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DeLonghi La Specialista Opera EC9555.M specifications and in-depth review

DeLonghi La Specialista Opera EC9555.M

Manufacturer: DeLonghi

The DeLonghi La Specialista Opera EC9555.M is an automatic coffee machine designed to work with both whole beans and ground coffee, giving users flexibility in how they brew. It features an integrated burr grinder with 15 grind settings, allowing for consistent grind adjustments without any separate equipment. The machine supports up to five drinks and includes a cup warmer along with adjustable cup clearance to accommodate different vessel sizes.

On the technical side, the Opera EC9555.M is equipped with a commercial-grade steam wand and an integrated milk frother, making it capable of handling milk-based beverages with a degree of precision. The 2-litre transparent water tank is removable and includes a built-in filter. Maintenance is assisted by a cleaning alert and a drip tray full indicator, while overheating protection is built in. The machine does not use proprietary capsules, has no direct water connection, and does not support Wi-Fi or smartphone control.

Pros
  • The integrated burr grinder offers 15 grind settings, giving users meaningful control over grind consistency without needing a separate device
  • A commercial-grade steam wand combined with an integrated milk frother makes it capable of handling milk-based drinks with more precision than a basic wand alone
  • The transparent, removable 2-litre water tank includes a built-in filter and allows water levels to be checked at a glance
  • Adjustable cup clearance accommodates different cup and glass sizes without any workaround
  • A cleaning alert and drip tray full indicator reduce the guesswork involved in day-to-day upkeep
  • Overheating protection adds a layer of safety during extended use
Cons
  • Brewing and steaming cannot be done simultaneously, which slows down the preparation of milk-based drinks
  • There is no automatic rinsing for either the coffee or milk circuits, so both require manual cleaning after use
  • The absence of a shot timer means users have no built-in way to monitor or reproduce extraction times
  • No sleep or power-saving mode is available, which may result in unnecessary energy use when the machine is idle
  • With only 5 available drinks, the range of automated options is fairly limited for a machine in this category
  • There is no PID controller, leaving temperature regulation less precise than machines that include one
Who is this for?

This machine suits home users who want a more hands-on espresso experience without relying on capsules or a separate grinder. The integrated burr grinder with 15 grind settings makes it a practical fit for those who enjoy dialing in their grind for different beans, while the commercial steam wand appeals to users who regularly prepare milk-based drinks and want more steaming control than a basic panarello offers. The transparent removable water tank and built-in maintenance alerts also make it well-suited to those who prefer straightforward upkeep without complex routines.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who need to pull shots and steam milk at the same time will find this machine limiting, as simultaneous brewing and steaming is not supported, slowing down service during busy periods. It is also a poor match for those who rely on automated cleaning cycles, since neither the coffee nor the milk circuit rinses automatically — requiring consistent manual maintenance that some users may find burdensome. Additionally, anyone looking for precise temperature control through a PID controller, or wanting connectivity features like Wi-Fi or smartphone integration, will find those capabilities absent here.

General info:

Type Automatic
coffee type Ground, Beans
volume 62567 cm³
Doesn’t use proprietary capsules ✓
weight 13200 g
thickness 370 mm
height 380 mm
width 445 mm

The DeLonghi La Specialista Opera EC9555.M is an automatic coffee machine compatible with both ground coffee and whole beans, and it does not require any proprietary capsules. It has a total volume of 62,567 cm³ and weighs 13,200 g. Its physical footprint measures 445 mm wide, 370 mm deep, and 380 mm tall, making it a relatively compact unit for a machine of its type.

Components:

Has a pressure gauge ✓
Has a 58mm portafilter ✕
Has a steam wand ✓
Has a commercial steam wand ✓
Has an integrated grinder ✓
Uses E61 group head ✕
Has a display ✕
Has cup warmer ✓
Has a rotary vane pump ✕
Has burr grinder ✓
group heads 1
has a touch screen ✕
Cup clearance is adjustable ✓
Has integrated milk frother ✓

This machine is built around a single group head and includes an integrated burr grinder, delivering consistent grinding without a separate device. It features a pressure gauge for monitoring extraction, along with a commercial steam wand and an integrated milk frother for milk-based drinks. Cup clearance is adjustable, and a cup warmer is also present. The machine does not use an E61 group head, a 58mm portafilter, or a rotary vane pump, and it has no display or touch screen.

Water source:

Has PID controller ✕
Has a removable water tank ✓
Water tank is transparent ✓
Has integrated filter ✓
Has direct water connection ✕
can dispense hot water ✕
water tank capacity 2 l

The machine uses a 2-litre removable water tank that is transparent, making it easy to monitor water levels at a glance. The tank includes an integrated filter, which helps treat the water before it reaches the brewing circuit. There is no direct water connection available, no hot water outlet, and the machine does not include a PID controller for temperature regulation.

Maintenance:

Has sleep mode ✕
Has cleaning alert ✓
Indicates when drip tray is full ✓
Prevents overheating ✓
Automatic coffee circuit rinse ✕
Automatic milk circuit cleaning ✕

The machine includes a cleaning alert to notify users when maintenance is due, as well as a drip tray indicator that signals when the tray needs emptying. Overheating protection is built in to guard against temperature-related issues during operation. However, the machine does not offer a sleep mode, nor does it perform automatic rinsing of the coffee or milk circuits, meaning those cleaning steps require manual attention.

Features:

Has a pre-infusion function ✕
Can brew and steam simultaneously ✕
Has a shot timer ✕
number of grind settings 15
number of drinks 5
supports Wi-Fi ✕
supports a remote smartphone ✕

The machine offers a selection of 5 drinks and comes with 15 grind settings, providing a reasonable range of adjustment for the integrated grinder. It does not include a pre-infusion function, a shot timer, or the ability to brew and steam at the same time. On the connectivity side, there is no Wi-Fi support and no smartphone remote control.

Final Verdict

The DeLonghi La Specialista Opera EC9555.M presents itself as a capable automatic coffee machine for home users who want genuine control over their espresso workflow. Its integrated burr grinder with 15 grind settings, paired with a commercial steam wand and support for both whole beans and ground coffee, gives it a level of versatility that suits those willing to invest time in the brewing process. Where it falls short is in convenience-oriented features — no simultaneous brewing and steaming, no automatic circuit rinsing, and no connectivity options mean it demands more manual involvement than some users may expect. For those who value hands-on preparation and are comfortable with routine upkeep, this machine delivers a well-rounded set of tools; for users seeking a largely automated or connected experience, its limitations will be felt.

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