to grind, tamp, extract and froth yourself.
One model distinction matters: the EC9255 is the cold-brew version; the EC9155 is a related Arte model without cold brew, according to Tom’s Guide. Review observations below are attributed to the publications that made them; they are not hands-on testing of the EC9255 by this article’s author.
What the EC9255 is—and what it is not
De’Longhi describes the EC9255.M as a manual espresso maker. Its listed drinks include espresso, Americano/Long Black and cold brew, with a manual milk system, integrated grinder adjustments and temperature settings. The machine combines grinding and espresso preparation in one unit, but it does not automate the whole process: expect to handle the portafilter, tamping and milk steaming.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCheck the full model code on the product listing before buying. The official EC9255.M page describes that regional variant; codes, included accessories, voltage, warranty and availability can differ by market. The page’s listed technical data should not be treated as universal specifications for every EC9255 listing.
#1 Best Overall
- #1 Worldwide Espresso Machine Maker* *Independent Research Institute, Sales Leader, Full Year 2025
- BUILT-IN CONICAL BURR GRINDER: Delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee with 15 grind settings for single or double espresso and cold brew drinks.
- COLD EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGY: Enjoy cold brew in under 5 minutes using De'Longhi's proprietary technology, developed with the Specialty Coffee Association for optimal flavor.
- POWERFUL STEAM WAND: Commercial-style wand heats up quickly and delivers the right steam pressure to create consistently smooth micro-foam, perfect for latte art at home.
- ACTIVE TEMPERATURE CONTROL & IDEAL PRESSURE: Choose from 3 temperature settings and benefit from a 15-bar Italian pump that ensures optimal 9-bar pressure during extraction.
How the cold brew feature works
Cold brew is the defining difference between the EC9255 and the non-cold-brew EC9155. De’Longhi says its single-dose cold-brew recipe uses room-temperature water and advertises preparation “in under 5 minutes.” That is a manufacturer claim, not an independently established result for every recipe or user. See the official EC9255.M product page for the maker’s description.
TechRadar’s reviewer found that the cold-brew setting needed some adjustment for the best result. That is a useful qualification for buyers expecting a perfected one-touch drink: the fast setting is a starting point, while the outcome may depend on dialing in your preparation. Tom’s Guide’s hands-on Arte Evo unit was the non-cold-brew TrueStart Edition, and its writer separately tested cold brew on the La Specialista Opera—not the Arte Evo EC9255. These distinctions matter when interpreting reviews.
Rank #2
- BUILT-IN BURR GRINDER. The conical burr grinder delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee for a single or double espresso and cold brew drinks. With 8 grind settings, explore your favorite bean varieties and prepare them for optimal extraction.
- POWERFUL STEAM WAND. This commercial-style steam wand heats up quickly, delivers the right steam pressure needed to create consistently smooth micro-foam, optimal for latte art right at home.
- COLD EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGY. Enjoy cold brew in under 5 minutes with De’Longhi’s proprietary Cold Extraction Technology. This innovative technology, developed in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association, utilizes precisely measured water flow and pressure rates, along with specific extraction temperatures, to create delicious single Cold Brew coffee in less than five minutes.
- BARISTA KIT. The professional barista toolkit makes your experience mess-free and easier than ever with the dosing and tamping guide and tamping mat. With these tools, applying the right pressure on each grind is easier than ever for consistent extraction results, every time.
- IDEAL PRESSURE. La Specialista Arte Evo has a 15 bar Italian pump that delivers perfect pressure, which is essential during the whole brewing process, from low pressure during pre-infusion, to the optimal 9 bar of high pressure during extraction.
Espresso, grinder and milk workflow
Independent reviewers describe the Arte Evo as a machine for people willing to experiment with grind size, temperature and brew time. TechRadar found the controls approachable and the steam wand effective, but reported that removing the portafilter after brewing required effort. Tom’s Guide liked the integrated grinder, espresso extraction and steam power on the non-cold-brew Arte Evo it tested. Those are reviewer observations, not guaranteed results for every EC9255 or coffee setup.
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Tom’s Guide describes using a tamping collar and separate tamper. The collar can help contain grounds while tamping, but this remains a manual step rather than smart tamping. The reviewer also found the steam wand sat low, the grinder was not removable, and the wand did not automatically purge. These details may matter if you want quick cleanup or have a preferred pitcher position.
Rank #3
- MANUAL HAND-TEXTURED MICROFOAM: The powerful steam wand on this cappuccino maker and latte machine is designed to quickly turn milk into smooth, flavorful microfoam for creating latte art at home
- PRECISE DOSE GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder on bean-to-cup espresso machine grinds on demand to deliver correct amount of freshly ground coffee directly into portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and draws out all the flavors evenly during the extraction for a balanced-tasting espresso, latte or cappuccino
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature regulation (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, so espresso coffee maker allows for precise espresso extraction
Tom’s Guide reported using grinder settings 3 and 4 with medium-roast beans during its test. That was a personal result on its tested machine, not a universal starting setting: bean age, roast and dose can change what works. An espresso scale with a timer is an optional aid for tracking dose and yield while experimenting; it is not presented as required or as a tested accessory here.
