A machine like the Delonghi Dinamica Plus vs Primadonna Elite will probably cost you a month’s salary. This is a big commitment, so I’m here to ensure that what you’re getting is worth it.
Both are generally great bean-to-coffee machines for anyone looking for a higher-spec coffee machine that delivers a variety of drinks. Still, there are several aspects that make the Delonghi Primadonna Elite the better one, after all. For example, it has twin boilers for multi-tasking and offers more personal profiles than the Delonghi Dinamica Plus, and those are just the tip of the iceberg.
Delonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Primadonna Elite: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Dinamica Plus Vs Primadonna Elite: Differences
The Primadonna Elite defeated the Dinamica Plus with a 5-3 lead. Now we have a final winner, but what are the differences between them?
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Delonghi Primadonna Elite
Built-in Grinder
Stainless steel conical burr grinders with 13 adjustment settings – It’s like a signature move of DeLonghi, and both the Dinamica Plus and the Primadonna Soul proudly have it. Just turn a knob when the grinder is running to dial in your shot.
The grinder has a bit of a screechy personality when it’s in action, but I think I’m used to this kind of noise from a DeLonghi bean-to-cup machine. Anyway, it’s nice not to have to spend extra bucks on a separate grinder and countertop space for it.
Both also have a bypass chute for pre-ground coffee. This feature is perfect for those times when you’re in a rush or just feel like switching things up from your usual whole bean routine.
Heating System
The Primadonna Elite has a dual-thermoblock system, one for coffee brewing and one for milk frothing, whereas the Dinamica Plus features a single thermoblock. So, with no doubt, the Primadonna Elite has the multi-tasking advantage over the Dinamica Plus, ready to handle espresso and milk simultaneously.
By the way, the thermoblock system heats up very quickly – at least it doesn’t make you wait nearly half an hour like a traditional boiler. It also indirectly heats up a cup warming plate on top of both.
Brewing System
At this point, I can confidently state that a bean-to-cup machine wouldn’t be able to brew heavenly espresso if it did not have the pre-infusion function. And fortunately, that is not the case with the Dinamica Plus and Primadonna Elite.
I don’t want to make you sleepy to death, so let’s keep it simple. Pre-infusion is a crucial step in espresso brewing, where a small amount of hot water is first applied to the coffee grounds before the full extraction process begins. This initial wetting helps to evenly saturate the coffee, leading to a more uniform extraction and, ultimately, a better-tasting espresso.
Speaking of espresso extraction, getting the right pressure is also important. The Dinamica Plus provides a maximum pressure of 19 bars, while the Primadonna Elite offers just up to 15 bars. The difference may seem a lot, but hey, considering that all you really need for a good espresso shot is 9 bars, both machines are more than up to the task.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Tie
Dimensions & User Interface
| Delonghi Dinamica Plus | Delonghi Primadonna Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.3 x 14 x 17 inches | 10.2 x 15 x 18.5 inches |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs | 26.23 lbs |
These machines aren’t small and they are probably bigger than just about any other machine in your kitchen. But the matter of bulky size isn’t the thing that catches your eye first, though, not if you are into your espresso machines. They look nice, modern, and robust.
Both get a touchscreen, matching the world where we’re all glued to our smartphones. The PrimaDonna Elite has the largest screen I’ve ever seen on an espresso machine to date, making this one more like a “super coffee computer” than just a coffee machine.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Delonghi Dinamica Plus | Delonghi Primadonna Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 3.5-5.5 inches | 3.4-5.6 inches |
It’s not strange to find a custom-height spout on these machines. It’s best to have the spout as close to the cup as possible for a creamier crema layer. Well, both can also pull two shots at once, something every coffee-addicted couple desires in the early morning. Both also come with a hot water spigot to ensure your tea or hot chocolate is pure and free of any milk residue.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Delonghi Dinamica Plus | Delonghi Primadonna Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.8 liter | 1.8 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.3 kilogram | 0.36 kilogram |
Their 1.8-litre water tanks are located on the side of the machine to easily slide out for refilling. They are large enough to spare you from refilling them constantly all day long. And if you aren’t using pre-filtered water, a water filter is available to ensure your espresso is brewed with water free from impurities.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Tie
The Dinamica Plus and Primadonna Elite, like other Delonghi automatic machines, both use a milk system called Latte Crema. I don’t care about its name, frankly. We’re here for that creamy, dreamy milk foam, and let me tell you, it does the job well for an automated milk system.
