De'Longhi Stilosa EC230 vs Lelit Anna PL62T

Across 5 measured specs the De'Longhi Stilosa EC230 comes out ahead, winning 3 categories to 1. Budget-conscious beginners who want a genuine espresso machine footprint in a dorm, small apartment, or first kitchen, and are willing to learn manual technique over time.

Spec face-off

Bars scaled to the higher value. Coloured = wins that spec.

Full specifications

Strengths & weaknesses

De'Longhi Stilosa EC230

Strengths

Genuine metal pannarello steam wand at this price is uncommon and produces usable microfoam

Compact and lightweight with a small counter footprint and simple dial controls

Standard 51mm portafilter accepts widely available aftermarket baskets and naked portafilter upgrades

Trade-offs

Ships with pressurized filter baskets only, which mask grind inconsistency but cap espresso quality ceiling

Single boiler requires a full cool-down-and-reheat cycle between brewing and steaming, slowing workflow

Extraction yield in stock configuration often tests below the 18-22% industry standard

Lelit Anna PL62T

Strengths

Commercial 58mm portafilter opens the full ecosystem of aftermarket tampers, distribution tools, and naked portafilters

PID temperature control holds brewing temperature within ±0.5°F, enabling repeatable shots that single-boiler machines without PID cannot match

Slim 24 cm × 26 cm footprint fits in apartment kitchens where the Breville Barista Express (40 cm wide) does not

Trade-offs

Single boiler means a 60-90 second thermal transition between brewing and steaming

No pressurized basket included

10 kg weight is heavy for a compact machine; daily moves to a cabinet are impractical despite the small footprint