Overview
The De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus represents the pinnacle of De'Longhi's La Specialista range, introducing a true dual boiler system rare in consumer machines at this price tier. Separate boilers for brewing and steaming eliminate wait times and temperature interference, allowing simultaneous espresso extraction and milk frothing for efficient workflow. The integrated sensor grinder with eight settings monitors bean hardness in real-time and adjusts automatically. Smart tamping delivers a perfectly level, consistently pressured tamp every time the portafilter locks in. Three pre-infusion profiles — classic, long, and cold brew style — offer creative flexibility. The automatic LatteCrema milk system produces café-quality microfoam, while a secondary manual steam wand caters to latte art enthusiasts. A large color display provides step-by-step guidance and drink customization with saved profiles. The all-metal construction with chrome accents delivers premium build quality. This machine bridges the gap between consumer convenience and prosumer capability.
The De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus comes equipped with PID temperature control for precise brewing, pre-infusion for even extraction. It features a dual boiler boiler system made of stainless steel with a 400 ml capacity. The vibratory pump delivers 19.0 bars of pressure for optimal extraction.
Priced at $1,499, the De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus is designed for serious home baristas who want café-quality espresso. As a semi-automatic machine, it gives you control over the brewing process while handling pressure and temperature automatically.
In terms of build quality, the De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus is a substantial machine, weighing in at 15.0 kg, manufactured in Italy, drawing 1550W of power. With dimensions of 360 x 410 x 410 mm (W×D×H), make sure you have adequate counter space. The built-in water reservoir holds 2500 ml, making it easy to set up anywhere in your kitchen.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- PID temperature control ensures consistent extraction temperature shot after shot
- Pre-infusion gently saturates the coffee puck before full pressure, improving extraction evenness
- Dual boiler design allows simultaneous brewing and steaming with no temperature compromise
- Stainless steel boiler is corrosion-resistant and easy to maintain
- Built-in cup warmer keeps your cups at optimal temperature
- Large water reservoir (2500 ml) reduces refill frequency
Cons
- Vibratory pump can be noisy and may not last as long as rotary alternatives under heavy use
- Non-standard 51mm portafilter limits third-party basket and accessory options
- Auto-frothing wand doesn't offer the manual control needed for true latte art
Full Specifications
| Brand | De'Longhi |
|---|---|
| Model | De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus |
| Category | Semi-Auto |
| Status | Current |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Year Introduced | 2023 |
| Boiler Type | Dual Boiler |
| Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Boiler Capacity | 400 ml |
| Steam Boiler Capacity | 300 ml |
| Pump Type | Vibratory |
| Pump Pressure | 19.0 bar |
| PID Control | Yes |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes |
| Pressure Profiling | No |
| Flow Control | No |
| Group Head | 51mm |
| Portafilter Diameter | 51 mm |
| Steam Wand | Auto |
| Water Source | Reservoir |
| Reservoir Capacity | 2500 ml |
| Cup Warmer | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 360 x 410 x 410 mm |
| Weight | 15.0 kg (33.1 lbs) |
| Wattage | 1550 W |
| Voltage | 120V |
| MSRP | $1,499 |
Our Verdict
The De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus sits in the dual boiler category, which is the gold standard for home espresso machines that can brew and steam simultaneously. At under $1,500 for a dual boiler, it offers serious value compared to Italian competitors in the $2,000+ range. If you regularly make milk drinks and don't want to wait between brewing and steaming, this is the right architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus designed for?
The De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus at $1,499 is a prosumer-grade machine designed for experienced home baristas who want near-commercial quality. It's not ideal as a first machine, but it's an excellent upgrade for those ready to invest in their espresso passion.
How often does the De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus need maintenance?
Regular maintenance includes daily backflushing (for machines with solenoid valves), weekly cleaning of the group head and portafilter, and descaling every 1-3 months depending on water hardness. Using filtered water significantly reduces scale buildup and extends machine life.
What grinder pairs well with the De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus?
For a machine at this level, consider mid-range to premium grinders: Eureka Mignon Specialita ($400), Niche Zero ($600), or DF64 ($400-$500). These grinders will do justice to the machine's capabilities without being the bottleneck in your setup.
Is the De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus worth $1,499?
The De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus's value depends on your commitment to espresso. If you drink espresso daily, a quality machine pays for itself vs. cafe purchases within 6-12 months. The De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus offers PID temperature control, dual boiler convenience at its price point, making it a sound investment for regular espresso drinkers.
Recommended Grinder Pairings for the De'Longhi EC9865.M La Specialista Maestro Plus
A good grinder is essential for getting the most out of your espresso machine. Here are some grinders that pair well at this price level: