Choosing an automatic coffee machine for your home is always a search for a balance between the cost, functionality and quality of the drink. The home appliances market has been dominated by two European giants for decades: the German one. Krups and Italian De'Longhi. Both brands offer a wide range of models, from compact single-cup solutions to full-fledged cappuccino brewing stations. However, the differences in engineering philosophy and approach to brewing coffee are enormous.
German School presented by KrupsIt relies on durability, modularity of the design and often uses time-tested technologies such as the system. Thermoblock. Italians from De'LonghiOn the contrary, they emphasize innovation in the field of foam, ease of service and wide availability of spare parts. It is often difficult for the consumer to understand technical nuances without having a comparative analysis at hand.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features, build quality and final taste of the drink, so that you can make an informed decision. We will not use formulaic phrases, but will focus on the real advantages and disadvantages of each brand, drawing on technical specifications and operating experience.
Brand Philosophy and the Origin of Technology
Understanding the roots of the brand helps predict the nature of the work of the technique. Krups It is part of Groupe SEB, a group based in France with deep German roots in engineering. Their approach is conservative: if a technology has been working reliably for decades, it rarely changes dramatically. This ensures high maintenance and predictability of the result.
De'Longhi It is a purely Italian company where coffee is part of the cultural code. Here, the engineering thought aims to reproduce the taste of espresso from a bar carob machine in an automatic format. They are more likely to introduce new brewing systems, such as Dynamic Pre-infusionThey experiment with the shape of the block.
Both manufacturers have assembly plants in different countries, including China and Romania, but quality control and development remain in Europe. The key difference lies in the availability of service: the network of authorized De’Longhi centers in the CIS countries is traditionally wider than that of Krups. This is a critical factor for the long-term operation of complex equipment.
Brewing system: the heart of the coffee machine
The main node of any coffee machine is a brewing block (ZBU). U De'Longhi It is usually removed entirely by one movement. The design makes it easy to wash the block under the tap, which is a huge plus for hygiene. The mechanism often has a marking E.S.E.This means compatibility with coffee tea bags.
In cars. Krups The approach may be different. In many models, especially series Evidence or EspresseriaThe brewing unit is also removable, but the design can be more difficult to clean for a beginner. Some budget Krups models are equipped with non-removable units, which requires more careful use of decalcination tablets.
☑️ Checking the brewing block
The pump pressure is another important parameter. Both brands declare a pressure of 15 or 19 bar, but the working pressure when water is spilled through a tablet of coffee is about 9 bar. Here. De'Longhi Often benefits by more accurate pump calibration "out of the box", providing a stable strait without the need for user tuning.
Quality of espresso and cappuccino
Taste is a subjective category, but there are objective parameters: temperature, extraction and texture of the foam. Coffee machines Krups They are famous for their very hot coffee. If you like a drink "to make steam go", German technique is perfect. However, slightly lower temperatures are sometimes required to reveal the subtle notes of Arabica.
De'Longhi It's more flexible in that regard. Models with a system LatteCrema create a dense, fine-grained milk foam that lasts longer than competitors. Krups capuchinators are most often a classic panarello that requires whipping skills, although there are automatic systems in top models.
⚠️ Note: When you first start any coffee machine, be sure to spill 2-3 cups of water without coffee. This will wash away the factory lubricant and stabilize the temperature of the thermoblock.
For lovers of black coffee, the degree of grinding is important. Italian machines often have a wider range of adjustment millstones, allowing you to go into a very fine grind to obtain a saturated espresso. German devices are more careful about the grain, sometimes leaving it a little larger, which reduces bitterness, but can reduce the density of the drink.
Reliability, noise and materials of the body
Corps De'Longhi more often made of high-quality plastic, which, however, can emit a characteristic crack when heating the thermoblock. This is normal for most automatic machines. At the same time, the series Magnifica It has established itself as an “unkillable classic” that has been working for years with minimal care.
Krups in medium and segments, it actively uses metal elements in the construction of the tray and body. This gives the device solidity, but increases the weight. The noise level of the coffee grinder is leading De'Longhi with their ceramic grindstones in some models that work quieter than the steel counterparts of Krups.
| Parameter | Krups | De'Longhi |
|---|---|---|
| Type of millstone | More often steel | Steel or ceramic |
| Removable zbuh | There are (in most models) | There are (in almost all models) |
| Tank volume | 1.7 - 2.0 l | 1.8 - 2.0 l |
| Guarantee | 2 years (standard) | 2 years (standard) |
The dimensions should be considered. Italians often make their machines more compact in depth, which is important for small kitchens. Krups tends to be more massive, stable structures that are harder to move, but they take up more of the useful area of the countertop.
