I test coffee makers for a living, and this tiny De'Longhi espresso machine is the only one with a permanent spot on my own kitchen counter

I test a lot of coffee makers here at TechRadar, including some seriously expensive luxury espresso machines that cost more than a month's wages. However, when it comes to making my morning cappuccino, there's only one machine I trust, and it's one of the smallest and cheapest I've ever used.

Search Amazon and you'll find page after page of budget espresso machines, but in all honesty, they're usually pretty bad. The big problem is consistency; if your coffee maker can't sustain steady temperature and pressure, your shot can end up over- or under-extracted for no apparent reason, even if you've used exactly the same weight of the same beans, ground to the same level, and tamped with the same pressure. It's extremely frustrating, and there's nothing you can do about it. It's a waste of coffee, time, and money.

Cheap espresso machines also tend to come with poor-quality components, such as flimsy plastic tampers that make it hard to apply even pressure, and are so light that detaching the portafilter handle can lift the whole machine off the counter. The whole experience just isn't a lot of fun.

That's not the case with the De'Longhi Dedica Duo. De'Longhi has a name and a reputation to uphold, and despite this little machine's bargain price, it offers the same build quality and performance of the company's top-tier products.

The whole thing feels solid and well-made (even the metal tamper has a nice heft to it), and most importantly it can maintain a steady temperature and pressure so your shots turn out exactly the same time after time.

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Its steam wand is excellent as well. Unlike the De'Longhi Dedica Style, which was this machine's predecessor, the Duo's steam pressure is controlled using a nicely tactile knurled dial, and although small, the boiler generates enough steam to do a thorough job.

Want more? You've got it. The 'Duo' in this espresso machine's name refers to the fact that it can also make cold-brewed espresso using water direct from the tank and skipping the boiler. This takes longer than brewing hot (a couple of minutes, in my experience) but it's worth the wait because the resulting shot is mellow and well-rounded. Some espresso machines I've tested recently (most of which cost a lot more than the Dedica) claim to make 'cold' or 'iced' coffee, but actually instruct you to add ice to a cup and then dump hot espresso over the top. To have properly cold extraction at this price point is refreshing in more ways than one.

All in all, it's the best compact coffee maker I've ever used, and I'm happy to give it space on my own kitchen counter. It gets even better, too. The Dedica Duo is great value at full price, but right now you can snap it up for even less than list price if you move quickly. In the US, it's down to just $219.99 at Best Buy (was $299.99) – a huge saving of $80 – and in the UK it's reduced to £229 at Very (was £279).

Today's best De'Longhi Dedica Duo deals

De'Longhi Dedica Duo: was $299.95 now $219.95 at Best Buy

This compact espresso machine is a steal at Best Buy with now. The biggest discount applies to the Pistachio Green colorway, which is a soft sage color. The other colors are on offer as well, but the discounts aren't quite as big.

View Deal

De'Longhi Dedica Duo: was £279 now £229 at very.co.uk

Very has knocked a generous £50 off this superb little espresso machine in the UK, bringing it down to a record-low price. It's fantastic value, and would be perfect for your kitchen counter, or as a gift.

View Deal

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The best coffee makers you can buy

➡️ Read our full guide to the best coffee makers
1. Best espresso:
Breville Barista Touch Impress
2. Best drip:
Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal
3. Best all-in-one:
Ninja Luxe Café
4. Best Nespresso:
Krups Nespresso Pixie