If you're shopping for an entry-level espresso machine, the De'Longhi Dedica Style (also called the EC685) and the Dedica Duo (aka the EC890) both deserve a place on your shortlist. These machines are affordable and easy to use, but well-made and solid-feeling in a way that belies their modest price tags.
So which one is right for you? The Dedica Duo is the newer and more stylish model, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's better for every coffee-lover. I'm here to break down the differences and similarities so you can make an informed choice.
Before we get stuck in, I should point out that De'Longhi's Dedica series doesn't just include these two models. There's also the original Dedica (EC680), Dedica Metallics (EC785), and Dedica Arte (EC885), but the Style and Duo are my personal favorites.
If you want more in-depth details of either machine, take a look at our full De'Longhi Dedica Style review and my Dedica Duo hands-on.
Value
- Dedica Style is older and usually costs less than Dedica Duo
- Dedica Duo isn't yet available in Australia
- Discounts expected on Black Friday
The De'Longhi Dedica Style launched back in 2021, with a list price of $349.95 / £199.99 / AU$399. As you'd expect, it's dropped in price significantly since then, and discounts of 25% or more are common. It often gets even bigger price cuts during events such as Black Friday.
The De'Longhi Dedica Duo went on sale in 2025, priced at $299.95 / £279.99. At the time of writing (September 2025) it's not yet available in Australia. Because it's such a new machine it's only being sold at full price, though it may get its first price cut this Black Friday.
- Winner: De'Longhi Dedica Style
Design
- Dedica Duo has a more modern look, and comes in pastel colors
- It also has a wider drip tray, which is height-adjustable
- Its steam wand is slimmer and has a cool-touch design
Both the Dedica Style and Dedica Duo are compact espresso machines that would work well in a small kitchen, but there are a few significant differences.
Glancing at the two, you'll immediately spot that the new Duo has a more modern design than its predecessor. It's a bit sleeker with its control buttons on the top rather than the face, it has a new knurled knob to control its steam wand, and the wand itself is slimmer, with a new cool-touch design for safety.
The drip tray is also considerably larger, which is a smart update; we found it tricky to fit two espresso cups onto the original tray at once. The Duo's tray is also height-adjustable to accommodate different-sized cups.
De'Longhi also updated its color palette for the Dedica Duo, which comes in classic stainless steel as well as a range of gelato-inspired shades: pistachio green, rose pink, and vanilla white, all with a soft matte finish. Whichever color you choose, you'll get a matching portafilter handle, which is a nice touch.
The De'Longhi Dedica Style is sold in a more traditional set of colors: stainless steel, white, black, and red. The latter three all have a satin finish with a subtle sheen. All Dedica Style machines come with a black portafilter handle.
- Winner: De'Longhi Dedica Duo
Features
- Dedica Duo can brew hot and cold
- Features are otherwise very similar
The single biggest difference between these two coffee machines is the Dedica Duo's ability to prepare cold-extracted espresso as well as hot (hence the name). It's not just a gimmick either – it's a great feature that works very well.
I've tested a lot of coffee machines that claim to make cold-brew this year, but not all of them actually do. Some cheat by asking you to load a cup with ice, then pouring a shot of hot espresso on top, which results in a drink that's diluted and lacks the mellow flavor of coffee that's actually extracted with cold water.
That's not the case with the Duo, which uses cold water to pre-infuse your ground coffee for an extended time, then sends pulses of water through it. The extraction process takes longer than brewing a shot of hot espresso, but you get a sweeter-tasting shot that doesn't need to be cooled with lots of ice.
Both machines have a Thermoblock heating system, and a maximum pump pressure of 15 bars.
- Winner: De'Longhi Dedica Duo
Conclusion
Both of these coffee machines are excellent, and a good option if you're looking for an affordable entry-level appliance that won't take up too much space on your kitchen counter. You won't be disappointed by either – it's just a matter of priorities.
If cash is your main concern then the older Dedica Style will be the best option, particularly if you wait until Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. The Dedica Duo is new this year and therefore hasn't received any price cuts yet, and while it may get a discount for Black Friday 2025, the Style will probably get a bigger one.
Both machines heat quickly, and have pumps that are able to sustain consistent pressure for well-extracted espresso. Their steam wands also work equally well, so you could choose either one for preparing hot drinks. If you want to make cold-extracted espresso, however, you'll need the Dedica Duo.
The Dedica Duo also has a more modern look that I personally prefer, though depending on the style of your kitchen and other appliances, the Dedica Style might fit your aesthetic better.
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