Management and interfaces
The evolution of interfaces has led to the emergence of touch screens even in the mid-range price segment. Flagship lines Krups Evidence offer smartphone management and customizable profiles. This is convenient for gadget lovers, but sometimes makes the process of making coffee unnecessarily difficult for a quick morning ritual.
De'Longhi Maintains loyalty to mechanical regulators and simple button panels in the series Magnifica S. This solution seems archaic, but it is the mechanics that breaks the least. The rotary handle for adjusting the volume of water and the strength of the drink is intuitive for any user, from a child to a pensioner.
Secrets of Fortress Customization
To get stronger coffee, you do not need to change the grinding to a thinner one. Try increasing your coffee dose in the settings or using the Double Shot feature if you have one in your model.
Programmability of profiles is the strength of both brands in the top segment. You can save the temperature, volume and amount of foam settings for different types of grains. However, it is worth remembering that complex electronic boards are more sensitive to voltage surges in the network.
Use only filtered water or reverse osmosis water. This will prolong the life of the thermoblock and prevent the formation of scale 5 times more effective than any pills.
Service and cost of ownership
Regular decalcification is a mandatory procedure. Machines. De'Longhi Often have an automatic cleaning program that takes 15-20 minutes. Krups It also offers automatic cycles, but some models require manual control of the water drain process, which is less convenient.
Consumables such as lubricant for the brewing unit and scale tablets cost about the same for both brands, as they are often produced by the same OEM plants. Original water filters, however, Claris (for Krups) and Aqua Filter (for De'Longhi) may vary in price and availability in the regions.
⚠️ Warning: Never use vinegar or citric acid to decalcinate automatic coffee machines. The acid can damage the rubber seals and aluminum parts of the thermoblock. Use only special means.
Long-term cost of ownership De'Longhi It may be lower due to the higher availability of spare parts on the market. Finding a serviceman who can repair Delongi in any city is easier than a specialist in rare Krups models.
Comparison of popular models
Let’s look at specific examples to make the comparison more tangible. Popular De'Longhi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 against Krups Espresseria EA81. The first is considered the standard of the budget segment: simple, reliable, with a good cappuccinator. The second offers a slightly more modern design and similar functionality, but often wins in the temperature of the drink.
Middle class. De'Longhi Dinamica Offers an automatic capuchinator, which is a killer feature for latte lovers. Competitive model Krups Evidence It will respond by integrating with a smart home and quieter coffee grinder. The choice here depends on the priority: milk automation or digital functions.
If you want to make a classic taste and ease of repair, choose De’Longhi. If the priority is the high temperature of the drink and modern design, take a look at Krups.
Both vehicles require regular maintenance. The only difference is that Italian technology forgives more errors in operation due to the simpler design of hydraulics, while German technology requires a more disciplined approach, but rewards stability.
Final verdict: what to choose?
To sum up, we can say that there are no “blind zones” in any of the brands. Krups It is a choice for those who appreciate technology, like very hot coffee and are ready to monitor the cleanliness of the machine. This is a technique for enthusiasts who are ready to understand the settings.
De'Longhi It is the perfect choice for a family that needs a “workhorse”. It is easier to maintain, cheaper to repair and more often pleases with high-quality milk foam. It is the choice of a pragmatist who wants to just press a button and get a good coffee.
Remember that a particular model may be more successful or unsuccessful than the overall brand trend. Always read reviews for the modification you plan to buy, checking the year of release and the country of assembly.
Is it true that Krups burn more often than De'Longhi?
The statistics of service centers do not show a critical difference. Electronics problems occur in both brands with approximately the same frequency (about 3-5% of devices sold in the first year). Most often, breakdowns are associated with untimely decalcination, and not with the marriage of the plant.
Can I use coffee in these machines?
Yes, most models of both brands have a workaround for ground coffee (bypass). However, for regular use of ground coffee automatic machines are worse than carob, since the dosing mechanism of grain is not used, and clean the brewing block from fine dust will have to more often.
Which coffee machine works quieter?
In noise level tests, models win De'Longhi with ceramic millstones. They work at lower rpms and heat grain less. Steel millstones Krups They can work louder and at higher frequencies, which is heard in the morning.
Do I need to lubricate the brew block?
Yes, it's a mandatory procedure. Food lubrication is applied to the side guides of the brewing block every 2-3 months or after each decalcination. Without lubrication, the plastic begins to creak and then cracks with the load.