Can’t decide between the Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica? Well, let’s delve into the respective differences between these two highly regarded bean to cup coffee makers.
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Name | Eletta | Autentica |
Display |   |   |
Shop Now | ||
Model Number | ECAM44.660.B | ETAM 29.510.B |
Milk Frother | Automatic | Manual |
Coffee Type | Bean or Pre-Ground | Bean or Pre-Ground |
Size | 26cm(L) x 46cm (D) x 36cm (H) | 19.5cm(L) x 48cm (D) x 34cm (H) |
Capacity | 400g bean container; 2 litre water tank | 200g bean container; 1.4 litre water tank |
Colour | Black | Black |
Digital Display | Yes | No |
What Users Think | Excellent machine; milk temperature could be warmer | Fantastic machine; water tank could be bigger |
When it comes to picking a coffee machine from Delonghi, there’s plenty of choice. Two particular machines you may be considering are the Delonghi Eletta and the Delonghi Autentica.
In this article we are going to take a look at how they compare in terms of:
- Choice of Coffee
- Milk Frother
- Type of Coffee It Takes
- Customisation
- Size & Capacity
- Ease of Use
- What Users Think
Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica
Contents
Let’s start by taking a brief look at each model.
Delonghi Eletta (ECAM 44.660.B, Black – Capuccino)
When we are referring to the Delonghi Eletta in this article we are specifically referring to the Delonghi Eletta ECAM 44.660.B, black (“Cappucino”). Note that there are few variations of the Eletta available so be sure to check before purchasing that you are looking at the one you want.
Delonghi Autentica (ETAM 29.510.B, Black)
When talking about the Delonghi Autentica we specifically mean the Delonghi Autentica (ETAM 29.510.B, Black). Once more be sure to verify you are dealing with the correct model when it comes to making your selection.
Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Choice of Coffee
For a lot of people, the variety in choices of coffee from a machine is a critical factor in how they make their decision. This is particularly important if you are specifically looking for those bean to cup machines that can produce your favoured choice of coffee at the touch of a button in automatic fashion.
When it comes to choice of coffee the Delonghi Eletta firstly offers a range of espressos as well as milk based choices with automatic operation:
- single/double espresso;
- ristretto;
- single/double long coffee;
- espresso machiato
- Cafelatte or latte
- Capuccino
- Latte Macchiato
Outside of the automatic setting you can also whip up a flat white or Americano when you want to.
With the Delonghi Autentica, you also get a number of drinks with automatic operation:
- Single/double espresso
- Ristretto
- single/double long coffee
- Doppio plus (an extra large double shot espresso with extra caffeine)
Aside from the auto choices, you can also make:
- Caffelatte/Latte
- Capuccino
- Flat White
- Americano
- Latte Machiato
- Espresso Macchiato
When it comes to the choices of coffee you can make with the Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica both have a number of automatic selections though the Eletta has more options including several milk-based drinks.
Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Milk Frother
If you’re a fan of milk-based drinks such as a cappuccino, latte, or macchiato then a milk frother will be something you want to look out for in any coffee machine you go for. These are typically either automatic or manually operated (sometimes with a steam wand).
When it comes to milk frothers both the Delonghi Eletta and Delonghi Autentica come equipped with one.
The Delonghi Eletta comes with an automatic milk frother built into the unit. This system can create both frothed and steamed milk for your choice of drink. The froth level can also be adjusted depending on the amount of froth you’d like for a particular drink allowing for no froth, a minimum amount, and a large quantity.
Quite helpfully the milk frother also has an auto cleaning function to help you maintain it.
With a compact rectangular shape, the milk carafe (container) is relatively straightforward to store in the fridge if necessary.
To help you keep track of how much milk is left in the carafe, it is transparent so you’ll never be surprised with an empty container when making a milk-based drink.
The Autentica on the other hand comes with a traditional manual milk frother that you can use to warm up your milk or prepare it for a foamy or creamy texture to go into your choice of beverage.
If you are looking for a machine with a hands-off approach to milk frothing for your favourite drinks then the Delonghi Eletta would make a better choice of the two as the Autentica will require you to manually froth the milk. If you don’t mind getting more hands-on and learning how to make barista-style milk-based drinks then the Autentica may be the better option.
Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Type of Coffee It Takes
Both the Delonghi Eletta and Delonghi Autentica are bean to cup coffee machines.
For many coffee lovers, there’s no other type of coffee machine they would consider outside of a bean to cup machine. These give you the freshest coffee possible out of the various types of coffee making machines available for the home.
There are many though who also quite like the quick convenience of pre-ground coffee machines.
The Delonghi Eletta will take whole beans to be ground and brewed into your desired drink. However, quite usefully the Eletta can also take pre-ground coffee giving you additional flexibility in terms of the varieties of coffee you can use.
This could be particularly handy if there’s a type of bean you like that you can only source in pre-ground supply. It also means if you’re ever keen to avoid the noise from the grinder you have that option. Do note though that you’ll only be able to make one cup at a time when using pre-ground coffee.
The Autentica can also quite helpfully take pre-ground coffee though once again you’ll only be able to make one cup at a time.
Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Customisation
With customisation features available a coffee machine will sometimes allow the user to choose the strength of their coffee, as well as quantity and in the case of bean to cup machines, grind level. In addition, there are some that will allow a user to create a program with specific preferences so that they do not have to keep re-entering the same combination each time they want that specific coffee.
