Delonghi Dinamica vs Dinamica Plus: Which Is Best For You?

Here is our in-depth comparison of two mid-range bean-to-cup machines – the Delonghi Dinamica vs Dinamica Plus.

Delonghi Dinamica Plus is a more premium machine that can satisfy every user’s need, it’s a complete package. While other models of Dinamica are also good but designed for individual needs.

That’s why if you check the list of automatic coffee machines under $1500 then you can’t skip the dinamica range.

So, let’s get started with the review and finalize the best Dinamica for you!

Delonghi Dinamica vs Dinamica Plus – Which One to Consider?

In short, if you want a value-for-money machine that stands up to its full potential, so in this comparison it is the Dinamica Latte Crema.

However, this doesn’t mean other Dinamica siblings aren’t superior, but the question arises whether you actually need their functionality or not.

Like, the Dinamica base model comes with a steam wand and Dinamica Plus has an intuitive touchscreen display. So, if you need this then you definitely look for them. 

But this is a quick answer, if you have time then read the full article below and learn every aspect before choosing one for you.

Before Getting Into the Comparison

Before getting into the comparison, I would like to clarify a few things about the Dinamica models so that you have a rough idea of what models we are going to discuss.

See, Dinamica Plus is a model name and Dinamica is a range of coffee machines by Delonghi but generally, people recognize Dinamica by its base model.

However, the Dinamica comes in three models; The Dinamica – which has a normal Panarello wand, the Dinamica Automatic Cappuccino system – where you get an additional cappuccino-focused Panarello wand and the Dinamica Latte Crema – where you can make drinks all with the push of a button.

It was important to mention because now we are going to compare all three sub-models of Dinamica with Dinamica Plus in detail, so don’t get confused by the names in the upcoming comparison and choose the right machine for you.

Delonghi Dinamica vs Dinamica Plus – Detailed Comparison

Now, from here we’ll only discuss the differences and you should check out every single section in detail before reaching a conclusion.

Beverages

Now, everything comes second, but beverages are only the reason we buy a coffee machine, and I must tell you, Dinamica machines will never let your expectations down; they brew great coffee with fantastic crema.

You also know that the Dinamica range has different models; not all models provide the same number of beverage options, so let’s look at each machine and what they are offering.

Beverages	Dinamica Plus	Dinamica Latte Crema	Dinamica & Dinamica Cappuccino System
Espresso	✔	✔	✔
Coffee	✔	✔
2xEspresso	✔	✔	✔
Doppio+	✔
Coffee Pot	✔
Over Ice	✔	✔	✔
Cappuccino	✔	✔
Long (drip style)	✔	✔	✔
Latte Macchiato	✔	✔
Cappuccino +	✔	✔
Cappuccino Mix	✔
Steamed Milk	✔	✔	✔
Caffe Latte	✔	✔
Flat White	✔	✔
Espresso Macchiato	✔	✔
Hot Water	✔	✔	✔
Espresso Lungo		✔	✔
2xEspresso Lungo		✔	✔
Espresso Macchiato		✔
Double Espresso +		✔
Ristretto		✔

The dinamica and dinamica with automatic cappuccino system have the least beverage options because you get a Panarello steam wand for frothing milk and with this, you can make all types of milk-based beverages.

But along with espresso drinks, if you are also a normal black coffee lover (I think you are) then these two models are not good for you as they don’t brew coffee.

And if you are a true cappuccino fan and love that creamy silky foam over the top but have a budget constraint then you should go with Dinamica automatic cappuccino system.

As the steam wand has 2 adjustable up and down settings for hot milk and cappuccino that wonderfully froth milk and also works well with plant-based milk.

One more thing to keep in mind is that if you are considering Dinamica steam wand machines for latte art, then at least don’t go for that, find a machine that has a traditional steam wand because traditional wands are great for latte art comparatively to a Panarello one.

One thing I also like about the Dinamica machines is the over-ice option where the coffee is brewed at a low temperature and you can enjoy it with ice. 

So if your house has two strong opinions, one with choosing a machine that brews a large number of coffee options and another with iced coffee and small coffee options, then these machines hear everyone and satisfy your needs.

Dinamica Latte Crema offers the highest number of beverages including what Dinamica Plus offers and as all the machines have the same brewing unit and so is their quality.

Winner: Dinamica Latte Crema

Design & Build

The dinamica machines use lots of plastic to build, including some parts of the interior, but they are high in quality and Delonghi fabulously gives them a glossy finish.

Also, design-wise, all the machines look the same from the outside, but you’ll see an extra valve on the upper left-hand side corner in the Panrello machines, which you have to open for milk frothing. Although, they definitely have big changes in the interior.

Also, Dinamica Plus and Dinamica Latte Crema have 19 bar pump pressure with single boilers. 

On the other hand, both Dinamica Panarello models have 15 bar pump pressure with dual boilers; with this, you can brew and froth simultaneously and it also helps maintain coffee temperature.

A good espresso requires 7-11 bar pressure; having 19 bar pressure means your machine will definitely reach that range and 15 bar is also sufficient but sometimes some pressure gets lost while reaching the grounds resulting in hitting the lower side of the range.

