Our verdict: The De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine EC260BK ranks 7th of the 10 espresso machines we compare, with 8.4 out of 10.
De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine EC260BK
8.4/10
The De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK is a small 15 bar manual espresso machine with a steam wand and a 34 oz tank. It suits someone trying espresso and milk drinks at home for the first time on a small budget.
Among the lowest-priced machines here, with a portafilter and two baskets included
Compact body that fits small kitchens and cabinets
Manual steam wand lets you learn milk texturing early
Pressurized baskets forgive an uneven grind and tamp
Keep in mind
Mostly plastic, and the included tamper is light
51 mm portafilter limits upgrade options
Steam is modest, so a larger pitcher of milk takes a while
Pressurized baskets cap how much flavor you can extract
Why the De'Longhi EC260BK scores 8.4
Each bar shows where it places among the 10 espresso machines in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. How happy owners are counts for most of the score.
How happy owners are6th of 10
How many rated it2nd of 10
How new it is5th of 10
Level with the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series ES601
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series ES601 and the De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine EC260BK score the same, so either is a safe pick. The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series ES601 goes first because it is the newer design.
About the De'Longhi EC260BK
The Stilosa is a pump espresso machine with a stainless steel boiler and a plastic body. A single dial controls it and there is no display. The brand lists a 15 bar pump, 1100 W of power and a 33.81 oz water tank that pulls out for filling. A two-level cup holder sits over a removable drip tray, and the maximum cup height is 4.29 inches.
The portafilter takes a 51 mm basket. Two baskets come in the box, one for a single shot and one for a double. Both are pressurized, which means they produce a crema-like finish even when the grind or tamp is imperfect. Best Buy owners say they are not designed for pods, though the brand's page lists ESE pod compatibility, so check the manual before you rely on either.
Milk goes through a manual steam wand of the Panarello type, which adds air for you. The machine also dispenses hot water. TechGearLab found the wand wide, so milk can get messy in the pitcher, and the steam pressure uneven. It rated the machine fine for lattes and weaker for cappuccino foam. The box also holds a tamper, a measuring spoon, a manual and a quick start guide.
What owners report about the De'Longhi EC260BK
Owner feedback we could open for this exact model is limited, so this section is short. The Best Buy owner Q&A describes a machine that is easy to live with: the removable parts and baskets are dishwasher safe, and the 51 mm size means a standard 51 mm tamper fits. Owners there also say it makes lattes and cappuccinos once you learn the steaming.
The complaints are about the hot water, which one owner calls too cool for anything but tea, and about grounds in the cup. Owners link grounds to a grind that is too fine and suggest going coarser. Independent review site TechGearLab adds that the baskets hold little coffee, and that the tank is small, so you refill often.
We found no solid pattern of long-term failures in the sources we could open. One owner advises contacting De'Longhi if the green ready light never comes on.
Who the De'Longhi EC260BK suits
It fits a beginner who wants to learn milk steaming and pull a first espresso without spending much, or someone with a small kitchen. Pressurized baskets forgive a loose grind, so pre-ground coffee works. Expect sweeter, milder shots rather than the depth a better setup gives.
Look elsewhere if you want to improve your shots over time. The 51 mm portafilter limits basket and accessory choices, and the machine has no temperature control. The Breville Barista Express BES870XL adds a built-in grinder, and the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 RI9380/46 has a 58 mm portafilter and room to grow. If you steam large pitchers of milk often, the small tank and modest steam will frustrate you.
Questions about the De'Longhi EC260BK
How do you use the De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK?
Fill the tank, turn the machine on and wait for it to heat. Then add ground coffee to the basket, tamp it, lock in the portafilter and brew with the dial. Follow the quick start guide in the box for the first-use rinse, because TechGearLab found the setup instructions vague.
What size is the De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK portafilter?
51 mm. Best Buy owners say a standard 51 mm tamper fits and that any two-notch 51 mm portafilter should work.
Does the De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK have pressurized baskets?
Yes. Both included baskets are pressurized, so they work with an uneven grind. TechGearLab found they hold little coffee, about 15 g at most.
Is the De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK dishwasher safe?
Best Buy owners say the removable parts and baskets can go in the dishwasher. The brand's page doesn't say, so check the manual.
How long is the warranty on the De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK?
De'Longhi lists a 1-year warranty, plus 1 additional year with product registration.
Other espresso machine picks
The other badge winners in our espresso machines ranking.
Every score here comes from our ranking model; no editor sets the order. Too few review sites cover espresso machines for their verdicts to lead, so this ranking is led by owners. It ranks products by how happy owners are, holding back any product few owners have rated until more agree. How many rated it and how new it is only settle close calls, and value for money earns its own badge rather than a higher place. We compared 16 models for this guide before settling on these ten.
Brands can't pay to be included or to move up. We last checked these picks in October 2026.