The Delonghi Eletta has a range of 5 options for the strength in taste of its coffee ranging from “extra mild” through to “extra strong”. This setting regulates the number of beans that are ground for any given drink; the more beans per cup, the stronger the taste.
When it comes to the quantity it will allow you to choose between a short, standard, long, and extra-long coffee.
It is also equipped with a “my coffee” setting which will allow you to select the desired amount of coffee you want and then save it for repeated use. The setting will allow you to adjust the volume to your liking up to a maximum of 180ml in a cup.
The Eletta will also allow you to choose the temperature of the water used to make your coffee.
In terms of strength selection, the Autentica comes with a dial that will let you go from minimum strength (extra mild) through to maximum (extra strong). In terms of quantity of coffee in a cup, the Autentica has the option of changing the standard amount delivered in a short or long coffee.
In addition, the Autentica also has a function that will allow you to choose the temperature of the water used to brew your coffee.
Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Size & Capacity
The size of any appliance to be added to the kitchen counter is always important particularly if you are tight on space. This is the same with coffee machines and bean to cup makers can sometimes be on the larger side due to the functions they can incorporate into their unit and the addition of a grinder in comparison to pod and ground machines.
The Delonghi Eletta in question has a footprint of 26cm(L) x 46cm (D) x 36cm (H). The Autentica discussed on the other hand sits at 19.5cm(L) x 48cm (D) x 34cm (H). As we can see the Eletta has a longer length and height but slightly shorter depth.
The Eletta comes with a 1.75m cable length whilst the Autentica is supplied with a 1.05m plug cable length.
The Eletta comes with a 400g bean container and 2 litre water tank whilst the Autentica is equipped with a 200g whole bean container and a 1.4 litre water tank.
The water tank on the Eletta quite helpfully is positioned on the side of the machine which makes it relatively straightforward to take out and fill up. With the Autentica on the other hand, the tank is positioned at the back of the machine.
Both machines allow you to make two drinks at once. Both macIn terms of pressure, both machines come equipped with 15bars.
Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Ease of Use
In terms of ease of use typically users will want a machine that they can get used to without too much difficulty. A large part of this will come down to the control panel and the level of automation involved. Generally speaking, the more automatic features involved, the easier it will be to make the most out of the machine particularly for those who have little or no desire to get too hands-on.
The Delonghi Eletta comes with a touch-controlled panel and a one-touch operation for a number of drinks including milk-based options such as cappuccinos and lattes. The various functions of the buttons on the control panel are detailed in the instruction manual as you would expect.
The Autentica has a soft-touch control panel as well as dials for selecting the strength and another for steam/hot water. Quite helpfully the instruction manual also covers the operation of the touch panel.
Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: What Users Think
When it comes to how users feel about the Delonghi Eletta, it appears to receive fairly universal praise. Many users mention how easy the machine is to use, noting the simplicity of the panel as well as setup instructions. Several users also note easy it is to clean the machine and maintain it though some users do note that the drip tray does not provide a level notification when it’s full so you’ll need to keep a careful watch.
Something else that seems to impress a significant number of users is how well put together the pre-set drinks are though some do note that the flat whites do not always come out as well as the other milk-based drinks.
A number of users do note some concerns with the temperature of the milk, though not a universal complaint, this is still something to pay attention to if you like your coffee on the hotter side. Many users also note that they can get their desired temperature by heating up their glass or cup beforehand for milk-based drinks.
The Autentica appears to get generally universally excellent ratings from users with many noting how well it makes their coffee. Several users like the compact nature of the Autentica and its style.
The main complaint amongst otherwise very good feedback appears to be that some feel the water tank is too small and will require regular topping up. This they note is partly due to the fact the machine flushes the system on startup and shutdown. The water tank is at the back of the machine which means if you have your machine under your kitchen cupboards on the counter, you are likely to have to move it to access the tank lid which for some is a nuisance.
Conclusion – Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica
Overall when looking at the Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica there are lots of features to like with both machines. These are both stylish bean to cup coffee makers that also double up as pre-ground machines.
The Eletta will take up more space on your kitchen counter than the Autentica but you’ll get more water and bean capacity for it meaning you’ll need to intervene less. Quite helpfully the Eletta also has its water container on the side of the machine as opposed to the Autentica’s rear placement.
When it comes to the choices of coffee available with automatic operation, the Eletta has more options with several milk-based drinks available thanks to its automatic milk frother.
Generally, the Eletta takes less manual intervention than the Autentica, as you would expect with an automatic milk frother.
Both machines seem to get generally very good user reviews though the Autentica appears to have more consistent praise with only really the water tank capacity standing out in terms of drawbacks highlighted by customers.
Ultimately if an automatic milk frother and the options that offers as well as capacity is important to you then the Eletta may be the way to go between the two. However, if you have no particular need for the automatic milk frother and can live with fewer automatic drinks choices as well as the smaller water tank, then the Autentica appears to be a genuine crowd-pleaser. The choice is ultimately yours depending on what your budget and preferences are.
Delonghi Eletta (ECAM 44.660.B, Black – Capuccino)
Delonghi Autentica (ETAM 29.510.B, Black)