Size, capacity and care
For the EC9255.M, De’Longhi lists dimensions of 285 × 365 × 400 mm, a 1.7-litre water tank and a product weight of 11.7 kg. The listed input is 1450 W, with a thermoblock heating system and 15-bar pump pressure. These are specifications on the official regional product page, not confirmation for every market variant. Measure counter depth and overhead clearance, and check the exact listing’s electrical requirements before purchase.
Rank #4
- Crafted by You. Perfected with Guidance: The La Specialista Touch semi-automatic espresso machine grinds, doses, brews, and froths your favorite coffee drinks at home, offering real-time guidance so you can enjoy hands-on espresso making with confidence.
- 10 Preset Drink Recipes + Endless Customization: 10 preset recipes including espresso, americano, long black, cold brew, cappuccino, latte, latte macchiato, flat white, hot milk and hot water - all customizable to your preferences.
- Interactive Guided Experience to Dial In Your Machine: Our innovative Bean Adapt technology assists you in setting the ideal grind, dose level, pre-infusion, and brewing temperature with a visual, interactive guide. With helpful tips, recommended adjustments, and immediate feedback, achieve the ideal extraction, and explore different bean and roast varieties with ease.
- Conical Burr Grinder for Freshly Brewed Coffee Every Time: The Italian-made conical burr grinder delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee for a single or double espresso and cold brew drinks. With 15 grind settings, explore your favorite bean varieties and prepare them for optimal extraction.
- Automatic Milk Frothing: The automatic steam wand adjusts between 5 froth levels and 4 temperature settings based on your drink selection and milk preference (dairy or plant-based) to create velvety smooth microfoam. The additional manual setting allows you to master your hands-on frothing to achieve the perfect microtextured milk foam for creating latte art.
De’Longhi’s US support page for EC9255.M links to instructions, quick-start information, setup, espresso and latte-art guidance, descaling, care and maintenance, and cold-brew preparation. Use the support page and manual matching your unit’s region; follow its cleaning and descaling directions, including the specified supplies.
How it compares with alternatives
The most useful comparison is about workflow, not a universal ranking. The EC9255 puts grinder and espresso preparation together and adds cold brew, while retaining manual tamping and milk steaming. The La Specialista Opera is described by Tom’s Guide as adding smart tamping while retaining cold brew. The Bambino Plus is a separate espresso machine and requires a separate grinder. Those are model distinctions reported in Tom’s Guide’s review, not a current market ranking.
Best Value
- PERFECT GRINDING 8 grind settings means all of your bean varieties are optimally prepared for extraction. The conical burr grinder delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee for a single or double espresso
- ACTIVE TEMPERATURE CONTROL Because different types of coffee beans require different temperatures to extract the best flavors, La Specialista Arte comes equipped with 3 infusion temperatures for ideal water infusion temperature. Once selected, the chosen temperature will stay stable during the brewing process for optimal extraction and flavor.
- MY LATTE ART PERFECT FOAM The My Latte Art wand not only stays cool-to-the-touch after steaming, but also delivers consistently silky milk foam perfect for creating custom “latte art.” Now, you can practice and share your homemade latte masterpieces on social media every morning.
- SAVES SPACE, SAVES TIME Like all De’Longhi manual coffee makers, La Specialista Arte has been designed to simplify maintenance routines. Its compact, stylish design is ideally suited to smart, modern living spaces. Savour the fun of making and sipping your favourite beverage as you let the dishwasher do the rest thanks to detachable and dishwasher safe parts.
- GET STARTED WITH 3 PRESETS Each machine features 3 convenient pre-set coffee recipes--Espresso, Americano, and Hot Water--to dial-in and personalise your perfect beverages.
| Option | What the cited source establishes | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| La Specialista Arte Evo EC9255 | Integrated grinder; manual milk system; espresso, Americano/Long Black and cold brew on De’Longhi’s EC9255.M page. | Manual tamping and steaming; verify regional model code, dimensions, accessories and support. |
| La Specialista Opera | Tom’s Guide describes it as retaining cold brew and adding smart tamping. | Compare the exact regional configuration and current price; the cited comparison is publication-context reporting, not a current ranking. |
| Bambino Plus | Tom’s Guide describes it as a separate espresso machine that needs a separate grinder. | Consider whether separate grinder choice and placement matter more than an integrated setup. |
Price and buying checks
There is no defensible single current price from the cited pages: Tom’s Guide displays publication-time figures of $699 and £429, while TechRadar’s 2026 roundup lists $699 / £549 / AU$699. They differ by source, market and timing, so they should not be combined into a current offer. Check the live listing in your market for price, voltage, warranty, accessories in the box and regional support.
- Confirm the full suffix is EC9255 if cold brew is important; EC9155 is identified as the non-cold-brew model by Tom’s Guide.
- Decide whether you want hands-on tamping and milk steaming or prefer more automated preparation.
- Check counter dimensions and electrical specifications against the exact regional listing.
- Review what tools are included and locate the correct regional manual and care guidance before purchase.
The De’Longhi Group’s service document identifies itself as a data sheet and service manual for EC9255 INT–AU/NZ, revision dated 1 September 2023. It is region-specific; consult the matching product support page for other variants: EC9255 INT–AU/NZ service manual.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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