Also, the Dinamica Plus and Dinamica have slight differences in dimensions and weight, so let’s quickly look at the basic ones.

	Dinamica Plus	Dinamica
Dimensions (WxDxH)	9.3 x 17.32x 14.17 (inches)	(9.3×16.9×13.7) (inches)
Weight	20.8 Lbs	23.17 Lbs
Beans container capacity	10.5 oz	10.5 oz
Water container capacity	60 oz	60 oz
Grounds container capacity	14 quantity	14 quantity
Latte Crema Carafe	16 oz	–

The expensive guys, Dinamica Plus and Dinamica Latte Crema come with a milk carafe that can easily be inserted into the machine and is for milk-based beverages and when not in use you can place it into the refrigerator.

But Dinamica Plus only comes with a thermal carafe, as you know cold milk is great for milk froth as hot milk curdles sometimes while frothing. So, a thermal carafe will maintain a colder temperature for a long time after you take it from the refrigerator.

To get hot water, you have to replace the hot water spout with the Latte Crema system and because you are getting a separate spout, you won’t get any milk residue.

But in steam wand versions, the hot water is released from the steam wand and with the help of this spout you can also make Americano.

Winner: Dinamica Plus

Display & Controls

The Delonghi Dinamica Plus has the most superior display and control function among the Dinamica family as it has a 3.5-inch TFT touch color display with 6 soft touch buttons to control.

The Dinamica Latte Crema also has a mini TFT non-color display operated and controlled by 14 soft touch buttons. You can choose the options shown on the machine by using the up, down and ok buttons.

On the other hand, the Dinamica and Dinamica Cappuccino system works entirely on soft-touch buttons. The machine will communicate with you through 5 indicators.

These indicators are for; machine heating, water tank, grounds container, error and descale. But sometimes they simply glow and sometimes blink and all have different meanings.

For example, if we talk about the error indicator, if it glows with coffee beans, then it means to refill the coffee beans, and if the error glows with a scoop, then the bypass chute funnel is clogged.

Some indicators will indicate you after months and at that time, it is very confusing to understand what the machine wants to tell compared to a display where the machine clearly shows the message on the screen.

However, in day-to-day uses, all the controls are sufficient enough to brew you a good cup of coffee. So, it’s completely upon you whether you want to go for a good display machine or want to save some bucks.

Winner: Dinamica Plus

Programming

In terms of programming, all Dinamica machines are exactly the same and have the same four coffee temperatures (low, medium, high and max) and five strength settings.

However, the process of increasing or decreasing strength and temperature is accessible in different ways. 

Like in the Dinamica base models, first, you have to put the machine on standby mode, then press and hold the 2x button until the light comes on then press the espresso button until you reach your desired temperature.

While Dinamica Plus and Latte Crema directly flash the option to customize your settings after you choose a drink.

But one thing I like the most that only Dinamica Plus offers is the user profile; it has three user profiles which you can rename after your name and one guest profile.

So, if someday you want to try something new or you have a guest at home, you can use this feature without mixing up your main settings by selecting the human icon button in the left middle.

Also, in Dinamica Plus, you can make your own beverages with the help of the Delonghi Coffee Link application. 

It means you can make a drink of your choice like it is totally upon you, how much coffee you want to add or milk and if you succeed in making a better one than the options then don’t forget to save it and give it a special name.

Winner: Dinamica Plus

Cleaning & Maintenance

All machines have the same cleaning process; some parts need to be cleaned daily, like the drip tray and coffee grounds container, some directly after use, like the latte crema system and some weekly, like the infuser.

All machines even descale the same way after a point, but the initial and mid-process have some slight differences. 

If the machine needs descaling, then it will directly indicate to you through the descaling indicator or in display models; it clearly flashes on screen descaling needed.

The steam wand machines need 2-3 extra actions to complete the process; you have to open & close the steam valve when the steam icon blinks. Also, first needed to enter standby mode to start descaling. 

Also, descaling is not a daily thing; you do it once in 2-3 months depending upon the uses. So, you might get confused in the process guided by indicators.

However, descaling in all the machines is a manual job and takes time of around 45 minutes as you need to refill and discharge water. 

So, selecting a machine shouldn’t be on this factor; I mentioned this because this is actually a difference.

Winner: Tie

Delonghi Dinamica Plus – Quick Rundown

Delonghi Dinamica – Quick Rundown

Delonghi Dinamica vs Dinamica Plus: The Winner

See, the winner is Delonghi Dinamica Latte Crema as it offers more beverages and works almost the same way its other siblings are performing.

But if you want a fancy touchscreen display or have 2-3 people in the house that have different preferences then you have only one option, Dinamica Plus.

And if you are looking for a coffee machine where you don’t want to brew espresso or macchiato yourself but love to froth milk or if you are on a tight budget, then definitely Dinamica base model is an awesome machine.

And if you are a Cappuccino lover and come under the same case for Dinamica, so if you can stretch your budget to a further $100 then you should go with Dinamica Automatic Cappuccino System.

However, all the machines are great and brew excellent coffee. Delonghi provides a 3-year warranty on all machines, so chill and choose a machine according to your preferences.