You don’t want to struggle with a milk frother wand. All you need to do is take the milk jug out of your fridge and plug it into the front of the machine. The machine will prompt you to choose a milk-based drink on the screen as well as the amount of milk foam by turning a knob on top of the jug.
The milk foam and espresso will be extracted one after another straight into your cup and you don’t need to move your cup at all. It’s so easy, and you could probably do it with your eyes closed – but maybe don’t try that.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Tie
Drink Options
| Delonghi Dinamica Plus | Delonghi Primadonna Elite |
|---|---|
| Gourmet Espresso Double Espresso Long Coffee Truebrew Over Ice Coffee Pot Doppio+ Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Milk Cappuccino + Cappuccino Mix Caffelatte Flat White Espresso Macchiato Hot Water | Espresso Coffee Long Doppio+ Americano Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Cappuccino+ Cappuccino Mix Caffelatte Flat White Espresso Macchiato Hot Chocolate Hot Milk Hot Water |
In addition to a rich espresso with a lovely crema or a cappuccino with bubbly milk foam, there are countless one-touch options from their long menu of coffee specialties waiting for you to discover.
I always ignore the pot function, but hey, it could be an interesting option if, one day, you want to share your caffeine habit with co-workers or friends. This function can brew up to 6 servings of espresso, but there is no way to keep it hot 6 times longer, which is a shame.
The Primadonna Elite even has a second jug just for preparing hot chocolate. Instead of wrestling with pots and pans on the stove, all you have to do is put your hot chocolate ingredients in this special jug and then just sit back and watch the machine do the magic. There is a propellor at the bottom that mixes the ingredients while the spout passes steam through the liquid to heat them up.
One special thing that the Dinamica Plus has over the Primadonna Elite is the Truebrew Over Ice function. Well, it’s not about serving you a frosty cup straight from the machine. It just ends up with a drink at room temperature, and you can enjoy it with your own ice cubes or whiskey ice. The function is basically saying, “Hey, let me handle the coffee part – you bring the ice.”
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Delonghi Dinamica Plus | Delonghi Primadonna Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee Temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Milk Foam Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Texture | Yes | Yes |
Speaking of customization, these machines enable you to play coffee scientist without getting your hands dirty. You can choose the exact milliliter dose of coffee, the aroma strength (5 levels), the brewing temperature (4 levels), and how long the milk is poured. There’s always space for you to find something fine-tuned to your own taste.
Other Features
Winner: Delonghi Primadonna Elite
User Profiles
The age-old problem of shared coffee machines: one overrides another. But with these machines, this nightmare is over. The Dinamica Plus lets you save it to one of the four available user profiles, while the Primadonna Elite offers six profiles. So everyone in your family gets to save their perfect mix, leading to mornings that are more about savoring your coffee and less about squabbling, “Who changed my settings?”
App Connectivity
Last but not least, both come with app functionality. This means you can make drinks directly from a smart app on your smartphone. Just grab your smartphone, open the app, and with a few taps, your coffee machine springs into action.
No more standing around waiting for the machine to heat up. Just tap and relax, and then when you’re ready to face the day, your perfect cup of Joe is waiting for you. Don’t forget to place a cup under the spout so you don’t end up with the milk foam coming out like porridge.
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Primadonna Elite
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Dinamica Plus
- Intuitive and colorful 3.5” TFT display Enjoy easy interaction with the new, intuitive interface on the 3.5” TFT full-touch, colorful display.
- De’Longhi Coffee Link App Functionality The App lets you create and save up to 3 personalized espresso recipes in your profile, ensuring you’re never more than a smart screen away from perfectly customized coffee. The app also gives you tips and tricks, and helps with machine maintenance.
- Integrated Conical Burr Grinder Brew fresh, whole bean coffee and save counter space with the built-in coffee grinder. With 13 adjustable settings, this grinder ensures that the coffee is as evenly and finely ground as possible to bring out its rich flavors and aroma.
- Smart-One-Touch System The intelligent system recognizes your preferences and is programmed to list your most frequently selected drinks as first on the display.
- Proprietary LatteCrema System Automatic and ergonomic thermal milk carafe with the proprietary LatteCrema System textures any milk of your choice and can be stored in the fridge to keep milk fresh when not in use
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Delonghi Primadonna Elite: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/primadonna-elite-espresso-machine/p/ECAM65055MS
- Delonghi Dinamica Plus: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/dinamica-plus-espresso-machine/p/ECAM37095TI
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.