205votes worldwide
#10in ranking
12options compared
Live ranking
Overview
The De'Longhi Stilosa is the best entry-level espresso machine available. At under £100 it delivers genuine 15-bar pump pressure, a stainless steel boiler, manual steam wand and ESE pod compatibility — features you would not expect at this price. It is stripped down by design: no frills, no automatic functions, no touchscreen. Just honest espresso extraction and manual milk frothing in a compact, lightweight body. For anyone starting their home espresso journey, the Stilosa is the most logical first step.
Score Card
64/100
Espresso Quality
72/100
Genuine espresso with real crema — impressive for the price, though consistency requires practice with grind and dose
Grinder
0/100
No built-in grinder — requires separate grinder or pre-ground coffee. ESE pod compatibility adds convenience
Milk Frothing
68/100
Manual steam wand requires technique to master but produces genuine microfoam once you learn — no panarello shortcuts
Ease of Use
75/100
Simple dial controls make operation straightforward — but manual everything means a learning curve for beginners
Build Quality
70/100
Plastic body is lightweight at 3.9kg — functional rather than premium, but the stainless steel boiler is a genuine quality component
Value for Money
96/100
Exceptional value — real pump espresso with steam wand under £100 is remarkable. No other machine delivers this at the price
Pros
✓
Real 15-bar pump — genuine espresso with crema
✓
Stainless steel boiler for consistent temperature
✓
Manual steam wand for milk frothing
✓
ESE pod compatible
✓
Compact and lightweight at 3.9kg
✓
Available in black and white
✓
Best price-to-performance ratio in the ranking
✓
Good starting point for learning espresso technique
Cons
✗
No built-in grinder
✗
51mm portafilter — smaller than professional standard
✗
No temperature control beyond dial thermostat
✗
1L water tank — smallest in the ranking
✗
Plastic body — not premium feel
✗
Manual everything — steep learning curve for total beginners
Who Is This For?
The Complete Beginner who wants to try real espresso without a large investment
The Stilosa is the perfect entry point for anyone curious about home espresso who is not yet ready to invest £300-700. It teaches you the basics of extraction and milk frothing on a real machine, and if you decide you love espresso, you will have learned enough to make a more informed choice about your next machine.
Not for: Anyone who wants automatic milk frothing, temperature precision, or consistent results without practice
vs Others
Verdict
The De'Longhi Stilosa is remarkable for what it delivers at its price point. Real pump espresso, a stainless steel boiler, manual steam wand and ESE pod compatibility under £100 is genuinely impressive. It will not produce the consistency of a £500 machine and it requires patience to learn — but as a first espresso machine, or as a secondary machine for occasional use, it is unmatched on value. If budget is your primary constraint, the Stilosa is the only answer in this ranking.
Specs
Steam WandManual Cappuccino System steam wand — flexible tip for manual milk frothing and texturing
Water Tank1.0L removable tank — compact 205x343x285mm footprint, lightweight 3.9kg
Boiler TypeStainless steel thermoblock — fast heat-up, compact and reliable at entry price point
Portafilter Size51mm — compact pressurised baskets included, also compatible with ESE pods
Pressure Control15-bar pump — produces genuine espresso pressure for real crema extraction
Temperature ControlDial thermostat — simple manual temperature control, no PID