Expanding functionality through innovation has long been the main tool for increasing competitiveness of household appliances, and coffee machines are no exception. Of course, even fully automated espresso models are much easier compared to, for example, robot vacuums or media devices such as TVs, projectors or smartphones. However, developers regularly find new ways to extend their functionality. For example, the list of innovative technologies in Jura Z10 includes:
– pulse extraction process (P.E.P.);
– Intelligent Water System and CLARIS Smart cartridge;
– Jura Product Recognizing Grinder or P.R.G. (Jura Professional Aroma Grinder);
– Cold Extraction Process (Jura 3D brewing technology), etc.
Saeco GranAroma lineup uses LattePerfetto cappuccino maker, CoffeeMaestro profiles, HygieSteam, etc.
Delonghi coffee machines
Modern Delonghi models use Bean Adapt technology in Delonghi PrimaDonna Soul, LatteCrema milk frother (Delonghi milk jug), TrueBrew Over Ice technology (Iced Coffee program), Coffee pot option, High Quality Brew or Optimum Coffee Brew in Delonghi Clessidra ICM17210 drip coffee maker, etc. This list ensures Delonghi’s place among the industry’s innovative leaders.
To be fair, sometimes technology increases the price significantly or lower usability due to the complexity. For example, some users rightly consider using Bean Adapt technology too complex and troublesome. Indeed, its settings require several test brewing cycles to adjust for each variety and roast level of coffee beans. Of course, companies take these aspects into account and optimize technologies in new models.
Delonghi’s list of new automatic espresso coffee machines includes:
– compact Magnifica Evo ECAM29043SB and ECAM29084SB (with frother) – $ 800 / $ 900.
– Dinamica Plus ECAM370.95TI – $ 1,700 (2021).
Of course, updating the most popular models is quite logical. Indeed, the Magnifica and Dinamica series are rightfully positioned as one of the most successful on the market. Magnifica is very popular in the budget and mid-budget segments. The slogan ‘upper-class function for a middle-class price’ is perfect for Delonghi Dinamica. Very good price-performance ratio, balanced feature range, great espresso and easy cleaning have given this series the well-deserved popularity in the market. It includes the superb ECAM 350.xx and 370.xx series with latest Delonghi 350.50 and 370.70 models. Since 2018, the company has been offering Plus versions, which are actually an improved version of the original models and cost $ 200-$ 550 more. Latest Dinamica Plus ECAM370.95TI of 2021 has become a continuation in the premium segment.
Dinamica series
It contains 4 main models:
– ECAM 350.20W/B (White or Black) with steam wand.
– DeLonghi ECAM 350.25.SB (Silver) with TrueBrew Over Ice technology and adjustable steam wand.
– ECAM 350.75.SI (Silver) with additional automatic milk frother.
– ECAM Dinamica Plus (Titanium) with TrueBrew Over Ice technology, an improved display, automatic milk system and Pot function.
In Europe the series also includes ECAM 350.35, 350.55 and 370.85. But considering their prices, specs and functionality, they can be positioned as intermediate versions.
All ECAM 350.xx models have:
– body of plastic with stainless steel parts;
– stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 adjustment levels;
– water tank with a capacity of 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l capacity;
– bean hopper with a capacity of 10.6 oz / 300.0 g;
– grounds discard container of 14 coffees;
– are compatible with 3.5-5.3 inches (8.9-13.5 cm) cup height;
– warranty 2 years.
Excluding color, the list of differences between Dinamica models includes (20 vs 25 vs 75 vs Plus):
– price – $ 985 vs $ 1,100 vs $ 1,300 vs $ 1,700;
– milk frother – steam wand (20/25) vs integrated carafe (75/Plus);
– interface – text display with buttons (20/25) vs color LCD with buttons (75) vs touchscreen (Plus);
– profiles – memo function (20/25/75) vs 3 (Plus);
– boilers – 1 (20/25) vs 2 (75/Plus);
– pump pressure – 15 bar (20/25/75) vs 19 bar (Plus);
– specialty drinks – 4 (20/25) vs 18 (75) vs 16 (Plus);
– 2-cup function – non-milk drinks only (20/75/Plus) vs all drinks (25).
Conclusion
The company is marketing ECAM370.95TI as ‘Dinamica Plus Smart Coffee & Espresso Machine’.
Dinamica Plus pros:
– large comfortable 3.5-inch TFT touchscreen;
– 16 one-touch or customized coffee drinks (latte, espresso, cappuccino, flat white, iced coffee, regular coffee, etc);
– thermal carafe and automatic milk frothing system provide a choice of any texture and storage in the fridge.
– superb DeLonghi Coffee Link app with 3 user profiles.
– the order in which drinks are displayed by the Smart-One-Touch feature depends on how often they are selected;
– increased pressure in the brew group up to 19 bar. Theoretically, it reduces brewing time. But to be fair, the quality of the cappuccinos and Latte Macchiatos is identical to the 15-bar models.
Basically, the level of the Dinamica Plus ECAM370.95TI is closest to the $ 1,300 DeLonghi Dinamica ECAM35075SI. Other Dinamica models are cheaper, but they are unlikely to be optimal for lovers of coffee-milk drinks due to the lack of an integrated carafe. In addition, they offer only 4 recipes.
The $ 400 difference ($ 1,700 vs $ 1,300) is a strong argument in favor of the ECAM350.75. But ECAM370.95TI offers a more modern 3.5-inch TFT touchscreen, 3 user profiles, Smart-One-Touch feature and higher pump pressure (19 bar vs 15 bar). Of course, the evaluation of these bonuses depends on personal preferences. For example, 3 user profiles are unlikely to be useful to a lonely bachelor. But in general, they are quite adequate for the price difference.
This video shows the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus ECAM370.95TI in operation.