De'Longhi EC155M vs De'Longhi Stilosa
Quick take: The De'Longhi Stilosa costs $30 less.
| Spec | De'Longhi EC155M | De'Longhi Stilosa |
|---|---|---|
| Standout features | Dual Filter Holder, Compact | Compact Design, Pressurized Basket |
| Approx. price | ~$130 | ~$100 |
| Type | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Single Boiler |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Water capacity | 34 oz | 34 oz |
| Warm-up time | 40 seconds | 40 seconds |
| Steam wand | Panarello | Manual |
| Basket type | Pressurized Only | Pressurized Only |
| Best for | Beginners | Beginners |
| Dimensions | 9.6 x 7.2 x 11.2 in | 8.1 x 13.5 x 11.2 in |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs | 8.6 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Pros & cons
De'Longhi EC155M
- ✓Very affordable
- ✓Compact size
- ✓Works with pods and grounds
- ✓Simple to use
- ✗Basic steam wand
- ✗Pressurized only
- ✗Plastic construction
- ✗Limited longevity
De'Longhi Stilosa
- ✓Cheapest path to real pump-driven espresso
- ✓Proper manual steam wand instead of a panarello at this price
- ✓Compact and lightweight - easy to tuck away
- ✓Simple mechanics with a big modding community
- ✗Pressurized baskets only - fake crema until you buy aftermarket baskets
- ✗Lots of plastic; feels every bit of its $110 price
- ✗No PID or temperature control, so shots run hot and cold
- ✗Odd 51mm size limits tamper and accessory upgrades
What owners say
De'Longhi EC155M
The EC155M has been discontinued, with De'Longhi's Stilosa now occupying its place in the range, but an enormous number of these machines are still in kitchens and still being asked about — and the community's advice to their owners is refreshingly consistent: do not replace it, upgrade it. At its original $130 it was one of the cheapest ways to own a real pump espresso machine, with a compact body and a dual filter holder. What it ships with, and what defines the experience for most owners, is a pressurised basket — the kind with a single small hole underneath, designed around pre-ground coffee that is far coarser than espresso. Full owner insights →
De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is the cheapest machine the community will recommend with a straight face, and with De'Longhi's older EC155M now discontinued and pointing here, it is the live entry point to the brand's manual line. For about $150 — and routinely $60 to $75 on sale, on the used market, or in a thrift shop — you get a 51mm portafilter, a small single boiler, a 15-bar vibration pump and a real manual steam wand behind a panarello sleeve. Out of the box it ships with a pressurized double-walled basket, which fakes crema and forgives bad coffee, so what the machine really is is a platform: nearly every part owners complain about is cheap to replace. Full owner insights →
De'Longhi EC155M vs De'Longhi Stilosa: common questions
Which is cheaper, the De'Longhi EC155M or the De'Longhi Stilosa?
The De'Longhi Stilosa is the cheaper of the two at roughly $100, about $30 less than the De'Longhi EC155M at ~$130. Both figures are approximate list prices and street prices move with sales.
What is the difference in boiler design between the De'Longhi EC155M and the De'Longhi Stilosa?
The De'Longhi EC155M uses a thermoblock and the De'Longhi Stilosa uses a single boiler. Boiler design drives temperature stability and whether you can brew and steam at the same time, which is the main reason two otherwise similar machines behave differently once you start making milk drinks back to back.